Falling in Love with the Patio

The French live outdoors as much as inside, 

whether it's in the cafe culture of Paris or under a vine-covered pergola in Provence.

Here in Colorado, we do the same. 

As we shift into Fall, we simply migrate from the summer "dining" table with umbrella patio
and meander over to the "fire pit" patio.
Nestled under a giant ash tree and snugged up against the fence, 

it's private and intimate, perfect for an autumn escape.

We used to have a southwestern chiminea (a freestanding fireplace) on this patio 

but we could only see the fire in it if we were sitting down on the open side.  

The fire pit is open on all sides and you can see the fire 

while sitting, standing or walking through the garden.

A couple of Adirondack chairs we found in the alley in pieces have been put back together
and are the most comfortable chairs in the world. (Roxy agrees!)
 I arranged them so that we can look out at the garden.

One summer we went to a student art show but didn't see anything that spoke to us. 

However, as we walked home we spotted a paint-splattered scaffolding leaning against a dumpster in an alley. I didn't know what we'd do with it, but it was just too cool to leave there. 

So we hauled it home. 

It became a unique bench which now graces the patio and provides extra seating.
(We may expand the flagstone a bit so the bench's legs rest on it rather than the grass).

Unfortunately, a year of outdoor weather has scoured the paint splotches off its surface. 

Still, it has a warm, aged patina. 

Two giant metal sunflowers stand guard over the patio, and,
yes, I found these at Goodwill for a song.

We especially enjoy this patio on a cool morning with coffee or a Fall evening 

when we stoke up the fire pit, light the lanterns, and sprinkle candles around the garden.

A glass of wine, some music, and someone special . . .

Bonsoir in Colorado!

Sharing with: Between Naps on the Porch, Dwellings, Rustic & Refined, Coastal Charm,
Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, Kathe with an E, Bella Rosa Antiques,
Savvy Southern Style, Knick of Time, Ivy & Elephants, Northern Nesting,
From My Front Porch to Yours, Charm of Home, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,
Rooted in Thyme, French Country Cottage, Shabby Art Boutique, Thoughts from Alice