On Friday, February 13, 2025, I went to check the hives. The temperature was around 49 degrees and dropping into the evening so I knew my time was limited. I opened Hive 1 and could tell immediately that the colony did not survive. It looked like the bees were frozen in time. And to some… Continue reading One Loss
Geeking out!
The NRV area of Virginia has been on a winter lock-down since late January. Schools have been closed since January 23. Even today when we thought our local schools would be in session today, lo-and-behold, Mother Nature decided to leave us an overnight gift which closed schools once again. As you can imagine, this is… Continue reading Geeking out!
Snow, Ice, and a Little Ingenuity
It started snowing late Saturday evening, but my worry began much earlier in the day. I asked my husband what I could do as a last‑minute way to protect the hives as best I could. I know, I know… bees have been taking care of themselves long before humans ever thought to interfere, but I… Continue reading Snow, Ice, and a Little Ingenuity
Honey and What-Nots
While in the hives, bees are busy producing what they need for survival: Wax – useful for building comb so the Queen can lay eggs and so the worker bees can store resources like pollen and nectar. Pollen – while bees do not make pollen, they collect it. Worker bees leave the hive to find… Continue reading Honey and What-Nots
Winter Hives: Take 2
This is my second year keeping bees. I am pretty sure last winter was too wet and too cold for my hives and the girls froze. They had plenty of frames full of honey, but their winter cluster seemed small and separated. This winter has been cold but less wet, which seems to be working… Continue reading Winter Hives: Take 2
New Bee-ginnings
After my first loss, I decided it was a good idea to attend a local beekeeping class. One Saturday each month from March to June, I joined other new beekeepers to learn the ABC's of beekeeping. The class concluded with a "Hive Dive" where we got to partner with experienced beekeepers to learn tricks of… Continue reading New Bee-ginnings
Ups and Downs of Beekeeping
It was amazing to watch the bees fly in and out, to see the eggs in the comb turn into larvae, and to see them produce combs full of pollen and honey! Unfortunately, the winter of 2024-2025 was harsh. It was colder than normal, wetter than normal, and when I checked on the girls in… Continue reading Ups and Downs of Beekeeping
New-bee: Spring 2024
After reading "Beekeeping for Dummies," I was still so curious about the venture into keeping bees. I asked for beekeeping supplies for Christmas and my husband and other family members came through. I got a bee suit, smoker, and two boxes with frames and foundation. It suddenly felt like the pressure was on... Around Spring… Continue reading New-bee: Spring 2024
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