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Last year at this time, we were astonished by the sheer numbers of bees on our flowers in both the flower and vegetable gardens. The variety was amazing and the activity was enjoyable to watch.

Unfortunately, this sort of weather is particularly difficult for the European honey bee. And, we do have two hives on the farm this year. Short story - the bees are having a difficult year.

Even so, they were out and about this last week when we got to see the sun.

You might want to click on this picture to view a bigger version of it. The bee is just above the center of the top left flower. Not a honey bee, but a wonderful pollinator. We like seeing these little critters around.

Then there are our friends from the hives. Look at the bottom left and you can see a bee heavily laden with pollen from the hosta flowers. Again, clicking on it will increase the size of the picture for your viewing.

The honey bees belong to John Axon and he cares for the hives. We know the bees like our flowers - but we wish the year was a better one for his bees.