Installing the Bees!

 Well, after what seemed like a very long wait, we finally got our bees.  We were really hoping to get them on Wednesday, so that Erin would be home, but they came on Thursday, so we had to do it a little later in the evening, and as you can see, it's getting a bit dark.  We did manage to get them all installed, with only one sting apiece for Erin and I.  It was an incredibly interesting experience, and I don't mind telling you, a little intimidating.  It took a lot of willpower to not run away, screaming "Bees, bees, bees!" when I shook them out of their crates into the hives, but we managed.  I did a lot of reading about how to install them before they got here, but nothing compares to the real thing!  Erin learned she needs to

close up the ends of her shirt sleeves (that's how she got stung) and I learned I need to tuck my shirt in (that's how I got stung.)  As with all things, with practice comes more confidence, and I'm looking forward to learning more about these little ladies over the years, and expanding the apiary to have more hives. 



 For now, however, we've got some waiting to do, as the hives can't be opened for five days, or the workers will kill the queen, thinking she is the cause of the disturbance.  I am hoping to find some time today to head out there and just watch from a little ways off to see what the girls are doing.  I'm sure there won't be much to talk about until the next inspection, nor will I have time to write, as we're heading up to Lake City camping for the Memorial Day weekend.