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The lavender flowers of the lilac are associated with refinement, grace, elegance and grief. Walt Whitman's poem, "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd" mourns the death of Lincoln.   The poppy bloomed on much of the Western Front in World War I, and is a symbol of remembrance in the United States, Canada and elsewhere. PRETTY PETALS, SWAYING STEMS, BOUNTY OF BLOOMS ARE TREATS OF SUMMER    Gran planted the thrift, this one "joystick red." What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet. --from "Romeo and Juliet" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHEN IT RAINS, we stay indoors and accomplish plenty:  writing, repairing, tidying,  packing for the next adventure. But when the sun's out in Montana, who can stay inside? Nature's call is seductive, with a bonanza of blooming wonders. Housework be damned.  That can happen when it rains. The iris has come to be a symbol of hope, valor and friendship. When Mr. Sol shines, we answer the call.  We drink in the fresh mountain air, stroll about the yard and admire the iris, peony, poppies, lilacs, columbine, daisies, snapdragons and bluebells. My grandmother Olive, a lifelong lover of flowers, quoted James Russell Lowell's "The Vision of Sir Launfal in this much loved poem: "What is so rare as a day in June?   Then, if ever, come perfect days; Then Heaven tries the earth if it be in tune, And over it softly her warm ear lays...So is my memory thrilled and stirred...." It's hard not to be stirred and thrilled by a day in the Beartooth Mountains of Big Sky Country. Poets and historians, travel writers and nature The columbine are spectacular this year,  lovers have waxed about Montana's beauty. John Steinbeck's homage is my favorite: “I'm in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love."And love it is for me.  My paternal grandfather Gustav Nystul came West in 1912, purchasing property now known as the Beartooth Ranch between Columbus and Absarokee. He named it Sunnyside Ranch, and sunny it was.  I remember lilacs blooming through spring snow, daisies in June, snapdragons in July, a haven of hollyhocks in August. John Lennon said "Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow” and those of us in love with Montana know that feeling. Buddha loved nature and its transformative powers: "If we could see the miracle of a single flower Remembrance is what we think of with the poppy. clearly our whole life would change.” I remember my grandmother's love of the sea pink thrift, a beautiful bundle of blooms, and her affection for the poppy. For her and other Victorians, the poppy was an enduring symbol of remembrance of World War One. Winnipeg born, Gran's strong ties to Canada were lifelong. She and millions of North Americans wore poppies on Remembrance Day. Lady Bird Johnson, championing her wonderful beautification projects said, "Where flowers bloom, so does hope."  The iris, whose botanical name is iris xiphium, symbolizes hope. It is my favorite flower blooming this time of year. My grandmother  said it represents cherished friendship and valor. She taught us that her beloved iris is the inspiration for the fleur-de-lis, symbolizing the royal family of France. A court jester's hat does come to mind with columbine.  The columbine, she believed,   resembles the hat of a court jester. Indeed it does. My late sister Peny named her only daughter Amarylla, inspired by her love of the amaryllis, a brilliant symbol of pride. The daffodils were waning when we arrived at High Chaparral, but I love that this flower indicates rebirth, new beginnings and eternal life. It also symbolizes unrequited love. I like to think, though, that we are worthy stewards of the land and that our love for Montana is reciprocated. Jake Shimobokuru is perhaps the most famous ukulele player. UP NEXT : Come learn the ukulele with us, explore its rich and fascinating history and discover how much fun it is to play Hawaii's famous instrument. The trusty little wonder of a stringed instrument came to the Islands with Portuguese fishermen and has become a much loved part of the allure of Hawaii.  Most famous of its players today is Jake Shimobokuru.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday for a unique take on travel, the arts, nature, family and more.

The approach to the place we cherish, tucked away in the Beartooths.    "Montana has the kind of mountains I'd create if mountains were put on my agenda."  -- John Steinbeck in "My Travels with Charley" Our little corner of the world, with clouds, trees, mountains and the sound of the water. BASKING IN BEAUTY OF BIG SKY COUNTRY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER NO MATTER HOW  far we wander -- to the fjords of Norway or the deserts Down Under -- we are no more excited than when we answer the call of the Big Sky sirens and return to Montana. I'm a fourth generation native of the Treasure State and I love traveling the world. But my heart soars and my breathing quickens when I glimpse the meandering Yellowstone River out the airplane window and see the Rimrocks framing the town of Billings. Home. And it's no more beautiful  than this time of year, when the lilacs are still pretty in the high country and the lupine and mountain phlox are about to bloom. Yes, it's a real cowboy -- not a rhinestone one.  Working ranches mean working cowboys to move cattle, deliver feed, check for problems. OUR LITTLE corner of the Beartooths is dear to my heart.  As a kid growing up in the 1950s, I traveled with my parents on regular trips "up country" to visit cousins in Roscoe and friends in Red Lodge.  My grandparents played bridge with chums at a cabin on the West Fork of the Stillwater River near where 30 years later I'd buy property. I rode my first horse on the Beartooth Ranch between Columbus and Absarokee, which my grandfather Gus owned a few proprietors back. (He called it "Sunnyside Ranch" and I have photos of me on the ancient horse, Peanuts, riding down the same road we see from Highway 78.) Red Lodge boasts many restored Victorian homes, a treasure to behold in Livingston, Billings, and other Montana towns. For those of us grounded in the natural world, there's nothing more pleasing than spring after a brutal winter.  While I can't claim to have suffered through the snow and chill, I've kept up on the miseries, stress and hard work of our rancher neighbors, and I feel grateful for their endurance and spirit. Nothing makes me happier than to have to stop the car while a cowboy moves cattle to summer pasture. "These are my people;  this is my country." Corny, but true. Sometimes I even belt out the state song: "Montana, Montana, glory of the west.......        M-O-N-T-A-N-A, Montana I love you." YES, OF ALL  the states from coast to coast, it's easily the best. I love my part-time California life, world travels and regular visits to Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, Miami and Boston. But there's no place like home. The aging Yorkies love Montana, too. Nick and Nora romp and hike and get in shape, just as we do. Home on the range will always be dear to our hearts. Cookie and Keller, Nick and Nora hike the East Rosebud. Sioux Charley splendor We love our Montana based road trips to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, forays to Red Lodge, Livingston, Bozeman, Butte, Glacier Park is part of our summer itinerary, with an annual road trip. Missoula, Harlowton, to visit friends and catch up on theater and dining. I spent the first years of my life in Bozeman where my parents were university students, and it's been fun to watch the Gallatin Valley grow and change, still feeling like part of the real West. The little western towns in between are fun, too. Big Timber, Roundup, White Sulphur Springs, Harlowton, Lewistown, Cody, Wyo. ONE OF OUR  recent thrills is the opening of an internationally known art and music center just a few miles away.  