The Observer, April 7, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 23
Worst Case Scenario: Spring leaves, winter returns
Spring may hope eternal, but around here it's just wishful thinking to expect regularly sunny days and consistently warm evenings. Last week we (the royal we, man) covered what to do in the best case scenario – bright skies and high thermometers during this saved daylight. We even got a letter from Shaker Lakes thanking us for the coverage.
Last week's column should give you plenty to do on the four scattered days when the weather takes a break from the oppressive scorn of Northeast Ohio.
But for these cold, wet afternoons, one needs something to ward off the somber effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can result in long-term clinical depression across this area code. So save yourself a trip to the counseling center and find a way to lighten your mood until the weather breaks again.
One way to cheat the drear is to visit the Cleveland Botanical Garden, where it's always warm and blooming. The garden simulates the flora of Costa Rican cloud forests and Madagascar's spiny deserts. It's like an instant flight out of town for an afternoon, sans jet lag! And you can still step out into the glasshouse and taunt the Cleveland clouds, should you feel the need. It's free for students, and usually not very busy on weekday afternoons, so feel free to curl up on a bench and take a nap with the butterflies.
The art museum used to be a good rainy day diversion. Perhaps it will become so again in the fall. For now, you can browse its former contents online at clevelandart.org, and tell your friends you're too busy being cultured to play World of Warcraft. Nothing like a digital Degas or pixelated Picasso, eh?
Rain or shine, spring invariably brings fresh varieties of ingredients for chefs. Skip a meal at Club L and check out one of the many nearby restaurants which thrive off local produce.
Sergio's is literally between you and class, nestled in the shadow of the PBL monstrosity and MSASS. In Little Italy, both Battuto and Gusto end in "to," as in "top-notch cuisine." Top-notch prices, too, so mind your wallet. But haven't you heard? Having nothing to celebrate is the new something to celebrate. Perk up your Wednesday with dinner out: it'll certainly make homework seem a little less repulsive.
Still, nothing quite beats a picnic, even if it means slightly less- sublime eating. (At least for you culinarily impaired fools.) Ah, a beautiful Cleveland spring is naught but a dream. And an oxymoron.
Oh, to hell with realism; let's go buy a kite! Spring does hope eternal, after all.
