Storm Coming

It was a gorgeous, sunny day today.  Highs were in the low 40s, but it felt warm.  That might change tomorrow, as a storm is predicted to move in.  Here in Western Massachusetts, we might get up to 12" of snow.  We'll see.  It's been such a mild winter that I can't really imagine a snow storm coming in. 

Since it was so mild today, I checked on the hive of honeybees in the backyard.  I had noticed some dead bees around the entrance, and I wanted to see how many corpses were really there and if there were any living bees left.  I broke off a stick and used it to swoop the dead bodies out of the hive.  Yep, there were a lot of dead bees.  I donned my hood and got out my hive tool to take a look in the supers.  The top super looked very quiet but when I lifted it, I could see a small cluster of bees near the center of the middle super.  Ah ha!  There are live bees.  I put everything together as quickly as I could, and felt assured that we might make it through the season.  I want my colony to survive!  Not only because they are little beings that I am managing, but because I don't want to shell out $90 for a package of bees.  Buying new bees every season is not sustainable.

Here are some pictures of the hive last summer.

If all goes well this season, I might get another hive next spring.  I really enjoy working with the bees, and I find it amazing that these little critters have such a complex social order.  The honey is divine.  The wax is useful.  If I hone my skills a bit, I can definitely see expanding my bee empire!