So, as I was writing and thinking about all of those great times that we all had on our porch swings – or those of friends or relatives – which most of us have captured in pictures in our photo albums, I realized that all of them seem to have happened in the summertime.

Okay, I guess that’s logical, because that has always been the prime season for outdoor furniture.  Just as there was an unwritten law that no one could wear white after Labor Day – and God help anyone who did – everyone automatically put their porch swings, gliders, rockers, lounge chairs, picnic tables, and patio umbrellas into their sheds or garages, or under outdoor furniture covers, at summer’s end.      

But, wait!  That no-wearing-white-after-Labor Day rule has long since been repealed.  In fact, anyone who still adheres to it is now as much of a laughingstock as those who used to ignore it. So, why are we holding onto that old, out-dated notion that we still have to put away our porch swings when the leaves begin to turn?  Some may say that the reason is obvious – that the furniture is outside, exposed to the elements, and most certainly cannot withstand the cruelest of them, which, of course, arrive in winter.

But – once again – wait!  Talk about out-dated notions!  While, surely, that was true of the porch swings that are immortalized in our photo albums, things have changed dramatically, especially at CedarStore.com.  Sure, we have the beloved, classic wood porch swings, made from cedar, pine, oak, teak, cherry, and cypress; in fact, they’re more durable and beautiful than ever.  But we also have swings that are constructed from synthetic wicker and polywood that are nearly indestructible, even if they’re left outside all year long; and they’re available with stainless steel hardware.

Furthermore, not only do we feature tons of styles and sizes, but we offer many of our porch swings in over a dozen colors – even the ones that are made of wood.  We also deliver them free, and, in some cases, ship them within a few days of your order. 

Indeed, we’re helping to break two rules in one fell swoop (or, swell foop, as I like to say).  Now you can use your porch swing in the winter AND dress it in any color you wish, including white – uh, snow white, that is.  So there!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

For most of us, the mere mention of a porch swing will instantly conjure a host of memories; and the majority of them are very pleasant.  In fact, there’s no other piece of outdoor furniture that’s so commonly and closely associated with good times, fun get-togethers with family and friends, rare moments of quiet reflection, and those gloriously lazy summer days. 

Indeed, it seems that we’ve all had special porch swings in our lives, somewhere along the line, whether they were on our own front porches when we were growing up, or they belonged to our relatives or friends.  In my case, the unforgettable swing was – and still is – at my grandmother’s house; and, yeah, it’s loaded with the memories that were made by the tons of siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles who piled onto it nearly every Sunday during the summers of my youth.          

Naturally, the relatives were all over the place, on lounge chairs, folding chairs, gliders, Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, benches, and patio chairs as well; but the moments that were captured in snapshots, with various groups of people on the porch swing over the years, are the ones that are scattered the most liberally throughout the family photo album.  They’re also the ones that spark the fondest, and most amusing, recollections.  The interesting thing is that this situation, apparently, is the same for everyone; and all that you have to do to verify this is to look through your friends’ photo albums.  No doubt, there will be plenty of group pictures taken on porch swings.

So, I guess, when you think about it, the porch swing can actually be considered a family tradition.  If you don’t have one yet, there’s no better time to get started; and no better place to get started that right here, at CedarStore.com, where we have one of the largest (and I’m only saying “one of the largest” because I can’t categorically state that it is THE largest, though I wouldn’t be surprised if it is!) collections of porch swings that you will find anywhere.

Of course, no matter where we stand in the quantity of swings that we offer, I have no trouble saying that the quality is unparalleled; and the variety of styles, materials, sizes, and colors is unbeatable.  Made right here in the good old U.S. of A., our selection includes red and white cedar, treated pine, select pine, oak, cherry, cypress,  and polywood swings.  We also carry teak and synthetic wicker swings.  We’ve got swing stands, swing stands with canopies, arbors with swings, face-to-face swings, and a huge assortment of swing cushions in countless colors and patterns. 

