Aloha wrp,
1. Why not treat it like a window and set up a curtain or window treatment the would go with the room's style.
2. She says facing out. You can use the dragon horse, or choose another cure, such as Chi Lins, the Dragon Tortoise, or the laughing Buddah. Place the cure in the area of the Three Killings.
Not a bad idea to use another door this year.
3. I would bother worrying about meditating in the backyard hammock, or the direction you would be facing so much when having a dinner out there. You're not facing a direction for very long like you are at your desk, and you're not at an important business meeting. Enjoy the food, position yourself beneficially if you choose.
Much Love, Shawn
