A Patio Extension Worth The Work and Many Memories Will Be Made!

Last evening, I enjoyed a peaceful moment with my wife on our new patio. We watched the fire flickering in our new fire pit as we relaxed on our new Azalea Ridge patio furniture. Birds were chirping as the sun dropped lower, which signaled our accent solar lights to turn on. We've been doing a lot of outdoor projects around our home this spring, but the patio was the biggest undertaking.

From start to finish, the new patio took ten days to complete -- which we worked on during two weekends. There are parts to the patio that are not seen in the accompanying photos, such as a new bistro table and chairs. Kelley had the overall vision and my desire was for it to turn out just the way she wanted. Last night, she smiled and hugged me... saying that it's better than she could have imagined. Those words made every bit of the work worthwhile!

Kelley and I work well together on projects. We've done many to our house and have truly made our house a home. It is comfortable, clean, attractive and inviting. My wife and I both agree that our home is truly what we've wanted all our lives, and to have it together is absolutely wonderful. We both want our home to be a place of special memories. We want our children and future grandchildren to enjoy time at our home. Kelley and I agree that this will be our final home -- the home that we'll enjoy during our retirement years.

Marriage is like a three-legged race. If you try to push ahead without your partner's cooperation, you both fall. However, if you work together you'll both do well. Kelley and I work well together, and the patio project was just one of many that we've accomplished side by side. I recently read the five "C's" to working well together as a couple:

• Commitment: If two people are not solidly committed to each other, their marriage will sooner or later fall apart. Trust is the foundation of a good marriage, and trust begins with commitment. The traditional marriage vows say, "for better or for worse; for richer or for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love, to honor, and to cherish until death do us part." This is true commitment. You must be committed to honesty, faithfulness, and a lifelong love.

• Communication: Without communication, any team is in trouble. It’s important to communicate your thoughts, ideas, plans, and opinions on a regular basis. You also need to communicate your feelings -- those joys, fears and frustrations in your heart. Communication forms the connection that allows you to understand each other and grow closer.

• Coordination: Without coordination, your marriage will face conflict and tension. You'll find yourselves working against each other. Coordination means figuring out a way to work together that uses both partners' talents and abilities. It doesn't mean competing with each other or letting one person do all the work. When your efforts are coordinated, life goes more smoothly and more is accomplished.

• Consideration: Without consideration, feelings are hurt and dreams evaporate. A lack of consideration is selfishness, and selfish players undermine a team. True teammates show consideration for their partner's feelings, interests, needs, desires, and preferences. Lack of consideration can block wishes, while real consideration ultimately gives you what you want. This works for both husbands and wives.

• Clarity: Without clarity of vision, a team has no goal or direction. The players wander aimlessly in circles or slip into a downward spiral. Dreams give us clarity. They energize us and motivate us and give us hope. Dream big and dream together. Plan for the future with excitement and anticipation. A couple who is looking in the same direction can walk forward hand in hand with determination and satisfaction. We all need dreams, plus the passion and courage to pursue them.

Kelley and I are blessed to have a marriage where the five C's are constantly active. As a result, we also get to experience a sixth 'C' -- Contentment!

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past