John, I know both David and Ellis. I spent a weekend with David a number of years ago...he's a great guy and to this day when I turn, I use a couple of "his" gouges. David's place is about 30 minutes away; not far. I haven't spoken to him for a very long time, however. He's a brilliant artist, outstanding teacher and also knows how to market himself. Ellis I've met a couple of times. He's just north of me. So yea...you were in the neighborhood. If you come up this way again, please put me on your "list". Professor Dr. SWMBO's maternal grandmother lived in Knoxville until she passed at age 97. She lived alone in an apartment despite being essentially blind for the last 5 years or so...strong woman and sharp as a tack until about the last six months.
On colony 3 ("Montgomery"), at the time that photo was taken just after they came home, it was a single medium brood box, an inner cover (for a top entrance and to support feeding jar(s)) and an open medium to cover the feeding jar(s). It's two medium brood boxes now with the same setup for feeding. We are about to enter the "dearth" and all the colonies are still needing to build comb for brood and stores. The other two colonies have the same arrangement up top, but are a little farther ahead.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...