Search Results

Big Sky Country on the Stillwater River looking from our friends' home, John and Laurie Beers, toward High Chaparral.   BIG SKY COUNTRY OFFERS MULTITUDE OF GORGEOUS SIGHTS, EVEN IN FIRE SEASON A prairie grouse poses out our front door, enjoying the late summer sun. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER MUCH HAS  been written about Montana's sky and mountains. Although the state Highway Department used the phrase "Big Sky Country" in a 1960s promotion, the moniker traces back to writer A.B. Guthrie's 1947 novel. "The Big Sky" is considered by the late writer and critic Wallace Stegner "the best" of Guthrie's six novels dealing with the Oregon Trail and the development of Montana from 1830 to the 1880s. The Fishtail Store is an institution. The sweeping saga spans the time of the Mountain Men to the cattle empire of the 1880s to the time of the book's writing, post World War II. Up the draw toward the artesian well, High Chap colors are turning. MY NATIVE  state offers a bounty of beautiful sights:  the aspen trees are just beginning to turn. Big Sky Country Home on the Range is not just a wondrous place, it's a feeling. Wild fires surrounding us give an even more golden glow to the sunsets. Birds are loading up on berries.  The sunsets are a glorious blend of crimson, orange, pale blue and golden hues, accentuated by smoke from 19 wild fires surrounding us. Tourists and natives alike also love Montana's mountains.  Writer John Steinbeck said they were the kind of mountains he'd make if mountains were ever put on his agenda. RETURNING to the mountains this year, to our beloved Big Sky Country Home on the Range, has special meaning for us. When we left nearly 13 months ago, for our winter base in San Diego, we were climbing slowly up the list for Keller's liver transplantation.  We did not know if we would be back this year, so even the sometimes smoky view at the Beartooths is a blessing. High Chap's mountain at the "top of the prop" provides a setting for an annual picnic and saxophone serenade. We're reveling in reunions with our dear friends here -- some locals and others summer people such as are we. We crossed paths by only days with the "Georgia contingent," a group of Atlanta based sojourners and like-minded friends, who closed up their places just after we all met by the river for a "no labor Labor Day party." Gooseberries, chokecherries and elderberries are favorites with deer. OUR FRIENDS  are an eclectic group -- well traveled, well educated, avid readers, activists,  thinkers, global in their politics.  It took us a while to find them.  The party hosts, for instance, recently built on the Stillwater and sold their home in St. Croix. Others are from Pennsylvania, Washington state, California and many other parts of the world. We met a couple recently who live in Spain and visit Montana a couple times a year. Sandhill cranes greeted us on our drive up the valley to home. Wild roses are still blooming, albeit only a few.  They are glorious. WE'RE  thankful to celebrate our return with these friends who have had their own losses, illness and accidents during our absence and challenges with the transplant. We're planning an encore climb up the hill behind our home, to the "top of the prop" as we call it, for me to offer a picnic serenade with my saxophone. And while little things are frustrating -- a few trees lost to winter -- we feel the same love we always feel when we land in Montana with its beauty and staunch pals. There's no place like it. As Steinbeck put it, "For other states, I have admiration, respect, recognition, even affection. But with Montana it is love. And it's difficult to analyze love." The Ariel String Quartet thrills a sell-out crowd at an earlier Tippet Rise event. NEXT UP :  Tippet Rise, that magical art and concert venue near Fishtail, Montana, is in its second fantastic season. On tap this weekend are world renowned pianist Anne-Marie McDermott and the St. Lawrence String Quartet.  Each weekend, world class musicians thrill crowds in a unique setting, always a sold-out venue, with tickets kept cheap to encourage a wide audience range. Join us at Tippet Rise, remembering to explore, learn and live. We post our novel look at nature, the arts, health and travel each Friday, for the 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 and 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.

