Hi Gordon!  Winters are very hard on my bees.  This winter was one of usually
oops I mean unusual snow levels--read low snow levels--and low temperatures.
We had 57 days of -20C or colder in a row!  I lost some hives.  My harvest
is on track with yours.  Varroa--wait until I throw salt over my shoulder-- haveleft me alone although I worry when my new nucs arrive, the beasts will too.  I
live in a fairly isolated place, and there are no large apiaries anywhere near
me.  So hopefully, the varroa will crawl on by.  I hope to get to England next
summer to visit my sister.  I just might check out your yard. :)  Cheers, Jane