What a difference from last year at this time. The bees are alive and busy. This warm weather the past month has really got them going. As of March 15, only one dead out, a few week hives and a lot of strong ones. I am so happy with these results so far, but it is too soon to make the final count in surviving numbers. There is still a chance it could get cold and snowy.
This past week has been cooler, which I think, and again just guessing, it is a good thing. It will slow them down a bit. This is new territory for so many of us beekeepers. With above average fall temperatures, a very mild winter and an amazing start to spring there is so much life. I am hoping to start to dig into them next week when it warms up a bit. I am excited to see what is there. A big concern right now is the varroa mites exploding early. With increased brood rearing comes increased varroa mite pressure. The sooner I can get in and assess the better for the bees and for me and my peace of mind. I had time in March to peak in, but I was leary of really working the hives. I was worried I might set them back if it got cold. So, my objective was to to get some syrup and pollen fed to them to give them the energy they needed to rear brood slowly and have food close to the cluster if it got cold. Fingers crossed and praying hard!
The flooding is still impacting our area. The lakes have gone down a bit, but it is slow. We are very thankful that there was not much of a run off this year. Our lands are ok, but people to the around us are still in trouble, forced from their homes or having to pick up their entire farms and start again somewhere more inland. It has been hard on the families around us.
Larry and I went for a drive to check out the lake yesterday and see if the ice has started to pile or has started to move. In our area, it still "looks" solid. At the docks in the town of Steep Rock, not much has melted from shore. However, it appears to have soften, from a healthy distance! I am glad Larry and his dad pulled the ice fishing shack off the already. Speaking of ice fishing, there was much fish to be caught. Everyone went home with enough perch and even pickerel to fill their freezers. Ice fishing is a winter past time much enjoyed by the locals. I can not remember the last time I saw so many huts on the ice. Not many of the huts ventured to far from shore because the underwater cameras showed a lot of current, way more than normal. The ice got to 3+ feet thick, but still, many stayed close, just in case. Next year, if you have a love of winter fishing, come and check out our lake!
This time of year is busy with the calves. The cows are busy having their babies and the babies are a lively bunch. They love to run and jump and explore their new surroundings. I think this is my favorite time of year, all the little babies. It has been a challenging season, but I think we will soon see it finish. I hope to show some pictures later on.
If you get a chance, please check out the bottom of the home page. It has a connect button with Facebook. Feel free to like the Honey Shack Facebook page and feel free to comment if you want.
Also, take note to the change on the top of the home page. There you will see that international orders will be sent a second bill for increased shipping costs. I recently shipped to the United States, and found that the quotes on PayPal shipping work for in Canada. But to leave the country, the package costs more. PayPal.ca does not offer an ability to change shipping parameters. So with the help of my website design team, they came up with the idea of a second shipping bill. I hope at some point it will get easier, so please bear with us. Please feel free to email me if you would like to get an estimate on the shipping costs before you place your order. And feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. Just remember, check you junk mail, especially if, like me, your security settings are quite high.
The Ultimate craft show is coming up and fast. If you would still like a two for one coupon, send me an email.
Thanks for all those who have taken the time to check out my site. I really appreciate it!
Until next time,
Tammy