A bighorn sheep nods to winter, near Nye, Montana, near the Beartooth Mine.  He was photographed on a recent visit.  SPLENDOR IN THE NORTHERN ROCKIES, AS FALL STEPS ASIDE, AND WINTER WAITS IN THE WINGS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" "For how can one know color in perpetual green, and what good is warmth without cold to give it sweetness...."  John Steinbeck, "Travels with Charley." Between snows, it's pleasant to wander the river, and maybe even catch a fish. Between snows and melts, the deer are out to forage, making them excellent material for an afternoon or morning of photos. MONTANA IS  truly a land for all seasons -- if one likes variety. John Steinbeck discovered multiple Northern Rockies attractions and loved our mountains and prairies. He even found our cold winters  inspiring. While his affection might have been partly bourbon induced, his sentiments have plenty of supporters. Right now, the temperature is zigging and zagging from freezing and below, to downright balmy.Rain, snow, ice and gorgeous bursts of sun and thaw come with the territory this time of year. Thousands are reveling in it, when downhill and cross-country skiing are at their best, with the snow crisp but not icy, the welcome sun shining without melting the white. Northern Rockies road trip attractions include the wildlife viewing in the winter and the fact that the crowds of summer are vanished.  You can find parking and hiking even in the most normally crowded scenic viewing pull-offs.  There's a freedom, calm and, yes, sweetness in winter that the crowds and heat of summer sabotage.   Bighorn sheep -- a male on the right -- enjoy a stroll in late autumn. The male appears to be courting the female. The time was right. Cross country skiing in the Beartooths can make for an invigorating day. This guy was late to hibernation -- or took a break -- to play in the snow. He may have been unearthing something buried before to eat later. Northern Rockies road trip attraction for PHOTOGRAPHERS , nature lovers and bird watchers  have long known that winter is prime time for viewing -- if one is  properly dressed.  Birds and critters -- except most bears -- are easier to see against the winter trees and rocky outcroppings often edged with white.  Animals such as rabbits and deer are spotted more readily because their coats aren't as easily hidden in winter.  Birds in the trees don't have the leaf cover of the other seasons. But patience is a virtue. Keller says he always does his homework on an animal's or bird's behavior before setting out for " the photograph." HE OFFERS  these tips -- and he should know.  His work is well published and you view it here week after week. He has the essential patience for researching his photo shoots  before hand.  I do   that when I prepare for an interview with an actor, musician, writer, painter or politician. Makes sense to apply the same advice to photography. This chilly fellow at a feeder near our place in south-central Montana appears to like the mix of seed. A ranch near us is blanketed with snow for months. We often see the footprints of deer as we drive in or out. "Getting to know something about the subject before I set out with my camera makes the difference between being ready and prepared to do justice to that “golden moment” and feeling utter failure and frustration.  (As when you stand not quite ready and watch your subject fly by or trot away.)" In our safaris to Africa -- both Kenya and Tanzania -- Keller's advice was echoed by our naturalist tour guide-photographers.  In Masai Mara, a noted photographer said there is only one certain way to get to know wildlife, even  after copious reading and research. The promise of spring -- and the beauty of green -- kept Steinbeck returning to Montana, as it does us! "You must spend time with them. Don’t just hang around for a few minutes, or pop your head out of a viewing coach.  Study the subject.  Read, of course. Then take every opportunity to be near the animal or bird, even in a preserve or zoo. "Look at other peoples' photographs.  And if your subject isn't co-operating, try something else for a few minutes -- stand up, change position, move to the next clearing or spot. Sit quietly while the animals move around. Watch them. And wait. Your time to get a spectacular photo will come." UP NEXT:   The Mission Inn, in Riverside, Calif., is known for its lavish holiday decorations which feature five million lights and attract visitors from all over the world.  For two decades-plus, the Inn has championed the Festival of Lights, which besides its millions of lights features over 400 animated figures. Come have a merry look at Santa and his Elves, the Nutcrackers and fairies, palm trees and religious icons, all in the finest reds and golds. Riverside's Mission Inn is a wonderland of holiday lights and magical displays. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us for our weekly posts. whereiscookie.com

Construction is not sophisticated in Guatemala, but old-fashioned thatching appears to be carefully done. LIFE UNFOLDS IN GUATEMALA WITH SIMPLICITY, COLOR, LOTS OF FISH AND A FAMOUS BIRD STORY By CHRISTENE MEYers PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLERERS Arriving in Panajachel, tourists are met with craftswomen and venders.  RIGHTLY PROUD  of its critters and birds, Guatemala hosts more than 10 per cent of all registered species on planet Earth.   Handsome people, gorgeous lakes and forests and extraordinary handicrafts complement swimming, hiking and delightful cuisine -- fish, lobster and tasty spiced veggies -- make it appealing to tourists. Well heeled Americans and Europeans mix with yuppies from the British Isles and South America to ride horseback, frolic on the beaches, and enjoy spelunking in Guatemala's honeycombed caves.  Scuba divers come to hunt wrecks lost centuries ago in the Pacific's capricious waters. The Quetzal bird. Above, a typical meal in Guatemala features fresh fish and vegetables.  Below, a rower on Lake Atitlan. WE WERE struck by how happy the people seem. Cliched though it sounds, they seem content with little. We saw women rolling tortillas on street corners, cooking on simple charcoal grills for both families and tourists. We saw old men carving.  