The Cooper's Hawks have fledged.  The babies are two girls:  the size of crows.  That's why Mom, who usually feeds on song birds, has been taking squirrels and rabbits from our yards to raise these glorious hunters.  On Thursday Mom abandoned them! Amid four yards, all with bird feeders.  If you can't get lucky there, hmmm.  

And before you think your bloomers are beautiful think about taking your first flight from a 50' tree!

Here's what Mom is modeling:

Bon appeitite.

It's time for Rose Conserve.  I captured the first rose petals today.  If you haven't tried it, do. It is absolutely amazing.  A great gift for those really difficult guys...even the biker guys.  It tastes like rose honey.  Can't describe it adequately. 

The recipe is the rose petals in your yard and an equal amount of sugar. Put in an air tight container and turn every six weeks if you think of it. Forget it?  No problem.  It is done right around the holidays. I'll put up my rose wafer recipe then...very fancy. Only for your best women friends and curious 10 year olds.

And if you are not growing fragrant, winter-hardy-in-Minnesota roses, try these folks.  Ours don't need fussing and bloom 6 or more times a year..once after Thanksgiving. And they are so fragrant!  davidaustinroses.com

Enjoy!