Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: twb on October 10, 2007, 10:39:19 pm

Title: What have you learned this season?
Post by: twb on October 10, 2007, 10:39:19 pm
I would be interested to know one or two things you learned this season.  Not what you know but what you learned.  For example I learned that when a hive tips over during the night you can(and probably should) wait until midday to tip it up again. That way foragers are out etc.  I thought it would be robbed so I tipped it up before daylight.  Not a happy experience :shock:.  Also I learned that hand sanitizer works great to get propolis off hands in preparation for the next hive inspection.  Get the idea? 
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: tillie on October 10, 2007, 11:17:30 pm
I learned this year (among many, many things) that if a hive appears queenless, putting a frame of very young brood in the hive will let you know if you have a good queen - whether or not you ever see her - because if queenless, the bees will use the eggs in the frame you add to make their own queen.

Although I was not successful, I began learning (and hope to find the opportunity to do so again next year) to make splits.  I'm going to follow Michael Bush's website step by step next year.  This year I didn't understand how to add frames of bees to the split from other hives and didn't ever add enough bees, but that's in my hopper for learning more about next year.

Oh, yeah, and I learned to keep my camera on a strap around my neck so that I wouldn't drop it and break it in my enthusiasm for taking pictures of the girls!

Linda T forever learning bee stuff in Atlanta
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: UtahBees on October 11, 2007, 02:59:39 am
I learned that beekeeping is completely addictive, and that there is still so much to learn. I owe half of what I learned to all of you on this board, and the other half I learned from my hive, mentor (brother-in-law), and Beekeeping for Dummies. It's been a rush, literally.

I learned that I shouldn't go see my bees in shorts AND without smoking them. I got stung twice on the back of each leg when I tried to "just peek in".

I also learned that as long as you check your bees regularly for signs of disease and growth, they'll basically take care of the rest. I was a benefactor of 5.25 gallons of honey from them this year - their first year being hived here. A healthy hive is a happy hive.

I look forward to learning more.

Regards,

Scott
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: indypartridge on October 11, 2007, 07:41:46 am
After having some swarming problems last year, I was determined to prevent it this year.
I learned that you can do everything "by the book" and sometimes it doesn't matter because bees don't read books! Or websites, or anything else.

Next spring I'm gonna try swarm traps. If I can't prevent swarming, maybe I can at least catch them afterwards!
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Understudy on October 11, 2007, 09:49:15 am
I have learned a lot.
Blowers work great on getting bees out of supers.
Shaking frames to get rid of bees is only good if comb is attached well to all four sides of the frame.
Bees can be succesfully raised without chemicals.
Varroa Destructor is the species of mite that has invaded the US
SueBee Honey is a coop
and lots more.

Sincerely,
Brendhan
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: BeeHopper on October 11, 2007, 12:49:20 pm
Re-Queening is not as simple as it seems. :-P
Italian bee venom is nastier than Buckfast bee venom. :shock:
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Cindi on October 11, 2007, 12:58:47 pm
Ha, one of my biggest lessons learned of this year was:  I have learned so many lessons the hard way, I can't even begin to list them, but this is my favourite!!!!!

Never think that the swarm you caught was not yours.  Even though you think that you have been the best beekeeper by preventing swarms, always believe that they came from your place and that you weren't that good after all  :( ;) :) ;)  Have a great and wonderful, beautiful day, love our life we live in.  Cindi
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: bberry on October 11, 2007, 01:15:53 pm
Gee, how can you learn so much in one season and yet still feel like such a total beginner ;)
I learned to drop most of my romantic ideals and put the girls first as that was way more satisfying.
I learned that i really want to care for bees-a lot of them and as often as i can-will expand to six hives next year.
I learned that there is a great community out there in this site full of so much information.
I learned to use my own ingenuity in making things work for me-like using a few taped together chicken feathers as opposed to the synthetic brushes for brushing bees off of frames-they get way less angry with contact from chicken feathers :roll:
I learned to trust my instincts.

Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Cindi on October 11, 2007, 01:20:24 pm
bberrry, I like the idea of the few feathers taped together.  I tried to get the biggest  single feather I could find, from the geese, and it wasn't strong enough.  I didn't want to pull one of them out of the bird.  But yes, I will take a few together, so soft for sure, the brush I have is quite rough, it works, but the feathers are even better idea!!!  Have a wonderful and  beautiful day.  Cindi
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: dlmarti on October 11, 2007, 03:44:10 pm
Things I learned in my first year of bee keeping:
1. The less you care about getting stung, the less you get stung.  Its one of the few problems in life that will go away, when ignored.
2. I need an observation hive.
3. Tightly rolled up cardboard makes great smoker fuel, smolders for a long time.
4. It always takes less smoke than you think.
5. The easiest way to learn is to have your morning coffee while sitting down in front of a hive.
6. I need a grip tool for lifting frames.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Old Timer on October 11, 2007, 03:56:29 pm
>Also I learned that hand sanitizer works great to get propolis off hands in preparation for the next hive inspection.

i learned not to do this a few years ago when i tried it. the bees smelled that stuff on my hands and they really went after my hands. i don't know what kind you are using, but i used purell instant hand sanitizer. i never repeated using it to see if they did it again.

i learned how to use a computer, somewhat.
i think i got more of a refresher course this year than actually doing any real learning.
i did learn that there are some really great people on this site.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: tillie on October 11, 2007, 04:21:34 pm
I also learned not to wear black when I'm just going out to look at the hives (not work them) and not to drink a Coke before working the bees.

Oh, and I learned that bees don't like it when you turn their boxes every which way but the right way....makes the girls mad enough to kill a queen.

Linda T in Atlanta
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: dpence on October 11, 2007, 04:54:02 pm
One thing I learned this season is wood pellets for stoves works great as smoker fuel.  A bag cost less than $5.  Your local farm and home supply probably has them.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Gerald in Ga on October 11, 2007, 08:23:53 pm
I learned how to get stung. Oh yeah, and how to sugar dust and how to make sugar syrup and how some days the girls are just disconbobulated no matter how gentle you try to be. Oh well, ay least I learned to come here and read before I go and try my hand at getting stung as much. Did I say I learned how to get stung?
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Kathyp on October 11, 2007, 08:32:05 pm
twb, hand sanitizer works because it's mostly alcohol.  buying rubbing alcohol is much cheaper.  i get two bottles for a dollar at the dollar store  :-)  it also takes sap off cars!


cindi, what about a feather duster?

i learned that i still have so much to learn, i don't even know where to start.  i learned how to help my hives requeen themselves and it as most satisfying.  also cheaper  :-)
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Moonshae on October 11, 2007, 09:47:35 pm
I learned just about everything I now know about hive management. My previous experience with bees 20 years ago was more or less limited to package installation, supering, harvesting, and wrapping. Inspections? What is that?
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: twb on October 11, 2007, 10:06:14 pm
Great fun reading your responses so far.  Thankyou.  I will have to try the rubbing alcohol idea as opposed to the hand sanitizer.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Brian D. Bray on October 12, 2007, 03:16:19 am
I learned that despite being 1 of at least 6 (I'm teaching my daughter) consecutive generations of beekeepers, having a mentor who started beekeeping in 1899, and having started beekeeping when I was 11, I still have a lot to learn. These critters never cease to amaze me.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Cindi on October 12, 2007, 11:21:10 am
Kathy, hmmm...I don't think a feather duster would work.  It has really (well mine does) deep feathery fluffy things, I think the bees may get lost inside it.  I wouldn't use it.  But it was a good thought, soft and all that.

