Thursday, April 28, 2011

True Friendship and Garden Seating

There is one friend in the life of each of us who seems not a separate person, however dear and beloved, but an expansion, an interpretation, of one's self, the very meaning of one's soul.
 ~Edith Wharton



The sparrow watches like a hawk from the patio roof.


  I wish  that Prince William and Kate Middleton know the lifelong tenderness I observe of this feathered couple from my study chair. The Royal Couple should do okay as long as the Prince does not look at his bride from the balcony for the expected first kiss and say something as ridiculous a modern interpretation of Shakespeare as, "Kiss Me Kate!"

Where we dine alfresco 
 It is a favorite travel memory, coming home from a visit with my husband in Europe, when I inquired of my seatmate from Brussels to Atlanta to  confess his favorite thing about his homeland.  The pharmaceutical salesman boasted that per capita, Brussels had more Michelin 3 star restaurants  than France. When he asked what I liked best about living here, I whispered (so not to start a land rush of speculators starved for a good climate) "We dine on the patio nine months of the year."

It is my philosophy that great food can be overwhelmed by 1,000 different circumstance, beginning with things nothing to do with a restaurant- such as knotted traffic en route.

For you- Is it eat out or eat in? What sets my readers hearts afire?

Equally, when God sets the thermostat to pleasant, the music is sung by His creatures at the volume which comes naturally, the garden is the art and the kitchen help is your mate,  the simplest of meals enraptures.  

9 comments:

  1. Lydia,

    I am not ashamed to say that I had to look up the word "alfresco". I knew how you had used it but I was curious. Yup, it said in English it means eating outside! I am going to strive to do that soon too. Don't know how my hubby will take to fighting the bugs but we shall see!
    Happy wedding watching! I am recording it on two different channels! Don't want to miss a second of it!

    Hugs, Trisha

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  2. Hi Lydia,
    Thank you so much for coming to visit my blog--it's so nice to meet you! Oh, your patio looks completely delightful! I like to eat outside too and that sure was possible in Calif. where I lived my whole life until 5 years ago...But, here in New Orleans, the weather is not so suitable for it....So dreamy seeing your lovely yard...AND, it will be exciting to see the wedding!!!

    XO
    Cindy

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  3. Oh Indeed, my dear...INDEED! You have such beauty that you have created all around you and to sit and eat a delicious meal--also of your creation---surroonded by all that beauty---Well, it is all utterly sublime!

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  4. Your outdoor oasis is beautiful. I'd be eating out there all the time too. This is a nice time of year where I live (Central Calif) I need to enjoy meals in the yard before it gets too hot out there.

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  5. Good Morning All!

    Trisha- citronella candles and a fan do wonders to keep the bugs at bay.

    Cindy- It is a pleasure to meet you. I have relatives in your area- your state has lovely people.

    Namoi- Your approval always makes me smile.

    Betsey- The Central Valley is such a special place. Even with its hot, hot summers. It has a patina so much of California has polished off, but I cherish.

    I do hope you all come back. Soon and often

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  6. I think the only reason I don't eat alfresco as much is the one clamoring cat who pounds at the door to go outside ;-) She's allowed, but only with close supervision or she'll eat too much grass. Your alfresco spot looks very inviting and convenient! And I love how you phrased God's thermostat.

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  7. Dear Nikipolani- Know what you mean about animals outside. When the puppies were really puppies we had to worry about them scurrying off- so we ate outside less often.

    Now they hold close by so we can enjoy outside meals again.

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  8. Your garden setting is beautiful! I host a garden party on Thursday's & would love to have you link up sometime! xoxo, tracie

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  9. What a beautiful space to sit, relaxs and take in the beauty of God's amazing landscape...so nice!!!
    Thanks so much for your visit and sweet comments!

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