If you have not figured it out yet, I like to play with honey bees. I first became interested in honey bees in elementary school when my class had a science project collecting bugs and pinning them to a cork board. Once you found a bug you were supposed to do some research on it and make a little tag for it.
My teacher looked at the different bugs that I had acquired and he got very excited. He pointed to a large bee and stated, “You caught a Queen Bee”. Ever since then I have been interested in bees, although I did not pursue it at that time.
In 2010 I found a book about bees that re-ignited my interest. After reading many different books and exploring the internet, I joined the local bee club, (this is the way to go for all beginners). Through the club I found out that there was an extension program through OSU called the Oregon State Master Beekeeper Program. I quickly joined the apprentice program and I am currently a journey level student, (due to time constraints I may stay at this level until I retire). I have been playing with honey bees ever since and find it a great stress reliever from my engineering vocation.
And no, it was not a queen bee that I found. Most likely I captured a dying drone or some other bee species that looks like a honey bee. Nevertheless, I owe thanks to my teacher, Mr. Peter Smith, for planting that tiny seed, although probably mistakenly.
Currently, this is a hobby, (although an expensive one at times – pesky mites), but if I ever get an abundance of products from the hive, I will list them under the “For Sale” page. But don’t hold your breath.