Thanks for making me feel so welcome. It's nice to have a place to go and "talk" with other folks who enjoy bees. I already feel like I have gotten loads of great advice by just hanging out on the forum and reading, reading, reading.
I am located in the South Bay - San Jose, California.
My first look went well. I believe I am hooked. :)
As BlueBee mentioned, I have read the bit about not smelling of banana when working with hives. It sounds like good advice to me.
Thanks again for the warm welcome - and yockey5, feel free to pip in with your first experience trying to hive a swarm. I am always ready for a good story. :)