Violet Carpenter Bee …

…. « Xylocopa violacea, the violet carpenter bee, is the common European species of carpenter bee, and one of the largest bees in Europe. It makes its nests in dead wood. It is not particularly aggressive, and will attack only if forced to. Like other solitary bees, the female creates the nest alone. The eggs are laid within a series of small cells, each of which is supplied with a pollen ball for the larvae to feed upon. »  Thanks to Wikipedia.

Thanks for your good wishes, haven’t been able to go further than the garden today. I am not a patient patient and am wondering when I shall get on the hill again.