The Humble Bumble

Flitting hither and fro from tempting blossom to seductive flower the humble bumblebee seems always on a mission…

Guided by some internal instinct which we can not comprehend she makes the rounds tirelessly gathering nectar from all that will give…

So ravenous is her appetite for the golden dew she can tunnel into the base of the flower bypassing the pistols and stamens to quench her desire. Harmless in nature although they can sting their captivating yellow and black hairy bodies have given them the honour of  appearing in Beatrix Potter’s ‘The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse’ as Bubbity Bumble in 1910 and a reference in Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’…
They are indeed enjoyable to watch and amazing on their endless quest for sweet nectar.

Enjoy the weekend…

*pictures by my daughter Jackie, Calgary, AB

Magical Moments

The fleeting moments between first light and dawn are magical and most enjoyed…  From my favourite chair set out on the back veranda I can observe the happenings in the garden.

The mother robin is busy scurrying about touching the ground ever so lightly waiting for  worm movement beneath the soil. The arrival of a quick cloudburst last evening has made the tedious task more productive…

The squirrels are already finding tidbits to eat, this one nibbling on a peanut I have tossed.

The flowering crabapple  is beginning to reflect the early rays of sunshine putting forth its delicate blossoms to indulge in the glow…
There is much going on in my little piece of paradise, it is hard to return inside to the duties that await…

Enjoy this glorious Spring day and all those yet to follow…

* Painting by Charlotte Bird