A Typcial Day around the House on Hilltop Farm

Look what popped up...and just in time for winter!  Well, it feels like it outside!!  We are on vacation this week and there is a chance of rain every day. They say it is 53degrees outside but it feels like 30!  Doesn't matter I guess, we are working on the house this week.  On Friday we insulated the Grand Banquet Hall!

 After a few hours of that itchy job, I decided to get outside.

 I cleaned up the leftover mess that my loving family left for me.

 I try to be creative with Easter egg surprises and they get creative right back.

 Look what I found while cleaning up!

What do you think?  Wear?  Don't wear?

 Then I took a break on the porch.  I'm putting the border on this blankey now!

 Then my Shug and I did more yard staking for a pole barn.  We have been trying to find an area to put a pole barn that is ok with both of us, and doesn't take up too much green space.  This was the last location and I thought it was going to be perfect, until I saw how far back it would go.  I think we have the perfect location now.  We've changed our minds...let's see.....1...2...3...4...who knows how many times!

Then I started on this sad and arduous task.  I think I told you I lost all but two hives.  Well, it appears there is only one alive now.  I have been taking them down and cleaning them out.  I have no where to put them, so I'm setting them back up.  I did find a place that has bees for sell.  And I checked with someone I know to make sure the place was legit.

 But now I'm starting to wonder.  I called them twice this week and have not received a return phone call.  I keep getting an answering machine.  I hope I didn't get ripped off.  The price of bees has almost doubled since I started beekeeping in 2003. I ordered three packages to the tune of $435.00.   You order bees in packages or nucs.  I prefer nucs, but they have to be ordered in January.  I will show you my packages of bees if/when I get them.  (I am very concerned) And I am considering downsizing my hives. 

 Here is my one live hive, and it is not a strong one.

 Can you find the queen in these pics?

 If you look closely you can see bright yellow dots in these pictures.  That is pollen that the bees are carrying into the hive.  (It's hard taking pictures while suited up.)

Hint..the queen is only in one of the pictures and she looks much different than the rest of the bees.

 

Break time.

Cindy Bee