1986: The Patio
In 1962, we moved to Detroit. We were looking for a house. One house that we saw (but did not buy) had a single feature that stuck permanently in my mind. It's the only thing I remember about the house, and the only house I remember (other than the one we bought).
That feature was a patio in the farthest corner of the yard (which was not especially large), where a table and chairs invited an outdoor meal. It was on the left side, and partially screened from view -- I don't remember how. Shrubs, I think.
Almost 25 years later, I copied what I saw: I wanted a patio in the far corner of our yard here.
We had put up a wood fence, because someone built a house behind us (where no houses were supposed to be built!!!) and we didn't want to see it. We had planted black bamboo next to the fence. Craig poured a curb and laid a patio of large Mexican bricks.
At left you also see, dry-stacked, the beginnings of a short brick wall that creates a nicy cozy niche. We have what we call "Dark Dinners" down there, elaborate affairs complete with tablecloth, candles, silver and china.
Below, the finished patio looks anything but cozy: this was last year's Valentine's Day snowstorm.
