Heath is fascinated, (dare I say obsessed) with bees. I guess he came about it all honestly from an early age, when he was 15 starting out with his father keeping approximately 500 hives. Our house is littered with bee paraphernalia; magazines, books, hive equipment, books, and more books. There have been many nights laying in bed that I've gone to sleep listening to Heath explain the many wonders that make up apis melifera (the honeybee).
After five years of marriage, I feel like I know many things about the honeybee, at least more so than the average person, and I do have to say...they truly ARE fascinating little creatures. So last week as we were 
building frames I told Heath that the next time he opened up his hives to do a little maintenance, I would like to help. Today we suited up in our bee gear (not the most flattering look, but at least I wasn't stung!), fired up the smoker and away we went. We (and when I say "we" I mean Heath, with me standing behind him watching and taking pictures) fed the bee sugar syrup and pollen substitute (last year was a really dry year and the bees didn't have the food stores that they should have). He pointed out the different anatomy of the hive; brood, honey, pollen, larva, etc.
building frames I told Heath that the next time he opened up his hives to do a little maintenance, I would like to help. Today we suited up in our bee gear (not the most flattering look, but at least I wasn't stung!), fired up the smoker and away we went. We (and when I say "we" I mean Heath, with me standing behind him watching and taking pictures) fed the bee sugar syrup and pollen substitute (last year was a really dry year and the bees didn't have the food stores that they should have). He pointed out the different anatomy of the hive; brood, honey, pollen, larva, etc. They are amazing and intricate little beings! Only a brilliant Father in Heaven could have created a such small insect to work together in one perfect unit. "I have determined in writing this book to give facts, however wonderful, just as they are; confident in due time they will be universally received; and hoping that the many wonders of the economy of the honeybee will not
only excite a wider interest in its culture, but lead those who observe them to adore the wisdom of Him who gave them such admirable instincts." -Reverend L. L. Langstroth (The father of modern beekeeping)
only excite a wider interest in its culture, but lead those who observe them to adore the wisdom of Him who gave them such admirable instincts." -Reverend L. L. Langstroth (The father of modern beekeeping)And yes, I do love my local beekeeper!
2 comments:
Yes, I do love my local bee keeper because I don't want any part in working with bees. I don't mind them at my house but they scare the crap out of me. It could be that I saw Heath swell up in a matter of minutes when we were younger, after he got stung. I do think bees are very intresting and very important insects. All of God's creatures amaze me. P.S. I hope those sweet babies are feeling better.
I loved this post! One month until we will be camping in Moab. I am happy to report that the internet is coming to our house soon.
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