Harvest your own honey

Any one here tend their own bees for honey?  My dad and grandparents did 
it, but it seems like it was a huge production.  I'm just wondering if 
there is anyone that lives in the suburbs that tries to have a hive or 
two.

It seems to me there are a couple of concerns.

1) Is the cost to value worth it?  You have to invest in some equipment 
and bees to start.  How long before you recover that cost?  If the cost 
of honey is just going to go up, this may be worth it.

2) Time to learn.  Besides just buying stuff, you have to learn a whole 
new skill.  How long would it take to know enough about these little 
creatures before you could effectively help each other.

3) Local rules.  Where would you keep bees that could be safe for both 
people and the bees.  I've heard of some people who place the hives up 
on a roof or platform so the bees stay off the ground.  Also, the local 
rules may prohibit having bees on your property.

4) Ecological concerns.  With bee populations in jeopardy, it makes 
sense to have more people keeping hives.  If more people have them, 
perhaps we could reverse some of the concerns.

Anyway, just a few thoughts on the subject.
-- 
James

"Filled with mingled cream and amber; I will drain that glass again; 
Such hilarious visions clamber; Through the chamber of my brain; 
Quaintest thoughts, queerest fancies; Come to life and fade away.  What 
care I how time advances?  I am drinking ale today."

~ Edgar Allan Poe