Hi all,
 
I'd like to thank everyone for the replies concerning the use of
slatted racks.  I plan to start using them.
 
A few people asked why I have only 1 hive.  Essentially, I got a late
start with making the preparations to bring back our family's bees
(after we lost our last hive--probably due to mites--a few years ago).
Time was more of an issue than money was.  Hopefully, this hive will
make it through the winter, so that I can start up some more hives
next spring.
 
George Imirie mentioned that he's been keeping bees for 65 years.  My
grandfather has also been keeping bees a long time--he started when he
was 15, by obtaining his uncle's hives (via a horse team and a wagon).
He's 93 now.  (93 - 15 = 78!)  If he were able to get around like he
used to, I have no doubts he'd still be managing the bees himself.
 
Proud to be a 4th-generation beekeeper,
James Ralston