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Chihuly's "Glasshouse" is a 40-foot tall glass and steel structure holding the exhibit, which includes this homage to sea life -- complete with coral, ferns and the underwater life one might see on a scuba dive or snorkel adventure. FAMED GLASS ARTIST'S SHOW ENCHANTS, ENGAGES, ENTERTAINS GLOBAL ADMIRERS Chihuly's glasswork is both inside and out in Seattle; here flamingo-like shapes seem to preen and sunbathe amongst well-coordinated flowers. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I FIRST DISCOVERED  the magic of Dale Chihuly's glass creations at the Desert Botanial Garden during my Phoenix, Arizona, years. His freeblown and functional glass work delights and intrigues, celebrating color, honoring life. Some of his lush shapes seem to spill out, encouraging touch. (It is not allowed, understandably, to do so.) So we couldn't spend nearly a week in Seattle without visiting this Tacoma hometown boy's "Chihuly Garden and Glass." WE HAD  our favorite CityPASS coupons, a great way to see a great city, and were delighted to move quickly into the gallery. Cookie takes in Chihuly's magic. Dale Chihuly's "Glasshouse" presents his magnificent artwork in Seattle Center. The exciting exhibition, in the shadow of Seattle's iconic Space Needle, is a wondrous collection of a few of his finest indoor and outdoor works.  Staged in the booming Seattle Center, inside and surrounding a towering glass and steel building, Chihuly's show enchants with its lovely play of light and color, his sense of whimsy and the voluptuous nature of his compositions. Keller photographs this glass "flower." HIS ELABORATE  installations seem to be alive.  They climb up walls, float from the ceiling, flow onto the floors and surround the viewer with the artist's sense of wonder and gratitude. It's obvious that Chihuly enjoys his life, appreciates the wonders of nature and celebrates his presence on the planet with every piece he creates. His installations are a marvel to behold. Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Chihuly studied in Wisconsin and received an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. He lived on a kibbutz in Israel for a time and nurtured a fondness for Italy -- known for its magnificent glass creations. His work is influenced by his time there, studying renowned glassblowers, taking workshops.  Back in the U.S. in 1971, he founded the famed Pilchuck Glass School. Living in primitive conditions, with two other teachers and 16 students, the artful commune built glass furnaces and began blowing glass. THE BEAUTY  and grace of Chihuly's work is influenced by his time in Florence and Venice, where he studied with the masters of the famed Burano glass. No, this is NOT a Chihuly piece. We included it because this creation is in Burano, Italy, where he studied. Artist Dale Chihuly is known for his graceful glass sculpture . Here, he inspects his own showing in Seattle In 1976, while visiting England, Chihuly was involved in a head-on car accident and flew through the windshield. His was blinded in his left eye but, after recovering, continued to blow glass until he dislocated his right shoulder in a 1979 bodysurfing accident. He is still at the center of the action, with a studio on the water in Seattle, and his work displayed from the British Isles to South America and Australia.  Most major U.S. cities have hosted a Chihuly exhibit -- usually in a botanical garden.  I've seen his work in Toronto and Oklahoma City, and in my home of Scottsdale, Ariz., where -- as in Seattle -- we heard kudos for the master in multiple languages. Boston, Atlanta and many other cities around the globe have borrowed his masterworks to entertain audiences, sharing Chihuly's daring and invention worldwide. His fondness for the desert has brought him and his work back to Phoenix several times. His chandeliers often sell for six figures, and he is valued now at about $10 million -- not bad for spending nearly a half-century doing something he clearly loves.  If you're in Seattle, don't miss it.  https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/about/exhibition At night, the place lights up for an extra dimension of wonderment. And consider CityPass, which will get you into many other venues, and on the water, at bargain prices:  http://www.citypass.com/ The beloved Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., welcome then enchant visitors from all over the world.  Here, a zennia and dahlia garden delights. NEXT UP:   Another garden, this one in Victoria, B.C., awaits.  This time, the flowers are real, though. Butchart Gardens welcomes us -- and you -- with 50 acres of floral finery and spectacularly kept displays.  Japanese, Italian and English gardens are all beautifully maintained by a staff of 50 greenhouse and grounds workers, and a full-time administrative staff. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each weekend, when we move around the globe in search of nature-and-arts driven travel.

Old Piney Dell grew from a mountain cabin to a world class restaurant with old world European service and offerings. WOULD RESTAURANT HOLD UP TO MEMORIES OF YORE? YES, RECENT TASTY TRIP PROVED Rock Creek Resort grew up around  Old Piney Dell restaurant.  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The rustic charm of Old Piney Dell remains through the decades. WHEN OLD PINEY DELL  was becoming the legendary Carbon County eatery it is today, I was a youngster growing up in nearby Stillwater County -- just a pleasant drive through the hills, farmland and aspen groves to this rustic Red Lodge, Montana, area restaurant. My family enjoyed the company of Piney Dell owner and Rock Creek Resort founder Pepi Gramshammer, who recently turned 84. They loved hearing him describe how the Beartooth Mountains recalled the mountain scenery of his childhood and how he designed the menu to feature satisfying fare of his native Austria. Pepi and my Norwegian grandfather Gustav swapped tales of Alpine woods, fondue dinners and mountain hikes. Pepi was an internationally known athlete -- and my dad and brothers were athletic, so daddy loved coming to the rustic restaurant to enjoy the bounty of the Alpine-style menu offerings and to chat with Pepi about their mutual love of nature, travel and sports. Pepi Gramshammer drew from his European roots and memories at Rock Creek Resort. DECADES LATER , I wondered if Old Piney Dell could live up to my glorious childhood memories.    We'd stayed several times through the years at Rock Creek Resort, but always on a Sunday or Monday, the two "dark" days when the restaurant is closed. The resort still has allure, even if you can't make a dinner at Old Piney Dell.  