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our December 2003 Issue
Click here to view the Newsletter
Do the 6.5 tapers fit standard candle stick holder?
What type of wicks do you use? Moving grapevines, Growing grapes in
Florida, Is your honey raw? Substituting honey for sugar, I would like
to purchase some of your exquisite candles for my holiday list but I
do not have a credit card.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - julie
Do the 6.5 tapers fit standard candle stick holder?
Monday, November 24, 2003 - psquared
What type of wicks do you use? I cannot find any information on the
website. I am interested in purchasing some votives. Thank you.
Monday, November 17, 2003 - wausauauctioneers
Please help. I live in Wausau, WI and I have to move due to road construction
and I wish to take my grape vine with me. The vine is at least 30 years
old and is located on the east side of our home, it climes on a wire
trellis an on to the garage.
I would like to know when I should or could transplant this or even
if it is possible? And when I move this plant to my new home how and
where should I plant it?
I don't know that much about grape vines, as we just bought this home
a few years ago.
- It is very difficult to move the whole vine – but what you
can do is cut the trunk off about 2 feet from the ground and take
a large chunk of root. Do this in the spring or fall when the plant
is dormant. When you plant it you will consider it a new vine and
let it grow new trunks. It may be just as easy to purchase new vines.
There are nurseries on our resources page. - Bill
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/winemakingresources.htm
- Thank you for the information. Will try it, as the plant is now
dormant. I just hate to see it chopped down and left for waste. Cindy
Bohem
Thursday, November 13, 2003 - horsinaround1908
I hope you can help me, my husband and i were given a bare 6 foot grape
vine with the roots i planted it and fetilized it with and now at the
top it has started with some leaves and tiny little clusters of grapes,
we had been given this as a gift from a portugease family we do not
know what type of grape it is all i can tell you is the grapes are a
very dark purple. My question is should i prune it shorter or leave
it as long as it is and let it go on.... we dowant it to grow to cover
a large area. but again should i prune it short first or leave it as
is??? Thank you for your time Hope to hear from you real soon. Sencerly,
Michelle DeMoura
- I do not know what part of the country you are in - in Michigan
it is now getting cold and no leaves or fruit is on our vines. If
I were you, I would wait until all the leaves and fruit are off and
in the spring crop it back quite severely and let it grow a new trunk.
You did not need the 6 feet of growth when you planted it. Just consider
that you are only planting the root with a small top growth. (no matter
how big the vine is) The vine will grow much better if it is established
with the amount of roots matching the trunk. (It is not like transplanting
a tree) - Bill
- Thank you very much for answering so quickly, We are in the state
of Florida and the roots that i planted were probly 12 to 15 inches
long. and the little growth i am talking about is about 3 or 4 leaves
and two tiny clusters of grapes. How long do you think i need to cut
it back and when? we would like it to eventually cover a patio that
is our plans for it. So any information would greatly be apreciated!!
I also have to say i love your site and am also interested in your
candles. Again hope to hear from you soon
- Grapes do not grow very good in tropical climates. You will have
great difficulty getting them to grow properly in Florida, the grape
needs a dormant season to “rest”. Just let it grow an
see what happens. Bill
Thursday, November 06, 2003 - klemme51
Dear Bill and Pat,
I purchased a 5 lb container of your honey, at Discount Health Food
in Clinton Township, Michigan. I asked them if it was "raw honey",
and they said "Yes". I don't think it is. Could you please
tell me if it is Raw Honey? Has it been heated? Your help would be greatly
appreciated.
Best Wishes, Rob Klemme
Friday, November 07, 2003 - DBovshow
I WAS LOOKING AT YOUR RECIPES WITH GRAPES AND AM VERY INTERESTED. WHAT
KIND OF SIDE DISHES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND BEING SERVED WITH THE CORNISH
GAME HENS IN HONEY GRAPE SAUCE? PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU
- Hello - What we enjoy when we have cornish game hens for side dishes
is a wild rice dish, some type of squash and dinner rolls. - Bill
& Pat
Saturday, November 01, 2003 - eeh
Greetings from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Love your recipes.
Could you tell me how many cups make a pound in your honey bread. Also
to substitute honey for sugar how much honey for a cup of sugar and
how much liquid do I reduce? Do you have any more recipes? Thank you
Evelyn H.
- The recipes have been turned in to us by our customers and sometimes
you have to experiment. You can substitute honey for sugar 1 to 1
and if you do reduce the liquid do so only slightly. - Bill
Tuesday, November 04, 2003 - tarasmith
Good Afternoon,
I would like to purchase some of your exquisite candles for my holiday
list but I do not have a credit card. Is it possible to order via snail
mail w/ check or money order?
Thanks so much, Tara Makepeace
Yes – if you do not want to use crdit card you can download our
catalog and we have a mail order form on the last page. Thanks - Bill
Download
the New Candle Catalog
From
our November 2003 Issue
Click here to view the Newsletter
Purchasing concord vines, Freezer Grape Jam, Where can I purchase
some Honey Mead? Is it...easy to make mead? Using pictures on website,
"fluffy grape pie recipe",
Saturday, October 25, 2003 - Stanley Martin
Would you know where I might purchase about half a dozen concord grape
vines?
Thanks.
I purchase many vines from Double A Vineyards
www.rakgrape.com
You can also look on our grape resources page: http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/winemakingresources.htm
Saturday, October 18, 2003 - Tracy A Woods
Hello: I found your recipe below on the Web. Thank you for sharing
it! I have a question about it: The recipe says to use sure-gel pectin,
do you mean liquid or powdered in a box? And if you mean powedered in
a box, can I use "Ball Fruit Jell Pectin" powder in a box
instead of the sure-gel pectin?
Freezer Grape Jam
Mix juice and sugar, let stand 10 minutes. Put ¾ cup water in
pan, add sure-gel, boil 1 minute. Stir into mixture for 3 minutes. Put
into containers. Freeze. Connie O.
· 3 cups grape juice
· 5 ¼ cups sugar
I don’t think it matters what kind of pectin you use. I probably
got this recipe from the sure gel website.
Bill
Sounds good - thank you very much for your reply! I will give it
a try!
Wednesday, October 01, 2003 - ANN BASTIAN
Hello. I am trying to find a place where I can purchase some Honey
Mead. I did not see on your site that u sell it. I was wondering if
u know of any where I might be able to find it. I Don't need much of
it, just enough for the toast at my wedding. I chose to check out your
site because I grew up in Dryden and I know where u are located. If
u have any suggestions for me, please email me. Thank you. ~Ann~
All I could say is to try a bunch of wine stores. - Bill
Tuesday, October 07, 2003 - mamabadger1
is it...easy to make mead, is there a very simple recipe? I'd love
to make some but never have done it before so I need help!! thanks
Mamabadger - Butterfly of Life
I have never made mead, but a large amount of my customers purchase
honey for mead. Take a look at our Mead
Page:
Saturday, October 04, 2003 - taura
Good Day,
I have visited your website which is very educational and informal.
I worked on a project this summer at the University of Puerto Rico at
Rio Piedras regarding honeybee flight muscles and I have a presentation
in two weeks in California about such project. I saw an excellent picture
of a forager on your website and I humbly need your permission and consent
to use that picture in my presentation. Please continue your excellent
work of sharing your expertise as well as educating others. Thanks in
advance.