We saw workers wielding huge machetes, for crops are still harvested the old fashioned way, a nod to Guatemala's colonial past. School is not compulsory and many homes have no plumbing or electricity. THE   PEOPLE  are proud of their heritage and crafts. The fabled Maya flourished in the nearby Yucatan Peninsula and Guatemala for centuries. Their advanced civilization constructed grand cities, palaces and pyramids. The Maya were accomplished astronomers, artists, writers and mathematicians. Guatemala's world famous crafts pay tribute to their rich Mayan heritage and love of color. For mysterious reasons, the Maya society began its decline in the 10th century. Remnants of this extraordinary people live on in Guatemalan descendants. WE MET  some of them  in our time there, primarily in the port city of Puerto Quetzal and miles inland, the picturesque village of Panajachel. It is one of 20-plus tiny towns on Lake Atitlan, created in a volcanic crater.   IN FACT , three volcanos surround "Lago de Atitlan," one of the places where the national bird of Guatemala hides out.  The colorful Quetzal bird, after which the port is named, was sacred to the Mayans. Most children go to grade school, but only wealthy or middle-class kids have a chance for college. After years of Spanish rule, political turbulence, and a devastating 36-year civil war the government at last in 1996, signed a peace agreement with the leftist rebels. The conflict had left countless people dead and a million-plus refugees.  WHAT MORE  do we know about Guatemala?  We think of those brightly colored weavings and the compact indigenous people working hard for a living. But we naturally think of drugs, because of the country's proximity to Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador, where much of the Mexico-bound drugs are manufactured and passed on to the U.S. This was not denied by our multi-lingual guide, Roberto, on our way to Lake Atlitan. "But we are working hard to clean up this problem,” he said.  Still, in a country where unemployment is high and families are large – the people are  mostly Catholic – it is difficult to keep lucrative, illegal tradesmen out. Our guide believes his country has stabilized, but that infamous, drug-driven and corrupt neighbors may combine with civilian and military unrest to alter Guatemala's course from time to time. A breezy boat trip past volcanos with new friends: from left: Keller, Cookie, Inge and Tom.         Women in Guatemala are proud of their weavings, crafts and tortillas. WHILE STROLLING our mountain village, we were impressed with the peaceful nature of the people.  They  met us with fabrics and weavings as we boarded our boat, then followed us in their own boat, to the mountain village. THE CHILDREN  are learning the art of hawking.  “My name is Juanita. Come buy something from me,” one implored.  “I am Carmen.  My grandmother made this,” said another, showing her elaborately woven scarf.  (I made purchases from both girls because they reminded of my nieces, now in their 30s. As grade-schoolers and teens, they helped sell their father's pottery at craft fairs and art shows.) Puerto Vallarta offers some of Mexico's most attractive beaches and luxury hotels -- and a lively film history! COMING SOON:   Puerto Vallarta, or sandy port, caught the eye of Hollywood more than a half-century ago, when director John Houston scouted the perfect location for his film, “The Night of Iguana.”  Come with us to visit El Set, where Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor dined, drank and caroused with a picture perfect view of the Pacific.  Remember to explore, learn and live, and tell your friends about us as we post Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com

In Denmark the Maypole tradition is all but extinct.  Originally, a real tree was used as dancers greeted the spring.  Happily, we found a Maypole where the tradition is still observed, last spring south of Funen in Denmark. May Day is celebrated in a popular London pub, with outdoor baskets outside and more flowers inside. Baskets remain through summer. HAPPY MAY ! ENJOY SPRING FLOWERS, SMELL THE ROSES, MAKE WAY FOR PLEASURES OF THE SEASON STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER 'The Carpe Diem Kids' SO MUCH  has changed since last May Day.  We celebrated the holiday in Denmark, then toured the Baltic and other countries of Northern Europe.  We looked forward to treasured time in Montana with family and friends, and back in southern California, went about our busy routine of plays, concerts, fund raisers, dinners out. This May Day basket carries spring flowers, and is left on the door of a friend, a custom dating back centuries. Bruce Keller photographed this bottle brush bloom today in La Jolla, Calif. Have a happy blooming May Day!  We didn't realize how critical to our sanity  were those pleasures --the treasured holidays, and the  discipline of working on our shared and separate projects. IN THE  last spring of her life, my mother and I reflected on our family's May Day tidings. We remembered the May Day baskets she supervised when we were kids. Under her artistic tutelage, we cut colored construction paper into four sides and stapled the pieces together, then made handles of strings of doubled ribbon. We put stickers on the baskets, filled them with candy and flowers, placed them on our neighbors' doorsteps or hung from the door knob, rang the bell -- then ran. Such innocent, sweet fun.   Thousands demonstrated in Istanbul's Taksim Square. THROUGH THE years, various events and situations gave May Day new meaning. Besides a time to welcome the change of season (spring in the Northern Hemisphere, autumn in the Southern), the day became associated with workers and labor. May Day tidings with a political spin In the 19th century, particularly in western countries, the day came to represent labor movements for workers rights.  In the U.S., May Day demonstrations resulted in the eight-hour work day. We've photographed May Day demonstrations in Cairo, Istanbul and Athens, and because Keller and I have such happy memories Our garden boasts an array of blooms this spring. These are "basket bound" for an elderly pal. of making May Day baskets as kids, we are making one this year, both to remind of our childhood days and take our minds off Covid. Although it's too early for hollyhocks in Montana, there are jonquils and tiny blossoms on the hillsides, and this photo from last summer to remind of our home.   WHILE WE  are cutting and stapling, we're playing an audio tape about the history of the holiday, always celebrated on May 1. May Day goes back to Roman times as a festival of flowers.  Even then, people made small baskets filled with treats or flowers to give secretly to friends and neighbors, just as we did in the 1950s.   Beltane in Edinburgh means a large bonfire and offerings of food and drink to the fairies, all "good witches."  