A few years ago, a neighbor of mine mentioned that she was thinking of taking a beekeeping class at the local Cooperative Extension. Well, she didn't, but it must have stuck in my mind because last winter, I started reading up on beekeeping, and through books and web sites, fell in love with the idea.
I have about ten acres, and have always wanted to do something with my land. Livestock seemed too much responsibility, but bees--just right!
So I joined the local beekeeping group and managed, in late June, to get a couple of nucs. And I found I loved it from start to finish. I like putting the woodenware together, and I love watching the girls do their thing. I love the honey, and I love making candles and creams from the wax.
So I have five more packages on order for next year. And I'm going to register as a business, and start selling honey, candles, and all the rest as a sideline business. If I break even, that's good. If I make a bit more, that's even better. Since I have a good (but stressful) day job, what I want more than anything else is the outdoor work, the relaxation of watching thousands of bees work, the creativity of making candles and creams, and maybe, just maybe, a supplemental income for my distant retirement. Maybe. :)