Lurker Invitations April Check-In

[janiejoey]

Michelle, I bet you are so tired. Get to feeling better OK? So sorry to hear that you have allergies and the garden is not for you. But, there is always the stores, no weeding, watering, worrying...

Ironlady, You are such a pleasure to have around the check-in group. We miss you when you don't post. You sure do have your share of misfortunes lately. But it does get better, honestly. Don lots of stretches for your tendons and yoga might help as well. Getting ready for STS are you? If her hubby now, forgot to send out wedding invitations, then How many attended the wedding? Oh my, he must have had other things on his mind. You don't have to post all the time. Post when you miss us and when you want to vent, have news, just because... I hope you take the time to garden. It is such as enjoyable thing to do.

Shadowpup, Love to hear from you, you are a breath of fresh air. And your stories...need I say more? Yeah, you ordered the yoga DVD, enjoy it. Your next trip is so soon. You must love to travel. Want whatever you want from Cathe. You can't go wrong. For gardening, I'll be growing tomatoes in the green houses, zucchini, sugar peas, all kinds of lettuce...stuff we just have to have to eat clean. Were you able to take the horses out yet? Enjoy Meso 2, this is where I feel I gained muscle. I'm almost done with it and then on to Meso 3.

All this talk about gardening and spring weather is really bumming me out! I am stuck in Denver in a crazy Spring Snow Storm because my husband can't come out of the mountains to get us! DIA Airport closed as soon as our plane had taxied to the gate. We made it under the wire. Who knows where we would have been routed to! I was traveling alone with my twin daughters so it was pretty stressful.

But we are safe and warm in a nice hotel and hopefully DH can get us tomorrow!

I took the girls to the gym and was able to do an hour of cardio and some free weights for biceps, triceps and shoulders. Felt so good to have weights in my hands again.

Laura, Snow storms in early Spring? I don't envy you. But so glad you are all safe and sound. How are your biceps, triceps and shoulders feeling, DOMS most likely... Isn't it cool to be able to do cardio where you are? Good going.

Have a great evening everyone,

Janie

 

[MDolfiniReed]

HI everybody. After a couple of days of doing nothing but sleeping, I have my voice back and I feel okay for most of the day, but here it is 8 pm and I'm pooped out. Haven't exercised since sometime last week which bums me out, but at this point I figure what's a few more days. I just want to feel better.

So, in addition to living with my cold, I'm back in North Carolina at Camp Lejeune. This week we are observing the deployment processing for 250 Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) Marines. These are Marines who were previously on active duty, left active duty, but still had time left on their minimum service obligation, so they drop to the IRR and can be recalled, if needed. This should be the last group of IRR Marines to be activated and deployed, although the Marine Corps will continue to activate Selected Reservists (another category of reservists).

I'm just hoping I get a good nights sleep so I will be sharp tomorrow. We have a meeting in the afternoon with the Commanding General of II MEF (Marine Expeditionary Forces), so I just need to keep my energy level high at least until that meeting.

Laura: I thought about you when I saw that Colorado got all that snow. Glad you made it back to Denver safely. Hope you are home now. Thanks for the info on the yoga dvd. Sounds like I am going to continue to be in search of a yoga dvd more to my liking. Dang.

Shadowpup: I'm tempted by the power tower too, but I don't even have STS yet. Plus I'm not sure where I would put it. I may wait to cross that bridge until after I get STS which most likely will be later in the year.

Janie: Are folks into bee hives out there in the NW? My folks have about 10 hives right now and I always have fresh honey in my pantry--the good stuff straight from the hive.

Ironlady: good to have you back with us. From time to time, I experience some heel and arch pain. Funny thing is that if I wear high heels it usually goes away. I think it's because wearing heals helps to stretch the foot. Shoegal might have more wisdon on this topic.

Shoegal: I think you are joining the ranks of Shadowpup in your workouts. Good for you.

Hope everyone has a good week.
~Michelle

 

[Shoegal]

Checking in on Monday

Hello everyone -

So glad to read the posts. I had a fun Saturday. DH and I took out the canoe and the girls and went up to Maraine State Park to paddle around Lake Arthur. Dot hasn't been on too many water trips so she was getting her bearings on this trip. She fell in once. We parked the canoe on a bank and coaxed Dot into the water - eventually she really got into it. It was the first time we had ever seen her swim and she was quite funny - not at all graceful but splashing all about. We had thrown in sticks for her to retrieve and she was desperate after awhile to keep that going. Finally we had to convince her to come out - she was shaking like a leaf. We got up to go and as we were paddling away - DH said he left his glasses on the shore. So we went back found them - as he was putting them on his head he accidentally threw them into the water. We spent another hour wading in the cold water to find them. Miraculously - we did - so we ended the afternoon on a high note.

