Beekeeping is the art of >looking after your bees ie trying to ensure that they are healthy and >happy. It has nothing to do with whether YOU get stung or whether YOU are >happy or unhappy. Many so called beekeepers today are actually honey >farmers who care very little about there bees, only how much honey/profit >they make at the end of the year! Harry, thank you for coming to my defense. I don't know whether I am a keeper or a haver, since I keep only one hive and that one is only for hobby, personal-use honey and beeswax candles. The one hive has lucky done very well for the past 3 years. I DO wear gloves and can not foresee a time when I won't. It's just my nature to be cautious. I was wrong in stating that we never get stung though. One of my sons did step on a bee while barefoot 2 years ago. No ill effects though. I wish Good Fortune to all Beekeeper, AND Bee-Havers. And hopefully all Bee-Havers will eventually progress to being caring Beekeepers. Linda