I took some money out of my house this year to do some home improvements for the first time since I moved in, sometime in the aughts. Most of it was necessary structural work: Roof, foundation, exterior painting. But my splurge was on a new backyard patio. One thing I think most people agree on, whether this is a result of the pandemic or not, is that outdoors is better than indoors. (Most of the time.)

For the past few weeks, this is where my days begin and end. I enjoy coffee out here and watch dogs play. I’ve made a few meals and had a few people over, and hopefully much more of that will be coming in the future. It’s like I built on a new room, and I think it was worth it.