Welcome Gregg. I would like to add to the above and suggest you find someone in your area that would mentor you. There is nothing like hands on experience with a knowlageable beekeeper that is willing to take the time to show you things. I have been very fortunate to find such a person, so I am listing members in alabama and missippi.
AL Alabama (22)
cwoernle: Montgomery, Alabama
Gomez Adams: Athens, Alabama
wayacoyote: Lawrence Co. Alabama
1frozenhillbilly: anchorage alaska
MABee: Al
guyg41: Gordo, Alabama
mws: Excel, Alabama
gardo: Russellville Alabama
larryw: Huntsville, Alabama USA
beecowboy: Alabama
KingBeeApiary: Wetumpka,Alabama
Dick Allen: Anchorage
Bubba: Maplesville, Alabama
Hi-Tech: South Alabama (near Greenville)
yoderski: Atmore, AL
DireIce: B'ham, Alabama
gulfcoastgardens: Mobile, AL
skullring: Highland Lake, Alabama
SeaBee: Alabama
mountainboy: jackson county,Alabama
Jim Prewett: Sand Mtn., AL
Flygirl: Anchorage, Alaksa
MS Mississippi (11)
RebelRx: Oakvale, MS
crownhoney: Mississippi,USA
jnjwhit: Wiggins, MS
fisheadhamilton2: winona,ms
justgottabee: MS
Duckhunter39480: Soso, MS
hermit: SW Mississippi
FANNBEE: Reservoir area, MS
krb7694: NE Mississippi
bud1: macon, Ms.
steeldetailer: Mississippi