Thora Henry - Student
University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas
You can use any picture you want on our website – good luck with
you presentation. - Bil
Monday, October 06, 2003 - Jane Garson Reed, CPA, MBA
Hi,
I was going to make the "fluffy grape pie" posted on your
website, however, there is no instruction as to what to do with the
3 cups Cool Whip that is listed in the ingredients. Is there any way
to find out...it sounds delicious overall. Thanks. - Jane Reed
I am not sure -The recipe was given to me by someone who is no longer
in the area. Experiment and let me know. Bill
I already experimented and made a double recipe (two pies) and mixed
BOTH the whipped cream and cool whip together. It turned out terrific
and the 6 people who tasted it want the recipe!!!! It is totally unlike
any grape pie -we have ever had around here.
Warm regards, Jane
From
our October 2003 Issue
Click here to view the Newsletter
"MEHU-LIISA" pot, Raw honey, How can
i stop the fermentation process with niagara grape juice? Ice Wine,
Science fair project on candles , Making beeswax tapers, Did I lose
my free grapes offer? Damage of last winter on your vines? Blocks
of beeswax? PDF catalog, Winemaking questions, What is the best way
to store honey, We had a good time visiting your farm today! Weekly
drawing, Never received candles?
Tue 9/23/2003 - Louise
I AM LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL TYPE OF POT IN WHICH TO MAKE
JELLY. IT CONSISTS OF A LARGE POT TO FILL WITH WATER, TOPPED WITH A
COLANDER AND HAS A HOSE AT THE BOTTOM FROM WHICH THE JUICE FLOWS. MY
GRANDDAUGHTER HAS ONE WHICH CAME FROM
EUROPE . ARE SUCH POTS AVAILABLE? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
LOUISE E RHYE
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO ANSWER MY REQUEST
CONCERNING THE JUICE EXTRACTING POT. I HAVE HAD SUCCESS! IT'S NAME IS
"MEHU-LIISA" AND THE ONLY INFORMATION I ENTERED INTO MY COMPUTER
WAS "MEHU-LIISA". THE VERY FIRST ITEM THAT APPEARED WAS THE
VERY POT FOR WHICH I AM LOOKING. IF YOU SCROLL DOWN TO THE ORDER SECTION
YOU WILL SEE A PICTURE OF JUST WHAT THE CONTRAPTION
LOOKS LIKE. THANKS AGAIN... LOUISE RHYE
Fri 9/19/2003 - lundybk
Do you have 5 gallon/ 60 pound bucket of raw honey available
this fall? If you do - how much are they? Also do you use antibiotic
with your bee? Can I pick up 5 gallon buckets at your market?
Thank you for your help,
Wendy Lundy
PS What is your markets hours?
We are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - 9:00 am to
6:00 pm through mid october.
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/newsletters/2003/september/septhoney.htm
Bill
September 19, 2003 - www.yukon589
dear sirs, how can i stop the fermentation process with niagara grape
juice? 5 gal.please respond/and
comments or do you have niagara grapes? thank you !
Friday, September 19, 2003 - shnjohn
Do you sell Ice Wine
- No - we do not sell wine at all - however you can pick the grapes
here and make it yourself. Bill
September 17, 2003 - David Falken
Dear Honeyflowfarm,
I am doing a science fair project on candles and scents. I was Wondering
if you could tell me how are scents added to candles. Also, which things
affect the burning time of candles? Thanks for all of your help and
I will be sure to note you in my bibliography.
Sincerely, Lauren Falken
- Lauren
I use various essential oils or special candle scents that are available
through candlmaking supply sources (Pourette MFG).
The scents are mixed in to the hot wax before the candles are made.
The size of the wick, the width of the candle, and the type of wax
all affect the burn time. Beeswax burns slower, cleaner and smells
better that most paraffin waxs that are made from sludge from crude
oil processors.
Good luck with your project. - Bill Schnute
September 14, 2003 - TONY BERKEMEIER
Dear Sir or madam,
I recently started to try my luck at making beeswax tapers.
They turned out but they have big white mottled spots. Do you have any
idea what is causing it? ANY HELP Would be greatly appreciated. =)
Sincerely, Sandra
- It may be than your wax is either too hot or too cool - I keep my
wax at 175 degrees. The candles will develop a bloom after a long
time, but I dont think that is what you are referring to.
Lots of time it is trial and error.
Good luck - Bill
September 17, 2003 - April Pernell
Hello,
Week one has past and I could not make it out did I lose my free grapes
offer? If not I would love to come
out this weekeknd.
April Pernell - Glenwood,IL
- Absolutely not. You can pick them anytime that we are open. Just
identify yourself as one of the winners - by bringing this email for
instance.
Thank You - Bill
September 11, 2003 - del and mary reese
Hi Bill, I was just wondering about the damage of last winter on your
vines. I have dechanuac that was damaged. some vines died but the majority
has slow growth from the trunk and are about 2ft in height. Chelois
is doing much better with vines 5ft high. Cayuga is slower but doing
well about 4ft high. Pinot Gris about 2ft and slow with some vines dying.
Cab Franc is better than Pinot Gris with new 300 vines in growth tubes
about 4ft high. Overall the winter stunted the vines 2 and 3 yrs old.
Chelois doing the best. I had transplanted all vines so that was a shock
to them also. The summer has been dry yet the leaves are a healthy green.
I had dropped all the fruit so the vines would take a good root for
this year. Hopefully next year we will have fruit on the Dechanuac,
Chelois, and Cayuga.
Hope your vines will be fruitful for you. Good luck this season.
Del Reese
I am a retired Service Planner from Marysville who is enjoying my days
in the vineyard.
- This last winter was very hard on our vines also - many were killed
to the ground with all trunks not growing - although we have nice
shoots for next year.
I am not sure what you did when "transplanting"? If I move
a vine I never keep any large trunk, I just take most of the root
and start over on letting the vine develop a new trunk. Taking all
the fruit off was a good Idea. I suspect your transplanted vines are
just "ignoring" the larger transplanted trunks and just
sending up new shoots? We will see what happens over winter.
Good Luck - Bill
Sun 9/14/2003 - mira
i was wondering if you sell blocks of beeswax?
i am an artist residing in michigan and i would be interested in purchasing
some. thank you, mira
September 08, 2003 - TRumble007
Dear Honeyflow Farm,
I am excited about this web site and know it will bring both my husband
and I a lot of enjoyment. However, could you please send us your catalogue
instead of us having to use the computer space to download? Sincerely,
T. Rumble
September 05, 2003 - Wally Lindsley
Wally Lindsley
I make wine every year by crushing and pressing grapes then placing
the liquid into 5 gal containers immediately and letting it ferment
then corking the bottle and let set for two months, then I pass the
wine to remove the sediment. Are there any tips you can provide to make
sure I am covering all the steps such as airlocks etc. I get different
opinions from oldtimers around my town.
Also I acquired an oak 55 gallon barrel. How do I clean it before I
use it. And I am under the impression that you remove one end, crush
the grapes and leave them in there to ferment. Once complete transfer
the liguid and place it back into the barrel this time with the cover
on and let set for a few
months then transfer into 5 gallon containers. I have never done this
before and some tell me to leave it covered and just put the liquid
in others tell me to crush the grapes directly into the barrel and leave
uncovered. I want to make red wine. I do not use and chemicals in my
process.
