This morning, Mark sent some pictures of the final bee pick-up event of the year. They met up with David in Jasper – waaaaay over there in East Texas – and loaded up 52 healthy hives on the truck and headed on down the road back to Seguin. It’s about a 4-hour drive but with a heavy trailer, it may take a little longer. Last update they were already in Columbus so it’s the home stretch now. Once here, they will park the truck and trailer in the bee yard and then uncover and unload early tomorrow morning.
Below is a shot of the bee yard where the beekeepers all met up this morning in Jasper – it looks quite lovely and I notice there are the beautiful pines on the left. I love pines – reminds me of growing up on the east coast. Wish I could have been there with them.
Sorry the posting was so lacking this past week – we have been swamped with orders that needed to get out for Christmas. We were up way past bedtime several nights but we are grateful for the orders and the increase over past years. That being said, we are also looking forward to having a bit of a break on Christmas and afterwards. Hopefully it won’t slow down TOO much, but it would be nice to not be running on high-speed.
See y’all at the markets this weekend!
Gretchen Bee Ranch 
Dear Mrs. Gretchen,
I hope you can get some rest over the Holidays and be refreshed in 2013! Today was my last day of school we had a half day which is where we go to school until 12:00 and then come home! I’ve got to go to bed now so i will talk to you soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From,
Mary Workman NC
Maaaaary! Sweetie pie, forgive me for the delay in responding – it has been a whirlwind with all the orders to ship and then prepping for markets. Plus my dad and brother are visiting from Florida so I have not had a chance to catch up on my social media. Until now. I actually get to drive myself to the Quarry market so that my brother Tang can “ride with the men” b/c he loves hanging out with Mr. Gretchen. 🙂 That means I am drinking my coffee, getting “pretty,” posting to our GBR Facebook and writing to you! After today, I think things will slow down a bit and we’ll have our rest. I hope you have a wonderful day with your family and I look froward to our next communication! Love, Ms. G. But you can call me Thienie b/c that’s what my friends and family call me!
Dear Thienie,
I hope you had a relaxing Christmas!!!!!!! I am glad you got to spend time with your dad and brother! Did you get my Christmas card with my dog Max on the front? I am sorry i didn’t write(type actually!)I had family drive in from Virginia. My family and i would like to say thank you sooo much for the Basket it was a very delightful suprise!!!And I would personally like to thank you for the pine cone present you sent me! My mom and I made a new candle arrangment ( hopefully i can send you a picture!)! I hope to talk to you soon!
Love,
Mary (NC)
Good morning, Mary. Writing to you while we drive to the Pearl Farmers Market in nearby Sam Antonio. Early and cold. We are all bundled up this morning.
I am more rested; thank you for asking…you are a sweetie pie. Glad toy like the products! We love to burn the candles and we always hope others will also.
Haven’t gotten your card yet but can’t wait to see it.
Have a great morning am talk with you again soon.
Thien
Dear Thienie,
Yesterday we had Alec over and he and my brothers hung out but when your sister Thuy (or Mrs. White for me)came to pick him up she told me you might be coming in January! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope the christmas card gets there soon!
Love,
mary