Tippet Rise, built by the heirs to the Grey Goose vodka fortune, is a masterful creation presenting concerts by world-renowned classical musicians. The patron Halsteads commissioned stunning contemporary outdoor sculptures by famous artists to enhance the connection between land and art. More on Tippet Rise We've written about this grand accomplishment for national venues and are fortunate to score a few cherished tickets each season. Places to stay if you come visit? Mark di Suvero's "Beethoven's Quartet" is inspired by the string quartets of  the great composer. The fascinating piece is one of several world class sculptures at Tippet Rise Art Center.  Yes! Many gorgeous digs await visitors. Blue Ribbon Run Fishery, for instance, offers a tranquil, handsomely appointed vista on the Stillwater, fine fishing, abundant birds and wildlife (check it out at  airbnb.com ). Montana is a place where people still greet one another on the streets.  When we mow the front lawn, neighbors wave and honk. Our love of nature bonds us to Montana where we have cherished family and friends. "Summer people" arrive and that's fun, too -- from Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Washington, Florida, New York. And we catch up with the "locals," those tough people who stick out the winter there. DO I MISS  city life?  The ocean, plays, nightlife, tango shows, watching Gustavo Dudamel conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Greek food, sushi on demand, ocean hikes, Macy's and Nordstrom's within walking distance.  Yes, I suffer temporary withdrawal. But we have Shakespeare in the Parks, Tippet Rise Art Center, my pianos, guitars, saxophones and talented voices to sing show tunes.  Peace and joy, happiness in the mountains, reunions, contentment in the serenity,, plus the bonus of reading and reflection. Lucky are we. Swimming with the sting rays made for a memorable afternoon recently. UP NEXT:   Manta rays! Come with us to swim with the rays in Sting Ray City, Antigua. We booked a day with these fascinating and beautiful creatures, escorted by trained nature guides. What evolved was an exciting  encounter with some of the ocean's most graceful inhabitants. The carefully choreographed aquatic adventure made one of our most memorable days, happily spent with southern stingrays, as we snorkeled and even fed them. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday.

The Elvis Presley home in Palm Springs is a major attraction and a striking presence, with its unusual modern design.  DESERT RATS: TAKE THE STARS TOUR, SEE WHERE THEY LIVED AND PLAYED IN PALM SPRINGS   STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS Palm Springs and its star-studded list of  residents came  about because the studios wanted to keep stars close to L.A. PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE STARS  come out in Palm Springs. Or at least star-gazers do. Many of the greats who once luxuriated in the desert sun are gone to that big movie palace in the sky, but there are still some around this ever popular hide-away of the rich and famous. The stars settled here because studios insisted contracted personnel be within two hours from Hollywood -- not as far as "Sin City," Las Vegas.  Many of Palm Springs' current residents snd visitors were barely born when Frank Sinatra, known as "the Chairman of the Board," caroused with Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin.  John F. Kennedy visited Palm Springs to see Marilyn Monroe, who lived in a sweet little bungalow at 1326 Rose Avenue. Loretta Young entertained here.  Bob Hope golfed here. Find out which star owned this Palm Springs home when you take a lively tour with guide Jeffrey Swanson. "The King," Elvis Presley, leased and later purchased a striking contemporary home here, honeymooning with Priscilla in 1967 after a secret wedding in Las Vegas. After ups and downs with listings -- from $9.5 million in 2014 to $5.9, to less than $1 million, the home is currently valued at a surprising $750,000. Keep in mind that July in Palm Springs can be 110 degrees! It is not a year-round comfort zone, but gorgeous on our recent spring visit. Designed by prolific modern architect William Krisel, the Elvis house was built for Robert Alexander of Alexander Construction Company, which assembled thousands of Southern California homes in the 1950s and ’60s, defining the architectural style of Palm Springs. The Double Tree by Hilton Golf Resort Palm Springs is a luxurious base for touring this beautiful resort town. Fabulous landscaping, great food. THE ELVIS HOME  is a five-bedroom, 5,000-square feet spectacle, built in four intersecting pod-like wings. The unusual house where The King held court was named "House of Tomorrow" by Look Magazine in 1962. Pool and tennis court included, of course. We discovered Palm Springs on an entertaining near 3-hour tour with a brilliant guide, Jeffrey Swanson. He's lived in Palm Springs most of his life, and knows the stars' homes and the stories that bring them to life. He described "Hollywood's Playground" with anecdotes and lively history, including bits about Marilyn, Elvis, Nat King Cole, Liberace and the Rat Pack, Cary Grant, Jack Benny and more.  His user-friendly commentary offered insights into plants, climate, Jeffrey Swanson is a font of Palm Springs knowledge and lore, a terrific tour guide. architecture, eateries and the region's history, including its Native American heritage. We ended the engaging day with a date milkshake at Windmill Market. THE MOST famous contemporary star owning Palm Twin Palms, Frank Sinatra's Palm Springs home. Springs property today is Leonardo DiCaprio, who bought singer/actress Dinah Shore's former home at   432 Hermosa. It's an elegant but not over-the-top place designed by famed architect Donald Wexler with Shore's help in 1964. A gigantic statue of Marilyn Monroe, "Forever Marilyn,"  was in Palm Springs for many years and has toured Chicago and other U.S. cities.  For a thrilling bird's eye view, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 8,500 feet above the town.  Hike, shop, explore and dine in the Forest View Room. The Sinatra house, "Twin Palms,"   is a pretty mid-century modern house where "the Chairman" lived from 1947 to 1954. Liberace designed his two Palm Springs homes in musical motif. Swanson showed us both,  along with those owned by Alan Ladd, George Montgomery and the famous Gabor sisters, Eva and Zsa Zsa. You can find the homes yourself, but we recommend the delightful Viator tour for its ease and entertainment. Swanson's love of the place shines through. And don't forget the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, to give you a bird's eye view of the whole extravaganza.    Dean Martin's home is a laid-back ranch style place propped against the hillside with welcoming palm trees.      viator.com/tours/Palm-Springs/Palm-Springs-Celebrity-Grand-Tour pstramway.com/   PalmSpringsCelebrityTours.com Peny Ganner and her brother, James, swoon in childlike wonder during an afternoon of indulgence at the Museum of Ice Cream.  UP NEXT:   Ice cream, we all scream! Who doesn't like ice cream, so why not venture into the Sprinkles Pool with us at the San Francisco. We took our favorite photo subjects to The Museum of Ice Cream in San Francisco. The concept began in New York City as an interactive art exhibit with ice cream and candy themed exhibits, all brightly colored, in a maze of rooms containing a rock-candy cave, a unicorn, soda fountain and a swimming pool of rainbow sprinkles. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday.

