Bruce Keller, known by family and friends, by his surname, and Christene "Cookie" Meyers, reveling in smooth sailing after two years of dealing with hepatitis C, the cure with Harvoni and the decision to transplant. TRIUMPHANT TRANSPLANT: 'Patient Patient' is poster boy for miracle of science, reclaimed health Bruce Keller, aka "Patient Patient,' left Scripps Green Hospital after only three days, a record for atransplant at the renowned hospital. Editor's Note: In May, we offered a three-part series on Bruce Keller's liver transplant in San Diego. Several thousand readers followed our story and have asked how we are doing now, three-plus months after the surgery. Thumbs up all around, and here's how: STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Keller's recovery was so swift -- knock wood -- that Cookie and Keller have the green light to return to southern Spain for their annual fall trip. Here, their traditional tapas spread, on their Maloaga trip November of 2016. A YEAR AGO, we were climbing up the transplant list at Scripps Green Hospital in San Diego, wondering how long our lives would hover in this state of waiting, wondering and anxiety. Would we have to wait years? How would Keller be feeling during the wait? Could we travel? Keller and Cookie on Friday date night at La Jolla Shores, on the beach. How far from home? How long to recovery? What after-effects might he feel? When could he return safely to work? How would Cookie cope with care-giving for an extended period? One by one, these questions have been answered, and we're thrilled to share the good news that after 15 weeks, all systems are go. We'll not rehash the "before" tale. The back-story is in the three pieces, whose links we include in this story. At your request, we'll focus on life after the transplantation. WE'VE HAD moments of joy and a few moments of terror. Confused by mixed messages from the pharmacy, we put aside one of the primary anti-rejection drugs and did not take it for 11 days. 'Nurse Cookie" also reduced the dosage of another of the meds for a few days, attempting to adjust the tremor that Keller developed. Bad idea for a patient (or his well meaning partner) to take such matters into one's own hands. Our fabulous physician, Dr. Catherine Frenette, cautioned there would be bumps in the road. Keller on his bike, heading into the stretch toward four months post transplant. Ours were minor, compared to other patients, some of whom spend weeks, even months, hospitalized post transplant. Cookie admits she erred in playing doctor -- and was relieved she did not lose her metaphoric nurse's cap, getting off with only a well deserved scolding. DESPITE DAUNTING numbers of pills those first few weeks, the number of meds is decreasing. We realize we will have to take a couple critical anti-rejection drugs for the rest of Keller's life. This is a small price to pay for the magnificent gift of a new liver and a new lease on life. http://www.whereiscookie.com/2017/05/transplant-tale-miracle-unfolds-with.html Nick and Nora are welcome at the Omni Hotel Los Angeles. We were able to drive to Los Angeles, to see plays and concerts at the Ahmanson Theatre and Disney Concert Hall. We stay at our favorite downtown hotel, the Omni, which is "Yorkie friendly" and a splendid, all-service venue, walking distance to the theaters. Caregiving is exhausting. Here Cookie follows orders: take time to relax and replenish yourself. Keller helps new nephew-in-law, Mike Hill, at his wedding to our niece Kira. We've had fun weekend get-aways at friends' homes celebrating Cookie's month-long birthday celebration which begins August 1 and -- by tradition -- ends on Labor Day. DAILY BIKE rides and a return to Keller's construction foreman jobs have helped us return to normalcy. And Cookie's beloved Jazzercise has helped her maintain most of her composure -- with occasional lapses, she says. She loves our sailing trips from San Diego. Green light for cruising: we have the okay from "Dr. F" for a return to southern Europe a couple weeks shy of the six-months originally suggested for a return to international travel. http://www.whereiscookie.com/2017/06/transplant-tale-continues-with-look-at.html Travel is once again a constant in the lives of travel writers and photographers Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers, here at Lake Tahoe with their Yorkies Nick and Nora. WE WERE thrilled when the doctors approved a trip in late July to our niece's wedding on the Oregon coast. "Dr. F," as we affectionately refer to her, had estimated a