In Germanic countries, the Festival of Flora, the Roman Goddess of flowers is celebrated. Were it not for Covid, our English cousins would be celebrating May Day, too, crowning a May Queen and having a dance around the maypole, as our Scandinavian cousins would be doing. A windy sail last May Day off the coast of Funen. THE EARLIEST  May Day documentation I could find predates Christianity. In  Pagan cultures, the tradition of the Celtic celebration of Beltane is celebrated today, a holdover from Pagan times. Most pagan celebrations were either abandoned or evolved into Christian holidays during the conversion of Europe. For my cousins in Edinburgh and Dublin, Beltane remains a day of celebration. Some claim to be Wiccans and consider themselves "good witches. The fire they light today celebrates Beltane and honors fertility and abundance, of special significance to Wiccans. My friends take part in the same customs their ancestors did, making offerings to the fire of food and drink for the "aos si" -- elves or fairies. Pronounce it   "ees shee," or the older Celtic form  "ays sheeth-uh," the term for a supernatural race in both Irish and Scottish mythology. WHATEVER your pleasure or belief, enjoy the day. The ruins of Guatemala's proud Mayan culture await next week. UP NEXT:  Readers are wondering when they'll be back on the road with our columns and we're asking ourselves the same question: when will we be traveling again? We'll resume our regular travel columns next week, on May Day, with a visit to magnificent Mayan ruins in Guatemala, a trip we took just before Covid halted our travel -- and yours. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us  Fridays for a fresh look at travel, nature, food, the arts and more:  whereiscookie.com

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. 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.  ITS ROOTS GO  deep and way back. For as long as 12,000 years, the Kumeyaay people lived in beautiful  Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve in the 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." Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve... 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 NEXT UP:   A toast, and a seaborne salute to Flagship Cruises. Flagship's boats are known for their elegance and spirit of fun. 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 Association'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

Delicate seahorses are one of the stars at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, California, and a major San Diego attraction. SMALL BUT MIGHTY La JOLLA AQUARIUM CHARMS WITH ITS FINE COLLECTION, EXCELLENT DISPLAY, WITH USER-FRIENDLY CONSERVATIONISM SHOWING OFF LOCAL SEA WONDERS Beautifully kept tanks and carefully planned exhibits give up-close viewing. Here, a 30-pound grouper glides through the waters. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WE DRIVE  past Birch Aquarium in La Jolla several times a week, so last weekend was the time to check it out.  We had curious and photogenic guests -- our niece and her young precocious three-year-old. A nemone, abalone, sea urchins and kelp make a fine, natural display. So the four of us stepped into the wonderland of this small, beautifully curated aquarium. Our great-niece, Peny Ganner, enjoys Birch's water-driven play. From the moment you enter the door, you'll feel the privilege of keeping company with the exotic sea creatures that make their home along the Pacific Coast of southern California. The kelp forest attracts a stunning variety of life that gives this part of the country its diversity of fishes and invertebrates. YOU CAN  mingle with this appealing diversity: sharks, starfish, anemone and sea horses, sharing the learning and the appreciation with kids, grandchildren, neighbors, friends. It's a wonderful family outing. We took our niece, Amarylla,  and her youngster, our great-niece Peny, and had a marvelous afternoon, both indoors and outside. Hands on exhibits include this shark display for fun photo possibilities. Here three generations of ocean lovers: from left, Peny and Amarylla Ganner and their "Auntie Cookie," Christene Meyers  The Birch Aquarium in La Jolla is located on a pretty perch on the bluffs of La Jolla, where the world famous University of California San Diego does its Graceful jellyfish float and flit about, to the delight of visitors. groundbreaking research through Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Birch Aquarium is all about public outreach, education and creating a savvy "next generation" of conservationists and aware consumers. A continuing list of creative programs both inside the aquarium and around the city is offered for schools and kids of all ages attracts hundreds of ocean lovers. Next week, observe grunion spawn on La Jolla beaches, and watch them hatch during a special presentation. An exhibit, "Feeling the Heat," teaches about climate science and global warming. OUR NIECE , Peny, was fascinated by the interactive tide pools and exhibitions for all things under the sea in an oceanside building. We spent a leisurely two hours walking through the exhibits, returning to enjoy the whales, jellyfish and gorgeous seahorses, all among the most popular exhibits. A tank of sardines greets you in the lobby of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego.  San Francisco aquarium charms, too Our time there was particularly fun because we represented three generations and the age range of  our fellow ocean admirers followed suit. at play inside he aquarium. We've also appreciated and enjoyed Birch Aquarium's participation in the wonderful Flagship whale watching adventures from downtown. Each year, we join Flagship's daily gathering of tourists and locals to embark on a thrilling journey to watch migrating whales. The experts are always knowledgeable and enthusiastic and Birch Aquarium at Scripps provides the experts. IF YOU ARE  lucky, you can also watch the whales from Birch Aquarium's ringside viewing area. Right outside the aquarium, Birch has designed a lovely area to watch the longest mammal migration in the world, when approximately 20,000 gray whales pass San Diego on their annual 10,000-mile round-trip journey from the Bering Sea to the lagoons of Baja ... Penelope Margaret Ganner enjoys the whale sculptures and pools near the entrance to Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, Calif.  Candere Cruising of Seattle provides unique water experience with Captain Dylan designing a custom made day at sea. UP NEXT:  If you're planning a visit to the other end of the west coast, the Pacific Northwest, Candere Cruising can provide a spectacular, tailor-made tour of Seattle.  From cocktails, to browsing the neighborhoods of Seattle's waterways, Captain Dylan can design an unforgettable day on the water. Remember to enjoy, explore and learn and catch us each weekend for a unique approach to nature and the arts. whereiscookie.com

