Month: September 2013

Adentures in Beekeeping: Taking two bars of honey…

Aynaria 4 Comments

This past Saturday, I finally went inside the beehive.  Of course, I”d thought about getting my daughter to take pictures, but the time that thought crossed my mind… I was already elbow deep inside the Warre hive. Another time, perhaps…

Unlike the last time I opened up the hive there weren’t any nurse bees greeting me; Instead, I saw honeybees busily milling over one another as they carried out their hive tasks. The scent that greeted me, was earthy sweet… a great sign of a vibrant and healthy hive. I’ve come to love that smell, thankfully I don’t need to open the hive to smell that.

During my inspection, the honeybees paid me no mind. They were busily cleaning, adding honey  and capping the comb. The queen wasn’t in the first box, based on the swarming activity I saw in the second box I believe she was in there. I took out two bars. My brother and nephew were in town so were able to sample some raw honey.

After everything was set right in the honeybees hive, I laid the tools I’d used on one of our picnic tables. I told my nephew to pay attention, because I explained that the honeybees would eventually find those tools and clean off every spec of honey.  We didn’t have long to wait in about thirty minutes about ten honeybees were on the scene busily licking up every spec of honey with their tongues.

My nephews eyes were as wide as saucers as I touched a honeybee and pointed out various parts of it body and explained how something seemingly  as this tiny insignificant is a major contributor to our food supply. The honeybee crawled and explored both our fingers. My nephew smiled and told me that it tickled.

But now ask the beasts, and let them teach you;
And the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you.
8 “Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you;
And let the fish of the sea declare to you.
9 “Who among all these does not know
That the hand of the Lord has done this,
10 In whose hand is the life of every living thing,
And the breath of all mankind?
11 “Does not the ear test words,
As the palate tastes its food?
12 “Wisdom is with aged men,
With long life is understanding.

Job 12:7-12 NASB

Did this happen by accident, I have a hard time believing that is possible. I know there has to be a master designer that has created all the things we see in this world.

I did take pictures of the honeycomb, I just haven’t had a chance to upload them to my computer… yet. When I do, I’ll be sure to share a few pictures here.

Adventures in Beekeeping: Preparing my honeybees for winter

Aynaria 4 Comments

I just realized that it’s been a while since I’ve posted about my honeybees.

The hive is growing strong, all the females; workers, cleaning bees, nurse bees, etc.,  have come together to create a healthy & vibrant hive. I’m so proud of them. I still walk in our woods and check them out several times weekly. I love observing them, as they leave and return to the nest. I walk right up to their hive as they buzz about me. Thus far, I haven’t been stung. I’ve always found honeybees to be very docile, at least the ones I’ve encountered, and they pretty much have left me alone. I also enjoy peering inside the observation window too. One thing, I don’t do too much is open up their hive.

I guess I differ from some beekeepers in that sense, and perhaps someone might change my mind about getting in their more often, but it’s highly unlikely. I think they will be much healthier, the less I’m in their disrupting their bee space. This is a newbie beekeeper (although very well researched beekeeper) talking, but I could be wrong. If I am, I’ll admit my error. Because of the observation windows, I tend to stay as hands off as possible and let the honeybees do their own thing.

They say, that your garden will usually increase in produce if there is a hive close by and I must say that we have seen an overabundance of produce has been okra, onion, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage cucumber, squash, etc., You get the picture. The thing is… we always see a lot of produce but this year it’s been over the top with our one acre of garden. We’ve been truly blessed.

Have I harvested any honey?

I haven’t harvested any honey and I’m not sure that I’ll do so this year, I’m not a big honey eater, but I would use it as a facial mask since it’s so good for your skin. It’s the honeybees food, and I want to make sure they have enough food to sustain them through the winter. Judging by the Farmer’s Almanac, it’s going to be a cold winter. We’ll see if their forecast is right, they were right last year.

Purchasing a Country Living Grain Mill

Aynaria 6 Comments

The past several months, I’ve been looking at grain mills and after much research, I’ve finally decided on the one that I will, most likely, purchase; The Country Living Grain Mill.

 

It’s made in the USA, and has a lifetime warranty. It’s not cheap, running over $400, but it will last a lifetime and from what I’ve read the customer service is superb. That’s definitely something I look for when purchasing a product. The big selling point for me is that it is manual, so even if we have no electricity. I already making my own flour, but on a much smaller scale and I don’t do it often… With this purchase it will completely eliminate my need to ever purchase store bought flour again.

I try to be as self-sustainable as possible, so naturally that applies to cooking also. While manually grinding my own grains and beans might take time, I don’t mind since it allows me to control a huge part of my food preparation. My arms will be even more toned than they are now and even if the electricity went out, I’d still be able to use my kitchen appliance. Just like my mortar and pestle. My favorite kitchen tools are manual. The reasoning behind that is blatantly obvious.

