I'm still hoping for some consitant weather in 50 degree or above range--right now its hovering in the mid 40's. The bees are working, bringing back pollen and nectar. Some of the pollen loads on the bees are the largest I've seen in years. My bees are also have not been taking the syrup from internal feeders so I went back to my communal feeder. The brood nests are slowly enlarging and 1 hive has even begun to draw new comb.
As long as the bees bring in pollen I don't feed patties, I'm only feeding syrup to get them started and once they've gone through what I've made up I will stop and let nature run its course.
In nearly 50 years of beekeeping I've feed patties twice, 2 consectutive springs, and decided it was money down the drain as every hive was bringing sufficient pollen for their needs and ignored the patties both years.