Bass pro, Diary of a Bass Pro author and STIHL’s Reel in the Outdoors series host, Joe Thomas shares what backyard life on his 3-acre property near Cincinnati is like.
Joe Thomas: My wife, two daughters, and I live in a rural setting east of Cincinnati. While we’re fairly close to the city, we also border farmland which is part of a working horse farm. We have three dogs and my daughters also have over 20 chickens. Our property offers us more than a beautiful lawn. We have a beautiful pond for fishing and forested areas for hunting and wildlife viewing as well.
JT: The most unique thing about our property is the fact that even though it’s very close to the amenities of the city, it is also very secluded and quiet.
JT: Our 3-acre lake has a small dock with a park bench on it. The bench faces west, which provides some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen!
JT: Our property is diverse, which allows us to do everything we love outdoors from swimming in our backyard pool to gardening, hunting and fishing. And, all within a stone’s throw of our home!
JT: The two trickiest things about maintaining our property is dealing with downed trees along the perimeter of our four and a half acres of finished-cut lawn, and managing weed and cattail growth in and around our lake.
JT: A consistent maintenance regiment and, without a doubt, our Exmark mower.
JT: I’m most proud of the stamped concrete patio deck and landscaping between our home and in-ground pool that we recently added. It also features a permanent aluminum gazebo for entertaining and shelter from the elements.
JT: Absolutely. Fishing and bow hunting are a big part of our lives, as well as two of our favorite recreational activities on our home property.
JT: My favorite backyard afternoon would be spent grilling and target shooting my bow in the backyard. Both activities are some of my favorite ways to unwind!
JT: Honey curry chicken kabobs with grilled sweet potato slices.
