As mentioned in my last post, when I attended the spring Beekeeping classes through my local community college, I feared being able to care for such a small animal and not causing it harm. After only my first session of the autumn class, I feel I must give it my best efforts.

This class was only my second time to be exposed to the hives in person. It was my first time to help open a hive. A fellow classmate who already has bees gently guided me and had me fully assist in opening the hive and removing the boxes. I was shocked at my heartfelt affection for these wee ones. We both worked very hard not to squish any of them. We managed to take off three boxes, test for varroa mites, and put them back only taking one sweet life.

If you’re an animal person, you probably have some sort of heartfelt or gut reaction to one species or another, such as dogs, cats, cows, or birds. I’ve always felt that for most furry creatures. But I was shocked from my toes to the top of my skull that I felt the same affection that I do for my cats regarding these buzzing bees. How could something with such a stinger pull at my heartstrings and make me all gushy for their sweet little faces? I don’t know, but the affection is real.

I must see this through and become a Beekeeper if at all possible.