Sweet

A booming hive is like uncorking a bottle of champagne, or lighting the birthday candles, or finding $20 on the sidewalk. Oh, joy!

Just a couple of days ago, I added a FIFTH medium box onto my hive. That's right, a fifth box. On July 21. Only a week and a half after I'd added a fourth box.

For you southern beekeepers, that may be no big deal, but for me it's exhilarating. Last year (my first year), my little hive went into winter with a total of two medium boxes, most of it brood. There was a hot spring, then a freeze, then a drought. This year, there's an abundance of flowers, extended cool temperatures that keep the nectar flowing, and just the right amount of rain.

But it's more than the weather. Some of the hives aren't doing quite as well, even in this excellent weather year. It's a lesson in wild animal husbandry. We all started with the same package bees, the same pristine equipment, and the same lack of expertise. Yes, it's been a great year for honey. Nonetheless, I'm among the lucky, and it feels good. Really good.