Lotus Life

I wasn't sure I would be able to visit the aquatic gardens this year, as I have for the past several summers, since I was out of town for most of July.  But I got a few hours in this morning, which was enough to get it out of my system.  I would have hated to miss the stunning blossoms all together.  There weren't many in peak condition, and the sun eventually came out creating a lot of glare, but I got a few shots early.  The bees were very active, making it almost difficult to get a photo without one.