Preparing for spring

I'm excited! I've ordered another package of bees and the woodenware to start a third hive. The bees were ordered from Rossman Apiaries in Moultrie, Ga. (same place as last year), and are supposed to arrive in mid-May. I'm expecting the hive box to come via UPS sometime next week, so I'll need to pick out a level spot in the back yard for it, paint it and buy some concrete blocks for the base.

Now that the weather's warming up, it's time to think about feeding the bees again. Temps have been climbing into the low 70s this week, and both the Apollo and Rocky bees have been very active in the afternoons. It's fun to see them out and about, flying around. Once the temperatures are consistently above freezing in the mornings, I'll take out the entrance reducers on the hives and remove what's left of the pollen patties that were a food source during the winter months.

With the possibility of summer honey in mind, I've started saving small jars for samples to give to family and friends. Last fall, I had to scramble for jars and finally found some at Hobby Lobby and, believe it or not, a fabric store. In the event there's a LOT of honey, I'll order some squeeze bottles and labels. That's a pleasant though.

The third hive is gonna need a name, preferably continuing the Rocky theme. Now accepting suggestions, folks...