A couple of decades ago, when in college, I took a Modern Literature class. In that class, our professor assigned us a series of books to read. One of those books was an autobiography written by a woman who lived very alone in a very remote location. It chronicled her life as she face so many struggles with nature and independence. I cannot remember the book or the author. I wish that I could because something in that book inspired me to want to someday keep bees. This solitary woman kept bees and her words were written in harmony with the comings and goings of the worker bees. At the time I read it, I didn’t realize how that small seed of interest in beekeeping would eventually blossom in my heart as it did. I wish I could again find that book somehow.
Here I am today, heading out soon to pick up my very first honey bees. I have read and read and watched and attended. I think I am ready. This isn’t like chickens, folks. Bees are complex. Very very very complex.
I have heard numerous beekeepers over the years talk about how keeping bees has transformed their lives. I have sat in rooms full of beekeepers and there I feel very much like I fit in. I am opening my mind up for this new adventure.
My family is along for the ride.
I am starting up both a traditional Langstroth hive…
and a more sustainable top bar hive.
When I first began looking, the top bars were hard to come by. But it seemed like that type of beehive was more in tune with my beekeeping philosophy. So, my father, based on my research and notes and some plans purchased from a couple of inspiring sources, meshed everything together and created the best top bar hive I could ever imagine.
It has air vents, a metal roof seam, a drop off bottom with screening for summer air conditioning, bars and follower boards, and an observation window to check on the progress of the bees. It is completely awesome! More than I could have hoped for.
(before painting)
And tomorrow night, it will be full of bees. I don’t know how that will impact things on our small farm, but I do know I am excited. I hope to have future updates to post soon!