Our backyard

Last summer when we visited family on Lake Champlain, there were nine of us staying in a little camp building that could not have been more than 650 sq feet, and that might be generous!  Honestly, I was pretty much only inside to do the dishes, help with any cooking, and to sleep.  Otherwise, we were outdoors.  There was so much space outdoors that I remember all five adults being out one afternoon, and none of us were anywhere near another.  I remember sitting by the water one afternoon, and falling asleep from the peacefulness of it all.  It was truly inspiring to Andrew and me that there was so much more life outdoors rather than indoors.

I have never loved the outdoors.  In fact, heat and humidity are major triggers to my migraine headaches.  At the same time, sitting outside on a gorgeous weather day brings more peace than I can explain.  Our backyard is so private and peaceful, and I really decided I wanted it to be a place I enjoy being.  We can't afford an oasis, but we can make it enjoyable.

It started two years ago or so when I moved our porch furniture onto our patio.  For many years after we moved here, we used it as the furniture in our sunroom.  However, that room has a very fluid purpose, and decided to use the furniture as it was intended.  It makes a lovely little sitting area on our patio.  We moved the picnic table that had previous sat in that spot to underneath a tree.  I don't love eating outdoors, and it's really just extra places to sit when we have people over.

Last summer, I also purchased an early birthday present for Andrew and bought him a hammock.  He had always wanted one, and I found one at an end of season sale.  It was an unbelievable discount, and since we counted it as his birthday gift it was truly win-win!  It is located in a very shaded spot and both Andrew and Thomas love to spend time in it.

Our garage had been the home for five years of a porch swing that belonged to my parents.  My mother had no place to put it, and I was happy to take it off her hands.  Andrew built me an amazing a-frame for it last summer, and it is just in front of the woods by our fire pit.

Today we continued our quest to trim and work in the yard, and the focus today was on the backyard.  I planted some more flowers, and we did a great deal of mulching.  My favorite part was that Andrew trimmed back the ferns I hate, and I can't get over how much better it all makes the yard look.   We have a hanging basket and memorial wind chimes (from his brother's service) hanging on shepherd's hooks just outside our big family room picture window.

I love our backyard.  It is so peaceful, and I can't believe that I am lucky enough to be able to spend each day enjoying this little tiny peace of earth.  In fact, I am enjoying the beauty of my backyard as I type this!