We just created this wonderful space — what I now call my "happy place." Last May, a huge tree fell on our house during a weird spring burst of a storm. Once we determined that we were all safe (we sat in the family room, looking out the sliding-glass doors, watching the tree fall!) we realized how lucky we were that the damage was really very minimal — mostly to the siding, part of the roof and the rails on our ground-level 25-year-old deck, and one broken window.

But homeowners' insurance to the rescue! Over the course of the summer, we got all new siding, a new roof, a new window and, once they realized the existing deck was not up to code, a brand-new deck. We splurged and had them build a roof over most of the deck (with our own money).

We just had the new porch washed, stained and sealed, after letting the wood "cure" all winter, so we finally put out the new porch furniture. We had a very mild winter, so we spent a lot of time out there during the cold months, with the help of a few heaters, but now the nearly completed space has become a new living space for us. I say "nearly" because we have yet to fill the flower boxes and herb garden we have planned.

I love it, and wish all of you could come join us for coffee in the morning, or a cocktail or two in the evening.

Above is a picture of the deck in progress, and also a picture of my son Pete and his girlfriend, Becca, enjoying a sunny spring day after helping me assemble some of the new furniture.

Thanks, Tina! We'd love to join you for a drink.

(Images: Tina)

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