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Dreams inspire trip, tattoos; roadies set off with a poem      POEM by CHRISTENE MEYERS  PHOTOS by BRUCE KELLER     This week, twin dreams came down to us with travel forecasts bold.      Our vision puts us on the road (We're doing what we're told.)      Midlife crisis?  Call us nuts.      For sticks and stones don't phase us.      We're grabbing gusto, bucket listing,      singing, playing, praise us!     We've bought twin Harleys, new tattoos      so on the road we're speeding.      Cookie's hair is nice and big      (We don't plan too much reading.)      By trains, boats, planes we'll navigate      We'll waken when it pleases.      We'll order well from room service,      take Cs to stave off sneezes.      From San Diego, up the coast,      Montana, 'round the planet      we'll feast on mangoes, lambchops, jam      perhaps a pomegranate.     Kel's fishing pole and Cookie's sax      will add to our diversions.    We're doing all the things we want,    please spare us vexed aspersions.      We've said so-long to work-aday    with all its cares and worry.    We're going where the sun is bright      and do not plan to hurry.      Our Yorkie kids are all packed up.      With kibbles, toys and sweaters.      We've tossed their leashes in a bag      so they, too, have no fetters.      Our gigs are multiple and fun,      some big fish in our calling.      Some bands, some dancing, gambling, too. Some wagons off we're falling.      We'll grab some shows: jazz, classics, blues, St.-Martin-in-the-Fields?      Predictable?  That's just not us.      We're kicking up our heels!       Sexy Marlon Brando      looked so handsome in his shirts.      But so does Keller -- check it out --      And he can sleep in yurts.     Paris beckons, London woos.      We've booked two top Ritz Carltons      In case you're wondering "what the hell?"      Beware of springtime charlatans.    So Carpe diem, have some fun.      Get out there. Shake that bed.      Come travel armchair or for real.      For soon we'll all be dead.      Next blog up: Europe through the eyes of our spirited travelers.     Next Wednesday, our roadies take us to Portugal, Italy, France and the Canary Islands, with a nod to fountains, harbors and house wine! Then Saturday next, a treasure trove of orchids in La Jolla Shores hotel basement.  Meet the magicians behind the blooms. We post on Wednesdays and Saturdays at: whereiscookie.com

YOU CAN TALK, WALK, TAKE PHOTOS WITH THE ANIMALS AT TWO AWARD WINNING, FUN AUSTRALIAN SANCTUARIES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Cookie and Keller spend time with Maze, a charming new friend who awakened to play. Lone Pine bird trainers present an engaging show featuring various hawks, owls and other beautiful birds of prey, some rescues. A VISIT TO  Australia without a koala encounter would be like Christmas without Santa. A male kangaroo at Lone Pine snoozes, awaiting visitors. We fed him after he awakened and jumped toward us. We had the pleasure of a double koala hit on our recent return to Down Under. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary near Brisbane and Billabong Sanctuary 15 minutes from Townsville beckoned. Who can resist getting up close to a koala, that intriguing docile figure who spend 20 hours a day snoozing. We sampled the best of Australia's wildlife at these two well known enterprises. Lone Pine is the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, Billabong Sanctuary has been family owned for 40 years. View on the Brisbane River of whispy clouds and homes and landscapes, from Mirimar II. EACH HAS its own unique appeal, and differing ways to enjoy the wondrous creatures, exhibits and encounters that make this country's wildlife unique. More than 80 per cent of the country's plants, mammals, reptiles and frogs are unique to Australia and found nowhere else in the world. Millions of years of evolution as the continent split from the super continent Gondwana resulted in this fascinating mix of critters and birds. Cookie feeds a pair of Australian geese, one of the pleasures at Billabong. At Lone Pine, more than 100 contented koalas reside. Those sleepy residents of Australia's thousands of eucalyptus trees are the main attraction but this popular sanctuary is also home to dozens of contented kangaroos,shy dingos, saltwater crocodiles and a bounty of beautiful birds. Here you can hold a koala, pat a dingo, and view a saltwater crocodile from an underwater viewing dome. Trained sheep dogs are in residence, too, along with stealthy birds of prey, who perform with skilled trainers in a breathtaking show. The bird show draws oohs and aahs, as fascinated visitors sit in grandstands. Birds are cued to fly from one trainer to the other, so close one can feel the whoosh of their wings.   The place is best reached on the Miramar II boat, part of the popular Koala and River Cruise operation.  The crew is friendly, the Brisbane River journey beautiful and we enjoyed lovely scones and tea to enjoy during a delightful commentary.  Once at Lone Pine, one walks from a jetty through the forest, up 28 steps to a delightful complex spread artfully over 44 acres.  We especially enjoyed feeding the kangaroos, the fascinating birds of prey show and simply strolling the grounds.  A colorful parrot at Billabong Sanctuary talked to us as we surveyed him on his perch. ONE MAY book the five-hour Koala cruise easily on line, traveling on the Brisbane River past iconic landscape and historical homes with a pleasant commentary to enhance the journey.  Three hours with the animals and an hour each say on the boat make a delightful outing. More on the five-hour Koala Cruise here: Click here for more Lone Pine   Billabong pics in nature/Billabong AT THE 27 -acre Billabong Sanctuary, we enjoyed the interactive talks and feeding shows, wildlife presentation and holding a koala, an opportunity we couldn't resist. The lively place is 17 kilometers from Townsville, and it's about much more than the drowsy and charming koala.  We watched rangers handle snakes, learned about the wombat and marveled at the elusive cassowary, that handsome, large, flightless bird closely related to the emu and the heaviest bird in Australia.   This cassowary at Billabong looks like he is ready for war, with a striking "helmet" to help him push through tall grasses in the wild. WE WERE absolutely enchanted with her, in fact, and spent over an hour watching her.  The  distinctive "hood" and reddish plumage made a colorful spectacle as she ambled toward us. The goldish and brown "helmet" atop her head, above the blue feathers, is called a casque and helps her cut through vegetation in the wild. Wow!  WE GOT UP close and personal with the adorable koalas during the koala feeding, watching as rangers hand-fed fresh eucalyptus leaves to awaken the guys and gals. We watched with fascination as they clambered through trees to select their favorite tender green tips, and we learned about the fascinating lifestyle of these iconic Australian animals. Did you know that a koala can eat up to a tenth of its body weight in leaves every day? Yet, holding one, we felt how light she is. After instruction as to the proper holding technique, we found our Maze to be sweet and accommodating, even putting her hand on my arm. We took an Uber to the Billabong place, and the boat Miramar on the Mirimar Koala and River cruise to Lone Pine. This pleasant two-deck tourist boat has been taking visitors to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for over 70 years and for us has been a "must do" experience all three visits to Brisbane. Here's looking at you.  