Adolf Hoepfl Garage Hosts 7th Annual Fish Fry on Saturday, March 24 to Fundraise for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society

The team at Adolf Hoepfl & Son Garage is used to the heat of car repairs. On Saturday, March 24, the crew will kick into high gear with a fish fry that’s open to the general public. All funds raised benefit the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.

Dinner will include Cajun fried catfish, cole slaw, French fries and dessert. A chicken plate is also available for non-fish eaters. The suggested donation for the adult food plate is $15 and $6 for the kids plate. Music with a festive DJ, dancing and friendly conversations will serve as the evening’s entertainment. The festivities will run from 4:30-8 p.m. at Adolf Hoepfl Garage, which is located at 4610 N. Shepherd Drive in the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area.

 

“This is our seventh annual fish fry and it’s a great community builder,” owner Kathryn van der Pol said. “In addition to being passionate about car care, we’re also passionate about supporting our community through the MS Society.”

In fact, owners Kathryn and Sybren van der Pol ride in the MS 150 bike ride from Houston to Austin each year. Photos from last year’s fish fry can be viewed online.

Guests are not required to be avid cyclists to participate in the March 24 event. Friends of all ages are encouraged to attend. Call 713-695-5071 in advance to reserve your tickets.

About Adolf Hoepfl and Son Garage

Adolf Hoepfl & Son Garage is committed to leading the auto repair industry by providing the highest quality workmanship and the most helpful service for our customers. Since 1946, Adolf Hoepfl Garage has been committed to exceptional, quality car care and the friendliest customer service. Adolf Hoepfl Garage understands that the best investment we can make for our future is contributing and giving back to our community. For more information, please visit www.adolfhoepfl.com call our crew at 713-695-5071 or stop by the shop.

Hope to see you all at this fun event for the family. 

Until the next nap time...

Miniature Horses in Brenham

I've heard for years about the mini horses in Brenham but when we called last time, they were closing for good.

Imagine my surprise when I found the same place mentioned in a 2012 brochure. Upon calling, we learned the place used to be run by the Poor Clares Nuns but now is run by the PaxChristi Sisters.

Little K loved seeing & petting all the miniature horses & we enjoyed selecting a ceramic/plaster horse to paint on site. (there are all sorts if figurines from pets to vases, guitars & even holiday decorations.) I liked the small chapel on the premises too.

After our visit, I wish we had packed a picnic lunch as there are a few picnic areas available. The Sisters are working hard to raise money to renovate the premises & I have to say, it needs the updates. Still, I'm so glad we went today & look forward to returning. The Sisters' peaceful, helpful nature was reassuring. With only 3 of them on site, they have their work cut out for them. Add this to my list of places I'd like to donate to if/when I win the lottery. :-)

Until the next nap time...

Bluebell Ice Creamery during Spring Break

Today, we journeyed to the Bluebell Ice Creamery in Brenham, TX. By 3 pm, the tours were completely booked, which was okay because Little K said she didn't care HOW they made it, she just wanted to eat the ice cream. (How polite, right?) So we enjoyed our $1 ice cream (such a deal!) despite the crowds. If you want to participate in the tour to see how the ice cream & Popsicles are made, head out in the morning to ensure a spot. Ice cream before lunch is okay in my book.

If you head up Hwy. 290 from Houston, you'll also start seeing bluebonnets along the route. Pull your car over to a safe place & set up your own photo shoot. This pic is actually from our family ranch in Navasota but we saw plenty of folks on Hwy. 290.

Until the next nap time...

Life's a Beach in Galveston for Spring Break

Yesterday afternoon, we headed down to the beach in Galveston for some Spring Break fun. I was pleasantly surprised that the beach wasn't crowded at all and there were no scenes from "Girls Gone Wild". Don't get me wrong. I love a good party and am not a stick in the mud, but when you have a young child, you look at Spring Break entirely differently than you did when you were in high school or college. I never liked "Girls Gone Wild" though. :-)

Any ways, the water was still too cold for my taste at (I'm guessing) about 70 degrees, although plenty of others were swimming. Instead, Trent, Little K, our dog & I walked along the beach, letting the water splash on our legs. Little K borrowed a basket from her CiCi to collect shells in. It was such a nice, leisurely walk for blocks down the beach. Ahead of us, we could see the beginnings of the Pleasure Pier under construction (set to open May 28).

