Don’t Forget About the Bees

I have a small yard, but it is surrounded on two sides by a church parking lot, and large, established trees. Here in southeast Texas, we are experiencing what appears to be the worst drought in hundreds of years. I read something about tree rings, and how researchers can look at “tree ring records” to tel lhow much rainfall occurred. And these records go back hundreds of years, much longer than weather records. Seems the trees are telling us something most of us in my nick of the woods are already acutely aware of……………it is dry. Scary dry. I sit out in my backyard under my covered patio, and I hear things hitting the ground and the roof. No, it’s not space debris. It’s falling tree limbs. These trees are extremely stressed, and on the news today it was reported that we (in an 8 county area) could lose 10% of our trees – a staggering 66 million trees! We’ve been under stringent water usage mandates, and using a sprinkler on your yard is only permitted on certain days during the night. Time to buy a soaker hose, since those are exempt from watering restrictions.

Then there are the wildfires. I’ve done lots of complaining about hurricanes, hurricane near-misses, and evacuation fiascos. I thought there was nothing worse than leaving your home and not knowing if you would ever see it again. Ike left a tree on my roof and did a number on my fence. Power was out for weeks. For months, freeways were jammed with big trucks in town to rebuild the devastated area. But I’ve since realized that fire is even scarier. Flood one year, drought the next. Crazy, isn’t it?

Someone commented to me in response to a previous posting, “Don’t forget about the bees!” So I started researching what’s going on with the bees. I’ve heard that bees are disappearing. But honestly, there hasn’t been much said about it. There’s an old saying, that if the bees ever disappear, the human race will follow in four years. Yikes! The weird thing is, no one can really figure out why the bees are disappearing. Some are dying, and scientists find that it isn’t any one thing that killed them. Their entire system is just overwhelmed and riddled with viruses, bacteria, and fungal disease. Then there is something called Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD. Most, but not all, bees just leave. Make a new plan, Stan. Hop on the bus, Gus. They leave the hive, and abruptly disappear.

So the scientific community is speculating on causes, which range from pesticides to genetically altered crops. In a study performed in England, it is strongly suggested that the widespread use of electronic devices and cell phones are disrupting the bees’ ability to navigate. Are they “forgetting” where the hive is? Do they go out on their bee mission and get lost? Whatever the cause, it seems very disturbing to me that not only are the bees disappearing, but the scientific community doesn’t have a clue what is causing this phenomenon.

The reason that bees are so important is they play a vital role in our food supply. Bees pollinate approximately one-third of all food crops, including apples, almonds, carrots, onions, broccoli, cantaloupes, avocados, cucumbers, oranges, cherries, lemons, limes, blueberries, cherries, pumpkins and cranberries. Bees also help pollinate over 90% of all wild plants! So this is important—bees play a huge part in the cycle that Mother Nature orchestrates. I personally hope that it is NOT the electronic devices, because a lot of people would probably choose their cell phone over fruits and vegetables!

OK, so after all this serious stuff, take a look at this (and I dare you to keep a straight face!) Make sure the sound is on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clw7SAJs_6w

Endangered Minnows

Several times today I heard or read a story about how the drought in Texas is threatening an endangered minnow species. Seems that the low levels in the Brazos River might cause the little critters to disappear, as they are not reproducing. Wildlife biologists are relocating the minnows to try to save the species.

Now, those who know me will attest to the fact that I am a card-carrying tree hugger. I'm all for clean air, clean water, and regulations on industry to keep our environment clean. I love all creatures, fire ants and snakes, not so much. And squirrels don't rank high on my list. But, I am getting off subject. I also have faith in mother nature, and believe that if natural conditions (like a drought) are causing a species to die off, then maybe us humans should not interfere.

Then there is the climate change debate......There's a very distinct possibility that the human race and our industrialized society are doing stuff that is causing climate change. And if we are causing climate change, which could be contributing to this devastating drought..........well, you see where I'm going with this. Maybe we should do everything in our power to save the minnows.

Wouldn't it be better, however, to try to look at our behavior? How what we are doing (or not doing) could be causing conditions on our Earth to deteriorate? Sure, all things change, and it could be just Mother Nature doing her thing. But what if it isn't?

What are you doing that might be wasting or harming precious resources? Letting the water run while you brush your teeth? Taking seriously long, luxurious showers? Throwing away food?

I'm reading a fascinating book, by Charles Fishman, called "The Big Thirst." I'm only on page 42 and I've already learned lots of interesting facts about water. Stragely enough, water is NOT the most common substance on Earth. And you can't "use up" water. It is highly localized however, and some of us are headed for disaster in the not-so-distant future. If you think oil is important, I've got news for you: Without water, nothing lasts long.

The Good, The Bad, and The Hopeful

Recently I found out a family member was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. While I am saddened by the news, I am trying to find any positive aspect to this situation. So much of the time, I am guilty, as I think are most people in this country, of taking the miracle of life for granted. We get busy. We're tired. We have too many responsibilities, too little time. We start functioning on auto-pilot. Sleepwalking through work, commutes, errands. Throwing together meals. Falling into bed exhausted, only to do it all over again. Hoping we can make it to the weekend; our next vacation; to 5:00.

There are so many phrases and idioms for slowing down, being present: Stop and Smell the roses; Be here Now; Live Life to the Fullest; The Time is Now; Just Do It. There are trite sayings, inspirational verses, prayers, and quotes. We may give lip service, thinking, "Yes! I will do that as soon as I can! When I have time............tomorrow. Later. Soon."

My promise to myself is to spend some time each day doing something for me. To wake up and look in the mirror and say "I love you!" and mean it. To think of the day ahead as an adventure, not a chore standing in the way of my life. To find something beautiful - a butterfly, a smile, a flower, sunset, laughing child.