Ode to the Deck

With the lower deck delineating the edge of the property, the boat docked and hanging from the lift, the view toward the house rests on the upper deck. This is where I begin each morning. Hot cup of coffee (Folger's cinnamon swirl with a spoonful of cinnamon vanilla coffee mate) in hand, I retreat to the upper deck to open each day with a word of thanks and praise to the Lord for another day. I love to just sit for a while and listen to the birds and squirrels (which my Larry calls yard rats) and read until the coffee either gets cold or runs out. This is my place of solitude.
On this deck, I have a wicker table and 4 chairs under the canopy and another glass top table with 4 chairs in the corner where the sun shines on it in the even that I want to warm up on chilly days. And yes, we do have a chilly day or two here in the sunshine state! Since I don't have a front porch, I gladly settle for growing old and rocking my way to old age on the back porch - coffee, book, Larry and all. Besides, the view from the front settles on a street and the busyness of the neighbors. I prefer the scene from the upper deck.
On the upper deck I also have what I refer to as 'party central'. It's a fabulous rolling garden cart that I purchased from HomeGoods. Originally I had a duo purpose for this quaint piece. I used it for my son's wedding reception with the anticipation of actually attempting to do some potting and plant growing. Then my niece Brett's 16th birthday brought about another round of celebration. So once again, the focal point became the rolling garden cart. I simply call it a great investment!
Also on the upper deck is the Jacuzzi. I never thought about having one, but it came with the territory and I've learned of the relaxing and therapeutic loveliness it brings. On cool evenings, the steam rises and the colors change from the waterfall, the hot water and cares of the day fall to the wayside. My Larry and I sat and watched the fireworks one July 4th through the tress that overhang in the yard.
The upper deck has so many memories in just the short 6 years I've been privy to its existence. The sound of the chimes brings back some of those memories of when I would come to Tarpon Springs to visit when my Larry and I dated 900 miles apart for 9 months. It's where we shared our wedding reception with friends and family. It's where I sat when I got the news that Holly was having her 4th baby and where I was when she called during the ultra sound (since I couldn't be there) to find out that our baby Sophie would be my first granddaughter. It's where I got the call from Nichol that said she was pregnant and baby Hudson (grandson #5) would be the next link to my legacy. I sat on the three steps leading from the deck to the yard and shot "tree nuts" with my grandsons Grey, Noah and Dean. I've enjoyed Easter, Thanksgiving, and other holiday meals on this deck. And yes, I've even opened Christmas stockings around the fire pit on Christmas Eve. The joys are endless with moments like these.
I also sat on this same upper deck when my youngest baby and only son Adam told me that he had enlisted in the U.S. Army. It's where I pray for each of my children every day of my life. I shared this deck with Adam and his new bride Dominique. And I sat on those same three steps the day before they would go back to El Paso to begin their married life together, side by side with Adam - the rain falling down on us - as he mourned for a fellow soldier that died.
So you see, this deck is filled with memories. Some good - some sad - but all part of my life. I love this part of my home. I also love teacups and roses, the color pink, and wisteria. What about you, what do you love?