chelsea headingWorking at the airport information desk has some really good moments. In the east desk drawer there is always a roll of "pilot wings" stickers. They are just the size for someone who is less than grown-feet tall. Rarely am I turned down when offering to make the offer to a little one about becoming a pilot. Usually I say, "Captain" as even little ones know they can't be a pilot. This week was especially good as we had many more small visitors than usual. I show the child the wings and then stick them on whilst carrying on a monologue which keeps them calm. Just to see these very bright and shiny faces lit up after the sticking on ceremony is worth the trip out here. Occasionally I get turned down but not very often. I am sure there are other perks for volunteering out there, but none quite so pleasing.
Then, on Wednesday I talked to my mower guy about how I now had only two hives of bees as I had lost two hives recently. If you have ever seen a bee hive attacked by robber bees, you would know it is a very interesting spectacle and one of which you have no control. Totally shutting up the hive being robbed does not work as far too many robbers get trapped inside and they can wait out your efforts. Oh, and since bees do not wear identification apparel, you would not know if you were killing friend or foe. Whatever I did wrong was devastating - to me at least.
So Thursday I get a call from my friend who told me of a swarm a very long distance away. He could not give me a telephone number`so I could call to see if the bees were still there as a swarm hanging on a tree is “on the move.” There are very few swarms this time of year so I was totally unprepared. After a panic preparation, and literally throwing bee capture stuff in the truck, I zoomed off. Yessir, I did have the feeling of futility. If you have never thought all your efforts at some project are for naught, you are either a very, very fortunate person... or delusional.
So, after about 20 miles through some of Tulsa’s busiest highways and vehicle death traps, at least 100 turns and corners after leaving the freeway system, I arrived at the proper address. There was a sign on the door with three parts. Each part started with:” DO NOT KNOCK ON THIS DOOR.” Yessir, in red letters. Standing there with a “DUH” look and feeling would not solve anything so I looked in the trees close to this house. Wishing for a bullet proof vest, I screwed up my courage and knocked on the door. I could hear a child crying inside so I knew I was probably in trouble. The very pretty child  answered the door and was being carried by a pretty young woman who told me the bees had left. She showed me the tree where they were (note the past tense) and apologized for all my trouble. As this was what I was expecting, I was only disappointed and not crushed. Then, back in the truck, back on the freeway system through Tulsa and try not to get involved with any driver who appears homicidal. ( Yes, we have recently had that on one of the highways I had to use.)
One other thing that figured into my thinking was that there finally was a large load of books at my other volunteer job. They came in several boxes and this is the most I have had in a loooong time. One would suspect that someone above me doesn’t like books and/or does not understand what a “loss leader” means. I could have been in the back warehouse sorting books getting them ready for the weekend instead of a wild goose chase. (Hmmm, a wild bee chase?). Maybe I should stay with books and sticking things on kids and let the bees raise themselves. You may disagree with me but keep in mind I have had to live through all this as a participant, not as a second party. I think the bee-keeping gods are angry with me.