Our favorite rooms on the creek are restful and nicely appointed, there are lovely grounds to stroll and a bounty of flowers to photograph. And there are many restaurants in nearby Red Lodge. Recently, though, we timed our visit on Saturday, so we could dine at Old Piney Dell.  It was a trip down proverbial memory lane, with a delicious meal -- beautifully cooked and presented with the friendly flair I remembered. An abundance of flowers awaits the photographer; bees and birds abound. THE RESORT  grew up around the restaurant after Pepi purchased the property in the 1960s, the time my memories of the place begin. Cookie and Keller pay a visit to Piney Dell. The small, welcoming restaurant evolved from a homesteader’s cabin built in the 1920s. Pepi put his touch on that as he was beginning development of the resort. He built the Grizzly Condos first, to house fellow ski racers. The resort grew, with Rock Creek Town Homes, Stoney Cabin, the Beartooth Lodge and the handsome log building Twin Elk. Pepi added a fishing pond, soccer field, playground, volleyball court, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and gym. The night we were there, a wedding party was whooping it up. It's a popular place for private fetes. The place had a magical feeling to me as a child.  I remembered a woodsy setting, Rock Creek running by the window, mature trees, delicious aromas, pleasant conversation and a small, intimate restaurant which drew me in like the lure of a sorcerer. THE MENU  includes standards popular through a half-century. There's still an old-world sense of charm to the place, and our meal was leisurely and well served. We were happy with pretty salads and perfectly cooked steak, while Pepi's signature weiner schnitzel was enjoyed at the next table. A lovely smoked trout appetizer is our recommendation, and the fondue is popular especially in winter. The menu also features shrimp, ribs, scampi, crab, bratwurst with spaetzle (those delectable German dumplings), homemade soups and desserts and a nice children's menu. Old Piney Dell recommends reservations, at 406 446-1196, open Tuesday through Saturdays, 5-9 p.m. Call 1 800 667-1119 or go to www.rockcreekresort.com   A wonderful exhibition on the whale at San Diego's Natural History Museum was the beginning of our two-week whale odyssey. UP NEXT: What is it about whales that sweeps us off our feet?  We just saw a magnificent exhibition on the whale in San Diego at the Natural History Museum. That was our preview for a two-week whale-watching odyssey we'll share in the next month.  There is something magical and inspiring about seeing a humpback frolick in his natural environment, watching an Orca breach, or a minke play. We're on the whale trail and will be out of range for a few days, but we hope by this time next week to have wondrous photos to share, from Edmonds, Washington, and Puget Sound on up to Juneau, Alaska. So stay tuned, and  catch us on weekends -- as we all explore, learn and live.

End of summer blue -- not blues -- as we embrace the autumn, and cherished friends and family around the globe.  Fishing time was minimal this year on the West Fork, but catch-and-release was popular with our friends who came from several states to enjoy. BIRDS, BIRTHDAY, BARBECUE AND A CHANCE TO RECHARGE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER AS AUGUST runs its sunny course, with Labor Day around the corner, we say au revoir to one venue, and bonjour to another. Cookie is in her element -- saying so long to the Stillwater and hello  to southern California, with beauty in both venues. Whether we are relishing bird life and flowers along our favorite Stillwater River in Montana, or savoring the salty sea vapors at our southern California digs, we appreciate nature's gifts and our ability to enjoy them. Our hearts are always heavy to leave one venue -- we cherish both our little corners of paradise, embracing the future with eagerness and energy. Sculptures -- some musically inspired -- are by world class artists.  Tippet Rise brought international performers and audience to the  unique art center near Fishtail, Montana. NONE OF US  knows what's around the corner -- or how long we have on this treasured Earth.  Thus we must continue to try, if we have any sense at all, to roll with the punches, be thankful, relish each day. We're thankful to be surrounded by the wit, wisdom, music, good wishes.  We've had a wonderful summer -- albeit brief. The opening of Tippet Rise Art Center near us brought national attention to our little corner of Stillwater County, and provided great material for magazine features. Keller had engaging work, using his architectural, engineering and construction skills to help friends and Cookie's "60-something" is her new 50. Here's Keller's lemon birthday pie. neighbors with projects in the valley.  Cookie gave five more readings on "Lilian's Last Dance," and we are plugging ahead on the musical.   'Lilian's Last Dance' readings continue We had wonderful gatherings and dinners with friends and family.  We read, walked, rode our bikes, harvested our first apples on the Honeycrisp and Harelson apple trees. We hosted raccoons, squirrels, bears, deer and even an elk in the yard. And a record number of birds of many colors. A beautiful fox gave birth near the artesian well, and raised her kits on the property. Such a gift. High Chaparral is a beloved family gathering spot, with  a wealth of bird life, dozens of mature trees,  hiking trails and a chance to recharge in nature. WITH LABOR  Day just days away, the nights are getting shorter, temperatures dropping, and hummingbirds heading south. We recall this wise quote from Dr. Seuss (who lived not far from our winter digs, in La Jolla, Calif.) Theodor Seuss Geisel honored summer's end with this thought: Keller and Cookie:  the adventure continues.  'DON'T CRY  because it's over, smile because it happened." And when you make your next birthday cake, or pie, don't worry about the number of candles. Just open the candle drawer, put a couple on, call it a day and blow! UP NEXT: In the shadow of Montana's Beartooth Mountains in the Northern Rockies, a small, inviting restaurant beckons. Piney Dell holds dear childhood memories for Cookie, and she and Keller visit Red Lodge  to see if its wonders have been sustained. They sample the fare, tour the grounds of Rock Creek Resort and wonders and determine that Old Piney Dell still holds up! Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us with a new post each weekend .