I most likely will make this purchase before the year ends. I must say, that I’m really looking forward to grinding my own corn meal and bean flours.

Of course, when I finally make the purchase. I’ll post a review here, and I’ll be sure to show some of the things I grind with my Country Living Grain Mill.

Juice Cleanse: Watermelon Juice

Aynaria 6 Comments

This watermelon came from our garden, it wasn’t overly sweet like some watermelons are, it had a touch of sweetness but the juice was great

Watermelon_1

Last week, I made this delicious juice. It stood out from the majority of the juices I made from dark leafy greens. I filled up my Green Feet canteen, and off to work I went. I still had enough left over to drink a few glasses when I returned home.

Watermelon Juice_1

Watermelon is a natural diuretic (removes excess water.) Don’t be surprised if you have to urinate a lot when drinking this juice.

When you’ve got that glow…

Aynaria 2 Comments

Not too long ago, I ran into an acquaintance when I was at the gym exercising. It had been a few years since I’d seen him, so we chatted for a little while. I must say, it was nice to catch up with him. What was interesting was, that he kept complimenting me on my skin. He said it glowed.

 

He asked me what I was doing, I told him I kicked my chronic constipation to the curb. No, I didn’t gross him out, that’s one thing he always liked about me, I’ve always been direct when it comes to health. Also, I told him I was on a juice cleanse, and was flooding my body with juice derived from mainly dark leafy greens. If that wasn’t enough, I told him I stepped up my skin care routine. Which made perfect sense, since since my digestive system was finally a thing of the past.

You know… I thought I’d seen changes to my skin, but thought it might have just been me. My daughter commented that she saw changes too, but it was nice to get feedback from someone I don’t see too often. While there aren’t major problems with my skin, I do miss the glow that I was associated with my skin before I had digestive issues. Interestingly enough, throughout my constipation issues my skin stayed extremely soft. That’s a compliment that I never stopped receiving. I know a few people were surprised that it would be so soft, since I’m muscular and in very good shape. Perhaps genetics play a role (my mom has super soft skin too) but additionally I’ve always kept my skin well nourished, hydrated and moisturized.

The thing is… you don’t have to spend a lot of money to achieve amazing results in fact all of my skin care products are created by myself. I sell them and use them on myself and my daughter. Some of the items, like my homemade vitamin C serum are great at tightening pores, eliminating fine lines and a whole host of other benefits.  I also use other things like avocado, bananas, mangoes, etc., and use them on my skin too.

 

Anyway, the acquaintance constant compliments of my “glow” made me think of the above song, The Glow. I heard it first from the movie, The Last Dragon. I loved that movie!

Fruit Pudding: Apple and Mango

Aynaria 4 Comments

For breakfast, this morning, I pureed my daughter apple and mango. Simple meal, but my goodness is it delicious. Those two fruits work so well together.

She’s been calling pureed fruit, fruit pudding since she was a toddler. It does have the consistency of pudding and since it’s pureed from fresh fruit it’s a much healthier option.

I’m currently sipping on one of my dark veggie juices. No, it’s not sweet… most of my juices are savory or even bitter. I didn’t like the bitter drinks when I started juicing many years ago, but over time I grew to like them a lot and now they are some of my favorites and I must say the results are very impressive.

This weekend, I’ll be starting another juice cleanse. I’m making sure I drink plenty of juices since I’m not trying to lose weight, additionally I’m waiting on a few items to arrive, via mail, so I can incorporate those into my juice cleanse this time around. I’m sure I’ll post about that sometime during the cleanse.

Fruit pudding Apple & Mango
Apple & Mango fruit pudding

It’s only two ingredients but apple and mango taste so good together! Try it!

Apple & Mango Fruit pudding

  • 1 medium sized apple
  • 1/2 cup mango
  • Add all ingredients to food processor
  • Blend and enjoy

Buju Banton & Wayne Wonder: Bonafide Love

Aynaria 3 Comments

In the early 1990’s a Triniadian/Haitian man I was dating turned me on to Buju, the first video below was definitely my favorite from the CD. I loved the beat so I snapped up the CD that was available at the time. It was a wonderful surprise to learn that there were many other songs I enjoyed on the CD, great purchase!

 

I loved his voice and well… he has dreadlocks just like me. My dreadlocks are halfway down my back now. Last I heard Buju was in jail on drug and gun charges. If I remember correctly, it was a 10 year sentence. He claims he’s innocent.