Expressive eyes, and a somewhat dazed look are marks of the koala. They spend 20 hours daily munching eucalyptus leaves and are well represented in two Australia sanctuaries. WE RECOMMEND the cruise through Brisbane's historic landscapes, iconic attractions, pastoral scenery, mansions,  and interesting wildlife habitats. We were entertained by the recorded commentary, with occasional asides from the knowledgeable captain both coming and going.  Then we made the most of our three hours exploring Lone Pine.  We spent another three hours at Billabong, celebrating its 40th anniversary. We delighted in strolls around the grounds, enjoyed a half dozen talks, feedings and shows on wombats, crocodiles, reptiles, koalas, even dingos. Click for Koala River Cruise info Click for more on Lone Pine Click for more on Billabong The Australian Museum in Sydney is a wealth of fascinating exhibits, from Australia's connection to animals to indigenous cultures. UP NEXT:  The Australian Museum is like no other. Established in 1827, it has garnered worldwide attention for its anthropological and history collections, spread out over three floors in the heart of Sydney. The permanent display spans Indigenous Australian culture, Australian fossils and local animals. Changing exhibits come from around the world.  We were fascinated to spend several hours with the Machu Pichu exhibit, which included artifacts as well as a virtual reality visit, with capsule like chairs that moved to accentuate the experience of visiting this ancient wonder. Remember to explore, live and learn and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance, family and the arts. thanks for sharing the links, too:   Click here for whereiscookie overview

A pumpkin carving contest on Queen Mary 2, offered a mix of spooky and amusing results, some irreverent, some ghoulish. Travelers find Halloween displays along with Day of the Dead and All Saints Day decor in hotels in Europe, Mexico, and other countries around the world as autumn holidays and celebrations merge and overlap. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" ALL THE WORLD seems to enjoy a celebration, be it pagan inspired or religious based. This time of year epitomizes that. Although Halloween and autumn's religious holidays are not technically related, they occur around the same time. Besides Halloween, All Saints Day and the Day of the Dead are famously celebrated in many countries around the world. Mexico City's Reforma stages an elaborate parade on Day of the Dead with food and feasting and the deceased honored by their loved ones. THESE AUTUMNAL holidays combine traditions and customs, sometimes religious, often pagan inspired, mostly for fun and a chance to enjoy the company of friends and family. Halloween is celebrated differently worldwide, with its roots in ancient Celtic traditions. In North America, it's known for costumes, trick-or-treating, and haunted attractions. Mexico, Puerto Rico and other places blend Halloween with All Saints Day Nov. 1 and All Souls Day, Nov. 2. These days honor saints and remember the deceased. In Mexican culture, Dia de los Muertos is a joyful, sacred observance of the deceased with food, music, photos, costumes, and memories. Mexico City has a huge, popular Day of the Dead parade Nov. 2. All Saints Day in a Barcelona cathedral involves candles and prayer for the dead. ALL SAINTS DAY is celebrated in historically Catholic countries, especially in Europe and Latin America, and is a public holiday in many, including Spain, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Mexico, and the Philippines . Customs vary, but often involve visiting graves, lighting candles, and offering flowers to honor saints and deceased loved ones, with variations seen in the celebrations in Mexico, the Philippines and elsewhere. A typical Halloween for Cookie with great niece and nephew, Peny and James, and their treat haul. WE WERE pleasantly surprised to find Halloween celebrated in Rome, Lisbon, Barcelona and San Juan recently -- with plenty of spooky charm. Halloween has become increasingly popular in Portugal over the years. We don't think of it as a traditional Portuguese holiday, yet we were greeted in our hotel with a display of carved pumpkins. Back in the states, neighbors and relatives carve them too, and collect treats door to door as we did as kids. A Halloween quartet of revelers in Europe, from left: Bruce, Christene, Maarten and Maarten, friends from Belgium (yes, both are Maarten.) The influence of global pop culture, advertising and locals of festivities have made Halloween a growing trend around the globe. Throughout southern Europe, we found eerie decorations, haunted events, trick or treaters on the streets and other lively activities. In some rural areas in southern Europe, children participate in a tradition called Bread for God. On the morning of All Saints' Day, kids go door-to-door asking for cakes, sweets, or small gifts, much like our trick-or-treating tradition, but with a more spiritual undertone and treats supposedly shared. As Halloween becomes more popular, it blends with these traditions, creating a unique fusion of religious based culture and modern Halloween festivities. ********************* Bruce Keller lights a bonfire topped with an effigy of Guy Fawkes, whose failed attempt to overthrow British government centuries ago is celebrated. UP NEXT: While we're celebrating, come with us to a Yorkshire fete, Guy Fawkes Day. We join friends who celebrate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Fawkes was one of a disgruntled group of English Catholics involved in an elaborate scheme to overthrow government. He was born and educated in York before deciding to off the King and blow up Parliament. It's really a chance to have a party, invite friends for supper and fireworks, burn a large bonfire and burn Fawkes in effigy. Bruce Keller lit the flame.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Last Saturday's "starter kit" talked prices and posed questions to ask yourself when planning a cruise. Cruising offers value, variety, safety and more... you pack and unpack  once!  Recapping: *Are the ship and amenities more important than ports? Prefer to sail the Norwegian Fjords or wander the streets of a Sicilian village? *Must you have an ocean view or balcony? Happy with a cheaper, inside cabin? What's your budget? *Do you want history lectures, Broadway revues, samba lessons, Mayan ruins, cobblestone streets, boutiques, wine tastings, a butler? * Will you buy a cruise-fly package? Are you embarking in one port and disembarking in another? Narrow the field. Here are nine favorite options. * Crystal.  This top-ranked line features fine dining afloat, impeccable service from the penthouse to the pub, pampering treatments (Crystal's "rejuvenating" spas were an artform years ago), understated elegance and itineraries for the "been there, done that" crowd who seek creative slants on familiar places. Crystal's art collection is heralded. She is tops in Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast Cruising offers beauty, relaxation, adventure and pampering. magazine critiques for 20 years. Personalized service, fabulous food, exclusive excursions, scores of complimentary amenities on two gorgeous ships and many other perks attract discerning travelers. www.crystalcruises.com * Oceania.  