“The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labors for others.” ~ St. John Chrysostom
If you’ve run into me lately or happen to be a friend or family member or follow me on Facebook, you might now that Jeff and I decided to make the leap into beekeeping this year. I mentioned it a time or two here as well, I know. I’m excited and that’s an understatement. We ordered a nuc and it arrived on Saturday. It was a rainy, cold day but we made the best of it. Our friend, Hailey, came over and gave us moral support and an extra hand as we dove right into our first bee adventure.
The rain stopped just before dusk and we moved the girls from their cardboard hive into the one Jeff built for them. Getting them settled was fairly easily and way less eventful than we expected.
A few days later, they seem to be doing well and we’re fascinated by the bees. We watch them flying in and out completely captivated by the newest members of Two Frog Home. There are plenty of dandelions in our area and we can tell they’re coming back loaded. We’re supplementing with sugar-water for the time being but hopefully that won’t last too long.
Have I mentioned that I’m excited? Oh my, I can’t wait to see how the girls help with our garden as we get going this season. Anyone have a bit of advice they’d like to share? Maybe something you wish someone had told you when you got started on your beekeeping adventures.
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Don’t be overly anxious about the bees! That’s what I wish someone had told me.
I was like a new mommy with our hive…thinking every little odd thing was a sign that they were dying. When they have their first big orientation flight, don’t be surprised. It looks crazy but just enjoy it!
That is so exciting! My mom had honey bees that invaded an outside wall in her house (and we live in that house now). She had a “bee man” come several times to try to lure them out and into hives. The roar inside the wall was huge! And they would chew the mortar away around the fireplace and fill the living room from time to time. Last resort was to completely seal them off both inside and out and I always felt bad about that. I think there is a huge amount of honey in that wall to this day. Have fun with your bees – they are so wonderful!
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