-Posted by Isaac

This week I visited the Tarlton yards.

These are the hives producing the tulip poplar honey in the spring. I realized that it had been two full months since I made the drive. Last time I was there, we were pulling the fall honey.

No pressing reason for the trip. I was just missing them. I think I’m experiencing some separation anxiety after last week. After watching that big load of bees go down the road.

I took some leftover winter feed that was stashed away in the cooler room. Brought along the winter spacers too. Probably unnecessary, but oh well, it was something to do…

Everyone seemed happy. Ready for winter.

Now I’m realizing how thankful I am for the hives left behind. The 200 or so. They’ll give me some much needed company through the cold months.

Sure is hard taking supers out to the yards for winter storage, not having anybody to visit.

I get a little melancholy seeing those empty pallets.

Lafe keeps busy with the painting and repairing. (Just look at those pearly white supers!) But for now, I prefer to stay away from the monotonous shop work. These short, dark days seem more savory when you’re moving.

Another two loads of firewood made it to the porch this week. Compliments of my brother with the splitter. I have to hustle when I’m with him. No time for swinging the axe. No long quiet hours to ponder the righteous veracity of Aldo Leopold.

I’ve got to say, I prefer the axe. There’s a solace in solitude. A comfort in silence.

But Christmas break brings an end to all that.

The kids are now out of school. And it seems the adults are quickly going out of their minds. Or is it just me?

Four days until the big day. And we rush around like idiots. Got to get those last few gifts. Wouldn’t want to ruin Christmas or anything. Or disappoint anyone. I’ve been yelled at twice now for leaving unwrapped gifts out where a kid could see them. And both times it resulted in a fight. Afterwards I’m sulky and brooding. But I’m also sorry. I really am. It’s my fault. I don’t fit into the craziness mold.

I’m pretty sure I’ve told you all about my Christmas inhibitions. If you’re a long-time blog reader. I won’t get wordy with this one. But believe me, there’s still plenty of sleepless pondering. Do any of you have the same misgivings? I can’t be the only one who suffers.

There’s no cure, but there are therapies. I’ve mentioned a few already: visiting the bees… swinging an axe… Aldo Leopold… they all sooth in their own way.

And here’s one more: geologic time.

Specifically, thinking about geologic time.

Try it! Those of you with Christmas disdain… just try it! You’ll see.

Last minute lines at Walmart suddenly won’t seem so hellish. In fact, when you give it a look with a geologic perspective, it almost seems trite. You’ll smile. 100 million years ago dinosaurs waited around in the sultry swamp. 300 million years ago there were trilobite lines at the bottom of the shallow sea. And if you look at the clock, these are some of our nearest neighbors. No worries. That Harry Potter Lego set isn’t such a big deal. There’s plenty of time.