Everything sublime is as difficult as it is rare. Baruch Spinoza

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

To Bee Or Not To Bee

That is the question.

I believe I will bee, but not this year. In looking for bees I have found that an order needs to be put in by late winter. So I don't think I can get bees for this season. I also need to do a little research before I jump into this and I need to purchase and assemble the boxes. I bought a large box of perennial wild flower seeds yesterday, so I'll sow them in the area where I will keep the hives. Next year it should be established and ready for the bees.

I will have a chance to visit a new beekeeper's hives, see how she does with wintering them, and to also visit the hives of an established beekeeper who is mentoring my friend. I can get some questions answered and make an informed decision. Managing disease caused by mites is something I would like to know more about. Raising horses has taught me to know as much as possible about a species and its weaknesses.

It was recommended that I read Beekeeping for Dummies, so I have ordered it. I'll have some time to purchase and assemble the hives and to contemplate this venture. It's not cheap, so I feel I should know something and not jump in feet first. You know, unlike horses.

 I need a new title. I'm losing stature, going from horse breeder, owner and breeder of National titled horses to poop-picker. I seriously need a new title. Beekeeper, now that has a ring to it. It's sure to impress as much as horse breeder did. Actually probably more, as horse breeder didn't impress too many at all. Mostly I was asked if I raised race horses or people wondered what I do with all those horses. Feed them. I would be asked if I made money, nope. It was all downhill from there. 

But beekeeper. My insanity will be firmly cemented in the minds of many. But I'll have a title and I still won't make money. Somewhere along the way I missed out on that money-making course. If we do come back through reincarnation perhaps I'll be a Wall Street banker the next time. Is that de-evolution?

9 comments:

Jean L. said...

I was and still am excited for you. Now that you present all the facts and points of study, it does seem like the best choice to go into it fully prepared next year. We will call you......(drum roll) "Beekeeper in Waiting"!

Britwife said...

I'll buy honey from you. Maybe this venture will make MORE money than working Wall Street! :)

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

Wall Street...NO WAY! You're not a crook and you know they pretty much shovel the stuff all day anyway! I have always laughed at my husband's comment to people when they think of "getting into" horses. Never buy anything that eats while you sleep...you'll be cleaning in the morning! Here's to the new title...we can make it official after the first box is built!

Anonymous said...

Oi. Parabéns pelo excelente blog. Gostaria de lhe convidar para visitar meu blog e conhecer alguma coisa sobre o Brasil. Abração

Ganeida said...

Just document it here, dear, so I can keep bees vicariously. Seriously. I'm fascinated by this venture.

Just Jules said...

Maybe Julie from Julochka will let you use her title of Bee Charmer.... I like that. It reminds me of the movie - Fried Green Tomatoes - have you seen it?

Good idea. Close observation for the year - like an internship. For what people charge for their local honey at the farmers market I would say that you could make a mint!

Sandra said...

A friend sent me a link to a craigslist listing of someone looking to foster home their bees. They are about 45-60 minutes away, but I responded that they can keep their bees here. Wouldn't that be a great way to learn! We'll se what happens.

I did a blog post last year on Fried Green Tomatoes. I love that movie. I've never been much of a people charmer, so maybe I could charm bees!

Memories Of Mine said...

Good luck with the Bee's.
It has impressed me, I was also impressed by horse trainer. Anything that requires true dedications is impressive I think.

Sandra said...

Thanks Liss. It does take a commitment to raise animals, and large animals take a large commitment.
: )