>      I guess my question is: Can a person just have a hive or two,
> get a little honey, and keep his sanity without having to constantly
> restock the hives?
 
 
Mick, it may sound like there are thousands of problems, every one
insurmountable, but it is not always that bad.  I have often had only
one or two hives, and kept them for years without having to restock.
I must admitt, I don't have any mite problems, so that might make a
difference.
As for the sanity refference, I don't think most beekeepers had a
great deal in the first place.   :->
Adrian.