I have been interested in honey bees for a long time now. After finding out there were classes on keeping a bee hive, I thought it might be fun to go to one. Last year, I looked too late. The classes were already started. This year, I looked just in time.
Last night was my first class. The classes will be every Thursday in March from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. (Whew! Kind of late!) I’m excited about them. They are at a place called Marshy Point Nature Center. I’ve been there a few times on field trips. The classes are led by Steve McDaniel, the president of the Maryland State Beekeepers Association.
Last night’s class was exciting. There were about fifteen people there. Steve is very knowledgeable. The most surprising statements of the night: 1) One hive can contain 50,000 to 100,000 bees. 2) The mysterious thing that’s killing a lot of bees is not going to kill them all. People are figuring out how to prevent it.
I got extremely sleepy. I stood for the slideshow part of the class. After the slideshow, the lights were turned on again, so I thought it was safe to sit. It wasn’t. At one point, Steve said, “Well, it’s getting late. We’ve got a few people falling asleep.” He was talking about me.
Did you tell him that by 9:30 you’ve been awake for 17 hours? I think he would cut you some slack.
So did he tell you what the mysterious thing was that’s killing the bees? It’s probably the mafia.
That’s the best picture you had? Serious letdown. I was expecting a bee in mid-flight or somesuch.
Steve’s day job is being a professional photographer. You can enjoy some bee pictures by going to his SITE.
Whew, that’s better.
Did he bring honey for a snack during break time?
Good question! Or are they against harvesting the honey?
He did bring honey and he ate some to soothe his sore throat while he talked, but he did not share any.
What a jerk.
In our house if you can’t share, you don’t get it out.
😉
[….oh dear, Beth……….as one who works with middle schoolers and their teachers, ought we not phrase it that way? I mean…uh….depending on what “it” might be…uh…
***jibblie***]
YAY for bee keeping…I think…
And I’m sure you’ll come up with something really creative & Brad unique (Bradnique) when you start your hive, beat this guy…you can do it.
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/02/honeycomb_vase_is_made_by_bees.html