three-month minimum three months before domestic travel and six before we could safely venture across the pond. During my long wait outside the ICU, the night of the surgery, I did the math, wondering if we would be able to make our annual autumn trip to southern Spain. It is a ten-year tradition. Playing piano, lecturing and part-time teaching are again part of Cookie's life. "We'll see," said Dr. F. "Be patient." We were. http://www.whereiscookie.com/2017/06/transplant-tale-into-light-with-merging.html We are delighted to be able to make our Montana pilgrimage which this year involves a return to our mountain home and a few weeks of repair to the damage done by a bear who broke into the place as we were leaving late last summer. Dr. Jonathan Fisher was chief surgeon -- one of three who assisted on Keller's liver transplant May 13 at Scripps Green Hospital in San Diego. Clowning behind him is Joe Murillo, one of several delightful physician's assistants. WE'VE SEGUED from Scripps' brilliant, highly ranked "liver team" back to our regular physician, "Dr. F." Back in Big Sky Country, Cookie and Keller are enjoying time to rest. We'll feature a photo montage and some insights about this lovely part of the Northern Rockies in a Montana girl's whereiscookie.com Our visits to Scripps have decreased from two and three times a week to once a week, to twice monthly, and during our Montana stay, to monthly, keeping in touch with Dr. Frenette as needed, checking in with the helpful transplant team if we have concerns. (It is available 24-7.) We will have blood labs taken during our Big Sky visit, which is possible with a form that is simply handed to the participating clinics, http://www.whereiscookie.com/2017/06/transplant-tale-continues-with-look-at.html with the myriad results emailed back to Scripps. If adjustments are needed, they'll be made, thanks to the magic of the Internet. WE ARE GRATEFUL, but not foolish or deluded. We know problems can arise quickly; conditions change, thus the need for vigilance and monitoring. We take an informed approach to our situation. We love Scripps -- ten minutes from our house. We've written a detailed letter of thanks to the donor family -- using the hospital as a screening conduit. They approved of and forwarded our letter and we're hoping to hear back. (Cookie is convinced that Keller received Don Rickles' liver, because his level of sarcastic humor has increased. Keller was hoping for the liver of a jazz pianist, so he could play duets with Cookie.) Cookie and Keller a couple weeks ago on the Oregon coast. Some donor families relish communicating with the recipient. Others find it too painful to respond to a note of appreciation. We'll see. Meanwhile, Keller says he feels better than he has in years, which makes Nurse Cookie very, very happy. Stay tuned; we'll keep you in the "liver loop." Summer at our Montana hideaway with a corner of the Big Sky, top right.. NEXT UP: Big Sky Country is gorgeous in late summer -- even with the wild fires. The days are dry and sunny, the evenings are cool and breezy. High in the mountains, the stars are brilliant. And the bird life is abundant. We saw a mountain lion today. Come with us, remembering to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a novel look at the arts, travel, nature and the lives of two people who live life by the "carpe diem" creed.

SeaWorld's popular Orca show will no longer be part of the offerings at the internationally famous nature and amusement park. In its place, visitors will enjoy a more natural viewing of the killer whales and their life and habits. Trainers and audience alike were misty eyed at the finale of the killer whale shows at SeaWorld. A completely full house filled the stands to bid adieu. The new Orca show will offer an opportunity to view the beautiful creatures in a more natural setting. WHALE OF A WEEKEND: PACKED HOUSE BIDS ADIEU TO HALF-CENTURY OLD ORCA SHOW The final Orca shows attracted thousands of tourists and San Diego locals. