Greetings everyone!
I'm extremely new to beekeeping. I can't even call myself a beekeeper yet, but I'm trying to learn all I can before I take the plunge. Here's my story:
Last year, my husband took a blacksmithing class at a place in North Carolina called John C. Campbell Folk School. When the next year's catalog arrived, I saw that they offered a beekeeping class. How interesting!
So I promised myself I'd apply to take the class (held at the end of April, this year) and bought a book to read up in the meantime. I also requested a catalog from Mann Lake just to get an idea of costs and necessary equipment. The book I had didn't contain many pictures, so the catalog was a good way to see what the book was describing.
I put my interest in beekeeping put on hold for a while until it was time for the class. Afterall, I wouldn't know for sure if this was even something I wanted to attempt until I learned more from the class. However, my husband, bless his heart, is so thoughtful when it comes to birthday and Christmas gifts. So yesterday, I received a wonderful birthday present of a Deluxe Starter Kit from Mann Lake.
It's got everything for a beginner: bee suit with helmet, veil, and gloves; hive tool, smoker, 2 hive bodies and 2 supers, feeder, queen excluder, hive stand, bottom board, etc. etc. etc.
So, here I am, renewing my research since it seems this new hobby is more of a reality now. I still don't plan on getting bees until after I've taken the class. I'm not going to let the brand new hive rush me into something I'm not ready for. But hopefully, this forum will be helpful for finding a mentor in my area, and providing tips, tricks, insights, and advice I will need to be successful.
I look forward to lots of interaction!
-Susan