Michelle - How does Ripken like the water? When I was writing about Dot I thought of my sister's Golden (Harold) who is a fanatic about it. She has considered putting in a pool because he loves it so much. Saw the pup over the weekend too - eats his food like there is no tomorrow. It is worrisome - he doesn't even chew. Hope you are feeling better today for your meeting.

Ironlady - glad you checked in on us. Please do so whenever you get a chance - we love to hear from you. Take care of your tendon and baby it - sometimes it is possible to train around an injury.

Shadowpup - thanks for the tips on the push ups. I didn't think of using the stability ball but that is a really good idea. I thought of you when I went into a Horse and Hound shop. Very little hound - lots for horses. The entire 2nd floor was devoted to riding boots. There was so much there it was overwhelming. Did you get to ride this weekend? Good luck with Meso 2!!!!

Laura - Glad you are safe and out of the storm - Geeze - don't envy you on that. Hope you and your daughters made it home. Let us know. Will you be glad to be home? Your trip sounded like such a nice one.

Janie - cut my Mom's grass again on Sunday. I love making her yard look pretty and well cared for. My DH doesn't like me doing it - says it is my brother's responsibility. But I am always surprised by how much I love it. My hydrangea is hanging in there - it does look incredibly sad though. Thanks for the encouragement on those push ups. I'm still trying.

I might check back in later to see about that push pull tower. Hope you all have a really nice day.

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Hey ladies--
Had a good day of meetings today here at Camp Lejeune. Feeling much better but still have this nagging cough. Hoping the cough will be history tomorrow--time will tell. Fortunately, I am sleeping really good at night and my energy level is just about back to normal. Once I kick this cough, I'll be good to go.

Shoegal: Ripken is not a big swimmer. He knows how to swim but tends to prefer the air conditioning to water. Quite frankly, I don't encourage Rip to go swimming because that usually means I have to follow swim time with giving him a bath and serious grooming time to get him dry. Now, Ripken does love getting a bath and being groomed--all that attention means it is all about him.

Hope everyone has a good evening.
~Michelle

 

[ironlady]

Hello All!

No workout per se.... did some 1RM tests.... wonder about the results 90 lbs for barbell chest press??? Oh my! I will need a rack! I have no room!! However, I always knew that Meso 2 & 3 would be right up my weight lifting alley! Just the kind of training I always did at the gym when I taught areobics! Endurance type training is the hardest for me!

Janie I have always loved to garden, just don't have a yard right now!

Shoegal, canoeing sounds like it was fun! We hear so many stories about lost/broken glasses at work. Glad you found them!

Laura, hope you are home safe and sound!

Check you all later! Have a great evening!

 

[janiejoey]

HI everybody. After a couple of days of doing nothing but sleeping, I have my voice back and I feel okay for most of the day, but here it is 8 pm and I'm pooped out. Haven't exercised since sometime last week which bums me out, but at this point I figure what's a few more days. I just want to feel better.

So, in addition to living with my cold, I'm back in North Carolina at Camp Lejeune. This week we are observing the deployment processing for 250 Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) Marines. These are Marines who were previously on active duty, left active duty, but still had time left on their minimum service obligation, so they drop to the IRR and can be recalled, if needed. This should be the last group of IRR Marines to be activated and deployed, although the Marine Corps will continue to activate Selected Reservists (another category of reservists).

I'm just hoping I get a good nights sleep so I will be sharp tomorrow. We have a meeting in the afternoon with the Commanding General of II MEF (Marine Expeditionary Forces), so I just need to keep my energy level high at least until that meeting.

Janie: Are folks into bee hives out there in the NW? My folks have about 10 hives right now and I always have fresh honey in my pantry--the good stuff straight from the hive.

Hope everyone has a good week.
~Michelle

Michelle, So glad you are feeling better and have your voice back. I know you want to exercise, but like you said, just a few more day. Other wise if you exercise too early, you may get sick yet again. Get better, and a few more days won't hurt. What a job you have. It's got to be tough on you to deploy so many marines. I'm so grateful though that they are protecting us. When I get the opportunity to walk around our trails, I do see bee hives. But, I don't know who is doing it, and they are in different areas it seems most years. I should look them up on the internet. I would love fresh honey.

