Lessons to be Learned

This water treatment along Metro's light rail line on Main St. downtown pretty much says it all: "As we build our city let us think that we are building forever."

Return Visit

I discussed the Williams Waterwall a few days ago. Did I mention it was a poplar place for portrait opportunities? I thought so.

Rest and Reflect

I have always found cemeteries fascinating places to wander through. I’m weird that way.

While some cemeteries provide incredible monuments to past lives, others provide a simpler means of remembrance. This terrace and fountain located within Woodlawn Cemetery provide just that.

Wall of Water

The Williams Waterwall, part of the Williams Tower (featured HERE) complex has become one of Houston’s must see tourist destinations, as well as a popular photo opportunity for locals. 64 feet tall to represent the 64 floors of Williams Tower the Waterwall and its adjacent park, lined with 118 Live Oak trees is open to the public between 10 AM and 10 PM.

Enter Here...

As promised, this is a view of the original courtyard of the first Hermann Hospital. I am so glad they chose to save it, as well as, the building's facade. No longer the main entrance it is now the Cullen Pavilion of the larger facility in the Texas Medical Center.

Unfortunately, the fountain wasn't working, but that didn't take away from the beauty of courtyard. Now covered by skylights, there are tables and chairs on either side of the entryway (not seen) for people to enjoy a meal or just get away for a bit.

I know I would.

Water Makes the Sphere Go Round

Houston is the home to two of Josef Kusser designed Kugel Balls, one at the Museum of Natural Science and this one in Hermann Park. The 3-ton sphere of polished flamingo red granite sits perfectly balanced and floats and spins on a thin film of water, without belts, pulleys or wheels.

Art and physics combined.

Getting Away From It All

Well... not exactly.

These very European styled fountains are actually part of the Tivoli Gardens in front of the Portafino Shopping Center near the Woodlands.

A vacation of sorts without really getting away.

They Were Serious...

I mentioned a while back that we were under Stage 2 water restrictions due to this year's drought.

Just ask my lawn... but this image was from this past weekend when the city obviously is doing their part by shutting off the Wortham Fountains in Tranquility Park.

See them HERE in their former glory.

What Time Is It?

School's are in session.

Cooler temperatures (well... NOT 100 degrees).

I wonder why no one is playing in the dancing waters?

These are from the fountains at Waterway Square in the Woodlands.

Lay of the Land

This is the fountain near the entrance to the Museum of Natural Science. The irregular bits are meant to depict the Texas Gulf Coast.

See Them NOW...

Before they all dry up!!

With our 19th consecutive day of 100-degree temperatures, and under the grips of drought, The City of Houston has instituted Stage 2 mandatory water restrictions. Seventeen of the cities twenty-five fountains will be shut off.

This is the LeRoy Melcher, Jr. Memorial Fountain located in front of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in the Texas Medical Center. Since it is a private fountain, it very well might be forced to shut down until we get some much needed rain.

Before You Know It...

As summer draws to a close, soon campuses will be teeming with students. This spot near the Jamail Plaza on the campus of Rice University will no doubt have visitors looking for a spot to escape the scholarly grind.

Is It Fall Yet?

Located within the Bloch Cancer Survivors' Plaza in Hermann Park is this wonderful gazebo that allows a brief break from the almost unbearable sun.

Heat Wave

August has started with 5 consecutive days over 100 degrees, with a prediction today to make it 6.

Time to cool off with another glimpse of the Gus Wortham Fountain in Buffalo Bayou Park

I Admit

I fell for it

This is a lost purse, but rather a sculpture by Dixie Friend Gay titled "Treasures from Grandma's Purse" located at the Waterway Fountains in the Woodlands.

Very clever.

Water Treatments...

The sound of flowing water makes things seem less stressful, which, I suppose, was the idea of the designers that added this water treatment between the buildings of Allen Center downtown.

Under the Rainbow

The Gus Wortham Memorial Fountain, obviously often referred to as “the dandelion fountain”, is a visual mainstay as one drives along Allen Parkway near Waugh Drive. Completed in 1978 it is located near a popular jogging/bike trail and the wind blown mist is a welcome relief to those that happen by.

Not to mention the occasional rainbow.

Relief From the Heat...

Average high temperatures so far for the month of June have exceeded 98 degrees.

This fountain offers a bit of visual respite and is located just outside of the central business district in the redeveloped Midtown area.

Cooler Heads Will Prevail

With triple digit temperatures already appearing (105º F on Sunday) it might be time to start looking for some cooler venues to enjoy outdoor time.

This is another photo from the Sisters of Charity Park located adjacent to St. Joseph's Hospital.

I think I may just stay indoors.

Dolphin Fountain

While most photos of a large city feature the well-known landmarks, today’s is not the case. Located in the small neighborhood Lamar Park in Neartown this fountain is one of many hidden secrets tucked away in our city.