Hive 1 Is On It's Way!!!

I've placed my first order with Rossman! I started with the Cypress Super Deluxe Starter Hive. It includes 2 Deep Hive Bodies, 2 Medium Honey Supers, frames and foundation for both, entrance reducer, inner and outer covers, boardman feeder, bottom board, hive stand, and queen excluder. It is a knock-down kit that must be fully assembled.

I look forward to receiving it. I was considering ordering the second hive as their Cypress Super Deluxe Beginner's Kit, so as to get the smoker, veil, tool, etc., but the more I look at it, the more I think I'm going to go without the beginner's kit, and just go with a second Starter Hive. I think the extra $100 they charge can be better spent on other accessories/tools.

Anyway. Can't wait to see it in the mail! I hope everyone has a good week!

Foundation

I heard back from Rossman. They said that their kits include Plasticell foundation, but they would substitute beeswax at no extra charge. I don't mean to start World War III by saying this, but I think I'm going to go with the Plasticell. From what I've heard, of the types of plastic foundation out there, Plasticell seems to be the most well accepted, and easily re-useable (as opposed to the flat-sheet Duragilt). I'm also considering a nuc just to keep handy in case I may need it sometime during the season. Even though I know I probably won't need it in my first year, I also know that it can never hurt to have one around, and that I'll need it eventually anyway.

This week's been so stressful, I can't wait until the weekend. I haven't gotten much sleep, I've been working overtime every day this week, and I'm just beat. I spent much of last night in the hospital with my partner, Steven, who had a terrible migraine, and we didn't get home until about 3:30am. I was so tired this morning, I slept right through my alarm, and was an hour late for work. Fortunately, tomorrow is Friday, and then it's the weekend, so it's almost over :)

On the brighter side, I found a pry-bar at my local Ace Hardware which is exactly the same as most hive tools out there, is several dollars less (not to mention no shipping), and is now mine :) I also found a really nice tool box that I'd like to get, from Brushy Mountain.

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a splendid week, please stay tuned for updates!

Planning

I've spent some time planning the layout of my hives in the yard, and come up with a nice plan that includes room (a safe distance away of course) to set up a lawn chair and watch the bees at work. I really can't wait to see the plans executed!

I've also been thinking over the hive decision. One thing that you may see about me is that I can be somewhat indecisive. :) Anyway, the only possible downside I see to the Cypress hive kit from Rossman is that it comes with plastic foundation of some sort. Until I know what kind it is, I'm not going to be 100% settled on that hive. So, I'm waiting to hear back from them on that. If worse comes to worse, I'll see if they can substitute beeswax foundation instead.

Anyway, I plan to order the hives on the 22nd (payday, lol) with whatever I decide on those. I'm also planning to attend a meeting of a local beekeeper's club on Monday, and looking forward to that too.

Hope everyone is well!