Butterflies and snowstorms

Admit it. We're all too ready for spring. We've seen over 100 inches of snow this winter at the Lake Michigan house and are done, done, done shoveling and scattering salt.

It's high time for bird feeders, planting tomatoes.

Fighting a bad case of cabin fever, took the teen up to Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan to soak up the tropical vibe of palm fronds, balmy breezes, waterfalls -- and hundreds of technicolor butterflies.

Don't miss the ethereal Chihuly glass sculpture.

Magical. Ready to toss back a mojito by day's end.

Sand snowmen, St. Pete art on the beach

Lovely Christmas break in St. Pete/Tampa area over holidays. Barefoot beach walks, Beach o'clock (rotating mojito/pina colada/margaritas), and bayfront art museum.

My kids loved the glass sculpture and modern art -- especially neon installations. I

fell for a painting that looks like Manet or Hassam.
Quiet New Year's Eve watching fireworks over Tampa Bay. Perfect right up to the tangerine tropical sunrise on the first day of 2011 as we drove out of the perfect 70s beach weather, to icy Tennessee up to frigid Great Lakes -- 60 degree drop in one car trip. brrr.