This is honey bee weather, you guys. The days are warm. The breezes are mild. And everything seems to be in bloom. Every single day these past couple of weeks we find our fuzzy little winged princesses foraging in the box woods and fruit trees, and as of yesterday they have even discovered purple clover. Do you know how exciting it is that we have so many bees alive and thriving after last autumn’s wax moth decimation? Well it’s very exciting. That’s what it is.
I have several hive-related tasks to compete this month and might even be adding more bees, and I am so excited to tell you about all of it. But for now, an invitation…
This weekend is the statewide spring conference for the Oklahoma Beekeepers’ Association. Honey lovers from all across our great state will gather to discuss best practices and lessons learned, the weather, and some changes in cottage law legislation no doubt. We will also get to hear guest speaker Reyah Carlson, an experienced apitherapist. Check out her blog right here. She is the featured speaker and will be giving talks about, in her own words:
“the health benefits from all honeybee produced substances.. raw honey, pollen, royal jelly, propolis and venom from the sting. I will also be demonstrating sting technique and application.”
Did you catch that last part? She will be stinging people. With bees. On purpose. I am planning to volunteer, because I don’t know when to say no. Family legend has it that my great-grandpa Papa Joe Neiberding, who was a locally famous beekeeper, stung himself deliberately as a cure for his arthritis.
I kid you not. I am Arthur-free but still looking forward to being reminded of how a bee sting feels.
So even if you have little interest in raising bees yourself (although you should consider it), please come to the Cleveland County Fairgrounds tomorrow morning and watch me get stung. I don’t mind if you laugh when I cry, so long as you bring me a cookie or chocolate covered almond or something as a comfort.
Okay, gotta go. Handsome is on his way home and we have two wonderful friends coming over for dinner tonight. I hope you have fun plans for this gorgeous March weekend! Thank you so much for stopping in at the digital W.
“When you shoot an arrow of truth,
dip its point in honey.”
~Arab Proverb
xoxoxoxo
Have a terrific time, my friend. And don’t get stung!!
Thanks Heather! It was very inspirational and informative! The sting was a good experience. LOL
I’ve heard about the bee venom helping or preventing arthritis, as well. Man. The bees stung my dog today and she was not a happy puppy. But now she knows not to go sniffing and snapping around the hive.
I still adore that sweet photo of your daughter and the bee.
I adore this photo too, for so many reasons… xoxo Thank you.
Yep, apparently bee venom and other bee products (like royal jelly, propolis, and bee bread) do a LOT more than I ever suspected! Cannot wait to learn more. Poor puppy though… is she okay? LOL
Sting my knee!! Doctor said it sounds like arthritis 🙁
Oh Mysti you are so young!! Yes, follow along as we learn, this could really truly help you! xoxo
I know, that’s what I said! Pretty sure carpal tunnel in my hands and wrists too 🙁
A dear family member has practiced sting therapy for her Rheumatoid Arthritis for several years with great results. Farmer hubby says I can get bees. Probably have to wait a year…
“Arthur”- Uncle Billy from Mitford? Such pleasant, gentle, humorous, and often relatable books.
xoxo,
Laura
I would love to join you. And I would love to keep bees. just actually to give them a home, not so much about the honey. BUT, my Sparky is allergic to bees. And highly so. It makes it difficult.
But I love that you are doing this!