Helping my mentor open his hive

May 5, 2014:

Today I went and helped a friend open and inspect one of his hives.

It was fantastic. This was the first time I'd had hands-on experience, and my friend was so helpful--teaching me, and encouraging me to DO, rather than just watch. I found I wasn't scared at all, even when the bees started to sound a little angry (of course my beesuit was largely to thank for my comfort level, but still). They're fascinating critters. Can't wait for mine to arrive in a couple of weeks.

This is a bit of superfluous comb the bees were making in an inconvenient spot. The hives have to be neatened up all the time, or the bees build comb all over the place.