Little K stopped to build a mini sand castle for a bit. Then we turned around and walked back to our original juncture. It was really nice.

I'd recommend heading to Galveston for Spring Break but try during the week, instead of the weekend, for a less crowded beach. We started at 45th Street and the Seawall and headed east toward Gaido's Restaurant, another favorite eatery of ours.

Of course, for those of you who can't make the trip to the island this weekend, plan a trip for this spring or summer. There's so much to do here and it's a nice, casual getaway from the hustle and bustle of Houston. 


Until the next nap time...

Climbing Tree Explored during Houston Spring Break

During Spring Break, many parents try to find fun outings for their Houston kids. While I do the same, I also think there's great value in kids finding their own fun... Without a scheduled program.

Little K is spending time at her CiCi's house today & loves the big climbing tree. She also looked for Rolly Pollirs, lady bugs & snails. Kids just don't play outdoors like we used to.

So this Spring Break, we're not just going to the tourist attractions in greater Houston & Galveston, we're also exploring outside.

Until the next nap time...

Celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday on March 2

 

Today, March 2, is the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. Whether you have an assortment of Dr. Seuss books at home or head to the library, be sure to delve into one his whimsical stories today. My personal favorite is Yertle the Turtle because I remember my mom reading it to me as a child. I loved how Yertle kept climbing on the other turtles so he could see across the land, but later learned that you shouldn't be so selfish that you put yourself above (literally and figuratively) above others.

Little K (at right) loves that story too, but is most excited about reading One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish to the pre-kindergarten class at school today. Too cute! 

My husband's favorite Dr. Seuss book is The Lorax, which Little K has reminded me is also a movie that debuts today. Check out the trailer and find a local movie theater that is showing this fun flick today. It's a wonderful tale that encourages kids to take care of the earth, which of course is also a great read for Earth Day on April 22.

Have a Seussical day. Until the next nap time...

Also,

Great Deal on March 2012 Fun for Houston Families

The CrawfishFestival in the Heights is planned for Saturday, March 3 from 11 am - 5 pm. This is a super, family-friendly event with all sorts of food, live music by the Retroburn Band, a car show, door prizes, a moon walk, face painting and games. Radio personality and weekend anchor of News 92 FM Maria Todd and Pasadena’s own Bear Hebert will co-emcee the event. Additionally, treasures will be available for purchase at ~60 vendor tables. 

The Festival will be held at the SSQQ Dance Studio located at 1431 West 20th St. and East T.C. Jester (next to Restaurant Depot) in the Houston Heights.

 

Ready for the Deal?

Individuals who buy a crawfish plate online before next Friday, March 2 will get the discounted price of $15/plate. (On event day, the crawfish plate will cost $20.) The crawfish food ticket buys a plate of crawfish, corn and potatoes as well as one drink (soft drink, water or beer).  But wait! The deal gets better! In addition to this discounted price, if you purchase your crawfish food tickets before next Friday, March 2, Dr Gleem Car Wash at 3103 Ella Boulevard will give you a FREE car wash! 

Yes, you can now get paid to come and eat crawfish! Buy your tickets now online because the car wash vouchers are only available to the first 1,000 transactions for advanced crawfish plates.

  

Hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches and other festival food will also be available at the event but are not included in the crawfish food plate.

Raffle tickets are also on sale on the web site for a chance to win a Bose® 3•2•1® GS Series III DVD Home Entertainment System (valued at $1,000), $500 Apple gift card, a BBQ pit (valued at $300), a two-night stay at a bed and breakfast in Seguin, Texas (valued at $500) and more. Winners do not need to be present at the event to win and raffle tickets may be purchased.

This is a rain or shine event since there is an indoor area. I also know it's a can't miss event so I hope to see you there.

