The first 2008 catalog arrives

The first of the 2008 beekeeping supply catalogs arrived in the post today. It was exciting. It indicates that a new year of beekeeping is upon us.

Some really harsh cold weather has visited Southern New England this winter. This morning we woke to 14 degrees F. Though we have insulated our hive, we do worry about how well the bees are faring inside. The queen should begin laying eggs again very soon. We wonder about the frigid temperatures impacting her production.

We're hoping that the first days of February will bring at least one mild day--45 degrees or higher, with no wind--so that we can make a quick check on the food stores inside the hive. Hopefully, we'll also see a colony that is still thriving. If we can get them through to the middle or end of March, that will be a blessing.