it's bee time

bee's. the first thing that use to come into my mind is to swat or runaway from the little pests or honey (duh). this week though my opinions have completely changed and i have such appreciation and i am in awe of these tiny little creatures.

my father-in-law is a bee-keeper and we helped him this last week do a quick "hive evaluation". at first i was anxious and apprehensive (um, hello people it's a bee-hive) to help and wanted to make sure there was an exit strategy. once i calmed down and knew my exit strategy i was ready and excited to see some bees. suited up in all our bee-keeper gear and headed out into the backyard.

i learned that when you smoke the bee's they retreat back into the hive and bury their little faces into the comb which allows them to calm down so you can do you evaluation without them wanting to attack. so you smoke the bees. so next step is to get the frames out. there are 8 medium size frames which are coated in plastic and as the bees collect pollen they then build upon the plastic coating and make their honeycomb and start filling it with honey (yummm). the point of the evaluation is in short to see the progress the bees are making and the amount of honey they're producing currently.

it was one of the coolest things i've ever experienced and i have such an appreciation for bee's now. they are incredible creatures that are so particular and perfectly designed to do what they do. i am so grateful that a loving Heavenly Father created these little guys. i am also VERY grateful that i was not stung and that the bee's allowed me to take a little peek into their world. also a big thanks to my father-in-law for taking the time to teach julius and me all about the life of bee's and for the HONEY!

oh and yes the honey that came from this hive is.to.die.for!!!!!

(just a warning there are a TON of pictures)

 

                    

preparing the smoker 

here you can see the different layers of the hive and how there are 3 sections that all contain 8 frames

 this is the lady of the hive... it is rare to see the queen so it was quite the treat to watch her in action

it was amazing to see them appear and completely cover the frames

 assembling the hive back together...everything went smooth and the hive passed their evaluation with "flying" colors (hehe)