It just seems a bit sudden. Last year the flower borders were positively
buzzing. All I've noticed this year are a couple of very large "bees"
with some red on them - which presumably may be hornets? I avoided
looking too closely as they buzzed near me, choosing instead to put some
distance between them and me! They were bee/wasp shaped but about twice
as long.

I can't identify it from that description :-)

They were flying solitary. The shape of a wasp but around 1" long, maybe
slightly longer. The thorax and abdomen did not appear to be seregated
though like a wasp. The yellow and black was less distinct. I seem to
remember the red was like a band around it but I didn't study it very
closely. The buzzing was lounder than that of a wasp or bee. It took a brief
interest in me circling around me a couple of times. Normally bees and wasps
ignore me.


I've not seen any bumble bees either. The Mrs panics and runs a mile if
they go near her

WHY???

Just one of those panic things... Oooh! A bumble bee... cup of tea goes
flying as does she... Oooh keep it away. Oooh it not in my hair is it...

Makes me smile anyway.

David.



but I think they always look sort of 'cute' and are always much more
interested in flowers than people.

All bees are. But you really have to provoke a bumble bee to sting, if it
does you deserve it.

Mary