A large statue of Christ is an internationally known landmark of Rio, with Sugar Loaf Mountain opposite it. From Sugar Loaf to Ipanema,Latin city serves up samba,sports, scenery, scanty clothes With Sugar Loaf in the background, and Guanabara Bay in front, Rio offers mountains, water, beaches and splendid weather. On Ipanema Beach, a pair of sunbathers stop for a cold drink, eyed from above. The beaches of Rio are always crowded but, for the most part, peaceful. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHILE ALL EYES  are on Rio, Brazil and the Olympics, we're weighing in with our most recent trip to this teeming, colorful city. Rio de Janeiro is a city of contrasts and diversity. Nuns and the nearly naked stroll side by side on the beaches, oblivious to one another's excesses or modesties. Extraordinary opulence and poverty co-exist in many parts of town. We last approached this huge seaside city from the ocean, having transited the Atlantic from Lisbon, Portugal. Lisboa, as it is known in the Portuguese, has long and deep ties to Brazil, where the same language is spoken. OUR FRIENDS  in Lisbon had just returned from Rio's famed "Carnival," the world's largest.  The festival -- held before Lent every year -- attracts two million people per day to the streets, where dancing, singing and parading attract both the sacred and the profane. Copacabana is considered less touristy. The first carnival festival in Rio dates back to 1723. The raucous Carnival festival captures world wide attention with its flamboyant costumes and dancing. The Sugar Loaf cable car gives a splendid view of the city and bay below . WHERE THERE'S  water, there are water sports and people watchers.  The Olympians of this year's competition participated in events on both of Rio's famed beaches.   Copacabana and Ipanema are the two best known -- both have songs written about them -- and tourists and locals love them. We saw scantily clad sun worshippers, families on segways,  volleyball players and plenty of gawkers -- which we were. Drinks were not cheap -- $12 for a local beer -- but many people brought coolers and made their own cocktails. Samba is an art form in Rio; the dancers are elaborately clad. TOWERING  about the city are two  stunning landmarks -- one man made and one crafted by nature. Many memorable Olympics shots featured the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mt. Corcovado. The famed Art Deco statue of Jesus was created by Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by a collaborative effort between two lauded engineers -- Brazilian Heitor da Silva Costa, and Frenchman Albert Caquot. SUGARLOAF  Mountain is the other noteable"must see", a granite monolith with cable cars to its summit. I conquered my vertigo and climbed aboard one of the 65-person cars, happy to be a recovering sissy as we zipped over the   mouth of Guanabara Bay with a terrific view of the peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic. Favellas are a colorful part of the landscape of Rio. Again, in the spirit of contrast, Rio is known for its sprawling favelas.  These shanty town shacks stretch up into the mountains, while at the top of the hills are mansions.  Rio is also home to more than two dozen five-star hotels, among the world's most opulent. The Fasano is famous. Ditto the Miramar Hotel by Windsor., and Belmond Copacabana Palace. The Grand Hyatt is also a places to see and be seen -- or samba to the band.- THE NATIONAL  dance, samba, must be tried, and we did.  The Brazilian dance of African origin has a basic pattern of step-close-step-close and is characterized by a dip and spring upward at each beat of the music. One gets into the rhythm after a few tries and the locals love to help with the steps and jumps. Explorers called the now Acari river "Janeiro" or January, thus the name. It was at a gas station near a club on the river that swimmer Ryan Lochte, drunk with his pals,  disgraced the spirit of the Olympics and embarrassed the United States with hooligan acts. UP NEXT: As we say so-long to another glorious "Stillwater Summer," we share photos from the nature-driven environment that blesses us each year. Here's a favorite sunflower near the West Fork of the Stillwater River.  The bears share the apples on the tree in the background and other flowers are in their glory with warm sunny days and cool evenings. Join us in a summer, sunflower swan song! Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays when we post for each weekend.

If you're looking for authentic, old-fashioned fun, a vintage restored town and beautiful scenery, head for Virginia City, Mt. A little train trip awaits, just a few miles between  Virginia City and Nevada City, by a narrow-gauge railroad. OLD WEST FLAVOR IS KICKED UP A NOTCH IN LIVELY, PICTURESQUE OLD-TIME TOWNS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER MY AFFECTION  for Virginia City and Nevada City dates a half century back to my childhood. The old-fashioned fire truck run by Scott McClintic will give you history and a pleasant tour of Virginia City. Hiking in the nearby woods is another benefit to a road trip. As I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s, our family made an annual pilgrimage to this old-time treasure in southwest Montana.  It's historical beginnings go back to the gold rush days of the mid 1800s. Much of the place has retained the flavor of that rich, sometimes rowdy time when Montana was discovered by seekers of fortune and the accompanying riff-raff. The Virginia City Players have been around  for 67 seasons, with the talents of Bill Koch, present artistic director. Thanks to philanthropists Charles and Sue Bovey, today's Virginia City recaptures the times. Bovey began restoring the town with vintage buildings and goods shortly after World War II.  He was fascinated by the period, when sluices lined the gulch and "cities" blossomed as trading and amusement centers. Miners flooded in, and others followed, in the tradition of supply and demand: ladies of the evening, criminals, cooks, vigilantes, shop keepers, bar tenders, cleaners, and grocers who could command as much as $2 for a single egg. Virginia City was the best known of towns that sprung up along the gulch.  It is sole survivor. NO WONDER  so many Montanans revere Virginia City and like to show it off. It's wonderfully "frozen in time," fun to share with visitors who might enjoy strolling a colorfully restored pioneer mining camp. The Brewery Follies under the gifted direction of Mike Verdon are a must, with a fast-paced, racy show sure to entertain. A fine cast, talented musical director and the brewery environment guarantee a good time. We traveled back in time -- pre-cell phones, pre-computers, pre-television and telephone to celebrate the Boveys, of the General Mills fortune. They bought up old buildings and repaired failing existing structures to preserve the spirit of the 1865 capital of the Montana Territory. Virginia City had declined to ghost town status when Bovey and his wife began to pursue their passion. By the early 1950s, people were visiting Virginia City, with its iconic Bale of Hay Saloon, the Virginia City Players in the Opera House, and the venerable Fairweather Inn. Lodging in Nevada City is rustic, but comfortable. WE NEVER  miss Bill Koch's Virginia City Players, a must for theater lovers and a time honored part of the lore and lure of Virginia City. The Players' show in the old Opera House includes a spirited vaudeville act -- cameos in the style of the Victorian music hall. Their ambitious three-part season continues to September, with good old-fashioned family fun. For adults, the Brewery Follies offers cutting-edge comedy, lively music and a tour de force of comedy and satire featuring well acted sketches and songs by a diverse cast with "guest appearances" courtesy the talented Mike Verdon, delightful and right-on as both Donald Trump and Elvis. Carefully restored Victorians are part of the allure of Virginia City. Most are B&Bs. The Follies offers a sophisticated, smartly written comedy cabaret in the 1863 brewery. There, H.S. Gilbert made his mark and money after immigrating from Germany to quench the boom town's thirst. NOW ON  the historic register, the towns are owned by the state of Montana.  Showing off an entire town as a National Historic Landmark is unique, so give your guests a treat. We were thrilled to discover the Wells Fargo Steakhouse serves a tasty steak and wonderful appetizers, a nice Caesar salad and several fish and Italian offerings. There's also a pizza parlor, candy store, ice cream place, a couple other bars and cafes. Pop in Rank's Mercantile, which has the feeling of an old-fashioned, artfully arranged sundries shop, with unique souvenirs, clothing, toys, books, gifts and specialty groceries. Rome, Greece, Bozeman? A wonderful show is up at Museum of the Rockies. "The Villas of Oplontis" brings us to Bozeman and the Museum, with  a look at a thriving villa destroyed by the Mount Vesuvius eruption. An imaginative show of artifacts and antiquities awaits through December 31.  One strolls the main street and peeks into the past: an old barbershop, a clothing store, a blacksmith's shop, drug store, mostly built before 1900. Heritage markers give insights and information about the period displays, and you can dress up in period costumes to create a special holiday card, or souvenir. THERE'S ALSO  a Boothill, a cemetery where criminals and lawmen take their final rest. UP NEXT : "The Villas of Oplontis" is a wonderful exhibit at Museum of the Rockies, which we visit next.  The wonderful Museum has a stunning planetarium and living history farm, internationally recognized fossil and dinosaur exhibit, plus much more.  The terrific new show about the life of a village near Pompeii is fascinating. Remember to explore, learn and live.

