Once again our intrepid explorer has ventured into the bees’ domain. There were two frames well filled with capped brood (pupae). These were last week’s fat larvae. I was able to identify several capped drone pupae – they’re larger than workers, so their cell caps stick up like warts. The eggs have become larvae, and more eggs have been laid. I didn’t see Queen Boudica, but she’s been around recently. I’ll not fret unless she & eggs are missing next week. I don’t want to pester the hive too...

selchie

The bees are great. I inspected the hive Sunday, and found that everyone is very busy, including Boudicca (the queen). Lots of comb, eggs, nectar & pollen. I probably would have seen larvae, if I had looked at some of the "older" frames. I was so careful to not bother them too much that I really didn't inspect very well. I think I'll go back in today or tomorrow. I'm wishing I'd gotten two hives, and might get onto the swarm list, so I can collect a free one. I just need to get some...

selchie

Just a few more piccies...

selchie

Let's see if I can do this...

selchie

I finally got my bees Sunday. I am very pleased and excited over them.

On Saturday I fussed around for an hour or two setting up the hive and making sure everything was placed just right. The hive is set over a drainage ditch, so I was concerned that the boards wouldn’t hold the weight. Karin helped decide that a double layer of “cross ply” 2”x8” boards was probably fine. Then she promptly took off for the rest of the weekend, no doubt worried that I would ask her to help install...

selchie