One of our home’s greatest joys is our screened porch.  My mother-in-law was the one who had the idea and, after I designed it, she had it built for us about the second year into our marriage.  I get jealous of the four-leggeds, though, because they have more time to enjoy it than we do.  In this picture Elgin our Bengal and Cheyenne and Dakota our wolfies are taking in the fresh air.  You’ll notice the 6’4″ “baby” has taken one of the chairs.  Frankly, I cannot believe he can squeeze himself into it.  The first day of spring seemed like a good time to post this.  And it certainly is the best time of the year to enjoy the porch.  It has ceiling fans, lights, and my beloved lucite grape lamps hanging from the ceiling over a big glass and metal table that was once Burk’s grandmother’s.  It is wonderful to go out and not get bitten by mosquitos.  I also have what I call a “mamasan” that hangs in one corner.  It’s a wicker swing complete with book and drink holders — heaven!  Our little one uses her sidewalk chalks to color on the cement floor and we have enjoyed breakfasts, lunches and dinners out there.  I also have been known to savor some Cab Sav and a good cigar from the comfort of my “mamasan” once my beloveds were asleep.  Right now the scent of our Star Jasmine is thick in the still chilly air and I can hear the water trickling from the mouth of my little lion fountain just outside the French doors.  Spending 35 years of my life in an apartment and condo, I still savor the privilege of owning a home.  I realize many think it’s a given and that’s great, but I want our little girl to understand how fortunate we are.  I can paint, I can plant, I can remodel; it is a luxury.  The American actor Ashton Kutcher said:

“True luxury is being able to own your time – to be able to take a walk, sit on your porch, read the paper, not take the call, not be compelled by obligation.”

My daddy always said time could not be replaced.  Mindful of that, I try to savor the precious time we have at home as a family — often on the porch.