Relaxing On The Porch and A Bite of Chocolate

Do you ever find yourself needing to relax a bit? 

After being gone for a week in St. Louis with my Dad (age 91) in the hospital, I find I just need to relax and regroup. The back porch is a perfect place to relax, regroup and enjoy the surroundings.


Dad is home now after suffering a GI bleed, a bleeding ulcer. God has stopped the bleed and now he is recuperating but very weak. I got him back to his house in Southern Illinois and now he is resting. My husband and brother are taking care of him this week as I promised my daughter I would help her for a few days with the grandsons getting to and from daycare for the two year old; golf lessons and summer fun day camp for the 5 year old. 

Now I need just a little time for myself and the porch is the perfect place. Early morning is the best, the afternoon sun makes it rather hot. Her purple petunias are so pretty in the basket, flowers always seem to make me happy.




The purple color of the petunias made my color theme easy to choose for my small tablescape for one. A purple floral table runner is folded in half with a solid purple napkin and multicolored napkin ring. A striped napkin is resting under the flatware.



A green plate and green goblet were selected to represent the green grass in the yard and the green in some of the plants. The purple glass was also an easy selection to go with the purple theme. That is a purple stalk-y plant behind the glasses.



A silver charger was used  - just because it made a good base.


My daughters flowers are so pretty but need daily watering to keep them from drooping.



They are having some landscaping redo surrounding their house. More about that in another post. Here's one of their flower beds that I enjoy looking at from the porch.



I have enjoyed relaxing on the porch so I think it is time for a little chocolate. I know it makes me feel better in an instance.



A glass of tea with lots of ice is perfect with my chocolate cake. 



I am having a small piece of chocolate cake topped with chocolate icing and chocolate chips. After all, it isn't even noon yet!!



Oh, thanks for stopping while I relax on the porch - Judy.



 Linking to:


Inspire Me Tuesday  at A Stroll Thru Life on Tuesday
You’re Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe With an E
Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House
Cottage Style Party @ Lavender Garden Cottage

WowUs Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Let's Dish at Cuisine Kathleen on Wednesday
Centerpiece Wednesday at the Style Sisters
Ivy and Elephants for What Is It Wednesday

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Favorite Things Thursday at Katherine’s Corner
Transformation Thursday at Shabby Creek Cottage
Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home on Thursday
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch


Shabbilicious Friday @ Shabby Art Boutique
Feathered Nest Friday at the French Country Cottage
Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Jennifer Rizzo for Fabulously Creative Friday


24 comments:

  1. I would be happy too relaxing on that beautiful porch surrounded by your beautiful yard and plants...Glad your dad is feeling better...Sounds like he is in good hands...!

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  2. Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I'm happy to hear your father is recovering. Your daughter's porch is so pretty. Love the view of the flower beds.

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  3. I could relax there very well especially with your chocolate cake. Wow, that looks delicious.

    I love your colors and elements in your place setting and the garden setting is beautiful inspiration.

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  4. Judy, this spot looks like a great place to relax with your pretty tablescape. The textile is the exact shade of the petunias. Hope your dad improves quickly.

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  5. I think your lovely back porch, gorgeous surroundings and delectable yummy is the perfect respite for you.

    I am sure sorry to read about your father not being well. Please know you - and he - are in my prayers.

    Big hugs.

    ~Michele

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  6. Praying for your dad. Hoping for a speedy recovery. Your table for one is a pure delight. Love the colors. The napkin ring certainly pulls them all together. Rest, recoup and take care of yourself. xo marlis

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  7. Your 'snack-scape' looks so pretty and your snack looks delicious!! Glad to hear your father is on the mend. Hope that continues. Thanks so much for the comments tip on my blog. I'm new at this and learning as I go. Thanks, as well, for your kind words!

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  8. Hi, Judy. I just love the fact that while at your daughter's you got a post together! And I can see why...it IS a lovely (and much-needed!) spot! Lovely setting you created for yourself! Thanks for stopping by my espresso post, too! ~Zuni

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  9. First, I hope your dad's health continues to hold its own. I know how scary that had to be for you. I love that you took the time out to sit down next to something pretty and just enjoy the moment. We do that so rarely, it seems. Loved the little side table you set up. If it were not so hot and rainy at the same time, I would copy you out on my deck. As it is, I think I need to set up INSIDE around here.

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  10. As I read this, I am on the porch having that first cup of morning coffee and marveling over the perfection of the day.
    How lucky we are to have a back porch that allows quiet time for reflection. Hope your dad continues to improve.

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  11. Anonymous6:52 AM

    This is beautiful, Judy. And chocolate is definitely a good thing.

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  12. Your table for one is so inviting! I wish I had a cool garden spot to retreat to this afternoon...and a piece of chocolate cake!
    Jenna

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  13. Whoa, woman! Tea AND chocolate?!??!! That's a LOT of caffeine goin' on there!!! You MUST be tired!!! :-)

    I'm glad to hear that your Dad is back home. 91. Wow. God bless him!

    I love your vignette with a purple passion! You're givin' our Southern sisters a run for their money! :-) (The plantation shutters in the background give it even MORE of a Southern feel!)

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  14. Judy,
    Thank you dear friend for updating us on your Dad's condition!!!
    My prayers will continue for his renewed health and strength!
    You have chosen a 'perfect'place to relax!!! Love the spike grass!!! I haven't had luck with it for two years, so I didn't try this year. . .seeing yours makes me I wish I had!!!
    Chocolate. . .works for me!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  15. I am glad to hear about your dad feeling ok. I will say prayers for him. Your porch looks so pretty with all the flowers and the lovely setting. Love the amethyst stemware.

    Cynthia

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  16. I hope your dad is doing well. It sounds like you deserve time to relax on the porch. I love your bright purple setting - goes perfectly with chocolate! Take care - hope you get some rest.

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  17. Hi Judy! Thanks for stopping by my blog. Your porch looks so inviting and a great space to hang out and enjoy the summer. Glad your father is feeling better.

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  18. What a beautiful area to sit and enjoy chocolate!

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  19. Praying for a speedy recovery for your dad! And I'm so glad you took some time out for yourself:) I love the planter filled with gorgeous purple petunias... so summery and vibrant!Charming table setting out on the porch and I love how the colors in the linen and crystal matches with the pretty petunias:)Delightful post! Thanks for sharing and for your sweetest comment. Hugs,Poppy

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  20. woow. that´s a great place to relax...
    Lovley colours...
    and do not miss.....

    SATURDAY SHOW OFF

    it is FUN :)
    WELCOME
    HÃ¥kan ( The Roseman)

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  21. Your daughter's garden is lovely.

    And, nothing beats sitting in a garden, relaxing and eating chocolate.

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  22. You had me at porch and chocolate! Looks like the perfect place to relax. I hope your dad is doing better.
    Laura

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  23. Judy what a lovely spot to stop and take a breath. Then to top it off with chocolate just perfect.

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  24. Hello Judy, I hope all is well with your dad - I am glad you were able to spend time with him and your family is able to help you too. Take all the time you need to rest so that you can be the best for them all - lovely spot to take a break - lovely dishes and lovely flowers - chocolate is perfect anytime of the day! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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