Yes that is right, we just picked up our first two beehives yesterday (June 14, 2012). It all started many, many years ago in Sweden, while visiting a beekeeper’s farm. It was very interesting and informative. Then relatives who are professional beekeepers, came to visit. Along with bringing us some delicious honey and nice beeswax candles they inflamed the idea of bee keeping. On our vacation in February we were reading beekeeping books while sitting under palm trees. Surprisingly, I did not find the lecture boring. Those little creatures are quite amazing. Still, I was only reading to get to know what my husband wanted to do, I did not want to have anything to do with them.
After reading some more, and preparing things for them, we finally went to pick up the bees. I love rides with my hubby, so going up north seemed like a great adventure. However, sharing the ride home with thousands of bees was a little creepy. Again and again I was looking over to see what they were doing. Those creatures were very busy all the way home. I think I can learn some work ethics from them.
After spending three hours side by side with them in the van I think I am starting to like them, at least a little bit :). God gave us the perfect weather for the adventure. It was nice when were picking up the bees, and the rain stopped just in time to bring them to the field.
Our goal for this first year is somehow to keep the two beehives alive and happy as naturally as possible. Also, to get some honey for us to eat and for the generous farmer who allows us to grow a garden on their property and to place the beehives on their fields. If there will be some more honey than this, we will be thrilled. We also would like too see if beekeeping is something we want to do on a bigger scale, just for fun, or not at all.
We are very much looking forward to this experience and praying for God’s blessings upon it.
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How did it go?
We loved it! Got some honey but the bees did not survive the winter :(. We will try it again.
I love bees and would like to have a few hives, someday! God bless your efforts!