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

Julian's famous Julian Cafe and Bakery has delicious pies and ice cream flavors. Here, Cookie shares with Nick & Nora. TRY JULIAN, CALIFORNIA, FOR A RELAXING, SATISFYING WEEKEND IN THE COUNTRY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Cookie's sister, Misha Minesinger, exits cheery Two Sisters Cottage in Julian. THE APPLE CAPITAL of the world has a nice rhyming nickname. It also offers a get-away both soothing and exciting. Julian, California, a small, quaint mountain town in southern California, offers history, fun hotels, shopping, scenery and perhaps the best fruit pies in the state. Man cannot live by pie, alone. There's plenty more to do, though, including the famous fall apple fest. JULIAN'S EAGLE and High Peak Gold Mine affords the opportunity to step back in time into a real gold mine dug out of a mountain with picks and your own pan. Julian has an annual October Apple Festival, celebrating the fruit that keeps people coming back. You can feel your blood pressure dropping on the drive from San Diego to Julian, a small mountain community in Southern California located at the intersection of California highways 78 and 79. It's only about 50 miles northeast of San Diego. The historic town, founded just after the Civil War, is nestled among oak and pine forests between the north end of the Cuyamaca Range and the south slope of Volcan Mountain. JULIAN IS a throw-back to the late 1800s, in many ways. Take out the autos and modern dress and imagine your great-grandparents strolling the streets of Julian. People say hello. Dogs are welcome. The entire township of Julian is a Designated Historical District. Its image as an early California frontier town with pioneer store fronts, historic sites and guided tours of the mines explains its continuing modern appeal. Tourism is Julian's largest industry, followed by cattle. The mine and The apple: Julian's star attraction. California Wolf Center are worth visits. Try a bite! It's heresy not to. Julian pies are known throughout California. There are dozens of places to stay, from the historic downtown hotel with its few, antique-bedecked rooms, to B&Bs, luxury inns and more modest lodgings. We recently enjoyed the Two Sisters Cottage -- apropos of my Atlanta sister's visit! WE HAD cocktails in the large yard, and appreciated that the inn is dog friendly. Two comfy bedrooms and a pleasant kitchen were stocked with pans and tools to prepare a meal! Eagle's Nest Bed and Breakfast is another of our favorites, for its pretty rooms and lovely views. Most of the lodging options, such as the historic Gold Rush Hotel are right in town, Mining lore is one of Julian's attractions, so take the tour! and the rustic and private Julian Pines is close by. You'll want to stop at Julian Pie Co. or any of the other options for sampling the apple and berry pies that make the town famous. STROLLING Julian is fun, too. We shopped for bird houses, chocolate and earrings in the same couple of user friendly blocks. Restaurants and cafes offer plenty of choices for a long weekend. Romano's is a fine, intimate and tastefully decorated Italian restaurant with delicious veal and pasta dishes. On the way home to San Diego, stop for lunch and Dudley's Bread, known throughout California. Two sisters, Misha Minesinger and Cookie Meyers, enjoy time together in Julian, at Two Sisters Cottage JULIAN IS is unique among Southern California communities for its cool-winter climate, ideal for growing apples. Julian apples are sold as pies, cider and whole fruit. Each October, 10,000 apple pies are baked weekly in Julian, when Southern California tourists flock for fall colors, cool breezes, frontier atmosphere and the Apple Festival. ANOTHER NICE aspect to a small town is that you can call the local Chamber of Commerce and get a human being who'll help with lodging or make dining suggestions. We've had good luck on short notice by contacting them at 2129 Main St, Julian, CA 92036, 760 765-1857; www.julianca.com COMING UP: In researching our novel, "Lilian's Last Dance," we drew upon other stories of sharp shooters, including the legendary Annie Oakley, played by dozens of actresses. Remember, carpe diem, so explore, learn and live and check us out Wednesdays and weekends for a fresh look at travel, the arts and contemporary life: www.whereiscookie.com

Keller prepares to take the wheel of a rental car on an autumn trip to Olbia, Sardinia. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Roundabouts are the norm in much of Europe and the United Kingdom. Here, a Dali sculpture in Figueres, eastern Spain, decorates the curve. DRIVING WHILE abroad can be a delightful way to discover new terrain at your own pace. We've made friends in rental cars, gleaned information and tips, discovered off-the-beaten path treasures. But renting a car successfully, getting the best deal and returning the auto safely take courage and know-how. Wednesday, we laid the groundwork for getting your rental agreement before you leave the U.S. We also talked about ways to prevent extra charges -- from dents that you didn't cause to gas that you didn't use. Here are more tips to help you renting abroad: Go small: Tight, narrow streets laid out for horse and carriage, centuries before cars, are common in many European, South American, Middle-Eastern and Asian cities. Parking areas are small or non-existent so think small, to allow you to maneuver better. In a traffic jam, you can sometimes back or turn your way out in a small car. Not so with a large car which will also be much more expensive. Driving a rental car in the Middle East may yield more than cars! WHEN MAKING reservations for your car pickup -- particularly at an airport -- remember that the company's fleets are often stocked with larger cars, for use by business travelers on expense accounts. You might receive a free upgrade for a subcompact booking and could still end up with a car size to maneuver easily. European cars are smaller than their American counterparts. If you're only a couple or threesome, no problem. Small may not suit large or tall Americans, or those carrying lots of luggage, or traveling with a group or big family. Consider all that. Safely delivered to her Costa Brava hotel, Cookie prepares to celebrate! Parking in large cities calls for ingenuity as these Roman cars attest. In many countries, manual transmissions are the