I'm here to learn what I can about beekeeping in 2016.
So far, it looks scary. My first hive was pulled off of my brother-in-law's house in 1983 in Aransas Pass, Texas. I managed that hive until I got too busy to care for it, and the wax moths took over in 1991 or so. I was busy, Africanized Honey bees were scaring the pants off of everyone, and my county was in quarantine. So I let the bee hive die.
I'm now in Victoria Texas on a 1/2 acre lot and my wife wants bees to pollinate her little garden. Advise from others has convinced us to go with two hives. We will pick up our Nucs from RWeaver Apiary at the end of April.
In the meantime, we are buying equipment, reading books, and eavesdropping on beekeeper forums.
Varroa mite, small hive beetles, etc. I'm not sure I've got the courage to face all of these. Right now, Africanized Honeybees are looking pretty tame compared to what you have to face today.
But, since I didn't learn about the mites until AFTER I ordered my nucs, and since I hate to turn away from a challenge, we are going full speed ahead.
Two empty hives sitting in the back yard, waiting for our bees to arrive.
I'm looking forward to playing with bees again!
-WM