Captains' Quarters

09/12/2026

Two beehives. One Supreme Court case. A question that reaches far beyond one backyard. 🐝

Hives for Heroes Mentor Alex Urban’s fight to responsibly keep two honey bee colonies has reached the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

And when the implications of his case grew beyond his own backyard, Hives for Heroes stood with him.

Alongside the West Virginia Beekeepers Association, Hives for Heroes submitted an amicus brief in support of Alex’s case and responsible beekeeping across the state.

Because this is bigger than two hives.

It’s about what place responsible beekeeping should have in our communities and how we balance education, accountability and reasonable standards without defaulting to blanket prohibition.

Two hives started this case. What happens next could shape beekeeping in West Virginia for years to come.

Read the latest Inside the Hive:
“Two Beehives, One Supreme Court Case, and a National Question: Who Gets to Keep Bees in America?”

People First. Bees Always. 🐝🇺🇸

https://hivesforheroes.org/blogs/news/two-beehives-one-supreme-court-case-and-a-national-question-who-gets-to-keep-bees-in-america

09/10/2026

Hey, all! Need a recommendation for some honey near the East End of Richmond. I have a very faithful customer there but our bees have moved with us to Mathews.
Who can help her out with local honey for future orders?

07/24/2026

If you’ve ever wondered what to plant in your yard so the honeybees in the area have food sources - here’s a good list. Use your zip code and give it a minute to search.
Great resource!

https://mybeecalendar.com

07/01/2026

This week’s high temps are only good for one thing😉
I’ll post when it’s ready to go!
Thanks to all of you who’ve been checking with me!!

12/02/2025

This made me smile! Our bees are all tucked in for the winter in their new beeyard. A huge thank you to all our supporters this season!

🧺🐝 ’Twas the Night Before Christmas… Beekeeper Edition By Sweet Stingers Honey 🍯🎄

’Twas the night before Christmas,
And out in the yard,
Not a creature was stirring—
Not even the guards.
The colonies sat there in silent, wrapped snug in their hives,
Bees clustered tight for a long winter’s nap.

The smokers were hung by the shed door with care,
In hopes that warm springtime soon would be there.
Our veils and our jackets were cleaned and hung right,
For I’d checked the bees earlier—
all tucked in for the night.

But just as I settled with cocoa in hand,
I heard a faint buzzing roll over the land.
I stepped to the window and peered through the frost—
What could it be, a forager that was lost?

Then out in the moonlight, so gentle and bright,
A sleigh dipped and drifted like a drone in mid-flight.
With a beekeeper driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a heartbeat—it must be St. Ambrosia!

His suit wasn’t red but a fine canvas tan,
Smoke curls in the air from the torch in his hand.
He landed so softly near Hive Number Three,
Whispered, “Easy now girls… it’s only just me.”

He checked all the entrances, cleared out the dead bees,
Tapped gently on boxes and brushed off the leaves.
He lifted each lid with a seasoned-hand sway,
Not like any beekeeper but one of careful ways.

He chuckled, “Strong clusters you keep
Good weight on these hives.
You’ve done well this season keeper
these girls will survive.”

He sprinkled a dusting of magic bee treats,
They shimmered like snowflakes and smelled so sweet.
He left pollen patties all shaped like little bows,
And a tiny mite board with a ribbon of rose.

Then back to his sleigh, with a twirl and a glide,
He rose like a swarm on a warm springtime tide.
I heard him call out as he flew out of sight—

“Merry Christmas, dear keepers,
and to all a good night!
May your queens stay healthy
and your honey flow bright!”

07/06/2025

07/02/2025

03/30/2025

It’s Springtime in the newest beeyard with some packages from Back Forty Bees, LLC in Williamsburg and our friends Jason Keller and Jadon from Hives for Heroes. We’ll leave them to get settled in and check them this weekend!
**No one got stung and Jadon still made it to GalaxyCon. I’d call that a definite win!

11/29/2024

All done for today with a few items left. Please send me a PM if you are interested in any of the following and I can meet you tomorrow at TS.
Raw honey spread $5
Sugar/honey scrub with lavender $7
Raw honey gift bag $7
5 oz. Raw honey gift jar $5