This mid-sized luxury line is also renowned for its celebrated dining, stunning public and private rooms, terrific land tours, built-in amenities and day-long pampering. Oceania and Crystal attract seasoned cruisers who know what they want and don't mind paying for it. Oceania's port-intensive itineraries often feature overnight visits. She boasts gourmet restaurants, "country club casual," and A Bon Appetit Culinary Center with hands-on cooking classes. www.oceania.com * Celebrity . Versatility and vitality marked a memorable birthday on the Century for my mother, with three generations toasting mum in Europe's grand ports. Celebrity's enhancements include tropical rain showers in the spa, perfectly grilled steaks in open air, interactive classes in art, concierge staterooms and an ice-topped bar with custom martinis. Newer additions to the fleet, Celebrity Reflection and Silhouette have cabana-style haven, real grass recreation areas. The line also offers relaxing Caribbean trips and coastal cruises, from Seattle to San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Catalina island. www.celebritycruises.com Amenities are part of the fun, here a welcome basket of fruit and sweets. * Cunard.  History, class, experience. Cunard has these in spades. I logged nine Atlantic crossings on the venerable QEII before she was retired to Dubai, and am contemplating a Mediterranean trip on one of the newer Queens. In the Queens and Princess Grill suites, the concierge, butler and amenities are sublime. Couples still dine in black tie and Canyon Ranch treatments are easily arranged, along with priority boarding and pre-dinner canapes en suite. Cunard combines old-world finesse with contemporary allure.   www.cunard.com  * Royal Caribbean International.  This mid-priced line is tops for overall quality. Its glamorous Oasis of the Seas made  headlines in 2010 for its size and splendor. Shore excursions spice up Keller's cruise!    Families love it. We do, too for bang for the buck. Passengers are a lively mix and the loyalty program attracts repeat cruisers galore. You can climb a mountain nine decks above the Boardwalk, watch an ice show, hit Starbucks, plan your land tour to capture New England fall foliage or study geology in the Canary Islands, prowl the wonders of Mumbai or Muscat, sail into Auckland, sip tea in Adelaide, walk the ruins of Ephesus on 22 ships with 280 ports-of-call in 80-plus countries. www.royalcaribbean.com * Holland America.  Whether your tastes run to the Yukon and Denali, or sun-soaked Mediterranean landscapes, Holland America's appealing, mid-sized ships offer "as you wish" dining, refined service and knowledgeable tour guides. This line also prides itself in its loyalty program, and "Mariners" enjoy savings. Whether you're walking in the footsteps of Alexander the Great or toasting under the glow of the Midnight A private balcony is a must for Cookie! Here leaving Florida. Sun, you'll find both surroundings and service to your liking. Like Cunard, Holland America has decades of history. Her Alaska packages are hard to beat. For fans of "Dancing with the Stars" there's an at sea version. www.hollandamerica.com * Princess Cruises. Always classy, Princess has carved a niche for herself for pampering, quality, diverse ports and ability to stretch the vacation dollar and still be classy about it. Aaron Spelling's 1977 "Love Boat," shot aboard the Sun Princess in Mexico, ecame a famously popular TV show, giving the line even more cache. My cruise-loving mum adored Princess ships because they sail the world and treat their passenger royally. www.princess.com * Norwegian Cruise Line.  Most lines make Hawaii stops but this is the only line to regularly transit the Hawaiian islands, visiting four isles in seven days with two overnight stays to give access to the Sailing in and out of port is one of cruising's excitements,  here Brazil beckons at night, after an Atlantic crossing. volcanos, luaus and waterfalls. Norwegian also visits Alaska, and her cruise tours venture deep into the wild, including railroad options, a tundra tour and a visit to a musher's home. The Pearl, Jewel and Sun are the newest ships sailing Alaska. NCL navigates the world with freedom, flexibility and a family fan club. www.ncl.com . * Carnival. From seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises to Alaskan and Caribbean itineraries, Carnival specializes in making the most of a vacation dollar and packing huge fun into your vacation. Her always-a-party ships cruise the globe and, as her name suggests, feature glittery, glitzy, non-stop action-packed cruising. Excellent value for the dollar. www.carnivalcruises.com COMING WEDNESDAY:  San Francisco opens her "Golden Gate"and we're giving away an autographed, first-edition book of poems to the winner of a "name your travel theme" contest. Details Wednesday! Remember to explore, learn, live! We post Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tell your friends about: whereiscookie.com

Expressive hands of a Maori elder welcome visitors and enhance a story in a village on a Waimaramamaori.com tour. Our guide, Denise, ponders a question in a pensive and reflective moment before a musical show. TRAVELERS LEARN OF ANCIENT CULTURE, ENJOY MUSIC, GAMES, TATTOOS, ART, TALES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER  THE MAORI  people are a proud and noble race, descending from warriors, farmers, healers, astronomers and explorers.   The people go back as far as known New Zealand history.  In fact, the first settlers of New Zealand were the Polynesian forebears of today's proud Maori people. No one is certain where they came from or precisely when they arrived.  Some think they originated on the Cook Islands, others think Tahiti or the Marquesas. Denise and her cousin, and now a nephew, above, lead demonstrations and illustrate Maori games for tourists. The tattoo is an art for the Maori people. Eels are cultivated as a crop in the Maori culture. TODAY'S Maori carry on the cultural traditions of music, family loyalty, crafts and gardening.  Group singing and dancing, or "kapa haka," has real power. The gentle people can sound fierce in their chants, but soft as singers of the lullaby in their Polynesian sounding story-songs. IN VISITS  to two separate villages, we felt a closeness to the people we hadn't expected in just brief forays into their lives.   Young Maori students learn the art of music and dancing from the generations before. Their elaborately carved war canoes are respected globally. Their artful tattoos are passed on through generations, telling vivid stories of family, loss and accomplishment. Our two brief days with the Maori are treasured memories, highlights of our New Zealand time. The hours with these families -- generous hosts, good cooks, with wry humor and musical talent -- will stay with us forever. OUR FIRST guide, Denise, exhibited a warm humor and sly wit that we found typical of the Maori people. Dressed in a beautiful fur robe -- which some day will go to the next world with a revered ancestor -- Denise told us of her people's evolution, and the most devastating thing the Europeans brought to an ancient culture. "The musket," said Denise, "changed everything." For while Europeans brought pigs, potatoes and other welcome critters and crops, they also brought unwelcome muskets and disease. After a presentation which earned school credit, Maori students say farewell  to their guests with a handshake followed by forehead and nose touching.  More than 20,000 Maori were killed during the explorations and whaling excursions of the English and French explorers from 1769 to 1840. The "Musket Wars" and disease killed more than 20 per cent of the Maori population. But things are looking up for this ancient culture.  NEXT UP  at www.whereiscookie:  Cookie gets a New Zealand tattoo, visits a world class Maori museum and a Maori village and language station.  She and friends learn to say hello and good-bye with her forehead and nose. Remember to explore, learn and live and visit us Wednesdays and weekends at www.whereiscookie.com