November's Guy Fawkes Day celebrates a plot's failure with bonfire, fireworks, merriment STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER & CM "The Carpe Diem Kids" Guy Fawkes Day offered a dream come true opportunity for Bruce Keller, who lit the bonfire in Yorkshire, UK. Guy Fawkes Day celebrates the failure of a 1605 plot to overthrow the King and blow up Parliament. It has largely lost its political connotations and is now a day of social gatherings, a meal, fireworks and, of course, a bonfire. MOST AMERICANS don't know much about Guy Fawkes or the day that honors his failed plot centuries ago to overthrow government. But it's a big deal in England, and we were in Yorkshire for last year's merry celebration. Guy Fawkes Night -- also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night or Fireworks Night -- is an annual commemoration observed on Nov. 5, primarily in Great Britain. It celebrates the failure of a 1605 plot by zealous Catholics to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James I who they believed was persecuting their people. Bruce Keller lights the flame to burn an effigy of Guy Fawkes, whose 1605 plot failed. IN YORKSHIRE, the holiday has a tinge of irony because that's where the rebel who gave the event its name was born. My husband, photographer Bruce Keller, was fascinated by the party preparation. Our host, Sue Speight, made sugary sweets and tasty chili. But what intrigued Keller most was the fire. Like many lads, he was a childhood pyromaniac, who accidentally ignited his back yard. Hearing that the celebration involved a bonfire, he was thrilled. He was invited to set the blaze of piles of trash, paper and wood scraps contributed by neighbors and topped with a straw-filled effigy of poor Guy Fawkes. Friends and neighbors gather for fireworks, sparklers, supper, sweets and beverages in the Speight barn. The finale: burning of Guy Fawkes. IN ITS EARLY days, the event was designed to reinforce anti-Catholic sentiment and the power of the Protestant state. Effigies of Guy Fawkes and the Pope were traditionally burnt accompanied by anti-Catholic sermons in Church. Today, that's gone and the festival has largely lost its religious and political connotations . We enjoyed plot toffee, new to us, a brittle and savory rich dark toffee, broken into pieces and traditionally served only on "Bonfire Night." Our host, Sue Speight said, "It's a chance to gather, to bring together neighbors and generations, have a nice meal and a bit of fun. We had Sue's delicious chili, but sometimes the celebration includes hot pork pies and those famous mushy peas. For dessert, we enjoyed Sue's parkin, a succulent ginger and syrup cake. We also had her excellent plot toffee, a brittle candy broken into pieces and served only on Bonfire Night. Bonfire Night host Sue Speight, right, with guests Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers. IN LONDON and other UK cities, public events are held in major parks like Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park. And while the focus is now on community celebrations with food and fireworks, villages also host smaller, local events to share the history of the plot to blow up Parliament and assassinate the king. This failed plot sparked the tradition, which Parliament established in 1506 as a day of public thanksgiving. Guy Fawkes was a devout Catholic, whose plot didn't produce his desired effect, but did spark a centuries old holiday with sweets and bonfires. ******************************** Lisbon's bustling Mercado is a colorful place to visit, with a bounty of fresh produce, here peppers. UP NEXT : Lisbon's allure. One of the world's great seaports, this old, intriguing city has a wealth of wonders to explore, from markets to museums and more. We take you there, in a tuk-tuk, that fun and leisurely way to get to know Portugal's capital city.

More than a half century after its release, the Montana-made movie, "Little Big Man,"is still entertaining, stimulating conversation and encouraging consideration of the plight of indigenous people and the white man's role in that. Editor's note:  Christene Meyers covered the making of  "Little Big Man" as a young reporter and was among  panel participants discussing the Montana made movie.  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER 'The Carpe Diem Kids' and courtesy Cinema Center Films Chief Dan George portrayed Old Lodge Skins in "Little Big Man." Actor Dustin Hoffman on location during the 1969 filming of "Little Big Man," here on the Earl and Toni Rosell Ranch near Billings. HOLLYWOOD   came to Montana in 1969 to film a movie that would change the way the world views indigenous people. When it debuted during the holidays of 1970, "Little Big Man" generated a then impressive box office of $31 million. It premiered just in time to qualify for Oscar consideration the next spring. A recent seminar in Hardin, Montana, celebrated the movie's contribution to the humanities and the ways in which it portrayed native Americans as "human beings." DUSTIN HOFFMAN  was a young looking 33 -- just three years after he rose to fame as Benjamin in "The Graduate," seduced by an older Mrs. Robinson, his parents' friend. Genius makeup artist Dick Smith created a 121-year old character in Dustin Hoffman's Jack Crabb. Genius makeup artist Dick Smith created a 121-year old character in DustinHoffman's Jack Crabb. Through the make-up wizardry of Hollywood artist Dick Smith, Hoffman's character Jack Crabb appears first as a 121-year old man, relating the story of his remarkable life to a reporter. The character undergoes many transformations in both the white and native worlds, leading many lives, including as a scout for General George Armstrong Custer during the infamous Indian Wars. Crabb's life is as complex as any portrayed in the movies. Panelists discussed the impact of the film, and acting as extras.    