The devastating news: the bees might be gone

How could this happen? How did I think I would be ok when the bees all died? How do I continue? The bees were so happy going to the winter, so much honey stored up and a healthy mite level or so I thought.

Just some of the thoughts that ran through my head. I have prepped myself for this and still I was not prepped enough. While I know I have not opened the hive completely, I am seeing no movement on the nice spring days.

What do I do next? Can I do this again? I mean I wasn't successful, but many keepers say the first year is hard. Like really hard. I didn't think it was hard, but did I fail and not do something? 

So its on to some research, joining some new groups on social media, talking with a few keepers that I know.

I don't give up, so instead of giving up its time to purchase another hive, and a nuc this time. Last year I went with just 3 lbs of bees, and so many keepers swear by the nuc instead. The nuc should help to get the honey flowing faster. While I am not 100% sure the hive is gone, I thought well its time to purchase just one nuc. But because I have hair brained ideas.... I have purchased two nucs. 

This year does require a better mite treatment, even more love from me, and grace.

Now Mother Nature please get your crap together because I have hives to get set up, and bees that come in May. 

-xoxo