The first week "flew" by so fast I didn't have time to sleep! Its incredible to see the work they have done inside the hive already. The friend that I convinced to help me, was my not so willing but patient assistant the other day and we noticed that in one of the hives they have already made huge progress drawing out the comb from the foundation on the new frames. While the other hive has barely started. I'm not sure why this is, my only guess would be that hive A. is stronger than hive B. but the unusual part is that Ive noticed more activity of workers going in and out in hive B. so this is bizarre to me.

Today was much better! I got a good nights sleep had plenty of coffee and right after work at 3 I drove straight there.The sun was vibrant today and glistened in the remaining puddles of yesterdays rain I couldn't wait to see what had happened inside the hive in just 24 hours.
And they continue to amaze me, There were spots that they had already welded the frames together with wax! They were so much friendlier and relaxed on a sunny warm day. When I opened the hive they crawled over every inch of the hive, buzzing around my head climbing over my fingers with their furry bodies. The foraging bees returning to the hive had sacs full of pollen on their hind legs, reminded me of yellow chaps. When I removed the first frame today it was covered in bees they all seemed to know their purpose, while some were burrowing their little bodies in the combs to tend to the brood, others were drawing out comb. I could pick out the drones right away, they are fat and dumb looking moving slowly and aimlessly around the hive. makes me giggle. Another great day!!

first day as a beekeeper

After a long spring of waiting, reading books and having bees on the brain they are finally here. I woke up this morning like a kid at Christmas laying in bed at 6:00 trying to force a few more hours of sleep in, I just couldn't do it I was so anxious to go, I had a 2 hour car ride to Albion ME ahead of me and I was ready before i even brushed my teeth. 11:00 couldn't have taken any longer, I had my i pod, coffee in hand and exactly enough money to purchase my two nuc's. I'm ready. Right?
Choosing the appropriate music for a day like today was tough, but I started out with some Booka shade to get me in a good positive groove, then some Itals and a little Joni Mitchell to mellow it out. I was a little bit nervous and a lot a bit excited. The nervousness was due to the fact that I slacked and didn't order my veil, smoker and hive tool in time, so i would have to do without and hope I don't get stung too many times! It is rainy today, just my luck having no smoker the bees are going to be pissed off and sting the hell out of me, but I'm trying to stay positive.