Did anyone wonder WHAT happened to us the last 2 months? I can't avoid the "busy as a bee" cliche!
I need to pick up with where I left off in highlighting the individuals the Lord has used to play a key role in our honey adventures.
Meet our family's decade-long honey supplier - turned - beekeeping mentor -
DWIGHT WILSON, of "Dwight's Honey" farm
Mr. Wilson didn't start teaching us once we became beekeepers - he has been giving our children explanations and fascinating details for years - the children received wonderful science lessons at his honey house almost every fall as he was extracting the season's sweet success. He has a vibrant way with words and facts that capture the full attention of old and young, experienced or not.
Mr. Wilson instructing Cassidy in battling the vicious, silent, almost invisible enemy -
the Varroa Mite
Looking for the queen - when splitting a larger hive in half to form a new colony, it is necessary to locate queen to make sure she remains behind with old colony
Beekeeping isn't his only passion
Due to his serving spirit, he has enjoyed teaching archery skills to all of my clan, and many others
Here he is creating a thrill of new adventures in the boys, which led up to their first hunting
expedition this past fall. Hard footsteps to walk in, for we are sure he never misses his mark.
Dwight with his sweet helping wife, Jerry make a great team.
With the looks of this hat, one might think he used to be a SAILOR
Dwight, Thanks for your willingness to give and serve beyond measure - we appreciate you, not just for what you do, but for the great guy you are. You aren't just our beekeeping mentor, you are a terrific friend.
***A parting warning to all who choose to associate with Mr. Wilson. It was his suggestion that we start some hives to supply our store with honey. I told him I did not have time to even consider it the first time he suggested it. He then quickly put in that it would be great for the boys to learn. After a few years of saying no, I agreed to start with 20 hives (17 more than he recommended for a beginner).
Long story short, by the end of the year (2009) I had 200 hives and am now a full time beekeeper.
Not sure if it was something in the honey, fresh honeycomb, or the bee venom when stung that caused me to love beekeeping. I am sure that Mr. Wilson knows the answer and will use his trick on more unsuspecting, innocent, future beekeepers again; so be forewarned. ***
