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It's been a busy year so far and I'm looking at mixed results.
Yesterday I entered a "float" in the 4th of july parade and got a first place check to help pay for the candy(not nearly enough $ for that) but it should get me some pic time in the local rag for advertising.
I had caught another swarm in a trap and moved them last night to replace another hive that I lost(4 dead in June). It was a good, active, busy colony and I'm thinking they could be a good one next year.
My bees have been mean this year, not every colony but more than I'm used to, and they're meaner than hell. Last year I could have worked most of my hives in a tee shirt, this year I think you'd die. I mowed near them last week and they just balled up on me. I didn't have gloves and took a few to the hands and a couple of those bastards got up my sleeves. Wasn't fun at all.
I did too much "testing" last week. I've been talking with an area restaurant/bar and the chef is trying to come up with honey based shots. He's doing something like a reduction with bacon grease and crumbles, honey and a whiskey/bourbon. We tried several shots the other night...some i thought were good, a couple just got me drunk. Frank the tank.
I do have a cabin that has honey bees in a wall that I'm considering doing a removal(cutout) soon. I'll video that and it might be interesting as a time lapse for those interested.
I'm still hopeful that if it doesn't turn too dry and start a dearth, I'll be able to make some honey. My lofty goal for this year is 1000lbs, so we'll see.
Enjoy your summers and keep eating local honey.
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