Bribery?? ... Me??? Nah!

Monday found us driving home from our visit to Tulsa, and just resting up. Tuesday and Wednesday were Bible study days for me and catching up with things left undone while we were gone. The weather this past week brought a mixture of winter, cold temperatures, lots of rain and wind through the middle of week and then warmer temperatures Thursday, sunny, no wind, and just perfect springlike weather.

Kate and Jack were here Thursday and Friday. Need I say more? Well, okay. They're adorable and so much fun to just hang out with!

Throughout the week, DH spent most of his time in the Lazy Boy, catching up on his "The Good Wife" addiction, and in general, just being very sedentary. Speaking from my own experience, it seems that "being" sedentary begets more sedentary. (I don't even know whether that is a good use of those words, but it is what it is.)

Naturally, being a concerned wife, I have been trying to think of ways to get him "up and at 'em" without being a naggy nag (which never works anyway.)

So, this morning I just felt inspired to take some action to motivate DH out of the house because I knew that once he got out, he would feel rejuvenated.

The Plan:
After checking through the long list of things to do in the Dallas metroplex, it occurred to me that the Dallas Arboretum is one of the most beautiful places to just "be" out and about walking on a day like today with the added bonuses of park benches scattered throughout, and the tram that is available to cart you around if you don't feel like walking.

The Bribe Motivation: Breakfast at DH's favorite place!!

DH and I held hands as we walked around a little, then hitched a ride on the tram to take in all the sights around the Arboretum. It just doesn't get any better than seeing the tulips that were still around and the azaleas bursting with color! Our driver was a wealth of interesting information about the plants and the gardens as we enjoyed the background sounds of the joyful birds singing. We toured the DeGolyer Estate on the grounds and the tour guide there must have been 75 or 80 years old, but clearly knew all the facts and it gave her great pleasure to tell us about the DeGolyer family. (Mr. DeGolyer was a pioneering geophysicist and petroleum geologist known for his outstanding contributions to science, education and community.)

 

 

For some reason, DH wanted me to be chauffeur this morning, however, as we left the park, he said he would drive home as he knew a "better" way of getting us there. All right! My way was pretty clear and simple, but being the submissive wife that I am, I agreed to his going another way home.

Yes, we ended up taking the circuitous route and GPS made several attempts at getting us to "make a U-turn, if possible."

GPS gave up on the U-turn and then directed us to turn left, but, uh-oh, there was a bulldozer digging up that particular street. We continued on, and when GPS signaled that we should again turn left, hmmmmm, there were police cars with lights flashing to block traffic, and maybe 100 people dressed in colorful costumes marching about on the street. Well, I knew for sure that we are still in the month of April, so today is not Cinco de Mayo, but as we slowed down and drew closer to the scene, we saw that it was a parade with one lone float dedicated to ... aha!! a Hare Krishna celebration. A quick Google check revealed that today they are celebrating a festival of chariots. Who knew? Kind of ironic since everybody was walking alongside the one float.

 

When we returned home, DH told me how glad he was I had thought of getting out today, and what a good time he had. For myself, I am holding on to that long list of things to do around Dallas, and plan to start checking them off on a regular basis!

 

Can I just say that this morning was fantastic and thank You, Lord for it?
Even the detours along the way couldn't spoil the day.