BEE HAPPY!

A lot of people dislike bees, and everytime they see one, they either want to swap it, or kill it right away.  That is because of fear of being stung.  Yes, it hurts and a lot of people are allergic to the sting and it could be life threatening for some.  How much do we know about Bees?
They might be equipped with a menacing needle at the tailend of their body, but a bee will almost never sting unless their lives are being threatened or when they are defending their queen and the bee colony.  You know, when they sting you, they most likely will die.  The needle is not meant to be there to sting you, they are part of their equipment for survival in nature.  Whilst bee might be scary to some, they are the good guys!  Do you know that the bullies are the wasps and the yellow jackets?  Don't mess with them, they can sting you multiple times and they do have an attitude!
Back to the honey bees.  A lot of the architect in our society is inspired by the way the bee hives were built.  Bees play an important part in the eco-system.  Their going from flower to flower, helps the pollination process.  As a result, many different variety of plants, vegetables, crops are able to grow and return year after year.  Without the bees, our dedicated workers of nature, not only mankind will be deprived of food, other animals will not have enough food to pass through a winter.
Honey is one of the greatest assets in the entire world.  Bees are responsible in creating it.  The history of honey stretches back over milions of years.  The production of the hexagonal honeycomb; the three-tier community of queen, drones, and workers; the transformation of flower nectar into honey - all these were in place long before even our most ancient records.  No matter how diligent our beekeepers are, it is the bees that really know how a beehive should be run. 
Honey could be administered in medicinal uses, homeopathic, and it provides instant energy.  It could be used in cooking, drinks, spread, also for crafting candles, and much more.  Here is a great smoothie for the Summer for you to try!
Bee Happy1  ripe banana, peeled, 1-2 teaspoons honey, 1 cup fresh orange juice, 4-5 fresh or forzen strawberries, 4-5 ice cubes, 1/3 cup lowfat or nonfat plain yogurt, juice of half a lemon (optional)
Toss banana, honey, orange juice, strawberries, and ice cubes into the blender.  Blend until smooth and frothy.  Add yogurt and blend for a few more seconds.  If it needs a little more oomph, add lemon juice.(yield:  1 drink)
For more reference on why we need bees in our world, go to:  Central Sussex Beekeepers Association (http://www.centralsussexbka.org/) ; www.amazingbees.com.uk/
Great journal to read:  A Book of Bees by Sue Hubbell
Love our Bees!
Anne Haywood Smith  The Bling Girl