"Oh sure, get a few bees. We'll see how long that lasts." That's what I thought when Chris said he wanted to become a beekeeper.  I have to be honest, I sort of thought it was a passing phase.  What do we know about bees? And really, in the city? How would it all work?  "Keep them in the furthest corner of the yard," I told him.

After about two months of having bees I can tell you, it's not what I expected. Though I still don't know nearly as much as Chris about bees, I am learning more and more each day. They are an essential part of our ecosystem. Bee's play a critical role in our food supply.  After two months our yard is a totally different place. I have seen so many birds that weren't visiting us last year and our flowers are thriving.

When Chris asked me if he could get me a beekeeper's hat, my response without hesitation was "No thank you."  After just a few weeks of recording him going into the hives and having my own fascination ignited, I asked him to get me my own hat so I could get closer without fear. 

Now, on the weekends, we make time to document the bees, the hives and the maintenance of it all. Its not all roses. You all know Chris' bee sting story by now.  And what seems like five minutes to him is, in actuality, hours. So our "quick looks" can take a long time. But it's worth it.  I am not the "all natural" type, but I find myself experimenting with beeswax lip balms and hand creams. 

So, while we still have not seen a full season, or what a winter in Maine will do to bees, I can say for certain, these bees have changed everything.

Thanks for listening to me buzz!

~ The Beekeeper's Wife