What is all the Buzz

This spring my bees decided to go somewhere else, in other words they swarmed.  I had to start from scratch.  They made a queen started getting strong and now fall is here and winter is right around the corner.  I had three medium boxes took that down to two.  Took the frames that had nothing in them out and the frames that had honey on them in the middle of the second box. 

They did great last winter but I am worried about this winter.  Last year they were much stronger hive.  I will help them as much as I can.  Plan to get straw bales and put around the hive to help with the cold.

Just a poppin

The fall crop is coming up.  Waited a few days before I posted about it, was not sure if it had germinated.  There was green coming up through the soil but did not look like red beets.  Will need too thin some are planted to close.

The other kitten has passed away (Whodini), not sure what happen was doing fine then all of sudden stopped eating.  I did notice the kitten was not getting any heavier or growing.  Will miss the Runt and Whodini may of had them a very short time but they will always have a place in my for them.  We tried, Maybe one day I will see them on the other side and will get too play with them again.

Been reading about market gardening, growing food on small piece of land.  Which is what we are trying.  So far I have started using tarps, more organic matter.  Peat moss, cow manure, and some top soil to help improve our soil.  I think next year will be a very good growing year.

Fall Crop Planted

Finally, after three-quarters of an inch, the rain stopped and the sun came out.  Temps have been in the upper sixties and the nights are getting into the fifties.  Fall is one of my favorite time of year.

Since the cleared beds have been rained on and the amendments put in.  I decided to plant some fall crops, hope I am not too late.  Planted Detroit Dark Red Beet, Bull's Blood Red Beet, Hollow Crown Parsnip, Shosain Turnip and a salad mix.  Since planted so late I might have too purchase some straw to put on top.

There is this square area in the garden which has the green beans in.  When the green beans are done I should put a tarp over the area too kill any weeds.  Seemed to be very weedy this year.

Sad Day

Just a plain miserable day, rain, rain and more rain.  A few weeks ago we found two kittens that a mother has abandoned.  My Wife and I took this two kittens in and one is the runt.  Knowing the mother abandoned this kittens which means they are probably sickly, we took the chance.  Today, sadly, the runt has passed away.  The bigger one is still with us.  Not in any more pain, one day we will meet again.

Worms and Bees

Calling for rain today and wanted to get three beds prepped for winter.  Looking to plant red beets and lettuce.  Was able to finish the beds but did not get the product planted.

The agenda today also called for cleaning and adding a bin to the worm composter and picking green and yellow beans.  When picking beans I had to pass my bee hive and they are looking real good.  Need too feed them but they are doing well.  I see them on the garlic chives flowers.

Will be feeding the bees in the next day or two and planting the beets, lettuce and will add to the list peas.

End 2017 Garden Season

2017 garden season is coming to a close.  Since this is our first actual gardening year, I will call it a success.  Green and yellow beans are doing very well, butternut squash did well so did spaghetti squash and too much yellow squash.  Due to the tremendous amount of rain this year our tomatoes did not due well.

Looking too plant some fall hardy vegetables.  I still need to dig up the potatoes.

Do plan on saving some seeds from the butternut squash.  Maybe each year I save the seeds the produce will be better.  Shall find out.

Making Sense of it All

I have started to increase my fiber which should help in going to the bathroom. I have seen some little changes but nothing that is significant. The reason I increased my fiber was per a doctor’s advice. I have also seen a Nutritionist to help because I have been very confused, wheat gives me problems and I did not know how I was suppose to get fiber without eating wheat. The answer to that is eating fruit and vegetables because they are very high in fiber. I did not know that. Dealing with IBS has been a very emotional ride for me, when I think I am doing things correctly turns out I am not. Obviously this is a very slow process, and seeing which foods affect me. The Nutritionist also talked about gluten, which has been a very big deal as of late. There are a lot of food companies starting to make gluten free foods.

In July of 2008 when I started to have problems with my IBD, my eating habits changed overnight and now my eating habits have changed again. I do believe my eating habits will keep changing until I find the want by body is able to handle. Right now I am trying to increase my fiber, I am staying away from some gluten but mainly trying to see how the fiber goes, which will take a few days for the fiber to work in my system, probably in a couple of weeks I will be able to know if the fiber makes a difference. I have not had any pain or bloating but have had some gas the pass couple of days, the gas today was very minor.

I am also tracking what I eat should I have any problems I can go back and what I ate that day. This will make things easier when I have flare-ups, I will be able to see what I did wrong and make the adjustments.

If you are suffering from IBD or IBS feel free to contact me, knowing you are not alone sometimes can take a little stress away and we could also learn a few things from each other.

EJ