Our new backyard patio cover is a game-changer! I love the finials and the two fifteen-foot skylights. I picked out this tropical leaf fan which helps to make it feel like a scene in Golden Girls. I remember in that show that they always talk about going out on the lanai. Now we have our very own lanai, which feels like a great new room that can be used pretty much all year round.

Now that rain has returned to California, it also happens to double for a place where the dogs can go to the bathroom when it rains as they are usually tepid about going out in inclement weather.

New backyard tour:

Spinners under the lanai:

As opposed to earlier in the month when the spinners went simultaneously without the lanai:

Despite the enjoyment they brought us, I made the decision to get rid of inefficient, clunky furniture that was not worth the footprint.

Results:

I take our coffee station very seriously! I also think that the balance of what is left on the counter is very important.

In other news, I’ve decided that many nicknacks will constantly be on the move in my home, just to keep things interesting. How they capture light, reflect in the windows, and contribute to the best growth of the live plants is all important, not to mention kinetic items, such as solar-powered bobbleheads.

With the grey cabinetry in a home we bought with a renovated kitchen, I like neon colors that pop on accessories. For example, I recently stole the idea for a retro-style covered toaster from my friend Linda, which I love because it reminds me of a Volkswagon Bug. The electric can opener that is supposed to be neon yellow was kind of a fail, but at least I have a bright red Keurig with some lime green and dark red containers nearby.

More and more I’m also learning to look up and make sure there are things high up to take advantage of having cathedral ceilings. It also helps to keep more valuable things I don’t want the dogs to be too interested in, while still giving people something to look up to, especially with some uplighting that turns on every evening at sunset with the smart plugs.

Instead of installing a gate all the way around the front yard, which we got permission from the city to do at four feet since there would still be traffic clearance, we decided that it would be most practical to create a small fence around our front porch to protect our dogs from running out to the street and to also create a safe place where packages can be left. Our periodic gardener is also a handyman who put in our skylight, so it was great that he could construct this fence for us very quickly.

To be sure that we are not coming across as shunning people, we put up a rainbow-colored welcome sign and another sign asking that packages be left within the gated area. Our goal is to put an easy handle up to open the gate with and never to lock it, especially since we have security cameras in the front yard and doorbell.

We bought a cantilever umbrella that is huge and creates a sort of extra room when extra shade and privacy are needed. It works well and can even withstand some wind, but we won’t tempt fate, of course.