anticipation

It seems like I'm always anticipating something when it comes to my bees. If its not the swarm season , the honey flow , or the fall dearth its something else. This time of year proves to be no different. To cold to open the hives , to cold to do cut outs , to cold to cold to cold . The suns began its journey in a different direction and in anticipation of the warmth I'm building Nuc box after Nuc Box. Alot of times its a curse but these days its a blessing to have stacks of old boxes out back. They're easily cut down into Nucs. I'm planning on making some cardboard swarm catch nucs here soon as well . Time is always a factor.

Location , Location , Location

I keep myself and my bees within the Palo Verde Valley and somewhat on the outskirts.. , Its a beautiful valley that's been nourished for thousands of years by the ever moving Colorado river. However the rivers been dammed and the Valley developed . I thought to make a description myself but as I'm pressed for time I'll just copy and paste this one over from Arcadia Publishing's web site -

" Located midway between Los Angeles and Phoenix, the Palo Verde Valley enjoys year-round sunshine and mild winter temperatures. In the late 1800s, surveyor O. P. CallawayPalo Verde Valley and its main settlement, Blythe (incorporated in 1916), grew into a thriving cohesive community loved by its year-round inhabitants as well as the “snowbirds” and river folks who come and go. The valley has over 40,000 acres of prime farmland and produces cotton, alfalfa, melons, lettuce, broccoli, onions, and many other fruits and vegetables. The Colorado River provides numerous opportunities for boating, skiing, and fishing. "

Long Story Short .

My Great Grandfather began as a hobby beekeeper in the 1930's . He mentored under a fellow named John G. Jessup. Mr. Jessup worked for A. I root company and also taught at Iowa State University. He told my Grandfather that he would teach him bees throughout the Summer every Saturday and Also promised him that if one day was to be missed then the deal was off. My Grandfather finished the course and soon grew to be one of the largest beekeepers in Nebraska.

Naturally my Great Grandfathers kids were also involved and soon the business would be passed down to my Grandpa who would move to California in the early 70's.

Like the man before him my Grandpa would pass down his knowledge and his bees to my Father and his Brother who would in turn train and groom my interest in these wonderful creatures.

Today , Like any business , there have been ups and downs , twists and turns . I've seen us down to maybe 20 hives and up over 1000. What are we at as I type this I have no idea - 400 ? 600 ? .
I decided to start my own business three years ago starting with zero hives at the beginning of a swarm season. By the fall season I was up to around 30. As of December 16th 2009 I have 84 , diminished from over 100 last summer.

So now you see, maybe 100 in 365 days isn't so much. What with splits and all. However we will see. So thats the short version of a long story . Where we were , Where we're at , and Where we're going.

100 Hives in 365 Days

I am very much a dreamer . I day dream constantly . Yet , that is not to say that I don't actually strive for accomplishment . Call me a motivated dreamer . Goals were meant to be accomplished. So here is my goal as I set it today . 100 hives in 365 days . I will obtain, through no dollar amount , at least 100 hives of bees through trap-outs, cut-outs , swarms and splits. You may think that this is alot , You may think it is not . I happen to think that it is quit low. However, that's the beauty of a goal. I find the challenge may lie more in the documentation of said events as they play out. SSSooooooo if your out there and your interested ..., Fellow beekeepers or non beekeepers alike . Welcome to my interest . 100 hives in 365 days.