February 2013 - a bit of snow !

We didn't have to "find" Nemo - it found us. More snow than we've gotten in a long time. The upper entrances were clear, so a few bees went for a flight but didn't make it back. Rain today, so it will be like cement.

Well, they are wrapped up for the winter. Out flying on good days, and even finding some pollen !

 

The ECBA hosted Randy Oliver last weekend. If I can retain about 5% of what he shared with us, I'll be amazed. 

Waiting for Spring

The 2 large hives and the nuc didn't survive (varroa in the 2 and the nuc froze). I didn't treat the 2 hives until October, so they were probably doomed at that point. The hive on the end survived and they seem to be doing well. Anyway, I have packages and a nuc of Carnis on order for spring, and have begun to set up the deeps. Still learning ...

Not like last year ...

Saturday, January 7 it was 52F here (??!!). Warm and sunny enough to open the hives for a quick check. Everybody looks fine, they are munching on the winter patties and flying around a bit. The Carnis are in a smaller cluster, but that is their nature. It's my first year with them, so still learning. The Italians all look good, one hive has moved up into the honey super that I had left for them.

Legacy

I knew that my Mother's Father had kept bees - that is where my Dad learned about them, but had not seen any photos of his apiary. In going through some old family things, I found a couple of pictures of him working his bees, probably in the 1930s. Guess it runs in the family, and I am proud to continue the tradition. (Now if I could only channel their knowledge).

8 inches of Halloween snow !!

After the October 29 snowfall. Lost the pear tree to the left, some branches from the apple trees and most of a large magnolia. Glad I insulated the hives last week !!