FRIDAY

Feel like taking a little walk? Join Dave Casey and Dave Sweetman on a hike (if there's no snow)/snowshoe (if there's — oh, come on — can't you figure this out for yourselves?) trek on the Wachusett Greenways reservoir trails in West Boylston today, beginning at 9 a.m. Although the distance may be up to seven or eight miles, the terrain is easy and along fire roads. You can park in the mini-mall at the junction of routes 12 and 110 near Cheoy Lee's Restaurant — and bring a lunch if you want one. And no, we're not going to carry it for you. For more information, call 508-835-3634.

We still say the best corned beef and cabbage to be had comes out of the kitchen at Brendan O'Connor's establishment (and he has it all year long), but at this time of year everyone gets into the act. One of the better offerings can be found at SAC Park (438 Lake St., Shrewsbury) this evening at 6 p.m. The meal's served downstairs, followed by dancing upstairs to the music of Elliot Lockwood (for $8 per person). For tickets to the dinner (sorry, we don't know the price), call 508-757-3948.

We noticed that the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is hosting a breakfast at 6:45 this morning at the Four Points Hotel (99 Erdman Way) in Leominster. And the featured guest speaker? None other than former Providence Mayor (and recent guest of the federal prison system) Vincent "Buddy" Cianci. Amazing. Were Nick Mavroules and Whitey Bulger busy? Hey, Buddy — our memories are short, but not THAT short.

SATURDAY

We know they do a wonderful job onstage at the vaunted Notre Dame Academy (425 Salisbury St.), but we doubt many folks will tumble out of bed and be sitting in their seats all scrubbed and perky at 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning (7 a.m. if your body hasn't absorbed the time change) to see yet another version of Annie. Granted, when the show's over, you can still greet the sunrise and enjoy a little breakfast somewhere, but theatre (with an "re") is best enjoyed as a matinee or in the evening, we think. Or make this your last Friday night stop before going home to bed. There are other performances of this show at more reasonable times — call up the Academy and find out when they are.

One of the more amusing moments on local radio of late occurred last Friday afternoon, when our friend Jordan Levy evinced disdain (along with a lot of other disappointed folks) for the recent flower show at the DCU Center (they get points for the "er," but not for leaving out the "F") by proclaiming that he "didn't go there to buy socks." Yes, they were selling socks. And no, we don't know why. Anyway, if you want to experience a real Spring Flower Show, it's happening this weekend in Boston at the Bayside Expo and Conference Center (200 Mount Vernon St.). The show is the largest indoor event in New England (second-largest flower show in the U.S.), covering six acres of more than 40 fully landscaped gardens. And sorry, no socks. And though the daffodils have sprouted up at Holy Cross (must be that amazing mulch they use), you probably can't wait any longer in your corner of the world to smell dirt and grass and poseys again.

SUNDAY

Now that the Winterthur exhibit at the Worcester Art Museum has piqued everyone's interest in Early American decorative arts, here's the perfect follow-up. There's a symposium (love that word) today beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (10 Lincoln Sq.) that will focus on the need to collect and preserve the cultural history of early America. Conservation, interpretation and the philosophy of this work will be discussed. If you're an Americana enthusiast, collector, educator or curator, don't miss this chance to hear national experts expound. For more information, call 508-793-4334 or visit www.worcesterart.org.

And for another kind of art in the same hotel on the same day, skin on down to the Second Annual Massachusetts Tattoo and Art Festival (in the Crowne Plaza Ballroom). Tattoo artists (including tattoo legend Lyle Tuttle; see ad on page 14) and vendors from all over will be there Friday through today, along with local artisans, "side shows and something for everyone," they say (including the Rob Hill Sideshow, pictured). We'll bet. And think twice about what — and where — you put that ink. Some parts of you weren't meant to be colored in (especially on or near your delicate bits), and it'll look a lot different when you're 60 than it does now. Gravity always wins, hard turns to soft, and what you may want to draw attention to now, you'll want to hide then. Same for piercings, but that's another discussion.For more information, visit www.zazaink.com. o