So it has been a number of months since the last update in what has been going on in the bee world of Ebert Honey LLC. This is mostly due to the fact that I started to teach European history at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, so I have spent a ton of time developing classes since the middle of August, and the blog has been neglected since then. The good news is that our bees looked really good going into the winter--Alex fed them up for the winter months and we are hoping that good survival will give us more spring bees than we have ever had before. There have been some serious cold spells this winter, so we're also hoping that not too many got caught against the lid of the hives when it was too cold to move over to more food on the adjacent frames. As usual, I am missing the bees the further we get into winter, so it will be a happy day when spring returns and the bees are active once more! Tree pollen and dandelion honey are always a welcome sight as the year gets rolling again. In the meanwhile, Dad (Phil) is taking orders for 2010 packages as usual. Prices aren't set yet, pending news from California, but the truck seems to fill up earlier every year. Hopefully your bees will survive in good health, but let us know if you are looking for bees to pick up in April in Lynnville! (contact info at www.eberthoney.com) The weather says it will be 43 degrees in a couple of days--but it also says there is a 90 percent chance of precipitation, so maybe the bees won't have the chance for a flight day. Fingers crossed for a warm weather break!!!! (My life at Mount Mercy College)