Summertime Fun

You don't have to go far to get away—you can find romance in your own back yard.

Terry Willits

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In the classic film, The Wizard of Oz, the lead character, Dorothy, experienced a lesson we can all learn. After wanting to run away, she discovered that there was "no place like home." True happiness was in her own back yard.

One of the allures of going on a summer vacation is taking a break from the daily grind and getting refreshed. You can enjoy the beauty God has created, take in wonderful fragrances of the outdoors, eat delicious foods, relax, and unwind. But by the time you pack and prepare to leave town, you're exhausted. And when you return, you're broke! So this summer, before you and your family run out of town to find replenishment elsewhere, why not consider hanging out at home and enjoying your own back yard? By simply appealing to your five, God-given senses, your back yard can be transformed into an oasis of fun!

Set the stage

When my husband, Bill, and I bought our first home, some friends gave us money as a housewarming gift. So we purchased an outdoor table and chairs so we could enjoy our back yard.

Whether you have a porch off your apartment or condo, or a patio or deck behind your house, you can set the stage for your "break." We're naturally drawn to beauty, so treat yourself to an attractive, comfortable outdoor table and chairs. Consider a pretty umbrella to top things off and cool things down. Or get a pair of lounge chairs to kick back in. Strive to create a comfortable setting that will draw you to enjoy the outdoors.

Fill flower pots with fragrance

The well-known saying, "Take time to smell the roses," suggests we slow down to enjoy the goodness of life—those things that often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle. Bringing fragrance to your back yard will greatly enhance your enjoyment there. Fill a large outdoor pot with beautiful red, pink, or white geraniums and add some trailing English ivy. The color will add beauty to your special spot and the flowers will lend fragrance. Also, gardenia and jasmine are two plants that are aromatic, as well as beautiful.

Light up the night

Add some twinkle to the stars—with candlelight. For simple sparkle, I line the railing of our deck with votive candles in mason jars tied with raffia. For a festive feel, light a few inexpensive tiki torches. Put them out and enjoy them all summer long. And you can keep bugs away in warm weather by placing a highly scented citronella candle nearby.

Eat outdoors

My family's favorite at-home spot to eat is outdoors. Surrounded by the magnificent sights, sounds, and smells of nature, we feel closer to the Creator of the food we are enjoying. As the lazy, hazy days of summer creep by, enjoy a simple, leisurely weekend breakfast of fresh fruit and bagels at your back yard bistro. On a sunny afternoon, have a picnic basket lunch on a blanket on the grass. On a beautiful evening, dine by candlelight.

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Originally published in: Marriage Partnership, 2002, Summer

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