Another Letter from Dennis E Austin:
Jan 1st 11
My Dear Parents
I was intending to answer your letter so you would get it before Christmas. But I failed to do it + surely thought I would get one to you by Jan 1, + here it is.
We rec'd your pa (sic) ok + do certainly appreciate those presents.
I have been very busy for the last month + once in a while to help fill in my time, I cut a few chunks for two fires. We have just had a nice warm soaking rain + it does make things look green, I will have some ripe strawberries in two weeks. I shaved off my beard + moustache last night + will start the new year a new man. I was to have stared going to church this am but I found my insoles in my new shoes was broken so I will wait until next Sunday. Min got me a nice new suit of clothes + I have no excuse now.
I have been looking through my bees this pm + I find I will have as much as 50 pounds of honey to take from some colonies in order to give the Queen room to lay, for it is during Jan + Feg we have to get a hive just lousy with young bees and then you have plenty of workers which give you lots of surplus. I wish you could see the little fellows when I take the cover off the hive body and pick out one of the 10 housing frames just black with bees on both sides, + they will keep right on with their work as if no one were around.
I am compelled to demonstrate ever time any one comes. I can pick up any single beee I have or can pick up a double handful. + when I go to their hives + stick a finger to the entrance from 3 to a dozen with run out + crawl on my hand, and when I am around the yard working they will light on my face + can not get them away. I have an idea that I may take it up sometime. Of course I only have 7 colonies at present + could split them so I would have 35 by next fall if I was running for increase, or I can keep them just as they are + not have any swarming. I only need to play a little trick on them just before they are ready to swarm. I have room here for 100 colonies + it don't cost me anything for feed = their houses I make I only buy the frames from A I Roots Medina Ohio Factory costing 30 ¢ for 10 frames. I sure have the B fever + you must overlook it. I hope this finds you both well + may the year 1911 bring more joy + health than any before, I am with love and kisses your Dennis