The feathers sound good, not too long, quite soft but at the same time stiff enough that they "flick" the bees off.  Bees should be quickly "flicked", not brushed, they get really eeded off if they are brushed, well, mine do, I flick them quickly and they go flyin'.  If I brush slowly they attack the apparatus.  Have a wonderful and greatest of this great day, Cindi
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: bassman1977 on October 12, 2007, 12:01:25 pm
One thing I learned is that I like hive top feeders a lot better than front entrance feeders.  Sure cuts back on the robbing.  Other than that, I didn't really run into anything out of the ordinary except for the warm start of last winter and quick freeze killed my feral survivors, as the bees were more concerned about taking care of the eggs & brood than they were keeping warm. I am still not sure how something like that can be prevented but I hope that never happens again.

On another note, I am learning queen rearing.  I am excited to learn more and hope to raise my own queens next year for my splits.  My goal is to finish out next season with 20-25 hives.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: bberry on October 12, 2007, 12:44:31 pm
Dryer lint works great as a fuel but only if your clothes are natural fiber i.e denim, cotton, linen etc. not poly-and the best part is that it is free.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Burl on October 12, 2007, 01:37:51 pm
What a good question !     I learned several things that will stay with me the rest of my earthly life .  1.   I learned that if I don't make sure the bottom cuffs of my pantlegs on my beesuit are sealed properly , a bee may get inside the suit , crawl up my leg and into my underwear .
 2.  I learned how to do a dance in the the beeyard that makes my wife and 3 children laugh hysterically ( see #1 ) .
 3.   I learned that beekeeping can be a very enjoyable hobby for the whole family .  The children are fascinated and want to participate in all aspects of it .   My daughter , the eldest , says she is considering beekeeping as a career.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Kirk-o on October 12, 2007, 11:01:14 pm
I Learned that Dee Lusby and Michael Bush Know what they are talking about.
I learned that Ants are even more evil than I thought.
I learned that a lot of people care about bees even if they don't beekeep

kirko
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Cindi on October 13, 2007, 10:20:11 am
Burl, now that was a funny one, I just pictured you out there doing the waggle dance, haa, haa, laughing,  :) :) :)  Have a wonderful day, and remember to keep the pants inside your socks!!!!  Beautiful life, great health.  Cindi
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: DayValleyDahlias on October 13, 2007, 12:15:10 pm
1. I have learned that I should have studied beekeeping at least one year obtaining bees.
2. I have learned to let go ( kind of ) of my obsession with having the "perfect hive"...do my best then give the rest over to Mother Nature.
3. I have learned not to wear yoga pants while inspecting a hive..ouch!
4. I have learned to use small cell foundation to help control varroa instead of pesticides.
5. I have learned that Boardman feeders are not for me.
6. I have learned how to make a sugar syrup for Fall.
7. I have learned that fellow beekeepers of all stages of experience are willing to share their trials and tribulations with others, and for that I am extremely grateful.
8. I have learned lot's more too...but don't want to bore anyone...
9. I have learned that BeeMaster rocks!
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: ooptec on October 13, 2007, 12:54:49 pm
Hey,

I have learned everything I know from starting this June w/no exposure to, or knowledge of, bees at all.

this includes (all self taught)

I learned bee biology and mannerisms.
I learned the wonder of lifting a frame full of bees and they didn't mind a bit.
I learned I can make my own hives my own way and they work great. (now see how they winter in them)
I learned I don't have to worry about suits veils or color of clothes w/TBH's. (so far   lol)
I learned what a swarming hive looks like now.   (drats) and what to do about it before it happens.
I learned what fascinating things hive products are/do, even including honey (lol).
I learned a lot of people that don't have bees know and care a lot about them.
I learned all about farmers markets and their politics (curses).
I learned that honey is the best seller w/skin cream and lip balms second and candles ...... not at all (who'd thunk) but make the nicest gifts.
I learned to make a Lang hive my style and the wonder of box joints. (now see if they are any good over a 12 mo. period)
I learned my first chimney extraction and would not fear removing bees from anywhere a sturdy ladder would reach.
I learned that flowers are freely available in a city for at least a month after the country flowers have finished.

It's been a banner year and it will be a long winter awaiting spring.

cheers

peter
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: beekeeperookie on October 13, 2007, 02:30:33 pm
Well lets see......hmmmm.....

