I'm absolutely thrilled to report that through freecycle I got in touch with a beekeeper about 8 miles from here. He was absolutely thrilled to find that we had a swarm, and I was absolutely thrilled to find that he had empty hives. This is the most excitement we've had here since the plumber's merchant on the corner of the next street caught fire the week before Christmas.

Anyway, even as I type this, my bees (funny how in the space of about 8 hours they've suddenly become 'my' bees) are being placed into a hive, where they will go to their new homes.

And I have found a great local source for organic honey and beeswax.

What an absolutely thrilling episode!

Yup, they are still there.......   I've got a larger photo but don't know how to post it here, nor have I worked out how to get a photo into a reply yet. Oh well, something to enjoy learning another day!

I walked the dog this morning to find a swarm (cluster? herd? what is the collective noun for 'parked' bees that are not yet homed in a hive?) of bees nestled in my pussy willow bush.

Metaphysically this is a 'very' good thing. Bees represent prosperity, focus and concentration, reward through hard work, divine feminine energy, finding our proper niche in the Universe, and deeper connection with Spirit.

Environmentally, I'm rather thrilled. It means that in my own little corner of the world we are doing what we can, and it is working because wildlife are finding what they perceive to be a safe haven here, even if only to catch their breath.

On a practical note, I'm a bit concerned, as I don't know the first thing about beekeeping (although I know slightly more than Homer, who thought we had a hornet's nest!). I'm putting out feelers to see if there are any beekeepers locally who could come and take the swarm.