I twisted my husband’s arm on Sunday. A lot. Not only did he “carry” me (see–I am getting into Southern-speak) to meet with Dancin’ Dave and to see the Dancin’ Dave peanut he also transported me to Paris.
Or the closest thing that I could find to Paris in Alabama. You see Paris had the famous Pont des Arts bridge where lovers have placed locks signifying their undying love for one another and then tossed the keys into the Seine that lies below the bridge. The New York Times reported on June 1st that the city was taking the famed bridge iron work down as the locks that have been piled on for the last 5 years were becoming a hazard in many ways. They tried to be considerate of those who had placed the locks there as a symbol of their love but when it all came down to it it just needed to be done. The locks affixed to the bridge weighed just around 45 tons when dismantled and left behind over 700,000 keys on the bottom of the river. Creative ideas are being considered on how to preserve those locks but for now they are history that can not be seen. 
When I first visited Dothan Area Botanical Gardens back in March I walked the entire garden and found Dothan’s version of the Love Lock Bridge. 
As you can see it is decorated with a lot of locks already.
I had to jump on the bandwagon of course and had hoped that Chris and I could commemorate our anniversary this past July by placing a lock on the Lock Gate in Dothan. Corny, yes, but fun and I am all about fun.
We were in Iowa on our anniversary but you know I was prepared ahead of time and bought a special lock for us.
So on a blistering hot day I persuaded Chris to go to the deserted Dothan Area Botanical Gardens to place our very own Love Lock on the gate. 
It is conveniently located to the nearby gazebo and pergola and fountain area where many weddings take place.
A part of me will always be in Dothan now. I love the gardens here and am thrilled that it is such a well kept and lovely oasis to visit anytime. It is maintained so nicely and looks different now than it did back in March. My initial post about the garden can be viewed here.
If you are ever in the area I think this should be a stop on your itinerary. Located at 5130 Headland Avenue the Gardens are open from 7 am until 5 pm daily. Visits are free but donations are always appreciated to help with upkeep.
I will leave you with my favorite picture from our Love Gate experience. Don’t you love it? 
28 Comments
Leave a commentI’ve twisted my ankles many times. I know it hurts so I wish your husband a speedy recovery from his twisted arm.
He is such a good sport these days. 🙂
I don´t imagine it took much arm twisting. Your hubby seems to be game for anything you suggest! What a lovely way to commemorate your anniversary.
It really didn’t, you are correct. He indulges me a lot these days. 🙂 So many times he tells me “this would be a good blog post” so I think I have infected him. In a good way hopefully.
What a sweet post. Great picture of you two!
Thanks! It was fun trying to figure out how to take it around the locks without looking too creepy!
This is a cool tradition. I like your special lock!
It was silly but fun. I asked Micah if he and Wendy had put a lock on the Paris bridge when they were there and he said they hadn’t . I think he thought it was lame…..
What a great idea and I’m not at all surprised that you left a lock for you and Chris. And I noticed it’s red. Beautiful gardens. I would love this place.
It was so hot that day that we did not walk around but I am going to hopefully go back before the week is up especially because I have books to leave in the Little Free Library. And yes–of course it was a red lock. 🙂
Love you guys & this! So glad you got to do it!!
Thanks, Katy! It was a fun thing to do and Mr. Diamond once again indulged me.
You are a very fortunate woman Beth Ann.. As MY wife would attest.
I am a very fortunate woman, it is true. I found my prince and he indulges me!
Aw, sweet way to commemorate your anniversary and way cute photo too!
Thanks, it took awhile to get the angle right but we kept trying and finally figured it out. It was about as good as we could get on a blistering hot day!
Such a cool idea!
It’s fun, isn’t it?
Yes wish we had one here. 😉
That is SO sweet! Motor Man and I would do that — corny or not, I love the idea! Sweet picture of you two.
I can see you and Motor Man doing it as well. I think we would get along famously if or should I say WHEN we get together. I think we have a lot in common!
This post is too sweet and the picture is the best. You two make a lockly couple!
I love your lock! What a cool thing to do together. Also what does the line “carry me” mean?
Carry me basically means to take me. So Chris took me there. 🙂
It’s just a wider definition of the word. Northerners think “carrying” someone has to mean in your arms or on your shoulders. Southerners think a more logical, comfortable way to carry the person is in your vehicle.
Exactly! You gave a great definition! Thank you!
I love ;your picture. Glad you had a good time.
Thanks. We did have a great day. It was worth the wait to put the lock on the gate.