Api...what? This spring I have decided to become a beekeeper. It wasn't a decision that I made without doing my homework. I read several books and I attended several of my local beekeeping association meetings before I picked up the phone and ordered two, three pound packages of bees (your eyes are not bad, honeybees are ordered by the pound). I will be able to pick up my bees in early May from a local distributor- I am excited, yet terrified! Why would a 26 year old, female care about bees? Well, I am foremost interested in keeping bees so that they will pollinate my garden. Additionally, I want a hobby that will help me reduce my stress level a little. I know it sounds crazy to reduce stress by putting yourself in the middle of bees, but long-time beekeepers swear by the practice. I am also interested in learning more about apitherapy - the therapeutic benefits of bee products such as venom, propolis, and royal jelly. I am especially interested in learning how bee venom can be used to treat arthritis, but I doubt I'll be stinging myself anytime soon. Right now I am just happy I'll be helping the honeybees pollinate the earth and hoping for some delicious honey.