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER MY PARTNER BRUCE Keller, whose photos illustrate this blog, has long been a fan of SeaWorld and its internationally famous Orca encounters. He credits these beautiful killer whale shows with spawning his fascination with the ocean, and encouraging his lifelong pursuit of sea adventure. So we were part of an enthusiastic audience for the final weekend of the traditional Orca shows. For more than a half century, they have fascinated a worldwide audience of millions. Keller, left, and Cookie, spent the weekend at SeaWorld with its magnificent dolphin and whale exhibits. THE SHOWS entertained crowds with what some considered "unnatural" behavior. Precisely performed "tricks" and playful antics exhibited the intelligence and strength of the whales in their interaction with humans. Positive re-enforcement and rewards of food taught the whales to swim with humans, dive and breach on cue, slip up onto a viewing platform and more. Not everyone gave the shows "thumbs up." SeaWorld listened to critics and responded to public opinion. "Society is changing and we’re changing with it," a spokesman said, "finding new ways to deliver on our purpose to inspire guests to take action in protecting wild animals and wild places." THE NEW exhibits will no longer feature the Orcas performing in a stadium environment. Instead of "performance," the exhibit will focus on the animals' natural behaviors. The new program is being developed by SeaWorld experts and consultants to offer a new way for people to The Orca show featured the intelligent killer whales at play, performing tricks learned over a period of months and years to illustrate their beauty and speed, graceful behavior and intelligence. connect with the ocean’s most powerful predator. SeaWorld calls it "Orca Encounter," and promises viewers the opportunity to witness the magnificent creatures and their natural behavior set against an expansive infinity screen. SeaWorld promises to bring the whales' story to life with "exciting, immersive detail, designed to give viewers a deeper appreciation of Orcas." The exhibits will teach viewers about the Orca's hunting techniques and complex communication codes, a spokesman said. ORCA FANS will learn about the Orcas' important family structure, with opportunities to watch the whales bond, play and eat. The new exhibits will be open by summer of this year, with a goal to "excite the sense of wonder and help viewers feel the connection between whales and our oceans..'' SeaWorld has not collected marine mammals from the wild for decades. It also ended its breeding program, but will continue its highly regarded rescue program which has saved hundreds of birds and sea creatures from fishing lines and human-caused injury through the years. THE TEN ORCAS at SeaWorld were either born there or have spent most of their lives in human care. Their names are Corky 2, Kasatka, Keet, Ulises, Orkid, Nakai, Kalia , Ikaika, Shouka, and a young male Makani, born to Kasatka on February 14, 2013. These majestic Orcas will not be caged or released into the ocean. They could not survive there, having no skills in competing for food. They would also not survive unfamiliar diseases, and have no experience with environmental concerns such as pollution and other man-made threats. SeaWorld fans came out in full force to pack the houses for the final Orca presentations. A new encounter is planned. At SeaWorld, they will continue their long, healthy lives with loving care of a dedicated veterinary and specialists. SeaWorld's long respected goal continues: to "inspire generations to be conservationists around the world." The hope is that the new “live documentary”-style presentation and expansive infinity screen will help visitors gain a deeper appreciation and respect for Orcas and that they will leave the park with determination to help preserve these majestic animals. Find out more about SeaWorld's plans for its Orcas at https://seaworldcares.com/future. "Marjorie Prime" is on tap at Northcoast Repertory Theater and San Diego's variety of theater offerings makes it worthy of a plane ticket to escape the rain and snow. NEXT UP: A bevy of theatrical treasures enlivens the bleak and dreary days of winter nationwide. In San Diego, a glut of theatrical riches! A splendid production of "Marjorie Prime" is on tap. This fascinating play at Northcoast Repertory Theater delves into the futuristic prospect of human looking robots as an antidote to loneliness. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, Northcoast's production is up through Feb. 4. We previewed a sold out opening SRO performance of this fascinating show. Welk Resort has a wonderful production of "My Fair Lady" and New Fortune Theatre has a sizzling production of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" at the Lyceum. Call your favorite box office wherever you are, or head to San Diego -- worth an airplane ticket from snow country. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekends when we post a new piece with our unique twist on the arts, travel and the natural world.

