FORTESCUE – There are a few reasons why Carole Mendell could feel sorry for herself. First, her husband of 46 years is ill.

Second, earlier this month she traveled to Philadelphia and underwent her fifth skin cancer surgery since she was 38 years old.

However, despite these trials the 63-year-old better known locally as “Kayak Carole,” is anything but sorrowful.

In fact, these heartfelt realities have brought a clear focus to her life.

“I’ve been thinking why this is happening to a young couple,” said Mendell, who’s married to Walt, a 67-year-old retired graphic artist. “I’ve been fighting cancer since I was 38. I’m very spiritual and I think I’ve been allowed to live this long to care for my husband.”

Walt, who’s more commonly known in the community as “Bud,” was a source of inspiration to Carole in her decision to construct a tropical tiki patio. Carole shared Walt’s ailment, but respectfully asked that it not be published.

“Doing this was like a form of expression,” said Carole, as she entered the patio area, featuring numerous tikis, 15 in all in her outside display, Spanish accents, tropical plants, solar light planters, and white rocks collected from a nearby beach.

Among the flora life are: Patio Tomato, Mint Plant, Braided Desert Rose, Corn Plant, Sensatia Plant, Money Plant, Mandevilla, Bean Plant and Palms.

What helped in the construction process was that Walt was in close proximity to the project so he could lend advice and Carole could check on his status frequently.

Carole shared that she’d never tried any construction like this prior, and that the conditions Mother Nature was providing didn’t help.

“It was so hot, I must have done this in the hottest weather,” said Carole, who has two children, Jacqueline 44, and Jeffery, 41.

It all started with nine patio blocks. As she started laying them out, the procedure clicked in her mind.

“I said, you know what, this doesn’t take a Rhodes scholar to do so I went out and bought more, and I bought more and then I kind of tried to put a sun theme in here,” said Carole of the 24-foot wide, 35-foot long space. “It took me just over two months to finish.”

In addition to laying all the blocks, Carole hand stained the fence on the property.

As for the tikis, Carole said it’s just an expression of happiness versus being any kind of shrine.

Another highly visible joyful expression grabs a visitor’s attention upon entering the patio, where a colorful sign featuring two adult beverages greets visitors. It reads Don’t Worry Be Happy, ala Bobby McFerrin’s 1988 hit song.

“I think a lot of people think there’s always a party being held here, because they always slow down,” joked Carole, who gladly thanked the Home Depot in Millville for its respect and help.

She also gives praise to a higher power.

“I think this was a gift from God,” said Carole of the patio. “I thank the good Lord that I’m here another day. The town knows our sorrow but, God’s given me the grace to handle this.”

— Dan Podehl