Second week of 2026
Hi there, welcome to the second week of 2026. We had a nice weekend hanging with Elizabeth before she drove back up to Orlando.
Vance at the pop up Mona Lisa “selfie frame” at Frost Science.
Me in the “selfie frame”
Nick & Elizabeth in the “selfie frame”
Elizabeth in the “selfie frame”
Us under the glow of the Oculus at the Frost Science Museum.
View from the fourth floor of the Frost Science where you’ll find “River of Grass” exhibition and the top of the aquarium.
Elizabeth walking through Maurice Ferre Park in Downtown Miami after we left Frost Science.
Friday we spent the day at the Frost Science Museum where we marveled at the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci in the exhibition “Leonardo da Vinci - 500 Years of Genius,” a comprehensive look at his scientific and artistic contributions that still resonate and left an indelible mark on the world. Featured are replicas of his many inventions and of course his artwork, including the Mona Lisa, which to this day, is regarded as the world’s most famous painting. We also took time to check out the other exhibitions “Feathers to the Stars,” “The Dig,” “Power of Science” and the River of Grass on the open-air fourth level, The Sun Spot on the rooftop and of course the Aquarium that runs through every level of the museum. That’s us taking a moment to snap a selfie under the Occulus.
Lunch at Flanigan’s in North Miami.
Horse at Enchanted Forest Park in North Miami.
Saturday, after lunch at Flanigan’s in North Miami we spent time at Enchanted Forest Park where we fed the horses and also had fun tossing the football around and throwing the frisbee under one of their many giant trees. We then said goodbye to Elizabeth and are already looking forward to seeing her this weekend when Nick and I drive up to Merritt Island today.
Sunday, after church, I went to Bridge Red Studios for the closing reception of the “Bridge Red 8” exhibition. It was nice chatting with Lou Anne Colodny and Kristen Thiele who both had pieces in the show and with other local artists. Also there was Kerry Phillips from The Things Lab who gave me the scoop that they’re moving to a space in Hialeah. So glad they found another brick and mortar spot. Yay!
Fast forward to Wednesday where I treated myself to a stop at Key Biscayne for some relaxation and reading time. Laying on my towel and looking out on that view was rejuvenating and awe-inspiring. It’s such a different experience than Miami Beach. Although I missed the waves lapping on the shore and the vastness of that view, this was just as gorgeous and zen-like.
I also want to take a moment to congratulate our very own University of Miami Hurricanes who in a thrilling last-minute play that I won’t lie, was a nailbiter, beat Ole Miss to get to the College National Championship for the first time in more than 20 years! You better believe I’ll be watching that Championship Game which is right here at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 19. Go Canes!
And as always, I leave you with a few events/things to do/suggestions on where to have fun this weekend in Miami.
Art Deco Weekend and South Beach Jazz Festival, both on Miami Beach
Three Kings Day Parade in Little Havana
Chopin For All Concert at Pinecrest Gardens for the piano lovers
NightGarden Experience at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, last weekend to catch the breathtaking light display
Family Fun Days at Perez Art Museum Miami and at History Miami in Downtown
And I encourage you to spend some time on the South Florida on the Cheap website because event & festival season is in full swing and you’ll find info on many of them happening in the tri-county area there!
That’s all for today, see you again next Friday and I’m happy to report the book I have finished the book I was reading and donated it to a Free Little Library by my house and am on to the next one.
Also, a Happy Birthday to my nephew Danny whose birthday was earlier this week.
Have a great weekend and week!
