all a-buzz about bees

As customary, all small-timey farmhousewives keep bees.  At least, that's next on the agenda here at Hope Farms.  We've wanted to learn about keeping bees and have consulted a well-respected and admired friend about bees off and on for the last year or so.  

As always, there is a time and a place for everything and we're almost at that junction.  I attended the local county Bee Keeper's monthly Association meeting last Tuesday and thoroughly enjoyed meeting all.  I'll be joining the Bee Keeper's Association and look forward to a long life of membership and learning with them.  Depending on the requirements and cost, I'm interested in joining the State organization of Bee Keepers as well.


Although we don't have bees yet, we'd like to think we're putting the horse before the cart in our commitment to educate ourselves, with the help of experienced mentors.  I'll be doing as much reading as I can on the subject(s) and am grateful to have two local libraries that keep a good supply of books, old and new, on bees and beekeeping.  


Because I began to contemplate the importance of bees about four years ago while planting our first garden here on this farm, I realize that without them, we have little pollination, and *gasp* no honey.  Both are equally imperative to farming.  Well, okay, the honey is not necessary for farming, but as natures finest and original sweetener, it is indeed necessary for bread baking, herbal tea drinking and peanut-butter and honey sandwiches.  


As I go about the farm putzing here and there, I wonder where these hives need to be located.  In the shade during the hot summer, in the sun while old man winter visits, and far enough away from the house so as not to interfere with their flight path.  


A lot to think about.  I'm excited merely about the thought of having bees, I can't imagine I'll be able to contain myself when the day comes that we actually place the hives and watch the bees begin to make themselves at home!  I'll have to keep my hands in my pockets to keep from wavin' at everyone!!  

For the Bees.