Saturday, June 20, 2009

Bees on Echinacea



I've not been seeing many bees or butterflies in my garden. It's been a rainy and unseasonably cool spring, that may be a factor. I was pleased to finally see a few bumblebees this morning. Maybe the butterflies won't be too far behind.

Every once in a while I see a hummingbird sip from the feeder and off they go. They aren't staking claim to them yet. Hoping this will change soon too.


Me and Nell, November 2004

Yesterday I was back at the Emergency Room with Nell all day. It seems that the fracture in her shoulder from the fall two months ago is worse and has splintered. No one at the nursing home seems to know what what caused this new injury. I am taking her to see an orthopedic surgeon next week. She is so fragile and frail right now, I just don't know how she will be able to handle surgery. At this stage in her Alzheimer's it is so difficult to transport her, everything frightens her, especially removing her from her familiar surroundings. Ambulance rides and strangers, (really anyone) touching her are quite upsetting. It is so sad and depressing to see her like this. Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease.

19 comments:

Helen said...

Robin, Lovely to see the bees and hummingbirds. Sad to have such trials with someone you care about. Good luck.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

The bees and flowers are lovely.Things seem slow this year.Saw my first Yellow-tiger Swallowtal butterfly today.I am praying for you to have strength as you deal with the ill people in your life.Lean on God He will sustain you.
BLessings,Ruth

Lisa at Greenbow said...

You are certainly going through a tough time in your life Robin. I hope that you gather strength from seeing all the beauty of bees, butterflies and birds in your garden. Hang in there. Thoughts and prayers are coming your way.

Sheila said...

Robin...I've noticed that there aren't very many butterflys yet also. Hopefully it is just the rain.

My mother-in-law also had Ahlzheimers. She passed away May 26th after suffering from it for about 5 years. I agree, it is a horrible disease. She was robbed of all of her dignity...became a person we didn't hardly recognize.

When the time comes, I highly recommend Hospice step in and help. Your family may be prepared, by my husband's family wasn't & Hospice helped them those last few days.

You will be in our prayers...

Sheila

Vicki's Bit-o-earth said...

Robin, The bees have been struggling for a few years now. I see the same thing here. I've planted Borage, Valerian and other flowering herbs that bees love in order to attract them to my garden.

My heart is with you and with Nell. I know several people who have suffered with Alzheimers, and its very difficult. My heart just aches for them. I hope Nell's injury can be taken care of in some way without surgery.

Vicki

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh, I am so sorry the fracture is not only not healing, but has become worse. You have had such a difficult spring. Positive thoughts going your way...for you and for your loved ones.

Mary said...

My hummingbirds are slow this year, too, Robin. I don't know why but I have only seen a female once so far. It's all MEN!

So sorry for Nell. I wish you easy days with her.

Mary

beckie said...

How wonderful to see the bees. They have been few and far between here. I think too it's the cool wet waether. But we are warming up -hot actually-and I hope to start seeing them and the butterflies.

I know you are going thru so much with Nell and your Dad now. I wish you serenity to deal with it. My thoughts are with you.

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

Gardens and birds and bees and butterflies provide wonderful respites from day to day human trials. Enjoy your gardens, Robin. I feel so for the times you are having now with your dad and Nell. I experienced Alzheimer's with my husband's father and it is indeed terrible. I wish you well, dear, and your family.

Connie said...

My coneflowers are just forming flower heads...I always anticipate their happy blooms. It must be cool and rainy everywhere this year. Now that summer has officially arrived, maybe it will warm up!
My mother died of Alzheimer's so I understand what you're experiencing...it is so difficult. Sending up a prayer for you today!

Rose said...

Beautiful photos, Robin. I have seen quite a few bees here, but not many butterflies, and my echinacea isn't quite ready to bloom yet. I hope all this beauty in the garden helps you to find some comfort and peace. Alzheimer's is such an insidious disease. I wish healing for Nell, and my thoughts and prayers are with you, Robin.

Gail said...

Robin, your photos are outstanding...I am so glad you have the garden and photography to give you respite. Alzheimers is a terrible disease, it robs everyone too much. gail

Sherri said...

Robin, thoughts and prayers sent your way! Your flowers are lovely and I love the hummingbird picture!

Michelle said...

Wow...those flower pictures are beautiful.

Alzheimer's is awful. I'll be keeping her in prayer. I'm glad that you're there for her.

the inadvertent farmer said...

Nothing says nature at work like bees buzzing around spring flowers...just wonderful!

Sorry, yes Alzheimer's is simply aweful for those with it and those that love them, Kim

Diana said...

Robin -- glad to see you're seeing some bees. I could send you some of ours. They like the 100+ degrees we're having. I'm so sorry Nell is having such a tough time. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers as you try to care for her.

Kathleen said...

Couldn't agree with you more about Alzheimers. Sorry to hear about this new fracture. I'm sure your mil appreciates having you care for her even if she doesn't say. You are a real blessing in her life.
I haven't seen many bumblebees either but we were cool and rainy until this week. Hope I can catch some photos soon too.

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

Wish there were humming birds in my garden but alas.

Alzheimer's is a terrible and cruel disease. My grandmother had it too so I know how difficult it is to transport her or do anything out of the ordinary. I hope her shoulder will heal soon.

And Robin, congrats on being asked for your pic to be on the front of a brochure!

Anonymous said...

Oh, your echinacea looks so much better than mine! I'm battling the Japanese beetles for posession, and I think they are winning! I've had the same experience with the hummers. A few random visits, but nothing steady. And I've got so many hummer favorite flowers out there besides the feeders, so I don't know what the hold up is. Sorry to hear about Nell's injury.