No laughing matter

I have been out today, helped by my daughter, both delightfully clad in our bee suits and what stunning fashion outfits they are - to see how the new bees are getting along. I was quite proud, I made up a whole load of frames for the honey comb to be built on, all by myself and despite the use of a hammer and nails (teeny tiny ones) I still have all my fingers and both thumbs! The bees were busy, but quite happy and working as industriously as ever. We chatted to them and told them we were giving them a bit more space to fill up with honey and eggs for more bees. They seemed quite relaxed at having an extension added and didn't bother us at all. Clearly they were making the most of the good weather too.

I did a load of washing and got it line dried and I mowed the lawns and all because today it is dry and tomorrow.....it probably won't be!

I've noticed a lot of the trees are already showing signs of autumn colours. Its only the start of August, that's a bit early surely? Conversely, friends of mine who have bees too have told me they are still collecting swarms (normally associated with May or June) so that's a bit late as are the primroses flowering in my garden!

What is going on here? Now I've no idea what all this means, but I bet it is an indication of something and I have a very nasty feeling it won't be good.
As if it isn't quite bad enough that our cities are fast becoming a war zone and its open season for thugs and criminals. Are they picking up on some environmental factor heralding catastrophe?
I surely hope not.

Tragedy in Norway

I, in common with most humane individuals was horrified by the events which unfolded in Norway and sickened by the cost in human lives. It is impossible to guard against such extreme behaviours but this seemed so barbaric if some of the reports I've seen or heard are to be believed the perpetrator went back re-shooting the victims to ensure they were dead. Everyone will have a theory as to why this happened and doubtless there will be much resultant brow beating as people ponder if the 'clues were there' and 'what happened to precipitate this action' and 'could it have been prevented?' The simple answer is probably "no" because none of us can see directly into another person's mind and know what truths are lurking there, no matter how well we think we know them. We are all individuals and are fallible. We all make mistakes from time to time, bad decisions and have to live with failure. On the flip side we all make things go right, do something useful and helpful sometimes without even realising it and make positive steps forward too. It is the essence of being who we each are. I doubt there is a person who has never or will never do something completely out of character at some point since the synapses just do not fire correctly all of the time. Check out any computer....they all need a reboot from time to time and people do too. Fortunately such extreme behaviour is rare.

It is not only the victims, but also their families and friends who deserve our help and sympathy. How can they ever begin to understand why this had to happen to them when they were just having fun or going about their daily lives. We cannot bring back those who have been lost, we cannot refill the gaping holes their loss leaves behind, but we can express our heartfelt sympathy to those who need it and show them that in this crazy world genuine, humane, kind and understanding people still exist and still empathise and care.

I have been lucky enough to visit Norway more than once. It is a beautiful country and its people are justifiably proud, resilient, helpful, hard working and honest. If any nation can pull together and rise above this tragedy it will be Norway. However, in a way because of this, the tragedy of this weekend seems all the more misplaced and unfitting.

To all those who have been effected, you are in my thoughts.

Bees Return

It's so exciting because I have just taken delivery of some new bees. I used to have several hives and one by one they all deserted me. The last lot even left me brand new honey as they left as if they were saying 'thanks for looking after us but we're off now'. It's lovely to have bees back. They make me feel very humble. They work so hard and human communities could do much better if we studied bees and saw how their communities work. They are fascinating to watch, all those comings and goings and how they cool the hive down if it gets too hot inside by fanning their wings, dance to communicate, specialize jobs etc, etc it's amazing. We all know bees deserve our respect and we rely on them for so much, including our own survival. I've been to tell them how great it is to have them here with me, to let them know they are welcome and wanted....I am told this is what you should do....I just hope they choose to stay this time!

Old head and young shoulders

I have just accompanied my daughter on a trip to view a potential university! I mean it already is a university where she is considering becoming a student! It took me back to when I went to university all those many moons ago when we used libraries full of books, microfiche readers (remember those anyone?), card indexes, journals in stacks and those film readers for newspapers and other documents! We never saw a computer in a library in those days and to use one in the university at all you had to have a proper user name and log on to the 'mainframe' for which there was always a queue.

