As I've mentioned before, I'm currently enrolled in a Beekeeping Apprenticeship class by WSU, and yesterday (4/30/22) was a FIELD DAY!

The email reminding us to come said we needed to arrive with our bee suit, gloves, and a hive tool.

Well I hadn't gotten gloves yet because I've been pretty fearless, but was afraid that I wouldn't be allowed to get into the hives without them, so I went to Tate's Honey Farm to pick up some gloves before class.

I first walked in and Jerry Tate made a comment about my hair and being something of a "Queen Bee". *HaHa* Even said something about my car matching my hair. Love it! Jerry then left for class as he's one the sponsors (I think).

I asked the nice gal at the counter if they sold tshirts and she said no, they're in need of a graphic designer for that.

I wrote down my name and phone number and said that I'd be happy to help.

Then, I picked up some gloves, some honey, and some beeswax soap and went to the counter to pay...they don't take debit cards. Yikes! I had to be in class in 15 minutes.

The nice cal at the counter must have seen my moment of panic and quickly said that I could take the items and come back later in the day for payment.

Whaaaaat? So nice. #ShopLocal.

So I took my items and headed to class about 10 minutes away. Class started inside where they nicely explained the step-by-step process of what we would be doing outside in the field inside the hives. They then showed a video: https://youtu.be/HdNyoMLCqGI

They've done an excellent job of explaining the step-by-step. The price for the class is incredibly low for what you get- so much more! I'm grateful for that.

Once we got the direction, we went outside in our bee suits. We had about 5 people per hive to actually get into. Another student opened the hive, but I got to get into it once it was open.

OMG, SO GREAT!

The thing I learned most was the actual physical handling of the tool and the frames inside the hive. I've been in hives before but it was so nice to have an instructor guide me as I was doing it. I know it seems small, but I wanted to know how to best handle the bees with care- didn't want to squish any of those pretty girls!

Then the instructor told me to state what I was seeing on the frame. I surprised myself with my quick answers. First I said that I saw a bunch of cute bee butts, but then stated my observations of seeing eggs, larvae, and capped larvae. Then they asked if I saw the queen, silly me- I wasn't looking for her but then immediately spotted her. She's the darkest (in color) queen that I've seen, easy to spot.

The bees were very gentle,,,, totally could've done it without gloves ;).

As usual, the bees had a hypnotic effect on me. I would love a hive with observational windows so I could just watch them. I just knelt there holding the frame, watching, barely aware of all the people around me for a moment. I felt confident, grateful, and calm.

I've come to believe that bees are incredibly healing for me. I loved every second of it, and I remember not only the feeling but the soothing sweet and smoky scent of the hive.

Then I realized I was hogging the time and put the girls back and closed up the hive. I don't think I killed any, and attempted to save one that got wet- so that's good.

After class I went and got some cash to take back to Tate's. I asked the workers there about a nice local brunch place and they suggested a place called Jenny's Cafe in Spokane Valley.

I waited a really long time, especially for just my single self, but the food and service was great, making it worth the wait.

My next order of bee business is to complete the tests for my beekeeping apprenticeship certificate, start attending Farmer's Markets to collect honey, and continue to collect beekeeping equipment. Who knows, maybe Jerry Tate will be open to TRADE *crossing fingers*.

It's so great to be into bee season again!

Photo by the Great J. Steven Robertson of Emmisoure Photography and https://bees.photo