Bee’s Knees

[Pipeoff]

Bee keeping is required to pollinate my apple orchard. The varietal apple blossom honey from the hives is in high demand in this area. Production averages about five gallons a year and sells out quickly at our farm stand. Hive population is about 30 thousand that work in the total darkness. The come frames laden with honey weigh several pounds and require centrifuge for extraction. Inspire of protective gear stings are common, my problem is that I am allergic and carry required epipen. Inspite of all the equipment and labor this is great hobby.

 

[chilllucky]

 

[Pipeoff]

View attachment 149305

Thanks for the tip, will not need a smoker to calm the bees but smoke in the eyes, not a clencher and honey laden blends may attract. Great may use for a logo for business cards. Ha ha !

 

[kcghost]

It's always good to have a hobby.

 

[chilllucky]

My wife also smokes a pipe and keeps bees, but not at the same time.

 

[mso489]

That's brave to do with an allergy, but I see the need with an apple orchard. A friend used to keep bees and always spoke admiringly of the little deceased worker bees he'd find spent on the ground that had worked themselves to dust in their efforts. Tattered little wings, he said. He was a tough old bird but had a soft spot for his bees.

 

[mawnansmiff]

That's one of my life regrets that I never took up beekeeping, it seems such a fascinating hobby.

I lived on a farm some years ago and planted an orchard of rare Cornish apple varieties, the ex girlfriend (who owns the farm) tells me they are thriving nicely which pleases me no end.

I used to make a lot of cider back then and that was partly the reason why I planted them.

Regards,

Jay.

 

[Pipeoff]

That's one of my life regrets that I never took up beekeeping, it seems such a fascinating hobby.

I lived on a farm some years ago and planted an orchard of rare Cornish apple varieties, the ex girlfriend (who owns the farm) tells me they are thriving nicely which pleases me no end.

I used to make a lot of cider back then and that was partly the reason why I planted them.

Regards,
I
Jay.

 

[Pipeoff]

I made lots of hard cider with honey added, bottled like champagne in old bourbon barrels. This apple jack was deadly as moonshine.