i have been happily keeping bees for a few years now and it seems so far that I do have at least one hive each season that needs to be rehived. i’ve had swarms take off, bears knock over hives, bees not overwinter and some have simply disappeared. i order my bees, carniolan’s when I can, in a 3 pound package with a queen and that’s what you are seeing in these photos. beekeeping has been one of my most important jobs and a fulfilling hobby to boot. i wouldn’t give it up for anything. it’s common knowledge now days that our bees are in peril and i just keep doing my small part in helping them prosper. my son jasper is my main bee helper and together we tend the bees in all seasons. he helps me extract and eat the honey too! more on honey extraction here .