I learn that bees build up quick, that they dont like the color black.  I have also learned that people are interested in bees when you mention your a beekeeper.  Its kind of funny to watch people expression when I tell them how many bees are normally in a hive. :-D
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Brian D. Bray on October 13, 2007, 04:56:31 pm
>>that they dont like the color black

After white and tan (the old timer's standby) green is the most accepted color to wear around bees--they think you're a bush--followed by yellow.
Blue is just as bad as black-especially navy blue.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Michael Bush on October 13, 2007, 08:37:43 pm
I learned in a screwed up year with late first freezes in January and late last hard freezes in April, I need to rethink my queen rearing.  I think I'll have to use swarm boxes to get them started and feed them more diligently to keep them going during cell finishing and feed the mating nucs during mating.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: twb on October 13, 2007, 09:10:07 pm
This is educational and entertaining reading. 

Tillie, why not drink Coke before examining a hive?  Is it the affects of caffiene?  The sugar sweet breath it gives?  A simple joke I am missing?  Just curious.

I am learning the thrill of selling "my own" honey.  And the satisfaction of having a customer come back and tell me how "GOOD that honey is.  Can I get a couple more bottles of that stuff?" :)
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: tillie on October 13, 2007, 11:40:53 pm
Well, as an Atlantan, I think Coke is the perfect drink at almost any time, but apparently the bees are turned off and even irritated by caffeine on your breath.  Since I'm not a coffee drinker, Coke creates the caffeine issue for me and the bees. 

Linda T in the N Ga Mountains where it is cold, clear and beautiful tonight
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Yarra_Valley on October 14, 2007, 07:54:59 am
I learned how to clean up an AFB outbreak, whilst overseas!

James.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: twb on October 14, 2007, 11:16:42 am
Thanks Tillie, I will add that to the long list of things I have learned this season.

I have also learned the names of some plants I had never noticed before.  I saw bees on them so I looked them up in my wildflower/weed book.  For example: bird's foot trefoil and boneset.  Also I found bees like broccoli flowers.  I always used to pick the flowers and feed them to the chickens but now my broccoli has seed pods hanging from every plant.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Michael Bush on October 14, 2007, 01:03:06 pm
>learned how to clean up an AFB outbreak, whilst overseas!

You have telekinesis?
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: johnnybigfish on October 14, 2007, 11:53:33 pm
Being my first season keeping bees I learned tons of stuff!
 I learned to use a bandana under my helmet to keep the sweat from getting in my eyes. I learned that i'd rather get stung by a few bees instead of 1  paper wasp. I learned to slow down around my hives when fooling with them. I learned that I notice flowers more than I ever did before. I learned I dont need gloves as much as I thought I might. I learned there is a CCD problem and most non-bee or non-pollinator farm people arent concerned.I learned that its a great feeling to save drowning bees or bees that are walking around appearing lost. I learned that I can still become interested in something with the attittude of an 8 year old. I learned that I'm very fortunate to have a friend who likes to help me do bees. And one more thing,..Ive learned that God has blessed me with people like the ones here who have provided me with so much more info on bees that I ever dreamed of!
I thank you all for giving your time on these forums for the benefit of people like me who, perhaps, may still be looking at bees through the sides of a glass jar!
yalls friend,
john
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Cindi on October 15, 2007, 12:28:30 am
John, your gratitude of things shines through like the finest stars above.  Have a wonderful day, keep on learning, you are doing a great job with things, especially your attitude.  You are going to go far in all your endeavours in life, I feel this.  Have a wonderful and beautiful day in our greatest chance in life, to be a part of our world.  Cindi
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Michael Bush on October 15, 2007, 12:49:27 am
>I learned to use a bandana under my helmet to keep the sweat from getting in my eyes.