Wild turkeys cavort and forage at our Montana place, High Chaparral, in Stillwater County on the river. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER This proud turkey is commercially grown, and much plumper than our Montana wild ones. WE'RE TALKING  turkey here. Through year's end, most of us will enjoy a meal or two of the critter that Ben Franklin suggested be our national bird. Turkey dinner.  Turkey curry.  Turkey and dumplings. Turkey casserole. How about my grandmum's weekend turkey wiggle. I'll share the recipe.  My favorite edible part of the holidays is left-overs. Nothing like a sandwich with cranberry sauce and mayo, maybe a little chutney. But do try the "wiggle." If your Thanksgiving table featured turkey you are among 46 million Americans; 33 million more of us will eat turkey  on either Christmas or New Year's. If you didn't have turkey dinner on Thursday, don't worry. The bird shows up in stores and on menus and dining tables through Chanukah, Christmas and into New Year's and even Easter. SO HOW  did the tradition of eating turkey during the holidays develop? Historians tell us it probably did not  derive from the Pilgrims who may or may not have eaten turkey for their "Thanksgiving."  They probably ate venison, and they'd have used their fingers. After Scrooge sees the light, in "A Christmas Carol," he has a turkey delivered to the Cratchit home. Turkey's top ranking as preferred holiday fare also stems from the fact that Turkeys are easy to raise, fresh, fairly cheap and can feed a crowd. In the U.S., 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving, 22 million on Christmas, 11 million on New Year's and 19 million on Easter. In 2014, U.S. diners ate 736 million pounds of turkey. AMERICA'S PREFERENCE for poultry at celebrations dates back to frontier days. A bird could be slaughtered without serious economic sacrifice, while butchering a cow was a serious decision for a rancher or farmer.  Since commercial beef wasn't widely available until the late 19th century, a chicken or turkey made more sense for a holiday meal. The classic menu of turkey with gravy, stuffing, and plum pudding was popularized by Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," published in 1843 and widely read in the U.S. Some culinary historians believe Scrooge's gift of a Christmas turkey to the Cratchit family cemented the turkey's place at the center of the holiday meal.The Victorians also enjoyed turkey, and lobbied Abe Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. Olive Nystul's turkey wiggle was a family treat, served the  weekend after Thanksgiving. IF YOU LIKE turkey, you'll enjoy my grandmother Olive's "Weekend turkey wiggle." Why did she call it that? Because you could rely upon having it the weekend after Thanksgiving, and because the noodles wiggle and wave as the ingredients are mixed! GRAN NYSTUL'S WEEKEND TURKEY WIGGLE 2 lb (4 cups) leftover turkey meat, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 c turkey or chicken stock 1 l/2 c uncooked white, brown or wild rice or 3 cups uncooked noodles 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes or three fresh ones, diced 2 medium onions, chopped (add two cloves of diced garlic if desired) 1 green pepper, chopped 1 c green olives and 1 c black olives, chopped ¼ c pimentos, chopped 8 oz mushrooms, sliced and sautéed in butter or olive oil (if using canned, drain juice but hold to moisten casserole if needed) 16 oz package frozen peas, mixed veggies or corn -- your choice 1 can of mushroom soup or cup or so of leftover turkey gravy Gran Nystul's Weekend Turkey Wiggle  delights with its flavor -- and memories. (Gran improvised with the ingredients; use what you have. That's the beauty of "wiggle.")  PREHEAT  oven to 350 degrees. Combine ingredients in a large saucepan, bring to brief boil. Transfer to buttered casserole pan, cover with foil, and bake 30-40 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed but casserole is still moist. Top with croutons or crumbled leftover stuffing. Sprinkle with grated or shaker cheese-- gouda, gruyere, parmesan and sharp cheddar are all good choices.   UP NEXT:  While we're on the subject of food, Hornblower's the way to go  for fine food and ambiance if you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or holiday on the water. We'll visit a recent birthday celebration aboard Hornblower in New York. Hornblower also offers specialty cruising, dinner and cocktail celebrations in San Diego, San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, Newport Beach, Marina del Rey  and Long Beach. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekends for fun travel tips and adventure worldwide.