Until the next nap time... 

HOUSTON Plans for 350,000 Visitors Daily during Spring Break 2012

Last year during spring break, I thought it would be nice to take my daughter to the  Houston Zoo one afternoon. I could get some work done early on and still spend the afternoon, walking leisurely with my daughter through the zoo. Wrong.

The parking lot was so full that we drove around for over an hour (I'm not exaggerating) until we finally found a parking spot. Then, the zoo was so crowded that we worried about getting separated. 

The good news for spring break 2012 is that the City of Houston is already putting plans to get to help resident and visitors navigate the traffic. The press release below notes when the plans will be announced next week. Here's hoping for a thorough plan that helps Houston families make the most of spring break.

WHAT:              Mayor Annise Parker will announce suggested driving directions and recommended parking locations for visitors to Houston’s most popular attractions during spring break (Saturday, March 10, thru Sunday, March 18) to  provide a continuous flow of vehicles coming and going throughout the week.  The City of Houston has partnered with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Houston Museum District, Hermann Park / Houston Zoo and METRO to create easy access to Houston’s hottest spring break destinations – the rodeo, museums and zoo.

WHEN:                Tuesday, February 28, 2012

                        11:45 a.m.

WHO:                   The Honorable Annise Parker, Mayor, City of Houston

Skip Wagner, President and CEO, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Josef Helfenstein, Director of Menil Collection & Board President, Houston Museum District
Robert F. Stott, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Texas Medical Center

WHERE:            Sam Houston Monument in Hermann Park

                               

PARKING:       Parking is reserved in the lot adjacent to the monument

Until the next nap time...

Mardi Gras for Kids

The rain has stopped in Galveston so we're heading out to the parades. If you're interested in super kid-friendly Mardi GRAS parades, head to the island on Sunday, Feb. 19. At 1 pm, the Krewe of barkus & Meoux will head down the sea wall for a great display of all sorts of pets. From dogs, cats, snakes, ferrets & much more, you'll see it all in kid style. Immediately after that, the Mardi Gras Chidrens Seawall Parade follows the same path. With story book themes & cartoon characters, kids will love cheering at this event. My daughter will be riding on the float with the "Where the Wild Things Are" theme. Hope to see you there. Until the next nap time...

Brighten Up February Sundays in Houston with Art Time

Travel to the past this February, exploring Greek myths and more!
Join us at the February Sunday Family Zone & Studio:
Vessels of Imagination: Exploring Greek Vases.

Sundays, February 12, 19 & 26
1–4 p.m.
Every Sunday, it´s ArtTime/FamilyTime at the MFAH. On February 12, 19, and 26, visit the Family Zone in Gallery 200, Beck Building, Second Level. Spend some time with the friendly family educators—sit on a pillow and read, sketch a work of art, and get involved in an investigation of a work of art. In the studio, create an art project inspired by original works of art on display in the Family Zone.

•Sunday Storytime: Make connections between the storybook, Young Zeus by G. Brian Karas, and an ancient Greek vase that shows many of the same Greek gods—Zeus, Hera, and more! (begins at 1:30 p.m.)

•Creation Station: At this family-friendly workshop, artists encourage families to create art using materials or ideas similar to those used by the artist who created the featured work of art on display in the Family Zone. At this program, participants will use stencils to create a Greek vase shape and then design and decorate their vessel with stories, just like the ancient Greeks.

•Gallery Investigations: An MFAH educator at the Gallery Cart has looking games, books, and hands-on activities for families to use when exploring the shapes, stories, and designs of ancient Greek vases. (2-4 p.m.)

•Sketching in the Galleries: An MFAH teaching artist guides adults and children of all drawing levels at this informal program. There will be a special drawing sheet that families can use to sketch the many designs on the different parts of a vase—often called the mouth, neck, shoulders, belly, and feet, just like the human body.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is located at 1001 Bissonnet Street in Houston's Museum District. Free parking is available across the street from the Law Building. For more information about programs and admission discounts, visit www.mfah.org/families  or call 713-639-7300. 


Until the next nap time...