Well guys,
The DE hive has performed very well this year. Very little propolis, 3 deep supers full of drawn comb, and 1 very happy bee colony. I have already gotten my hive ready for winter. I didn't take any honey from the hive this year, but there are plenty of frames full of honey in the deeps. I experienced no bearding this year, and was only stung about 3 times. The true test I guess will come in the next several months, as I see how the hive overwinters. I am sure it will given its outstanding performance thus far. I would recommend the DE hive to anyone, Or at least the conversion for the Langstroth hives that he offers. I have been using grease patties (sugar and Crisco) for tracheal mites, and it seems to work very well. I haven't noticed much varroa, but I will be treating within the next couple of weeks anyways. I have also gotten a coworker into bees, and he has purchased a DE hive as well. I am going to supply him with some bees in the spring. I also plan on splitting my hive next year, at least once - mabye twice. I had more than enough bees this year to do a few splits.
Chris