Hello everyone -

So glad to read the posts. I had a fun Saturday. DH and I took out the canoe and the girls and went up to Maraine State Park to paddle around Lake Arthur. Dot hasn't been on too many water trips so she was getting her bearings on this trip. She fell in once. We parked the canoe on a bank and coaxed Dot into the water - eventually she really got into it. It was the first time we had ever seen her swim and she was quite funny - not at all graceful but splashing all about. We had thrown in sticks for her to retrieve and she was desperate after awhile to keep that going. Finally we had to convince her to come out - she was shaking like a leaf. We got up to go and as we were paddling away - DH said he left his glasses on the shore. So we went back found them - as he was putting them on his head he accidentally threw them into the water. We spent another hour wading in the cold water to find them. Miraculously - we did - so we ended the afternoon on a high note.

Janie - cut my Mom's grass again on Sunday. I love making her yard look pretty and well cared for. My DH doesn't like me doing it - says it is my brother's responsibility. But I am always surprised by how much I love it. My hydrangea is hanging in there - it does look incredibly sad though. Thanks for the encouragement on those push ups. I'm still trying.

I might check back in later to see about that push pull tower. Hope you all have a really nice day.

Shoegal, Sounds like you had a fabulous and eventful time at Lake Arthur. I wish I had a daughter like you, won't you please make my yard pretty? You are so good to your momma, that is so cool. So nice to see the hydrangea is still alive and hoping you get your push ups in.

Hello All!

No workout per se.... did some 1RM tests.... wonder about the results 90 lbs for barbell chest press??? Oh my! I will need a rack! I have no room!! However, I always knew that Meso 2 & 3 would be right up my weight lifting alley! Just the kind of training I always did at the gym when I taught areobics! Endurance type training is the hardest for me!

Janie I have always loved to garden, just don't have a yard right now!

Check you all later! Have a great evening!

Ironlady, My, you can press 90 lbs? WOW Girl! Way to go! I can do 50-55, but that's it. And I've progressed from way lower than that. I'm so impressed. Wish I could workout with you just once.

Have a great evening everyone,

Janie

 

[Shadowpup]

Hi all,

It's been a very interesting day. This morning we hived our first honeybee hive! It is amazing to watch them transform from a three pound box of workers to an organized hive.

Work was busy, it being Monday, so it was a challenge to get the workouts in. Still, managed the hike in the morning, rode three horses briefly, and did my STS. Spring is fun but exhausting I had no intention of riding all three, and even fed them after riding the second - but my quarterhorse actually refused to start on his pile of hay and positioned himself so it was obvious he wanted his special time. It was not possible to turn him down ... he's so expressive that way ... Since it was nearly dark, I kept it brief. They are not always so eager to get out, but it is early in the season, and everyone is enjoying the attention, and getting out of their pasture.

After riding all weekend after months off, and doing all of Meso 2 week 1, I'm pretty sore Did you know that the large gardening pruning shears require exactly the same muscles that Cathe pushes to their limits in Biceps??? I didn't - not until Saturday morning And horseback riding gets a few muscles in the legs that nothing else quite touches It has been awhile since I was quite this sore. But, the advantage, no single part can possibly ache enough to be distracting. They kind of take turns. In a way, it hurts less because it hurts more

Michelle, sounds like you are a real expert in bees! I've never known anyone to keep them, til now. And you have such a demanding job. Sounds very intense, even without the cold/flu/illness. Hope you are better soon! And I agree on the 1RMs. It was a real eye-opener, how much we 'should' be lifting. I am better at the leg exercises, like squats, and also triceps, but not so much chest and biceps (though the pushups certainly helped!!!) For the most part, I'm finding the 1RMs a good predictor, though in some cases my muscles still wear out before Cathe stops counting ... Meso 2 is very different from 1, and I think I'll like it, but the style is not anything I've tried before. Our dogs regularly throw themselves into the pond. SIGH. Wish they'd stay out, but they enjoy it so much ...

Shoegal, that is so nice of you to take care of your mom's yard. It sounds like fun, too. I enjoy our garden. My poor hydrangias always freeze down to the ground, so I put in a new variety that blooms on new wood. We'll see if they flower this year. Your canoe trip sounds like it was great adventure Did you end up with the tower? I'm still dithering - although it is starting to look more and more like the power rack is what I truly want. There's a thread on it over in one of the other forums. I've been measuring to see if one would fit in the basement ...

Laura, are you back? I hate getting stuck while on travel. It happens so regularly nowadays, between mechanicals and weather. Somehow it seems like it would be worse for a family trip as opposed to a business trip, though, because I always can get the office to 'fix things' as best they can, and you are on your own when it's family.

