Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

This is one of those strange weeks, when some prominent beginnings and endings converge, causing a mixture of excitement, wistfulness, anticipation, and melancholy to permeate the air.

First of all, we’re nearing the end of summer, and the indications of fall’s imminent arrival are getting stronger.  In my case, I’ve noticed that my outdoor dining table, patio furniture, and hammock are getting covered with leaves; and when I sit on my porch swing, I’m looking at brown, wilted vines on my arbor and trellises.  I try to tell myself that the leaves are dying early because of the abnormally hot, dry summer, but the truth is hard to deny.

Well, actually, it’s impossible now, because I recently spotted some goldenrod, which is one of the surest signs of autumn.  Then, I saw something else (which, coincidentally, is the same color as goldenrod) that left no doubt about what time of the year it is.  Yes, it was a school bus.

Indeed, that’s one of the things that is fueling this blend of emotions that seems to be affecting everyone right now.  After all, to kids, the close of summer means the opening of school, which is something that they dread.  At the same time, to adults, the close of summer means the opening of school, which is something that they love.

On the other hand, nearly everybody is looking forward to the upcoming holiday weekend.  Because it is widely considered the last blast, and the unofficial end, of summer, it naturally conjures some feelings of sadness.  Still, it is enthusiastically welcomed by kids, who have been working so hard in school for a few days, as well as adults, who have been working so hard all year long, with only a few, brief breaks.  So, it’s an occasion for all to celebrate.

Of course, some people aren’t exactly sure what, or why, they’re celebrating; and many don’t really care, as long as they get a day off, and a chance to use their grills, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs.  First observed on September 5, 1882, in New York City, Labor Day arose from the labor movement, as a tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers, and their contributions to the country’s prosperity.

The second Labor Day was held exactly one year later; but, in 1884, the first Monday of September was chosen for the holiday, and the Central Labor Union, which started it, urged similar organizations in other cities to mark it as well.  The idea took hold, and, in 1885, it was observed by many industrial centers across the nation.

In the first proposal for the holiday, it was suggested that it should include a street parade, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of workers and their families.  In the ensuing years, different states adopted it, one by one, before Congress passed an act, on June 28, 1894, declaring it a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

So, take full advantage of summer’s last hurrah, by making it a full day of merriment and revelry.  Have a cookout, relax in your favorite porch chair, go swimming, play some lawn games, such as volleyball, croquet, or quoits, and watch some fireworks.

Remember, it’s your day, and you deserve to enjoy it; and, no matter what, don’t feel the slightest bit guilty about making your outdoor furniture and grill work so hard on a holiday!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, arbor, Croquet, grills, hammock, lawn games, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch chairs, porch swing, Quoits, trellises

As we’ve established, when packing for a picnic that won’t be held close to home (yours, or anyone else’s) it’s important to include anything and everything that you could possibly want or need.  Now, I don’t know whether or not anyone has ever actually accomplished this, but I do know that even the most organized, fastidious, list-making perfectionists can slip up sometimes.

Strangely enough, often, the overlooked articles also happen to be some of the most basic and obvious, such as salt and pepper, ketchup, or other condiments.  Another interesting-yet-common mistake that people make is forgetting something that is closely related to another item that they have already packed.

For example, they’ll put in the silverware (or plastic ware, as the case may be), but not the serving utensils, or the long-handled forks, tongs, and barbecue mitts that are needed for safely cooking on grills.  Likewise, they’ll bring blankets, but forget outdoor throw pillows, or towels (if they’re planning to go swimming).

Therefore, it’s best to think of things as belonging to certain families, so you’ll be able to make quick associations when you’re readying for an outing.  Perhaps you may even want to draw up some “family trees” for the essentials, and store them in your picnic basket.

Among the oft-forgotten things that should be on your lists are cutting boards, if you’re going to be slicing anything, and sharp knives, not only for said slicing, but for when you’re serving meat; in these cases, plastic knives just won’t, well, cut it.

You may also want to set aside an attractive, unbreakable vase to take with you on occasions when you wish to dress up the picnic table.  Fill it with flowers from your garden, or wildflowers that are growing near your picnic site, and you’ll have a lovely centerpiece.

Outdoor folding chairs are great to have along as well, but if you don’t have room for them in your vehicle, load up some of your outdoor furniture cushions.  You can use the ones from your patio chairs to sit on, and those from your lounge chairs for napping or sunbathing.  Take a beach umbrella with you for extra shade, even if you’re not going near the water; and don’t forget the first aid kit, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Books, magazines, puzzles, and lawn games, such as croquet, horseshoes, badminton, and quoits, are absolute musts for traditional outdoor family fun and recreation.  Of course, to make it official, you’ll have to leave the video games and other high-tech gadgets at home, turn off your  cell phones, and don’t check your e-mail (yes, I realize that’s a preposterous suggestion, but, at least, try it; you may enjoy your triumph over technology!).

Well, since I can’t think of another famous bear to quote, I’ll end this blog on a serious note.  While we’re all having our safe and happy Memorial Day celebrations this weekend (and that is what I wish everyone), the most important thing to remember is the true reason for this holiday.  It is meant to honor all of the women and men who have died while defending our great country, and showing appreciation to veterans, as well as those who are still serving in the military.  Without them, life here would surely be no picnic.

Happy Memorial Day!