FOX RENOVATION TOOK A LONG AND WINDING ROAD WITH A NAME CHANGE TO HONOR ALBERTA BAIR STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS from archives and BRUCE KELLER THE ALBERTA BAIR  Theater site was almost a parking lot. Or yet another bank. And Billings, Montana, did not need another bank when we set our renovation plan in motion on a cold day back in 1976. The "movers and shakers" who helped create the fund- raising effort for ABT,right. It was winter, and the heat was turned low so we met in our coats beside the silent soft-drink machine in the once grand Fox Theatre lobby. Because of the stalwart efforts of volunteers and activists -- including (full disclosure!) myself -- the 1931 building reigns as the largest performing arts center between Spokane and Minneapolis, Denver and Calgary. In the late 1970s, when we were struggling to save the building, we approach rancher-philanthropist, world traveler Alberta Bair, hoping she would contribute a large sum "Sleeping Beauty" was a big Fox hit. to an endowment with the thought that changing the theater's name might entice her. Businessman Ray Hart, surgeon Hewes Agnew, rancher Earl Rosell, hotelier Con Carter, art directors, librarians and many others helped convince Alberta that the theater should be saved -- and  carry the Bair name into its future. We volunteers successfully lobbied the Billings City Council to help us with a renovation effort. How proud  I was when the building opened with much fanfare in 1987.  Alberta contributed nearly a million dollars toward the nearly $6 million project. The late director William Ball brought his famed San Francisco acting company to Billings. Skip Lundby, actor and director, played a key role. THE BUILDING  serves an arts minded community of more than 400,000 and  was saved by the blood, sweat and tears of activists and actors and, yes, even some of those bankers who originally wanted the land for their own endeavors!  Actor Skip Lundby, who acted as the "Save the Fox" managing director for years, cooked hotdogs on the stage lights and slept in one of the dressing rooms -- a la "Phantom of the Opera," a fitting reference.  Skip directed many of the plays which raised seed money for matching funds and grants:  "I Do! I Do!", "The Fantasticks," "Promises, Promises," and a raft of others.  We produced local shows and imported many big name talents. ONE OF MY  many treasured memories of the performances I reviewed was when the late jazz pianist Dave Brubeck sold out the house in summer of 1979, urging the standing-ovation audience to "save this Marian McPartland, the late,  great jazz pianist, played the Fox. The late jazz pianist Dave Brubeck, helped turn the corner for the Fox/ABT. wonderful building." That same summer, William Ball and his recent Tony winning American Conservatory Theater did three sold-out performances in Billings.  We hosted the actors to a pitchfork fondue and became fast friends with the actors and stage hands.  We also made $20,000 profit which added momentum to our effort and encouraged donations. Bernadette Peters headlined one of the ABT's sold-out galas. Jazz pianist Marian McPartland endorsed the effort, as did Judy Collins, below, and a string of "ABT Gala" performers praised the building and preservation effort right from the stage: Bernadette Peters, Harry Belafonte,  Burt Bacharch and many others. Harry  Bela- fonte and Bair had fun.  The conversion of the 1931 building, the last of the great Fox Theaters built in the country, presented challenges, but a crack architectural effort resulted in a theater that pleases people on both sides of the curtain. Performers praise the lighting control booth, which was relocated at the rear of the main floor, and the sound control booth, which sits at the front of the balcony.   THE FRONT APRON  of the stage has its own hydraulic lift, and the orchestra pit can hold 40 musicians and their instruments.  For private events and receptions, a custom designed orchestra shell and large vinyl dance floor provide versatility. Burt Bacharach loved the venue. I remember that first fundraising production of "I Do! I Do!" and the shabby dressing rooms, paint peeling and no adequate heating for a cold winter's night of costume changing. Now, two large chorus dressing rooms and two star dressing rooms can accommodate more than 40 performers. BECAUSE OF AN  enlarged lobby space, the main staircase to the loge and balcony was moved, and is now visible beyond the main shell of the building adding style and function with via an eye-catching glass stairwell. I'm proud of my  part in the effort, and I hope Alberta is smiling down on us with pride, too! COMING UP : The Greek Isles are a magnificent get-away any time of the year! Come with us, remembering to explore, learn and live. Check us out Wednesdays and Saturdays at: www.whereiscookie.com

