first sting

My first sting came yesterday, and like most bee keepers would say, it came from my own carelessness, rather than the bees' agression. The sting didn't come in the morning while I explored the hive. During that time, though the bees were a bit restless from the heat, they didn't take much notice. Instead, the sting came while I whacked the weeds with a scyth, as I swung that thing like a drunken golfer. I was so hot in my bee suit and so delirious due to the amount of weeds that were leaning against the electric fence, that I actually forgot all about the bees. Bees hate quick and loud movements, they prefer grace and stillness. And in my swinging I was messy and clumsy. I felt the sting through my glove, a bit below my thumb. Not much swelling, and no big allergic reaction. And not much damage except my pride, and the electric fence which is being triggered by grasses and weeds still uncut.

week four

Today marks the thirtieth daily celebration of "Worried Mothers Who Give Bee Suits" Day, and I for one am still celebrating. Though my suit is now filthy, no more shining white but hues of earth, chlorophyll, seeds and pollen, I am forever grateful.
This afternoon the suit will see the wash, but this morning what it discovered was five frames of brood, pollen, nectar and most of all, ever watchful bees. Yes, the queen has done some work this month, while I have been leaving her alone. Bee numbers have multiplied drastically, with now five frames full of brood, pollen and nectar, up from two. Within 6 weeks all the bees should be the offspring of this Queen mother, and the Georgia trasplants should have moved on(and I thank them for their work establishing the hive).