Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Backyard Beekeeping


I explained to Catherine that I wanted to raise some bees and she said why don't you just buy honey from Costco? I have asked myself the same question on occasions when my DIY attempts didn't turn out so well. But there is something about doing things yourself that I just love. I think some of it comes from my Genes. From gardening, candlemaking, housebuilding, farming, ropemaking, boat building my Dad has done it. I blame some of my DIY energy on my dad.

I enjoy the learning, the feeling of independence and the satisfaction that comes from knowing I did it.

Bees are pretty amazing creatures and once you start working with them you never look at honey the same. In order to produce 1 pound of honey 2 million flowers must be visited.

I started raising bees as a youth alongside my dad. We worked the church welfare bees as well as raised several hives of our own.

Sure I could buy a large quantity of honey from Costco for a lot less hassle but hey I would be missing out on moments like this.