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February Update: Bees, the Greenhouse, and Winter Storm
In a winter update, the author discusses greenhouse preparations, bee activity, and recent storms. Bees are fed to prepare for spring, while greenhouse enhancements include grow lights and temperature monitoring systems using Home Assistant. After a damaging storm, recovery efforts included replanting and installing an exhaust fan to manage heat.
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Beekeeping Update: Progress and Challenges in 2024
The author reflects on the busy year, noting progress with beekeeping, including successful feeding and growth of colonies. They review last year’s ambitious goals, achieving new hive boxes and constructing a barn and greenhouse. Challenges with lavender and a Koi pond leak were addressed, with future improvements planned.
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Busy with lots of projects…
On 6/21/2024, the author shares updates including a greenhouse rebuild with new siding, use of Solexx material, building a new hive box for bees, and fermenting vegetables due to health reasons. They talk about the abundance of sage and the process of drying it. Overall, they express satisfaction with the ongoing activities.
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Shed and Barn Make Over…
In early February, a shed and barn received much-needed upgrades. Linda secured a siding company to do the job, prompting a rush to prepare the service entrance before their arrival. The team worked swiftly, even addressing long-standing issues. The completed work left the owner amazed and thankful for the swift, thorough renovation.
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Community Part 2…
2/3/2024 On December 18th, Brian came over and we built his third hive. It actually went pretty well. It was his third and my sixth, so we had the instructions pretty memorized. And there was no blood until the very end when I got clipped by a drill bit – sorry no picture. Brian is…
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Community…
1/13/2024 Happy New Year thirteen days later. I hope everyone had a great and enjoyable holiday season. When your blog is primarily about bees, it’s hard to find something to write about this time of year. The bees are hopefully safely holed up in their hive, especially today when the overnight low is forecast to…
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Update on the apiary and barn…
Summary: The apiary’s active colony is being monitored without unnecessary disturbances. Final inspection and preparations for winter, including removing the feeder and adding a wool pillow, are planned after the first frost. In the barn, wood replacement due to neglect is ongoing, with additional tasks like structural support and prepping for painting.
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Wiring the frames…
On 10/20/2023, the process of making frames was demonstrated, except for wiring them. Wires are essential for support, regardless of using strips or a full frame of foundation. Although wiring the frame seems simple, challenges like breaking and forgetting to staple occur. Ultimately, about 28 out of 40 frames were successfully wired.
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The Barn and Networking…
9/20/2023 The barn is a structure that was here when we bought the property. It quickly became one of our favorite places. The previous owner used it for a pony barn. We started using it as a place to store gardening tools. The barn had water but no electricity. We ran a power line to…
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Frame Day…
On 9/7/2023, frame assembly for the next year began. The process involves placing and gluing pieces in a jig, and then stapling them. Despite the loud air compressor, two videos demonstrate the process. 36 frames were completed, with bottom pieces being the limiting factor, but easy to make.