CROW AND Cheyenne men and women – elderly now -- were 53 years younger when they acted along side Hoffman. They portrayed members of Little Big Man's adopted Indian family and for the real-life families, the picture gave their lives an economic boost. Panelists at a three-day "Little Big Man" symposium in Hardin recalled that dozens of native people earned from $10 or $25 a day -- more if they had their own horse -- during the filming. The gathering, sponsored by Little  Symposium organizer Tim Bernardis spent years studying "Little Big Man" and planning for the festival marking its 53rd anniversary. Big Horn College, celebrated Montana’s connection to the film. It was the brainchild of author and veteran Crow Cultural Center library director Tim Bernardis, lifelong film aficionado. He spent years studying the movie, based on a 1964 novel by Thomas Berger and directed by Oscar winner Arthur Penn. Bernardis dreamed of a symposium to spotlight its impact and secured a grant to make it happen. Planned for 2020, 50 years after the film’s 1970 debut, the seminar was derailed by COVID. Bernardis wasn’t about to let the project be lost. “It is too important; we kept the dream alive,” he said. THE GROUNDBREAKING film begins with Crabb recalling the killing of his parents on their way west, and his rescue by Indians. Crabb describes multiple incarnations in diverse worlds, including earning the name "Little Big Man" from his adopted grandfather, Old Lodge Skins. His  A scene from the film, "Little Big Man," now 53 years old, with this battle scene shot on location at Crow Agency, near the actual battle site. Some of the actors spoke at the seminar. unique perspective and visits with his wise elder teach him the ways of the “human beings,” as Old Lodge Skins describes his people. Hoffman’s convincing acting continues to fascinate, 53 years after the film’s debut to critical acclaim. During three lively and varied days, three years after the COVID postponement, presenters considered a wide range of topics, from academic insights to emotional musings and humorous, touching impressions.   Some gave  Sidney "Chip" Fitzpatrick Jr acted as emcee at the fete. vivid back stories, examples of present-day racism, feeling that the culture is back-sliding in a sea of increasing bigotry. Symposium emcee Sidney Chip Fitzpatrick Jr., related a vivid example of recent racism experienced when an elderly white woman accosted his daughter with   verbal slurs in a Billings store. “We still have a lot of work to do,” Fitzpatrick said, "to make certain that native Americans are regarded as human beings, not caricature   drunks and other stereotypes.” Young beautifully dressed Indian girls delighted with their performances during the "LBM" symposium.   AMONG THE TOPICS was an examination of Richard Mulligan's portrayal of George Armstrong Custer, the man whose “Last Stand” came on a grassy knoll near Hardin. The Little Bighorn battle scenes were filmed on location at Crow Agency, near the actual battle site, lending authenticity to the movie.  Between presentations, seminar guests recalled the changing of the name Custer Battlefield to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in 1991. “It is important to recognize the indigenous perspective,” said one woman. “A very good thing.” Artists, historians, townsfolk and friends mingled to discuss the movie and its impact . DANCERS AND  drummers entertained at lunch time in the school cafeteria, while guests and participants reminisced about the movie's beginnings.  Director Penn read the book in 1966 and loved it. Billings mayor Willard Fraser got wind of the project and heard Arizona and Mexico were being considered as locations. He recruited arts advocate and rancher Earl Rosell to help sell Montana to Hollywood.  Fraser called upon his Indian friends—Johnny Wooden Legs, Edison Real Bird, Henry Old Coyote, Susie Yellowtail and others -- and with Rosell, they "sold" the Montana location, making lobbying trips to Hollywood and Cinema Center Films on their own dime.  Fraser biographer Lou Mandler  Rene Rosell Yarborough and Christene "Cookie" Meyers" were panelists. Rosell is holding the sword her father used in a cameo scene. described Fraser’s courting of “Little Big Man” producer Stuart Millar. The persistent, Montana boosting mayor toured Millar and movie scouts around Montana, enumerating the advantages of shooting a motion picture about Indians in authentic Indian country.  “The realism of the film would boost box office sales,” Fraser wrote. His lobbying proved effective and filming began on the Rosell ranch in summer of 1969. Rosell even scored a cameo as a soldier who spares Little Big Man when he realizes the Dustin Hoffman character is white, not Indian.  Here are links to some of the most watched clips from the movie, featuring Dustin Hoffman as Jack Crabb and Richard Mulligan as a deranged, egocentric General Custer.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kflV0EBLBWIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hJ9igq1zZ8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WihjvhJawEohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpbq6nGbs50 The wedding/birthday party at High Chaparral on the West Fork of the Stillwater River, Montana.  UP NEXT:  Gentle readers: few things escape the eye of the writer of this column. But Bruce William Keller's surprise proposal took my breath away and left me in a rare stunned silence.  It happened during a clan reunion celebrating my birthday -- and will never be forgotten.  I said "Yes," of course, actually, "I'd be delighted!" We've been together more than 16 years and are legal domestic partners in the state of California. But we'd not discussed tying the proverbial knot. So when he asked -- on bended knee -- I thought "why not?" His co-conspirators were our niece and nephew, Amarylla and Steve.  He officiated at the ceremony, during the birthday tribute. Coming next. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on the arts, travel, nature, family and more:   www.whereiscookie.com

The studio of famed western artist Charles Marion Russell is much as he left it and is part of the nationally known museum named after the man who lived from 1864 to1926. Known as one of America’s greatest artists, he lived the life he captured on canvas, creating a fine historical record of Western cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" FAMED WESTERN artist Charlie Russell was a lousy student with a talent for drawing. Born in St. Louis, he didn't like school much. At not quite 16 years, he convinced his parents to let him leave formal education to set out on his own for Montana. In 1880, in the wide open spaces of Big Sky Country, he worked as a sheepherder and didn't enjoy that either. But the man who would become one of the world's most famous western artists had a vision. Luck played a part, too, in the people he met, places he landed. Charlie Russell's paintings range from elegant landscapes to comical observations. He painted and sketched more than 2,000 works in his lifetime. His