I would like to share a dear memory with you all—one that is close to my heart and reminds me of the importance of the community we have built as part of our Covid Zero lifestyle. It was a warm spring day in May, the flowers were in bloom, and the buzzing of bees filled the air. As a dedicated beekeeper, I couldn’t have been more fulfilled by the energy around me.

The sun was shining brightly, and the scent of the blossoms was carried on the gentle breeze. It was a Saturday, and our local Covid Underground community had organized an outdoor gathering to celebrate the beauty and resilience of spring. I embraced the opportunity to connect with my fellow Novids while adhering to the health-focused practices we all treasure.

As I prepared for the event, I made sure to have an ample supply of honey harvested from my hives. My passion for beekeeping goes hand in hand with my commitment to The Covid Underground’s principles. The more I learned about honeybees and their incredible work ethic, the more I found myself relating to our own adaptability and resilience. Just like the bees, our community relies on mutual support and cooperation to flourish.

On that special day, we gathered in a spacious meadow nestled in the hills. To ensure safety, we wore masks and maintained appropriate physical distance. We had canopies, which provided shade and space for people to circulate. Despite physical distance, we remained close at heart, united by a shared intention to prioritize our health and well-being.

To kick off the day, several of our talented community members put together an exciting lineup of activities. We had a poetry reading under the trees, where many shared their thoughts and experiences from the past months. We also enjoyed a live painting session, capturing the vibrant colors of the meadow and the essence of the gathering.

As a beekeeper, I offered a live demonstration of responsible beekeeping practices and an informative talk about bees and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. It was a heartwarming experience, as I saw the awe and appreciation in people’s eyes when they learned about the magical world of bees.

My absolute favorite part of the day had to be the shared picnic. We had arranged a bring-and-share feast, with an assortment of fresh and homemade dishes. Everyone contributed something unique, and we respectfully served ourselves and enjoyed the delicious, nourishing food.

My honey was popular, and unsurprisingly it became a central part of the dessert table. I was thrilled to see everyone savor the fruits of the bees' labor, and with each drizzle of honey, we were reminded of the important connections between nature, our food, and our bodies.

The conversations that day were inspiring, and I particularly loved engaging with fellow Novids about their experiences and how they have been coping during these evocative times. I was captivated by the stories from other beekeepers, gardeners, and naturalists, who shared how their immersion in the natural world had shaped their perspective on the pandemic and our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe.

As the sun began to set and the gathering came to an end, we offered our sincere thanks and gratitude to each other for the unity, friendship, and commitment to the Covid Zero lifestyle. I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of joy and pride, knowing that we had each played a role in fostering an incredible community based on mutual support, adaptability, and resilience.

I carry the memories of that warm spring day with me, and as I continue to dedicate myself to beekeeping and my role within The Covid Underground, I know that our community is destined to blossom beautifully. Just like the bees, we remain steadfast in our mission to prioritize our health and well-being, and as a result, we are cultivating a future that promises flourishing gardens and a richer quality of life.