Janie, always so fun to read your comments! You truly are the warm spirit that keeps us all together, you know? Yes - the horses and I have spent quite a bit of time together. It's healing to fuss over each of the three boys, after losing my almost-30 mare last month. Each of the boys is so different, yet they all are enjoying being out - and showing off in front of each other! You can almost see them glow when they are praised in front of the others. We'll put in tomatos also, and maybe it would be a good year to try sweet peas. So far I have mainly been clearing beds, pruning roses for hours (but I like to, so that's fine), and discovering what has/hasn't survived the winter. And the spring bulbs are blooming, so it is gorgeous out.

And now, time to get some sleep! Morning had better start early, if I'm going to squeeze everything in

 

[Shoegal]

Check in Tuesday

I realized that I never did say what I was doing workout wise - just started blabbering about my weekend. I did MIS - the workout I was going to do last week and didn't. Cathe seemed to use a 35lb barbell for EVERYTHING - I kept thinking - hey - maybe she said 25lbs. I was using her weight choices as a guide and I couldn't lift 35lbs in some cases - for the biceps she did the exercises too fast for me to use that much weight - and doing crazy eights - nope that wasn't happening. I'm ashamed to even say this knowing that everyone is now lifting much heavier weights with STS. I realized that the 1 Rep Max testing is so important and is forcing everyone to lift what they can lift - and not what Cathe is lifting. However, I was doing some of the push ups on my toes - the fact that I could do some made me feel better about it. Before - I wasn't even attempting them.

Tonight I am going out to dinner with my Mom, sisters and girlfriend - it is my girlfriend's birthday and we are going to celebrate - so I'm thinking - I probably won't be working out but I should be more diligent about finding the time - only just now I thought I could have got up early.

I completely went off the deep end - didn't even think twice and ordered the push/pull tower. Afterwards I was rethinking it a little bit - and thought about this big workout "thing" that would now be in my space!?!?!?! Then I thought again that it breaks down and I did think that I needed this. I really have been waiting for it - so ok - this is a good thing. Did anybody else?

Shawdowpup - aren't you afraid of being stung? I love honey - but the bees scare me a little. I have absolutely no experience with bees at all and I don't think I trust them. Your horses sound so wonderful - love that they have such distinct personalities. I know what you mean about not being sore too often now - it always surprises me if I am. Its great that you are - you are really acheiving new levels of fitness with STS.

Michelle - finally on the road to recovery - I've had raging coughs that lasted for weeks - I'm hoping yours doesn't. I know that Harold really likes the air conditioner too. My pups aren't like that - they like being under the covers - like laying in the sun - like being warm - I suppose it is the short hair.

Janie - How is your training going with Meso II? Keep reporting in on your garden - I'd love to hear more. I can't wait to do more out there. My sister in law asked me if I would like to grow vegetables with her - but I told her that my DH and I aren't big cookers - but I'd be glad to take any leftovers she had.

Ironlady - you got me beat - way to go on the 1 Rep Max testing. I'm told that is like a workout in itself. I am still trying to find the time to get that in - I always opt to stick in a DVD instead. Do you what - I just had an idea - if Cathe made a workout DVD that just had you do 1 Rep Max testing - guided you through it - I'd be all over that one.

Laura - tell us if you got back!!! We are all dying to hear from you.

Alright - getting the day off and running. Hope all of you have a good one.

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Hi ladies,
Still on the road--we head back to Northern Virginia tomorrow. I'm still coughing a bit, but feeling much better. I'll be thinking all the way home about which Cathe I'm going to do tomorrow. Probably something light--but it will be fun to mull over my choices during the drive.

We had another really good day of meetings. I think we are really going to help the Marine Corps address a variety of issues that will make a difference to the experience of the individual Marines. Taking care of our Marines is what it is all about.

Ironlady: 90 pounds chest press! Woohoo! I better understand your nickname.

Shoegal, Shadowpup, and Janie: I know nothing about bees. My dad is the beekeeper. I don't think he has had any swarms yet this year. He is hoping that he has quite a few because he lost alot of hives last year. And yes, he does get stung even when he is wearing his full protective gear. I just benefit by getting fresh honey.

I'll be writing from home tomorrow--yeah!
~michelle

 

[MDolfiniReed]

One more thing:

Shoegal: don't despair on the weights. I'm right in there with you on those lower weight amounts. However, I'm lifting higher amounts this year on every exercise than I did a year ago. And some days I feel stronger than others and can lift higher amounts; other days I peezy out and cut back on the weight amounts. I think what is important is that we just keep working at it.

~m.

 

[janiejoey]

Hi all,

It's been a very interesting day. This morning we hived our first honeybee hive! It is amazing to watch them transform from a three pound box of workers to an organized hive.

