Aroc are you close to seely swan valley or phillipsburg, your county is kinda inbetween last time since looked at Montana map. I lived in the bitterroot valley for 20 plus years, Lewistown for 5 years.
Yes, it is going to be a while before you see spring, but the knapweed honey is worth the wait. That knapweed Honey is second only to Tupelo in my opinion.
I remember seeing snow July 4th in the valley. In May, in mountains, the fairy slippers, Mountain orchids bloom, a flower unforgettable with the shape of a tiny slipper thus the name fairy slipper.
Aroc, I think you and your wife both working with bees is totally cool. Good to involve the wife, she sounds like a keeper for sure, beekeeper that is. Ok another dumb joke:) Spring is on the way, knapweed Honey will be your reward.
Blessings