Please provide any help you can....
- Wally - Thank you for the great questions
Sound like you are ok for the white wine - but I would use air
locks in the 5 gallon carboys - air is the enemy of wine - it oxidizes
it and then turns it into vinegar.
About the oak barrel - I would seriously consider using it for
a planter. They are very difficult to clean - they quite often leak
and may be ripe with molds and vinegar bacteria. It is much safer
to use a new (hopefully food grade) plactic container or two depending
on the amount of grapes you are using - you can only fill them 3/4
full or they will overflow when fermenting.
When you make red wine - you crush the grapes & put them into
your open fermenter - we recomend using sulfite and cultured yeast
- cover to keep some of the fruit flies out and push the "cap"
down every day (the crust of floating grapes) - after a few weeks
the grapes are pressed and put into smaller containers (5 gallon
carboys work perfect).
Ask any commercial winery who wants to make award winning wine
every year if they use old contaminated barrels - they ensure that
everything is perfect and sanitary and use cultured wine yeast.
Ask the "old timers" if their wine has ever gone "bad"
(turned to vinegar. There are no wineries that do not use sulfite
- it is safe & will protect your valuable wine - even the "old
timers" used sulfur strips in their barrels.
Here are a few good sources of winemaking info:
The Home Winemakers Manual by Lum Eisenman
A manual for amateur winemakers. http://home.att.net/%7Elumeisenman/
Go to
our own articles page for good info: http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/articles/index.htm
Sun 9/7/2003 - masdan
Good Afternoon, I purchased several bottles of Honeyflow Honey yesterday
at the Farmington Farmers Market.
What is the best way to store it longterm.?
Can it be frozen?
Looking forward to enjoying the honey all winter long.
Maryalyce Smith
Sat 9/6/2003 - gbeanro
We had a good time visiting your farm today! We had to rush home and
make some homemade biscuits to put this wonderful honey on!
The Randall Family
September 02 - Lee R. Ward
I'm a subscriber to your online newsletter. Is there needed to be eligible
for your weekly drawing?
Thanks - Lee
- If you are receiving the "Picking Updates" newsletter
- you are eligible for the drawing for a bushel of grapes.
If you receive the monthly newsletter you are alson eligible for the
candle drawing. Bill
September 03, 2003 - Kevin West
We won in July 2002, but never received candles. Did we need to respond
in some way?
Laura West
- Yes - I do not have your address to ship them to - please send it
& I will send you your candles
Bill
From
our September 2003 Issue
Click here to view the Newsletter
Won First Place with your Baco Noir, Second Place
with your Marechal Foch, and Fourth Place with your Cayuga/Horizon
blend at the 2003 Michigan State Fair - Question About Raw Uprocessed
Honey and Regular Honey - filtered grape juice? - Where do you buy
bird net? - Did you make your own crank for the bird netting? -
Love your site - Questions - Northeastern Vine Supply - Candle winner!
Saturday, August 30, 2003 - SBoskovich
Bill,
Harvest is fast approaching! Each of the past two years
I have ordered white grape juice for wine making from you and have hand
picked red grapes. Making wine from your 2002 grapes, I was able to
win First Place with your Baco Noir, Second Place with your Marechal
Foch, and Fourth Place with your Cayuga/Horizon blend at the 2003 Michigan
State Fair. Let's do it again! Please reserve me one 5-gallon pail of
Seyval Blanc juice and one 5-gallon pail of Vignoles juice this year.
Thanks for the great grapes and I look forward to seeing
you in the vineyard soon.
- Hi Steve
I have placed your order and will try to fill it - however the crop
of white grapes is very short and I may have to substitute with
"hybrid white".
Bill
: Tue 8/26/03 - Question About Raw Uprocessed Honey and
Regular Honey - Barbara Stopinski
Q. Your label just states honey yet you claim to have
raw and unprocessed
honey. How come you do not label it raw?
- A. Raw & unprocessed honey is available at our sales stand
in the fall when we fill your own containers from our bulk tank.
We fill this barrel with honey directly from our extracting barn
and it is raw & unprocessed.
- The wildflower/clover mix table honey that has been put in containers
for wholesale or retail sales is not filtered or pasteurized! We
warm our honey only to 130 to 135 degrees, cooler than most residential
hot water tanks. This will retard granulation, a natural condition
of honey for a short period of time. This low temperature warming
allows us to lightly "strain" the honey through cheesecloth
and pack it into containers. Any occasional honey crystals that
may appear due to this more natural treatment may be melted by putting
the jar of honey into hot water.
- This unfiltered honey is not completely "raw" because
it has been warmed slightly and therefore should not be labeled
as such.
Q. If a label does not state raw then is the honey heated?
Why would the honey
need to be heated?
- A. If the label does not state "raw" it most likely
has been heated. Also very few raw honeys (with some exceptions)
are liquid - raw honey will usually granulate within a few weeks.
- Packers need to heat honey to retard granulation. Most customers
in a grocery store think that granulated honey is a defect and will
not purchas it. Large honey packers sometimes heat their honey to
160 degrees and filter it. This will keep it looking very nice on
a store shelf bu the taste may be degraded.
Q. I have seen some honey labeled raw and it is completely
white. Does this
mean it has completely crystalized?
- A. Yes. Raw & unfiltered honey will granulate solid after
a month or two.
- When heated honey granulates the texture of the honey will be
very coarse. These coarse crystals do not hurt anything but do not
look as nice - This honey can be liquified very easily in hot water.
Q. Do you dilute your honey with water? Reason I ask is
that I know of a
beekeeper in Europe and he says that the standards for honey here in
the
States are different. Also, the honey in Europe is much thicker because
supposedly the beekeepers ARE NOT allowed to dilute it but the US they
can.
- A. NO REPUTABLE HONEY PRODUCER IN THE USA WOULD ADD WATER TO
THEIR HONEY! Besides it being illegal it would cause the honey to
ferment and become unsaleable. Honey does not remain stable if the
moisture content is too high. Anybody who would say that US beekeepers
routinely do such a thing is either uninformed or has a political
agenda.
- Many Europeans love to bash the USA. It is true the standards
in the USA are different - They are much higher. With all the different
governments in Europe there are no uniform regulations - every country
does whatever it wants. The USA has very strict food & drug
laws. Many treatments to honeybees that are used in Europe are not
legal in the USA. Recently, China was caught using an illegal antibiotic
and it was in there honey, this honey did not pass our standards
and was not allowed to enter the US.
- The thickness or density of honey can vary with the flower source.
Since many honey producers in Europe are small (like we are), possibly
they can sell their honey with less processing.
Q. I have purchased your honey at a vegetable stand in
Romeo. It was labeled as just plain honey so that means it was heated
to 130 or 135 degrees. Do you plan to sell your raw unheated honey at
these stands? I have been to your farm to pick grapes (these are wonderful)
but I did not purchase the honey as I had a jar at home from Romeo at
the time.
- A. We do sell raw honey at these types of fruit markets in 2.5
lb containers - they are usually marked as "creamed honey".
Q. Is the raw unprocessed honey at your farm higher in cost than the
slightly heated honey?
- A. The raw unprocessed honey sold from our bulk tank and poured
directly into a container that you bring to the farm cost much less.
(This year $1.55/lb) When we sell honey to roadside stands we must
add in warming, bottling, labeling and delivery charges.