AccuQuest hearing specialist Nathan Bruce-Black walks Bruce Keller through the steps in adjusting and monitoring his hearing aids. Keller loves the optional mobile app which he calls "exciting." It allows adjustment for all environments. THEATER LOVERS' LIVES ENHANCED WHEN PARTNER SEEKS HELP FOR HEARING PROBLEM STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Bruce Keller toasts his upgraded hearing aids -- barely visible -- on a trip to southern Europe. Here, he enjoys a biscotti and double espresso, and banter with the waiter, an impossibility before AccuQuest. MOST OF US take hearing for granted.  Bruce Keller never has, probably because he's been hard of hearing since childhood. Like many hard-of-hearing people, he made concessions and got by -- leading an active professional and family life, building a successful career, traveling the world. When we became a couple more than a dozen years ago, he began sitting through 110 plays and concerts a year with me. He decided his hearing needed improvement. After years of deep-sea diving, and  engineering and construction projects rife with clanging, drilling and other loud noises, his childhood hearing problems had worsened. Looking back with his state-of-the art hearing aids, Keller says he hadn't realized how it impacted everything -- a night out, shopping, TV, radio, movies, In Rome at an art gallery, Keller and Cookie listen happily to a soft-spoken anthropologist on a private tour.  travel, telephone calls, conversation. WE DECIDED  on AccuQuest after months of research -- reviewing websites, weighing pros and cons, checking with friends and relatives who had dealt with hearing issues. Just as we suspected, he has hearing loss in both ears.  The correction to his left ear was greater, who knows why. Each individual is different. The result: he is thrilled. "I remember having difficulty in grade-school," Keller told the AccuQuest specialist who ran him through the gauntlet of tests. Sierra, office manager at AccuQuest La Jolla is a helpful, congenial person, keeping with AccuQuest's reputation. His hearing problem could stem from childhood --  hard to tell. WE ARE  delighted with the improvement and offer unsolicited testimony because we're at the age where we notice our problems -- and those of others.  When it comes to hearing, Keller's problem is not unique. Several friends wear aids; others should. Says AccuQuest's Nathan Bruce-Black, "We work with all ages, including many who have lived with hearing loss for a long time. Having good hearing opens up a whole world, enhances understanding for patients from 18 to 90." During each year's trip to the Oregon  Shakespeare Festival, "Cookie and Keller"  see up to a dozen plays.  Our play-going and travel demand our senses be sharp. It's wonderful now to sit through a drama, knowing that Keller is getting the dialogue. With a concert or musical, he could ride on the songs' coattails. Not so with "Julius Caesar," "King Lear" or "Macbeth." Shakespearean tragedy and contemporary drama with quick dialogue demand concentration. Concentration relies on good hearing.  "It's wonderful to understand the words and not just hear noise," Keller says. When we're at the Ahmanson in Los Angeles, in row M orchestra center, he no longer needs to rent the audio booster. "My hearing has gone from a scratchy vinyl record to a smooth sounding CD," he says with delight. UNLIKE OTHER clinics, AccuQuest offers an impressive range of hearing devices from many manufacturers. The huge selection helps patients find the best fit for lifestyle, improved hearing and budget. We've never felt high pressure and we've dealt with a half-dozen employes, recently the amiable dispenser, Bruce-Black, at the La Jolla branch, and his able assistant, Sierra. Hearing aid technology even includes artificial intelligence which helps learn and clarify important familiar voices for patient and family. Keller is   on his third pair of hearing aids -- upgraded -- and this latest pair is state of the art.  Technology is constantly evolving and these classy new aids have a mobile app which he adjusts to more frequencies, diminishing background noise, allowing him to concentrate on conversation. He's one happy guy. The comical ear trumpet of old has paved the way for state-of-the art small hearing aids. BRUCE-BLACK is patient, knowledgeable and encouraging. We initially spent around $6,000 then another several thousand for upgrades. A generous warranty, free "tweaking," trial periods, consultations and cleaning are included. And because AccuQuest works with so many manufacturers, there's a price range for everyone in the growing company's 16 states. Our life is enhanced. Casual conversation is easier at dinner parties, on cruise ships, in small foreign restaurants with several languages around us. Cookie and Keller at their Montana place, with Nick and Nora, hearing birds and the sound of a nearby creek and able to enjoy casual conversation. Sailing, traveling, asking directions and hearing the answers, understanding announcements from the cockpit,  even hearing a waiter or flight attendant ask what he'd like for dinner, consulting with colleagues, understanding phone callers....  All  are improved. He hears the sound of a creek on a mountain hike and savors the singing of birds. And theater -- ah, the AccuQuest aids are a savior for Shakespeare. GOOD HELP  for the hard-of-hearing is recent.  The 17th Century introduced the ear trumpet, which "funneled" sound through a narrow tube into the ear. Today, Keller's hearing aids are barely visible. We're thankful to live in an age of technical wizardry and encourage readers to take the first step by booking a free hearing test with AccuQuest, then moving forward to correct a problem that won't fix itself. Our life is enriched!   www.AccuQuest.com San Diego's lovely skyline beckons travelers from all over the world to enjoy one of the country's most ideal mid-sized cities. Find out why. UP NEXT: It's an extraordinary time to welcome spring in San Diego.  Rain has brought green and purple hillsides and the cruise terminal is seeing ships off to Mexico, the Pacific and Panama Canal. What makes San Diego so special? (Perhaps the average temperature of 70.) Art, music, scenery and temperature provide a quality of life unequaled in most of the rest of the world. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekends for a fresh take on the arts, travel, nature and family.

