The last two days have been remarkable. Warm sunshine with a cool breeze out of the north. Yesterday afternoon, we called our great-nephew Jorda to see if he wanted to join us. He did. By the time I slid my shoes on, and grabbed my hat, he was climbing the backyard fence. Oh, to have energy like that again.

We walked again this morning and by the second lap, it was warm enough to roust the bees from the hives.

I hustled in and made some sugar water to feed them these last few cool days of winter. Soon, there will be so much pollen and nectar that they will forego the sugar water and gorge themselves on what Mother Nature serves up.

While Jilda made lunch, I stood on the back deck to soak up a little more sun. Just then, a female honey bee landed on the banister. They are getting used to me now so I got up close with my iPhone and snapped a few pictures.

Tomorrow, I plan to open up the hives and have a look to get a feel for how well they weathered the winter. Fingers crossed.