Father, Bob, Medic, Hops, you fellas are inspirational. Let me explain, I just had both shoulders X-rayed, like yesterday, Tuesday. The pain dictated this. I hate the pain meds so I quit OxyContin, last month (abrupt cessation) and now face a decision: surgery or daily pain? Not sure what to do at this point but you fellas, EACH of you, are inspiring.
Surgery: I have no help with my bees although my wife is a real jewel, just so pleasant to be around. However, I must raise queens this Spring, can?t avoid this, in my blood ya might say. No way to avoid queen rearing, just so you understand my position.
Maybe July for surgery, queens first.
Regarding the weather, yep, yes Sir, my area, Arkansas was minus 3 F to 74F in a matter of a single week. As my E Buddy, Hops says, weather patterns shift, it happens, not new. I will not be suckered into queen rearing during a February chinook only to see March temps fall off a cliff, with constant frost. I have seen this February warm spell several times and appreciate the warm days but winter is not over in my area. Your area?
Brother: Kill the beetles any way you can, your thumb, hive tool or a can of freeze spray as I adore.
I saw my first flower today, a beautiful crocus with dandelion sprouting. Also The birds have started to announce Spring with a barrage of songs in the morning. What a real pleasure to experience/share this Planet for another beautiful day. Oh me, oh my, so nice, my bees are flying.
Blessings