Mom, are we almost to the car?

A moment on the grass,
convinced she was absolutely going not going to make it back.

My youngest daughter is a bit of a drama queen.

I wouldn't have a clue who she got that from.

=-)

A most perfect day

A blue sky,
exquisite clouds,
framed through the trees.

It is like a piece of art,
yet better.

Living,
ever changing,
breathtaking.

HikeOhio

Tonight I went hiking with a friend.

Standing among the trees,

splashing in the creek,

watching the mountain bikers fly past,

I smiled.

closed my eyes.

paused...

I felt as if I was truly in heaven.

Then I came home and pondered the experience.

I went online and found a group full of people who share my love.

It's called, "HikeOhio" and I can't wait until their next hiking event.

sigh...

anybody else

really enjoying their weekend?

Did that sign say State Route 70?

My eldest daughter and I played hooky today.

I used a personal day and sprung her from school.

Our plans included running errands,

a couple donuts and a trip to her favorite Metro Park!

By around ten o'clock, our errands were done and our donuts were a vague but happy memory as I headed our adventure mobile toward our destination.

Not known for my great navigational skills,

I missed my turn.

Happily,

there are wonders to see down every road in Ohio

and we stopped at Dawes Arboretum just outside of Newark.

There we walked the two and a quarter mile Oak Trail.

...Up hills,

past breathtakingly lovely water,

near relaxing parents and playing children...

We talked and laughed and,

from time to time,

paused to sit on a bench and enjoy the scenery.

We were never,

"Lost"

as my daughter claims.

I knew where we were.

It just wasn't the place we had originally intended.

Life is full of unexpected detours

that often turn out to be at least as nice as the original plans we make.

May your day,

your night,

your adventure,

be wonderful...

Even if you don't end up where you thought you were going!

Jeffrey Park in the heart of Bexley, Ohio

Located near Parkview Avenue, Jeffery Park in Bexley, Ohio is a lovely place to take your loved ones for a happy excursion.

There are picnic tables, swings and a huge field to play in.

For our family, the best part of the park is its well maintained walking trails that loop through wooded areas and along Alum Creek.

For those of you who love to hike but, really dislike paths overrun with poison ivy, this park is for you.

Your little one, (of the human or canine variety), would be hard pressed to encounter dangerous "itchies" without going seriously far afield.

If you go, make sure to wander the paths near the water and look for animal tracks!

It's fun to see who visits the park when the people are gone for the night!