Pergolas

About 4 or 5 years ago George wanted to build something in our backyard.  A pergola.  What the hell was that ?
I didn't like going in the backyard.  It was hot in the summer, cold in the winter and there were bugs.  And I might sweat.  Thoiught that was bad idea all the way around.
Anyway, the kids were growing way beyond the delapidated playhouse and the dangerous swingset that needed to be sold for scrap.  I agreed to whatever design George wanted to come up with.  The  catch was that I had to help (feel free to add a very heavy sigh at this point.  I certainly did.).  He designed.  He bought the material (money I could have found other uses for) and we began to build and stain and rebuild and restain. 
The result was our pergola.  Think square gazebo.  That year the garden was really green and producing.  The mosquitos were being eaten by the Mississippi Kites and the weather was exceptional. 
We began eating out there when the weather permitted.  George and I escaped to the pergola frequently with a glass of wine in tow.  The dogs could run and know they were being watched and adored.  The kids could come and go.  It was wonderful and has been ever since.
Tonight, we had 6 around the table in the pergola.  The kids were laughing.  The dogs were circling in hopes of food. 
I don't know the origin of the word "pergola".  I think in my lifetime it has come to mean peace and home all rolled into one.
Thank you George.