Trying again - Honeybees

[CT_Shooter]

It's common for honeybees to die off each year. Fifty percent or more of all hives in America fail. It's partly because of emerging parasites and modern pesticides. That's why we stopped trying to keep bees after four hives died in as many years. The last one was completely healthy going into November, then suddenly -- inside of one week -- the entire hive was dead. That was three years ago. The same year my wife was diagnosed with a terminal cancer. It all just seemed to be too much and I decided I didn't want to spend any more effort to keep bees.

Well, this year, we both decided to give beekeeping another try. My wife is still struggling with the effects of her cancer and its treatments and is today only a fraction of her former self, but she's a strong and determined girl. We begin a new cancer treatment in two weeks. We're both optimistic and hope for success; obviously first and foremost for her, but also for the new bees.

I introduced 10,000 honeybees (3 lbs) and a healthy, mated queen to our long dormant top bar hive today. It was a textbook installation. At the end of the day, they're all behaving as expected. If the queen survives, these 10,000 bees will build comb, gather food, tend to the hive, then die and be replaced by as many more new bees laid by the queen within 6 weeks or so. It's an amazing achievement. We've watched it happen and marveled each time.

We're hoping for a change in fortune, both for the bees and for ourselves. So much of our lives can be seen as a metaphor. In no small sense, we are the bees.

I'll keep you posted.

[PT7]

CT,

May you and your bride bee well, and your lives and health be sweeter in the coming days.
So glad that you're trying again with the hive....best of success!

Take good care of both of you. Prayers often being lifted up for your medical challenges, and that the new treatments will also be most successful.

[RanchRoper]

Thoughts and prayers from my family to yours. Keep on keeping on.

[JEBar]

sure hope all goes well .... on Monday we are scheduled to arrive at the home of Sioux Bee Honey .... we usually see a great many hives while we are out there

[Les]

CT, I hope your wife's new treatment is successful, and my thoughts are with you both.

I also hope that you have a hive full of happy bees! It must be very rewarding to be so close to these amazing little creatures, and to be able to enjoy the fruits of their labors.

[BigAl52]

Congrats CT and I wish you well with your restart. I love honey and eat it daily in my oatmeal. I really enjoy the Orange Blossom honey. I order it by the case off Amazon as none of the stores carry it here. But I will be thinking about you everyday as I add the next amount to my oatmeal. Al

[Henry88]

Best of wishes CT to your wife and yourself.

I'm sure it's a much needed distraction from the everyday grind. And what a worthwhile endeavor as the entire US bee population is in declilne.

The country needs more bee keepers..............