Fort Lauderdale's beautifully renovated Hilton Double Tree Gallery One offers all-suite accommodations, gorgeous views of the city's famous waterways, a handsomely designed patio for relaxing and dining, fine contemporary artwork and easy access to the city's famed Water Taxi service which makes a regular stop here. Here's the view from our suite.  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER On a recent sunny day, Fort Lauderdale's popular Water Taxis were enjoyed by an international group of tourists happy for this leisurely way to get around. FORT LAUDERDALE  is a city of pleasant surprises.  It has invented itself through the years to become an internationally popular destination for relaxing and enjoying water life.  It has also developed into a world-class shopping paradise, with fine theater, galleries and museums. And just down the road, the Everglades beckon! We love the city's fun water taxi service, which gets one around to museums, parks, shopping and beach. Highly recommended. Variety is the spice of Fort Lauderdale's allure. We saw a "Hamilton" touring show one night, and listened to a country band the next. Cuban food for one tasty dinner and fine grilled fish at our hotel another evening. The water taxi is wonderful; we didn't have to rent a car. The Bonnet House is near Gallery One, a unique historic home named after a lily with a fascinating history and manatees.  It's fun to watch the bridges go up and down in Fort Lauderdale. Broward County boasts a series of unusual bridges.  THE HOTELS  and eateries are as unique and varied as are the millionaires' homes dotting the canals and waterways. We based at DoubleTree by Hilton's attractive  Gallery One hotel. The newly renovated property is beautifully designed with pretty public spaces and roomy suites.  It boasts attentive, cordial service from check-in to farewell, and its inviting digs include a cozy bar, top restaurant and happy hour specials.  An eye-popping collection of jazzy contemporary art hangs in both the suites and the public areas.  The welcoming Vue restaurant offers delicious seafood, excellent room service and a platform to showcase  regional artists.  (Bravo for this inventive idea, Gallery One. Let's hope it catches on worldwide.) No matter how often we fly in to Lauderdale to set sail, we sing the praises of this  exciting yet relaxing town. Where else can you gaze at the water from the 20th floor of a top hotel and in five minutes be on the very water taxi you admired from your balcony? FORT LAUDERDALE  is ever changing. We saw cranes and new construction all along the canals, except in the most exclusive areas where old money and strict zoning laws have kept things much as they were when the sleepy little town's population numbered around 25,000.  Now nearly Enjoy a leisurely ride on the water past homes where stars once lived. You might find your dream house.   200,000 people live here.  Named for a war fortification built in the 1880s, Fort Lauderdale is only a half-hour from bustling Miami, but we prefer a few calming days here in Fort Lauderdale, as we explore the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Central America. We feel "low key" here, yet with "big city" amenities. Light and water are two of the draws of Fort Lauderdale, where millions are spent on yachts and mansions yet the city remains pleasantly accessible. Because we spend a lot of time in our room -- taking photographs, reading, planning our day, writing on deadline -- we insist on a room with a view.  Gallery One delivered in spades.  Because of its unique structure, with many corners and angles facing the waterways, there are beautiful views from many vantage points. You can contemplate the city's history as you watch the water life below.  Many stars and sports figures keep yachts here.  Stephen Speilberg's was anchored near our hotel. If you're flush, you can rent it for $1 million a month.  But in ages past, the simple kayak was the mode of transportation. THREE THOUSAND  years ago, the Tequesta Indians fished the winding intracoastal waterways of Fort Lauderdale, enjoying the beauty of the waterlilies and living off the bounty of the agricultural land the waters nourished. They glided on kayaks past flamingos and peacocks, tangling with and harvesting the crocodile for their meals. New construction is everywhere in Fort Lauderdale, and you can take it all in from the Water Taxi. They likely enjoyed the friendly presence of the manatee, who still gives birth in the waters that are now part of Fort Lauderdale. We saw two in the waters at the historic Bonnet House. Famous people have come and gone from the city.  Dozens of movies and TV shows have been filmed here, including many of the episodes of "Miami Vice" and "The Golden Girls." Mayberry's Andy Griffith loved Fort Lauderdale and lived here many years.  Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had a home here and liked to take their small boat out on the canals, enjoying a cocktail or two at sunset. doubletree3.hilton.com watertaxi.com 954 467-6677; info@watertaxi.com An alligator takes a leisurely swim across the waters of the Everglades. Day tours are easy to arrange.  UP NEXT:  Look in front of the  greenery, a bit left of center. What do you see? Might it be an alligator? Yes, it is, so climb aboard a jet boat with us and venture into the heart of the "river of grass" for an exciting Everglades airboat ride. We'll depart from Fort Lauderdale to the famous  Everglades to show you some of Florida’s exotic wildlife with its miles of gorgeous wetlands. We'll get close up with an alligator while we learn about the beautiful habitat. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekends for a fresh look at travel, nature and the arts.