For a second there I thought you said banana... and I thought WOW! That's a really bad idea...  all the way around.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Old Timer on October 15, 2007, 01:03:03 am
Well, as an Atlantan, I think Coke is the perfect drink at almost any time, but apparently the bees are turned off and even irritated by caffeine on your breath.  Since I'm not a coffee drinker, Coke creates the caffeine issue for me and the bees. 
and never ever ever go into your bees with alcohol on your breath, especially while not wearing a veil.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: bassman1977 on October 15, 2007, 02:12:26 am
Quote
and never ever ever go into your bees with alcohol on your breath, especially while not wearing a veil.

Yeah.  I found that one out my first year with bees.  Don't go near the hives with an open beer bottle.  They don't take too kindly to that either.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Cindi on October 15, 2007, 10:42:37 am
Michael.  Now that was a funny thing about the bandana that John was talking about.  Honestly, when I read his post I thought it said banana too, and thought to myself that that was kind of weird, but oh well, people do do strange things, but then just carried on reading.

I wonder what made me see banana and you see banana too.  I would never have noticed that it said bandana unless you had pointed it out.  That was the weirdest thing!!!!  Have a wonderful and great day, in our great life.  Cindi
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: KONASDAD on October 15, 2007, 12:03:15 pm
I have met a few forum members and their friends as I travel around this country and am grateful for their contributions to my life and beekeeping experiences. I wll be meeting a few more in a few weeks and also will meet w/ Sean in Jamaice in the spring adding to my experiences.

MB's use of plantain weed REALLY WORKS, for any bug bite!!!!!! and other country skin ailments-pioson ivy etc.

Bees, although the same, have a great variety of colors of propolis in diff regions.

The joy I get when I give a child stands next to a hive, and sticks their finger into a frame of honey and tastes it!!!!!! The look is priceless. They are hooked for life!
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Zoot on October 15, 2007, 12:36:25 pm
Using plantain to treat stings and a bandana to prevent them (actually I use on on my head for perperation and one around my neck to seal the gaps in my hood) are 2 newly aquired habits.

Some recent knowledge that's fascinating: AHB's being intentionally used in Africa to keep elephants away from crops thereby preventing their demise from angry, gun-toting farmers and honey bees being used experimentally in Iraq to detect certain explosive compounds in suspected roadside bombs.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: SteveSC on October 15, 2007, 01:28:07 pm
I learned this year that when working on a hive at night bee indeed do not fly in the dark. I discovered this at the same time I discovered they do indeed crawl and will sting in the dark.

I learned some bees no matter what the situation do not like a weed eater.  They will tolerate a lawnmower sometimes but with my bees the weed eater is a call to arms.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: pdmattox on October 15, 2007, 05:44:56 pm
I learned about the bees and thier dark time behavior. I also learned that if you make a lot of hives you then will have full time work load. :shock: Moving bees, harvesting honey, splitting hives, moving hives again, splitting hives again, moving hives ......and it just keeps going.  Lots of fun though and my boys have learned a great deal along the way.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: blckoakbees on October 15, 2007, 07:58:54 pm
I learned how to tie up the beesuit properly after not doing it right in front of my children and husband who saw me get stung 15 to 20 times.  Husband was pouring water over my head to get the bees out of my hair.  Kids were like mom is crazy. 
I learned bees are fasinating and I need a observation hive as I would love to show the hives to my city kids. 
I learned how to install an electric solar fence to keep critters out.  I learned how to test an electric fence.  Raccons go after the lighter hives.
I learned I have alot to learn and this website has been very helpful.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: johnnybigfish on October 16, 2007, 12:07:56 am
Hey Michael, you REALLY cracked me up...you and Cindi both talking bananas. Whats really funny is that my Dr. told me to eat 2 bananas a day for pottasium for my heart. Now I have a complex about smelling like bananas around my bees...Or, perhaps, my Dr. told me to eat two bandanas for extra salt intake...Aw, heck...who knows....Maybe i should wrap plantains around my head when visiting my bees as they kinda look like bananas!
Ok,..I better go now as I cant stop laughing!!
yalls friend,
john
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Jerrymac on October 16, 2007, 01:21:25 am
  I learned how to test an electric fence. 

