Here in central Maryland the queens have resumed laying! The observation hive has a silver dollar sized patch of capped brood, the first since the second week of November. She's a lovely Italian from Georgia. Its still too cold to break the cluster in the backyard colonies. Its reassuring to know that Mother Nature keeps to her schedule, even when the US Government is shut down. So, get busy with the equipment repairs, new supers, etc. - the bees are not on furlough. Wayne Esaias Wayne, Elaine, and Caroline Esaias 6971 Mink Hollow Rd Highland, MD 20777 301-854-3180