<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/xmas-eve-bees2Dec19.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-5959" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/xmas-eve-bees2Dec19-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="256" height="192" /></a>The temperature was approximately 8 degrees, the sun was shining and my bees were confused. At this time of year they're supposed to be wrapped up inside the hive, keeping the queen warm and safe in readiness for when spring arrives and the queen starts laying her eggs again.
I'm supposed to be giving them a varroa mite treatment however I have to wait for a time when it's been very cold for over a week and most experts suggest doing this between Christmas and New Year however I think I might have to wait a little longer.

<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/xmas-eve-gardenDc19-.jpg"><img class="alignright wp-image-5960" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/xmas-eve-gardenDc19--300x225.jpg" alt="" width="245" height="184" /></a>And the weather was good enough to prune some more branches from the fig tree, which I think has died since I moved it last spring. All the twigs have been shredded. The Bramley apple tree still requires some pruning.

The days are short so I try to make the most of my time outside.