Work was busy, it being Monday, so it was a challenge to get the workouts in. Still, managed the hike in the morning, rode three horses briefly, and did my STS. Spring is fun but exhausting I had no intention of riding all three, and even fed them after riding the second - but my quarterhorse actually refused to start on his pile of hay and positioned himself so it was obvious he wanted his special time. It was not possible to turn him down ... he's so expressive that way ... Since it was nearly dark, I kept it brief. They are not always so eager to get out, but it is early in the season, and everyone is enjoying the attention, and getting out of their pasture.

After riding all weekend after months off, and doing all of Meso 2 week 1, I'm pretty sore Did you know that the large gardening pruning shears require exactly the same muscles that Cathe pushes to their limits in Biceps??? I didn't - not until Saturday morning And horseback riding gets a few muscles in the legs that nothing else quite touches It has been awhile since I was quite this sore. But, the advantage, no single part can possibly ache enough to be distracting. They kind of take turns. In a way, it hurts less because it hurts more

Janie, always so fun to read your comments! You truly are the warm spirit that keeps us all together, you know? Yes - the horses and I have spent quite a bit of time together. It's healing to fuss over each of the three boys, after losing my almost-30 mare last month. Each of the boys is so different, yet they all are enjoying being out - and showing off in front of each other! You can almost see them glow when they are praised in front of the others. We'll put in tomatos also, and maybe it would be a good year to try sweet peas. So far I have mainly been clearing beds, pruning roses for hours (but I like to, so that's fine), and discovering what has/hasn't survived the winter. And the spring bulbs are blooming, so it is gorgeous out.

And now, time to get some sleep! Morning had better start early, if I'm going to squeeze everything in

Shadowpup, How do you hive a bee hive? That sounds so interesting to me. Finely you are riding horses. Good for you, and the horses. They must enjoy the fresh air and the ride. I would have love to seen the horses size each other up. How fun! Enjoy your garden to come, I know I am.

I realized that I never did say what I was doing workout wise - just started blabbering about my weekend. I did MIS - the workout I was going to do last week and didn't. Cathe seemed to use a 35lb barbell for EVERYTHING - I kept thinking - hey - maybe she said 25lbs. I was using her weight choices as a guide and I couldn't lift 35lbs in some cases - for the biceps she did the exercises too fast for me to use that much weight - and doing crazy eights - nope that wasn't happening. I'm ashamed to even say this knowing that everyone is now lifting much heavier weights with STS. I realized that the 1 Rep Max testing is so important and is forcing everyone to lift what they can lift - and not what Cathe is lifting. However, I was doing some of the push ups on my toes - the fact that I could do some made me feel better about it. Before - I wasn't even attempting them.

Tonight I am going out to dinner with my Mom, sisters and girlfriend - it is my girlfriend's birthday and we are going to celebrate - so I'm thinking - I probably won't be working out but I should be more diligent about finding the time - only just now I thought I could have got up early.

I completely went off the deep end - didn't even think twice and ordered the push/pull tower. Afterwards I was rethinking it a little bit - and thought about this big workout "thing" that would now be in my space!?!?!?! Then I thought again that it breaks down and I did think that I needed this. I really have been waiting for it - so ok - this is a good thing. Did anybody else?

Janie - How is your training going with Meso II? Keep reporting in on your garden - I'd love to hear more. I can't wait to do more out there. My sister in law asked me if I would like to grow vegetables with her - but I told her that my DH and I aren't big cookers - but I'd be glad to take any leftovers she had.

Shoegal, Love the blabber, please never stop. I use to use Cathe as a guide too, but too many times I wasn't lifting what I should have. Have a great birthday dinner for your friend. Celebrate it and just have fun. I did get the tower, and also a pair of slanted risers for my hubby. It is a good thing. Meso II is doing well. The legs are so darned hard on us, but in a good way. I can do most exercises, but those legs...jeesh! Truly feels like we had butt lifts the next day. lol. Weeded today and sprayed white vinegar on the dandilions. They deserved it.

Michelle, So glad you are feeling better. Let us know which workout you chose to do when you got home. You are right, taking care of our boys is what it's all about. Good for you, so proud!

Talk later, and have a great evening,

Janie

 

[Shoegal]

Check in Wednesday

Went out like I had planned - and I believe we all had a lovely time. Went to the Cheesecake Factory and went off the deep end food wise. I had it all - and lots of it. Of course - had some cheesecake too - that was a little bit much. Oh well. Back to the drawing board - one of the great things about indulging is that the very next day you can start again. Isn't a truly wonderful thing to get unlimited opportunities to climb back aboard the wagon of healthy eating? What if one day the driver said - sorry - we're full here on the wagon - you're too late - it's over - you've used up all your chances to take a ride?