The bridge climbing group wends its way carefully above the waters of Sydney, Australia's, world famous harbor. RECOVERING COWARD TICKS A BIG ONE OFF HER LARGE BUCKET LIST WITH TWO BRIDGE CLIMBS At the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Keller and Cookie celebrate with a wave and a victory cheer. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I MUST HAVE  been dream walking the morning I went on line to book two tickets to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  I sent a text to tell Keller I'd done it. He knew I'd been to Australia four times before, and declined the daring climb every time.  Now, with our trip days away, I'd committed to the adventure. No more avoidance. Like Bert Lahr in "The Wizard of Oz," I was dancing down the Yellow Brick Road, determined to find courage. "Wow" was the total of Keller's text back. He knew it was a daunting undertaking for me, a lifelong vertigo victim with a paralyzing fear of heights. The Great Wall made me dizzy. The views from the Eiffel Tower leave me short of breath. A tenth story hotel room window makes my head spin. So what was I thinking? IT WAS ALMOST year's end. I was tired of being a sissy, of sitting on the sports sideline. Climbing the Auckland Bridge was a dream, much gentler than Sydney's climb, with gorgeous views of  the pretty harbor. Growing up in a family of dare devils -- skiers, swimmers, divers, high-jumpers -- I was the actor, musician, bookworm. I took my novel into the warming hut while a clan of expert skiers zipped by.  I learned play lines by the pool when everyone else went surfing. But the year was ending. I would conquer old fears, defy demons. I FELT SAFE  once underway. Climb leaders are highly trained and your belt is fastened to the bridge as you move. On both climbs, I admitted my fear and was cheered on by the leaders and an international mix of friends. We spent a day recently at the Sydney Opera House, touring the many theaters, dining on salmon and caviar, and savoring the building's history. THERE   ARE  three major bridge climbs in Australia.  We've reveled in the Sydney and Auckland climbs.  Both left us thrilled with the views.  We have the Brisbane bridge yet to climb, so that's up next when we return to the land Down Under. Meanwhile, I'm living proof that you can  teach an old reporter new tricks.  With the new year upon us, why not do something you've never done, or challenge a cliche about yourself -- and change it! ( www.bridgeclimb.com and www.bungy.co.nz/auckland-bridge . ) You can even bungy off Auckland's bridge.... next trip??? NEXT UP : The building of the gorgeous Sydney Opera House is a story as unlikely as the building itself. We've got the scoop about the Danish architect who won the design contest and the Aussie lottery that funded it.  Read us Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com .  Please tell your friends!

Kateri, a gorgeous golden eagle, was injured while feeding on a dead deer near Gilette, Wyo. She cannot fly. She was named by a young Cody girl.  Kateri honors the patron saint of people who love nature and preserve the environment. Volunteer and raptor aficionado Patrick Pitet, a retired attorney, visits the raptors and helps with the birds. Here he is with Suli, a turkey vulture beloved by the staff., . ENRAPTURED BY RAPTORS AT THE BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST IN CODY, WYOMING STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS HOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A BIRD IN THE HAND, as the old saw goes, is worth two in the bush. In the case of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, there are several hectic "handsful" of gorgeous raptors. Birds of prey at the museum include eagles, kestrels, falcons, hawks and owls. You can get up close and personal with a half-dozen of these beautiful creatures, named raptors because they kill and eat other animals for sustenance. Eagles, hawks, falcons, kestrels and owls fit this category, and the Center has built a small, classy raptor house to hold them. None of the birds could be successfully returned to the wild. MOST ARE  victims of accident, but one -- the turkey vulture -- is a victim of human imprinting. Suli hatched in a haystack in Kansas in 2011 where ranchers discovered her and thought her an orphan.  They took her to a nature center where she grew up with people not other vultures.  Thus Suli failed to learn bird behavior or survival in the wild. Teasdale, a great-horned owl, came to the Center with a broken wing. Her name derives from the Utah town near which a hiker found her. Known as an important member of "nature's clean-up crew," the vulture is respected for its disposal of waste and rotting meat.  Its unique digestive system is impervious to bacteria and most disease. THIS FACT  and others are imparted during a lively half-hour show twice daily at the Buffalo Bill.  It's a wonderful outdoor option when visiting the five spectacular indoor museums in this world-class facility. The Draper Museum's"Raptor Experience" shares these spectacular wild birds with visitors while staff commentary encourages conservation, bird watching and feeding and proper protocol for handling injured birds. Frozen quail, mice and other raptor delicacies are kept in the storeroom. A red-tailed hawk, Isham, arrived at the raptor program from New Mexico.  He was likely hit by a car when only a few years old. His eyes were damaged. Visitors to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West often spend two days visiting the five world-class museums.  More on that next time. OUR CODY FRIENDS , Patrick and Lynn Pitet, are museum devotees -- she as staff and he as a volunteer. When they invited us to the outreach program, we "flew" at the opportunity and went behind the scenes in the raptor house, then watched the well done show. Here's the schedule, next time you're at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (it's included in the admission): 11:30 a.m. "Raptors: Superheroes of Nature,"  Braun Garden, at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. “Relaxing with Raptors” can be enjoyed, too, at announced times. The raptors do school visits in winter, traveling to Red Lodge and other nearby Montana and Wyoming towns. Email Melissa Hill or call 307 578-4111 for information. COMING UP : whereiscookie spends the day at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, known worldwide. Remember to explore, learn and live and check us out weekends and Wednesdays.