I bet your kids didn't like that   :shock: :-D
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Yarra_Valley on October 16, 2007, 02:18:51 am
>learned how to clean up an AFB outbreak, whilst overseas!

You have telekinesis?

no, just a very helpful brother. He's never handled bees before. He talked to the apiary inspector in person and to myself over the phone, borrowed a veil off the inspector, and took care of it perfectly.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Michael Bush on October 16, 2007, 07:49:09 am
>Whats really funny is that my Dr. told me to eat 2 bananas a day for pottasium for my heart.

Potassium is easy enough to get from bananas, but you can also buy potassium citrate easily enough and the bees don't care what it smells like.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: DayValleyDahlias on October 18, 2007, 05:45:57 pm
Good ess gracious 2 bananas a day???
More foods high in potassium are fruit. Bananas of course are most often spoken of, but the truth of the matter is as much as they are talked about, as a highest potassium food, there are better alternatives. Dried apricots (about 70 grams) for example, are rarely ever mentioned, and yet are as much as or more than double the potassium of a comparative banana serving (120 grams). More than double! But how many "experts" keep telling you to eat bananas? Perhaps, because they are getting their information from wrong, tired sources, rather than digging for the truth of the matter.

In comparison, to the trusted and over-promoted banana, there are even still better choices for potassium rich foods. Dried figs (about 75 grams) can have more than 15% more potassium, cantaloupe is about the same - and can be an alternative with about the same potassium content as a banana, but a smaller portion (70 grams) still beats the banana, boasting more than 20% richer potassium content. Dates, (just over 80 grams), also in smaller portions than the banana in this example, provide about 20% more potassium.

But, there are still more foods high in potassium that top all that has been mentioned. (Again, why is everybody of authority praising the glories of the banana, when there are so many, all natural, more potassium rich content foods, that you never hear about)?

If you are indeed certain and properly confirmed that you are deficient in potassium, what beats the over popular banana by miles? Carrot juice, about 240 grams of it offers about 33% more. Prune juice, same quantity, is about the same. The pinto bean on the other hand, about 170 grams, has about 42% more potassium the the banana.

And although each are foods high in potassium, soybeans, winter squash, spinach still have more than that. In order, the best of foods high in potassium are: the potato, northern beans (white beans to some), and beet greens top the chart, compared to the potassium in a banana, can provide as much as 65% more potassium. Foods high in potassium are easier to find than has been reported, as you can see, and much to your benefit.
 
From http://www.eatpotassiumrichfoods.com/foodshighinpotassium.html
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Brian D. Bray on October 18, 2007, 10:38:43 pm
When you've got Chiquita dancing on TV the message is that the apricot and other foods don't have the same advertizing campaign.  I now see they are promoting sugar as having only 15 calories per serving.  The inference, incorectly, is that sugar is a diet food.  What is not disclosed is the serving size which would probably be eith 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon,  Honey is much better alternative in every way but doesn't have the organized advertizing.

Put Twain's remark that there are "Lies, darn lies, and statistics," together with a Biblic quote, "the lust for money is the root to all evil," and you have advertising.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Cindi on October 18, 2007, 11:17:32 pm
Sharon, hee haw!!!!   We eat beet greens coming out our ears, (I even freeze them for the winter table) and I can bet your bottom dollar that collard greens top every veggie on earth for nutrional value, particularly anti-oxidant qualities.  Collard greens, ummmmmmmm, ummmmmmm, ummmmmmmm.  Sauteed, lightly, a little good ol' fashioned butter (ghee actually, I get rid of the milk solids) or extra virgin (cold pressed) olive oil, along with garlic picked right out of the soil, young, sweet juicy garlic.  I pick it all year long.  Wintertime the small bulbs, spring the larger bulbs, summer bulbs with many clove in that bulb,  :) ;) :)  Oooooh ya!!!!  Have a wonderful and beauty of a day.  Cindi
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Michael Bush on October 19, 2007, 08:28:05 pm
>Sauteed, lightly, a little good ol' fashioned butter

