The First Rose of Summer...

... to be honest it is the second, but I was away day before yesterday for the first and then the skies opened up for 45 hours and I have finally gone out to see what's what.
She's a Rosa Rugosa. Powerful, impervious to most afflictions (japanese beetles are an enemy) snow, sleet, 6 months of winter, A Joy to behold! Perhaps you know a few girls like that?
Last year there were enough super fragrant flowers (I snatched them from the sleeping jaws of the beetles in the evenings) to make a quart of Rose Petal Syrup... an alternative to maple for pancakes.

**************Announcement*************

For those who followed the Daytime Drama of the Elves and the Bathroom Renovation ... possible Good News--
The head Elf called to say he is stopping by this afternoon to finish the work!! He will be here to install the teak wood (I long to see it) seat in the shower. I think this means drilling into my beautiful tile. And he must find the tiny screws the 2nd Elf lost that puts the covers to the light switches back on the walls.
The dear elf is motivated to finish because he's got a $12,000 check in his wallet for me to co-sign. That's the final payment for the entire Daily 7.5 Week Drama and Look into the Life of Construction Elves.
And he is to give me money for Richard the Aged Wood Refinisher to put the proper coat of sealant on the door and to fix the hardwood floors that had to be cut when the walls were moved.. THEN, the job will be done and that will close the Elf Chapters. (Sorry)
~~~~~~ But here's a little teaser...
#1 Elf's girlfriend moved back in with her young daughter within a week after she left. the little girl cried ceaselessly for her "Daddy" the only one she has known. She has not returned the $40,000 she took when she wiped out his business account. Will not be doing so.
Stay tuned...