Every little thing wants to be loved

There has hardly been a day, where temperatures reached the point for the bees to be safe outside of their hives. We've visited our bees - still living with our Masters in the Bee Arts - and they're fine, spring cleaning, and waiting for milder weather to come.

We haven't opened the hives to see if the bees are fine, opening the hive would let out the warmth that the bees work so hard to maintain. We have placed a thermometer inside the hive, that can be read from the outside. If it's warm inside, the bees are well and sound. We'll just have to patient and wait with the bees.

As a part of our training in the art of bee keeping, we will learn how to use the honey, bees wax, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and venom in various ways. Being patient about the spring to arrive in full bloom is one thing - being patient about other things (like learning about, say, bees wax) may just be a bit too demanding ... so we have been trying out a few things on our own: calendula healing salve, lip balms with various fragrances, honey lollipops and drops - and lotion bars.

 Sheer goodness! Utmost sumptuousness! Supreme satisfaction!
The beauty of the simplicity; few ingredients are needed - and hopefully some of the ingredients can come from your own garden.The calendula salve is made with an oil infusion of my own calendula flowers.

Calendula Healing Salve

Honey Amber Lollipops

Lip Balm

Lotion Bars

The recipes were found on the internet, tested and altered to our liking. I found The Mountain Rose Blog helpful.

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»...The world was really one bee yard, and the same rules work fine in both places. Don't be afraid, as no life-loving bee wants to sting you. Still, don't be an idiot; wear long sleeves and pants. Don't swat. Don't even think about swatting. If you feel angry, whistle. Anger agitates while whistling melts a bee's temper. Act like you know what you're doing, even if you don't. Above all, send the bees love. Every little thing wants to be loved.«
- Sue Monk Kidd