This weekend, after much anticipation (and a year hanging around the San Francisco Bee Keepers Association like some sort of kid brother) I finally received my first package of bees. I'm thrilled (and a little nervous). It's a big responsibility looking after thousands and thousands of these gorgeous little gals. Truthfully, they do a heck of a job looking after themselves, I'm just going to do my best to keep them happy, healthy, and comfortable. I'll be doing periodic little updates here on Smarts & Crafts, in the meantime here are a few pictures.
My gear! The hive bodies, smoker, safari hat(!!) and veil.
The "package" containing 1 queen and a couple thousand of her subjects.
The cutest bee ever, dappled with a bit of sugar water.
The hive, ready for the bees.
Happy bees coming and going from the hive!