Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

This birthday, Keller takes Cookie sailing off La Jolla Shores. Ringing in another year brings time for reflection, joy, humor and appreciation "...all the gardens of spring and summer were blooming in the tall tales Beyond the border and under the lark full cloud. There could I marvel my birthday...." --Dylan Thomas STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" AS I MARK my birthday tomorrow, I am thankful that I, too have "lark full cloud" and a

The Crazy Mountain Inn is a welcoming stop in the heart of Montana, offering comfortable lodging, local hospitality, and easy access to some of the state's most beautiful scenery. Located near the towering Crazy Mountains, it's an ideal base for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Guests can explore nearby small-town attractions, discover the Yellowstone River region, or simply relax and enjoy authentic Montana charm away from the crowds.

The Bair family home in tiny Martinsdale may be toured, its treasures viewed. Montana sheep baron Bair made millions; daughters' left...

SOMETIMES we're tested in ways we don't understand. Our family has met many challenges. We rise to the occasion, doing the best we can. So it is with the Cosgriffes as we deal with a first: raising a handicapped child. Christena Lynn Cosgriffe was born June 30, 2010, with Down Syndrome

We've borrowed many terms from life aboard ships; whether you "know the ropes" or not, come have fun If you "know the ropes" you have proficiency in your task, a term which comes straight from sailing. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" AHOY , avast and shiver your timbers! Much of our language comes from the sea, from the early Phoenician and Greek cultures, on up through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when British naval vessels

Remembering 'Uncle Cog' for his wry wit, Harry A. Cosgriffe, above right, poses with his siblings, circa 1930.From left, Richard (the writer's father), twins Nancy and Mary, Harry. "Uncle Cog" was the oldest child, but outlived his three siblings. In left photo,Cog with his daughters,"my girls," he called them,Susie, Colleen and Kathleen. attention to detail and devotion to family In left photo, Cog with his daughters, "my girls," he called them, Susie, Colleen and Kathleen

GLIDING BUFFS are fit, trim and healthy looking. And if you're looking for a romantic adventure with your sweetheart, you can fly tandem. What a thought! Keller could nudge me to consciousness if I fainted from terror.

Make your journey fun, safe and smooth sailing when you're traveling with four-footed pals

HORSE HAS BEEN AROUND LONGER THAN WE THOUGHT STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and JANE MILDER This scene, of horses in pasture framed by the Crazy Mountains, epitomizes the grandeur of Big Sky Country to many Montanans. No horsing around. The horse goes back farther than we imagined. So an homage seems in order. With Fourth of July parades and the horse the star of the rodeo, we have new scientific information about his history. But first, allow me so

Jazzercise was born in California. This group works out in San Diego. That's Debbie Walters in the center, one of Cookie's Jazzercise coaches

Experience the beauty of San Diego Harbor aboard the sailing yacht Jada. Cruise past iconic waterfront landmarks, enjoy spectacular skyline views, and discover why a day on the water is one of the best things to do in San Diego.

Expert tango dancers move with the music at Pampas Argentine Grill. STORY: CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Is there a dance more...

Tucked along the shores of Mission Bay, Paradise Point Resort & Spa offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. With affordable sailboat rentals, inviting aquatic amenities, and the lively Barefoot Bar & Grill for sunset gatherings, it’s a can’t-miss destination for anyone visiting San Diego.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Sailing on the Californian is as close as I'll get to "going down to the sea in ships." Fortunately, we went "down" in the best sense of the word: out into the Pacific Ocean and safely back. For this sailor -- with hundreds of hours on small sailing vessels and nearly 100 large-ship cruises -- the pride of San Diego's Maritime Museum feels like the real sailing deal. Getting the sails ready then putting them back after the sai

Bruce Keller and his mother, Jean Keller, board a harbor cruise at Oceanside, where Jean taught Keller to paint as a lad. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS RECENT PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER, and CM "The Carpe Diem Kids" It's always a bit melancholy in our home on the second Sunday in May. Both Keller and I are orphans now. We remember lavish brunches, parties, cruises, corsages and other merriment when we think of our mums. We had similar celebrations, albeit thousands of miles and s