Q. I have heard that honey can be liquified in a sunny
window. Is this a good idea? Any chance that the sun can damage the
honey?
- A. Yes, that can work, although you should make sure it does
not get too hot. Remove it from the window when done. Many people
re-liquify honey by putting the honey in hot water bath.
Q. Do you plan on introducing other types of flowers so that you can
have different honey? For example, some of the beekeepers in Europe
use the flowers of the linden tree. The honey is almost green and the
taste is very good. Also, the scent of the flowers is heavenly.
- A. Since we are also very active in our vineyard operation we
do not have the time to separate many of the different types of
honey. We start taking our honey off in September and most of it
is sold at our farm or roadside markets. When the vineyard closes
in October we return to the beeyards and the rest of the crop is
removed. I applaud the beekeepers that bottle honey from different
flower sources.
Thanks for the great questions - Bill
Monday, August 25, 2003 - ATTILA SIKLOSI
I resently visited Germany and my brother in law had
some tasty home bottled wine. He buys filtered grape juice and he is
bottling it, I would like to try it too. Can you give some advice ?
Are you selling something like this? Thank You !
- We do sell grape juice but we would never filter it before making
it into wine. I will send you a notification when the vineyard opens.
Bill
Monday, August 25, 2003 - Randall Currie
Where do you buy bird net?
We buy bird netting from Orchard Valley Supply (they are
on our Resources Page http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/winemakingresources.htm)
Bill
Saturday, August 09, 2003 - Question from Bob
Dear Honeyflow Farm:
Did you make your own crank for the bird netting? Thank you. Bob
- Bob - Thanks for the inquiry.
- Yes I did - It is just a combination of 2 x 4 type material and
a hand crank. We roll the netting up on plastic 2inch pvc tubes.
Friday, August 08, 2003 - Melissa Gruwell
Love your site - full of interesting facts and information.
Am interested in your candle making. Can you provide some links, hints
and or how too's for making the dipped tapers? Also what size wick is
best to use for the cylinder vs. taper. Do your hives produce any honey
from the vineyard? What about using your honey as a sweetner (instead
of the sugar) in some of your wine making? I have enjoyed my visit to
your site! Thank you for your time ... I am sure you are "busy
as bees"!
Sincerely, Melissa Gruwell
- Thank you for your comments - I plan to make a picure story of
candlemaking in the future (too busy lately) - There is one on our
newsletter on our main page http://www.honeyflowfarm.com
- I use a #3 for the larger cylinders and a #1 or #2 for the tapers.
You have to experiment and test - there are lots of variables. We
do not produce honey from the vineyard - the bees do not seem interested
in the grape blossoms and I rarely see them in the vineyard during
full bloom. We use honey as a sweetner in wine all the time - it
also has a slight anti-oxidant effect.
Thanks - Bill
Friday, August 01, 2003 - farmer
Hello, My name is Andrew Farmer. I am the owner of Northeastern
Vine Supply, a grape vine nursery specializing in cold hardy varieties.
I am interested in getting onto your wine making supply page as a link.
Please let me know what I can do. Thank you,
Andrew
- I will put you in our listing and also mention you in our next
newsletter. Do you have a catalog or website?
- Thanks - Bill
Wed, 30 Jul 2003 - Paul Olszewsk
What a plesant surprise to see my name in this months
newsletter!
I found your farm while searching the internet for sources of wine grapes.
Last year, my wife and I were out and hand picked enough Vignoles grapes
for a 3 gal. batch of white wine. I'm looking forward to coming out
again this fall. It's a lot of work, but a lot of fun too, and the results
sure are worth it.
We also really enjoyed your honey, and are looking forward to the candles.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Paul & Barb Olszewskii
From
our July/August Issue
Click here to view the Newsletter
Is it too early to place an order for grape juice
for the fall? Recipe for whipped honey? Do you sell grape leaves??
Looking for a few Einset grape vines for my home garden. I enjoyed your
grape pictures.
Thu, 19 Jun 2003 - dcollins6
Is it too early to place an order for grape juice for
the fall? Last year I ordered Baco Noir and wasn't able to get it due
to the crop damage. I'm hoping if I order early enough I will be able
to get it this year.
I would like a 5 gal pail of Baco Noir and a 5 gal pail of Seyval Blanc.
Are any of the new red wine grapes that you started this year available
yet or does it take several years before you have a crop to sell?
Thanks - Dave Collins
Unfortunately you are not batting too good this year
with your order. Seyval and baco are in very short supply due to winter
damage - there is a lot of dechaunac and foch available - I may be able
to get some 2 gallon pails of baco (with a strainer bag inside) that
you could add to foch juice to make a true red wine. I will probably
be pressing only "generic" white juice this year.
It takes at least 3 years after planting to have a crop.
We will keep in touch - Bill
Sorry to hear about the grape shortage. Let's change
the order to 5 gal of white grapes and 5 gal of Foch. Does the 2 gal
pail of Baco with strainer bag mean I add this pail to 3 gal of Foch
or do I mix it equal parts with Foch or??? I have not made a true red
wine so this may be a good opportunity for me. Please advise so I can
order more Foch as necessary.
Thanks- Dave Collins
They are separate items. If you put the 2 gallon grape bag into your
5 gallon of foch juice you will have 7 gallons of dark red wine. After
a week or so the bag can be removed and squeezed or drained. I will
place your order and thank you very much. Bill
Mon, 23 Jun 2003 - rritch
Hi, Do you have a recipe for whipped honey?
Thanks, Becky
To make whipped honey - take nice clean regular honey
and blend in about 10% of nice smooth granulated honey and it will set
up in a few weeks. Our creamed honey is not really "whipped"
(as in having air in it) We blend apricots or cinnamon in our also.
Good luck - Bill
6/7/03 - gldneagle
Do you sell grape leaves?? I would like to buy some that
are not already in jars.
Yours, Jonie Anderson'
We do not sell grape leaves - You can propbably get
a few late in the fall when we are open.
Why don't you try to use wild grapvine leaves - they are all over the
place and growing right now. Bill
6/12/03 - heathermbest
Hi, I live in Vancouver British Columbia and am looking
for a few Einset grape vines for my home garden. Would you have any
idea who ( in theVancouver area) supplies them? They sound delicious
but I have checked all the local nurseries to no avail. Thanx Heather
Best
Sun, 22 Jun 2003 - Holydare
I enjoyed your grape pictures and story. I am painting
grapes, but got more interested in their growing process. Thanks again,Chloe
From
our June 2003 Issue
Click here to view the Newsletter
Starting a hive in my backyard ••
small experimental vineyard in central Virginia ••
send me one of your catalogs ••
do you have to have a male and female grape plants ••
how much yeast to add to the starter for mead ••
where can I purchase a machine for making stuffed grapeleaves?
•• Do you carry the chocolate
honey combs? •• What materials
do you use for your wicks? ••
Trying to identify what the bottle of rose wine.
5/29/03 - chris9137
i am interested in starting a hive in my backyard,as a
hobby. i want to buy top of the line stuff, but only the minimum i need
to get the hive set up. i will also need help or instructions on what
to do. is there anyway you could help me or make recomendations. thanks
- chris
May 28, 2003 - cambers
I grow a small experimental vineyard in central Virginia
and am interested in obtaining cuttings from some of your varieties,
especially Delaware. Please let me know if you would be willing to work
with me in obtaining small quantities of your cuttings (~20 each of
the varieties I need) next winter. Regards, Cliff Ambers
5/12/03 - Outtamind420
was hoping that you could send me one of your catalogs.