artwork is acclaimed for its attention to detail and depiction of life as it was in the early days of the west's settlement. The cowboy painter spent time on his paintings and drawing, often trading sketches for room and board and drinks at the bar. Gradually, Russell made a name for himself and eventually exhibited widely in the U.S. and Europe. His success is due in great part to his business savvy wife, Nancy Cooper Russell, who is given proper credit for her role in his fame at the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls. They met in 1895 at a dinner party at the home of one of Charlie's friends. Nancy was the live-in housekeeper. She caught Charlie's eye. They courted and were married the next year. The artist cultivated friendships with native Americans, and captured their strength, elegance and connection to the earth. C.M. Russell Museum has an international reputation. Its 3,000-plus pieces of Western art are beautifully curated a large complex covering an entire city block of town. It's well worth a couple days to explore the museum and beyond. Great Falls is a pretty, mid-sized city -- around 60,000 people -- nestled between mountain ranges, rivers and wilderness areas. Most visitors spend a couple days -- at least one at the cowboy painter C.M. Russell Museum. There are hotels and restaurants for most budgets. The home and studio of famed western artist C.M. Russell is visited by thousands of tourists each year. Here, Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers tour. Cowboy painter's C.M. Russell Museum doesn't feel overwhelming despite its breadth. It includes an impressive 16 exhibition galleries, educational programming spaces, a research center and a lovely outdoor sculpture garden. A favorite of visitors is Russell's fully-restored home and studio. What strikes the viewer of his art is his eye for a vast country in transition, with all its virtues, and vanities. Near destruction of the bison, racism, ignorance and intrusion of the white man into nature and native life are all astutely documented. Culture, landscape and wildlife all take a turn and often mingle in his detailed paintings. Charlie Russell and his wife, Nancy, made a successful team. She understood the business end of the partnership. He was happy to be the artist. THE HOME HAS a charm unique to the west, with a glimpse into the life of the family. The studio is charming, with Charlie's sketches, personal effects and architectural nuances. It's a studio that looks loved and lived in, a National Historic Landmark, where he lived and created for 24 years alongside his astute wife and business partner Nancy Cooper Russell. Plan to spend at least three hours in this treasure of the Treasure State. More information or to visit: cmrussell.org Seeing Legoland or Disneyland, a park, a new hotel, a museum, with children gives adults a new perspective. Here, Cookie in green, with her niece Amarylla, and her two kids, Peny and James. UP NEXT : If you haven't traveled with a youngster, consider it! Take a niece or nephew, grandchild or favorite little person with you on a day outing or a long trip. We often take part of a trip with our family, and find it enriching and eye-opening. It enhances a journey -- long or short. You'll likely plan your time better and make use of resources you might not consider without another generation or two along. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on family, performance, the arts, nature and more.

GLORIOUS DECORATIONS, LIGHTS ENTERTAIN THOUSANDS OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS WHO ENJOY THE DECOR -- MAKE RESERVATIONS AHEAD FOR YOUR VISIT Mission Inn is aglow and magical this time of year in Riverside, California STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Cookie and Keller pause in front of the historic hotel. FOR THREE DECADES , the historic Mission Inn in Riverside, Calif., has lit itself up for the holidays to the delight of thousands of appreciative onlookers. People book rooms -- often a year or two in advance -- so they can bunk, dine and stroll happily among the splendidly lit decorations for a few days. This year, the famous hotel has more than five million lights ablaze. Carriages, beautifully decorated, and well tended horse's offer beauty and entertainment. The lights accent  displays ranging from classic Biblical scenes to tableaux from the beloved "Nutcracker" ballet, to a fanciful Santa with reindeer and elves. THE Mission Inn magic traces back to 1874 when a when a Wisconsin civil engineer arrived in Riverside. C.C. Miller began work on an inspired water system, and with his family, started a small boarding house in the center of town. A docent tour takes guests into lobbies, alcoves Handsome, merry nutcrackers  and friends provide color as they line the balconies and walkways. The inn was popular with travelers and its reputation grew.  The Miller family accented it with their own art collection.  In 1902, Miller's son Frank Augustus Miller changed the name to the "Glenwood Mission Inn" and started a much grander vision enlarging the grounds and adding buildings, in a variety of styles, He continued the expansion until he died in 1935.  THE YOUNGER    Miller's architectural flair resulted in an eclectic structural blend  drawn from a variety of influences.  His study of historical design periods, revivals, influences, and styles created today's delightful property. Mission Inn Magic spotlights its Spanish mission-style design. The inn is the crowning jewel of a charming downtown which includes galleries, museums, bistros,  taverns and a performing arts center. The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a State of California Historic Landmark, and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. Tours of the property are available through the Mission Inn Foundation, which operates the enterprise.   Along with architectural styles and furnishings from around the world, the inn contains dozens of entertaining stories, which docents colorfully share.. / www.missioninn.com/ Bright pastels dot the rocky terrain which rises from the sea in  Monterosso. UP NEXT:   Ah, Cinque Terre. Five villages of heaven on Earth.  Gorgeous pastels, picturesque villages, water, flowers, pleasant people, fabulous seafood.  Sounds too good to be true. But this lovely array of small, welcoming towns is a favorite of Cookie and Keller. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly when we post a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, family and more. Check back often and use our pieces for travel and entertainment tips around the world.