This store in Madrid was cranking up its displays for the holidays the day after Thanksgiving  (which is not celebrated in Europe, of course). Black Friday, however, is big, a definite tradition throughout Europe and in much of the larger world.   HOLIDAY CHEER BLANKETS THE MEDITERRANEAN FROM NOVEMBER UNTIL MID-JANUARY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER HAPPY HOLIDAYS, READERS! EAT, BE MERRY!  This week we share splashes of holiday color from our recent  southern European and Mediterranean foray. We've spent yule time in Hong Kong, on the Rhine, in Bora Bora (where Santa arrives on a kayak)  and in the Canary Islands, where the wise men sang beautiful carols to us. TO HONOR THIS WEEK  of family and friend time,  Glass in Murano is bright and beautiful for holiday gifts. Above left, a market in Barcelona offers  everything from  candles to cheeses. At left, Valetta in Malta lights its waterfront. we offer a photo essay which we hope expresses our delight both in travel -- and in the celebration of holidays. Combining the two makes each more special. From the lavish Christmas markets of Austria, Germany and England, to the pub crawls and food binges in Ireland, to the giant Christmas trees of Scandinavia, the holiday spirit has swept the globe.   We hadn't expected such fervor, particularly with the financial unrest in France and Belgium, and unemployment in parts of Greece, but people worldwide  seem to want to celebrate -- even when times are hard. Glassware in Murano flies off the shelves and food and craft markets are flourishing in Madrid, Rome, Naples, Barcelona, Florence and Venice. IN MANY  European cities, Christmas isn’t just a single day of festivities, but an entire month of celebrations. Bustling Christmas markets abound from Norway to Italy and most countries embark on the Christmas season with enthusiasm.  We came upon colorful festivals, religious ceremonies, crowded night markets, and lots of pub  revelry with food offered in traditional holiday colors of red and green. Europeans don't hurry to put Christmas to bed,  Some of the decorations will go down on Twelfth Night, though, that festival in some branches of Christianity marking the coming of the Epiphany, usually Jan. 5 or 6. Meanwhile, enjoy the season's color. Lively scarves in Montenegro salute the season. UP NEXT:  Where in the world will you find yourself in 2019? We offer tips on what's hot, and where you might find a bargain. Our  recent foray on the Mediterranean gleaned lots of tips and we share them with you so you can pick a few that might fit your particular slant on life. If you like quiet harbors and a quaint old town, you'll enjoy the villages of some of the lesser known Greek islands. If you like the sizzle of a busy city, you'll find Barcelona will make you happy. Restaurant fan? Ideas coming. Remember to explore, learn and live.   Left, a picturesque old boat is lovingly tended by his owner in a harbor near Chania, Greece, where nice hotels can be found for $125, with a beautiful harbor.

The magnificent Torrey Pine stands bent and endangered, but still glorious in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.   Torrey Pines Reserve is a much loved part of the state. The "Coaster" hugs the shore below one of the bluffs. Below, another option for sport above the Pacific.   CALIFORNIA RESERVE PROTECTS GLORIOUS BUT ENDANGERED TREE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE SPECTACULAR  trees called Torrey Pines are located in a wild stretch of land in southern California appropriately named Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Surfing is popular Torrey Pines where the waves can be perfect. Tourists and locals alike enjoy the sunsets at Torrey Pines. It's become one of my favorite haunts, and I make almost daily visits with Nick and Nora, my aging but still sprightly Yorkshire terriers. We spend an hour or so each morning after I dance at Jazzercise in a nearby venue in DelMar. Then we have a snack and walk on this beautiful reserve located within San Diego city limits, yet a vast, wild stretch of land. SETTLED centuries ago by the Kumeyaay people, this acreage achieved natural reserve status because of its importance in the plant and animal world.  It contains threatened plants, animals, habitats, and unique geological formations. Mostly, it is home to the rare and endangered Torrey Pine. So it is a protected area,  targeted for conservation. Because of the efforts and foresight of the people here, this beautiful 1,500 acres of land is maintained much as it was before San Diego was developed — including the maritime chaparral, the rare Torrey pine tree, miles of unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds. Cookie, Nick and Nora enjoy the coast line near home. The world's largest Torrey Pine was planted in 1888 and resides in Carpinteria, California. ONE CAN  imagine what California must have looked like to the early settlers, or to the Spanish explorers, or even to the first California. No pine trees then -- but native chaparral and brush.   All the trails here are all well maintained and I see hikers enjoying it daily.  A team of dedicated volunteers offers free guided tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The tour guides give a brief, interesting history of the area and toss in some geology and biology lessons. My native San Diegan partner loves the pines and has told me that they are unique to the area and not found anywhere else in the world. It’s also rumored that Dr Seuss (Theodore Geisel, San Diego resident for many years) frequented the area and found it an inspiration for the drawings in his books. After a day at the beach, these two enjoy the sunset. THE TORREY Pine exists in another place in the state: Carpinteria.  The largest one in the world was brought from Santa Rosa Island in 1888.  Landowner Judge Thomas Ward planted it on his lawn, and when he passed, his widow, Florence, took meticulous care of it, watering and maintaining it every day. Once she realized how much bigger it was getting than the others in the area, she proposed making it an official landmark and eventually the tree received state protection. In 1968 the tree became Carpinteria's first official landmark and celebrated its centennial in 1988. UP NEXT : The internationally known Oregon Shakespeare Festival recently ended an ambitious, near sell-out 2018  season and plans are drawn for the spectacular  2019 season. It's been chosen and it is world class, following the tradition established by OSF's enterprising and determined  founder Angus Bowmer in 1935.  What makes Ashland, Oregon, so special? Take a look at the town with us, and plan your 2019 visit.  The next season opens in March and extends through late October. (photo at right, Cookie and Keller outside the Allen Elizabethan Theatre, Ashland, Oregon.)

