I'm a new Beek again
Well not yet, but I'm about to be. In the early to mid-80s I kept bees and had about a dozen hives at the height of that venture. Unfortunately, a diving accident prevented me from continuing in the hobby and I ended up giving away my equipment and bees. Fast-forward to the summer of 2010 when my very good friend SteveBee invites me over to see his new colony. When he took the top off and pulled that first frame out, I got a whiff of the inside of that hive and I was in love all over again.
Now here I am waiting impatiently for the middle of April and my 3# packages to arrive. I'm still unable to do the physical work, but Steve has agreed to help me. Since that day last summer I have read almost everything I can get my hands on, and WOW!! have things changed. Granted, I was not a very sophisticated beekeeper at age 21, but to the best of my recollection there were just two things to worry about back then: 1) AFB and 2) what am I going to do with all this honey. Also, I realize now just how lucky I was at keeping bees back then. Although I was only in it about four years, I never lost a hive or even a Queen. In addition, there was a local beekeeping supply business (American Bee Supply in Lebanon, TN) about three miles from my home. If on a Saturday I determined I needed a couple supers to add to my stronger colonies, I could have them assembled and ready to use in a matter of hours instead of days.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to having a couple colonies in the backyard, and the challenges that go with keeping them. When able, I will post updates on my successes and failures. In the meantime, I appreciate all the information and opinions found here, what a resource! It is interesting to read about the challenges beekeepers face from other parts of the country and planet. Thanks to the Beesource.com owners, moderators, and contributors.
Greg
Wilson County, Tennessee
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Originally Posted by AmericasBeekeeper
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