Bee-utiful Morning.

As I type, Eric is outside collecting bees. Yep, you read right!

Zachary came home yesterday to report that one of the trees in our yard was housing a large swarm of bees. Eric was very excited since he has discovered that one of our passion fruit vines is unable to pollinate on its own and needs some assistance... Eric has tried cross-pollinating from other vines in our yard, but it's a huge chore to "visit" every single blossom. We really don't have many bees here, so Eric was in a pickle as to where to find some to help. Voila! Right in our own yard, amazingly enough!

Immediately after sundown Eric set to work constructing a beehive. This morning, in the rain, Eric bundled up in his bee suit (still in existence from Africa days), and set off to collect him some bees. Zachary and Panda (our dog!) were standing by to assist. They got the swarm out of the tree and transferred successfully to the hive. Panda, unfortunately, didn't understand Eric's command to "Run!", so while Zachary took off, Panda had to deal with a mini-swarm surrounding her. She can be grateful for such a thick coat of fur, as I don't think she got any stings.

After Eric placed the swarm in the hive, Zachary came upstairs to get a little dish of honey to entice them to stick around. He handed it to Eric on the stairs, and then, near the bottom of the stairs, Eric promptly slipped and fell down the remaining two. Since he had so much clothing on, he was protected from much injury, but his left arm is very sore. He's taking a hot shower now, and then he wants to go to bed. We hope the bees will stay around for a good while and help out in our passion fruits to thank Eric for all his trouble!

In other news: Stephanie turned 17 yesterday! (Potentially her last birthday at home for many years...) We had a little potluck dinner at Jan's house, and in the evening Stephanie had a small group of friends over for dessert and games. I provided brownies and Indonesian fruit salad. They also had popcorn and watermelon. This morning they were planning a beach trip, but it's extremely dark and rainy outside, with sporadic thunder and lightning...so... Oftentimes a rain storm will burn off around mid-morning, but this particular storm has the makings of a day-long affair.

My foot is feeling better. Initially it was very painful to have the cast on, but now it feels better with it on than without. Everyone says that's a good sign. I'm nearly half-way through my stint as a quasi-invalid...!

We have decided not to join Eric in Manokwari. I'd have to take my cast off to play in the ocean, and that's just asking for too much trouble. I know Jason and Zachary would not be content to sit in the house all day, with the ocean just a few meters away, just because Mommy has a bum foot!

My helper has been sick since Tuesday night with an allergic reaction to something; she swelled up like a balloon. I managed okay, and even went to market Friday morning. After all the walking and being on my feet, I was in some pain, but it wasn't too bad. Zachary really stepped up to the plate and helped out with housework and watching Jason so I could work. This is how he earned the privilege to accept Stephanie's invitation to the birthday festivities (Zachary felt so honored to be included in the invite!). Word is that my helper is feeling better and plans to return to work on Monday. Yeah!

Stay tuned...