Ready for Legoland: springing into fun are Penelope Margaret and James Brian Ganner, Cookie's great-niece and nephew. Amarylla Ganner, left, with Cookie and Amarylla's children Peny and James. IMPROVE YOUR MIND, ADD FUN, WIDEN YOUR HORIZONS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE ROAD STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHENEVER WE have a chance to spend a couple days with select, smart little people, we're never sorry. At left, Bruce Keller, Rick Cosgriffe, Cookie and Elliana Broscious take in the geysers in Yellowstone Park. Traveling with a bright child enhances your world, opens new doors, gives balance and perspective. Our mother took us out of school for concerts, plays and trips, so I'm carrying on that tradition with my family -- my siblings and their children.  Now their kids -- the next tier -- are part of the fun -- my great nieces and nephews. So here are a few tips to encourage you to take a kid along.  I recommend it -- so if you don't have one, borrow one.  When traveling with kids, get an early start. If you're flying, book tickets for as early in the day as possible. It's your best chance to avoid delays at takeoff and landing. If you're driving, get out on the road early, too. Thumbs up for chocolate chip pancakes before Legoland. When dressing little people for the road -- plane, train or car -- do layers and skip laces. Avoid buttons and use pull-ups for the littles.    * Minimize baggage and equipment. If your little people are still in the stroller or car-seat stage, consider renting or borrowing as light as possible. My San Francisco niece and I confer before they fly and I borrow car seats. Saves her lugging bulky stuff on the plane.  At Tippet Rise near Fishtail, Montana, world-class musicians teach youngsters instrument basics, here the cello. * On a plane, make sure kids are seated on the windows, not the aisles. They love to look out the window and have fewer distractions. * Beware of germs. I use disinfectant wipes and teach the kids, too. Bring surprises. Healthy treats are fun. Puzzles and a colorful book. * Keep your composure. It's your best chance to avoid delays whether driving or flying. Young attention spans are best served by being airborne or on the road early in the day. In cars, sing songs.  Cookie and grandson Rowan Jones at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona a few years ago.  Rowan became an accomplished drummer.    *  We took my niece and her husband and their three kids to a snow lodge last winter near Truckee, Calif. It was so much fun.   * Multi-generation travel can advance brain development in children while stimulating adults. It's true. We had three generations on this family holiday and it was delightful -- fixing meals together, making snow angels, playing chess, building fires, taking in a historic home decorated for the holidays. Did you know that on a family holiday you are exercising two genetically ingrained systems deep in the brain’s limbic area, which can all too easily be “unexercised” in the home. Since my parents believed in education outside the traditional classroom,  I've seen my own brain and my siblings' exercised by concerts and plays in New York City, trips to the ocean in Massachusetts and California, even lounging and reading poolside. Elliana zeroes in on scenery in Yellowstone Park.   The brain's "play" system is exercised every time you bury a child’s feet in the sand, tickle him on the pool lounger, or take them for a ride on your back, as my brother Rick has long done with his kids and now grandkids. Involve a child in your day-to-day activity on the road.  Here, Peny helps Keller with his meds. The brain’s "seeking" system is exercised each time you go exploring together: the forest, the beach, a hidden gem of a village, a new park or museum.  *  Involve kids in your life -- let them help you choose a concert,  play, hotel, park, zoo, outing or camping spot.  The Star of India will again be in full sail Nov. 16 and 17.  UP NEXT : The world's oldest active sailing ship, The Star Of India, has sailed the world and had many roles before her retirement as the star of San Diego's Maritime Museum, where you'll also see a Russian submarine and many other vessels that make this southern California port city such a welcoming place for sailors and sailing.  The 1863 vessel will be sailing for two fund-raising days later this month, and you can book passage.  Meanwhile, remember to enjoy, learn and live.

Autumn in the Beartooth Mountains in Montana's Northern Rockies, with splendid color and snow already down. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Leaves are beginning to turn as autumn blossoms enjoy the Oregon sun.  PHOTOS, QUOTES LEAD THE WAY TO AUTUMN MEMORIES "Autumn:  the year's last, loveliest smile....." --William Cullen Bryant FALL LENDS  itself to a photo essay, so this one will feature some of our favorite autumn shots from our global wanderings. The Whitehorse Pass Railway journey out of Skagway offers splendid color. Keller and Cookie enjoy autumn in Tarragona, near Barcelona.   My  Irish grandmother Olive always announced the arrival of fall. "It's feeling very autumnal to me," she'd say as that first chill crept in, forecasting a long Montana winter.  But she loved the smell of leaves burning in the alley, the aroma of chokecherry and plum jam simmering, windfalls from our pear tree and  autumn leave bouquets we kids fashioned.  She also played a wistful piano medley of fall songs.  Her favorites were Lotte Lenya's "September Song" and Mel Torme's "Autumn in New York." Autumn comes to the northeast coast of Italy in the province of La Spezia. So let these photos and fall quotes evoke your own particular autumn memories...... enjoy.... "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is awakened." --Albert Camus "Autumn killed the summer with the softest kiss." --Anonymous A bighorn sheep looks over the ledge at twilight northwest of Nye, Montana.  "Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the Earth seeking the successive autumns.” --George Eliot A male finch boasts the colors of autumn. "Autumn is more the season of the  soul than of nature." -- Friedrich Nietzsch   "Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all."   --Stanley Horowitz "If a year was tucked inside a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour."        -- Victoria Erickson UP NEXT: Perfect to usher in the autumn is an evening of brilliantly played classical guitar music.  A gifted interpreter of the instrument lives in Julian and drives his motorcycle twice a week to play in San Diego. Jesus Soriano, performs Tuesdays and Thursday evenings each week at Costa Brava restaurant in Pacific Beach.  You'll be transported via his dazzling artistry to the streets of Seville, Barcelona or Madrid, where the musician was born. Meanwhile, do remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us each Friday for a fresh look at art, music, nature, travel, family and more.

