Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF Friyay Good News

~ John W. Howell

It is Friday again, which some of us believe to be Saturday eve. However, we all know Saturday represents an element of freedom, so we are happy to see you Friday.

Today’s good news stories are about humans and bees.

Story one is about the kindness of a Billings Montana Firefighter. Take a look at this photo.

Photo courtesy of Allie Marie Schmalz

Yes, that is Firefighter Ryan Benton reading a story to a little girl. The girl and family were involved in a car accident, so the firefighter took her to the side of the road and read her a story. This brought her mind off the trauma while he family dealt with the situation. It is the policy for the Billings fire crews to carry stuffed animals and books for such an occasion. Yet the goodness here is Ryan Benton saw a need and stepped in to help a small child without a moment of hesitation.

Our second story is about discovering honey bees in the UK that could mean the return of a subspecies there.

Photo courtesy of Filipe Salbany

800,000 native honeybees, which some thought extinct, were found in ancient oak woodland at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England. Experts said they could be the last remaining descendants of the British isle’s original forest honeybee populations. Since these bees are thriving, it is thought that this is an excellent second chance for the subspecies.

A bee-keeping veteran with more than 40 years of experience, Filipe Salbany found 50 separate nests in the estate’s forest. The grounds have had no gardening activity, and the property isn’t open to the public, so this has been a ‘rewilding’ area. The good news is the bees seem to be immune to the varroa mite—a big killer of bees.

Today’s JohnKu talks about those news items that make us feel good. I hope you have a delightful weekend.

The news by John W. Howell © 2021

The stories we hear,

And read, make us happy when  . . .

We can’t help smiling.

80 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF Friyay Good News”

  2. Meanwhile, in deepest South Yorkshire, Clare is getting together with some other interested allotment-holders to set up a hive (or some hives? I’m not sure) on her allotment. That’s her xmas present sorted, anyway. Can I buy a beekeeper’s suit of armour from rocketman Bezos?

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  7. Dear John,
    absolutely great what this firefighter does, it’s so kind.
    We heard about these bees from Blenheim Palace. May they multiply and spread all over the country.
    Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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  8. While the bee photo creeped me out a bit, that’s great news. They’re so necessary for a thriving ecosystem. And of course the firefighter story was heartwarming. Thanks for ending our week on a high note. I’m really enjoying the Fri-Yay Friday posts.

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    1. That would be a good thing. At least hoping this strain of bee can multiply and spread. The article seemed to imply that there is a treatment for the mite.I guess I don’t know enough about the problem to know if the treatment is widespread. Also these bees continue to fly and collect pollen in temperatures that are almost ten degrees cooler than other bees. Thanks, Charles.

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  17. Thank you, John, for these beautiful reminders of the power of kindness and the miracles of nature. Both are heart-lifting and inspiring. Have a wonderful joy-full weekend, my friend. 🌞

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  19. My police department, many years ago, made the decision to carry teddy bears in the trunks of the cars. For just this kind of situation. And they are the really good kind of teddy bear. I have one. I read somewhere that if we ever lose our bees, the human species will not be far behind. That’s how important they are.

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  20. Here is to ecological niches and the resilience of nature and of firefighters too. It would seem they both know what to do in case of an emergency. Sometimes it takes a little more to really put out the fire. Happy Friday John.

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  21. I absolutely love this, John! Especially because my son has been training to be a fireman and I hope he’s the kind of man you see in this photo :-). And the bees —well, I’m rooting for them. Good to see that they’ve got a win somewhere! Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for sharing some good vibes.

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  23. These are just the stories one needs to start the weekend. Happy to see that nature heals itself when humans keep a safe distance. Also happy to hear about the firefighter. It is people like him who keep our faith in humanity alive. Thanks for sharing these amazing stories. Wish you a lovely weekend.

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  24. Great stories, John. My son is a firefighter, so I really related to that one. Sure hope the honeybees make a comeback in the UK. We miss seeing them around here, too. The flowers still get pollinated, but it is by other species. Eerie not seeing honeybees in the flowers.

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  27. I’m so glad I chose today to catch up on my blog reading. I have a soft spot for firefighters because my dad was a volunteer for many years. This story is so sweet. It’s such a nice feeling to know they are prepared for the kids even in times of chaos. As for the honeybees, another great feel-good story. Thanks so much for sharing, John!

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  29. Wonderful tidings, dear John! Finally good news return back to the world….at least on John’s Fradays! Have a good warm week-end! 🙂 🌭🍤🍤🍤🍺😊

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  30. The great thing about the firefighter easing the little girl’s fears is this experience will likely stay with her the rest of her life, and she will one day help someone in need.

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  31. I love they keep books and stuffed animals for these occasions when kids need it the most. Happy to hear about the bees, but wouldn’t want that many on me 🙂

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  32. Your first story reminded me of a very young Australian girl who went missing and was found alive and well after an intensive search. The story talked about hardened cops breaking down on finding her. This was about 2 weeks back. I suppose at our core we are all decent folks.

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