Honey 2012

Getting to be that time of year. The Ladies have been busy. I didn't think they'd have enough honey capped to make it worth while to extract any before our trip to Denver this week, but the last 10 days they kicked it into high gear. Friends and relatives are excited to get their honey supply restocked.

I checked all the hives as I'd be gone for a week and 2 of the 6 hives had enough in a medium super each to do some harvesting.
Got almost 6 gallons, 65-70 lbs.

I think living near irrigation farms in Central WI that have vegetable crops is helping the honey gathering. Not only are the bees finding flowering crops to draw from, I have to believe all the water that is sprayed on the field edges and woods lines help keep the wild flowers and clover in top nectar producing condition. Coupled with warm sunny days and plenty of water, the bees are able to gather in optimal conditions.

I like the use of recycles to hold the honey. That Crown Royal bottle is cool.

Honey Delivery

Been delivering honey with my bike. 20 miles round trip Monday (somewhat sunny in the 60's), 30 plus today. (strong headwinds, overcast and in the low 50's)

Bartered a quart for a farm raised chicken.

 Working on a custom label. Chuck was the Dad of my best bud since grade school. He died 11 years ago. Chuck got me started in bee keeping 30 years ago. I only did it for a year or 2, then picked it up again this summer.

Tried out a backpack I will be using for a couple ski races this winter. Worked out well.

Whew!!! Heading out on vacation!

Been a busy 2 weeks.
- youngest son got married
- baby-sat grandson Jason for 3.5 days
- Collected 250-300 lbs of honey
- got bees ready for winter...medication
- tons of odds and ends to get packed and ready to go on vaca for 2 weeks
- did I mention I do have a full time job?

Will hopefully get caught up and will be adding a shit-ton to the blog.