norm. So we pay a higher price for an automatic. If you are comfortable with a stick shift, you will save money. Remember, though, that driving overseas is much more taxing than driving at home. FIRST, YOU probably have no idea where you're going, roads are often narrow, winding or poorly paved, or precariously constructed on mountainsides or ocean cliffs. Road signs and street markings are different. A recent drive from Barcelona to Spain's rugged Costa Brava was spectacular but yielded some frightening moments. Another drive from Florence south to Sienna was breathtaking but terrifying. Many Italian drivers have lead feet and we were passed and honked at by many aspiring Mario Andrettis! Neither of us likes to drive with a stick shift. So if not all drivers in your group are comfy with a manual transmission, get an automatic and suck up the higher price. Remember, too, if you're in England, Australia or other "left side of the road" countries, driving has additional challenges. Navigating those roundabouts calls for clear thinking and determination. Be sure everyone's comfortable with driving on the left side of the road -- it can be challenging. Navigating a busy Rome street calls for clear thinking, then action. BE AWARE: many countries have a minimum and maximum age for renters. Drivers under 25 or over 70 may face surcharges or not be permitted to rent at all. International driving permits: If you're traveling in an English-speaking country, you can get by with an American driver's license. Check with the consulate or embassy of the country you're visiting to find out policies on international drivers. Many countries will ask that you also obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is basically a paper that translates your into into 10 languages. It is recognized by over 150 countries. If you are renting a car abroad, you may be asked to present one along with your regular state license. You must be at least 18 years old to get an IDP. The car rental agencies can give you information country by country. TWO AGENCIES in the U.S. are authorized to issue IDP's: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Automobile Club. Fakes are also available on the web so beware! Get your IDP before leaving home: it must be issued in your home country. An IDP is not a license; it's merely confirms and translates the license issued in your native country. If you are stopped by officials abroad, you must present your home country's license and IDP where needed. Be careful to obey local tolls, rules and lights. Any citation issued abroad will find its way for payment through your rental car company. Finally, check with your auto insurance before you go to determine if you are covered while driving abroad. If not, we recommend purchasing minimum insurance. You might be the world's best driver, but if someone smashes into you in transit, or in a hotel or restaurant lot, you'll be covered. It's worth a few extra Euros for the peace of mind. To GPS or not? We'll answer that in the next post. Keller is ready for his close-up on overseas technology. COMING UP: You're rented your car and are off to foreign places and discoveries. Now, how to get technology to co-operate with you overseas. You may have to file a plug to fit into an outlet -- but we can help you avoid checking with an engineer! More on technology wherever you're going. Travel in Europe with technology, but don't necessarily plan on phoning home. Remember to explore, learn and live. Tell your friends and check us out Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com

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

The new Tower represents endurance and recovery, while honoring lives lost. Its mission is "to preserve freedom and inspire an end to hatred, ignorance and intolerance." NEW YORKERS, GLOBAL VISITORS PAY HOMAGE TO THE FALLEN AT NEW, ELEGANT TRADE CENTER MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM Names of victims are placed near names of people with whom they worked. The names are inscribed in bronze around waterfalls and two beautiful pools. This family visited the memorial after a subway ride with us. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER 'The Carpe Diem Kids' WE ALL remember that dreadful day: the haunting images of the Twin Towers collapsing, families searching frantically for lost loved ones. Smoke, tears and sorrow. So 14 years after the infamous deeds of September 11, 2011, we spent a day at the scene of the carnage. This young visitor took a selfie near the pools and bronzes honoring the victims. The dramatic 9/11 Memorial was designed by architect Michael Arad and landscaper Peter Walker. It includes two pools set in the footprints of the original Twin Towers. Thirty-foot water- falls cascade into the pools and descend into a center void. Names of the nearly 3,000 victims are inscribed in bronze around the perimeters of the pools. WE JOINED families from around the globe and other New York neighborhoods to pay our respects. We were among thousands of all faiths, age and dress as we emerged from the subway from Midtown Manhattan. We were warmed by the sun, shining as it had on the day of the disaster. We were grateful for the weather as we walked through Lower Manhattan to the memorial. Windows on the World was a favorite haunt of many. The looks on peoples' faces were somber and reverent as they studied the names around the pools. The original Twin Towers stood proudly. Some left flowers or made rubbings of loved ones' names. Others took selfies or group photos. Many seemed lost in reverie and memory. I had spent many happy times in the original Twin Towers, often at the famous top-floor restaurant, Windows on the World. There I interviewed celebrities and dined with friends in the movie and theater business. Windows was a favorite hang out of travelers, writers, stars and politicians. Everyone loved its splendid views. Tourists from around the globe, and many New Yorkers, await tour tickets. WE SPENT time studying the 9/11 Memorial Museum, but agreed it was a brutal few hours -- with its first-person accounts of the day, personal artifacts, structural remnants and multimedia displays. The WTC complex with a master plan by Daniel Libeskind calls for a spiral of new towers around the eight-acre Memorial. ONE OF the most touching elements were hundreds of swamp white oaks around the memorial. A single, beautiful pear tree -- known as "Survivor Tree" -- stands as proud testimony to survival. Workers found the damaged tree reduced to a stump in the Ground Zero wreckage. Nursed back to health, it grew to 30 feet and flowers each spring. ONE MAY download the 9/11 Memorial Guide on a smartphone or visit names.911memorial.org. Juhu Beach Club -- visited by whereiscookie in April, and recently, by CNN's traveling gourmet, Anthony Bourdain. NEXT UP and BY THE WAY: A Montana museum once the home of the philanthropic, pioneering Bair family, opens its doors for an "Upstairs, Downstairs" tour next week. And last spring we discovered a wonderful Indian restaurant, Juhu Beach Club in Oakland, Calif. It has quickly become a favorite of Bay Area diners, and visitors looking for tasty Indian fare cooked by someone who knows her way around curry and chutney. We raved about the fairly new eatery months ago! Recently, world renowned chef Anthony Bourdain, of the popular CNN show, "Parts Unknown," gave Juhu thumbs up. High praise from a guy who loves San Francisco and writes about its older, venerable eateries such as Sinbad's, House of Prime Rib, Tosca, Trader Vic's and Swan Oyster Depot. Check out our piece and tune in to Bourdain Sunday nights on CNN. Anthony Bourdain, whereiscookie visit Juhu Beach Club

"Thare she blows" and then there she goes. as a whale dives after taking a breath of air. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Boarding a boat bound for whale watching is one of life's loveliest pleasures. We've watched whales here in California and around the world, and love the opportunities around Oxnard, Calif. One of our favorite California boating enterprises, Island Packers, successfully weathered the Covid storms of a few years and is thriving with Channel Islands Adventures -- some of the world's best whale watching and more right off our beautiful coast. Island Packers in Oxnard and Ventura offers many options for enjoying the beautiful and varied Channel Islands. Here the boats await eager passengers in Oxnard's colorful marina. Things to do in the marina, a hidden gem on the California coast: Whale Watching Boat to a nature rich preserve and spend the night on a Channel Island Kayak, hike, snorkel and observe birds and marine life up close and personal Island Packers provides Eco-Friendly exploration of the Channel Islands U.S. Marine Life by various means The approach to Anacapa with Island Packers is thrilling, with dolphins aplenty. Island Packers Connects Travelers to California’s Wildest Islands The family operated Island Packers offers many options for enjoying nature's wonders. We enjoy its cruises to the beautiful and varied Channel Islands. It's easy for us -- just a few hours drive from San Diego, and easy journey from Los Angeles. Based in Ventura and Oxnard, Island Packers is less than 10 miles from Channel Islands National Park. Channel Islands Sportfishing is also in Oxnard, offering whale watching along with fine sports fishing. Visitors often enjoy both options as Oxnard is an ideal home base for a sea-driven holiday. A Perfect California Coastal Adventure: Channel Islands Harbor to the Open Ocean Usually, the summer months are the best times to see humpback whales and blue whales, which are attracted by ocean upwellings that bring abundant krill. But because of Oxnard's jutting placement on the water, and the deep channels, there are whales and dolphins all year long. Seeing a magnificent sea creature, knowing you're sharing the planet with this magical being, is a thrill we share whenever we get the chance. Channel Islands Sportfishing offers myriad options for adventure by sea. Why This Channel Islands Company Stands Out We've watched whales in Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, Iceland, Russia and Norway, always with admiration and awe but going to sea with Island Packers or Channel Island Whale Watching is a real local treat for southern Californians -- and for tourists worldwide who visit here. BEST OF ALL..... The boat ride is as short as it gets to the viewing grounds How to Plan a Channel Islands Adventure from Southern California We researched the options and decided upon these two highly rated outfits, both well established: Island Packers on the West side of the Harbor Channel Islands Whale Watch and Sportfishing, on the East side of the Harbor If you want to catch a fabulous fish, here's your ticket: Channel Island Sportfishing. Both operations have been around since the 1960s, known for their interesting rides and excursions to Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and even Santa Barbara and San Miguel in the Channel Islands. Channel Islands Day Trips and Overnight Adventures with Island Packers A variety of activities awaits -- from whale, dolphin and seal spotting to camping, sport fishing, kayaking energetic hiking and user-friendly family treks. Naturalists with vast knowledge of the area are part of the entertainment. Channel Islands National Park Check out the Painted Cave Exploration, its high on our bucket list with Island Packers. Channel Island Sportfishing puts its emphasis on catching beautiful white sea bass, yellowtail and halibut. It also offers seasonal whale watching expeditions. During the whale migration times they offer guided tours for Wildlife Watching in the Channel Islands National Park where you can see and get up close to a wide variety of Whales, Dolphins, Seabirds and more "Captain Keller" piloted his first boat as a 10-year old boy. Both Island Parkers and Channel Island Sportfishing are well respected businesses. Locals know now they have excellent well informed staff and go beyond the call of duty to accompany unique and memorable journeys into the Channel Islands. Cookie and Keller enjoy a snuggle near Anacapa, where they saw whales, seals, dolphin and a beautiful coastline. Clouds move about invoking the spirits of seafarers and sailors of yore. Sailing with Purpose: How Island Packers Connects Travelers to California’s Wildest Islands Beautiful to approach and largely uninhabited -- except for forest service naturalists -- they form an eight-island archipelago along the Santa Barbara Channel in the Pacific Ocean. Five of them are part of Channel Islands National Park and the beautiful waters surrounding these make up Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Whale watching trips include both southbound whales going south to birth their