Hive inspection day!

Hive inspection day brings me so much joy. I love being able to see how the hive is progressing, how the queen is laying, and figuring out the next steps for the hive. Now I really dislike the MN summers when it comes to hive inspections. Yesterday was so humid, so today it was farm chores then hurry to the hive to make sure it was done before it got too hot out. 

Hive number one is looking really good, needed a second brood box added, but wow those ladies were not happy with me. I don't know if they were uphappy because it was an early inspection, or if I may have squished one that upset them. 

Hive number two well that was a different story. They were content. Now hive two is a week behind and seems to be a smaller hive. Queen is still an egg laying machine. Hopefully next week they have filled up a few more frames and they can have brood box number two. 

I am curious what ideas or bee keeping hacks have you felt helped with your bees? I long for the days when I am comfortable just dropping the gloves. Today was not that day.