As a teenager, I spent my summers working at the Westport Marina, first as a dock boy, and later, managing a fleet of rental boats. My coming of age memories are intricately interwoven with my boating and boatyard memories. They overlap. They converge. A recurring narrative during the boating preseason was cleaning, brightening, and oiling teak. It’s a patient process. A physical process. A 3-step process that quickly runs afoul if steps are skipped or attention wanders. Those May-June recollections of revitalizing gray-weathered teak decks, swim platforms, railings, etc. undoubtedly inform the joy I feel today in celebrating our teak table renewal.
That this outdoor dining table has already been cleaned, brightened, and oiled in October — more than a half a year ahead of schedule — is testament to the attentive, organization of Pam Murphy, as well as the diligent attention to detail that our Amish friends bring to their maintenance of Rosslyn’s grounds. Today, on the final day of the 2023 season that the women work for us, they finished up this table. What a parting gift!
Probably a decade and a half old at this stage, this Kingsley Bate table looks better than new, in my opinion. The nuanced patina exudes character, a loved centerpiece for a decade and a half of shared meals and laughter. Glowing with embedded sunshine, unselfconscious of the wrinkles of time, sturdy and comfortable after so many summers, this functional fixture of lakeside living is only beginning its tenure with us.
Only a few short months ago in mid-July I shared this decidedly less glamorous view of the table.
Because our teak dining table currently enjoys pride of place under the linden, the newly cleaned and oiled table top appears to be inviting one and all to a mysterious smorgasbord.
(Source: Nature’s Interlopers)
Now we add teak table renewal to the crossed out punchlist items Pam is methodically slashing her way through. My gratitude is ever abundant, Pam. Thank you.
And to our Amish friends with whom we would struggle to keep Rosslyn as beautiful, bountiful, and healthy as it is, thank you. Enjoy a wonder-filled winter, and we will look forward to your return next spring.
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