Greetings Mary, Its enjoyable knowing the excitement you're experiencing with the anticipation of upcoming events concerning your new experience in one of lifes many pleasures. Looking back over the years having just a handfull of hives was clearly, at least for me, more enjoyable. This is one business where increase is no problem. Clearly , Father gives the increase in whatever we put our hand to. Bee blessed in your new adventure. Being if like mind concerning "flamings" ,I probably wouldn't even have a computer with all its advantages if they were required reading and we didn't have a delete key. I wonder, how brave most of these flamers would be face to face? If you haven't already check with your local USDA for forage sources. Theirs also got to bee a local beekeeping assn. for you to plug into. But for Q. & A's round table discussions this is a good place too. Nothing like eyeball to eyeball though. Take Care and GBY,John in Homestead,also at<[log in to unmask]>