Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited the Move One Place On sculptures in Bellaire, Texas — an elaborate and whimsical public artwork inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland . Located in Evelyn's Park Conservancy , this interactive bronze installation was created by artist Bridgette Mongeon and brings the iconic Mad Tea Party scene to life in spectacular detail. The title “Move One Place On” comes straight from the tea party’s chaotic logic in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland , and the sculpture captures that playful absurdity perfectly. 🫖 A Mad Tea Party You Can Step Into The installation features Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, and the Dormouse gathered around a long, oversized table. What makes it special is that visitors aren’t just spectators — you can walk up, stand beside the table, and feel like part of the scene. The sculpture includes: - Life-sized and larger-than-life bronze characters - A long tea table that invites interaction - Expressive details ...

Simba and I visited General D. Hines Waterfall Park in Houston, Texas — a small neighborhood green space known for its tiered waterfall feature tucked quietly into the city landscape. At first glance, it feels like an ordinary pocket park. But once you hear the steady rush of cascading water, it becomes something more — a surprisingly peaceful escape from traffic, concrete, and city noise. 💧 A Waterfall in the Middle of the City The park’s main highlight is its multi-level waterfall structure. Water spills over stacked tiers of stone, creating both movement and a calming soundscape. It’s not a massive natural falls, but its design makes it visually striking and soothing. The park features: - A tiered waterfall centerpiece - Shaded seating areas for relaxing - Open green space in a neighborhood setting - A calm atmosphere uncommon in a busy city It’s the kind of place where you can pause for a few minutes and reset. 🌿 A Community Green Space Named after General D. Hines, a respect...

Simba and I visited the Chong Hua Sheng Mu Holy Palace in Houston, Texas — a visually striking Taoist temple complex that many locals refer to as the “Palace of the Golden Orbs.” While we didn’t enter the property, we captured photos and video from public rights-of-way outside the perimeter walls to document one of Houston’s most unusual architectural landmarks. Even from the street, the temple’s bold shapes and dramatic ornamentation immediately stand out against the surrounding neighborhood. 🌕 A Temple Dedicated to Chong Hua Sheng Mu The Holy Palace is dedicated to Chong Hua Sheng Mu, revered in certain Taoist folk traditions as a powerful protective deity. The compound’s exterior sculptures, prominent golden orbs, and stylized rooflines create an unmistakable presence. From the outside, you can observe: - Curved, temple-inspired rooflines - Large spherical ornaments that give the site its nickname - Sculptural elements and decorative detailing - A striking contrast between spir...

Simba and I drove through The World’s Longest Car Wash in Katy, Texas — a massive, high-tech tunnel wash known for its impressively long conveyor system and over-the-top cleaning experience. Located just west of Houston, this drive-through facility has gained attention for its extended wash tunnel that keeps you moving through soap, brushes, water jets, and drying systems far longer than a typical car wash. What starts as a routine stop quickly turns into something that feels more like an attraction than basic maintenance. 🌈 More Than Just a Car Wash As soon as you enter the tunnel, the experience shifts into full sensory mode. Colorful foam cascades over the windshield, LED lights reflect off the water, and the conveyor steadily carries you forward through layer after layer of cleaning cycles. The experience includes: - A noticeably long continuous conveyor ride - Bright, multi-colored foam and lighting effects - Rotating brushes and high-pressure water jets - Extended drying syst...

Simba and I visited Howard Murph Airport Park in Rockport, Texas — a simple, peaceful local park tucked near the Aransas County Airport area. While it may not be one of the town’s headline attractions, it offers something just as valuable: open space, fresh air, and a quiet place to slow down. Located away from the busier waterfront and harbor areas, the park provides a relaxed setting with wide skies overhead and grassy areas perfect for stretching your legs during a day of exploring the coast. 🌤️ Open Space and Coastal Calm Even though it sits near the airport, the park feels more like a neighborhood green space than anything else. The open layout gives you room to walk, pause, and enjoy the Gulf Coast breeze without crowds. At Howard Murph Airport Park you’ll find: - Broad grassy areas under expansive Texas skies - Simple walking paths and surrounding landscape - A laid-back atmosphere typical of Rockport’s coastal charm - A quieter alternative to the more popular waterfront spo...

Simba and I hiked the Tule Hike and Bike Trail in Rockport, Texas — a scenic multi-use path that stretches along Tule Creek and offers peaceful views of wetlands, native brush, and coastal wildlife. This paved trail connects neighborhoods to nature, creating a safe and beautiful route for walkers, runners, and cyclists to experience Rockport’s Gulf Coast environment. The area surrounding Tule Creek is part of the broader Aransas Bay ecosystem, shaped by tidal movement and rich estuarine habitat. As we moved along the trail, we passed marshy stretches, wide-open sky views, and pockets of shade beneath native trees swaying in the coastal breeze. 🌊 A Trail Shaped by Water Tule Creek feeds into Aransas Bay, and the influence of water is visible everywhere along the route. The wetlands and marsh areas support birds, small wildlife, and native coastal plants adapted to wind and salt air. Along the trail you’ll notice: - Views of Tule Creek winding through marshland - Open wetlands that cha...