Or bacon fat...
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Cindi on October 21, 2007, 01:40:05 pm
I love the flavour that bacon fat can add to foods sauteed.  I have not a single issue with using bacon fat now and then.  The amount of pleasure that I get from that flavour anulls any "fatty" issues, so what, live a little, enjoy life, enjoy those things that we love to enjoy.  I am currently in a sugar mode, I always find in the wintertime I like to have a little candy now and then, summer I have no cravings for sugar, but I really like caramels and tootsie rollls.  Oh dear, off topic, again!!!!  Oh brother.  Have a wonderful and beautiful day in our life.  Cindi
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: JP on October 21, 2007, 02:46:13 pm
My favorite candy bar use to be 5th avenue, until they took out the almonds. Reeses makes a bar very similar but with peanuts, my favorite now. Also, yrs ago Hersheys I believe it was made a bar called chocolite, it was awesome! I miss that one surely.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Jerrymac on October 21, 2007, 03:12:47 pm
I use to like pulling the cork out of bottle caps to see what prize I might have won.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: qa33010 on October 22, 2007, 01:08:54 am
   I learned that colonies in my area that are not on a crop (mine) are about a month behind for late season harvest, even though they work all the time.

     I learned I still don't have a clue:? and it don't look better for the future.  The more I learn the less I know... :-P
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Brian D. Bray on October 22, 2007, 08:55:06 am
>>The more I learn the less I know.

Ah, the sure sign of developing wisdom, recognizing your own ignorance. 
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: johnnybigfish on October 23, 2007, 11:24:41 pm
Hey, Jerry!
Do you remember pulling the cork out of the cap and making a badge to put on your shirt?The cork inside and the cap outside with the shirt material in between? NOW THOSE were the days!
your friend,
john
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Gena on October 25, 2007, 01:15:20 am
 I've learned that
  - I (think) I know more this year than last year - mistakes and failure are just stepping stones
  - That the breathing you learn to do during birth is actually for when a bee is in your ear canal
  - when you duct tape a penny over a sting it swells less
  - getting stung in the head before a social function does not make for good spousal relations
  -little kids are in awe when you tell them about the girls
  -mediums work better for brood for me than deeps (too heavy)
  -bees really don't like weedeaters
Sincerely, 
Gena
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: trapperbob on October 25, 2007, 10:42:21 pm
Patience,patience,patience and not all addictions are so bad. You know? Buy one hive and ask the wife for three more pluse the split you intened to do :-D
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: qa33010 on October 29, 2007, 02:01:11 am
   My wife wants me to double that next year and folks want me to bring them out for pollenation. :-\
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Fannbee on October 29, 2007, 11:30:12 am
I have learned to keep a close eye to the bee activity outside a hive.  Lost a hive and might have save it because I did not pay attention to the decrease activity.  Also, if a hive has a ton of activity, leave it alone except for regular maintenance.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: shawnwright on October 31, 2007, 01:53:55 pm
Leave them alone unless there is something that needs to be done, or it looks like something is wrong.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: DennisB on October 31, 2007, 03:22:02 pm
Never trip over a sapling stump while holding a super full of honey and bees. And smile big, like you meant to do it, when you try to explain what happened to your spouse!
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Tug Fork Bob on November 01, 2007, 03:27:10 pm
I tried to combine a baseball-size swarm this fall with an existing hive--used a sheet of newspaper and an empty shallow super with telescoping cover on top.  It was 90 deg. or so and I learned that it would have been a good idea to give the bees some ventilation. (They were all "roasted")   

 
Bob
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Cindi on November 03, 2007, 12:33:18 pm
Hmmm.....this is one interesting topic.  So many events that have occurred to us all and every last one tells a great story.

