Bees have taken a slight back seat this week as we had a far greater challenge to complete. Yes, we entered to ring to take our places in the battle of ‘completing the Lego Card Collectors Book no matter what else you might have to do’.

Never before has some much depended on so little, well perhaps there was something like that might have been said around the 1940s but totally different, totally. This was nothing like a war, there was no pushing, definitely no fisticuffs.

The penultimate card exchange took place in the car park of ballet with the littlest in attendance for her first drop. All went smoothly and I co-ordinated the proceedings via Whatsapp with both parties. Only one panicked message from hubby regarding the exact colour the Audi he was looking for. I have seen those ads for M15 in the paper and I think that I do actually have all the attributes required.

The final card, number 72, was much less stressful, thanks Thomas and Nick for donating it. We are complete. And relieved. And not tempted to join in with any more card collecting. I have carefully hidden the Paw Patrol Sticker Book by the side of the sofa, and we’ve bought fidget spinners. Its all calm again.

My favourite was of course No.86 BumbleBee Girl, whats not to like!

Pssst, by the way, did you see the subscribe button? Its brand spanky new, you can press it.

So, a little bit of news. There is a Nuc ready for us if we want it. A Nuc is a mini hive, with enough eggs, larva and bees to establish a full hive. They come with a queen and it’s a easy way to start things off because you have less bees to avoid being stung by and you can manage them more easily. Lots of bee keeper associations like newbies to have a Nuc as they can figure things out slowly and I get this. However, unless you are lucky enough to be given one, they are expensive. Having just bought the hive and bee suits I was hoping to rest the credit card for a bit. Swarms can be big, they might be a bit annoyed or fed up, and they are on the move. They are riskier, as they might swarm again or be temperamental. They are also free to the beekeeper, a big plus!

So, we have to decide, buy the Nuc or wait out for the swarm.

Pouring with rain today for 10 mins or so I know not best timing but that when we delivered our hive to the apiary. Moving from our lounge to the apiary is certain to increase our chances of bees taking up residence.

Note the hubby standing in the dry patch under the trees.