Christmas brings a honey of a package! Beekeeping goodies and a white Christmas!

Christmas morning brought all sorts of gifts to my house; clothes, gift-cards, edible treats and more.  One thing Santa Claus delivered (for me of course) was beekeeping goodies!  I got new beekeeping overalls, new gloves, and a stainless steel honey extractor!  While I was perfectly okay with the "crush and strain" method, Santa Claus decided that was a little time consuming, so he had those hard working elves make an extractor and he delivered it during the night.

The description, written by those nice people at Dadant and Sons (I'm sure they guided Santa's elves) says: Stainless steel hand powered. Capacity: 2 frames (9 1/8" deep maximum) per load. Stainless steel extracting basket and top assembly. Piano style continuously hinged lid. Easily converts to 175-lb, storage container. Frames must be removed and turned to extract both sides. 1½" plastic honey gate included. Tank: 304 stainless steel 14" dia. x 23¼" tall, all welded construction.  It looks like the slim, old-timey washing machine like my Great-Grandmother used to have.

As I said before, I was happy with the crush and strain method.  But I guess Santa Claus figured that with multiple hives, and chances are more coming this spring, an extractor would be the ideal gift! 

Who am I to second-guess Santa?  He's one smart man!

We also had the surprise of a white Christmas.  Honestly I don't remember the last time we had a white, snowy Christmas, but it was a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday.  Christmas morning started out sunny and bright, but the clouds gathered as the day progressed, then the snow started after lunch.  The weather forecast called for 3" to 6" of snow, and by holly...I mean by golly, we got it!  Needless to say, it was absolutely beautiful and created memories for many!


Merry Christmas to all!