First the petals…
Our garden is filled, front to back and side to side, with snow drops this time of year, starting in February. February 2 if this old rhyme is anything to go by-
The Snowdrop, in purest white array
First rears her head on Candlemas.
Candlemas is the celebration of Christ’s presentation to the elders at the Temple. The day also became associated with the purification of the Virgin Mary. The statues of Mary were often replaced by snowdrops on this day.
Interestingly, the English word does not necessarily refer to ‘drop’ as in drop of water, but to ‘eardrop’ which is an older form of ‘earring.’ The Greek word for the species, Galanthus’ means ‘milk flower.’
And do you know who especially likes snowdrops?
We had quite a few warm days in February meaning this lot were out in force. I always breathe a sigh of relief when I see them during the winter like this. But I should know better because one of the most lethal months is coming up–March. If they have made it until March, then they are set for a growth spurt. And with the weather still being unpredictable, they will soon outstrip their remaining stores and what they can bring in. So, March is a time to pay extra special attention.
But right now, they were happily gathering pollen from the snowdrops and whatever else was on offer. But, after being cooped up in the cold weather, they were also indulging in another favorite past time–
Bees and cars, especially convertibles, are a costly combination. I found the poop in other places, but my poor car bore the brunt of it, requiring an extra special clean for the top. The only reason I can think that the car specifically came in for this treatment is that it is directly under their flight path and far enough away so the hive doesn’t get it.
Well, we don’t keep them to get rich, do we?
Not bees
I also have things to report on the birds etc front but will save them for the next post. Just to wet your whistle, some of you might remember the Christmas cracker riddle and its answer. In which case you might be able to guess what this photo might signify:
Answer to follow in next post.
Apologies
I have been a very poor blog follower, in that for the past month or so I have not commented on the many interesting posts that have come my way. I will try to have a blitz read to get to everyone, but if I don’t, please no that I am ‘liking’ in spirit…
My Latin Notebook 
Ah, bee poop after poor weather conditions! Is it particularly bad for cars, or just, you know, ugh? Do you feed your bees in this merry month of March, or watch and wait?
Posted by Tina | March 5, 2017, 9:53 pmMy mother has sent me US articles where neighbors of beekeepers have complained about bee poop on the car. This is one: http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_30086198/bee-pain-not-about-sting
but if yougoogle bee poop complaints, you will see loads including this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTDw7PJBSbM
I’d say not as gross as gloopy bird poop, but harder to clean on a soft top….
Feeding bees definitely in March. The worst month for starvation.
Posted by mylatinnotebook | March 12, 2017, 12:54 pmI’m so happy to know you have seen some activities at your hives. I still look for that yellow speckles but there is none so far.
Posted by P&B | March 6, 2017, 5:03 amGood for you. It’s a bit of a pain to clean…
Posted by mylatinnotebook | March 12, 2017, 1:00 pmThanks for the reminder that bees need stores in march – I will check mine this weekend 🙂
Posted by Claire | March 6, 2017, 10:21 pmI always need reminding myself. It always catches me by surprise, especially when you’ve seen them so busy previously
Posted by mylatinnotebook | March 12, 2017, 12:55 pmI checked and they still had some honey, but had eaten all their fondant so I gave them a top up to be on the safe side – thank you once again for reminding me …. my bees are grateful to you 🙂
Posted by Claire | March 13, 2017, 5:21 pmI always enjoy your posts! I’m afraid I am a very slow blog reader at the moment though, Tommy doesn’t give me much spare time. So I am an equally poor follower.
Posted by Emily Scott | March 10, 2017, 10:35 pmAnd me yours! Kids can consume all of your time, no matter what age. Be sure to make time for yourself, though. It is important. (sorry, didn’t mean to sound bossy)
Posted by mylatinnotebook | March 12, 2017, 12:57 pmMore mouse action??
Posted by philipstrange | March 11, 2017, 4:17 pmAh, Philip, you are losing your edge. A full jar means no action! Mouse down! About a month down we found the little body in the garage. Even though it pretty much trashed a coffee maker (if you look in back of the jar you will see balls of fluff stopping up the crevices in the box), I was kind of sad to see it go. It was so industrious. I don’t have the heart to clear out its little house. Geez, soft or what?
Posted by mylatinnotebook | March 12, 2017, 12:59 pm