Given the number of times I mention sitting on my deck blogging, you’ve probably realized that I enjoy being outdoors whenever my allergies let me. You might even figure that, since I enjoy it so much, I’ve made an effort to make our deck comfortable for our entire family. And, of course, you’d be right.

One thing I’m awful about, however, is remembering to cover our furniture. Given the brutal sunshine that hits our deck from around 7 a.m. until late afternoon, I really wish I was more diligent about this. Our cushions are faded now, the wicker is splintering, and on days like today — which started with rain that’s since been replaced by heat, humidity and plenty of sun — the stuff takes quite a beating.

Don’t even get me started on how awful I was about covering up the furniture this past winter. Let’s just say that somewhere on EV is a photo of my deck with a good six inches of snow melting into the now ratty cushions.

Naturally, I’ve been thinking about replacing the stuff. It’s already ruined, after all. The cushion fabric is beginning to wear thin and, well, there’s one chair that’s a bit too rickety for me to even think about sitting on.

I love the thought of getting cedar outdoor patio furniture to match our deck: no cushions necessary, and it’s weather-resistant so even if I forget to cover it up (which I will), it won’t fall apart like our old stuff. I can just see myself reclining on one of those chaise lounges, too: a martini propped on a little table next to me, my laptop perched on my knees.

I just have to wonder: what about the splinters?