Lenny Giulinani
Thanks - Bill
May 21, 2003 - ann1939
I am just starting with grape growing.do you have to have
a male and female plant, how do you know? Thanks in advance,waiting
on you reply.
or our grape bloom pictures:
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/grapeproject/bloom.htm#bloom
here is a series of grape pictures the whole year:
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/grapeproject/grapeproject.htm
Bill
5/22/03 - ktgm99
I am trying to make some mead, a 1 gallon batch, but I
cannot find how much yeast to add to the starter for this. All the yeast
I purchase is intended for 5 gallons. On your site it even says "1
package yeast of your choice.". If I follow the 1 gallon yeast
starter ingredients on your site, do I use the whole yeast package for
5 gallons, or do I portion it out? It is kind of confusing, please help!
You can not add too much yeast - just use the whole
package.
Yeast will not convert sugar into alcohol until it reaches
a certain concentration of yeast cells/volume (I don't really know the
exact amount.)
When you add yeast to a must (grape, fruit or mead) the yeast will start
to divide & grow until it reaches the proper concentration. Any
extra is not really used.
It is usefull to get the must fermenting as quickly as
possible so quite often I use a yeast started (about a quart) - sterilize
(boil) some juice (any kind) and add the yeast. This will start very
quickly - I then add it to my wine - same starter for 1 gallon - 5 gallon
- or 50 gallon. (you may not want to do this for 1 gallon of wine -
just add the yeast directly.)
Use a wine or mead yeast - do not use "bakers"
yeast (thats for bread).
Good Luck - Bill
5/9/03 - MBB4208
can you tell me where i can purchase a machine for making
stuffed grapeleaves
I am sorry but I have never made them but they are delicious
- do you make them often -?? Have a good recipe???? - Bill
5/8/03 - Gigi.ButlerBates
Do you carry the chocolate honey combs? If so, how much
are they? I have a friend that just adores them.
The honeybees produce honey from the nectar of flowers
- somewhat like how someone dehydrates (boils down) maple sugar tree
sap to concentrate it and produce maple syrup.
I do not know of anything like chocolate honey combs.
They may be some man made candy. We do not have anything like that.
On another note - I see that you do not appear to be receiving
our newsletter properly. think the problem is with your email service.
Quite frequently the email program is not set up to receive "html"
newsletters - you may have to change your preferences.
You can always view our newsletter on our website main
page http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/
or in our newsletter archive http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/newsletters/newsletterarchive.htm
or at http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/newsletters/2003/may/may2003.htm
- Bill
May 8, 2003 - katoneil
have recently purchased some of your beeswax candles
and have been thoroughly enjoying them. I have a question also - what
materials do you use for your wicks? Thanks - Kathy
Kathy - Most of our candles use a "square braid
cotton wick", some use a "flat braid cotton wick", and
our votives have a "zinc core wick". All of these are specially
designed for beeswax candles, come in various sizes and we "test"
each one to make sure they burn properly in each style of candle. -
Bill
May 2003 - bernard19me
All right - I am trying to identify what the bottle of
rose wine is (in the case you gave us) - it taste very nice - it can't
be a foch (too light in color) - it taste better than the dechaunac
rose that I have made.- I give up what is it???
All this fresh air and pruning vines is killing me - all
I do is try a different bottle each night & collapse. Your frontenac/chambourcin
was excellent. The foch was a nice fresh drinkable wine. Are all your
reds de-stemmed before fermenting - I suspect they are. I have had the
habit in the past of fermenting 3 days on the skins (because I did not
have a de-stemmer - I have one now!!) & it imparts more tanin that
I like.
I have had a friend who told me in the past that we had
no good "speghetti reds" in Michigan - I think that is rapidly
changing!!!
Thanks for the vines - Bill Schnute
The rose is Foch it was pressed off and fermented no
skins and then added a little sugar to sweeten. i think its like a those
light red zins the girls like. Yes I was able to use the crusher destemmer
at school for my wines. The best wine is the one I have to bring over
its really great. Botrytis vignoles it has pineapple aromas started
at over 40 brix and now at 16. Almost done fermenting. Next time I stopp
by I will bring sample. Been busy planting and will write again soon.
Thanks for the Honey. Bernard
How to prune grapes ••
I"m new at beekeeping - dead bees ••
Could you tell me what a bee repellent is? ••
Grease patties •• How to make
my own candles for home use ••
Orange-date muffin recipie ••
Do you make "pie candles"? ••
My son and i are getting ready to plant 700 chardonnay vines.
5/1/03 - macou612
hi my name is mark im trying to grow graps, i need to
know how to prune my grapes,i cut every thing off last year and left
one branch sticking out of the ground,messed up uh! well if you have
any info.i would love to here from you. i believe i am the only one
in kentucky trying to grow grapes. thanks mark couch
Mark
Grapes grow from shoots grown from last years buds. The
basic idea of pruning buds is to establish a trunk and then keep some
last years buds in the fruiting area (usually on the top wire). I usually
have 2 older trunks and then make 5 buds spurs that are spaced along
the top wire. The only reason for the 5 buds spurs is to count the buds
and keep them to about 40 to 50 so the vine will not overcrop.
Take a look at some of our pruning pages.
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/grapeproject/grapeproject.htm -
Bill
Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - blt
Im new at beekeeping. I don,t know very much about bees
yet,I,m trying to learn. My bees were fine last fall.I covered the hive
for winter.I thought they were fine this spring.They came out when it
was sunny,then all of a sudden dead bees everywhere.I finally opened
the hive to see what was going on in there.All that I have are about
30 bees and the queen left.I need help! I don,t know what to do. Nancy
Sounds like you have loss from varroa mites. I lost
at least 50% of my bees last year. All you can do now is give them a
frame of brood from another hive to increase their strength or purchase
another replacement package bee colony. You may want to treat them this
spring with apistan before the honeyflow. - Bill
4/13/03 - darin
I noticed on your beekeeping page that you mention using
a "bee repellent" at one point. Could you tell me what that
repellent is? I have a problem in that wild honey bees in my urban area
really like my swimming pool. They like the waterfall from my spa into
the pool, because the water is chlorinated and seeps into the flagstones.
As I am somewhat allergic to many insect stings, I have now lost use
of my pool.
I am looking for workable solutions, such as plants to
place near the pool that would naturally repel bees, etc. What would
you suggest?
Thanks, D! (Darin W. Smith)
There are a couple of repellants that I use but the
are for driving the honeybees off the honey supers and removing the
crop. They cannot be used in swimming pools.
Unfortunately the honeybees are attracted to the source
of water in your pool.
I am not sure what you can do. Possibly if you light some
attractive "Tiki" lamps that smoke slightly the honeybees
may find another source of water. - Bill
Thanks for the feedback. I may try the tiki lamp idea
when I use the spa. I would like to find a way to get them conditioned
to go somewhere else. Others have told me that once we really get into
summer here (I'm in Texas) the bees will find something closer to their
hive because it will be just too hot for them to forage too far away.
