Hopeful, I am an avid record keeper. Since I began beekeeping in April 2005, I have kept a record of things I do every time I enter into the hives. I keep records also of what flowers are blooming when, seeding dates, planting dates, anything relevant to the beekeeping scene. There are times when no record keeping of hive work is required, but anything that is even in the slightest bit important to jot to memory, it is written down.
I can look back on my records and I find it is extremely useful to see when "events" take place with the beekeeping. I would have it no other way. I have 9 hives this year and it only takes a moment when I am finished with each hive to jot down what I see, my impressions, etc. At the end of the season, when I am finished my work with the colonies, I take the time to re-write these rough notes into a more permanent type larger sized book. It is impressive to me when I re-read what has gone on with the girls for that season and I enjoy it. It takes me back to the beautiful dog days of summer, the days of bees and flowers, long gone, but will be coming forth no sooner than the back is turned.
I only use a notebook type log. I will probably always keep records such as I do. I do not ever plan to have more than 20 hives (I used to think that I would never have any more than 10, but as experience is gained, confidence is higher). It seems that the more you know (or think that you know) about beekeeping, things always make a little more sense and it becomes easier with understanding.
Try and learn all that you can, you are on the road to some wonderful aspirations, and you will accomplish these, good for you, yea!!!!
Have a wonderful and beautiful day on our great planet, Earth. Cindi