Beekeeping, Gardening and Quilting in Eastern Wake County, North Carolina









Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Bee Report

I know - it's been awhile since I posted about the bees but LIFE got in the way.
So now I'll try to update the bee situation.  I'll say not so good right off the bat.  I have harvested my honey and have maybe 3/4 of a five-gallon bucket.  The bees have been struggling to find food to keep alive much less provide some for me. 













It has rained and rained and then rained some more!
So we're about 8.35" above normal.  I think more at my house - just depends on where you live.  The ground is still soppy wet so we've had plenty.
So when everything bloomed in the spring, it was cold and rainy and then rainy and on and on and the bees were having to eat what they were bringing in to survive so not the surplus of last year.  Well, that's what I'm thinking and saying.
Right now, I have 4 hives and one Nuc that I made on 6/27/13.  Mr. Ellis had bought a queen and didn't need it so we made a Nuc for me. 
I checked all the hives today.  Thought the New Hive needed more space and Nuc #1 needed to be put in a big brood box.  Not the case - both have plenty of room.  I did see the queen in Nuc #1. The New Hive has lots of mites but they're all at the top so I'm not too concerned right now.  All the hives have space so no changes today. 
Nuc #1








Hive #4





Monday, July 1, 2013

Educational Reading

I just finished reading Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die by Willie Nelson.  Pretty interesting book and he's funny and sometimes we forget what a hard worker that man has been and continues to be.
Love his music!
Then to continue my educational reading "The Duck Commander Family".  Great book and the show just kills me - it can be so funny!