A lazuli bunting graces us with his presence and a lovely song each morning at High Chaparral. A wren feeds her young as we watch quietly. In a day or two, they'll be gone. "Every spring I hear the thrush singing in the glowing woods he is only passing through. His voice is deep, then he lifts it until it seems to fall from the sky. I am thrilled. I am grateful. Then, by the end of morning, he's gone, nothing but silence out of the tree where he rested for a night. And this I find acceptable..."  -- Mary Oliver, "A Thousand Mornings" STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A red tail hawk watches rabbits below, from a dying cottonwood tree. I'M SITTING  at our summertime desk, high in the Rocky Mountains, with the windows cracked and the doors half-open so I can watch the gold finches at the feeder. A lazuli bunting just had a snack.  I can hear a woodpecker pecking away at his favorite aspen tree -- the one with a few ant-infested branches! Enroute to exercise class this morning, I saw a red tail hawk high in a cottonwood, already shed of its leaves. I was running late, but I stopped the car to watch him dive- bomb a small unlucky critter then whisk him away to feed the family. This woodpecker likes sumac and aspen trees, especially if they have insects, but here he tries his luck on a phone pole. NOTHING  makes me happier than watching and listening to the birds during our few weeks stay at our gorgeous High Chaparral high in the Montana Rockies. The variety of sounds and songs from our feathered friends astonishes me.  Plaintive, flirting, melancholy, joyous -- I try to imitate the songs and sing them back.  So far, I've been answered several times, poor imposter though I am. That's always a thrill. A ruby throated hummingbird  is poised midair near the feeder. We know the birds won't always be here, that they are visitors, their presence temporary.  The only one I've seen all twelve months of the year is the faithful chickadee.  He can withstand Montana's bitterly cold winters, and he manages to liven up the winter woods with his pretty song. (He is one of my most faithful "responders" when I whistle my howdy-do back to him.) THE HUMMINGBIRDS  are the most exquisite of our visitors. The ruby-throated looks as if he's going out for the evening, in his scarlet red "cravat" and stylish white shirt and green suit. We have three kinds of hummers here -- the rufous with his rust-colored cape, and the tiny caliope, the smallest bird on the continent. Because they are various sizes, we have several feeders, lest the larger rufous hog the food source. Wherever you are on the planet, remember what my grandmother told me many moons ago:  "Keep a song in your heart, listen for the birds. Feed them. When they are gone from Earth, we won't be far behind." The Nevada City cabins in the Nevada City Hotel are rustic, nestled against the mountains and near Virginia City. They are dog friendly.   NEXT UP:  It's a Montana road trip, and we're exploring Virginia City and Nevada City, with a train ride, fire truck history tour, a jaunt to the onetime rich gold fields and a stay in a rustic cabin where, yes, dogs are welcome! All that and more, including two lively performances: the racy Brewery Follies and the Virginia City Players, celebrating its 75th season! Remember to explore, learn and live.

Nick and Nora love huckelberry ice cream, a roadie treat in Julian, California which they visit twice a year. "Charley is a mind-reading dog. There have been many trips in his lifetime.....he knows we are going long before the suitcase comes out, and he paces and worries and whines, and goes into a state of mild hysteria. -- John Steinbeck,'"Travels with Charley." STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WE CAN'T  imagine a road trip without Nick and Nora. John Steinbeck's famous "Travels with Charley" has inspired many journeys and many other travelogues. Our smart, loving Yorkshire terriers are as much a part of the package as a picnic, a room with a view, a fun new hotel, a new restaurant and a play to cap the day. Like John Steinbeck and his faithful poodle Charley, we find each journey enhanced by the Yorkies' company. The doggies introduce us to people. They give us new perspective.  They make us laugh. They're just plain good company. If the airlines awarded miles for doggie travel, Nick and Nora would be flying even higher -- for they've logged over 65,000 miles each in their action-packed near 11 years. Nick and Nora seem comfy in their regulation airline sherpa carrier. MOSTLY, THEY  go where we go, by plane or car. They're happy little road-trippers. Because we so often take them along, we've started keeping track of the best of the "dog friendly" hotels we've visited. Savvy dog lovers also rely upon Eileen Barish's wonderful dog friendly books, including "Doin' California with your Pooch." (She features other states, too. And if you simple google pet-friendly travel, you can narrow your own field.) You'll find that some hotels have designated areas and rooms for pups. In other properties, dogs have greater freedom. It is also common practice to walk your pup frequently and not leave him unattended in the room for long. Some hotels give  goodies Sunburned Cookie holds Nick and  Nora off the hot sand near Las Vegas.  OUR DOGGIE  carry-along bag includes their toys, treats, sweaters, food and water bowl. Nick and Nora have bedded down with us in at least 65 hotels, motels and inns, besides their relatives' homes in California and Georgia. Nick and Nora take to the beach of Lake Tahoe. Here are some pup-friendly places we endorse and recommend, for their personality, charm, dog welcoming spirit and proximity to fun events, scenery and history. Nick and Nora give them paws up! At these diverse and pet-welcoming venues, it goes without saying to leash your pet while promenading, and bring a stash of "doggie bags" just in case. *Western Heritage Inn of Bozeman, Montana. westernheritageinn.com Keller & Nora head for the Catalina Boat House. *The Murray Hotel of Livingston, Montana. murrayhotel.com * Vagabond's House Inn, Carmel by the Sea, Calif.   vagabondshouseinn.com * Ashland Springs Hotel, Ashland, Oregon. AshlandSpringshotel.com *Catalina Boat House Hotel, Avalon, Calif. catalinaboathouse.com * Omni Los Angeles Hotel, Los Angeles, Calif.   omnilosangeles.com Cookie and Keller, with Nick and Nora, find that the Yorkies  are a conduit for meeting new friends wherever they go.  Here, they're having a boat ride on Hornblower Cruises out  of San Diego, which has a special "Pet Day on the Bay." *Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort, Santa Barbara. fessparkersantabarbarahotel.com doubletreehotels.com . * Ocean Villa Inn, San Diego, Calif. oceanvillainn.com *Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. caesars.com/flamingohotel lasvegas *Beach House Inn, Santa Barbara, Calif. beachhouseinn.com *Inn By The Lake, South Lake Tahoe, Calif.   innbythelake.com The beautiful lazuli bunting is named for the gemstone, lapis lazuli. NEXT UP:  We pay homage to birds, their haunting and magical songs, their delicacy at the feeder, their strength in flight. Join us to celebrate the myriad delights they give us, especially here in the northern Rockies in summertime's prime. We'll be in Montana's Stillwater County for a photo essay on the pleasures of sharing the landscape with hawks, hummingbirds, wrens, woodpeckers and the stunning lazuli bunting. Remember to explore, learn and live and remember we post each Friday.