Oh, yeah, and we even have porch swings that are 7’ long – and you won’t find those anywhere else!  So, I guess that makes us the swingingest place around.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Though the porch swing is often associated with days of yore, its popularity continues to increase.  In fact, the more hectic life becomes, the more people seem to appreciate it.  With an allure that’s almost magical, it has the power to reduce our stress, lift our spirits, and fly us away to wherever we want to go. 

At CedarStore.com, besides our traditional cedar, pine, and oak versions, we’ve given the good, old-fashioned porch swing a 21st century spin, by offering it in nearly indestructible polywood and synthetic wicker, in an amazing range of sizes, along with an incredible array of colorful, comfortable cushions.  All of our porch swings are designed to give you years of outdoor living enjoyment; and, no matter which you choose, you’re sure to become a frequent flyer.

Furthermore, because this beloved piece of outdoor furniture is so extraordinary, it deserves to be honored in verse, as such:

The Swing Takes Wing

They say that the feeling of flying is something beyond compare;

Since the dawn of our time, we’ve tried to find ways of hurling ourselves through the air.

It began in prehistoric days with the invention of the wheel,

But rolling along the ground does not have the same appeal.

Throughout the ages, people strove to defy gravity;

As they looked to the skies, in their minds’ eyes, they took flights of fantasy.

The desire to fly touched everyone, from commoner to king,

But no amount of money could a magic carpet bring.

Outrageous lengths were sometimes reached in creativity;

Putting logic aside, many stunts that were tried led to sheer catastrophe.

At times it seemed there was no end to the wild imaginings;

To fly like a bird, some did things as absurd as strapping on homemade wings.

And then, one day, the race for the sky finally reached a new height,

When, ignoring all others, two daring brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright,

After years of failure finally gained some well-deserved renown,

At Kitty Hawk, where first they got their airplane off the ground.

Today they say, there’s more than one way to get yourself airborne;

Many are as insane as before the plane made air travel the norm.

Some may do it with ease, on a flying trapeze, but one slip and it may be over;

In a bungi jump, one could end up a lump upon a field of clover.

So, when I crave the sensation of flying through the air,

Like the wind in the trees, with a heavenly breeze blowing through my hair,

I have only to step outside my door, where I instantly take wing;

For I prefer to take my flights on my magical porch swing.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

There’s no doubt that porch swings are among the most popular pieces of outdoor furniture that ever lived.  Of course, I’m aware that they’re not really alive – BUT sometimes, it seems that they are – AND they certainly can bring houses to life.  In fact, just as the kitchen is said to be the heart of the home, the swing surely must be the heart of the porch – or patio, or deck, or gazebo, or yard, or wherever it is located. 

Porch swings possess and undeniable, intrinsic charm that never fails to draw people to them.  Those who own them rarely go a day without taking some time out for relaxing visits with them, and often regard them as trusted friends who can somehow ease their burdens when something is weighing on their minds.  Porch swings are also the most sought after – and sometimes, fought over – destinations of guests who attend parties at homes where swings “live.”  This is especially true of kids visiting grandma’s house for a big family get-together.  At least, I know that it sure was true of me, my siblings, and our cousins; but, luckily, my grandmother also had a porch glider and a hammock, which are right up there on the list of favorites.

Indeed, porch swings bring a lot of happiness and joyful memories to people’s lives, and can even last for generations, IF they’re constructed from high-quality, durable materials.  Luckily, you won’t have any trouble finding one that fits that description, because, at CedarStore.com, we have scores of swings that are designed to last for decades; and some are even built to outlive everything – and everyone – around them. 

Here, you’ll find gorgeous swings made from red and white cedar (not to be confused with red-and-white cedar!), select and treated pine, cherry, oak, teak, cypress, polywood, and synthetic wicker, available in several sizes and colors. 

We also feature an incomparable range of styles, including traditional, Adirondack, highback, heartback, crossback, rollback, scrollback, curveback, starback, and fanback; and, whichever you choose, there’ll be no going back – no ifs, ands, or buts about it. 

Uh, then again, there will be plenty of butts, because, well, what would a porch swing do without ‘em?

