A walk with my father-in-law

Visiting my in-laws in southern Ohio (also where I grew up) is always relaxing and their home in the country sits on top of of one of the longest unbroken ridges in the United States. It has the unappealing name of Greasy Ridge, but it is really lovely in Spring. They own twenty-two acres, fourteen of which was my father-in-law Carl's homestead. A few years ago they acquired the eight acres bordering their property when their friends who owned it had both passed away. The rickety old house where his mother lived until a few years before she died was torn down and replaced with a rustic farm house when they retired and moved back home about 15 years ago.

Dad keeps his own hiking trails mowed, so it's like having your very own state park...without all the crowds. I love walking there. Enjoy it with me.


My mother-in-law, Phyllis, has a very green thumb. Her bleeding heart is huge and gorgeous.

The redbud trees were in full bloom and were so beautiful lining the roadsides. The hills are so pretty this time of year when redbuds are alongside the dogwood trees.

There isn't much left of this one, but it's putting on a wonderful show.

The bridal wreath frames an outhouse on their neighbor's property.

The petals are so delicate and they shine in the sun.

This one is on the property that they added to their place. Someday we may build a home there. It has lots of fruit trees, crape myrtles, a gorgeous mimosa tree...it's a lovely setting.

One of the many apple trees there.

The plum trees are blooming as well.

One of my favorite spring bulbs is the paper-white narcissus. I have them in my garden, too.

Fungi on a downed log in the woods.

A log bridge that Dad built with my nephew Alexander.

A yellow violet (oxymoron?) near the end of our trail.

Back in the yard again and the lilacs in full bloom against the brilliant blue sky.

I hope you enjoyed our walk.