Sick of the bee talk yet? Sorry about that – my obsession becomes your obsession just by default of the fact that this is my blog…
Anyway, the bees will be at the shop late tomorrow and we’re installing them on Thursday. Tonight and tomorrow night are all about the last minute cramming – reading up on how to install them, sealing the last of the cedar hive parts and picking up the concrete blocks to set the hive on.
Then late Thursday afternoon Jessi and I will be installing the bees in their new home, giving them a bit of sugar syrup and pollen cake to get them started and crossing our fingers. I decided not to get a bee suit, opting instead for a hood, gauntlets for my favorite leather gloves and chinos with a lightweight Gortex coat. I may still get a pair of painter’s overalls but I’m playing it by ear.
Three months to prepare and it still all comes down to a last minute rush. Oh well.
I’m excited to join the ranks of other bloggers getting bees. Susy and Maya have both gotten their packages and installed them already. Mike inherited hives with his new tiny farm facilities. And High Hopes Gardens has already put in their first round of spring hive work. I’m giddily excited to be joining their ranks.
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Congrats, you’re almost ready to go. Its fun to read about all these adventures
How exciting! We’ve been enjoying it so far, although not much to do but check the syrup occationally. We’re hoping for some nice warm sunny days so the ladies can go about their business gathering nectar & pollen.
Can’t wait to see how it goes for you!
Whoo hoo, I’m excited for you all over again! I agree with your decision to just get a veil. We went the full coverall route and I’ve only worn them once, when installing the package. With my (very limited) experience at this point, it seems that the most important thing is just keeping them out of your face while you work as they are not aggressive at all. Tomorrow will mark a week for us and we need to go in an check to see that the queen is laying, I’ll look forward to your updates.
I always learn something from your obsessions. Bees are fascinating.
I’m so excited for you. We are putting them off for the 2nd year in a row so maybe, armed with your experience over the year, I will finally be ready *next* spring …
Wow, it’s already here! Good luck, and I’ll be reading along with your adventures.
This is really cool . I have just finished a bee course and am seriously interested in getting a hive or two , but maybe not until next year – I shall follow with interest. Good Luck
Ah, fun! The bee installation is a blast! We just set ours up last Tuesday (04/07), and it went very smoothly. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing how it goes for you, and following along in parallel this first year…
I found that the full see suit was not really needed at this point, as they don’t seem to be very defensive. Painter’s overalls would probably be a good idea at some point.
Cheers, and good luck!
-mark-