So anyway - I'd thought that I'd try the Viper this evening. Although - as I write this now my resolve is at a low point. I have just had lunch and I don't feel much like exercising at the moment. Kind of wish I could take a little nap. Hopefully this feeling will pass by the time I get home.

Hope everyone out there is well. I will try to check in this evening.

 

[Shadowpup]

Hi all, I'm taking a lunch break - can't stand to keep looking at all that email in my inbox. Did I mention that I'm on travel, family this time, tomorrow ... ? The word must have gotten out, because it's been hectic. SIGH.

Janie, Shoegal, so far no stings. I expect that will change. I was worried about that at first. Too much Rudyard Kipling, with the bees engulfing elephants, in my childhood. And the bees did do that to a trio of wasps. The wasps were reduced to atoms in moments. But while we were in the planning stages, I was taking a shower and kind of worrying about bee stings, and glanced down at my arms. Covered with scratches from rugosa pruning. Mystery bruises on hips, from gardening or something to do with the horses. Stiff from STS days in a row. What's a bit of a bee sting in comparison???? At that point the worry about stings vanished. The trick with bees seems to be: show no fear, move slowly, and don't accidentally squish one by sitting or stepping on it, or crouching down with one on your legs. I'd sting too, if someone squished me that way.

The hiving was the most amazing thing. Our neighbor came to help. First, the queen. She came in a little box. She is cute! We named her Zelda. Zelda's box went into the hive, a large box having removable trays for egglaying and honey and so on. Zelda's box used to have a cork, but we resealed it with carmel. Yes, carmel, the candy, warmed in a pocket. The reason is, the worker bees and Zelda can get her out of the box by eating the carmel, which is pure sugar and okay for them to eat. This means Zelda will be released. The carmel stopper prevents that from happening while Zelda and her minions are getting settled, which decreases the likelihood that they will leave. A settled queen does not normaly relocate, but an angry hungry one who has been carted across company and squirted with water very well mght.

Once Zelda was in the hive, the box of about three pounds or 3000-ish worker bees came out. Imagine a seething swarm of bees in a mesh-sided container a bit larger than the average shoebox, bees clumped in the middle, buzzing madly and crawling everywhere. It was a mass of vibrating wings, crawling legs, and a loud unhappy bzzzzzz. The next step is to transfer the bees in the box into the hive. You can't just dump them in or open the box. Imagine all those stingers in a cloud. Brrr! Instead, beekeepers make use of a squirt bottle. Believe it or not! The idea is to spray a fine mist of water all over the bees. This keeps them from flying. It would not prevent stinging ... so you have to be careful. After thoroughly spraying the sides, the cluster that had been hanging from the lid sort of melted onto the base of the container. Wet bees buzz their wings very rapidly! You have to be fast, since the vibration will clear off the water in short order. Carefully, then, the next step is to dump the bees out onto the open top of the hive, Zelda inside.

This results in a heap of bees, crawling around.

The bees scent the queen and I'd guess also the carmel. This gets them crawling deep into the hive. Faster than you'd think, the heap is flat enough to put the lid on the hive. We did that. We also put a container of sugar water mix there, to drip food into the hive while they're getting settled.

Now, imagine this. There is a tremendous humming. Bees are outside, mostly crawling, some are flying, all kind of wobbling around and disoriented. They know their queen is in the hive and are looking for her. Some of the inside bees are crawling out. We have a slight spill of sugar water on the side, and masses are crawling there too. 3000 bees ... it was chaotic. Probably a thousand or more outside.

But gradually, the magic of self organization kicked in! One minute, the bees are just sort of wobbling or flying or walking as their individual needs met. But one bee crawled out of the hive entrance, and crawled in again, and then came out! She sat by the entrance, kind of lifted her stinger end up, and began a vibrating of the wings. Within moments, she was spotted by other bees on the outside. Two more sat there by her, stinger end to the sky, vibrating! Come to the hive, they must have been saying! Come here, there's food, and Queen Zelda!

And now - a few more bees go in and do not go out. More bees, and now there is a line rather than a few individuals going in. New clusters of stinger-up/wing vibrating bees sit by the entrance. The air around the hive isn't just chaotic, it is now kind of organized flying. You can almost see the organized circles that the bees are following. The masses of bees that had been on the side of the hive vanish, and they are all either in the hive now, or queued up - literally in a line - marching on in.

