Identify the simple subject in the following sentence. Here, then, is the crux of the matter.

After gathering nectar and cleaning up the hive, the bees took a well-deserved break.

The cat ran herself ragged chasing that cricket around the yard all day.

Sitting in a tree at the top of the garden was a huge bluebird with long, yellow tail feathers.

Dazed and disheveled, her brow furrowed with anxiety, Helen emerged from the mountain cave.

Because of the abundant use of insecticides and pesticides in the world today, my embarrassing dandruff problem has improved considerably.

She was a lawyer before she became a full-time belly-dancing instructor.

Alexandra turned and sprinted down the driveway because she could not tolerate Jude's presence even one second longer.

My husband was worried that the kids were staying up too late every night.

Mr. Dillon met with his new employees and tried to instill in them the drive to succeed that had characterized his sales teams in the past.

For more than eight years, Waldo has been trying to worm his way into our secret society.