calves, then migrating north with their calves, back up to their feeding grounds in the Arctic. Whatever your choice, Oxnard's a good place to visit uncrowded waters with friendly staff -- a fruitful learning experience. As for a hotel, there are several but our favorite is Hilton's Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor for a pleasant, relaxing place to stay with stunning harbor views, friendly staff and an excellent breakfast. More information or to book: islandpackers.com www.channelislandswhalewatching.com/ *********************************************************************************** History and heritage are a focus of whereiscookie.com "The Carpe Diem Kids." We travel the world as ambassadors for peace, learning about people, art and culture, here in Tallin, Estonia. On Tap: We'll explore the famous Route 66, celebrating its 100th birthday, take a fun walking food tour in Scottsdale, and jump on a Segway. Check back often as we share wonders of spring whale watching off the California coast and new shows in Las Vegas. We're always on the look out for fun people, fine food, nature's wonders, music, museums and unique architecture. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us often for a fresh look at travel, the arts, nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Abundant, attractive sheep are a constant presence on the Faroe Islands, which also boasts exotic bird life. QUIET, VERDANT REMOTE NORDIC ISLANDS ATTRACT ADVENTURERS, HIKERS, BIRD AND NATURE LOVERS STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Keller rests above a river after a muddy but beautiful hike above Klaksvik. LOOKING FOR a destination beyond the ordinary? The Faroe Islands deliver dramatic cliffs, scenic hikes, puffin colonies, and peaceful Nordic charm-- all without the crowds of Iceland. Discover why this remote archipelago is one of Europe’s best-kept travel secrets and why the Faroe Islands should be on your travel bucket list if you wish to explore dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, puffins, and untouched Nordic beauty. THE FAROE ISLANDS has an exotic appeal -- "far away from civilization are we," our guide told us during a day-long venture. We stopped on a recent trans-Atlantic crossing, and were delighted by the guide's wit and erudition, and his country's mountains, valleys and grassy cliffs. Then, even better, we beheld a lush variety of birds and sheep -- a delightful bonus. Klaksvik is a picturesque cruise port, with tidy homes and streets, between two seas: the Norwegian Sea and North Sea. On a day-long hike out of Klaksvik, we slogged through a bog in search of a stunning view from the mountain top. It was a bit soggy and damp but ultimately sunny and beautiful. AT LAST it came and we were rewarded. Although an occasionally steep and challenging journey -- wet and muddy at times -- we had a splendid reward for our persistence. Cookie braved the occasional sprinkles to hike several miles above Klaksvik, Faroe Islands. The Faroe islands (although "islands" is usually plural, it's a collective, singular noun, our guide confirmed) is an archipelago between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Norway and Iceland, 320 kilometers or 200 miles north-northwest of Great Britain. My grandfather Gustav's Norsemen forebears settled the islands around 800, bringing the Old Norse language that evolved into today's Faroese. To my ears, Faroese sounds similar to Icelandic, with the lyrical lilt of Norwegian. It is very musical to this Norsky-Irish hybrid. ACCORDING TO Icelandic sagas, one of the best known men in the island was the brave and dashing Trondur i Gotu, a descendant of Scandinavian chiefs who settled in Dublin, Ireland. Tróndur took on the Norwegian monarchy and the Norwegian church, fighting bravely to claim the islands. The area is small -- only 1,400 square kilometers, or 540 square miles. Its popular is only is dwindling -- only 48,700. Salmon are raised in these netted tanks near the cruise port. "We're struggling to entice our young people to stay here," our guide told us. "Once they cross the waters to Copenhagen or Oslo, they go to university, meet people, taste city life, marry, and don't come back." WE FOUND the people of Klaksvik open and welcoming, articulate, witty and understated, much like my Norwegian cousins. Of course there's a connection: We learned from our guide that 1035 and 1814, the Faroe Islands were part of the Kingdom of Norway. The 1814 Treaty of Kiel granted Denmark control over the islands, along with two other Norwegian regions: Greenland and Iceland. The Faroe Islands has been a self-governing country of the Danish Realm since 1948. Hikers are rewarded with a bird's eye view from the mountain top. THE FAROESE control domestic matters; Denmark handles military defense, police, justice, currency and foreign affairs. As a self-governing archipelago, the Faroe Islands is represented in the Nordic Council, part of the Danish delegation. 18 rocky, volcanic islands make up the Faroe Islands, scattered between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean and -- connected by road tunnels, ferries, causeways and bridges. Hikers and bird-watchers are drawn to the islands’ mountains, valleys and grassy heathland, and steep coastal cliffs that harbor thousands of seabirds. MORE INFORMATION: visitfaroeislands.com

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 'The Carpe Diem Kids' The "Red Rocks of Nevada" typically refers to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a massive 195,819-acre natural preserve located just 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. It is famous for its towering red sandstone cliffs, ancient petroglyphs, and a 13-mile one-way scenic drive. 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, Red Rocks of Nevada A tour bus carries 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! We did, for Nick and Nora and us. Red Rocks Canyon of Nevada 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 one needs to slow the pace and 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. 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 mobsters and their molls, explore the evolution of crime in U.S. cities, and learn about the lawmen and women who cracked criminal cases. 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. It's a fun activity in "Sin City" and a pleasant break from the casinos.