And in an hour or so, the hive was full. The stinger-up vibrating bees went in. What appeared to be guard bees came out. They did not have stinger up, but were crawling around. Bees met and buzzed at one another, at the entrance, in a kind of bee dance. Some bees came out to check out us humans with our veils ... and then flew back.

During the day, the cloud was purposeful, if you can think of a cloud that way. The flight paths clearly centered on the hive. It looked to me like those pictures of atom trajectories, the little atoms - the bees - moving around on their individual journeys, but pulled inevitably towards the hive in the center.

When we'd approach the hive - and by this time, I was not always wearing the full regalia - we'd always be buzzed. What are you doing? Are you a danger to Queen Zelda ... ? Are you good to eat ... ? But no stings. I did not feel threatened.

Later that day, apparently three hornets came to the hive. My husband saw it. He said the bees boiled out in an angry mob, and attacked! Each hornet had dozens of bees, attacking it. They did not last long. There were no hornet parts left by the time I came out to check.

I could go on for hours. It was really amazing! This matches so closely the mathematics we've done about self-organizing systems; it is hard to describe how it feels to see sentient math in action, buzzing around on little wings, collecting nectar, living in our yard. Serving Zelda.

 

[Shoegal]

Shadowpup -

Just had to tell you - Fascinating post. You had to have been afraid - that box of buzzing, unhappy bees would have been enough for me. The process is truly amazing - were you able to see the bees and Zelda. Do you know how the people who sent the bees determine which one is a queen?? What this some sort of kit or something with hopefully - directions? What an adventure!! I've never known anyone before who has kept bees. I just loved hearing about it.

Where are you traveling? Are you visiting with relatives? Hope you have a great trip.

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Back home and back to a little light exercising. I just did 30 minutes today: upper body and stability ball from the Basic Step/Body Fusion dvd. Just wanted to remind my muscles how it felt to work a little. Going to take it slow for a few days. As long as I'm not coughing, I'm feeling good--which is the case right now. My cardio today will be walking Ripken. That will have to suffice for now. And he is always happy to go on a walk.

Shadowpup: your description of hiving the swarm was really interesting. I've never been at my parents house when my dad has hived a swarm. My only bit of bee knowledge is that when you approach the hive, you approach on an angle, never straight toward the front of the hive which the bees find threatening. Wait until you harvest the honey. My mom says it is a pretty sticky job, but tastes soooo good afterwards.

Shoegal: yum, yum, cheesecake. I was so tempted to get a hot fudge sundae with my soup and salad at Applebees today but I didn't. I will have to taste vicariously through your splurging today. Sounds really good to me. But quite frankly, after being on travel for most of last week and this week, I am happy not to see another restaurant of any kind for a while. I'm thinking oatmeal in the morning.

~michelle

 

[ladubose]

OMG!!!Ok I am finally home and what a mess! I wish I had stayed on vacation Shoegal! So we spent two nights in a Denver hotel. I got to do another short cardio session the 2nd day, about 45 minutes. Better than nothing I guess. Than my husband finally got out of the mountains to get us, he still had not made it back to the house since leaving on Friday to pick us up from the airport. So Sunday he picked us up from the hotel and took us to a friends house. He then left and actually made it back to the house. Luckily everything was fine. The dog was with him the whole time and the 3 cats were cozy inside. They have this continuous food feeder so they were fine. Monday morning my DH, who had just spent 2 very late and exhausting nights dealing with this blizzard in a row, was supposed to come pick us up so I could have the car to take the girls to school. But he was so tired he slept through his alarm and slept until 10am, so me and the girls stayed at my friends house all day. That afternoon DH picks up the girls and snow mobiles them to the house while I go to work and teach my two classes. I spent the night at my friends again, not wanting a.} to snow shoe over mile home in the dark b.} have my DH leave the girls alone in the house so he could drive the snow mobile down to pick me up. My girls are still so young and what if we got stuck and were out there for a long time? So the next morning I got up taught my Pilates class and than had my friend snow shoe up to the house with me. So finally home on TUESDAY after landing in DIA on Friday afternoon! This has been so crazy and unsetteling. I am sure all of you know how much you want to come home after a trip and I couldn't not only that but I had to work and kids had to go to school! So phew, we are finally doug out and everything is back to semi-normal. Today I took the girls to school in Boulder and I did a great 2 hour hike and a 45 minute pilates reformer workout. I feel very tired.

A side note I still haven't got my Cathe DVDs which I was so looking forward to obviously the storm delayed their arrival but I can't wait for things to settle back into normality and to get those DVDS

Thanks for thinking of me everyone, it is nice to be back!

