Laneca Berry
Where I live: Mabelvale -- er, actually Southwest Little Rock, but we think of it as Mabelvale; three blocks from Hindman Park.
Occupation: Retired from home health care in 2016, and I enjoy being retired.
My favorite space is: Our deck!
Why? I like sitting out on this elevated deck and entertaining friends while watching wildlife in the bamboo grove that nearly engulfs it, while my husband, Randal -- who built it about 6 years ago -- fires up the grill. Our well-behaved dogs Lily, Mudnose and Rita, never beg while he cooks brisket, baby backs, chicken (only breasts, we like white meat chicken), sausage, corn on the cob, smoked baked beans, etc. (No fish tacos!)
While he was building the deck Randal put one of the floorboards down without screwing it in. He went under the deck and somehow the board came crashing down and hit him, barely missing his eye. So I guess he put his blood, sweat and tears into it.
We like the deck because it's quiet. We often host barbecues for friends on the deck and we have outdoor speakers and crank the CDs up. Sometimes my husband will bring his acoustic guitar out and play. It's very relaxing. Spring and fall are the perfect times to enjoy the outdoors in central Arkansas.
If I could make one change to improve this space I would: Screen it in to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
-- Philip Martin
HomeStyle on 10/12/2019