New Hives

I am totally impressed and somewhat trumped by the energy and inventiveness of youth. Though interested in bee keeping for some time, even joining the Sonoma County Beekeepers Assn, I have procrastinated and been stymied by the seeming enormity of the task and steep learning curve. Well, daughter Francesca comes home from world travels, announces that she's going to a bee workshop, following week is sawing and hammering in the workshop. Not long after buzzing packages arrive at the local post office, and voila, we have honey bees on the property in home-made hives.

Since then, Francesca has captured a wild swarm and is earning a local reputation as the bee girl of upper Dry Creek. So far its one Italian colony, one Russian, and the outlaws. Dad isn't allowed to touch without proper guidance yet. Hah, just wait till I bring in goats!

Comments

[jill]

tell your daughter to check out "robbing the bees" (http://www.robbingthebees.com/), which is a biography of honey. it is an absolutely fascinating read!

[Aarron Forte]

Good luck with the bees. They can get out of hand quickly if not tended to regularly. They are creatures capeable of great organizaton but can run wild in their super. I think it is truly wonderfull that you have choosen this as a trade or hobbie. For all of your vigilance and hard work the reward can be sweet. Usually by the gallon if the hive is happy. Enjoy and again, Good luck!

[aseel]

nice pictures

[susana]

I want to do that!

[Lou]

Coincidentally, I happen to be at a week-long biodynamic workshop at the Rudolf Steiner College. Day one I wondered into the student garden to explore and check out their fascinating hives. Got stung, first time in my bee career. My hand is now as swollen as Steiner's ego.