We had a deluge of snow also! Forgot to take in my solar fence charger and went sprinting out there yesterday after the fact....still a bit sore from sprinting in 9" of snow!
Beekeeping...
I'm not doing it yet but have lots of book knowledge
I'm "in love" with the cathedral hive
http://www.backyardhive.com/the_cathedral_hive_the_next_evolution_in_top_bar_hive_design/ at backyard bees but don't want to spend that much money. Probably it's top bars for us. They do sell the plans for the cathedral, but I know us and we'll still be talking about building it 5 years from now.
So unless I purchase one made - or hire someone to make one for me from the plans, it probably won't happen!
I have seen that hive in australia that they're supposedly testing. But I have deep reservations about it - especially used in cold areas. Besides just generally being a bit skeptical, I don't like using plastic or pre-formed comb. I think the top bars (or the cathedral) style is really more natural for them. I've read the full volume of Bush's "Natural Beekeeping" and have studied the various types of hives.... Just haven't put any in yet.
Beekeeping...
I'm not doing it yet but have lots of book knowledge

I'm "in love" with the cathedral hive
http://www.backyardhive.com/the_cathedral_hive_the_next_evolution_in_top_bar_hive_design/ at backyard bees but don't want to spend that much money. Probably it's top bars for us. They do sell the plans for the cathedral, but I know us and we'll still be talking about building it 5 years from now.

I have seen that hive in australia that they're supposedly testing. But I have deep reservations about it - especially used in cold areas. Besides just generally being a bit skeptical, I don't like using plastic or pre-formed comb. I think the top bars (or the cathedral) style is really more natural for them. I've read the full volume of Bush's "Natural Beekeeping" and have studied the various types of hives.... Just haven't put any in yet.