What a Day!

[Chef Isaac]

Well, I have had to work 12 days straight, ten to twelve hour shifts at work and I have been antisapating this weekend. My packages came! Friday, I got the call and picked them up after work. Did a lot of preperation, etc. Had to work Saturday too which was a bummer cause Friday and Saturday were soooo nice out! Well, I went to bed Saturday night and could not sleep. It was like a little kid going to disneyland. I love this time of year!!

So I picked up my friend and we loaded up. We went out and shook 10 packages, 6 in one yard and four in another. then I took him home and picked up the last ten and hived them in one yard. It was nice having Jason's (who is also a beesource member) help. The last ten took me for ever it seems. Took a sting the neck and to the inside of the leg. I did not get the stinger out all the way so I assume that, with it being the first stings of the year, they will swell. Fun Fun!

I had a blast and now I am tired!

Thank you Jason for your help!

[riverrat]

You got a lot on your plate right now especially with all the extra hours in the kitchen. I dont know how you find time to fill straws, keep watch over 20 packages work your regular job and still have time to sleep. By the way hows the honey cook book comming

[Chef Isaac]

honey cookbook... YIKES! That is like a winter thing. Heck, keeping up with orders and the web site takes time too. Then you throw in the wife and family. Lets just say there is never a day off... unless I am really sick. But even then, I get a lot of stuff done.

[allrawpaul]

What kind of queens did you get Isaac? Please post photos of the new colonys! Where did you get your hive bodies and frames? I am using dadant small cell starter strips. How about yourself? How many boxes do you expect to need per package this season? I have just reallized that to split my 12 colonys I am going to have to buy a ton of gear which will cost mucho $$! I am not sure I want to take care of 24 colonys! How many are you up to? May you be free from swarming! Paul.

[Chef Isaac]

Paul:

I went with Carnis. I got 20 packages, hived them in nucs with drawn frames. I have another 20 nuc bodies pretty much ready to go and I will put them on when the time is right, let them build up, and split them and place 20 russians in the 20 splits. Should work out I think... at least on paper! Yes, equipment can be costly. Maying most of it is better when you can. I do have a local guy who might be able to help you out if you are interested. They buy honey from me. Let me know!

[allrawpaul]

That will be very cool to have both carnis and russians so you can do comparisons. Mine are all italians. the weather sure sucks. Been feeding lots of sugar or my colonys might have starved. Was just given a bunch of red cedar boards, so I will be making most of my boxes and frames. Thanks for the offer though. I can see you are going for a major buildup. I Hope all goes well. Dont work too hard! Paul.