RURAL REFLECTIONS: The bees knees, and replacing mine

This column written on the holiday weekend will be a memorial to my right knee, a knee that has served me well. A fine old knee that has borne the scrapes and bruises of an active farm girl. A knee that can still do a plié and other dance moves. Knees that I barely gave a second thought are painfully rebelling.

Did you know:

Bees do not have a knee cap. True. Yes, it is true. They have knees but no knee cap.

All mammals with four legs are blessed with two knees and two elbows. Bet you thought those front legs had knees, didn't you. Not true. They have elbows.

Grasshoppers and crickets with their long legs have something a bit different. They have itsy bitsy ears on their knees. Can you imagine whispering into a knee cap? Hm.

Birds have knees. You can't see them, but they do. They are invisible to us because of their feathers. Wonder if you can see them if the bird is bald?

On Christmas Eve, you might not hear the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. Instead perhaps you will hear a clicking sound. A sound that helps a herd stay together. My knees creak. Maybe I'm a reindeer.

Perhaps you have been at a performance where someone passed out onstage. Fainting happens when knees are locked for too long. However, this is not a problem for horses. They can lock their knees and stay in the position for hours...days...who knows.

Knees are to be appreciated. On the day this paper comes out, I will be sleeping through a knee replacement. This is the first of a two-parter. Both knees have served me well. Now they protest and want a newer model. One that sets off alarms at the airport. This surgery has been postponed twice. Third try is going to work like a charm.

Perhaps while I recuperate, I should make little caps for the bees who do not have knee caps. Little knee cap caps for 'bee'autiful bees.

Farewell old knee. You served me well.