Thanks to those who watched the honey videos and can see that it is not quick to end up with honey--not quick for the bees or the humans. Yes, bees are indeed necessary for pollination and they do have a problem with "disappearing".

We used to have 7 hives now 3. Probably next spring we'll buy some more bees & start a new hive.

I don't think we have had what is called "colony collapse" but rather we lost some because the bees swarmed (left with queen) and the remaining bees were combined with other hives. Often James will see or hear the swarm of bees & gather clumps in his bare hands (not getting stung) & put them into a brand new hive. When they swarm, they form a ball of bees on a limb & wait for their scouts to find a new home. BEES ARE VERY SMART and different ones have a specific job.

HOWEVER, if he doesn't get the queen with the bees, they will leave. Last year he climbed a tree (not a good idea) & shook the limb & many bees fell below into a hive. He and I were so proud of his accomplishment--getting the bees & not falling from the tree. Alas, he did not get the queen and the bees left the hive. On a positive note, he often does get the queen and bees & put them in a hive & they have a new home.

Usually every fall when they is not much nectar available we feed them sugar water. Yes, we buy regular sugar & I mix it with water in a big container & heat it until the sugar melts. Then when it cools down, put it in gallon jugs and pour it into feeder boxes for the bees to eat to build up their strength for the upcoming winter. It's also important to point out that we do NOT take all their honey but leave enough for them to eat during the winter. Also during the year he checks the hives periodically to make sure wax worms, bettles, & mites have not invaded the hives. It requires work & attention.

It's quite a hobby and work if you try to do it right. Bees are fascinating and intelligent creatures & crucial to our world.