On the other hand, some claim that bees really like the smell and/or
taste of chlorinated water, and that is why they prefer my pool over,
say, some puddle somewhere. I'm told they also like "seeping"
water, and the rocks on my waterfall from the spa to the pool are perfect
for that. I've found a couple of products online that I might try, that
are smell good to humans but smell awful to bees. I guess I can give
them a try.
Others say they have had luck by setting out a pan of
rocks soaking in a water/honey/Clorox solution and get the bees conditioned
to going to it rather than the pool, then gradually move it away from
the pool--but you have to be diligent at keeping it full. They say that
you can move it in the direction they are flying to-and-fro and they
will eventually lead you straight to their hive. Just by watching them,
I surmise that their hive is in a neighbor's yard. I guess I should
go have a talk with him. I'm in an urban area, so it is most likely
a wild hive. If he is raising bees then I think that would be against
city ordinances. I am especially concerned since it is known that we
have africanized bees in our area now. Thanks, Darin
4/10/03 - klw472002
which mite does this patty affect and is it total control
also could you send our recipe for the patty? thanks ken
ken - The grease patties that we use consist of crisco,
sugar, honey, salt & wintergreen essential oil. They are useful
for both tracheal and varroa mites - but NO treatment will give you
total control.
The best source of info on using wintergreen oils is on:
http://www.hereintown.net/%7Ernoel/
- these people are really great.
We do not rely on only one treatment - use must use many
things at once - oils, good queen stock, apistan, open bottom boards,
formic acid, etc. This past year we still had extremely heavy losses
- over 50% - Bill
4/13/03 - rlvmeter
I am interested in learning how to make my own candles
for home use. I also have friends that homeschool in Michigan and are
interested in the same. Do you give tours of your farm at any other
times than those listed on the internet? Would you consider a tour for
our small group of about 8 people? Your farm sounds very interesting
and unique. Thank you. - Regina Van Meter
We do not have tours at any time - Unfortunately we
are not making candles when we are open in the fall. You are welcome
to visit when we are open in September for Grapes, Honey and some of
our beeswax candles will be at our sales stand.
To view our whole candle collection please visit our candle
catalog at http://www.honeyflowfarm.bigstep.com/catalog.html
4/6/03 - nejram
Hello, I was interested in trying the orange-date muffin
recipie, but it doesn't say how much milk to use. Please let me know!
Thank-you.
You are correct - the milk amount is not on the recipe.
I do not know who the recipe was turned in by. Could you possibly use
your cooking skills and try the recipe and may be figure it out for
us. - It must be similar to other recipes. I personally have not tried
every recipe that was given us. I you have any good grape or honey recipes,
please send them to us. - Bill
April 2, 2003 - GramGall
Do you make "pie candles"? Do you have a candle
available for the home?
What are "pie candles"? All of our candles
are for use in the home. Visit our candle catalog http://www.honeyflowfarm.bigstep.com/catalog.html
Pie candles are candles that look like a real pie. You burn them by
the slice and they are scented. For instance, an apple pie candle would
look like, and smell like, an apple pie. That's kind of a neat idea
- we do not have any but I may think about it Thanks - Bill
April 1, 2003 - papajoec
My son and i are getting ready to plant 700 chardonnay
vines, this is our first attempt and we are really into it, end post
are in the ground but not anchored we will complete the trellis after
planting, at the present i am taking a viticulture course, establishing
and maintaining a vineyard, what i would like to do this coming harvest
is to purchase some grapes and make some chianti and if possible sour
cherries for cherry wine would you please comment. thank papa joec
That a lot of chardonnay vines! Where are you located
- chardonnay are not the most winter hardy of vines - we will have lots
of grapes for red wine ready to pick this fall. Where are you taking
the viticulture course - at MSU? Good luck with your planting. - Bill
your right that sure is a lot of vines and your welcome to join in,
you will enjoy being in the foothills of the blue ridge mountains, at
mount airy, north carolina, i am enrolled in a viticulture course at
surry cummunity college,nc and enjoy it emencely
Great Service!!!!! ••
Pick up my order ••
A friend introduced me to your farm ••
Beeswax to finish my brick floors ••
Send your newsletter to an interested person who does not have
a computer?? •• Info on comb
honey is not clear •• Sell
your raw honey in the large buckets? ••
Looking for old fashioned pillar candles that WILL drip ••
Baco grapes here in Tasmania, Australia ••
Want to see your wines and get a lesson on wine making.
Sun, 2 Mar 2003 - KLARKIE2
Subject: Great Service!!!!! Hi...........I recently received a package
from you and to my surprise, enclosed were several ornaments and a votive
candle. When I read the note that came with it I was overcome with happiness!!
I had ordered some ornaments before Christmas for my daughter to give
out in school. One arrived broken, but I never expected to be compensated.
You are both a pleasure to do business with! It isn't often that you
find business owners who care as much as you do about their customers!
Words can not express my thanks to you! I guess this is what life is
all about. Making contact with people who truly care, which in turns
creates more caring in the world. Again, thank you! Fondly, Cindy Clarke
Mon, 03 Mar 2003 - stryker
Bill and Pat,
Thank you so much for offering to let me pick up my order. My husband
and mother both received your honey as Christmas presents, and we were
running out quickly! We loved the Apricot Creamed and the Cinnamon Creamed,
and I ordered some Wildflower for each of us to taste, as well as candles
for us to share. Thank you so much, I'm sure you'll be hearing from
me again soon. Your website is GREAT! I still haven't finished reading
both of the February and March issues because there is so much information!
Wonderful job! Keep up the great work. I will be sharing your website
with several of my friends! Thank you again, Jo Ladner
Dear Jo Ladner, Thank you for your order. - If you would
like to avoid shipping charges you can pick your order up from our front
porch. It is there now. You can leave a check for $50.85 in the bucket
on the porch. I can still put it on your credit card if you wish.
Bill & Pat Schnute
Tue, 4 Mar 2003 - jdhudson
In 2001 a friend introduced me to your farm. I was very
impressed! As novice winemakers my brother and I picked some of your
Vidal Blanc and made 5 gallons of white wine. My Father was so impressed
( It never was aged properly, we drank it too soon.) with the finished
product that he vowed to make some in 2002. My father visited your farm
and with the help of my brother picked enough Vidal blanc to make 5
gallons of wine for himself. He hurried home to crush the grapes into
a primary fermenter. Carrying the fermentor with all the juice and pulp
down the stairs was just a bit too much for the healthy 75 yr old to
handle. He fell and broke his neck! Needless to say he lost all the
juice. While he was still in the hospital (about a month) I received
your newsletter and saw I was the grape winner. I thought it would be
nice to replace my fathers lost wine with the free grapes. Thankyou!
I made the wine and it is aging nicely.My father is fully recovered,
and will soon be sampling his breakneck Vidal blanc. The lord sure moves
in mysterious ways! We will see you in the fall of 2003. Thanks again!
