Solo Ventures

 Alternatively Varroa Mite is  a  parasitic insect that feeds on bees & decimate colonies. Probably, its responsible for Colony Collapse Disorder. Serious little buggers.    Australia has remained free of Varroa Mite ... until last week.  This week Sentinal Hives set up around the Port of Newcastle were found to contain the mite.  The Ag Department has ordered immediate by beekeepers;-    1. the location of all hives within 50 kilometres be notified immediately.     2. No hives in that zone can be worked or opened unless for testing for Varroa.     3. All hives within 10k  will be euthanized,  wild hives within 25k  alsowill be euthanized.  Known hives in that range will be monitored for signs of Varroa.     4. Beekeepers remain alert for further updates and to assist Dep of Ag as required.   For me,  that means I lose 5 hives at my mother's place in town.  These are my oldest and most productive hives and will be sorely missed.  But for the sake of the nation's honey and p

 7am & Im guzzling a mug of Joe #2. It's  clear & calm out, the sun creeping down distant hills. Its 9°C out by my phone,  I did duck out to get some wood,  but I never really felt the cold.   Hearing a bloke and girl interviewed after running a 310k foot race.  He finished at 11 last night, in 50 hrs, she at 5am. Running that far in pretty much one go, running in the mountains in winter overnight,  racing at the same time! Hats off to you guys. Here the cats, dogs and I are huddled around the fire; licking our balls, hunkering down to keep warm and reading.  Today,  I hope to mow 3 lawns & finish the Land Rover uni joint replacement. 

 Rise early to warm the house before my daughter gets up for work.  Fresh billets are loaded,  vents opened, nothing.  Add the special diesel and petrol solution,  poof. The cool air is sucked in with a gasp . The hearts builds rapidly.  The catterwauling begins, the pets wanting feeding or to be let out. Facing demands before the first choice of the day.  She comes,  she goes,  unhappy in her job,  there not much positive to talk about.  I try to inflate her feelings but she's not responding well.   Coffee,  more coffee,  reading Howells and Gash. No wonder I dream of Folkboat! I buzz with hope, knowing my old flakey Wharram is the best I can do.  Ooh too sill am ocean.  Aggression over offal,  gulping,  locking,  checking each other's bowls.  Then they hare off to chase kangaroos,  chickens and birds.  Bastards!  The weather lifts my downward gaze,. It's majestic in its subtlety,  faded blue,  chilled breeze,, dark foliage of the trees offer contrast.  Noise from distant