Hello from Missouri

[marlena]

Hi Everyone! I fell into beekeeping when I married my husband (who plays on this forum often). He had several hives and it wasn't long before I was right out there in the bee yard with him. It just seemed natural for me to fall into beekeeping as I made handmade soaps that contained honey and beeswax. Of course I also make some of my soaps with goat's milk, so I also decided that I needed goats too.   

I don't know alot about beekeeping as I've only been helping my husband for a couple of years. But I am pretty knowledgable about soapmaking if anyone should need any help with that craft. 

~Marlena

[Cindi]

Marlena, welcome to our forum, you decided to chime in, that is cool.  So nice that you have the knowledge to make wax products, lovely, and  your offer to assist anyone that would be interested is a gracious one.  You have fallen under the spell of the honeybee, that is clear to see, we have too.  Tell us your tales, experiences, we are people that care and are interested in what other's are up to...and....have that most beautiful and wonderful day, Cindi

[chefbb]

Hi!!!  I am brand new to bee-keeping.  I have wanted to get started for a couple of years and have finally made the plunge.  I feel so dumb because I know very little about what I am doing!  Hopefully I will learn a lot from the forum!  I am in central Florida near Orlando.  Most of the Bee Books I have read are more for Northern Bees that have cold climates. 
I bought 2 hives of bees from a gentleman that is having health problems and no longer care for his bees. One thing I have noticed is that the bees seem to "congregate" on the hive above the entrance. About 100 bees are there. Is this normal? Or is this a "sign" of some sort?? Like they are crowded? If this questions has already been asked and answered, please refer me to area where I can find the answer.  Look forward to reading all the info...there is certainly quite a lot!