In a message dated 2/7/01 7:23:58 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< I'm not sure when it will show up but I snow shoed into two apiaries
 yesterday to remove the snow from the entrance, it's not that easy when
 you have to lay on the snow because your arm isn't long enough. >>

   {{Shiver}}

   I'm glad to be in South Carolina and not New England.  We've had the
coldest winter in years, but no snow, not even any serious rain and wind
storms. But I think it will be good, as it was sustained cold, not yo-yo
temperatures which make the buds tender too early.  I am expecting one of the
best springs we've had in years. Only problem is low moisture throughout the
region, so am also expecting a hot, dry summer.

   Yesterday it was in the 60's with brilliant sunshine and the bees were
carrying pollen. Still no maple pollen nor nectar, but the trees are
reddening, so it is close. In recent years maple bloom has often come in
January during warm spells, then be over from following cold, too soon. I
hope this year is slow and steady....

   I understand that warm winters favor the West Nile virus, so am hoping the
severity of the winter in the East this year will knock that out.  Sigh!


Dave Green  coastal South Carolina, USA
The Pollination Home Page:  http://pollinator.com