Bzzzz

We got Bees! We are so very excited about this! Joseph has always been into self sufficiency/live off the land stuff so I'm always getting him books with titles like "Five Acres and Independence" and "Back to the Basics" and "Primitive Skills." The books always talk about having Bees, but we never thought it would work for us right now since we have a small backyard and live too close to other people. Recently, however, we were inspired by some good friends of ours who got bees and also live in town and have a small yard. Last year was the first year they've had bees and their hive produced two gallons! A healthy hive should produce around five gallons, but you're not supposed to expect much of anything the first year. I'd be happy with two gallons! It has been so interesting watching these bees and learning about them. We put them in the corner of the garden and they are no nuisance at all to us or the neighbors. The picture below shows them the busiest I've ever seen them. Usually I see a lot less buzzing around outside the hive.

This is the brood box that Joseph is getting into

He located the queen bee. Can you see her?

How 'bout now? She's the one in the middle with the long rear end. Her name is Eve. She's the mother of all that's living in that hive...or at least eventually she will be!

The bees are busy establishing their brood boxes where they store eggs and nurture young ones. Soon we will be able to add some more boxes on top that they can fill with honey. I'm excited about the honey! I'm excited about our new pets!