Thanks to all.

I decided against keeping the TBH in my apiary. The main reason is I want
to keep the beekeeper as a friend. Several emails off line addressed this
and I can see the problems that would arise.

I would be inspecting and manipulating the colony in the absence of the
other beekeeper since she is about an hour away- two hours for her to
travel to inspect one colony. So, if the colony fails was it because of the
"novice TBH" beekeeper or the colony? If her colony fails because of Varroa
was it because of the colony or my "chemical" (formic acid) colonies with
their "loads of Varroa" and other unnatural problems? If I see her colony
is rampant with Varroa, what then since she will never treat?  If any of
our colonies fail and are robbed and both die, then you can really have
finger pointing.

Truth is, I would have liked the experience, but I believe I had wise
council from those who tried this experience and ended up with failed
friendships.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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