PS You have pictures of my father, bother, sister in-law and niece from
when they were there picking the first batch. You also have pictures
of me, my son, my brother his wife and 2 girls picking the replacement
batch. pretty cool! John
3/5/03 - I am interested in using beeswax to finish my
brick floors. Do you sell this product? If so, how much is the cost,
and how often does it need to be reapplied? Thankyou, Cindy Steltenkamp
/ email is Camstelt@aol.com
We do carry beeswax
. I do not know how it is used on brick floors. Bill & Pat
3/7/03 - chdhj
Would it be possible for you to send your newsletter to
an interested person who does not have a computer?? Name: Roger Segebrecht
Thank you very much! I would like you newsletter and articles on making
wine also. Please send to chdhj@aol.com
The easiest thing would be for you to print our newsletter
and mail it to your friend. Even better - convince your friend that
he is missing a lot without a computer. (I have friends like this also)
Bill
Sunday, March 9, 2003 - DJTmaillady
Your website's info on comb honey is not clear: At the
top of the description, it reads "2.0 lb. $4.75", but at the
bottom it says that it comes in "12 oz. 4 in. plastic boxes".
This does not compute. Am I missing something?
It is confusing and hard to fix since the program (Bigstep)
only shows the shipping weight on your computer. The comb honey
does come in 4 inch square plastic boxes and the weight varies from
12 to 16 oz, but the SHIPPING WEIGHT is 2 lb with all the packaging.
Bill
Monday, March 10, 2003 - lundybk
I was wondering if you still sell your raw honey in the
large buskets? My friend purchased buckets from you several years ago.
If you do sell the large buckets, could you let me know? I have several
people that are interested in the 50-60# buckets. Also, want price will
they be? Thank you for your help, Wendy
The best way for you to purchase raw honey in 5 gallon
pails (60 lb) is to bring them to our sales stand in the fall. All of
our raw honey (except for 2 gallon pails) is not available during the
year - only available in the fall before is crystalizes.
Monday, March 17, 2003 - dianer
Hi, I am looking for old fashioned pillar candles that
WILL drip for a gothic style iron candle holder. Do you have these,
and how quickly can I get them? Thanks, Dian Rygh
Products are usually shipped next day after order - sorry
for delay in response - we were out of town.
Our 6
inch pillar is our most popular, but they do not drip
Why do you want candles that will make a mess? You may
want to try our hand
dipped candles.
Bill
Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - mahunt
re Baco grapes. Is this normally a sweet wine or is it
made similarly to Cabernet Sauvignon. I have a small patch of baco grapes
in a hobby vinyard I have inherited with the new house I have bought,
here in Tasmania, Australia. I have made other wines in the past,eg
Cab. Sauv. and pinot noir but this wine is confusing as I have 21% sugar
already but pH 2.8 and Titratable acid of aprox. 15g/L. Your thoughts
please, if you can spare the time.
I love Baco Noir - It is usually made as a dry red wine
similar to a Cabernet, however it does have much more acidity compared
to vinifera grapes. It is one of my favorites at our vineyard. The acidity
can be reduced by blending with the vinifera grapes (their acidity is
sometimes too low), reducing by using various chemical, diluting with
sugar water, and also using a malolactic fermentation (check winemaker
magazine site for info http://www.winemakermag.com/mrwizard/161.html)
Acidity will also drop naturally during fermentation. Most people use
many of these methods at the same time. Good Luck - Bill
3/20/03 - Lucymoie
I would like to come and see your wines and get a lesson
on the wine making. When is the best time to come and get winemaking
supplies? I will phone you...Carol= lucymoie@aol.com
We do not sell wine - but encourage you to make your
own. We sell more than 20 varieties of grapes for winemaking that you
can pick yourself. We are open only in the fall. 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
on Fridays, Saturday and Sundays only from usually the first week in
September to mid October. We do not sell many winemaking supplies, just
lots of grapes and juice. Look at our
winemaking resource page for wine shops. Bill
Starbucks, clover honey, red wine vinegar - apple cider
vinegar, zinc core votives, grapevine winter damage, Sterling Hts winemaking
Feb 2003 - taz
Personally, having grown up in Seattle, where it all began, I would
be more inclined to find the local coffee houses and same baristas (folks
who prepare the beverages) to make my brew.
While Starbucks has consistent taste, they are corporate greed (and
child labor abusers) personified.
I wish their product weren't so tasty; it would be much easier to put
pressure on them for change. Or not do business with them!
Tell your local coffee houses; if they want consistent business, they
must
make a consistent product, where each person is taught to make it the
same
way. This can keep the profits local, rather than global.
Since you asked...... ! Regards, Tamzin Williams
2/3/03 - joekara
A friend gave us your website. Do you only sell wild flower honey as
opposed to clover honey? Thanks. - Gertie Karafa Our term "Wildflower
honey" is our generic was of saying the typical varieties in our
area. Most of our crop is a blend of various flowers, such as red, white
& yellow sweet clovers along with starthistle, a high quality white
honey. - Bill
2/5/03 - emilyeslyons
I just received my candle shipment, they are beautiful candles and they
smell wonderful!! I just can not understand why I have not switched
to beeswax candles sooner!! I do have one question. The sented candles
that you offer, how are they scented? With natural substances and made
on your farm along with the regular beeswax candles?
I Thank you so much for the great candles and the prompt service!! Sincerely,
Emily Lyons Thank you for the kind remarks. We use natural essential
oils (purchased from a candle supplier) We of course do make all the
candles at our farm, but not the essential oils. - Bill
1/29/03 - LureenMcNeil
Does red wine vinegar have the same health benefits as red wine? Thank
you. I would think that it does, but most people do not drink as much
red wine vinegar as they drink red wine. Although I like red wine vinegar
I am a very big fan of Mrs. Braggs apple cider, I drink it with water
all the time. This may be a good was to consume more red wine vinegar.
- Bill Thank you for responding. What are the benefits of apple cider
vinegar? Apple cider is very good for arthritis. One common mixture
is raw apple cider, honey & water. I drink a large glass of ice
water with a couple of shots on Mrs. Brags Apple Cider Vinegar in it.
I just like the taste & it is real refreshing on a hot day - like
drinking gatorade. - Bill
February 9, 2003 - PartyPalace
Do you have a print catalog available for either retail or wholesale
?
Thanks, - Cindy Vincent - Vincent's Party Palace We do not have a print
catalog at all, we sell totally from our website.
We do not have plans to sell wholesale at this time. Thank you for your
inquiry - Bill & Pat
2/11/03 - emilyeslyons
I have a general question about the votives that are sent with each
$25 purchased. I was going to burn one that I just got and noticed that
there is something metallic in the center of the wick. Do you use leaded
wicks in the votives? This is what it looked like. Why would you do
this? Part of the reason I decided to purchase from you is because you
advertised a full cotton wick on your candles. Could you please clarify.
Do all your votives have this type of metallic wick?
Thank you for your timely responce. - Emily Lyons There is absolutely
no lead core wicks used in any of our products. I hope I was not misleading,
as we do us square braid wicks in most all of our candles. However our
votives do have a "zinc core wick" and that is what you see.
I have never heard of any problems with zinc since it is a dietary element
and used in most vitamins. I did some research an here are some sites
of interest: The
National Institute of Health clinical center and also a Health
Food store site . -
Thank you - Bill
2/20/03 - How far approximately are you from Sterling
Heights? I just made a batch of wine from a kit, and its coming along
great. I have my wife's Nonno's (Italian for grandpa) old wine press
just sitting there and I would to put it to use. I'd like to visit and
see what kind of grape blends I could make. My wife love this Hungarian
wine we got from PRP Wines. It has two personalities; when cold it's
sweeter, when warm it's drier, but still not like a Cab. I'm just wondering
if there's a way to duplicate this kind of personality into wine if
I make it myself. I'd love any information you'd share with me for being
a first time winemaker.
