A Mother's Worth

This is my Mother's Day gift from my children. Isn't it lovely? Pictures certainly don't do it justice! I've never had an orchid before, so I'm reading on how to keep one.
My husband and son had to go out this evening, so they took the opportunity to get my Mother's Day gift. Our son went directly to this flower. None other would do. My husband tried to direct him to other plants, and he said in a loud voice "Dad, stop being cheap!" A few bystanders couldn't help but snicker. Out of the mouth of babes... (I sure love that boy!)

Bee Shortage? Where???

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_506012.html

I first saw this on the national news. It's actually considered a crisis in some states.

When we first moved in, one of the most disconcerting things for me were bee hives. Since the place had been vacant for awhile, My husband assured me they were probably old. Now that it's spring, I see we actually underestimated how many insects live here.

So what's the big deal? I'm not the type of girl who goes nuts at the sight of a worm, or freaks out over a beetle. I know how to use my shoe when necessary, but overall the balance of nature can regulate itself, KWIM? One thing does make me freak: stinging insects. Like bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets. I become a human balloon when stung. The remedy isn't all that thrilling either. Benadryl makes me tired and loopy. So they can live...elsewhere.

We have located two bumblebee nests, and there's more we haven't found yet. They post 'guards' at the back steps and at the entrances to our shed. They attack the invading wasps. They dance to communicate to their bumblebee friends. From a distance, it's fascinating. From a distance. But I have to go into my shed from time to time, and I have to use my back steps. My husband accidentally ran over one of their nests with the lawn mower. They spent the next 10 minutes attacking it.

Yes, I've heard their docile. Yes, they're important to agriculture, flowers and planet earth. I'm sure there'd be those who would argue that I should feel blessed to have them. I really believe in 'live and let live', but I won't be feeling that way in the ER if I get attacked. This isn't an area where I'm all that rational. So I'm wondering if there's a market for them. Them and their little wasp friends too. What's the going rate? The bidding can start right here.