During a period of challenge, loss and tragedy, a fine production of "A Chorus Line" at Welk Theatre, buoys the writer's spirit and gives her hope as she remembers a talented friend and colleague. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" This week's column bids farewell to a longtime treader of the boards and theatrical talent while saluting new productions. Our late friend, Karen Jackson, could have played several roles and sung "Tits and Ass" or "What I Did for Love."  Although she never smoked and seldom drank, Karen Jackson could vamp it up. Her memorial is in Billings this Saturday.  Everything was beautiful at the ballet Graceful men lift lovely girls in white Yes, everything was beautiful at balle t Hey! I was happy... at the ballet --  from "A Chorus Line" Karen Jackson, second from left, would second the motion that theater can heal, comfort, elevate, stretch us.  THIS WEEK's column is part eulogy, part testimonial. It weaves a tribute to my friend, Karen Jackson, with our mutual love of theater and kudos for a quartet of fine productions we've seen this week in San Diego. Karen Jackson's life will be celebrated in Billings Montana, Saturday. She died before the holidays after a brief, ferocious battle with cancer. Critical care for my beloved Yorkie, Nora, and my partner Bruce Keller's Scripps post-transplant tests prevent my being in Montana for the tribute, championed by Karen's longtime collaborator Julie Omvig. Another actor-mime friend of theater, Bonnie Banks, will read my piece. Bruce Keller and Cookie in Coronado for "Babette's Feast." I KNOW  Karen would want us to "go on with the show, so celebrating her love of theater, we're seeing seven plays in two weeks here in San Diego.  With each one, I toast Karen's memory and think how much fun we'd have sitting side by side as the house lights dim. A beautiful, melancholy story of love, loss, longing and life's paths not taken, "Bloomsday" runs at North Coast Repertory Theatre through Feb. 2. northcoastrep.org .  --photo by Aaron Rumley The lovely line from "Everything Was Beautiful at the Ballet" epitomizes what theater does for us, for our souls, our peace of mind, our place in the world. Theater transports us, opens larger worlds. Karen did that. MY EULOGY: Lamb's Players Theatre in Coronado mounted a lovely production of "Babette's Feast." The west coast premier runs through Feb. 16. lambsplayers.org   When I think of Karen, I laugh.  She was one of the funniest people I worked with. In many musical collaborations, we sometimes shared the ladies' dressing room.  At Gramma’s Drammas in the late 1970s, Karen was brilliant as the formidable Carrie Nation in Barry Manilow’s “The Drunkard.” I was music director. One night, the house manager called "five-minutes" as we crammed Karen into her corset. We giggled as we reached the top snap, about to fasten it when it blew! The girdle whipped off Karen and hit the wall.  We collapsed in laughter. As we wrestled it a second time into submission, I quipped, “Well, I guess that rules out breathing.” Karen deadpanned: “Who’s breathing?”     Karen Jackson, right, with her longtime collaborator in dozens of productions, Julie Omvig, who organized Saturday's 3 p.m. celebration of life for Karen. Karen cultivated her gift for making us laugh to an art form, at Gramma’s Drammas, Billings Studio Theatre and Calamity Jane’s.  Like many comics, her sense of humor was her salvation.  She suffered sorrow, disappointment, deep personal losses, including a beloved brother and many adored pets. Like all of us in theater, she picked herself up, started over again. The show must go on.  Karen’s caustic look and withering eye masked a heart the size of Texas.  Her humor coped with hurt, buoyed us up, helped us cope.  What a wonderful gift she gave us in making us laugh – at the world, our town, our foibles.   "The Humans" at San Diego Repertory Theatre is on stage through Feb. 2. Funny, troubling, textured, Karen Jackson would have loved it and probably played the mother. sdrep.org  --Photo by Jim Carmody And that voice. Expressive, perfect timing.  Karen was versatile.  A comedienne extraordinaire, she also melted hearts with her ballads. I loved being in her company off stage, and accompanying her on stage.  We shared a lifelong love of musical theater; she was one of the few people who knew every tune I played from The Great American Songbook.  Our tastes were similarly eclectic: Rodgers and Hammerstein, Jerome Kern, Kander and Ebb, Harold Arlen, the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim.  When “Company” debuted in the early 1970s, I suggested we sing Karen Jackson, third from left, was a gifted clown with a fabulous voice, here in one of her many Calamity Jane's roles. "You Could Drive a Person Crazy.” HOW I WISH  that had happened.  