MULTIPLE VISITS NEVER DISAPPOINT AT WORLD CLASS CODY, WYOMING MUSEUM The Buffalo Bill Center of the West draws an international clientele to Cody, Wyo.  It houses five  fine museums. A painting of  Wild Bill Hickock and Buffalo Bill Cody is one of the most admired and talked about in the Whitney Western Art Museum. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER FOR DECADES  now, I've enjoyed the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It's a road trip highlight with family, friends or visitors from other states and countries.. For years, this stunning complex of five museums, was known as the Buffalo Bill Museum.  In our nearby town of Cody, Wyoming, One doesn't have to be a gun aficionado to appreciate Cody's Firearms Museum. IF YOU'RE  a fan of art of the West, you'll enjoy my favorite of the quintet of museums, the Whitney Western Art Museum. You'll see a majestic Deborah Butterfield bronze horse, a stunning collection of western paintings ranging from Albert Bierstadt to N.C. Wyeth, with everything in between.  There are fun, recent paintings and sculpture, too, besides the time honored portfolio of artists who joined in and promoted the western expansion effort, or who simply came to know and love the west through visits as tourists. I ALWAYS  discover something new, and revisit favorite pieces. The famous painting of the Custer Battle, whose anniversary is this week, always has people around it.   Did you know that painter Edgar  Samuel Paxson arrived in Montana in 1877, the year after the Battle of the Little Bighorn, to begin his prodigious research? The painter's interest in the battle -- almost an obsession -- would become a defining element in his artistic career, culminating in his major work, "Custer’s Last Stand." You may not realize that the Center of the West contains five museums plus a world renowned research library. The Plains Indian Museum has a world-class collection of artifacts. Edgar Paxson's famously detailed  painting of the Custer Battle Besides the Whitney, the Draper Natural History Museum showcases the rich life, power and beauty of the natural world of the Yellowstone region.  The Plains Indian Museum's elegant and elaborate collection depicts in beautifully curated displays the lives and legends of the Plains Indian people, and the Buffalo Bill Museum explores the world of the man after whom the town of Cody, and the museum, are named. THE CODY   Firearms Museum is a must for anyone interested in guns, the lore of firearms and their importance in history.  Cody's shoot-out  attracts those looking for corny but entertaining, old-west fun, each night by the Irma Hotel. The museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of American firearms. In 1975, the Winchester Arms Collection, the heart of this museum, came to Cody on loan from the Olin Corporation. It was hugely received and gifted in 1988, enjoyed by thousands since. The museum houses 7,000 firearms with 30,000 firearms-related artifacts. A gun lover's paradise to be sure. IF YOU'RE  planning a trip to Cody, Wyo., take note of these upcoming special museum events: Buffalo Bill Invitational Shootout , Aug. 6-8; Rendezvous Royale , Sept. 21-26,;  Patrons Ball , Sept.26;  Holiday Open House , Dec. 5. The Fishtail General Store is an institution in the tiny town of Fishtail, Montana. COMING UP : Grab the gang and head for Fishtail Family Fun Days, a real kick in the pants. It's this Saturday, June 27, in Fishtail, Montana. We preview it, plus examine just what makes Cody, Wyo., such a fun town? The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, of course, is the centerpiece, but there's much more -- including the nightly "shoot-out" at the Irma, a fantastic restaurant, The Local, and 90 straight nights of rodeo. Plus horses, horses, horses, fun shopping and a plush library. Meanwhile, if you're anywhere near Fishtail Saturday, stop by the Fishtail General Store, headquarters for fun, food and a two-mile long, parade. Not bad for a one-block town. Plus bakery, crafts, kids events and more. Check us out Wednesdays and weekends at www.whereiscookie.com :

What do a bell, a wheel and a pendulum have in common?  You'll find out at the Exploratorium. Sights and sounds merge and dance as Steve Ganner shares the wonders with his mesmerized daughter Penelope.  KIDS OF ALL AGES ENJOY EXPERIMENTATION, DISCOVERY AT UNIQUE INTERACTIVE MUSEUM ON SAN FRANCISCO'S WATERFRONT   James Brian Ganner and sister Penelope Margaret  have fun with a magical spinning cloud chamber. Bruce Keller has fun with invisible forces and spinning  effects in one of the museum's interesting  exhibits. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF YOU NEVER  completely "grew up," San Francisco's Exploratorium is designed with you in mind.  It's the classic "children of all ages" activity if you're looking for something to entertain several generations. We spent a happy day with our niece, her husband and their two youngsters. Good time had by all. The Exploratorium is an inventive, state-of-the-art public learning laboratory in San Francisco exploring the world through science, art, and human perception. Its mission is to create inquiry-based experiences that transform learning worldwide.  