Saturday, May 29, 2010

Siesta sadness

The chaise lounge has been around longer than I have, probably 22 years. It is part of a patio set that by many accounts includes the most comfortable chairs ever made. Countless summer hours have been spent reading, eating, watching the birds and chatting with loved ones and neighbors in those chairs. But the chaise lounge was my favorite piece. Summer afternoons I could often be found stretched out enjoying a siesta with an open book and Diet Coke.


Last week I was surprised when Zeus said it was probably time to replace this furniture that has so many memories woven into the green and white stripes. We were married next to it while a wedding cake waited on the table and loved ones watched from the chairs. Gatherings of families occurred often around the table. Grandchildren had naps on the lounge. We became acquainted with new neighbors on the deck. Countless meals were served and enjoyed while looking at our beautiful Utah mountains.


But Zeus was right. The Velcro no longer held the seat cushions upright and the sun had taken it's toll turning the white stripes a shade of brown. It was also too large for the patio. So off we went to look for furnishings for our favorite "room" of the house. After a day of shopping and much discussion it was done. The table and four chairs were replaced with a smaller table and two chairs. The bulky chaise lounge has been replaced with two zero-gravity chairs (heavenly) and a small portable grill will take over for the huge BBQ that took up way too much space on the deck. (Tested that grill tonight. It's great!)



It will take some adjusting to the new look out the back door. When the old set is taken away this evening there will be some pangs of loss. But change can be good. Now we just need some warm days to enjoy it all.

$3.53 (finally some long-overdue paper money!)

7 comments:

Wendy said...

Darlene:
Seems like an end of an era. Thanks for describing it so well. I remember that the furniture was delivered right after Mother died. In fact I was there when they brought it. I can't believe it was so long ago. I am glad it served you and "Zeus" well. May your new furniture bring many happy occasions as well.

The Numismatist said...

Wendy, way to go! You just proved me wrong. I've been saying that the patio set was 22 years old. We have been married for nearly 19 years and I thought it was purchased at the same time as the remodel. Now I know that it's 20 years.

We have many fond memories of family out on the patio, including you. Lots of parties, two weddings (ours and Mare's), a number of family reunions. And many, many, many afternoon naps.

athena said...

Just be careful in those zero gravity chairs! Don't get pulled back too quickly onto another person sitting in the chair that's wearing a pony-tail. You get stuck and can't get up without a third person and lots of laughter.

The Numismatist said...

I'm not sure I want to hear that story...

Unknown said...

Love it!!!

bleason said...

The Utah mountains in June viewed from the lazy position of one of your new pieces of patio furniture; and I was so smug with our cool breezy March/April days. In New Orleans, it will be above 90 today--both temp and humidty. Congratulations on the paper find.

MoneyWalker

Eris said...

We are taking good care of the furniture. And you can come take a nap anytime - if you don't mind the dog hair.