There are two family-run Handlery Hotels in California.  This one, in sunny San Diego, and one on Union Square in San Francisco.  The southern California property is famous for its spectacular Friday night jazz shows. SAN DIEGO HOTEL OFFERS FINE VENUE FOR JAZZ ENJOYMENT, GREAT LOCATION FOR SIGHT-SEEING The Handlery Hotel in San Diego features a no-cover-charge Friday jazz happy hour.  The house is also packed and the music is tops. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER EACH FRIDAY  afternoon in San Diego, just off Interstate 8, a line begins for happy hour begins forming outside the  Handlery Hotel. It's an hour or more before the 5:30 curtain but inside the Mission Valley property, musicians are tuning up, rehearsing for a full house which will soon crowd in to secure seats for the traditional free Friday night jazz concerts. The Handlery Hotel in San Diego offers R&R, Friday jazz, location and a pretty wedding venue.  San Diego's Handlery Hotel is one of two handsome California Handlery properties.  The family-owned pair of friendly, personalized-service hotels also includes an attractive San Francisco property on Union Square. San Francisco's Handlery Hotel on Geary Street is ideally located for a work or play get-away. The property is family run, one of two in California. BESIDES ITS  famous two-hour Friday jazz concerts, the San Diego Handlery property is  known for its lovely weddings. Stand-up bass players -- the best in southern California -- are a treat to hear, often in jazz trios at the Friday concerts. The always temperate weather gives San Diegans a leg up for wedding plans and the hotel is justifiably proud of its outdoor garden ceremony settings, with pretty ballrooms, al fresco patios, and highly rated cuisine. Our experience at the Handlery is that the staff is gracious, accommodating and goes out of its way to make a visit pleasant. Our favorite waiter and drink server, Lupe, has been with the property for years. He has our beverages waiting when he sees us enter. This kind of welcome is vanishing in our high-tech, less-talk world, so we look forward to  the weekly greeting and Lupe's cordial welcome. The no-cover-charge feature is rare, too. Jazz flutist Holly Hofmann schedules southern California's top jazz performers each Friday night at the Handlery. IN SAN FRANCISCO,  the Handlery is known for its lovely conference facilities and its inviting "drop off the grid" weekend specials. The property is beautifully situated in the heart of one of America's most beloved cities. Bed and breakfast specials look enticing and the property is dog-friendly -- good news for us Yorkie lovers. The San Francisco location, 351 Geary, can't be beat, either. Fabulous dining awaits in any direction, with top theater and shopping, cable car service and other public transportation all within quick walking distance. The musicians are always top-drawer at the free Friday jazz concerts at the San Diego Handlery Hotel's popular 950 Lounge. IN SAN DIEGO,  thank the collaboration between public radio Jazz 88.3 and the hotel.   Jazz flutist Holly Hofman schedules world class musicians every Friday from 5:30-7:30PM.  We enjoy the sample platter with a tasty mix of shrimp, quesadillas and chicken, and the hamburger is one of the best around. Recent headliners included Vocalist Sacha Boutros Trio with Mikan Zlatkovich and Evona Wascinski and pianist Richard Thompson with Mackenzie Leighton and Charles Weller. Vocalist Allison Adams Tucker is up this Friday, July 27, headlining with her trio including Peter Sprague and Rob Thorsen. "California's finest" is how Holly Hofmann bills her guest jazz players. On Aug. 3, enjoy pianist Chase Morrin Trio with Max Kraus and Fernando Gomez; Aug. 10, guitarist Frank Potenza with Rob Thorsen and Jim Plank, Aug. 17,  the Echos Quartet with Matt DiBiase, Max Bessesen, Evan Levine and Chase Kuesel; Aug. 24, bassist Rob Thorsen with Hugo Suarez and Richard Sellers; Aug. 31, alto saxophonist Paul Combs Trio. San Diego's public radio jazz program, Jazz 88.3, sponsors the 5:30-7:30 p.m. jazz happy hours. The hotel also offers reasonable rates, a fun, full menu in the restaurant and the unusual perk of complimentary shuttle service to the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, SeaWorld, Fashion Valley Mall and Old Town. For more: handlerysd@handlery.com ; sfhandlery.com ; jazz88.org for more on either hotel and the Friday jazz treats. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers on a recent tour of Vietnam. Next week's column gives pointers on making the most of any vacation.    UP NEXT: A few tips in planning your summer vacation will make the journey run smoothly and give you the most bang for your buck.  Whether you're planning three weeks in Europe or Southeast Asia, or a long weekend of camping near home, it's important to have your ducks in a row before you leave home. Book tours, hotels and even some meals before and get all your paperwork in order and you'll come out on top. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays when we post each week, a fresh twist on the arts, travel, nature, family and more.

The ladies take revenge on their fickle paramours as the action heats up in "Love's Labour's Lost," playing in repertory with "Othello," as Shakespeare in the Parks continues its 61 stops in a multi-state region. shakespeareinthepark.org   NEARING THE HALF-CENTURY MARK, TOURING SHAKESPEARE COMPANY DELIGHTS WITH REMARKABLE PORTABLE THEATER Back stage, on the lawn of Fishtail Family Park,  actors make quick changes behind the scenes. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER FOR NEARLY  a half century of summers, Montana's Shakespeare in the Parks has been bringing quality professional theater to thousands of people in rural areas of the Rocky Mountains. In city parks, on football fields, pastures and school yards, the beloved troupe presents a remarkable six dozen shows during its summer season.  Jordan Pettis plays Don Adriano de Armado, a fantastical Spaniard. The actor's character keeps the action exciting and audience delighted.  What makes the undertaking noteworthy is that in a single day, the company transforms an empty space into a believable theatrical stage -- complete with balcony, set and costumes. The feat is remarkable when one considers it is done day after day with little time off. On their way to "maturity," the high-stepping quartet  of young men cavort. Costumes are kept clean and pressed, despite an arduous schedule of transportation.   WHEN I FIRST INTERVIEWED  the founder of Montana's Shakespeare in the Parks, Joel Jahnke said the touring troupe's mission was to serve rural areas and people who might not normally be able to afford or have access to quality theater. My first of many interviews with Jahnke was in 1976, a few  years after the company's 1973 beginning on a bare bones budget. The energetic longtime faculty member at Montana State University retired a few  years ago, but his influence and goals are still felt and perpetuated in the company's 46th season., organized by executive director Kevin Asselin. This year, the ensemble is producing 76 performances in 61 communities across Montana, northern Wyoming, eastern Idaho, western North Dakota and eastern Washington. Theater lovers of all ages in five states enjoy polished productions of "Othello" and "Love's Labour's Lost" in a variety of venues ranging from fairgounds and parking lots to memorial pavilions, barns, amphitheaters and the occasional nursing home. THE COMPANY features Before the Fishtail show this week, workers began assembling the stage in mid-morning. By mid- afternoon, townsfolk began arriving to set up their chairs. ten professional actors, selected by national auditions, and 25 more talents in the production company -- sound and lighting designers, carpenters, costumers, prop master, set designer, directors, choreographer and more. The range of towns is primarily rural, but includes the troupe's hometown, Bozeman, and Billings, another college town.  