Its eye-popping, mind-boggling experiments boldly go... THE DAY  we visited, a veritable United Nations of tourists wandered through, eyes wide with wonder. Mirror magic: children, parents and grandparents smile, touch and gaze at mirror images of themselves. Wide-ranging Exploratorium offerings, demonstrations and exhibits range from cooking to toothpick art, crepe paper to celestial viewing, transportation and gravity. Adults get sucked into the pleasure of discovery; with each turn a new inter-active exhibit invites touch. Here, from left, Steve, Cookie and Amarylla play with static electricity. Keller's, Cookie's Exploratorium wish: may the Force be with you!  The Exploratorium has six main galleries, each focusing on a different area of exploration. Common to all are interactive exhibits that reward attention and provoke thought and wonder. Tying the galleries together is that each exhibit encourages questions -- "how did they do that?" -- so as you play with displays and experiment with moving parts and mysterious forces, you discover new ways to understand how the world works. Thousands of toothpicks create iconic San Francisco imagery. ONE INTRIGUING aspect to this museum lover was the huge variety of people who wandered through, prepared to be amazed. Art museum patrons have, well, an "artsy" look about them. High-powered science based museums seem to attract "nerdy types" -- in the word's best sense. There was no obvious profile to our crowd. Young, old, scholarly, laid back, white collar, working class -- a pleasant mix of ethnicity, families. Sport clothes, flip-flops, dressed for a night on the town. An exhilarating melange! THE EXPLORATORIUM  is an offering on the great CityPASS attractions ticket, which allows entree into must-see attractions at a bargain price in many of the country's major cities. In San Francisco, CityPASS also includes unlimited rides on the city's fabled cable cars. www.exploratorium.edu ;  www.citypass.com Phil Johnson, left, and Omri Schein take on 14 characters in the delightful "Withering Heights" at Diversionary Theatre, a clever, affectionate send-up of the Bronte novel. ***DON'T MISS THESE PLAYS ENDING JULY 9!  A pair of productions stands out this week in the fertile San Diego theater scene. "Withering Heights" is a non-stop laugh fest, a brilliantly written, impeccably performed and cleverly directed send-up of the gloomy and intricate Bronte novel "Wuthering Heights." North Coast Rep's accomplished artistic director David Ellenstein directs two versatile actors in a cross-dressed, fast paced tribute to the raft of characters we meet in the novel -- each parody elevated to melodrama, holding the line at mockery, managing to pay tribute to Bronte's convoluted plot. Standing O our night for Phil Johnson and Omri Schein, who both wrote and perform the inventive piece. They duck, dance, romance and prance as hero, heroine, bad boy, tyrant, ingenue, father, son, daughter, betrothed, mother-to-be, inebriate, virgin and more, each with distinct physicality and voice, mannerisms and hair pieces worthy of a Restoration comedy. "Withering Heights" at Diversionary Theatre delivers a hilarious incarnation of Heathcliff, Hindley, Cathy et al as their travails - - remembered by a housekeeper -- are told to James Olmstead's clever music. Understated lighting and minimal props do what the best theater always does: focus our attentions on fine acting. See for yourself, while supporting this fresh, daring new company, whose debut production, "Margin of Error," was also brilliant. Roustabouts is two for two! Encore, s'il vous plait.   www.theroustabouts.org   At La Jolla Playhouse, treat your favorite Parrot Head to "Escape to Margaritaville," which is welcome as a summer beverage on a hot day. It's a freshly conceived yet old-fashioned musical with LJ Playhouse's usual high-tech, no expense spared set, and gorgeous lighting, props and costumes. Besides Jimmy Buffett's classic tunes, he wrote some new songs for the Broadway-bound show, snazzily directed by Tony winning Christopher Ashley. The ensemble's high energy connects with the audience, delivering a poignancy to the partying. The run has been twice extended and is virtually sold out but you might luck out -- give it a try. There's not a bad chair in this beautifully designed and artful Mandell Weiss Theatre.  www.lajollaplayhouse.org NEXT UP:  Fabulous ''Buddy Holly Story'' rocks out in pair of daring San Diego theaters.   EXPLORE, LEARN, LIVE -- and catch us each Friday evening when we post a fresh look at travel, the arts and the natural world at www.whereiscookie.com Next week's feature describes a unique and first-ever collaboration between two San Diego theaters. "The Buddy Holly" story combines the talents and organizational chutzpah of Intrepid Theatre and New Village Arts, two daring and innovative Southern California companies who brought their talents together to dazzle audiences in both venues.

