When my husband Fred and I moved permanently to the Aspen Valley, one of the first things we did was to acquire three goats. Our intentions were pure but after 3 years of watching them eat everything in sight (including their shelter) while giving us nothing in return, we decided that goat-rearing was not for us.
The town of Emma where we live, is historically known as the ‘bread basket’ of the Aspen mid-valley region. There are thousands of acres of hay farms, tree farms, organic produce farms, honey producers – and a 100 acre ranch of beef cattle, where happy cows graze on grass all day, just as they should.
Undeterred by our goat-ly experience, we’ve decided to give back to nature by introducing our own honeybees. Many of you are aware of the plight of the honeybee and our bees will help pollinate the blossoming fruit trees and wildflowers in our garden – and with a range covering a seven mile radius, they’ll also be helping to preserve and restore the balance of nature in our valley.
And of course, we love honey!
hi Susan — i just LOVE these pictures. Can you believe how lucky you are that this is your outdoors … sitting here looking at concrete …. xopat
Yes, we are lucky to have this backyard beauty! Have you written a speech or ditty yet? I’m worried!
Susan – I’m so impressed. Bee keeping has always been a goal of mine!!
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Love it!!
bari-
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Congratulations, I think that’s great, and very brave!
Hi Susan and Fred. We are also keeping bees! I went to bee school this winter and George gave me a suit and he and the girls found the class for me. They are happily living here on the place in Beverly. I started with wax foundation and just added a super on top because they are almost done below. I hope we get some honey this season. Are you all planning on medicating for disease/ problems? It is really great you are keeping them too! Sorry about our last minute abort of planned visit. We should talk sometime so you don’t think we’re just jerks. Xo, Jennifer
Jennifer,
How funny that we’ve started this hobby simultaneously! I really have nothing to do with it but Fred is the pro and we hope that we don’t have to medicate. We hope that you’ll reschedule your trip during a summer month like June or September or October would be ideal! Our lives seem to be paralleling and how amazing that Grace and Isabel are best buds in NYC! Lets talk soon! Love to you both!
Susan
Spray them with sugar water and they stay calm!
Dear Susan, What a great piece! And beautifully described, Idyllic! talk o you soon, much love, M and P
Dear Susan,
How exciting… BEESSSSS.
It sounds so FRED and feels so nurturing for all.
I am sitting here in my Weehawken home, having my coffee, overlooking the Hudson River and have to get myself to NYC for the day.
I go to check my computer and always look for your postings.
Patrick is well and busy with his Aspen Paragliding Business with his brother-in-law. He has two dogs and two cats and as I wrote previously, a most precious and wonderful girlfriend.
I am busy with teaching textiles and have a new LVMH Project that I am absolutely in love with… it is with Parsons and the NY Chinese Planning Council for uncollege woman to get trained for jobs in the retail world.
Have a most Bee -autiful Day.
Cecilia
Dear Susan, We love the pictures – now your place is even more idyllic! Hope the bees and you all are thriving! We’ve had more bees than usual so i think George and Jennifer’s group are visiting, which is great! much love, Grandma