The first time I kept bees was about twelve years ago. I was home from work for a long stretch recovering from a concussion, and I latched onto bees as something to do. I built hives and gave it a go. They all died over the winter. The next year I tried again. Half died over the winter, and the other half absconded.
This time is different, and it starts with the place. Deane and I feel at home in this house in a way we never did in our last one. We both want to invest in the property and build here: the bees, the garden, the young orchard we planted (if we can keep the deer from eating it), and the house itself.
I’m also different. I’m older and more humble now. I knew I needed help, so I reached out to the Worcester County Beekeepers Association, and they paired me with a mentor who has walked me through my first year.
Heading into winter, the two hives aren’t especially strong, but they may be strong enough, with good stores, to make it through. My hope is that both survive. Then I can split them in the spring and have four hives. That gives me enough of a cushion that even in a bad year, something should make it through, and the whole thing can keep going on its own.
I don’t want this to be a business. I want a little honey for us and a lot to give away to friends and neighbors.