Nubian goats are part of the fun for school kids and families.   Egg-laying chickens entertain city kids and archaeological digs are ongoing, finding new information about the long history of human habitation at Los Penasquitos.  Adobe ranch house, gardens, hiking trails, history await visitors to San Diego's treasured Los Penasquitos   The ranch house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as the Johnson-Taylor Adobe Ranch House.'' Thistle is abloom in glorious purple on a hiking trail. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER NOT FAR  from the bustle of city life, the sounds of airplanes taking off and the hum of traffic and commuter trains ,  a quiet and restful haven awaits in southern California. Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is a wonderful place to spend a morning or afternoon -- hiking, biking, picnicking, learning about a historic part of southern California. ITS ROOTS GO  deep and way back. For as long as 12,000 years, the Kumeyaay people lived in beautiful Los Penasquitos Canyon, attracted to the artesian spring, plentiful food and  other abundant natural resources.. School outings are welcome to walk around the 1800s adobe house and grounds. IN 1769 SAN DIEGO  was founded by Spanish soldiers and priests and a mission was built nearby.  Fast forward to 1823, when Capt. Francisco Maria Ruiz was granted 4,000 acres by the first Mexican governor of California. From this land grant, two small adobe buildings rose up. The ranch remained in the family through battles and droughts. Even after changes of owners and bank foreclosures, the place survived, through incarnations as a cattle ranch and lemon farm. Thoroughbred horses galloped there for a time and the Alvarado, Johnson, Taylor and Mohnike families took turns at farming and other enterprises.  A wood barn and other buildings arose, surrounded by wild flowers and many birds and mammals . The views along the hiking and biking trails are wonderful in "Little Cliffs." WHERE IS THIS  wonderful place? Most San Diegans know Interstate 15, which forms the eastern boundary of Rancho Peñasquitos, with Carmel Mountain Ranch on the far side. Los Penasquitos means "little cliffs" and one can imagine the thrill of early explorers looking upward to the screech of hawks. We loaded up our bicycles, and headed out, picnic and Yorkshire terrier in tow.  Leashed dogs are allowed, but when we biked, we made sure Nick and Nora had plenty of water and were comfy in the shaded car with open windows. Then the four of us lunched under a massive oak tree 50 yards from the ranch house. SCHOOL KIDS were also enjoying an outing, and sat attentively while a staffer explained the history of the home, and the rich variety of wildlife.  Snakes were shown to the students, with an explanation of which ones to watch out for, since rattlers inhabit the rocky terrain. The city of San Diego operates Los Penasquitos, with gardens, hiking trails and historic home. WE WERE delighted to discover that remains of the prehistoric culture can still be found, with artifacts and fossils in the ranch house named after those lovely "little cliffs" on the hills.   A plaque denotes Rancho Santa Maria de los  Penasquitos, with parts of the original walls. The ruins of stalwart structures of adobe are fascinating, and the splendid canyon and walking trails wind through 4,000 acres of the Penasquitos and Lopez canyons.  It's one of  the largest urban parks in the United States .  THE PRESERVE  has an exciting history. In 1823, when Ruiz was awarded his acreage -- it was as thanks for his service as Commandant of the San Diego residio. The land -- at the eastern part of the Canyon -- extended into Sabre Springs and up to Rancho Bernardo. Ruiz spent many years in loyal service to Mexico, and this splendid canyon was his reward. He built a one-room adobe casa there in 1824.   THREE OF the walls of his revered home remain in the main ranch house conference room.  What a thrill to visit, and realize you're standing in the oldest remaining private structure in San Diego. Community gardens and many other attractions await, including a waterfall cascading through volcanic rock; a streamside forest of giant California live oaks; groves of majestic sycamore trees; a year-round stream populated by Pacific tree frogs, crayfish and large mouth bass;a freshwater marsh hosting many aquatic birds including great blue herons, egrets and mallard ducks and more; mule deer, bobcat, coyote and raccoon along with other mammals. www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/osp/lospenasquitos Flagship's boats are known for their elegance and spirit of fun. NEXT UP:   A toast, and a seaborne salute to Flagship Cruises. The operation has been entertaining people in southern California for decades, with elegant dinner cruises and fantastic whale watching treks. Sail the high seas with us, remembering to explore, learn and live. And don't miss Stillwater Protective Asociation's July 16 fundraiser, with a lively country band, fine food, drink and company, and an opportunity to support a grassroots organization that watches over the land for all of us. More next week at whereiscookie.com   Check out last year's SPA event at: http://www.whereiscookie.com/2015/07/fundraiser-showcases-fishtail-filmmaker.html

