At Paul and Lana Jane’s

Almost everything about Paul and Lana Jane Brent’s delightful new house is the polar opposite of ours, starting with its location. They are a stone’s throw away from what was once called the “south beach” to distinguish it from our “north beach” – theirs being a left turn from the mouth of the Columbia (if you were headed west) and ours being a right turn.

It’s a contemporary house, designed by Paul to fit their West Coast life style. Outside there are interesting angles, huge expanses of windows, glimpses of skylights. The red front door with its subtle stained glass panels gives a hint of what awaits inside – bright colors, wonderful light and an open floor plan that invites you to find a comfortable spot and stay awhile! Everywhere are fabulous bouquets and the fragrance of lilies!

Paul’s Studio

Such a pleasant difference from our dark and somewhat dusty century-and-a-half old museum-like house. Not that I’m complaining, mind you! I wouldn’t trade our place for anything – but I sure do like to look and admire.

It was the first time we’d seen the house since it was mid-construction so we were given the grand tour! I loved every detail – from the gorgeous stainless steel appliances and the hideaway pantry to Paul’s spacious studio that is positioned in front and in full view – again the polar opposite of my tiny out-of-the-way spot in the back-behind!

Garden Detail

And then there was the garden! Smaller by far than ours (lucky them!!) and perfect in every detail. Even the small corner in the back that Paul is still ‘working on’ was full of interesting plants from a long-ago garden. Paul, with his artist’s eye, to the rescue!

Oh… did I mention lunch? Lobster and mango salad, pecan pie (perfection itself made from scratch by Lana Jane!) and ice cream for dessert. Topped off with a game of croquet with a brand-new-out-of-the-box croquet set. (Even though they said it was a garage sale “find,” it was a far cry from our old battered mallets and crookedy wickets.)

Pecan Pie for Dessert!

We even had time to walk over to the beach – closer by half than the bay is to us. And what a beach it is! Real sand (like our bay had when I was a kid) with an easy access from the street – not like the treacherous walk through the pickleweed to our tideflats. Would I trade with them? Not on your life! But I sure do like to go for visits! Hooray for our friends the Brents of Seaside Beach!