Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Grady Martin poses in his wonderful summer garden at home on the Stillwater River. Widower rebounds after loss and 66 year marriage with...

Cruising's pleasures heightened by exilirating Alaskan adventure The wonders of Alaska unfold for Cookie, above, snug in her layers,...

Take a walk in a garden to cure what ails you Dahlias recall the photographer's childhood with his mother painting and arranging flowers...

Ann and Jack Mowell are proud of their rescue and renaming of Montana Jack's, a popular eatery in the little town of Dean, Montana. Rural...

A mother's love of all things theatrical inspires lifelong affection for drama, movies, costumes and the Land of Make Believe  Rudolph...

Concerts by the bay attract sell-out crowds to picturesque venue "If I had a boat / I'd go out on the ocean / And if I had a pony / I'd...

Throughout Egypt, handsome and friendly children greeted American visitors who wonder if they are safe now. Friendship with brilliant...

This birthday, Keller takes Cookie sailing off La Jolla Shores. Ringing in another year brings time for reflection, joy, humor and...

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

Child born with Down Syndrome sparks  love, unity, courage in Cosgriffe family Christena's auntie Misha bestowed a pretty new dress!...

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...

Remembering 'Uncle Cog' for his wry wit, Harry A. Cosgriffe,above right, poses with his siblings, circa 1930.From left, Richard...

Nick enjoys a romp at Harrah's Rincon near San Diego. Make your journey fun,  safe and smooth sailing  when you're traveling with...

"The water's running free and it's waiting there for me.... cool, clear water." Here, at Black's Beach in northern San Diego County, a...

HORSE HAS BEEN AROUND LONGER THAN WE THOUGHT STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and JANE MILDER   This scene, of horses in...

DRIVING MISS COOKIE Travails and triumph at California's DMV; Driver gives thanks for the U.S. system, despite lines, crowds, waits and...

Paradise Point on Mission Bay, and San Diego Bay offer treats galore, memorable sailing and a chance to learn the lingo Cap'n Keller...

COOKIE RECALLS MISS AMERICA, PROTESTS, PLAYBOY AND HER FEMINIST GROUNDING STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS THE SUMMER of 1968 was a memorable...

Peny Jil Cosgriffe Hayes was a beautiful and talented sister who died 27 years ago this week.   REMEMBERING A LIFE WELL-LIVED:BLITHE,...

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTO By BRUCE KELLER It was not an AARP convention, but there were many grey heads and paunches aplenty at...