"Daydreams" by Patrick Dougherty, under construction last fall at Tippet Rise, is part of a glorious landscape merging art and nature, with indoor and outdoor performance spaces, world known sculpture and a roster of international performers.  Tippet Rise Olivier Barn concert hall going up in October. CONCERTS, SCULPTURE, 'GREEN' THEME WILL ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER TIPPET RISE  spared no expense in hiring the best people available for each position. And its designers and builders made certain it is environmentally correct in every way. Tippet Rise completed Olivier Barn concert hall. Peter Halstead, left foreground, opened the program, with Christopher O'Riley, in chair, director of programming. Above right, from left: Bruce Keller, Christene Meyers and Corby Skinner framed by an Alexander Calder sculpture.  For music director of Tippet Rise, founders Cathy and Peter Halstead chose nationally known pianist Christopher O’Riley, host of National Public Radio’s “From the Top.” Big Sky Journal features innovation at Tippet Rise  O’Riley’s diverse music series features world premieres by prominent composers, and internationally renowned artists --“immersive concert experiences” in both the acoustically perfect Olivier Barn and the open-sided, moveable outdoor acoustical shell, Tiara.  Other performances will be staged at sculpture sites.   Dozens of workers helped finish Tippet Rise's outdoor concert space, Tiara, and the rest of the major buildings between autumn and this summer. HIRING ENTERPRISING Frenchman Alban Bassuet to champion their project was shrewd, for they found someone whose artistic sensibilities parallel theirs.  Their bold ambition – creating modern art in a rugged landscape -- works.  The sculptures look made for the place, rising against a backdrop of sagebrush and volcanic rock. Bassuet is known internationally for his ability to "stretch" and break down boundaries. He’s supervised projects in Greece, Switzerland, Iceland, Houston, Boston and Taipei. Alban Bassuet, left, and sculptor Ricardo Sanz during an early period of the design phase. A much larger piece -- massive in size -- now dwarfs humans. The Halsteads’ dream saw people “free to move about the land, appreciating it as an extension of their enjoyment of the arts,” Bassuet says.  “And they insisted each piece occupy its own space.” WITH SCULPTURE  commissions in the millions (a single work carries a $5 million price tag), the Halsteads determined that viewers concentrate on each piece individually. For that, a large expanse of land was a necessity.  “Rise” is a suggestive title for the project, considered by many to be Montana’s most daring and expensive arts endeavor. “What we are doing here is progressive,” says Bassuet. “We’re about renewable energy, sustainable farming, hiring local people, buying locally, making magnificent art." Bassuet believes lovers of music, art and landscape will travel from far beyond to experience this new “land art” space.  Peter Halstead explains to a full house how he and his wife, Cathy, merged their various interests in creation of Tippet Rise. TICKETS TO THE  performances venues – outdoor and indoor -- cost only $10.  The first season sold out immediately, and in the tradition of chamber music soirees, the audience is only 100.  Music aficionados enhance their concert going with a tour of the sculptures created by internationally known artists.   Drivers shuttle people to nine large carefully positioned pieces.  More will be added.       "DAYDREAMS"  is an installation by internationally praised environmental artist Patrick Dougherty.  The one-room prairie schoolhouse looks like a set piece for “Little House on the Prairie,” enticingly draped in woven saplings and sticks.  The building is new, but designed to appear old.  Nails have been pushed up to look as if they’d spent decades battling the elements. Dougherty’s woven willows bring the building to life. Tippet Rise invites lovers of art, music and landscape to indulge their senses.     A Mark di Suvero's six-story work has a metronome-like pendulum and A-frame supports.  It was moved from Dallas, one of 55 cities to host the artist’s work. Another di Suvero piece, “Beethoven’s Quartet,” is a monumental musical sculpture.  Ensamble Studios of Madrid artist Ricardo Sanz installed two vertical rocklike forms which lean toward one another. Famed structural artist Stephen Talasnik’s “Pioneer” appears to float, drawing the eye up towards the “big sky” which stands sentinel above the rolling hills.    THE INDOOR CONCERT  space showcases designer Laura Viklund’s glorious wooden frame, in the guise of an “old barn.”  Complementing it are new-age, perfect acoustics, with green room, dressing room, piano storage room and lifts.  Water, electricity, insulation, heating and cooling, including solar panels, are all “planet friendly.” Veteran rancher Ben Wynthein manages the property, insuring that it remain a working ranch, digging wells and monitoring grazing lands for sheep and cattle. Pete and Lindsey Hinmon direct logistics and operations, including working with teachers from surrounding towns. The Halsteads hired Montana labor and contractors, recruited local landscapers, maintenance workers, marketing specialists, ushers, stagehands and drivers.  They signed on local caterers Wendy Reed and Nick Goldman, remembered for their inventive feasts at Big Yellow House in Absarokee. The artists -- from U.S. cities and Europe -- fell in love with Montana, Bassuet says, “and found themselves captivated by its spectacular settings.” (His own affinity for the project resulted in moving his family to Montana.)  Exquisite craftsmanship is the byword at Tippet Rise. Utility lines are hidden.  Even the parking lot looks discreetly natural, “to entice the eye as one approaches,” says Bassuet.  The place is a metaphor for art’s transcendent quality, its ability to connect people and engage them in the landscape.      “Tippet Rise is the tip of the spear,” Bassuet says.  “We believe people will visit – almost as a pilgrimage. Tippet Rise will become a destination of itself.” Rancho Penasquitos and the Canyon Preserve await.  UP NEXT:  Who knew that near the heart of busy San Diego, a piece of country awaits discovery by this native Montanan.  Las Penasquitos Canyon Preserve and Ranch is a lovely, rugged park with a historic adobe ranch house built in 1823. The place is now on the National Historic Register and offers hiking, biking, equestrian trails and more. It's near Carmel Mountain Ranch, and the I15, but you wouldn't know it's in the city. Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us Fridays when we post for the weekend.

