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.

Alice in Operaland

The Cincinnati Opera invites children ages five to 12 to join Alice in Wonderland for a journey down the rabbit hole to meet characters from opera’s greatest hits 10:30 a.m. Feb. 24. Tickets: $3 by calling 241-2742 or www.cincinnatiopera.com. At Memorial Hall, 1241 Elm St.

Madcap mayhem at museum

Do your kids love puppets? The marvelous Madcap Puppets are doing a performance on Saturday and Sunday about two young explorers who find a trunk with a secret and magical long lost stories. The show is at 11:30 & 1:30 Saturday. Call 271-ARTS for tickets.

SCPA's Rudnick to conduct his world premier

Dr. Isidore Rudnick, Artistic Director at the School for Creative and Performing Arts, will conduct the world premier of his new composition, titled Suite for Jazz Trio and Orchestra, with the Yakima Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, January 20, 2007, at the Capitol Theater in Yakima, Washington. During his trip, Dr. Rudnick also will present a series of guest lectures to music students at Yakima Valley Community College.