Sunflowers In The Hocking Hills

Let’s talk about sunflowers.

To be completely transparent, I had never paid that much attention to sunflowers until a couple of weeks ago when I wandered through a sunflower field near Urbana, Ohio.

I was immediately transfixed by the textures, shapes, colors and variety of these large, sunny flowers. It was great fun to lose myself among endless rows of the different varieties they had.

It was an unexpectedly joyful morning.

Imagine my glee when I learned that a sunflower field had opened close to home this weekend. Walker Farm is on St Rt. 180 near Logan, Ohio and they now have a patch for locals and Hocking Hills region visitors to enjoy.

They have a handful of varieties as well as props for photos and there’s plenty of room to roam away from other people.

Sunflowers have significance in some cultures. It’s the national flower of both Russia and Ukraine. In Chinese culture, sunflowers represent good luck and lasting happiness. In other cultures, these magnificent flowers represent positivity, admiration and strength.

With over eighty worldwide varieties, there are a ton of different colors and sizes. Regardless of the variety, the bees love them and that’s good for the environment. I also saw some hummingbirds in the field on Saturday.

At $5 per person or $20 for a family of four or more, this one is a bargain compared to most I have read about. Your admission includes one cut flower to take home and you can buy additional flowers for a buck apiece. Five and under get in free. You can visit on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 8 p.m. through Labor Day weekend. This same farm offers a pick your own pumpkin patch and corn maze starting mid September.

It’s well worth your time and a memorable experience. Like the other sunflower fields I have seen advertised in Ohio, it’s locally owned by a farm family and I’m sure your support means the world during these challenging economic times.

Check out my story from the Urbana field here and follow Walker Farm by searching them on Facebook.

Cross Paths With A Black Cat Today

It’s Friday the 13th. Are you superstitious?

Whatever you do, don’t buy in to the belief that black cats are bad luck. As far as I can tell, this little house panther has been good for me.

In Japan, black cats are thought to bring suitors to a single woman. Haha. Scout hasn’t been useful in that regard but that’s ok. He’s an awfully good boyfriend on his own.

So go ahead. Cross paths with that black cat. Better yet, adopt one and bring it home with you.

You never know but you might be lucky like me and get to adopt Batcat!