Monday's Tennessee Traveler focused on Shirley DeBusk, Tennessee's 2008 Beekeeper of the Year. Shirley lives in Union County. She has 15 hives. She's only been a beekeeper since the 1990's. She turned a hobby quickly into a profitable business, selling her wares at local flea markets and farmers markets across East Tennessee. Congratulations! The story reminded me of my own grandfather who for years also raised bees in his backyard. When I did the story with Shirley we both were dressed head to toe in garb designed to not get you stung. But so many people don't wear anything other than their own clothes and they don't get stung.

 I was amazed at my grandfather because he seemed to never get stung even though hundreds of bees were buzzing around him as he was talking out the honey. It's an East Tennessee kinda thing for sure. It's been going on for years and years and continues to be an intregal part of our heritage.

Your thoughts?

Alan