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

It happens every summer.  You go to a cookout, grab a beverage, snag a prime spot in an Adirondack chair, chaise lounge, patio chair, porch swing, or hammock, and sit there with everyone else, chatting, snacking, and being mercilessly tantalized by the aroma of chicken cooking on the grill.  When everything is ready and your mouth is watering in anticipation, you choose a nice juicy chunk, find a seat at the picnic table, and take a completely disappointing – and potentially deadly – bite of a bland, bloody bird breast.  Yecchhh! 

Once again, you’re a victim of someone who thinks that all there is to cooking outdoors is throwing some meat on a grill or a barbecue, and waiting for a sumptuous, succulent meal to materialize. 

These people are referred to as Barbecue Botchers (at least, from now on, they will be).  They can generally be identified by their wacky, over-sized aprons, which usually have oh-so-clever and hilarious sayings on them, giant chefs’ hats, and big grilling mitts.  Armed and dangerous, they wield huge forks and tongs, which they use to constantly poke, prod, and flip the meat throughout the entire time that it’s supposed to be cooking.      

Of course, this doesn’t happen only with chicken.  No-o!  These misguided souls fancy themselves masters of the grill (as their aprons may well state), and can do just as thorough a job botching steak, fish, ribs, burgers, and yes, even hot dogs. 

Now, don’t get me wrong; these are not evil people.  Not even close.  They can be friendly, kind, caring, and genuinely wonderful.  Unfortunately, they just have little problem, in that they improperly perceive themselves as professional preparers of provender.  Therefore, they must be stopped – or, at least, slowed down and convinced that they need help.

Yes, that’s the bright spot in all of this; there is hope.  With a bit of practice, they – and anyone else who is so inclined – really can improve their skills, and, perhaps, someday, turn into the master chefs that they have always dreamed of becoming. 

Although I’m mainly just venting here, I will have some great grilling and barbecuing tips in upcoming blogs.  For the nonce, just try to keep anyone fitting the above description as far away from the flame as possible (or attempt to slip in an assistant who actually knows how to grill).  And, by all means, keep them away from the butcher shop as well.

After all, everyone knows that botchers and butchers don’t mix.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy 

Porch swings have been front and center on our porches, and in our hearts, for centuries.  If you want proof, just look through your family’s – or anyone else’s – old photo albums, and count the number of pictures that are taken on porch swings. 

The porch swing has also been featured prominently in countless movies, plays, and television shows.  The quintessential swing scene is one in which a young couple sits there, obviously ill at ease, as the guy fidgets nervously, either trying to find the words to tell the gal how he feels about her, or working up the nerve to ask her to marry him.  As she breathlessly waits for him to marshal his courage, her parents make it even more difficult for him by anxiously peeking out the window every few minutes, ready to flick the lights off and on at the first sign of inappropriate contact; and if they fail to foul things up, there’s always a pesky little brother or sister who won’t go away.

When not involved in romance, the swing is often the setting of conflict, where underlying feelings of tension that have festered between two people are finally aired, and everything comes to a head.  There are other times in which it has a single occupant, usually someone who is at a crossroads, or in a crisis.  Whatever the case, the individual is invariably facing a monumental decision, and the porch swing always manages to guide her or him toward making the right one.     

While all of that heavy drama is great for movies and TV shows, in real life, the porch swing enjoys its role as the center of attention at gatherings, as well as its reputation for providing a quiet respite from the rat race, where stress is relieved, jangled nerves are soothed, and tranquility is restored. 

Apparently, there’s a lot hanging on the porch swing (sorry!), as it has to be sturdy enough to hold its own – and yours, too.  That’s why CedarStore.com provides not only the most durable wood, metal, and synthetic swings, but the best equipment on which to hang them as well.  Because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, we take that factor out altogether, by offering ultra-tough stainless steel chains and hardware. 

Nothing else can give you the feeling of complete confidence that comes with knowing that your swing is secured with stainless steel chains and hardware.  With its superior resistance to corrosion, it will endure the harshest elements for years, even if you live near the ocean, where the air is thick with salt spray.  Just like those nail-biting movie scenes, it will keep you in suspense for a long, long time – so, hang in there!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy