“I don’t want to go for a walk.”
“I won’t be able to walk. My foot hurts.”
“I want to stay and play with my lego.”
Oh, yes. It happens.
Isn’t it funny how the child that’s most resistant to the idea of walking in the woods, is always the first out the car and leading the way. Enthusiastically pointing out every toadstool or gnarled root. It’s almost as if they have temporarily forgotten the fun they had last time. Good job I’m wise to this ploy and am seldom put off by the protests. Lego and hurt foot soon forgotten.
With more motherhood years under my belt, I find it second nature to know which battles are worth fighting. It’s a matter of keeping it all in perspective.
It would have been a real shame to miss out on a walk which was full of lots of “looking up and then down” moments. A real shame.
(photos from a walk we did a couple of weekends ago, when the leaves were turning. King Alfred’s Tower looms out of the woods, just as a folly should. All those little bricks!)
What wonderful photos!!
Thanks Phyllis. It was a wonderful walk.
We have the odd grumble too but I don’t remember anyone not enjoying a walk despite their predictions of misery! Juliex
😀 Too true. I can’t remember anyone moaning once we’ve started walking either. Short memories. Maybe I’ll show them photos from previous walks, just to remind them of the fun, next time.
Brilliant …both woods and folly !
The fact they love it when they are there is what I have to chant to myself at times …can I confess that just occasionally although they do Love it ..I’m still feeling somewhat harassed and exhausted by the effort of getting them there and that if I was a drinker (I’m not ..no tolerance..even a tiny amount..gives me a headache darn it) I’d be on the look out for a St Bernard with a Large barrel of brandy!!!!
Hee hee! I know the feeling. It’s crossed my mind, in the past, to open the car doors and throw in chocolate bars, just to get them in. I can put up with any moans, because I know they will enjoy the outing….eventually! Not that they moan every outing. They’re usually in the car before me!
CHOCOLATE BARS inspired idea …and do I get to start eating them if they don’t get there fast enough ??????
Most certainly! In fact it is an essential part of the concept. Whoever gets there first, gets the chocolate. Simple but effective. 😀 (Just don’t include the dog in the race.)
How I love that dog of yours – too fun!!! Love your walk… we have one little character who always wonders why we don’t just use a jeep when we go hiking!!! Why walk to the water hole for a swim when you could drive!!! Too funny, grumbles all the way and then afterwards raves about how brilliant it was and what an achievement it was!!! Gotta love them!!!
No doubt about whether our dog loves her outings, but she does like us to keep together. Several times this walk, I was left behind, photographing fungi. (Just one more shot) She would stand so that she could see all of us and then give one bark, which resounded around the woods. Definitely giving me an order to keep up.(And yes, I did hurry up!) Just noticed in the last photo, she’s pulling on the lead to round me up. Again.
beautiful photos and an even more beautiful reminder to go outdoors!
Looking back at the photos, I’m inspired to fit in a walk this weekend. Although the forecasted weather is sounding challenging for this weekend!