May 9: Holly and bees

Yesterday I discovered that if I stand under the holly tree and close my eyes, after a few seconds I will start to hear a whining drone of bees. Hundreds of them, by the sound of it. Holly blossoms are tiny, with four waxy petals, and I didn't realize they were attractive to bees. The bees themselves are hard to see, high in the branches among the shadows and patches of brilliant light.



Today is rainy and unseasonably cool. I think, as hard as we worked in the yard and gardens yesterday, the rain is a bit of a relief. Fine weather and beautiful surroundings are good for the soul, but they make it hard for me to be satisfied staying indoors. I don't eat much or rest until it's completely dark, and with the days becoming so long, that can be tiring.