Started in 2006 with 1 hive and now have 6. Just a hobby for me, I just truly love taking care of them. Most years, I don't get much honey. I learned lots on this forum especially when I was having difficulty figuring out what I was doing wrong.
I started beekeeping one way, and ended up doing things differently. More natural approach now, letting the bees draw out comb without foundation. No treatments and no supplemental feeding (except sugar syrup when I think they need it) Also doing all medium supers, no deeps.
It has become much easier for me as the years have gone on. I even get help lifting the heavy supers now when I need to do inspections .Have met a few beekeepers in this area and we have become friends. Taught beekeeping to the 4H club of Placerville last year. Did a few presentations on beekeeping to school kids. Very busy this year catching swarms.
You will learn a lot here. Also you will probably get confused a lot of the time with all the different opinions. Goes with the territory :-D
Keep in touch
Annette