I have about two and a half months to get ready for the Bee College and Fall Florida State Beekeepers Association Convention in Orlando. I have to sell enough honey to pay for fuel down and back, food and snacks, registration fees. I will not have to have room as I will be staying with my youngest son and his family while in there. This will be the first time in three years that I will be attending.

Dr. Jamie Ellis, of the University of Florida’s Entomology Dept. Gainesville, was not going to be able to attend this year due to a prior commitment. However, in talking with him via email, he  said that he might be able to make it as he will have had a four week old by that time. We will just have to wait and see.

I will also have to review all my paperwork as I have not looked at a paper in about two years and the best. I only have this test for my Master Beekeeper’s certificate. Then I’ll have just one more test. That will be the final for my Master Craftsman Beekeeper. Whoo hoo. I feel like a young person again.

We would like for any of you beekeepers or wannabees to join the bee college to learn and earn your certificates. You will be able to help others in your associations that may not be able to attend.

Start thinking about getting your bees ready for the winter. Remember, the bees you have now, are taking care of the bees who will be taking care of the Winter bees who will be taking care of the Spring bees.