Charlotte and I have lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area all our lives. Except for that brief stint down in Aggieland (Whoop!), we've been lifelong residents. You'd think we'd know all there is to know about our home...but you'd be WRONG.
In almost three decades of living in Dallas, we'd never been to the Dallas Arboretum. Since Charlotte's got the green thumb at Boomer HQ and loves to plant (so long as I do the heavy lifting and kill all reptiles), we were happy when Arboretum spokesperson extraordinaire Wendy Holman offered to mend our misspent ways by taking us on a tour. Charlotte was looking forward to seeing the beautiful gardens. I was looking forward to seeing beautiful gardens I didn't have to plant and water. Seemed like a win-win all around.
The Arboretum is 66 of the prettiest acres in Dallas. Located on a bluff overlooking White Rock Lake, it's an urban oasis featuring spectacular gardens with incredible seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, trees and plant collections. So why had we never been? You might as well ask why Johnny Depp speaks in a British accent when he was born in Kentucky. Boomers, some things we'll just never know.
In addition to the spectacular display gardens, the Arboretum is home to seasonal outdoor festivals, concerts, art shows and more. Its centerpiece is the historic DeGolyer House (built in 1939) which you can tour and there's an adjoining restaurant with a lovely terrace that offers indoor and outdoor dining. There's a whole lot to like about this place. Check it out here:
What do we like about The Dallas Arboretum? That's a long list, but here are our picks for things you can enjoy now - and some you can enjoy very soon...
The five homes were built to resemble the "playhouses" of artists Georgia O'Keeffe, Vincent Van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso and they'll be in the park until Dec. 31. These mini replicas of famous paintings are great fun for kids and grandkids!
The concert series kicked off May 1 with the Spazmatics (80's cover band) and runs through October. There are a lot of terrific acts lined up, including Grammy-winning artists Asleep at the Wheel and Brave Combo. Keep your eyes peeled for Charlotte and I rockin' out to Petty Theft (Tom Petty cover band) and Fast Lane (Eagles tribute band). I'll go on and apologize now for my bad Tom Petty impersonation, because you just know I'll have to sing along to at least one song.
Chihuly at the Dallas Arboretum
Artist Dale Chihuly brings his dramatic glass sculptures and installations to the Arboretum May 5 - Nov. 5. His artwork is amazing! Inspired by nature, Chihuly's spectacular creations were specifically designed to respond to the magnificent gardens at the Arboretum. In addition to the daytime fun, the Arboretum will feature illuminated sculptures and various dining options three nights a week during the run of the exhibit. Check the website for the complete schedule.
Check out Dale Chihuly at work in his studio
Ping your blog
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief
and @CharlotteBoomer
Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.
Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel.
Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.
You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.
