Outdoor living

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Although we skipped another beach day, it turned out to be one of those perfect summer days that reminded me you don't have to be sitting in the sand to enjoy the weekend. The weather was just about ideal, a beautiful mix of sunshine and warmth without the crushing humidity that can make you want to stay indoors.

Jess stopped by, and naturally a quick trip to Job Lot turned into one of those shopping adventures where we somehow managed to fill our carts with all kinds of things we absolutely "needed." Isn't that always the way? After finding some beautiful new hanging baskets, we decided a stop at the nursery was the only logical next step. Before long, we were surrounded by colorful flowers, potting soil, and enough blooms to brighten every corner of my patio and her deck! 

Once everything was planted, we stepped back to admire our handiwork. There's something incredibly satisfying about creating little pockets of color that you know you'll get to enjoy all summer long. Every year I tell myself I'm finished planting, and every year I somehow find room for just a few more flowers.

Meanwhile, Bridie had headed over to my brother-in-law's house to retrieve a couple of canopies he had borrowed...four years ago! I was beyond happy to finally have them back. One of them immediately found a new home over one of our outdoor couches, instantly creating a cool, shaded retreat. It completely transformed that corner of the patio and gave us another cozy place to relax. It will also be wonderful to have a comfortable outdoor spot to enjoy even when a light summer rain rolls through.

The patio has really come together this year. Between the flowers, furniture, and all the little finishing touches, it's become one of my favorite places to spend time. Other than one particularly curious  (or nosey) neighbor, who somehow always seems to appear at our fence line no matter where we happen to be in the yard, it's just about perfect. Maybe we simply look like we're having more fun, and she doesn't want to miss out. That's the generous version of the story anyway...and I'm sticking with it!

As everyone relaxed outside, the chickens wandered out to join the fun. The boys were thoroughly entertained, chasing them around the yard and proudly scooping them up whenever one would allow it. Watching kids delight in something as simple as a few friendly chickens never gets old.

Jess and her family headed home just before dinner, and Tim and I took Bridie and her crew over to Mariner Grille for a nice family dinner before calling it a night. Good food, plenty of laughs, and another summer day well spent.

Now there's just one more day left in the weekend. For once, I'm actually happy to see rain in the forecast. The housework I've been happily ignoring isn't going to do itself, and a rainy day seems like the perfect excuse to tackle it. Besides, after a weekend spent outdoors, I suppose it's only fair to give the inside of the house a little attention too. Mother Nature has wonderful timing, giving me a reason to stay inside while she waters all my newly planted flowers. We'll see if I can stay on task and get the housework done...somehow I always get a better offer! 

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." — Henri Matisse