A honey bee (Apis mellifera) nectars in asters (Aster novi-belgii) on a summer-like November day.
Two weeks ago, temperatures bottomed out at 15°F and a winter storm buried gardens, yards and colorful-leafed trees under almost 10 inches of snow. Now, sun and a week of daytime highs around 74°F have awakened chipmunks, spurred American robins to sing and enticed honey bees from their hives. The bees found our last asters of the season. In a sunny location, and protected by an overhanging arbor vitae hedge on the north side, the pastel blossoms continue to open despite the early snow and frigid cold. What a gift — a sweet treat for the honey bees and an unexpected return to autumn beauty for us.
Nature, Garden, Life 
So glad for those warm days! We needed time to build our forbearance for winter. I’m not patiently able to handle those below zero days and darkness yet!
I hear you, Lisa! At least the snow is gone for awhile.