Hi Tom.  Merry X-mas.
I must admit that I had a laugh out of your annecdote about the look of
astonishment in the beekeeper's face when he realized what had happened.  Ideas?
I am sure that our
subscribers will provide as many different ideas as there are beekeepers on this
list.  I for one have my own, of course.  I'll relate mine by means of the old
adage, one should not assume (or take for granted) anything when it comes to honey
bees. An old professor of mine a very long time ago explained to me the meaning of
a much common used term these days.   ASS            -U-                  ME.
I don't think that I am going to explain the annecdote using all the words as it
was explained to me in an effort to keep from injuring sensibilities.
For the newbies:  One of the most important aspects of beekeeping is to make very
thorough examinations and to record one's findings. Small neglects tend to end in
large disappointments.
Best regards.
Dr. Rodriguez
Virginia Beach, VA