SUMMER 2024

In 2023, we had the attack from a bear, which prompted Tim to add electric to the bee yard. It apparently worked, as we did not suffer any additional damage to the yard. With that success, Tim elected to again enlarge the bee yard. Monitoring them regularly, plus having a game camera to watch over them, the bees did well this year.

All the work paid off, as Tm was able to extract a large amount of honey for the 2024 season. Currently this is being done in the lower kitchen area, to prevent the bees from inviting themselves in for a snack.

HERE COMES THE JUDGE
One of Tim's "projects" has been learning and practicing honey judging. He has been active in the American honey show Training Council, and working to be a Certified Honey Judge. Requirements include, exhibiting in shows, attending training, and taking part in shows as secretary and/or steward.

The process for becoming a Certified Honey Judge was long and arduous, a couple of year journey for Tim. In 2024, he attended and worked 10 shows in N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Requirements included exhibiting in many categories such as photo essay, notions & potions, crafts and more. The expectation was that each candidate would better understand what it takes to exhibit.

Finally in July, after completing all requirements and passing the tests, Tim became certified and earned his long white jacket and had.

BAKERY & CANNING
While Tim worked on his honey judging, I kept working in the gardens and the canning kitchen. .With ample eggs, I began making angel food cakes, cupcakes, salsa, sloppy Joe mix and more. the result is a pantry stocked with homegrown products.

Of course, we have to sample the products, such as strawberry shortcake with home-grown berries and angel food cake.