Getting back to the bees. I had suspected early on this year that they hadn't made it. Nevermind that I couldn't hear any buzzing through the winter. It was a feeling I got from the hive. Like it had no soul. This is probably why I was avoiding checking for sure. Finally I just had to know and it was confirmed.
Preparing for the confirmation of a dead hive is like preparing for anything else disappointing. It allows you to make plans. Make decisions. So along with encouragement from a fellow beekeeper, I have decided. I will not buy a nuc or new package of bees this year. I am going to relocate the hive to their apiary next year and then start over. And I will start over with atleast two hives. Maybe I have finally learned about eggs in one basket. At first I didn't want to take break, I feared that I would lose my way and not return to beekeeping. But I don't fear that any more. I know I will be back. I love it too much.
Beehives die, people lose their jobs, relationships end. Sometimes life is trying to send you a message.