Year 2 July -Rethinking with an Aching Back 🖊️

-Thinking again. And happy to stand while doing it.

My marathon-running brother is slowing down. So is his mountain-climbing sibling— not as fast, not as high. A decade ago, they both developed back problems like our father.

But I seemed immune, even with the backbreaking commercial bee work. That is, immune until last week when, bending over to pull a weed, while not bending the back, it happened.

Weeks before, I effortlessly placed both palms on the floor, demonstrating enough balance and flexibility to renew a medical certificate. What a showoff!

Bending over this time was different. After pulling that weed, I felt some stiffness. Been there? If so, you know what’s coming.

By nightfall, from a twitch to big-time pain. I couldn’t get up by myself. That back pain increased for four days, and I was almost incapacitated.

The July 4th fireworks were in my back and in the heating pad cure! So much for any paragliding plans this summer.

I’m lucky it didn’t happen in that doctor’s office. Or I would have left on the soles of my feet and the palms of my hands. Maybe even in my underwear.

On the Mend In More Ways than one

I’m on the mend now. I can slowly bend and do my work. And I can get up by using my arms. And only occasionally whine like a baby when pained by some awkward move. Not a nice experience. But I’m thinking about beekeeping in a new and different way.

Vertical Hives - Warres

Until now, I liked the idea of vertical top bar or Warre type hives. They were on my to-do list. But bottom supering with a hurt back? No way! And righting toppled vertical hives. Ouch! Bye vertical hives.

Horizontal Hives

Top bar hives look so much better now. And the combo long hive looks even better. Why did I buy all those deep supers? Isn’t that like beekeeping? Anyway, it’s certainly like this beekeeper!

The Plan

So, I plan on going horizontal with my beekeeping. I’ll build a few combo long hives. And put a natural finish on them. So they are as beautiful as that Warre.

-Cheers, D 🐝🤠