I listed my two favorite songs by him below…

Buju Banton & Wayne Wonder: Bonafide Love

Intro: (Buju Banton): You don’t have to be rich cause money is no objective But from it’s good lovin we have it in stock hear wah happen… (oh yes)

Wayne Wonder: You may not be a movie star you may not drive a big fast car But I love you in everyway I love you in every way (Buju Banton: Every way I can tink off) I don’t know why (I will tell you) oh why I don’t know why oh why… ( Oh oh yes)

Buju Banton: Woman yuh may not be wealthy nah drive a fast car But mi nah go leff yuh out cau we a come from far Yuh memba when mi only have one arrow shirt Now yuh a mogle wid mi inna yuh tight up skirt As long as mi deh pon massa God earth Mi nah fi get where mi a come from mi nah go dish yuh dirt

Wayne Wonder: I’ll keep on loving you (Buju Banton: Always)

Wayne Wonder: I don’t know why oh why I don’t know why oh why

Buju Banton: Here why! Cause I am hooked on yuh lovin like a big snapper fish Di way yuh look di way yuh dressed a dat mi caan resist Yuh personality there’s no odda like it Buju Banton tellin di world woman yuh criss

Wayne Wonder: But I love you in every way I love you in every way

Wayne Wonder: I don’t know why oh why I don’t know why oh why

Buju Banton: Here why! Why is a lookin letter cut it off fi get a fee Woman I’m tellin you I love you endlessly Mi nah go pay dem nuh mind mi nah go hear weh dem a seh Donkey ears now sense a mi and yuh deh

Wayne Wonder: But I don’t care I rather have you I’ll keep on lovin you

Wayne Wonder, (Buju Banton): I don’t know why (I’ll tell you why) oh why I don’t know why (Hear why!) oh why I don’t know why oh why I don’t know why oh why… (Oh oh yes)

Buju Banton: Woman I seh yuh may not be wealthy nah drive a fast car But mi nah go leff yuh out cau we a come from far Yuh memba when mi only have mi one arrow shirt And yuh a mogle wid mi inna yuh tight up skirt As long as mi DJ a deh pon di earth Mi nah go leff yuh out yuh know mi nah go dish yuh dirt

Wayne Wonder: I Love you in every way

Wayne Wonder: I don’t know why oh why I don’t know why oh why…(I will tell you why…Hear why)

Buju Banton: Cause I am hooked on your love like a big snapper fish Di way yuh look di way yuh dressed mek yuh haffi resist Yuh personality there’s no other like it Buju Banton tellin di world seh yuh criss A woman like you is one in a million Waan yuh inna mi arms twenty four seven I would a get jeolous if mi see a next man Nah trespass pon mi plantation Cau mi alone fi have yuh and no other one Yuh a di greatest woman inna di island Greater than ruby greater than pearl Prettiest woman to mi inna di world Big up yuh chest yuh hear mi a girl Yuh may not be wealthy or drive a fast car But mi nah leff yuh we a come from far….

Buju Banton: Untold Stories

While I’m Living
Thanks I’ll Be Giving
To the Most High You know,

[Chorus:]
I am living while I am living to the father I will pray
Only him knows how we get through everyday
With all the hike in the price
Arm and leg we have to pay
While our leaders play

[Verse 1:]
All I see people a rip and a rob and a rival
Tief never love fe see tief wid long bag
No love for the people who a sufferin bad
Another toll to the poll may God help we soul
What is to stop the youths from get out of control
Full up of education yet no on no payroll
The clothes on my back have countless eyehole.
I could go on and on the fool has never been thrown.

[Chorus]

[Verse 2:]
Who can afford to run will run
But what about those who can’t… they will have to stay
Opportunity a scarce, scarce commodity
In these times I say… When mama spend her last and send you go class
Never you ever play
It’s a competitive world for low budget people,
Spending a dime while earning a nickel
With no regards to who it may tickle
My cup is full to the brim
I could go on and on the full has never been told

[Chorus]

[Verse 3:]
All I see people a rip and a rob and a rival
Tief never love fe see tief wid long bag
No love for the people who a sufferin bad
Another toll to the poll may God help we soul
What is to stop the youths from get out of control
Full up of education yet no on no payroll
The clothes on my back have countless eyehole
Could go on and on and the fool has never been thrown.
(On and On)
Though this life keep getting me down
Don’t give up now
Got to survive somehow
Could go on and on and the full has never been told

[Chorus]

[Verse 4:]
Who can afford to run will run
But what about those who can’t… they will have to stay
Opportunity a scarce, scarce commodity
In these times I say… When mama spend her last and send you go class
Never you ever play
It’s a competitive world for low budget people,
Spending a dime while earning a nickel
With no regards to who it may tickle
My cup is full to the brim
I could go on and on the full has never been told
I could go on and on the full has never been told
I could go on and on the full has never been told
I could go on and on the full has never been told
I could go on and on the full has never been told
I could go on and on the full has never been told
I could go on and on…
The full has never…

Been…
Toooooold.