I rang the doorbell and was astounded by the sound that flooded my ears, an antiquated yet fitting chime for this suburban home that I had been invited to this lovely Sunday afternoon.

I stared at the fresh-cut green grass and watched two young boys ride bicycles down the sidewalk as I waited to be greeted at the front door. I heard a mechanical click and the door unlocked. At a second glance, I noticed it was one of those new high-tech locks that used numbers instead of a traditional key, and it was paired with a video camera doorbell. The perfect mix of old-fashioned and modern-day. I walked through the door and was enveloped by a big hug.

"We missed you. Glad you could make it over here!"

I was ushered into the kitchen and quickly took a seat at the edge of an island with a high-top counter. I kindly declined any flavored drinks and took a simple glass of cold water instead, and made small talk while my Sunday dinner plate was being prepared.

"Would you like to eat in here or the sunroom?"

I reflected on this question for just a moment as I watched my glass of water sweat down on the coaster.

"It's a nice day outside. Why don't we head to the sunroom." I said and started towards the back door.

My eyes widened as I entered the sunlit room. It was remarkable; the walls were painted a light blue, turquoise-aquamarine pigment. The floors were white marble, and it felt like I was gliding as I walked around the room. The ceiling was monumental and strikingly high above my head. The outdoor view was ordinary for a suburban home, but the room made the backyard look exceptionally grandeur.

“I could sit out here all day.” I thought to myself.

“You like it?” my host said as she came in carrying two plates filled with food.

My eyes narrowed in on the steamy, perfectly plated dishes and vast portions of meat piled atop.

“I LOVE IT!” I exclaimed and quickly sat in a corner chair with a full view of the room and backyard. The outdoor patio furniture was just as noteworthy as the room. Comfortable and welcoming, as I sat in the chair, it confirmed for me that I could sit out in this room all day.

As I stared at the food in front of me, on the rustic steel tabletop, then up and outside as three small birds fluttered by, an innate feeling of home immersed me.