Category: Animals

Beekeeper

Animals


I went with my son Tristan and his wife Christine this weekend to pick up a hive of young bees to place near our garden. We got the bees from master beekeeper Wally Swaim (seen below) of Level Cross, just south of Greensboro. Wally keeps hives, sells bee equipment and gathers wild bee swarms from trees and buildings. If you have a bee problem, he is the man to call. Bees in our area have suffered lately, and it’s not exactly clear as to why. It may be disease or parasites or even a genetic problem, but the bee population has dropped, which is not good for the pollination of fruits and vegetables. Tristan is hoping he can help, and maybe take a little honey as well.



Wally checks the health of a hive above, sans veil and only with the protection of a little smoke.

(photographs copyright 2009 by Dan Routh)

Easter Eggs

Animals, Family, Food

(photograph copyright 2009 by Dan Routh)

The Easter Bunny didn’t visit us yesterday, but the Easter Guinea did. My son Tristan was watching our guinea fowl when one of the hens ducked into a fence row. Tristan found this clutch of fresh eggs hidden in the hedge. The size of a bantum chicken egg, but with a thicker shell, they are very rich and are wonderful to cook with or eat plain.

Scottish Highland Cattle, "Beasts"

Agriculture, Animals, Cattle, Farm, Greensboro, Scotland


A herd of highland cattle grazes just outside of Greensboro. Though I believe these particular cows are kept as pets, the Scottish breed is prized for it’s lean meat. The shaggy hair acts as insulation against the cold, a necessity in the cool, damp Highlands of Scotland, so the animals have less fat than standard beef cattle. Smaller in stature than regular beef cows, they have a presence nonetheless.





And yes, both the males and the females have horns.

(photographs copyright by Dan Routh)

Smokey the Cat

Animals, Family

(photograph copyright 2009 by Dan Routh)

It’s been about a year since we lost our 15 year old cat Smokey. We’ve been lucky throughout the years to have a long line of very special long-lived pets. Smokey was no exception. She was prim and proper and totally regal in her pose. She was also one of the mouthiest cats I have ever known. In cold weather she would sit in front of the doors to the fireplace, stare at me and meow incessantly until I built a fire. Of course, then she would crawl into my lap and warm me for hours. I miss her. We are not alone, however. Currently on our farm we have 2 dogs and 6 cats to go along with a horse, 19 cows, 5 guinea fowl and 10 chickens. Each has their own special personality, but there will only be one Smokey.

Goat Lady Dairy

Animals, Goat, Randolph County

(image copyright 2009 by Dan Routh)

Temperatures are starting to rise locally, and hopefully this weekend we will catch our first glimpses of Spring. This time of year brings on revival and new life. The photograph above of young goat kids comes from Goat Lady Dairy in Grays Chapel, about 1/2 mile as the crow flies from my home. Goat Lady produces some of the best goat cheese I have ever tasted. My favorite is their Sandy Creek, an aged goat cheese with veins of grape vine ash running through it. To die for. The folks at the dairy provide their cheeses to many Greensboro area restaurants and they sell to the public at the farmer’s markets in Greensboro and on Sandy Ridge Road. They also host dinners and brunches featuring locally grown and sustainable foods. For more information, go to http://www.goatladydairy.com/