New Queen Arrived!

Our new Queen arrived today.  As noted earlier, upon inspection of the hive this past weekend, we didn't see any new larvae or eggs and definitely no sign of a queen.   So instead of "waiting" to see if they will make their own Queen (takes up to 3 weeks); we ordered an express Queen which arrived today from Navasota.  Darn!! I need to get better at remembering to take pictures.  I had her in hand; able to see her clipped wings and bright red dot (marking).   Red is the color for queens put into service in 2013.

I have no helpers today, Ben is at work and the neighbors have plans.   So, I get all the supplies together and the smoker started; suit up with phone on me (just in case of a sting and an allergic reaction).  I check the super; it has few bees and no comb or work going on; so I move to the original hive box.  I inspect all the frames and the bottom of the box for any sign of larvae, a queen or signs of a new queen.  Nothing found, so I proceed to place the new queen into her new home. I pray over her and the hive with hopes we have learned enough to make this one work.

I did sneak a taste of the honey and it was so, so good!  I can't wait until we can start harvesting some to enjoy.