Scott- paraphrasing Steve Harvey author of Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man, some of his words of advice are:
Chapter four
“We need to talk.” For a man, few words are as menacing as those four — especially when a woman is the one saying them and he’s on the receiving end. Those four words can mean only two things to men: either we did something wrong or, worse, you really literally just want to talk.
Scott- "If they have capped honey you dont need to feed them fondant. The caveat here is that if the capped honey is ONLY around the outside of the edges and its wicked cold, then the fondant may be necessary. We are getting days in the mid 40's still.. by all comparison to last winter its a fantastic winter to be a bee.. They can move to reserves.. if I HAD reserves...."
Mkaaay, HOWEVER! I remember during late fall, and other posts as well, you saying that you go to the extent of covering any situation that winter may put upon the bees. So, you get all treatments done, then leave sugar cakes in all your hives 'Just In Case'. Then you close up the hive for winter assured that every winter scenario is covered. Then, if the sugar cakes are not used or some is left over, you make syrup out of them for spring feeding.
1. That's what I did, and knowing that the Farmer's Almanac said that we were going to have a mild winter, I did it anyway.
2. Between the drought and the ruby hummer syrup, the bees had a hard time making just enough honey for the winter, no reserves. And, I did take a couple or so frames of honey this year.
3. I rarely wear gloves, only when I've been in a hive too long do the bees get testy with my hands. I buff my hands and arms with my propolis tincture. I wear a ballcap with a head veil only.
4. "and hands with no gloves.. wait, no sleeve? Are you wearing a short sleeved shirt!!!
Actually, this winter has been so mild, that I'm practicing beekkeeping in the buff... you asked
Okay Scott ~ You can talk now
