Thank goodness for nimble apprentices with all all the right kit from the appropriate discipline.
Snow forecast here over the next three days but it was warm, dry and calm this afternoon so I had a quick look, a bit of re-balancing of stores and trimming of wax from bottom of some standard frames in 14x12 boxes (transitional state).
Generally a good spread of brood on both sides of 3 frames, one with a good amount of brood on both sides of four frames.
I'm as pleased as punch, my first winter waves of doubt and introspection are now banished. They are taking patties and look to be in good condition.