Another Letter from Dennis E Austin

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