Thank you for you time and patience. Jeremy Sherman in Sterling Heights,
MI We are about 30 to 40 minutes from Sterling Hts. People have come
from all over the state to our farm in the fall. Since we grow more
than 20 varieties of grapes for wine in am certain you will find something
you like. Bill
2/15/03 - debra
Hi, I was wondering if you have a catalog with all your products in
it (wine making, honey etc....). If you do I would appreciate it if
you would send me one. Deb - I have just sent you a copy of our "Resource
Book" but it is not really a catalog.
Our real catalog is on line. Thank you - Bill & Pat
Red wine vinegar, shipping to Honduras, black
bear legislation, honeybee science project, planting grapes in Illinois
1/29/03 - LureenMcNeil
Does red wine vinegar have the same health benefits as red wine? Thank
you.
I would think that it does, but most people do not drink
as much red wine vinegar as they drink red wine. Although I like red
wine vinegar I am a very big fan of Mrs. Braggs apple cider, I drink
it with water all the time. This may be a good was to consume more red
wine vinegar. Bill
January 12, 2003 - kgbarton
I would like to place an order. Your menu offered APO AA as an option,
and I receive packages by USPS all the time (I prefer Priority Mail).
I work at the U.S. Embassy in Honduras. Can't you ship to me? It goes
to the APO through Florida, and shipping is U.S. rates. Thanks, Kay
Barton
Yes I can ship to you. The automated part of my site
does not contain the shipping rates - so you will have to order direct.
Either use my special
shipping form or just email to me what you want shipped and use
the credit
card info transmittal page to transmit your payment info.
We can ship US mail parcel post or priority mail. Bill & Pat
January 21, 2003 - gemhillbillies
Hi, I stopped by our place many years ago, probably 14-15 years
ago, I was just getting into beekeeping. My father lived in Almont.
I was looking at your web site. It is really nice. One of the best I've
seen. I am just getting around to putting up a site, but trying to do
it myself was probably a bad idea.
Anyway, the main reason I am contaction you is to tell you about a bill
in the Michigan House which is sponsored by my local state representative,
Rep. Rich Brown, D-Bemmemer, at my request. This bill is for beekeepers
who have had, or have, trouble with black bear. Which, I have come to
find out is not only a problem for those few of us who keep bees in
the U.P., but many beekeepers in the northern lower peninsula. The bill
can be seen and read by going to the Michigan Lesislature site, just
type in michigan legislature and their site will come up. You will need
to go to the 2001-2002 session and type in (HB)6249.
The bill got no where last year. It didn't get out of
committee. It is going to be re-introduced this year (session) and will
get a new House Bill number. This bill cost the taxpayers nothing. It
is an abatement and re-imbursement program paid for from up to 15% of
the bear licensing fees. We need this bill. Wisconain has had such a
bill for about 20 years. A call to your local state representative encouraging
support of this bill will be greatly appreciated and please spread the
word. The more calls the better. Good luck with the bees this year.
It's nice to see the price there where it should be. Please feel free
to contact me if you wish.
Les McBean
White Birch Apiary
Bruce Crossong, MI 49912
1-906-827-3224
1/20/03 - gandr
I hope you can help me. I know you are very busy, but I would appreciate
a little time.
I am ten and did a science project on bees last year - I won my age
group at county! I would like to continue on the topic of bees this
year, and came across the subject of bee pheremones last year. How bees
can use them to communicate - for example they let off a pheremone when
they sting you, so you have to be careful not to alarm them too much
- I read somewhere that the pheremone smells like bananas to us!
Do you have any idea about this?? Can you give me any ideas about how
to use this in a project?? Please.
Thank you so much, I hope you can help - from Danial McGhie
Danial McGhie You are correct in what you wrote. The
"alarm" pheremone does smell something like bananas. When
I get stung I will usually smoke the area to keep other bees from stinging
the same spot. I am not sure how you would use this in a project. I
know the scientist sometimes take a dark object (bees don't like black)
and they take pictures of the honeybees stinging it and count the stingers.
Did you know that only the female worker bee can sting (the males -
drones - have no stinger) and shortly after they sting they will die,
but they will still fly around a while and you may think you can get
stung again.
You may want to look at our honeybee pictorial http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/beeproject/beeproject.htm
, it shows what we do all year. It sound like this is a good year for
you to get your first beehive. It is a great learning experience and
a great way to establish a small honey business enterprise.
Good luck with your project. Bill Schnute
1/17/03 - cfpjwhit
We live in mid-Illinois and want to try to grow grapes on about 4 acres,
that has always been wheat, soybeans or corn.....any advice as where
to purchase affordable grape vines?? Thanx Patricia Whitlock PS The
pictures of your gorgeous, ripening/ripe grapes are inspiring!!
I just ordered some vines from Double
A Nursery (716) 672-8493) and also Concord Nurseries
(800) 223-2211.
All of the vines we grow here should also grow in Illinois.
You also might try growing some Norton (Cynthiana) - a very good red
wine grape.
Good Luck - Bill
Free votives, 2003 beekeeper calendars, growing
grape vines, fast service, burn times of candles, Thank you for making
this experience possible, My dad will love his michigan honey.
12/10/02 - betsymcg
Do I get the extra free votive candles because my order was over $25
Thanks, betsy mcgrath You certainly do - 1 extra votive will be included
with your order. The automated part of our website will not show the
votive but it will be included.
Details at:
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/newsletterarchive/votiveprogram.htm
- Bill
Thursday, December 12, 2002 - twoodman
I'm searching for a 2003 calendar for my beekeeper friend. Any suggestions?
Thank you very much. - Tim Woodman
12/16/02 - debbyholda
Hello, I am interested in growing grape vines for home wine making.
Do you sell grape vines? If not, can you recommend where I can purchase
some.
Thanks - Steve Holda
19 Dec 2002 - dkm1
Dear Honeyflow farms: Just letting you know that i received my order
of honey. thanks for the fast service and care of your packaging. I
hope to order more in the future.
p.s. my dad will love his michigan honey
Thanks J. miller Merry Christmas
12/21/02 - tomryan
Hi folks, Do you have more complete information about burn (or projected
burn) times? The only ones I see at first look-through are for some
of your votive candles. Thanks.
It is difficult to get a real accurate burn time and
we do not like to give out misleading information. There are lots of
variables that influence how long a candle will last such as: the size
of the wick, drafts, the weight of the candle and if the candle is burned
all at one time or not. If you want to compare our pillars to beeswax
pillars at other sites you should look at the size or wax weight.
In our 3 inch cylinders the 3 inch one weighs 1lb, the
6 inch weighs 1lb - 15 oz & the 9 inch weighs 2lbs - 13 oz.
Many of our candles are even more decorative in nature
and most people will not burn them at all (Nativity Figurines, etc.)
Bill
29 Dec 2002 - barkat
Thank you for your response. The order did arrive that Friday and the
children and I were able to dip on Monday,and Tuesday. The candles cooled
and dried and were wrapped in time for Christmas. Thank you for making
this experience possible with your expediency!
I look forward to further transactions in this way. I have been coming
to the farm for 3-4 years now and look forward to the newsletter each
summer. (And now, with e-mail.) Thank you again. I hope the school has
mailed your payment.
Elizabeth K
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