Busy little bee

This morning, shortly before 11:00 am, I am sitting at my computer, knowing that the temperature outside is a cold 4C (windchill 0C). What a difference from several days ago, when we were getting very hot weather. I noticed that there are snowflake icons in the forecast for a couple of upcoming days. In a moment, I am going downstairs, where a crock-pot of piping hot chili waits for me - yes, I have been known to cook very occasionally : ) Just what is needed today.

I think these are some of my favourite little bees, with the bright orange stripe. Wish I knew bee identifications. This was one of so many bees that were very busy collecting pollen at the Saskatoon Farm.

On 8 September 2017, I decided on the spur of the moment, to drive south to the Saskatoon Farm. I wasn't sure what I would be doing this weekend and wanted to make sure I went there to buy a few of their vegetables and fruit. I knew that a weekend would be a much busier time. I also wanted to photograph a few of their beautiful Artichoke flowers before they were all past their prime.
All the flowers were very popular with the bees, including this Marigold, which was so good to see.

As usual, I wandered round the grounds with my camera, catching one of the cats, one of the dogs, and a few of the chickens, as well as flowers. I never return home with an empty memory card when I visit this place.

Unfortunately, it was a smoky day (what's new?) with the air quality rating an unpleasant High Risk level. In fact, I almost turned back before I was half way there.

This interesting place is maybe a 25-minute drive SE from the southern edge of Calgary. You can collect your own Saskatoon berries in season, look around their outside green houses, and their inside gift shop full of unusual things, and buy special baking, jams, teas and so on. They also have a restaurant that offers great food.

www.saskatoonfarm.com/