Dallas and I have a private patio off the back of our condo. It is good-sized, but has four tall walls boxing it in. Two walls are wood and cement, one is brick and cement, and one is patio doors to our condo. The look and feel is really boring and cement-y. The fact that it doesn’t get much sun adds to the drab look and prohibits me from putting a lot of bright flowers back there to add some color. I decided that adding lattice work to one wall and planting ivy would be a good way to add some interesting texture to the patio.

Last weekend was my parent’s 35th wedding anniversary. They decided to celebrate by going on a road trip to Niagra Falls. On Sunday they came through CHicago and stayed overnight at our house. Of course, I couldn’t let them come over without putting them to work on my patio project!

My dad and I made a trip to Home Depot and got everything we needed. When we got back it only took about an hour to hang the lattice work. My mom and I planted more ivy and replanted the ivy I had growing already from last year. Now we just have to wait for it to grow more up the lattice. I think the patio looks a lot better already, though!

In payment for their help, and for their anniversary, Dallas and I made dinner for my parents. We had grilled skewers made with chicken marinaded overnight in a rosemary and garlic sauce, yellow squash, zucchini, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. I also made a couscous salad with fresh mozarella, tomato and basil that we grew. For dessert I made a fresh raspberry buttermilk cake. The skewers are an old favorite, but the salad and dessert were recipes I made for the first time. I liked them both so much, I think they might be a staple for this summer!

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