Hi Folks,

You might remember I lost the hive this winter. Got my new package yesterday, and got the colony in the hive just now. I am so proud of myself! I did it smoothly, with a minimum of deaths, no gloves and no stings! I was much less nervous than the previous two years.

I had some trouble getting the last of the bees out of the package- there were probably 40 or 50 I couldn't shake out, and I did'nt want to shake them up much more. How many clinger-ons do you usually have?

A fellow beekeeper is not going to keep bees this summer, so he is loaning me his hives and equipment. I think my bee source has an extra package, so I'll try two this year. Maybe one will winter over this year. That would make me happy.

Question: When we found the gallon container for our new solution, it was full of last fall's solution. I see no mold; it is clear except for that very faint yellow tint. Can we use this solution? It seems a shame to throw it out if we have it.

Or I guess I could put it in the hummingbird feeder.

I look forward to the season, and chatting with you guys.

Marie