Bee Charmer

Ever since I can remember I've always had a love for bees, not just any bee though, specifically the honeybee! I think it all began when I found out the Greek meaning of my name (Melissa), which is Honeybee.

To top off my infatuation with honeybees, upon seeing Idgie handle the bees in Fried Green Tomatoes, I decided I wanted to be a bee charmer! Well, twenty some odd years later, I finally get my chance! I am proud to say we have our first bee hive!
My husband grew up helping his grandpa with hives, however, I'm a novice...so I bought some reading material. (We both found them full of invaluable information!)

After doing research, we decided on Russian bees, they are suppose to be more docile and more resistant to disease than the more common Italian breed. However they are also less common. We turned to Walter T. Kelley, a bit weary of mail order bees, they arrived in good condition.
We gave the post office a heads up to expect them. They called first thing Friday morning, the bees had arrived! Giddy with anticipation, I loaded up my son and headed to the post office to bring home the package! My husband suggested I take a spray bottle and mist them with water to calm them down for the ride home. Ever wondered how bees are mailed? This is the package I picked up!

My husband came home to perform the transfer of the bees to the hive. While we had the head netting, the rest of the gear had not been purchased yet. (I do not recommend trying this at home without proper attire.)

He removed the Queen cage, she was in good condition with a few bees tending to her. Within the first week the worker bees should eat through the candy, which will release the Queen into the hive.

He put two little nails in the side of the Queen cage to hang it from the frames.

And finally, dumping the remaining bees into the hive, and I mean literally dumping!

Closed up the hive and let the bees get acquainted with their new home and surroundings! All done without a single sting! (I wonder how long that'll last?)

We've been patiently waiting to open the hive for the first time, meanwhile we've been observing the hive daily! I wondered how long it would take them to find the blackberry blossoms - it didn't take long! They also love the white clover that is blooming all around! We love watching them, it's fascinating!

Our future bee master!

Do you have bees? What is your favorite part about being a bee keeper?
This was shared at The HomeAcre Hop, From The Farm Blog Hop, and The Backyard Farming Connection!

-Live Simple, Be Happy-
Magnolia Holler