After many years of not keeping any bees,
Dad started a new hive this last spring (1998)
and enjoyed a prolific year.

Bees in Springtime Back in May 1998 Dad was explaining the nature of a bee hive along with its queen, workers, and drones. At this point the hive is probably not more than a couple of weeks old.

Dad said that he had an exceptional year, especially for a new hive; they produced over 100 pounds of honey for Dad's uses. This is above and beyond their own requirements to sustain them until next spring.

September Hive

The second picture was taken in September when I was home for Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary. This is truly an impressive amount of growth!

In March '99 Dad gave a honeybee presentation to the first through fourth graders at the Bricelyn elementary school. He took some live bees in a box (I guess that bee corral idea never got off the ground--I told him he wouldn't be able to rope them in the first place.), his mask, smoker, and honey for all the kids to taste. Complements of Clinton, Dad also had overheads containing pictures and facts.

Dad in the garden
Dad's still a farmer; I guess he will always be one too. Here he's taking care to do some special springtime watering. When Mom & Dad were here for Christmas, Dad informed me that he has signed up to get his Master Gardener certificate from the University of Minnesota; he will start this spring (1999). Does this mean that when he is finished, he will be "Orlando Meyer, M.G."? Way cool.