Friday, December 28, 2018

From our Hive to yours....

Well it is almost the end of yet...another year. 2018 flew by way to fast but i am told that is how it works once you get "over the hill".
It was rather a depressing beekeeping year for me. We lost all our bees coming out of winter, then ordered 2 Nucs to get going again and they were not that great. I struggled most of the summer to keep them alive. One didnt make it but the secnd one did and hopefully it makes it thru the winter. Last Feb i took a Webinar course through the Ministry of Agriculture on beekeeping, which i found very helpful and for 4 Saturday mornings, got me out of cleaning rooms. It was great.
Our local bee club decided we would take steps to become a "real club" so next month the elections will begin. I also joined the local Farmers Institute.
So whats new for Riverside Apiary in 2019, (all going well) there will be some exciting changes. Hopefully retirement is just around the corner. If that is true (and it better bee) we will be moving back to Dome Creek. I am ordering 4 packages of bees this winter in anticipation of retirement. I will be able to dedicate all my spare time to my bees (oh i guess i should probably spend some time on domestic duties and gardens too) and making a great apiary for them. There is a orchard in the works, so far only in my cluttered mind and a bee house. So lots to do.

Anyways, i just wanted to get one last babble in before the year ended. So from our hive to yours...we wish you a very happy New Year, may it be filled with good health and much happiness.

A special gift from a special person

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Merry Christmas from our hive to yours





Christmas is almost upon us and the winter has been a kind and gentle one....so far.  But holy moly....the wind. We have never had such winds and for such a long time. Its been blowing now for around 3 weeks, thankfully its not -20C.
The bees are tucked away in their cozy coat and i am hoping for the best that they will survive the winter and come out strong in the spring.  After last winter i have lost a bit of my confidence of wintering bees over.
Since i didnt have enough honey to give as gifts, i made a batch of Cinnamon Honey Butter. If you are a fan of Cinnamon Toast then you will love this. (pictured below) If you would like the recipe, drop me a line.


 Creamy Cinnamon Honey Butter

 Anyways I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope the new year is filled with much happiness and good health. See you next year.