Wyoming's Wild West fun in vintage theater tells of Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley and more Dancing, singing, storytelling and a lively pace keep the audience entertained in Cody, Wyoming,at the popular Wild West Spectacular.  The show just ended a successful run, based on the life of showman, soldier and entrepreneur "Buffalo Bill" Cody, after whom the town of Cody is named.   A cast including college students and graduates, theater majors  and professional dancers and singers entertains to applause. The 1936 Cody Theatre is the venue for a rousing spectacular about Buffalo Bill and more. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WE WITNESSED THE OLD  West in glorious, boisterous entertainment at "Wild West Spectacular, the Musical," a rip-roaring show in Cody, Wyoming. Rocky Mountain Dance Theater produces this visual treat to raves each summer.  It took its final spirited bow for the 2022 season last weekend. If you were fortunate enough to book tickets, you were delighted, amused and perhaps even surprised at the high quality of the extravaganza, produced with a cast of 30 since late June with an ambitious docket of both evening shows and matinees.  A new season will debut in early summer of 2023, and tickets go on sale in January. THE HIGH CALIBER of the show has garnered accolades and favorable reviews since its 2016 inception from True West Magazine  and TripAdvisor. Cast members come from across the country. Most have theater degrees or background on the stage.   Tourists are lamenting the end of the show's run, while Yellowstone National Park and other attractions are still attracting crowds to Cody, but marketing director Jennifer Kaelberer explains. "We have a shorter summer season than other attractions because our actors have commitments." Members of the talented 30-person cast takes a bow at show's  end. Additional behind-the-scenes workers include lighting and technical staff, marketers, costumers, choreographers and more. Many of the professionals contracted are college students from across the country who must return to campus. Some have contracts with other companies or must satisfy a commitment to a job elsewhere. THE SHOW has a fresh feeling, boasting both an original script and choreography.  Some of the music is from Broadway's treasure chest of western lore ("Annie Get Your Gun," for instance). Set and lighting are imaginative, augmented by additional original musical pieces. The legend of Buffalo Bill Cody comes to life as snippets from Cody's colorful life are woven into the action. The international showman had a town named after him and the show pays tribute to his talents and energy with a non-stop dancing, singing, music and storytelling yarn. It's laced with good-natured humor, colorful costumes, tap dancing, ballet and audience interaction. We joined a crowd in the vintage Cody Theatre, in downtown Cody on the main street, Sheridan Avenue. If you don't know Cody, look for the famous Irma Hotel -- named after Buffalo Bill's beloved daughter. The theater is right across the street. Clem's Canteen and Creamery offers light refreshments and sweets, including ice cream. THE FULL , two-hour production ended its run with hoots, hollers and an ovation after a seven-week stint beginning in late June. The venue is the 1936 art deco theater in downtown Cody Theatre, across the street from the Irma Hotel, which is the jewel on Sheridan Avenue, the main venue in town. Actor Evan Wambeke takes a bow as Buffalo Bill, surrounded by other capable cast members. Families, couples and young and old joined in the merriment of the two-hour show, popcorn, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in hand, purchased at Clem's outside the auditorium. The show is the brainchild of director and Cody native Elizabeth Fernandez assisted by Kaelberer, director of public relations and marketing.  Kaelberer also    runs the front of house and ticketing, and observes each production from the tech deck, taking notes for the director. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers in the house. A VERSATILE cast of singers, dancers and actors is headed by Evan Wambeke, in his seventh season as Buffalo Bill. Other colorful characters dart in and out of the story -- headliner Annie Oakley, Wild Bill Hickok, Frank Butler and a top-drawer dance ensemble, whose numbers are show highlights, particularly a poignant homage to the buffalo. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and choreographer Fernandez long dreamed of producing a show about the Wild West and its colorful characters. In 2016, the show debuted -- a full-fledged musical incorporating both original and Broadway tunes, imaginative dancing, vintage film and a lively narrative. A large cast of 30 includes a partial "split cast" -- several "doubles" for the two youngest characters. Each show, though, features 18 energetic performers on stage. Buffalo Bill's daughter, Irma, as a young woman, is played by Willow Fernandez. Other actors play Irma as a child. Here she sings a wistful ballad, missing her touring father. Tickets for the summer 2023 season go on sale Jan. 1, 2023 and next summer's season will run the last week of June through the first week of August at the historic Cody Theatre. More info or for next season's ticket information:  Social media platforms: Instagram and Facebook @codywildwestshow; codywildwestshow.com ;  rockymountaindancetheatre.org ; 307 527-9973.   Zion National Park is known to travelers worldwide, and treasured by residents of the United States who visit Utah's first national park in all its summer glory. UP NEXT: ZION! Our splendid national parks are a priceless treasure in the United States, enjoyed by a worldwide clientele. We're attempting to visit all of them. Our latest discovery is Zion, Utah's first national park with massive sandstone cliffs of gold, cream, pink and red. The sky is a brilliant blue and golden with extraordinary sunsets over the canyons. We'll take you there.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, the arts, family, travel and more: www.whereiscookie.com

North Coast Repertory Theatre ends its 35th season with a bang. "At This Evening's Performance" is a thoroughly likeable tale about a troupe of actors in a Soviet bloc-like police state, struggling to make magic on stage. Cygnet Theatre's acclaimed production of "Animal Crackers" offers unadulterated fun. DELICIOUSLY FUNNY, FAST-PACED TREATS KEEP US ON OUR TOES AND ENJOYING A LAVISH GLUT OF THEATER  CONFECTIONS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and theater marketing departments NOTHING LIKE  a couple hours in an air-conditioned theater, with plenty of laughs and revelry to beat the heat and tickle the funny bone. We've seen a satisfying medley of prize-winners this week, so we sing the praises of tasty theatrical confections here in southern California. For me, theater is not just an idle pastime.  It is my life blood.  