Dear old Friends

My friend Pat. She is a beautiful woman. She never stops serving others. Her musical talents bless the lives of everyone she knows. She has created a tradition of music our ward has been enjoying for the last 30 years. She is the worlds greatest

shopper, whether you want a bargain for your home, clothing, the perfect gift, to give a party...whatever. Her karma leads her to the deal of the century. She is loved by her family, friends, children..all those she meets, and she is loved by me.

Many years ago, Pat and I became interested in

gardening. We loved the beautiful flowers

emerging after a dreary winter. We would get so excited in the spring and would run back and forth to our different yards to see the progress. Eventually I built what would be called "Upper Garden", because my yard is terraced and you had to go up some old stairs to enter my secret sanctuary. Pat's garden was in the lower half of her yard and so became "lower garden". One year we both had candle lit chandeliers and at dusk had to run back and forth to our different gazebo's to enjoy the ambience of the flickering candlelight. Of course the children thought we were nuts! But what a joy our gardens have been. A place to go to laugh, to cry, to pour out our hearts to that dear one who understands...

Last summer Pat decided to build a cottage for her grandchildren to play, sleepout in and for herself to hideout in...and so the project was begun and this summer..

She has been able to enjoy both her

beautiful perennial garden and her new cottage in her backyard. The cottage is such a reflection of Pat. It is beautiful like she is. In perfect taste..(you would never know it was decorated on a dime). She can rock away the hours on the front porch, or go upstairs and curl up and watch a favorite movie or listen to some great music while have a lovely view of her flowers. The grandkids can

fold out mats for sleepovers and play

their video games as well.

Everything has the perfect "Pat" touch...Her joy is finding treasures that cost $2.09 or under. PAT IS NOT CHEAP!!!!!!!! It is her hobby. She is talented and smart. Why would you spend a ton of money if you could have a room look like this for less? She should be on Oprah!

And so her "Lower Garden" has become "Lower Garden and Cottage". The beauty of her home reflects the beauty of the woman. And that is how it should be. A home is an extention of the woman who lives there. Pat's home is an extention of herself and she welcomes the world into her home with arms open to embrace each one.