The company hails from a range of U.S. states -- Kentucky, New York, Michigan,California, Tennessee, Texas and beyond. They gather at MSU and the season kicks off in mid-June in the MSU Grove, then tours through Labor Day. The run ends on home turf: Livingston, Bozeman, Belgrade and Manhattan. Christene "Cookie" Meyers, who has written about Shakespeare in the Parks for decades, tips a pre-show glass. WE TOOK IN a delightful "Love's Labour's Lost" this week at Fishtail Family Park, where several hundred people enjoyed the spirited story of  a quartet of gentlemen who try in vain to swear off the favors of the fair sex.  The men evolve as they struggle to reach maturity -- delighting the crowd with the Bard's oft-used themes of mistaken identity, disguises, and "good for the goose, good for the gander" theatrics. Modern music enhances. By the tour's end, more than 35,000 people will have been treated to the pair of plays. By tradition, the company chooses two works each season to illustrate the broad range of the playwright's genius. Standing ovation this week in Fishtail, for a bravura performance. Backers and donors keep the performances free, another unusual feature. Civic groups and arts organizations sponsor -- our Fishtail show was presented by Absaroka Fine Arts. DONATIONS  are welcome and the website shows you where to catch the next show. The company's outreach extends beyond Shakespeare in the Parks to a school program and other fund-raisers and presentations. The troupe is in Silvergate, Big Timber, Powell, Cody and Worland Wyoming, Roundup and Townsend this week.     shakespeareinthepark.org Hands on coaching comes to aspiring cellist Elliana Broscious, from New York based cellist Myron Lutzke at Tippet Rise Art Center. UP NEXT:    Tippet Rise Art Center near Fishtail, Montana, imports world class musicians to entertain in a summer concert season.  The creative enterprise also introduces youngsters to the music with a novel "Instrument Petting Zoo."  We take you there, with our great niece, Elliana, who had her first cello lesson from a noted New York cellist. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays when we post for each weekend, a novel look at travel, art, adventure, nature and family.

The treasures of Tutankhamen's Tomb include the gold inner mummy case, on loan from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Trumpets of gold would have announced Tut's arrival to state events. TREASURES OF CHILD KING'S TOMB ON DISPLAY IN GLITTERING U.S. SHOW WITH MANY ARTICLES ON THEIR FIRST TRIP OUTSIDE EGYPT's CAIRO MUSEUM Bruce Keller at California Science Center in Los Angeles which hosts the extensive King Tut treasures tour. Ten cities will enjoy the stunning exhibit leading up to the  100-year anniversary in 2022 of the tomb's discovery.  Beautiful lighting and high-tech enhancements bring to life the world of a wealthy civilization of 3,000 years ago.  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and CM KING TUT  is surely the world's most celebrated young ruler. He was unremarkable in life, and died young -- probably clubbed in the head by a jealous member of the court. In death, the ill-fated pharaoh has become world famous. Why?  Because the contents of Tut's exquisite tomb include a staggering array of jewelry, furniture, his elaborately cloaked mummy, gorgeous stone sarcophagus and other magnificent antiques of incalculable value. Cookie and Keller at the Pyramids of Giza. Scarcely a single pyramid escaped plunder but several lucky elements kept Tut's tomb intact. TO CELEBRATE  the upcoming 100-year anniversary of the 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, the California Science Center presents the world premiere of "KingTut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh." We spent a fascinating afternoon, admiring with thousands of other Egypt history lovers 150 authentic artifacts from King Tut’s astonishing tomb. We'd seen some of the treasures in Seattle in 1977, when Steve Martin's "Saturday Night Live" Tut sketch was a hit. Later, we saw others of the artifacts at Cairo's Egyptian Museum. Now, it is thrilling to view the show here --  with 60 items on their first journey outside of Egypt. THE DRAM A of the discovery by Lord Carnavon and Howard Carter is enhanced After the exhibition: a happy Cookie reflects at dinner. One of King Tut's chairs was among treasures in his tomb, perhaps to offer him a comfortable place to sit in the afterlife. The show explains how each item assisted the king in death. by a dazzling, high-tech multimedia show taking us on an immersive journey of the culture's quest for immortality. We were up close with exquisite rings found on the pharaoh's fingers, opulent jewelry adorning his slender body, and gold sandals placed on his small feet when he was finally buried, nine months after his death. It took that long to prepare the body of the now 3,300-year-old ruler for his immortal journey. Besides offering insights into what was likely the wealthiest society on Earth, the fascinating show explains how Tut's mummy has revealed data about his health and lineage. Cutting-edge technology has even discovered new tombs. WHAT INTRIGUES  most is that in a day of rampant grave-robbing, Tut's tomb was undisturbed. Again, why? How did it escape the cemetery ghouls who made their living climbing the pyramids and Nile cliffs to plunder. "KV62" is the standard Egyptological designation for the tomb of the young pharaoh in the Valley of the Kings.  Remarkably, architects of Ramses VI's tomb ordered workmen to throw their waste limestone chips down the slope where the earlier Tut was buried.  That, and Tut's small place in Egyptian history, kept the tomb covered for 3,000 years. THE SHOW  debuted in L.A. in March and spends 10 months in the U.S. before moving on to Europe and nine more cities, culminating in the centenary year of discovery, 2022. The blockbuster tour ends at its new home, the Grand Egyptian Museum, now under construction near the Pyramids of Giza. Get tour tickets and parking on line:   californiasciencecenter.org UP NEXT : Among San Diego's vast array of wonders is the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus. San Diego's Gay Men's Chorus celebrates 33 seasons with a salute to the songs of ABBA coming soon. It is one of the country's oldest and most successful gay choruses, founded in the days of the AIDS crisis as a place to offer solace, fun and a safe haven from the disease and the stigma. The lively and welcoming group presents three shows a year, always sell-outs. We two fans preview the upcoming salute to the songs of ABBA and the group's proud heritage. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday for travel, art, nature and more.