 

[Shadowpup]

Laura, I'm so glad you are finally safely back! What a frustrating time, for you and your whole family. Such a shame that a fun vacation had that at the end of it. Hopefully the snow at your end will stop soon. We're finally enjoying full-time spring here ...

All, I wanted to stop by just quickly before flying out in about six hours. A famliy trip, fun, just one that is sandwiched in between so many work activities that I feel unprepared. If I can, I'll check in this weekend, otherwise I'll see you on Monday!

 

[Shoegal]

check in Thursday 4/23

Ok - I have been messing around big time with the avatar trying to find a decent picture of myself. Turns out - there aren't any. Who knew??!! Ok - I did - not photogenic in the slighest. But I settled on this one - me with Scout - thought I'd give Scout some time out there. I'm glad these avatar photos are so small.

Anyway, I ended up doing Amy Bento's Advanced Step Challenge II yet again. This time - an "NRG" mix. I really, really like the way she has her pre mixes set up - there are a ton of them - and she tells you how long they are - and exactly what you'll be doing. I was completely prepared - the workout had us doing combos 1, 4 & 5 - then repeating 1-5 twice, this "power up" segment - then a cool down and stretch. My only complaint - she said 43 minutes - it was longer - like over 50 minutes. Had to choose a brief workout due to lack of time. But I really, really enjoyed it. Don't have this so down pat that I still don't make mistakes but I'm getting there. Tonight - The Viper. DH is out of town so there will be no distractions.

Laura - OMG is right!!!! It was a mess!! Thank God you are home and life is back to normal. I'm right there with you - would not have snow shoed back home in the dark - no thank you. I hope this is the last snow of the season.

Michelle - getting back into the swing of things I see. It is good to slowly get back into it. If ever I took a significant break from exercise especially after an illness - I would be "scared" of jumping back into it - it was the fear of being sore - or the fear that I couldn't make it, I think. I'm really not afraid anymore - but I haven't taken too much of a long break from it for so long either.

Shadowpup - enjoy yourself!!!

Janie - where are you?

Ok - I'm out of here before I change my avatar again!!!!

 

[janiejoey]

Hi There,

Joey and I went to the ocean on the spur of the moment. It was so wonderful there! Walked miles and miles on the sandy beach. WOW!

Shoegal, I love the Cheesecake Factory! My son in Las Vegas treated me to a lunch there last year. So Yummy. And as you did, the next day was a clean slate. I don't even want to think about if the wagon was full. No room? Oh No!

Shadowpup, Hope you are having fun with your family. Just have fun, we'll see you when you get back. Enjoy yourself. I'm so scared of bees stinging me it's pathetic. I'm also afraid of big dogs. Just very bad experiences. I love the story about the making of a hive and Queen Zelda. She must be very spectacular for all those bees to be attracted to her. I wish I could have been there to experience such a thing. I don't think most people could. You are so lucky. That was an amazing story, and I felt what you described as I was reading about it. The chaos, the buzzing, and finely the organization of it all. WOW! Wish I could have been apart of it. Just think, you saw all that in action. An amazing story!

Michelle, I always go back to the Basic Step/Body Fusion when I'm not feeling quite right. At least it's better than nothing, and it also get you ready to do bigger and better things. Proud of ya. Keep up the good work. And glad you are feeling better.

Laura, My Gosh! That is just horrible for you all. Snow, for pete sake! At this time of year, and so much of it and it created so much chaos in your lives. You must really be in the rural area. Well Spring will thaw everything out, and it just can't last much longer. Hang in there. I hope you had a fabulous vacation, but I bet it seems like it has been forever gone.

Shoegal, It's a great avatar. Glad you figured it out, now I can see who I'm talking to. Good job on your workout. It isn't easy, Amy is tough.

Janie

 

[MDolfiniReed]

Hi ladies,
Busy day, haven't been able to post until this evening. Got up, Rip and I did our long walk and then I did 30 minutes of Cathe: lower body and stability ball abs from Basic Step/Body Fusion. Staying with the slow approach for the next few days. I feel pretty good except my dang cough will not give up.

Laura: I've been wondering about you and all that snow. Yuch. I couldn't stand it. Haven't really heard anything on the news about the long time it has taken to dig out. I'm impressed with how you all just go with the flow and work around things.

Janie: a trip to the shore sounds nice. I fall over in a dead faint if my husband took a long walk with me anywhere. I love my DH, but unfortunately he does not exercise like he should.

Shoegal: I'm like you; any picture I have of me is awful. I always seem to photograph best with my pup, though. I think it's just because we make each other so equally happy. Looks like you are the same with Scout.

Shadowpup: enjoy your time with your family. Looking forward to hearing from you when you return.

~michelle