New Hobby: Bee Keeping

[massphatness]

Wrapped up the last week of bee school with a hive opening at the instructor's apiary.

Temps were cool and the bees were docile though two did manage to find their way into the fleece I was wearing. One decided to initiate me into what a honey bee sting feels like (not bad, really - at all) while the other walked around my shoulder while I gently removed the fleece. She flew off with neither of us worse for the experience.

Here's a shot of the hive opening


A frame of bees tightly clustered for warmth


Me assisting with one of the outer frames (way fewer bees)


My girls arrive April 10 -- will be interesting