We had actual snow in the Bay Area in the hills during the last week. It was about 1/16 of an inch and of course it didn't last the morning sunshine, but it was there. No doubt my Midwestern friends have little sympathy for our cold snap.
California has had good rainfall in January and early February, which is critical to avoiding drought years. This is good.
Badge, we were in Venice and Rome last summer. Amazing. We weren't in Venice very long--didn't feel like we needed to stay long to appreciate it for what it is. One thing it is is decaying. Still amazing. Piazza San Marco and the buildings around it are quite impressive.
I'm sure everyone who has been has their own take on Rome. The history is worth it. Strongly recommend a private tour if you hit the Vatican. Otherwise I think it could easily overwhelm. There's just so much to see that without some guidance, it would be easy to be buried in all of it. Our favorite day there was the Colusseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill. I was also moved by the Pantheon. Best meal was in a total dive in which my cannelloni came out after my whole family had finished their meals; it was to die for.
I didn't care much about the paintings in the Borghese Gallery, but the marble statues there are nothing short of incredible. A must see if you are into the art.