December Checkup

Well, here it is, December 28th 2013 and it was a nice and clear 56 degrees out today.  Made more interesting by the fact that tomorrow is predicted to reach only a high of 9.

I took advantage of the warmup, like so many other bee folks did today, to take a peek at my bees in my Fontenelle Forest apiary.  Out of the three hives I had there going int oWinter, one of them was a die out.  As a matter of fact, it was the lone remaining 5 frame hive but it was my own darn fault.  I feel bad.

I forgot to reduce the entrance and yes, a mouse found it's way in and things went downhill from there.

The other two hives, in 8 frame boxes, seem to be doing very well.  Obviously, they weren't too happy with my little visit.

I plan to check on them again at the next warmup opportunity,  I suspect there will be at least one day in January over 45 degrees.

It was good to smell that hive smell again.  God I miss my bees.

What a Wacky Winter

It's been a couple of days since I lasted posted here.  Lots of things going on.

How crazy is this winter in the Great Plains anyway?

Monday and Tuesday we had great weather in the mid-50's.  Tuesday shows up and from then on we go from 30 to below zero in a matter of a couple days.

Those poor bees.  If you didn't get to take advantage to check on your hives and feed them in those couple of nice days, you might not be feeling like such a great beekeeper right now.  I know I don't. 

I know, I know, life happens, appointments to get to, things to get done, but still, a beekeeper feels bad when he doesn't get his bees taken care of properly.