Tornado activity in the area, heavy rains and winds of 40 MPH with gusts to 80 MPH at the airport have brought another new experience to this fledgling beekeeper. A gut feeling suggested I go out and check my bees a couple hours after the worst of the storm. When I got out to the property, I found that the high winds had bent my purple martin house/pole to the ground. I could also see the heavy plastic hive cover and inner covers laying on the ground about 30 feet from the hive. Why the inner cover isn't in the next county, I have no idea. Needless to say, the bees were soaked. I removed an outer frame that hasn't been worked yet and space the other frames out a bit to allow the bees a little more ventilation and a chance to dry out. I plan to put the removed frame back in later today (weather allowing) or tomorrow. Are there any particular problems I can look forward to as a result of my bees beeing exposed to wind, rain and getting a good soaking? BTW, there are now two big bricks on top my hive cover. Better late than never, I guess. Other questions: Out of curiosity, how many bees to the pound? <grin> I received 3 pounds of bees as a starter and am curious as to approximately how many bees that would have been. I've read that a strong hive will have up 30,000 little gals. John Taylor LifeBeat Air Medical http://www.cris.com/~Johntrn1/index.shtml When in danger, or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!