Although Virginia Pepperweed is an invasive weed, We have learned to embrace it’s beauty in the spring

29 years ago we bought this fallen down property. Each building was in complete disrepair . We first restored the house, but maxing out at 1000 Sq Ft, when inside it felt a bit like living on a ship ( we had 2 kids and 3 dogs) Though the house was small, the rolling land was endless. For our first 10 years here, before adding on sufficient space, our landscape became an extension of our home. With small boys and dogs, dining alfresco made so much sense. Outside we had endless “dining rooms” . Place a table and chairs, and suddenly your home was enormous. I have always loved setting the table, so for me i could go in the direction that nature presented me, and believe me I had all the table ware on hand. I would enjoy setting the seasonal table and Mark and I would prepare the meal together. The nice thing about dining out side was that during every part of the process the boys and dogs would be in the fresh air playing. When dinner time arrived, we would gather at the table, usually with my brother’s family or other friends and their children, and share a meal. After eating, the adults could excuse the children to leave the table and run around. We could sit and visit with our squirming kids at the table. This was truly country life.

Many years have passed, and our children have grown, but after feeling cooped up in the winter months, each year spring invites our dining outside. Our boys and their girlfriends love to help and we sit around the table long after dark until the candles have burned into their holders. Our amusement now is watching our puppies play and chase carpenter bees!