We took a BEE KEEPING class about a week ago. We had a Master Bee Keeper (certified extensive education in apiculture); our instructor bee keeper of 18 years and his apprentice.
My honey (who'll be referred to as my husband, to reduce confusion in this post), has been yappin' about beehives for YEARS, but he walked out of class saying, "Don't think so." I, on the other hand, after tasting the instructor's light golden honey, leaned toward it. This is shocking because I don't like any critter that can inflict pain...and I NEVER REALLY LIKED HONEY all that much. However, the bee keeper's raw honey was so mild and crazy good!
The biggest problem: The bee keepers said, "You're GOING to get stung." My motto: Sting me once; shame on the bees. Sting me twice....no more bees! Don't mind telling ya'll I said right out loud, "Ahm skert" (interpretation: "I'm scared," for all non-rednecks and non-hillbillies).Anyway, we'll see. It costs around $800 to get started, so it's not a light decision. A queen bee (who lives 2 years) cost $20 and comes in the cutest cage. Seriously. Are YOU a "queen bee" or "worker bee?" uh, hem...workers are also female.
Photos: honey; hive grip and bee smoker from class; honey pot; bee necklace; closeup of silver bee hive on necklace.