Kathy 

Tags: beach umbrella, Croquet, lawn games, outdoor folding chairs, outdoor furniture cushions, patio chairs, Quoits

Now that Memorial Day weekend is almost upon us, visions of grills, picnic tables, burgers, and hot dogs are dancing in our heads.  This long-anticipated holiday marks the unofficial start of summer; and, because, in many regions, it’s the biggest season for outdoor living, people are going to be having as many picnics as possible, between now and Labor Day.

When you think about it, picnics are among the greatest social events ever devised.  Perfectly blending food, family, friends, recreation, entertainment, and merriment, they’ve been bringing people together since long before Yogi Bear ever swiped his first “pic-a-nic” basket.  In fact, they’re viewed by many as the ultimate, all-American way to celebrate our national holidays.

However, even though many consider the picnic to be red, white, and blue, its beginnings are actually more bleu, blanc, et rouge.  Making its first appearance as a new word in the 1692 edition of Origines de la Langue Françoise de Ménage, the word, pique-nique, is believed to have been derived from a combination of the French word, piquer, meaning to “pick” or “peck” and nique, an obsolete word, which meant “trifle” or “little pieces.”  In the book, it was described as a potluck gathering, to which everyone brought a dish; and the food, which was packed and carried in the first picnic baskets, was set out for all to “peck at.”

The word, picnic, was introduced in English in 1748.  Then, in the 19th century, a group of wealthy Londoners formed the Picnic Society, promoting it as a fashionable social affair, to which each attendee was expected to bring food, and contribute some form of entertainment.  It wasn’t until the middle of the century that it became associated with the outdoors, and the first picnic blankets appeared; soon afterward, its rapid rise in popularity led to the invention of the picnic table.

These days, while picnics can still be grand occasions, they are usually more on the casual side, and can take place in backyards, public parks, or on small, out-of-the-way patches of ground.  Furthermore, it doesn’t take a lot of people to make a picnic; in fact, you can have one all by yourself.

Of course, this weekend, there will probably be a lot more of the large gatherings; so you’d better be prepared.  Besides having an ample food supply, make sure that you have enough patio chairs, Adirondack chairs, outdoor rocking chairs, garden benches, and extra picnic table benches, so that everyone has a place to sit.

Oh, yeah, and don’t forget that everybody will be looking forward to playing some all-American outdoor lawn games, too.  Hmm.  Let’s see.  Uh, how about croquet and quoits?

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, croqeut, garden benches, outdoor rocking chairs, patio chairs, picnic table benches, picnic tables, Quoits

As I swept heaps of snow from my car this morning, I admit, it was difficult to think what kind of new years resolutions I should be putting in for my backyard, patio, and garden.  It seems like the days of crowding around picnic tables and lounging across Adirondack chairs to take in landscapes and gardens will never be upon us again.

But, isn’t that one of the wonderful things about gardening?  A new beginning stumbles to our feet every spring so we can try the flowers again that failed us last year, and even improve upon our vegetables that were so delicious last summer.  Gardening is a great reoccurring experiment; endlessly forgiving and always beckoning for more.

While many gardeners are vowing to pick their squash before they get too large, to keep up with weeding, or to stake their peonies and lilies to ensure they stay upright through rainstorms… my resolution is a bit more simplistic.  I want to spend more time outside, and to enjoy my time there.

It would seem that we spend all winter waiting for a day that doesn’t chill or shock us as we walk out our front door… but then we spend all summer inside our houses. Instead of spending my free time as the weather gets warmer on airplanes taking me far from home, I plan to stay in my own back yard.  Whether it’s the economy encouraging people to stay closer to home, or more environmentally conscious minds are realizing their ecological footprint grows with cross-country travel—the draw to your very own patio oasis is cost effective, family centered, sustainable, and… well… worthy of your New Years Resolution. Take more time for you and your family.

Instead of spending hours and hours (and dollars and dollars!) scheduling trips to spend time with my family, I want to have a place to casually gather without notice, without traveling, and without planning.  Though many are committing to weight loss, I’m committing to fire-fly blinking summer nights rich with the smell of bug spray and dinner on the grill.  The best table in the house will be my very own, and always open for picnic lunches and raucous dinners.  With a croquet or quoits game set up, some patio chairs, and maybe even a porch swing, I’ll be on vacation all season with plenty of activities and fun for my friends.  Let’s be honest: summer television is never worth it anyway, and the gentle breeze blowing through a gazebo or cabana is absolutely irreplaceable.  Who needs the traffic on the way to the shore, when I can just string my hammock between the posts on a pergola, and read a beach romance novel all afternoon?

a moment to treasure

Of course… I’ll also be spending plenty of days digging up vegetables, tending flowers, weeding with dedication, and creating the perfect scenery for my backyard oasis.  I’ll always mow the grass before it gets unruly and never forget to…

….I’ll never forget to have the garden hose ready when my puppy needs a bath on a sweltering day or a baby pool is looking dry, to keep the grill clean for perfect dinners “out,” keep my patio groups pulled close for get-togethers where no one has to worry about talking too loud, and always remember that my swing bed is waiting for me on the porch when I just need some time to relax.  If my flowers droop and weeds grow… my garden will always forgive me and wait until next year.  If I miss enjoying a beautiful season… that’s one thing I’ll never get back!

See you Outside!

Hazel

Tags: adirondack chairs, cabana, Croquet, gazebo, hammock, new years resolutions, outdoor living, patio chairs, patio groups, pergola, picnic tables, porch swing, Quoits, swing beds, tables