Spending time on the porch

An article in today’s  USA Today by Craig Wilson reminds me how important the porch is for all of us.  Craig reminisces on growing up and spending time on his parents front porch.  His stories remind me of spending my own childhood on the back porch of my parents home.  All our summer meals took place on the porch.  In fact, most all activities were moved to the porch during the summer months.  There were many summer nights spent sleeping outside on the porch.

The porch is one of those iconic architectural elements that we all can relate to and have fond memories of spending time on.  It works so well because it offers us protection from the elements.  The porch shelters us from the hot summer sun and it is a place where we can sit outside to listen to the rain. It acts as a stage where we can entertain our friends.  And it is an observation area where we can check out what is happening in the neighborhood.  The porch makes us feel safe because we are close to the house and do not have to venture too far into nature.

I am reminded of how important an architectural element the porch is for all of us.  A porch was included in the garden design at Medford Leas Continuing Care Retirement Community.  The porch was constructed off of the recreation room and it has been an essential component of this courtyard garden.  It is host is daily activities, including cookouts, holiday parties, concerts, garden classes, reading groups, etc. etc.

I am thinking about a comfortable chair, something to eat and maybe a good book to read on my porch. You can include a ceiling fan, maybe some music and a cooler filled with drinks and you may never have to leave!  Who could ask for anything more!  Enjoy!