Peggy Sue's diner is a classic '50s diner, with fine food and a treasure trove of  movie memorabilia collected by its owners. Dine with Elvis, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne and many others from the movie glory days of the 1950s.  Peggy Sue Gabler was a Hollywood actor in the 1950s. Her husband, Champ, worked nearby at Knott's Berry Farm, Los Angeles. The couple developed the diner as a colorful way to share their extensive collection of movie memorabilia MOVIE MEMORABILIA SPICES UP THE LONG DRIVE BETWEEN LOS ANGELES OR SAN DIEGO AND LAS VEGAS     STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Actor James Dean leads the way to the colorful restroom. Behind the Dean manikin are photos of him with Marilyn Monroe, and other classic Hollywood portraits.  IF YOU ARE  old enough to remember the colorful diners and coffee shops of the 1950s, you'll find yourself in nostalgia heaven at Peggy Sue's '50s Diner near Yermo, Calif., an original roadside attraction built in 1954. Turn your mental clock back 60-plus years, to the movies, fashions, food and fads of the day. Prepare your taste buds and sharpen up your sense of humor. Hit the I-15 and take the Ghost Town exit near Yermo. You'll be at Peggy Sue's, where friendly smiles and speedy service begin your journey into the past.  Take your pick from nine counter stools and three boths. Have a look at the hot pink menu, place your order, then enjoy the ambiance and a pleasant overload of movie memorabilia. At Peggy Sue's diner PERHAPS YOU'LL  choose the Marlon Brando mushroom cheese burger, or the Buddy Holly bacon cheese burger. Maybe you fancy a Patti Page tuna melt or John Wayne's barbecue sandwich. Gary Cooper's ham and cheese on rye is tasty and Fabian's French dip charmed photographer Keller, who wandered around the place with his cameras for over an hour. Peggy Sue's is pure fun, with a capital "F." Set in the shadow of the Calico Mountains, the diner was built from railroad ties and held together with mortar from the nearby Union Pacific Rail Yard. Portraits of many Hollywood stars -- most of them signed -- cover the walls at Peggy Sue's. Our planned "quick stop" turned into a two-hour journey down Memory Lane with a leisurely lunch and enjoyable self-guided tour. A fun little gift shop sells all manner of memorabilia, posters, signs, and many fun road-trip souvenirs. Peggy Sue's waitresses greet you in colorful pastels reminiscent of the 1950s diners where a good burger and piece of pie were standard fare. The place induced such a happy reverie that we plan to return each time we drive through the desert on our frequent forays to and from Las Vegas. The imaginatively decorated diner is a love song to the 1950s,  crafted by a California couple whose enthusiasm for Hollywood and show business is contagious. The Duke has plenty of wall space at Peggy Sue's. The ladies restroom offers this surprise! A mural, all in good fun. CHAMP AND PEGGY  Sue Gabler came to Yermo from Southern California in 1981, and rescued the diner which was falling into disrepair. After careful restoration, they opened it in 1987,   using their memorabilia, imaginations and elbow grease. The result is a kitschy "not to miss" place to stop for fine fare and  nicely preserved movie  souvenirs and effects. Peggy Sue's Diner is a 10,000-square-foot '50s fantasyland with Tinseltown memorabilia and many famous customers.  For us, it livens up the tedious drive between Los Angeles or San Diego and Las Vegas. IT'S A THROWBACK to another time.  This '50s style diner entertains with remarkable memorabilia, friendly service and fine fare. And yes, chicken fried steak, great burgers and meatloaf appear, along with homemade pie and sodas fresh from the fountain. This treasure is in Yermo, California. Editor's Note: Peggy Sue's 50's Diner ,a popular roadside stop on I-15, is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a gift shop and diner menus, pizza parlor and more. Opens around 7 a.m . Check the website:   peggysuesdiner.com   Cookie (aka Christene Meyers) prepares for an assault on LEGOLAND with her niece, Amarylla Ganner, and great-niece and nephew, Peny and James Ganner. UP NEXT: Get ready for LEGOLAND! Rest up folks, because it's going to be a hectic, lively ride. We took to the famous amusement diversion recently, with our niece and her two enthusiastic youngsters. We rode rides, admired all the Legoland characters, stayed in the lovely nearby Hilton Garden Inn, walked miles and came back happy -- and exhausted. Tips on taking kids to the engaging site, and more. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays when we post a lively look at travel, the arts, family and nature. Check regularly for travel tips at whereiscookie.com