Young Beekeeper Scholarship Programs

We went to one of our local beekeeping meetings this weekend.  This is the first time we have met for a few months, and it is always nice to catch up and visit with fellow local beekeepers!  Needless to say, about this time of year we are all looking forward to warmer days and hearing the buzz of bees.

Part of this meeting focused on the Youth Scholarship Program we have in our state.  They had 2 boys that had participated in the program last year speak and share their experiences.  It was simply delightful listening to these boys and their enthusiasm!  I was talking to the Grandpa of one of the boys and he said their grandson had always loved any kind of insect so they thought he might be interested in attending beekeeping classes.  The whole family ended up getting involved!  They had a great first year and even caught a couple of swarms, and are looking forward to adding a few more hives this coming spring.

I know that many states have a program similar to this, and it is a wonderful way to get young people involved in beekeeping.  If you know someone who might benefit from something like this, you might try to contact your county extension office for some information on who to contact in your particular state.

Here are a couple links that might also be helpful.  It is just as rewarding for the mentor as it is for the schloarship participant.  They are the future beekeepers and the younger they can get started the better!

Youth Scholarship Progam
Young Beekeeper Program 

Love Is In The Air

I love discounts and free shipping!  I have several sites that I order from over and over again just because of their free shipping offers.  A few clicks on my keyboard, not leaving the comfort and warmth of my house, and a few days later  what I ordered is delivered to my door!  The picture above is just one of five lotion bars that I am offering free shipping on right now.

I have been adding several new products to my website this week and wanted to let you know about the deal I have going on over there.  I have a Heart Collection and a Massage Bar lotion bar - all of which would be perfect for yourself or someone special.  These are made with wonderful, natural ingredients with yummy fragrances if you like scent.  And - I am offering free shipping on these through February 15th!

Come over to deesbeeboutique and look at my new products!

Get a head start on that Valentine Day giving and treat yourself to some natural, soothing goodness!

Faith

                                                              
William Wordsworth defines Faith is a passioniate intuition.  When I think about the things that I am passionate about - honeybees is one of them.  I enjoy everything about the process and never cease to be amazed with what I learn and observe along the way.

We started a new adventure this year and sent our hives to Califnornia to help pollinate almonds, blueberries, oranges, and avocados.  So as I look out the window on this snowy day I think about our honeybees on a warm, sunny day busy at work.  So this journey  is a small leap of faith for us and we look forward to spring when they are back home and busy pollinating and making honey once again.

I received a new mold as a Christmas present from a good friend and I just love it!  Beautiful, carefree daisies accented with the word "Faith".  Filled with beeswax and natural butters and oils this butter bar is a treat for rough, dry skin and a reminder to have passionate Faith!

http://www.deesbeeboutique.com/

Taking Inventory

It always brings me much pleasure to see my honeybees enjoying flowers I have planted for my enjoyment and for their benefit.  During the next several months I will long for warm days, colorful flowers and the sight and sounds of buzzing bees.

Honey has been extracted, beeswax has been collected and melted and we are heading into the long winter season.  We had a warm day yesterday, so took advantage of it and went through our hives.  Two years ago we started out with 4 hives.  Between swarms we have caught and ordering of new packages this last spring our goal was to be at 25 hives this summer.  We didn't make that goal this year, but overall it has not been a bad year.  We have had 3 months of wonderful, drier weather which helped make up for such a rainy spring and summer. 

We are going into winter with 16 strong hives and hope it is nothing like last winter!  Now that the outside work has pretty much come to a standstill I look forward to using the long winter months creating skin products with my honey and beeswax.  For everything there is a season!