We did collaborate though, on several Sondheim pieces when Bruce and I, Todd Yeager and  Karen and a half-dozen other talents sold out the house in  Skip Lundby’s BST “off-nights.” Karen sang two Sondheim ballads. Todd and I sang “Class,” that irreverent “Chicago” lament. Karen Jackson, upper left, as Carrie Nation in Barry Manilow's "The Drunkard" at Gramma's Drammas in Billings. Besides timing, humor, stage presence, Karen exhibited grace. She usually aced the lead, but one time, not. She auditioned for Sally Bowles in our 1977 BST production of “Cabaret.” As head of the bawdy Kit-Kat Band, I listened to her deliver the title song perfectly. However, the lead went to Kathy McCarty. Karen graciously agreed to play Fraulein Kost, who lives down the hall in the boarding house. It's not a huge role but she stole the show with her haunting “Tomorrow Belongs To Me,” creating a Karen Jackson, seated with cane and dog, had hundreds of roles, dozens of faces. A natural clown who could sing!  memorable cameo. What a pro. Bruce Meyers was a splendid emcee and Todd, her life partner, was Cliff Bradshaw, the writer who travels to Berlin and falls for Sally. The four of us formed a fast bond during that long-ago show. Karen and I would be orchestra center for "Murder for Two," an inventive new musical coming soon to New Village Arts. It features JD Dumas and Tony Houck. (Karen and I would audition, too!)   newvillagearts.org  -- Photo by Daren Scott  THEN IN 1979,  when Bruce and I saw Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury in Broadway's “Sweeney Todd,” I dreamed of Bruce and Karen collaborating again. Todd would play Judge Turpin. Julie would be Lucy Barker. Vint Lavinder would be Pirelli or the Beadle.  Cameos for all, a huge chorus of friends. I would be music director. Skip Lundby would direct. It would be magnificent.  But that was not to be, so we save it for a heavenly encore. Everyone on both sides of the footlights loved Karen's humor, grace, compassion, enormous talent, her ability to make us laugh, shed a therapeutic tear. Heaven sent us a gifted clown and now has called her back. “Isn’t it rich?” Yes, she was.  Rich, rare, one of a kind.  How we miss, cherish and honor her.    Karen's life will be celebrated Jan. 18 from 3-5 p.m. at the Columbia Club (former Knights of Columbus) 2216 Grand Ave., Billings, Montana) Sisters Misha Minesinger, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Olivia Cosgriffe (in red) and niece Amarylla Ganner, enjoy their "jumpers" or "jackets" which we Americans refer to as sweaters and coats. UP NEXT:  "Brit Speak, America Speak" could be the title of our next column, a lively essay about the differences in language and word play, with the Atlantic Ocean dividing them. Jumpers are sweaters, nappies are diapers, and a boot might be what we Yanks call the trunk of a car. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, nature, family, love, loss and the arts: www.whereiscookie.com

Remembering the days of yore, Christene "Cookie" Meyers checks out the John and Yoko suite at Amsterdam Hilton. BEATLES FANS VISIT FAMOUS HOTEL SUITE REMEMBERED FOR 1969 "BED IN" The hotel is a smart, stylish property and the "John and Yoko suite" pays homage to the famous couple's peaceful protest there 50 years ago. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" John and Yoko's peaceful Dutch 'Love In' for Peace, occured at what is now the Hilton Amsterdam. In the spring of 1969, at the height of global unrest and the ongoing Vietnam War, newlyweds John Lennon and Yoko Ono checked into Room 702 not for privacy, but for publicity. What followed was their now-iconic “Bed-In for Peace,” a week-long, media-savvy protest that blurred the lines between performance art, activism, and celebrity culture. From their bed, they welcomed journalists, spoke out against war, and created one of the most memorable peace demonstrations of the 20th century. "You may say I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, And the world will live as one." -- from 'Imagine', on its 48th anniversary Stylish architecture and plush amenities are offered for those who wish to pay $2,000-plus a night. WE ALL REMEMBER the photos. The famous couple staged two week-long Bed-Ins for Peace, one at the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam and one at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal. We visited the first hotel on a recent trip to the Netherlands, spending a week in this quiet, peaceful corner of Amsterdam. "Peaceful" is the key word here for the two hotel visits were intended to be nonviolent protests against wars and experimental tests of new ways to promote peace. Our host for a tour of the famous suite was the hotel's delightful public relations specialist, Anastasija, who is too young to remember the time in which the non-violent events occurred. John Lennon and Yoko Ono in bed, surrounded by flowers, signs and musical instruments. Photographer Eric Koch faked a press card to gain entrance to the famous "Bed In" and the couple preferred his photos to others taken that week. She smiled as she told the stories, though, including comments from journalists covering the event. "They remarked that the two were welcoming to visitors and the press, but that the room began to smell a bit toward the end of the week. As part of the protest, they did not bathe." The Amsterdam property has enlarged the original John and Yoko room into a small suite which is in high demand at $2,090 a night (1899 Euros). The guestbook boasts signatures of happy couples from Japan to Australia, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. The couple had recently married in Gibraltar and many honeymooners stay there now. Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers in the John and Yoko suite, Amsterdam Hilton, overlooking a lovely canal. THE BATHROOM of 50 years ago was not as plush as today's expanded room with its large oval bathtub, separate walk-in shower, plush bathrobes and slippers, plus other VIP amenities. The idea for the 1969 event derived from the era's popular "sit ins" when protesters seated themselves in front of or inside an establishment until they were evicted, arrested, or had their demands met. THERE ARE IRONIES and anecdotes to the famous visit. The Hilton was not the first choice for John and Yoko's peaceful love-in. The couple tried other properties, and Hilton accepted their reservation knowing that the visit might attract international attention. "We have certainly benefited from the event," Anastasija commented. And, she agreed, the other Dutch hotel which declined to host the couple has probably had regrets. A sketch made by the pair is now used in advertising the suite which is tastefully decorated with John and Yoko memorabilia. Among the nostalgic objects are a copy of one of his guitars, many photographs, sketches and notebooks. A stroll from the hotel takes the tourist past lovely canals and many bikers. We loved the location of the hotel, a 10-minute walk from Holland's fabled Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Vondelpark. If the couple had been hungry they could have feasted at Roberto's, or sipped a cocktail at the Half Moon Lounge, an inviting garden terrace with splendid canal views in a luxurious residential area. INSTEAD, they ate little and when they did, it was a few spoonsful of cold Campbell's soup. What did the peace-in teach us? Most believe it had little effect on the war, but its artistic contribution lives on. Says one scholar of the period, "The idea that sitting in bed for a week might have caused Richard Nixon to revise his foreign policy looks a tad hopeful, to say the least." NEXT UP: Next time in Europe, try a delightful "taste and tour" opportunity. We just did in London and happily recommend Eating Europe Food Tours now in many European cities. The innovative concept combines eating and touring -- fine food at several stops with lively, expert guides sharing best-kept food and drink secrets with a learned nod to history. London's Eating Europe tour offered a delightful mix of tastings from spicy curry to sticky pudding and fish and chips served in newspaper. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a unique view of travel, the arts, nature, family, food and more. www.whereiscookie.com

This store in Madrid was cranking up its displays for the holidays the day after Thanksgiving (which is not celebrated in Europe, of course). Black Friday, however, is big, a definite tradition throughout Europe and in much of the larger world. Here Saint Nick stars in myriad displays. HOLIDAY CHEER BLANKETS THE MEDITERRANEAN FROM NOVEMBER UNTIL MID-JANUARY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" HAPPY HOLIDAYS, READERS! EAT, DRINK, SHOP, BE MERRY! This week we share splashes of holiday color from our recent southern European and Mediterranean forays, a southern Europe salute to the holiday We've spent yule time in Hong Kong, on the Rhine, in Bora Bora (where Santa arrives on a kayak) and in the Canary Islands, where the wise men sang beautiful carols to us. Glass in Murano is bright and beautiful for holiday gifts. TO HONOR THIS WEEK of family and friend time, we offer a photo essay of favorite holiday scenes. We hope it expresses our delight both in travel -- and in the celebration of holidays. Combining the two makes each more special. Above, a market in Barcelona offers everything from candles and sweets to cheeses and wrappings. From the lavish Christmas markets of Austria, Germany and England, to the pub crawls and food binges in Ireland, to the giant Christmas trees of Scandinavia, the holiday spirit sweeps the globe. We hadn't expected such fervor, particularly with the financial unrest in France and Belgium, and unemployment in parts of Greece, but people worldwide seem to want to celebrate -- even when times are hard. Glassware in Valetta in Malta lights its waterfront during the festive holiday period. Murano flies off the shelves and food and craft markets are flourishing in Madrid, Rome, Naples, Barcelona, Florence and Venice. IN MANY European cities, Christmas isn’t just a single day of festivities, but an entire month of celebrations. Bustling Christmas markets abound from Norway to Italy and most countries embark on the Christmas season with enthusiasm. We came upon colorful festivals, religious ceremonies, crowded night markets, and pub revelry with food offered in traditional holiday colors of red and green. Europeans don't hurry to put Christmas to bed, Southern Europe salute the holiday when some of the decorations will go down on Twelfth Night, though, that festival in some branches of Christianity marking the coming of the Epiphany, usually Jan. 5 or 6. Meanwhile, enjoy the season's color. Lively scarves in Montenegro salute the season. Great gifts or souvenirs for yourself. A picturesque old boat is lovingly tended during in Chania, Greece, where bargain lodging can be found. UP NEXT: Where in the world will you find yourself in 2019? We offer tips on what's hot, and where you might find a bargain. Our recent foray on the Mediterranean gleaned lots of tips and we share them with you so you can pick a few that might fit your particular slant on life. If you like quiet harbors and a quaint old town, you'll enjoy the villages of some of the lesser known Greek islands, where lodging can be found for under $150. If you like the sizzle of a busy city, you'll find Barcelona will make you happy. Restaurant fan? Ideas coming. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Cookie's favorite royal, the late Queen Mum, sported a jaunty hat when she joined journalists and travel writers for her daughter's 1977 Silver Jubilee as Queen Elizabeth II. The beloved monarch's hats became famous during World War II, when she wore them to visit bombed villages and cheer the people on during hard times. From left, sisters Christene (Cookie) Meyers, Misha Minesinger and Olivia Cosgriffe are hats off at niece Kira Cosgriffe's wedding to Mike Hill last summer. Most of the wedding party celebrated the occasion with hats. THE HATS HAVE IT: FAMILY TRADITION, FAVORITE MOVIES & THE QUEEN MUM STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER & CM "The Carpe Diem Kids" and FILM STUDIO ARCHIVES That's a younger Cookie, left, her niece Amarylla Hayes (now Ganner and a mother of two youngsters herself) and the late Peny Hayes, Cookie's sister and Amarylla's mother, on the beach in Maui SO WHAT IS IT about wearing a hat that makes everything seem fresher, brighter, hopeful? A sense of play, suggestion of fun, a feeling that the occasion is going to be above the usual outing. Cookie's late mother, Ellen, was never without a hat, here as she pets Yorkie Nora. We're saluting the hat -- not just for Easter -- but for any time, because hats make us happy. There’s something undeniably joyful about discovering the perfect hat while traveling. I love to pick up hats while on the road. I look in whimsical street markets and vintage boutiques, to find hats that are more than mere accessories. They’re souvenirs of personality and place. Hats make us take notice -- and be noticed. I've loved hats since I was a kid. My mum had a trunkful of hats. My grandmother wore hats and gloves to travel, and I wore many hats during my years in the theater -- literally (25 hats on my piano, which I changed during many productions, notably as the head of the Kit Kat Band in "Cabaret.") Audrey Hepburn made this stylish hat famous in "Breakfast at Tiffany's. Hats off to the Ascot scene in "My Fair Lady." FROM THE ASCOT scene in "My Fair Lady" to the delightful chapeau of the Mad Hatter in "Alice in Wonderland," or Indiana Jones' jaunty fedora, we remember a scene with a behatted character. Remember Sherlock Holmes' dapper deer hunter hat? Charlie Chaplin's derby in "The Little Tramp." Wayne Campbell's Trucker cap. Holly Golightly's swooping chapeau in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." We're saluting the hat because it's shaped so many film characters. Gene Hackman's pork pie hat made his Popeye Doyle memorable. Cookie's been behatted since childhood. Or Katharine Hepburn's sun bonnet as she toils at the church organ in "The African Queen." Gene Hackman's signature pork pie hat as Popeye Doyle. When I met the late Queen Mum in London in 1977, she wore a hat. She was beloved for her showy hats, dresses and matching purse and shoes. SOME QUOTES for the behatted: "It isn't what I do, but how I do it. It isn't what I say, but how I say it, and how I look when I do it and say it. Sometimes with a hat and not much else." -- Mae West Keller is not about to be outdone by the girls. Ready for his close-up. "Women who love hats aren't jealous. They like a good hat on another. Women who wear hats know who they are.'' --Anonymous. "Life is like a new hat. You don't know if it suits you if you keep trying it on in front of your own mirror." -- Shirley McLaine. "Wearing hats has become like fine art for me." --Tina Brown "I have 12 hats. Each represents a different personality. Why just be yourself?"-- Margaret Atwood “I wear my hat as I please, indoors or out.” -- Walt Whitman, "Leaves of Grass. "Luxurious, flirty, maybe a bit sexy. We believe a great hat can change your day." -- a sign in New York's Plaza Hotel. BEST BETS: Phil Johnson stars in a brilliant one-man performance, "A Jewish Joke" at San Diego's Moxie Theatre. This Roustabouts production is on stage through April 8, a tour de force for Johnson, whose writer character is on the rise in Hollywood until Senator Joe McCarthy's red-baiting tactics force him to make a crucial decision about his partner and his future. Johnson and Marni Freedman co-wrote the moving often funny work, artfully directed by David Ellenstein. Stunning, poignant theater, not to miss. theroustabouts.org A spirited ensemble involves the audience and creates an enthusiasm that weaves a spell on the audience at "Beachtown" in downtown San Diego. UP NEXT: "Beachtown," in downtown San Diego, is a delightful throw-back to the innocent days of political fund-raisers, neighborhood potlucks and community gatherings. Always original director Sam Woodhouse works his charms with a talented stable of San Diego Repertory Theatre actors to bring this unique Herbert Siguenza and Rachel Grossman work to the Lyceum stage. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch a new post each Friday for the weekend.