Me thinks that the biggest thing that I learned this season was:  never wear a dark hoodie coat on a dark and gloomy day and look into a hive, thinking that there isn't many guard bees hangin' out.  I did this, you'll probably remember my story.  I was checking the bees quickly one evening, after me being confined to the house because of rainy weather, to see if they had sugar syrup still.  My hoodie was pulled over my head and a bee flew inside (amongst into my coat as well and into my shirt and stung my bicep later on) and it went into my ear.  That is one eerie feeling.  I remember that I wasn't too sure what to do. And I was walking back to the house, I was going to get my Husband to catch it with tweezers and pull it out, but the bee eventually backed out (probably figured out that this was not the entrance to her home), and must have turned around and stung me on the way out.  Oh brother.....that was one of my lessons and not the last of probably hundreds yet to come, yeah!!!!  The world of our bees.  Have a wonderful and eventful life, full of learning lessons about our bees.  Cindi
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: mgmoore7 on November 05, 2007, 01:30:44 pm
1. Having a queenless hive is no fun.
2. Having a laying worker is even less fun.

Just started this year in Aug, I have learned much.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: randydrivesabus on November 05, 2007, 01:56:45 pm
I learned that wearing the proper protection and not getting stung is way more enjoyable. i learned that honey sells very well at the farmers  market and if I want some for myself I need to leave it at home. i also learned a lot of other things but those will do for now.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Finsky on November 05, 2007, 02:07:54 pm
.
I learned after 45 years that I crossed several different bee strains and I got nasty swarmy hives in my yard.
I returned to basics, to Italians.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: tillie on November 06, 2007, 12:41:48 am
Hey, Finsky,  Like the light bulb avatar -

Linda T in Atlanta

Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Mklangelo on November 08, 2007, 04:56:47 pm
I learned that you always wear long pants and gloves and SHOES not sandals even when just popping in to remove some empty entrance feeders.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Mklangelo on November 08, 2007, 05:04:49 pm
.
I learned after 45 years that I crossed several different bee strains and I got nasty swarmy hives in my yard.
I returned to basics, to Italians.

I'm going to be doubling my hives from 3 to 6 next spring.  I have carnis right now but I'm going to do Italians.  I hear they make more honey that carnis.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: tig on November 08, 2007, 07:25:18 pm
i've learned to never presume you've learned everything or know everything about beekeeping because the girls will constantly surprise you, to expect and accept the unexpected, to laugh and see the humor from some disasters and mistakes i've made and most of all...to be thankful for being a part of this forum that shows me i am not alone in my trials and tribulations!
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: Moonshae on November 08, 2007, 10:14:37 pm
I also learned to compare prices between companies, not everything is priced competitively.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: JP on November 08, 2007, 10:22:20 pm
Each season I learn more about how adaptable insects honeybees are, how they put up with our intrusions and our attempts to evict them from their homes, and most of all how I never seem to be even the littlest bored by their workings, and sense of purpose. One more thing, people will often exaggerate how aggressive a hive is because of different circumstances. Do investigative research and see for yourself if it was just a hive that was aggravated by a lawn mower or weedeater or other noisy contraption. I find most feral hives (of course unless they are africanized) generally pretty downright accepting of our intrusions.
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: qa33010 on November 09, 2007, 11:48:17 pm
   Since we can do only one or two I'm going to bank mine and use them over the next twenty years.  Of course by then I should have enough for a few centuries! :shock:
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: latebee on November 12, 2007, 07:59:06 pm
 Lets see---this season I learned that bee genetics(more appropiately,the queens genetics) determine the management styles that I should use on different races of bees.I have more success reacting to the bees,rather than them reacting to me.Also became a big fan of using drone comb to trap varroa,in addition to alternating other mite controls. :)
Title: Re: What have you learned this season?
Post by: gottabee on November 12, 2007, 08:51:20 pm
I learned that I much prefer 8 frame equipment.
I learned that good results against SHB may be had with apple cider vinegar and beetle traps when checked often.
I learned a great deal from reading your posts. You guys are great. Especially when you politely disagree with opposing opinions. It is very helpful to consider an issue from different prospectives.