Last week’s 16″ of snow is still around. Daytime temperatures in the mid thirties (at most) for the last two weeks. I have not been able to get into the bee yard so I don’t know if the lower entrances are open. I’m looking at the positive side of this, it is too cold for cleansing flights so for now it doesn’t matter if the lower entrance is open or not.

I made bee candy today. Long range forecast indicate 50°F for mid week. I’ll take a chance and add the candy to the hives. I used the easy mix plan: 10 lbs sugar, 1 cup warm water, a splash of apple cider vinegar and a shot of my home made essential oils mix. Just pressed it into a large cookie sheet and scored it into rectangular pieces. It will harden over night and breaks on the score lines. Could not be easier and no boiling required.

Spring is in 27 days and we are gaining 3 – 4 minutes of daylight each day. Nature is ready to burst into renewed life.  I’m looking forward to dandelion blooms, which for me, marks a shift in beekeeping. The maple tree buds are fat just waiting for some warm days. Pollen for the larva! When it happens, both the bees and I will be doing the waggle dance!