Westgate Farmers Market Rocks!!!!!

What do you get when you put a farm market in the middle of a parking lot just off Secor? A whole lot of happy people. I had no idea that soooo many people would be thrilled to see us set up our tents. And I know that most of us didn’t expect the response that we got.

I could not believe the crowd that showed up. People were everywhere. Seeing smiles on people’s faces gave me a feeling inside that is really hard to explain. It’s one of those things that you only hear about, but being part of this makes it even more special.

It’s more than obvious that people in this area are thrilled at the opportunity to buy fresh produce and talk to local growers. I got the chance to meet a whole new bunch of people who were really interested in my bees and beekeeping. I was thrilled beyond belief, because I love talking bee talk. It’s really cool to have people tell me about family members that have kept bees and I love hearing all the stories. I think I’m at my best though when a little one wants to know where the honey comes from. It’s the opening I’m waiting for that gives me the chance to help kids learn about bees and all the wonderful things they do for us.

I never realized that it was so hard for people to get down to the market on Erie Street so hopefully this will work out better for them, and I know that the vendors all around me were pleased as punch with the turnout that we had.

I had to leave early to take care of my Honey House Project, but believe me I’ll be there until 7:00 p.m. next weekend. I’d better stop writing so I can bottle some honey for the market on Saturday.

Hope to see you there!!!!!!

Blue Ribbon Honey - 2006 Lenawee County Fair

Wow! We did it. We went to the Lenawee County Fair yesterday and found out that our Honey took 1st Place. The big Blue Ribbon. . . Yippeeeeeeeeeee. Here are a few photo's. Trust me as soon as I get the jar and ribbon back we won't be parted again. I told Jim that the jar was going to go on tour with me. . .He chuckled.

We also added the Blackberry Whipped Honey last week, so our products are growing. (The soap is doing really well but I have no idea how long till its ready. I have to do a PH test on it, so we are still in the learning stage as far as the soap goes.) Be sure to stop by the market to check everything out.

New Weekly Satellite Market

Here is some exciting news the market is opening a satellite market.

The Farmers Market Association of Toledo is proud to present our New Weekly Satellite Market!

The Westgate Farmers Market

Beginning Wednesday August 16, 2006 the Market will operate from 4pm till 7pm every Wednesday evening. The Market will be located in the Elder Beerman's Secor Road Parking Lot.

So I'll be out there come visit me.

We are starting to harvest the honey from the yard. We have already filled one tank and from what I have out in the yard it will probably be the first of many to be filled. That's good news for the honey supply.

New Product Alert. . .Ok keep this a secret cause Jim doesn't know about this one yet. . .Queen Bee Soap - A wonderful blend of Honey & Lavendar made just for the queen in all of us.

Bee Yard Update

We are dealing with problems in the bee yard this week. I wish I'd have just one day of peace and quiet. We started pulling honey yesterday and found that in the three hives I've been trying to build up there are wax moths. I've been fighting this for a few weeks and thought I'd finally gotten rid of them. I had replace the boxes the bees were in, I gave them frames with honey brood and pollen on them and started feeding them to help them get a good start. I was sick when I found the wax moths. I know it's because the hive wasn't strong enough to get rid of them, but once again, I'm battling them. I replace the boxes once again, but today when I went out to put the feeders on, I found the bees in the middle of robbing one of them. It was horrible and I wasn't sure what to do. I came inside got online and read that a wet bed sheet over the top of the hive should slow them down. I don't know at this point I think it was too late. Jim's down, and I'm down. We feel like we have failed at taking care of them the way we should of. In the back of my mind I can hear someone whispering to me to learn from this. Great I'm learning while the bees are suffering.