Extra Words for Wednesday

It is rare that I would post twice in a day, but it is almost noon and I find myself sitting on the deck enjoying a second pot of coffee (decaf this time), listening to some easy listening classic rock, and writing seems like a fine thing to do.

I've got plastic covered panels up to enclose the deck for the winter. It isn't an air tight enclosure as there are some gaps at the ends of the panels (I might work on those) and the decking has normal board spacing. But it does stop the wind and trap the sun's warmth a bit. My phone app tells me the current Highlandville temperature is 46f (8c) while the deck thermometer shows it nearly 10 (5c) degrees warmer. That works for sweat pants and a flannel shirt. Even when it is colder, the deck is still a good place to be and I am a happy boy.

Do you have a safe place; a happy place?
The deck is a place I go for quiet. I can meditate, read, enjoy a cigar and drink, listen to music, or just sit and relax. I can watch TV if I want to and I can sleep for an afternoon nap or for the night. Most of the year I have deck plants to care for and a hummingbird feeder to tend to and observe. Through the spring, summer and early fall I can look out at some of the flowers that I've planted for the birds, bees, and butterflies.

It is definitely a place of refuge and I have missed it for the past six weeks.
It is good to be home.

John