All the indicators point to springtime in Florida. Cars yellow with pollen? Check. Everywhere crowded with snowbirds? Check. Birds and butterflies all over the garden? Check! :)

The atala butterflies are doing well.





This unusual Northern Parula has been visiting for the past week or so. The yellow throat does not normally extend above the bill.







This male painted bunting has been quite the poser.







Yellow-rumped warbler bathtime





The hummingbirds are loving the coral bean blooms.

The birds are enjoying their new stone birdbath.







The catbird has been eating and caching seed pods. I had been wondering why I have baby cardboard palms sprouting up all over the garden :)



In other bird news, there has been action in the owl box!







So after we got back from California, I had to go to South Carolina for work. Was fun to explore a new place.





Once I got home, we went to Ft. Lauderdale to see G3 with Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, and Phil Collen. I was just as excited to see Joe's band (Mike Keneally and Bryan Beller) as I was to see the big 3.













We were at side stage for the encore. Was amazing to be so close!







Can't wait for the next G3 :)

Rich and I went out west to see some shows on the latest leg of Yngwie Malmsteen's World on Fire tour. It was awesome!!!

Santa Monica



Visited the Rock N Roll walk of fame in LA



So that is why Steve Vai plays guitar so well ;)



Hiking around Malibu. We saw lots of wildlife and a bikini model on a photo shoot.









Was fun exploring the tide pools. We were also treated to a fly-by by some WWII fighters and saw some whales blowing far in the distance!







The concerts were amazing. Definitely worth the trip!









The guitar toss!



The band sounded great too and had a really good energy on stage. Was so much fun to meet up with some familiar faces.



We asked Yngwie if he was planning to tour again soon and he said yes! Hoping we don't have to travel so far next time! It was overwhelming because over the course of 7 days we saw 2 Yngwie shows and G3 in Ft. Lauderdale!!! G3 pics to come soon. Gonna get some rest now! :D