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.
Fiction Favorites 
We definitely were on the same wavelength with the first story, Boss. When I saw that image, I thought SOLD! And here’s to the bees!
LikeLiked by 3 people
It was hard to turn away from that one for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Impossible as soon as you saw that image of him reading to the kid on the curb. How could we not go with it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know right?
LikeLike
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?
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m sure Jeff would be happy to get you one. If not, call Musk. 😊 Good for Clare.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Two wonderful stories. Thanks for sharing, John. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone 💕🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Harmony. Have a good one as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The story about the bees is great, and unexpected. I’m going to ask some of my British gardening readers if they’ve heard about it.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Good idea. I didn’t have time but wanted to look up that abandoned palace and get the story of it as well. 😊
LikeLike
I cried when I saw the story about the firefighter on the news recently. We need the media to share more stories like this instead of trying to divide us. That’s for your contribution, John!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, JiIl. It is a powerful story of human goodness.
LikeLike
Good news and kindness go together very well, John. Thanks for starting my day with a smile.
LikeLiked by 4 people
You usually start mine the same way so it is nice to reciprocate.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Klausbernd. Wishing the Fab Four a fab weekend. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You just reminded me to pick up the Fri-Yay convention, Staci. I meant to do that this week and totally forgot. I have it in my brain now. Thanks. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great news about the bees! And the story of the firefighter touched my heart.
LikeLiked by 3 people
The firefighter story is so powerful. To occupy the mind of a child on something beautiful in the midst of ugliness is the work of angels. Thanks, Joan. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your JohnKu is perfect. Thanks for the stories, especially because I hadn’t heard about the bees. Gotta love the fireman story – and that’s a great pic!
LikeLiked by 3 people
It is a great story. Thanks, Frank.
LikeLike
Great stories today, John. The bee story goes to prove that when Nature is left alone, it repairs and prospers.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Precisely! Nature knows what it’s doing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s right. It is always trying to find balance – humans just do not fit into that!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree. Gets embarrassing sometimes being us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, we certainly don’t.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is for sure, GP. We should all step away for a while. (If only that was possible.) 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was going to ask about the bee killing mite. Wonder if they can find a way to use their immunity to help hives around the world.
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLike
I’d say cross breeding, but I’m not sure if that’s ethical.
LikeLike
I’ll bet that little girl is going to remember Ryan’s kindness for the rest of her life. I hope her family is all right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No mention of the family so I think they are. I agree she will remember Ryan’s kindness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a sweet story about the firefighter. What a wonderful idea. Awesome news about the bees, also. Thanks for the uplifting stories, John – the world can always use more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Teri. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are fast becoming my favorite posts of the week. I’m a nature buff, so finding these bees is a treasure. It could lead to solving a world-wide problem.
LikeLike
Thank you, John. This intro to the weekend helps us start with a high heart.
LikeLike
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. 🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
You as well, Gwen. Thank you for the nice words. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Two beautiful stories, John. I love them both so much, each for their part in the goodness of this world.
Happy Friday to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dale. Happy Friday to you as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John 🙂
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John. Happy Friday to you as well. 🥃
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the lovely comment, Kristine. Wishing you a great weekend as well. 😁
LikeLike
These are wonderful stories, John! I hope the bees thrive, and cops and firefighters carry more storybooks, and stuffed animals with them for just such a situation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I share the wish, Deborah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And a lovely weekend to you as well. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would say so. I wonder where the bees went. Disease or insecticides?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rather magical to find those bees so of like a lost tribe where nature is left alone. The photo of the firefighter and little girl illustrate how reading can take you away. Sweet stuff today, John. TGIF to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jo. Have a super weekend.
LikeLike
I love both of these stories, John. The firefighters and EMS have to be prepared for anything. So great to see it in action. And how wonderful about the honey bees! Great JohnKu!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan. I enjoyed both stories myself. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the visit, Mar. So nice to have your lovely comment as well. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
…love bees, so thanks for the news “buzz”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always a pleasure. Thanks, Willow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful tidings, dear John! Finally good news return back to the world….at least on John’s Fradays! Have a good warm week-end! 🙂 🌭🍤🍤🍤🍺😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mrs. Calabash. You as well.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right, Pete. I think this girl will remember the kindness for years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would be a little tense with all those bees. Thanks, Denise. 😊
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some have a deeper core than others.
LikeLike
I love both of these stories, John; the beauty of kindness and nature. What could be better?! Thanks for sharing and Happy Weekend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Weekend, Lauren. Thank you for the nice words
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John! As you can imagine I was overcome by the picture of the firefighter reading to the child. I love these stories.
LikeLike
BTW, you don’t have a reblog button on this post…
LikeLike
Wonderful stories, John. I am a fan of both children and bees. There is a special place in my heart for firefighters. Thanks for sharing these good news stories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There were tow good ones. Thanks, Cheryl
LikeLike
I’m smiling!
Adore both of these stories, big time. Thank you for the ray, sunshine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Friday is for sunshine. Thanks, Resa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Friday… Funshine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person