I spent many happy hours looking for books which someone else had beaten me to borrowing, or in perusing journals before writing copious notes. University life was exciting. It was the first chance to stand on one's own two feet, to be responsible for one's own life, actions, food preparation and even washing! I learnt about the subject I was studying which would set me up in work (well that was the plan) for the rest of my life and also social and interpersonal skills! It was a hugely important experience and set me up for an independent future.

I found myself checking out the toilet facilities as my own late mother did for me (and which my English teacher reliably informed me her mother had done for her when she had gone to uni too!) because it's what we do isn't it? I found myself silently tutting over leaky pipes and damp patches. I had to know if this place was going to be good enough for MY daughter, who naturally is far too good for them! 

I know she will enjoy this, she will come of age, learn to look after herself and not need me anymore! So of course, it has to be exactly right. Only now do I truly understand why my Mum did this too. It's a dramatic and life changing time for us both and soon nothing will ever be the same again. It is a physical manifestation of this change, the last time I can inspect before my 'little girl' is gone for good and is her own boss and in charge of her own life and choices. I'm not sure I'm ready or ever will be. I am certain this has come around far too fast as I now appreciate it did for my Mum too. I know I'm not the first and I won't be the last who feels this way but it has to be as perfect as possible for both our sakes and the future beckons to us. 

Sadness

I've just said goodbye to a friend of mine, who left too soon before her time. She was warm, kind, friendly and fun to be around, she worked very hard, was generous with her time to all who needed it, had a determined streak, a deeply spiritual side and as we grew up together filled my life with laughter. She had a bright disposition, sparkling eyes and was brilliant to have on your side in an argument! She was loyal, honest and amusing. We found pleasure in silly things, we shared a love of history, reading, sharing novels, knitting and so much more. I shall miss her more than I can say but I am so thankful to have known her and grateful to have shared time with her. The world will be a greyer place without her, but despite the sadness I carry in my heart there is so much joy and pleasure in remembering her. I will always be calling her to mind when I laugh and I know that is exactly how she would wish me to remember her, always young, full of fun, a dependable friend who loved laughing.

It is June isn't it?

I just checked and it is still June, which in this hemisphere means we should be thinking about summer. Yesterday, they issued a proclamation, parts of Britain are officially in a drought. So it poured down here, thunder, lightning, hail stones and the mountain I live on was so covered in the white stuff it even drifted! So I ask again it is still June? Chap told me this morning a hail storm on the beach in Swansea caused it to all go white temporarily! How much closer to sea level can you get than a beach? This is crazy what is going on? Please tell me after such a long dry spell we're not going to go back to ridiculous weather again. 

How British can I get? the world economy is in crisis, people have been made homeless by earthquakes, volcanoes are erupting, half of the world seems to be under some form of cruel dictatorship and a whole lot of the rest are rebelling against it and here I am talking about the weather. All I need to do now is go out and join a queue.

I rest my case.

Not being lazy

I am not being lazy, honestly. I know I haven't written much on my blog but it's been very busy. I spent a lot of time preparing stuff for a presentation doing the research and what have you and then going and giving it! Had to figure out how to use the new sat nav in order to get there as part of this performance. See, one thing after another. Modern technology just moves on apace, just when I got used to the last one (before it went wrong that is) so now nothing is the same and even that comforting voice telling me to 'turn around at your earliest convenience' is different - this one sounds everso slightly unhinged! No, perhaps it's just me surely the sat nav can't be making comments about my driving can it? Typical everyone's a critic these days.

I've still managed to mow the lawns, do all my usual chores and keep walking and swimming. I'm sticking to my diet but sadly the superfluous flab still appears to be sticking to me too! Oh well at least something likes me and wants to hang around. Actually reading that back the 'hanging around' was perhaps a somewhat unfortunate choice of words! All far too apt.

At least with the spate of showers we've had recently all the greenery is looking more refreshed and energised. It gives the animals something to eat and lays the dust. Mind you it's the devil if you've got washing out on the line drying! I can un-peg socks like a machine gun going off now I've had so much practice and all because I'm trying to be greener to match the environment round these parts! This is going to have to be my lucky colour of the week.

I've even managed to compose some more of my first draft novel and thankfully the creative juices still seem to be flowing. For the time being at least, before I have to start re-decorating the house and so on.
So, I am NOT being lazy, honestly.