The Pink Bee

So, the Pink Bee...I am starting this blog to post about my adventures in beekeeping and in my life.  Let's start with the beekeeping.  My in-laws, with whom I am so blessed to have in my life, have been beekeepers for 20+ years.  They have 7 or more hive.  When I married my husband, 5 years ago this fall, he said he would like to keep bees.  I was agreeable but I didn't want anything to do with it as I was scared to be stung.  My son who was 5 at the time was very excited to help.  

Now we are to Summer of June 2012.  My father in law comes by and drops off 2 hives of bees in our backyard.  I must tell you in the 4 and 1/2 years since our wedding neither my son or my husband has read or researched anything to keep these bees.  Husband tells me we can just "ask Dad."  Being the independent and sometimes controlling person that I am this doesn't sit well with me but I say nothing.  But, purchase a couple of beekeeping books.

Well, this summer Husband is fixing the roof at our church a couple of times a week and then he moves on to building a garage on our property.  Our oldest son, Jack is going to Webelos overnight camp and a 10 day vacation with his father.  Needless to say these bees aren't getting any attention from the 2 who said they would take of them and I am learning in my books that you need to check a new hive weekly.  

What do I do???  I finish reading "Beekeeping for Dummies" and tell my Husband I have decided to be take the lead with our bees.  Thus, on July 1st 2012, I take a deep breath, say a prayer for protection against stings, don my son's bee suit, grab my husband's hive tool and smoker, which I bought him for Father's Day, my inspection cheat sheet,and head out to inspect the beehives.  I must also mention that it is nearly a 95 degrees in mid afternoon.  This is the only time I can go out because our 3 year old son is taking a nap.  The first inspection for them and me!  Am I now a beekeeper????  

I don't know if this qualifies my as a beekeeper or not but what I do know is I fell in love with a bug that hot afternoon.  I loved relaxing hum of the hive, the busy but orderly work of the bees, the smell of the wax and honey.  I was mesmerized by what I saw and how if was just like my books.  It was amazing to me.  Then there was the HONEY!  I couldn't resist, I took off my bulky leather gloves and gently dipped my finger into a spot of the capped honey that wasn't covered with bees.  To say it was delicious is an understatement.  Sweet, sticky goodness.  I have also now fallen in love with raw honey.  

That evening I began my research into all things bees and honey.  From hive maintenance, to honey recipes, to honey and propolis health benefits, to knitting hexapuffs, to the plight of the honeybee, and everything in between.  I am not sure if I am a beekeeper or not but I know that I am a bee geek.

So, it is safe to say that this blog will be about all things bee and honey and also the random things that happen to me and my family.

Oh, I must mention that I named this blog because I love the color pink and now I love bees.  Buzz buzz :)