Spiked Speedwell

This afternoon I stood in warm sunshine studying the spiked speedwell (Veronica). There aren’t many blooms left in our garden so I was pleased to see both bees and wasps attracted to this pretty purple/blue plant. I think they are honeybees but can't id the wasp! Any help?

Shortly after my time in the garden the heavens opened, we had an almighty downpour and rumbles of thunder.

Finished Joyce Carol Oates ‘Babysitter’, the first novel I have managed to read to the end in a very long time, it was a true page turner despite the horrific episodes of violence, abuse and injustice that fill its pages. It certainly is not for the faint-hearted!