By SUE ELLEN ROSS – Staff Reporter

Last weekend I bought my first outdoor swing. I have been admiring them for the past year, as I read the advertisements and watched my neighbors relaxing on theirs. It seems to be a way of life in LaPlace, because almost every residence has one either in the front, side, or back yard. It was time for me to get with the program.

My shopper’s instinct told me to comparison price before I wrote out a check. That I did.

It seems there are as many colors and models available as there are automobiles (OK, maybe not that many, but still quite a few.)

There are two- three- or four-seaters to choose from. I found all the neutral-outdoor colors – tan, brown, dark green – as well as wooden ones that you can stain or paint any color, and the standard black.

Seat cushions came in solids, stripes, florals, and some in-between designs.

The canopies (to shield the sun) also were varied. Although most of them tilted from front to back, not all of them completed covered the swing.

As for extras, there were those that had tables in the middle, drink holders in various areas of the swing, and there was one that even reclined.

Well, I wanted it all. And I found it, but not when I was looking.

My friend called me at work last week and told me that a local store was having a sale on yard swings. I was very busy that day, and just put the comment in the back of my mind, as I went to purchase batteries for my camera. I was going to be on assignment to take pictures that weekend, so that was my first priority.

My favorite store is the busiest one in town, and finding a parking space is usually a lesson in patience. This particular day I found one two spaces from the front door, a positive omen of things to come.

The cash registers at the front of the store were very crowded, so I went to check out at the back registers, which are located in the garden section of the store.

There it was, proudly displayed in all its glory, the swing that I had to have.

It is a two-seater, with a table in-between (that even has storage,) two drink holders in front, and seats that recline. And it was on sale, no less.

I was in heaven, thinking about relaxing every day after work and on the weekends, swinging away.

When I went to pay for my purchase, I was dismayed to find that it wasn’t already assembled. I was going to surprise my boyfriend with my bargain purchase, but it looked like it would take me a little more time. The box was very large, but I thought I could put it together with no problem.

The parts and directions looked like the instructions to build a small airplane.

As I write this column, I can hear my boyfriend outside, patiently organizing the parts and lining up his tools. I know he didn’t plan on this time-consuming job, especially with an item that was supposed to be a fun surprise for him.

After all is said and done, I hope he will forget the hours he spent on the construction of the swing. I think he will forgive me for asking him to help, as he relaxes in the reclining seat. And I will even serve him his favorite snacks and drinks as a thank-you (but only for the first day.)