Since I harmonized with my late sister, Peny, in "Count Your Blessings" as a three-year-old in a small Montana town, I was hooked. When I was a teen-ager, our family re-enacted the Covent Garden scene in "My Fair Lady," -- the scene in which Professor Higgins first lays ears on Eliza. ("Buy a fl'aar off a poor gil.") Never mind that my mother cast me as Col. Pickering. My sister Peny, tall and willowy and a lyric soprano, made a lovely Eliza and brother Rick was the eccentric Henry Higgins. "At This Evening's Performance" is held over at NorthCoast Repertory Theatre in Solano Beach, north of  San Diego. As the hilarious Captain Spaulding, Josh Odsess-Rubin brings down the house in Cygnet Theatre's rollicking performance of "Animal Crackers." THIS WEEK'S  theatrical outings took us to a refreshing North Coast Rep production of "At this Evening's Performance," by Nagle Jackson. A crackerjack cast play the denizens of a touring theater troupe in a corrupt 1970s Soviet-era police state. We've never seen a less than stellar performance at this North County gem, and the tradition continues with this delightful, fast-paced production, set in "Strevia," in two dressing rooms. The acting is top drawer, the set delightfully detailed (as always in this charming, small venue). It's a play for theater goers, who know the language and can recognize and appreciate the spoofing yet reverential nature allusions to the stage. The play is held over through Aug. 13. Terrific acting and deft direction keep the laughs coming in North Coast Repertory's "At This Evening's Performance." IN SAN DIEGO'S  Old Town, Cygnet Theatre, get ready for wickedly witty, magnificently costumed Marx Bros humor with "Animal Crackers," loosely based on the laugh-a-minute Broadway musical and film with the Marx Bros and Margaret Dumont. Sean Murray's talented stable of actors delivers brilliantly.  Not a weak link in this stellar cast, with cameo numbers for each actor, from the fabulous "straight woman" Dumont character, to a wonderfully rendered Harpo, a sterling pair of scheming social climbers and several multiple-role scene stealers. YOU'LL BE  amused at Mrs. Rittenhouse's posturing, and Captain Spaulding is superb -- all in fabulous costumes.  Harpo's delightful miming and Zeppo's stooge exhibit the troupe's tremendous energy. This tap dancing kid was thrilled at the impeccable specialty numbers and there are sight gags, generous ad libs and athletically rendered physical bits. Top it off with Groucho's insured ad libs and you'll be engagingly entertained. The production is light on its feet -- and the ensemble work cohesive and admirable. As veterans of many performances -- on both sides of the footlights -- we salute the Sunday matinee production, the first of two that same day. The play runs through Aug. 13. AT THE OLD  Globe, "Guys and Dolls" is selling out its smashing production of this mid-century American classic. The can't-miss score of Frank Loesser songs includes “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Sue Me” and more. A top-drawer ensemble tells the sassy Runyon stories. in a whiz-bang production. The Old Globe's "Guys and Dolls" is delightfully rendered with snappy choreography and lavish costumes. "Evita" comes soon to San Diego Repertory Theatre. Sam Woodhouse, Rep founder, directs a much heralded production. COMING NEXT: Summertime and the living is easy. These lines from another famous musical, are perfectly tuned for our photo essay of an easy-going summer idyll in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana.  Join us for a serene look at life along the West Fork of the Stillwater River in Big Sky Country. AND DON'T NEGLECT San Diego Musical Theatre, for lively productions of mostly vintage works. SDMT's "Damn Yankees" in May was a stellar production   and you'll enjoy sitting in the historic Spreckels Theatre, or the inviting house at Horton Grand. Always a treat to visit the best of Broadway in top-notch SDMT shows. THERE'S MORE:  If you have yet to see "Buddy:  The Buddy Holly Story"....at New Village Arts in Carlsbad, it is as high energy treat. And coming soon to downtown San Diego, a much heralded production of "Evita." Plus don't overlook the brilliant and caring works at Intrepid and Diversionary theaters.

The Bluewater Boathouse, near Hotel del Coronado stands stately on a recent rainy evening.  The restaurant mimics the beautiful Hotel Del architecture, lovely by day or night. Hornblower Cruises offers a lovely dinner cruise, passing under the majestic Coronado Bridge with a view of  The Del and the Boathouse. Consider Hornblower for its popular Sights and Sips. 'THE ISLAND' HAS CHARM, EXCITING DINING, GREAT THEATER, A CLASSIC CALIFORNIA HOTEL STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The Coronado Bridge, opened in 1969, is becoming a symbol of San Diego, much like the Golden Gate to San Francisco. A Hornblower Cruise goes under it. Coronado has the feel of a small town, with fine food, plays, fun shopping, a relaxed environment, bicyclers and the beach. Lamb's Players Theatre offers delightful, professional plays, including the current hit production of  the farce "Noises Off!" WE'D SAILED UNDER  the impressive Coronado Bridge many times with our favorite Hornblower Cruises.  Finally, I drove across it, viewing Coronado from land rather than sea. The occasion was a play at the famous Lamb's Players Theatre on Orange Street. My husband, a San Diego native son, had long raved about the theater and its prime location on Orange Street, the main artery. He loves theater and the bridge and said the Hotel del Coronado was a must. As theater junkies, bridge climbers and vintage hotel fans, a visit was a fine way to satisfy those interests. "Coronado has the feeling of a village," Keller said as we parked. He was right. SITUATED JUST  across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado has maintained its "small town" feel with a lovely beach, charming shops and attractive restaurants. It's a walkable town, where locals and tourists mingle -- a pleasant blend of stollers, bicyclers, dog walkers and vacationers enjoying cocktails or a leisurely meal. We joined other play-goers on Orange Avenue for a drink and supper after an excellent matinee at Lamb's Players Theatre. ITS PERFECT BEACH  is often voted "best in the U.S." My surfer husband says its waves are gentle and appealing. The stately Hotel del Coronado is an easy walk from the beach, Lamb's Players Theatre, a choice of fun restaurants and colorful galleries and shops. We're fans of fine old hotels and  Hotel del Coronado is that and more. Built in 1888 it is beloved by Hollywood stars, dating back to Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. "The Del" has 25 films and TV shows to its credit. At least a dozen presidents have visited and "The Wizard of Oz" author L. Frank Baum stayed at the hotel for years, writing his Oz series there from 1904 to 1910.  Marilyn Monroe's "Some Like It Hot" was filmed at The Del.  FOUNDERS ELISHA  Babcock Sailboats dot the bay on a recent sunny day, viewed from the Coronado bridge. and Hampton L. Story would be pleased. They dreamed their seaside resort would be “the talk of the Western world.” They designed the slope of the charming main street and laid out the village for family homes, shops,  and romantic inns and cafes to appeal to vacationers. CORONADO WAS   a baby when "The Del" was built -- just a few families.  Now it is home to over 25,000 people.  Coronado isn't exactly an island, connected to the mainland as it is.  The architecture and easy-going feeling are part of the allure. Its  lively appeal includes Mexican influence, old-world military personnel, beach culture, Hollywood glamour and its unique local history. For my money, the best way to enjoy a view of the spectacular Coronado Bridge and Coronado is to take a Hornblower cruise -- dinner cruise is ideal -- and watch Coronado light up. lambsplayers.org ;  hornblower.com ; hoteldel.com BEST BET : "South Pacific" opens at Horton Grand Theater in San Diego.  As a youngster, I saw Mary Martin "Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair" and love this grand old musical. It's not only a stirring love story, but a lesson on tolerance. San Diego Musical Theater opens the beloved musical this weekend,  through May 27. The famed Cannes Film Festival opens soon, and we'll take you there. ****************************NEXT UP : Cannes. Long the most famous of festivals, it's time for the Cannes Film Festival in southern France.  We take you to the Cote d'Azur, one of the first modern resort areas of Europe, to look at the stately architecture, sail boats, casinos and restaurants. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week when we post a fresh take on travel, the arts, nature, family and more.