This photograph was taken in the fall as one of the first large sculptural pieces was being installed. The piece is "Proverb," by Mark di Suvero .  This June, July and August, concert goers will hear music indoors and around the sculptures. MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR ARTS, MUSIC ENTERPRISE WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL ROSTER OF PLAYERS Editor's Note: Today we offer the first of a two-part piece on Tippet Rise Art Center, which opens for its summer season with a roster of world class concerts. Today, we look at the genesis, background and development of the multi-million dollar arts and nature project.  Next Friday, we explore the programming, breadth, management and international scope of Tippet Rise. Tippet Rise landscape offers color in all four seasons, and provides backdrop for what Tippet Rise organizers call "music coming from the center of the earth." STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER HIGH ATOP  the plateaus where sheep and cattle ranchers have long ground out a living, and native people fished and hunted centuries before, a brilliantly conceived center for the arts and music is open for its first season. Imagination, location and deep pockets are principal players in the new Tippet Rise Art Center near Fishtail, Montana. Peter and Cathy Halstead had a vision for a place that would break down barriers between art and nature. The finely tuned enterprise in the majestic Beartooth Mountains includes concert spaces for world class musicians, outdoor museum pieces with multi-million dollar commissions, and meticulous, "green" architecture with methods to make it an environmentalist’s dream.   Big Sky Journal piece features Halsteads and Tippet Rise The 11,500-acre creation has been introducing itself to small groups for several months and began to officially welcome the public in June. AFTER SCOURING land in Hawaii and Colorado, Tippet Rise benefactors Peter and Cathy Halstead came upon the  property they’d dreamed of.  They fell in love with the Fishtail property, seeing its potential for a magnificent nature-driven “gallery” with indoor and outdoor concert spaces. Alban Bassuet shows off the Patrick Dougherty schoolhouse, Daydreams," which transcends boundaries between land art, sculpture, and architecture. Tippet Rise is the result, an innovative brain child of these two creative people with money to indulge their fantasies.   Located on hills and valleys which inspired painter Isabelle Johnson, Tippet Rise – like its former inhabitant -- is an original. It encourages participation.  Neither festival nor retreat, it incorporates elements of both.   It is the Halsteads' personal homage to the arts, taking their philanthropy and love of the arts to a grand level in an inspiring setting. As creators and bankrollers of the non-profit Tippet Rise enterprise, the Halsteads opened heart, mind and check book, hiring cutting edge talent to shape their vision. Peter is an accomplished pianist with an enviable collection of Steinways many of which he has moved to the property. He dreamed of weaving classical music with landscape. Cathy, a painter with a fondness for grand sculptural pieces, shares Peter’s love of the outdoors. The two wanted their concert space to extend the landscape, to merge nature’s art with man’s creations. THEY COURTED  internationally recognized acoustician, designer and venue planner Alban Bassuet. Naming the acclaimed Frenchman “executive director,” they charged him with bringing together performers, audiences, sculpture and musical pieces in a spectacular natural setting. An Isabelle Johnson painting of her family ranch. The land is now host to an acclaimed new art center. Bassuet supervises design, construction and programming, drawing from his “players” like a maestro rehearsing a premiere.  He drives the property, confers with contractors and engineers, studies architectural plans, makes decisions. With the premier season in swing through its finale Aug. 21 – Bassuet is basking in glory. He thinks it "fitting, almost ordained" that Tippet Rise ground inspired a beloved Montana painter long before the Halsteads eyed it. Painter Isabelle Johnson, photographed in the 1940s, inhabited and painted Tippet Rise land.  Isabelle Johnson, born in 1901, lived on the land for decades, painting it with a modernist’s zeal.  Her style is compared to an earlier post-Impressionist pioneer, Paul Cezanne.  She died in 1992, leaving paintings testifying to the countryside’s beauty.  Bassuet and the Halsteads believe it fitting that music and sculpture celebrate the land Johnson loved, ranched and painted, and that her family ranch land hosts a novel arts center.  “Is there a budget?” a guest asks.  “Not really,” Bassuet smiles. “It’s about the Halsteads’ belief that art, music, architecture and nature play key roles in the human experience.”      THE HALSTEADS' fortunes come from investments, banking, oil and alcohol.  (Does Grey Goose vodka ring a bell?  Sidney Frank, Cathy Halstead’s father who died in 2006, founded the company.) The two grew up with philanthropy, art and reverence for the land. Arts boosters Bruce Keller, Christene Meyers and Corby  Skinner, backed by an Alexander Calder sculpture at Tippet Rise. Hiring an enterprising Frenchman to champion their project was shrewd, for they found someone whose artistic sensibilities parallel theirs.  Their bold ambition – creating modern art in a rugged landscape -- works.  The sculptures look made for the place, rising against a backdrop of sagebrush and volcanic rock, both constants in Johnson’s paintings.    The Halsteads’ dream included the desire that people be free to “move about the land, appreciating it as an extension of their enjoyment of the arts,” Bassuet says.  “They insisted each piece occupy its own space.”  With sculpture commissions in the millions, the Halsteads wanted viewers to concentrate on each piece individually– without seeing another work.  For that, a large expanse of land was a necessity.    The renowned Ariel String Quartet opened the debut Tippet Rise season with pianist Nikolai Demidenko, left, on the Brahms Piano Quartet.  COMING UP:   Next week's blog celebrates the programming, artwork and expertise represented in Tippet Rise, from the world renowned sculptors and musicians (NPR's Christopher O'Reilly is program director) to cutting-edge architects, the ranch manager who keeps a working ranch, the "green" caterers and the education co-ordinator who works with museums and school expeditions on outreach programs.  Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us Fridays when we post for the weekend.

