Wild Bees!

Readers, it's not every day that I wake to surprises, but today is one of those days. As I write these words, there is a multitude of buzzing, bzzing, bees making sweet sweet honey in my backyard. They've taken up shop right in the back of the old shed that sits in the forest of weeds. I've already ran outside, investigated the whole situation and have come back unscathed and pleased.

Last night I was reading a novel called, “The Poisonwood Bible.” It's a fiction about a missionary family that goes to Africa to preach the gospel. In one of the chapters there is mention of an African who harvests honey from the wild bees. Lighting a torch he raises the smoky fire around the hive and the smoke drives the bees out. The temptation to give this a try over the weekend is strong. The thought of eating fresh honey seems marvelous, but my roommate thinks it's downright foolish. Not only do angry bees sting, but the honeycomb outcome could be a failure. Bees are prone to all kinds of parasites, and if they become infected the honey can be bad. I'm still uncertain if the risk is worth it, but if the weekend becomes dull I might just go for it.

I will have to think this one over a sandwich of peanut butter, honey and banana