In The Beginning

There were two unpainted hives. And about four weeks until I had to pick up my bees. But that’s not really the beginning. The beginning was when I decided to do a study on soil for college and what would be better than throwing in keeping bees. A first hand look at pollinators. A unique hands on experience that would supplement my online learning.
That was before the doubt set in. What if I killed them? I know they’re just bugs, but I would be responsible for their well being.

After reading a few books and going to the Connecticut Beekeepers Association’s all day class I felt a bit better. A bit.
I jumped right in and ordered my hives, assembled but unpainted. They arrived in three huge boxes that Dave put in the garage. Over the next week I would go out and visit the boxes, waiting for a day that would be warm enough to paint them outside. My painting skills leave a lot to be desired and I’m no longer allowed to paint in the house.

Last Sunday was just the day. It was slightly nippy, but warm in the sun. I set up my pallet and Dave let me use some of his equipment (now covered in white paint).
The frames that came with the hives had been used before and there are bits of propolis still stuck to them. Propolis has this wonderful, sweet smell to it and while I was working, a neighborhood honey bee flew up and checked everything out. I only saw the one bee and wasn’t able to get a picture, mostly because my hands were covered in white paint by then. But it was pretty cool.

After four hours of painting, I only managed to get one hive done. I’m not kidding about my skills. Dave has offered to paint the second one so I can move on to other schoolwork, like writing my papers and this blog. I’m pretty excited. Only about three weeks now before we pick up the bees. I have yet to decide exactly where I want to put the hives. I have to potential places picked out. My uncle has graciously offered me a spot on his land that looks to be way better that any place in my yard.
This weekend or next Dave will be making the stands so the hives will be off the ground and away from those pesky skunks. We’ve decided not to do an electric fence right away – I was worried about bears -but we’re going to take a wait and see attitude. There won’t be much in the box this spring to attract any unwelcome visitors and there’s always next year.