Red Rock Canyon beckons our roadies away from gambling, with a leisurely 13-mile scenic drive through the Mojave Desert. ROCKS OF RED, 'VALLEY OF FIRE' LURE VETERAN PLAYERS AWAY FROM THE CASINO INTO NATURE Rock climbing offers challenges on a variety of trails in Red Rock. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHEN YOU'VE  grown weary of badgering Lady Luck in Las Vegas, put down your Blackjack chips and head for the beautiful and calming red rocks and inspiring geological formations near the famous Strip. Most people are aware of Sedona's towering red rocks, and the flamboyant reds and oranges of Utah's Bryce Canyon. You might not know of two natural treasures for the outdoor buff visiting Nevada. We followed a group of "scooter" enthusiasts, who took their vehicles on short, scenic journeys. TWO PARKS  await your perusal and we tried them both, creating two relaxing day trips to divert us from the happy craziness of our periodic gambling outings. If you bring your pets, be sure to carry enough water for all! Rock formations resemble animals, and you may be lucky enough to see a rare, protected desert tortoise. Red Rock Canyon is a delight.  Maximum speed limit on its gorgeous 13-mile scenic drive is 35 miles per hour, and we went slower through most of it, to give it adequate attention.  The Mojave desert was not yet in the three-digit range a couple weeks ago (it is now), and we had beautiful, sunny days for our outings, with a little breeze to help cool us. WE REVELED  in spectacular scenery and shared stunning views with other motorists, hikers, bicyclists, motorcyclists and even a few daring runners. Craggy canyons challenge hikers and offer views of breathtaking proportion. Since leashed pets are welcome, we took Nick and Nora on both outings.  We packed a couple large bottles of water, and the four of us drank them both. Do take note of the need for water, even if the temperatures are mild.  The desert air is dry and the sun is bright, so you'll find yourself thirstier than normal. A beautiful day or two in nature are just what gamblers need, to slow the pace by providing time to enjoy nature's beauty. OUR OUTINGS   were designed as nature-driven counterpoints to the seductive clink-clank buzz of casino life. Moss on rocks provide texture, beauty. Inspired by Red Rock, we visited Valley of Fire State Park for our other day trip. While Red Rock is 30 minutes west of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire is an hour-plus northeast. Both are worthy outings, at $10 each (your national park pass works at Red Rock.) But beware the encroaching hot season when temperatures can reach 120 degrees! WE LOVE  the man-made glitter of Las Vegas, but it's important to us to explore the natural world, too. We live comfortably in both these diverse worlds,  with our hikes and nature forays in the morning and early afternoon (we packed a picnic lunch and greenie treats for the Yorkies).  Then back to our favorite Flamingo Hotel with its bird sanctuary, a nap and shower and night on the town with a Las Vegas show. Nature's show to begin the day -- and a glitzy Vegas performance to cap the night! Perfect blend. The Mob Museum in Las Vegas offers a thoughtfully curated study of the evolution of crime and those who fought it, in major U.S. cities. UP NEXT: The Mob Museum in Las Vegas offers another opportunity to escape the seductive buzz of the casino world.  Located in "old" Las Vegas, near the fabled hotels of the early-day city, the museum features three floors of crime and criminal behavior, a fascinating effort.  You'll learn about the mobsters and their molls, explore the evolution of crime in major U.S. cities, and learn about the lawmen and women who cracked criminal cases. Terrific actors play the parts, here Tony winning actor Harriet Harris, top,  and the gifted Talene Monahon play a crafty stage mother and her daughter. "Hollywood," a world premiere directed by Joe DiPietro, runs through June 12 at the famed  La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego. -- Jim Carmody photo NIMBLE NEW WORK : A noir murder mystery, with exquisite staging and costumes, plus a brilliant piano "score" from an on-stage virtuoso, makes a fun night at the theater. "Hollywood" at La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego,  runs through June 12. Headlining a cast of accomplished actors is the magnificent Harriet Harris. Expert direction and the Playhouse's usual high production values provide engaging theater. The story, based on a real-life unsolved murder, is an homage to the noir thriller films of Hollywood's golden era. Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us Fridays when we post for the weekend.

Pick out your glass of fruit and vegetables, and it will be blended with juices or coconut milk for a smoothie in Thailand. A buffet in any Asian country will always include plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, here in Singapore. Fried insects are a crunchy snack in several Asian countries, here on the colorful streets of Bangkok. Bite into kiritanpo, taste the dim sum, then maybe try a curry or tempura STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Hong Kong's famed Langham Hotel's formal banquet room, features a beautifully set table waiting for the owner's party. DINING IN  Asia is like going to an edible museum. Even the "eat and run" street stalls have a sense of color, texture and style. A bowl of noodles can look enticing, with a bit of garnish and chopsticks nicely crossed. Grasshoppers, anyone? But an elaborate feast in Asia, well, that is a treat. Cookie and Keller toast between courses on a river cruise in Vietnam. MOST ASIAN  cultures -- particularly Japan -- love to take time to enjoy a meal -- whether sampling only a bowl of delectable rice dumplings, known as kiritanpo, or partaking of a leisurely meal of fresh sushi. Serve up a side of sansai, or mountain vegetables, and the country's exceptional quality rice. We ate our way through eight satisfying days in Tokyo and another month of healthy dining in Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore, with a few tasty days in Hong Kong. Easy on the meat, because it's mostly a flavoring or accent. Fine with us! This fish section in Japan offered at least two dozen varieties. WE VISITED villages on our bikes, celebrating the rich cultures known for their savvy use of seasonal farm-fresh offerings and nature's bountiful gifts from the sea. Each country has a little dumpling like treat.  We tried the kiritanpo-nabe, a delicious hot pot and staple of the diet in several parts of Japan. Stars of the dish are those tasty rice dumplings, kneaded then toasted. In a Vietnam restaurant, salads and soups are individually prepared and garnished with additional bits of veggies.  WE SAMPLED  several delicious bento, or box lunches, artfully prepared and a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. This lovely meal is   a single-portion "food bouquet" in Japan. Asian cuisine refers to many major regional cuisines, including East Asian, Southeast Asian, South and even Middle-Eastern. A bento box often contains soup, salad or pickles, sushi and tempura.  A cuisine earns its stripes with a characteristic style of cooking practices and traditions, associated with the specific culture.  In Hong Kong, you'll find noodles and dumplings.  In Thailand and Vietnam, lots of veggies and small-bites to sample, with more emphasis on spice -- particularly hot pepper. Asia, as our largest and most populous continent, is home to many cultures, each with its own characteristic cuisine.  A friend has visited all 23 of China's provinces and swears each has a different, if subtle, method of cooking and serving its fare. WE FOUND  some similar staple ingredients throughout our Asia visit. Rice, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, chilies, dried onions, soy, and tofu cross borders and cultural lines. Stir frying and steaming are Fragrant green tea often accompanies a tasty, colorful Asian meal. also found throughout the Continent. While rice is common to most Asian cuisines, we noticed more varieties than we'd ever thought possible. The range hops from basmati on the subcontinent, to Jasmine, and many kinds of long-grain and short-grain varieties. I'VE A  fondness for curry, and found that in each of the countries we visited. We also discovered dozens of noodles, beans and seafood throughout, and as many kinds of cabbage as we westerners have lettuce. Tea accompanies most meals, since Asian cultures have long known its detoxification and purification qualities. “Chī hǎo hē hǎo” which in Mandarin, means "eat and drink well." Stunning red rocks remind of Sedona, but, no, they're less than an hour from the famous Las Vegas Strip. Find out where next time. COMING UP : We're savoring the fabulous red rocks of  Nevada next time. Come with us to a beautiful, unspoiled part of the West, just a half hour from the famous Las Vegas Strip. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays when we post for each weekend.