Category Archives: Culture, or lack thereof

Visit the UK National Honey Show – Free!

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Ron Miksha

I’ve always wanted to visit the UK National Honey Show, renowned as the ultimate in honey judging. But, it’s in the UK and I’m in Canada. Well, because of COVID-19, the event has moved on-line and we all have a … Continue reading →

Posted in Beekeeping, Culture, or lack thereof, Hive Products, Honey | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Remembering Susan

Posted on January 11, 2020 by Ron Miksha

I never met Susan Rudnicki, but we sparred regularly right here on this blog. She was passionate about her California Africanized bees, about young women’s education (especially in developing countries), and about the need for us to take care of … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, or lack thereof, Friends, People | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Perfect Cup of Tea

Posted on January 2, 2020 by Ron Miksha

The perfect cup of tea starts with honey. At least, that’s how the royals do it. It’s hard to argue that anyone else would know better. They’ve got history, experience, connections and money. And tea is important in their part … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, or lack thereof, Honey, Humour | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Seeing 20-20

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Ron Miksha

What will the new year (and decade) bring?  Although “20-20” denotes perfect vision, I doubt we’ll be so lucky. I suspect that we’ll continue with our near-sighted attitudes toward . . . everything. We can’t help it. We’re hardwired that … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, or lack thereof, Ecology, Outreach, Personal | Tagged | 1 Comment

Goodbye, 2019

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Ron Miksha

As 2019 draws to a close, let’s look back at some of the year’s beekeeping stories. Honey prices were lower again in 2019, forcing some beekeepers out of the business. Still, many countries now have more honey bees than anytime … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, or lack thereof, History | Tagged | Leave a comment

National “I Love Honey Day”

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Ron Miksha

I’m not sure how serious this is, but someone somewhere has declared December 18 to be national I Love Honey Day.  I’m not sure what we’re supposed to do. But here’s an idea: Go out and buy some honey. Then … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, or lack thereof, Honey | Tagged | 4 Comments

Apimondia 2019: Monday

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Ron Miksha

Monday, September 9, was a head-expanding day for me at Apimondia. This biannual event attracts thousands of attendees from across the globe. This year, it’s in Montreal – a mere 3,008 kilometres (as the crow flies) from my home in … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, or lack thereof, Outreach, Travels | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Apimondia 2019: Saturday

Posted on September 7, 2019 by Ron Miksha

Landed in Montreal early this morning (12:15am) and reached the hotel over an hour past midnight. My wife and teenagers are with me. None of us had been to Montreal before, so it’s a nice treat. Unfortunately, the family flies … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, or lack thereof, Travels | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

How did your bees do?

Posted on August 24, 2019 by Ron Miksha

You hear the question every time beekeepers meet. “How did your bees do?” The answer is usually in pounds, barrels, or dollars in the bank. The question came up recently here within Calgary’s bee club. We have an extremely well-run … Continue reading →

Posted in Beekeeping, Climate, Culture, or lack thereof | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Arrested for importing three bottles of honey

Posted on August 23, 2019 by Ron Miksha

This gripes me.  Here’s a guy, holding down two jobs (construction and cleaning) who had his life destroyed by US Customs because he brought three jars of honey home from Jamaica while returning from holidays.  He declared the honey in … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, or lack thereof, Honey, Strange, Odd Stuff | 3 Comments