Corby Skinner and the writer, aka Cookie, were instrumental in the  saving and resurrection of the programming at the "old Fox", now ABT. Fox Theater's renovation to the Alberta Bair Theater is told  Egyptian and Art Deco touches marked the 1931 Fox. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS from archives and BRUCE KELLER 'ALBERTA  dozens of venues are named after the Bair family," I pleaded. "You're the theater lover. Let's name this one after you!" It was 1980, and the "Save the Fox" campaign had been underway since 1976. This is a first-person story, because I was a "first person," if you will. One of the first to suggest, publicly, through lectures and newspaper stories, that the building be saved.  I was also the first one to write about the possibility of its name change. The 1986 renovated Fox:  the ABT.  THE FOX  Theater, built in 1931, had been a much loved movie house and performing arts center. Community Concerts used it as a forum for their world class acts: famed singers, musicians and symphony orchestras, ballet troupes and other entertainments made up a five-or six-part season. The theater was a gorgeous, Art Deco building with ornate carpets, chandeliers, curtains and adornments. People dressed up to go to the concerts, which were cultural highlights for many of us living in small towns surrounding Billings -- Roundup, Red Lodge, Big Timber, Laurel, Absarokee and more. The former Fox opened as the Alberta Bair Theater with much fanfare in 1986.  At right, famed cellist Gregor Piatagorsky, who played the Fox, and below, in 1931.  Each town had a membership chairman who sold tickets. In my hometown of Columbus, my parents,Richard and Ellen Cosgriffe, bought season tickets to Community Concerts for the family. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Cosgriffes drove the pre-freeway highway -- rain or shine, sleet or snow -- for concerts at our beloved Fox. SO WHEN I , as a young reporter, heard rumblings that the building might close, that it could be chopped up for a multi-movie complex, be razed for a banking endeavor or, worse, be leveled for a parking lot, I sprang into action. The Billings Gazette encouraged me to write editorials and news stories explaining the plight of the building, whose film clientele had dwindled with the spread of suburban movie theaters. I RESARCHED,  and reported, the building's rich history.  It hosted the famed cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, violinist Jascha Heifetz, singers Marian Anderson and Paul Robeson, trumpeter Harry Rancher, philanthropist Alberta Bair was born on the Fox site. James, Metropolitan opera stars and many jazz and classical greats. I learned that Martinsdale based traveler Alberta Bair had been born in 1895 in a brick home on the site that would host the Fox. In 1976, I organized the Fox Committee for the Performing Arts, a group of The entrance to the Fox in the 1930s. civic minded folks from the arts and culture community. Building owner Carisch Theaters had considered expanding the longtime movie house into a three-movie-theater complex, but many of us believed that the downtown needed a live performing arts hall more. WE WERE  long on ideas and enthusiasm but short on money.  We sold $500 patronships to keep the building afloat, put on plays such as "I Do! I Do!," our first Fox Committee production, in the autumn of 1977. The 1931 Billings Fox was one of the  last Fox theaters built in the nation. In the leading roles of the married couple were my late husband, Bruce Meyers, and Cathy Hansen Brown.  We made enough money to keep the utilities paid another year, and by 1978 we were producing a string of popular fundraisers -- "Grease," "The Fantasticks," "Promises, Promises," "Anthing Goes" and many more.  In 1979, the "save the Fox" endeavor attracted some movers and shakers, along with our faithful arts patrons from the museums and other music and performing groups. Jazz great Dave Brubeck helped save the Fox. COMING NEXT:   The fund-raising effort includes sell-outs for Dave Brubeck and many other big names. A corner is turned, the renovation begins and the Fox is saved -- although with a new name! What went on behind the scenes?  Remember to explore, learn and live, and check us out Wednesdays and Saturdays at: www.whereiscookie.com

Pansies are perennial favorites in Ashland, Oregon, and this one was part of a shop windowbox display.    STORY by Christene Meyers     PHOTOS by Bruce Keller          Acres of ice plant are creeping down the hillsides of southern California, turning the countryside lavender, pink, yellow and purple just in time for Easter.      During a frenetic 22-lane freeway foray from Los Angeles back to San Diego yesterday, we admired section after section of brilliant, budding erosion-controlling color. It was the drive's saving grace. California's ice plant is abloom now!      Ice plant is hardy and easy to grow. Certain varieties even look pretty in bouquets.  I love watching it frame the freeways and creep toward the beaches. My state of near iceplant hypnosis prompted my wondering who first had the inspiration to "harvest" flowers and bring them inside.     The art of flower cultivation is time honored.  Uses of floral beauty are as many and varied as the petals on posies.      Greeks staged banquets featuring a floor covered with a foot of flower petals on which honored guests entered the feasting room.        The monks of the middle ages were the doctors of their day, growing and harvesting flowering herbs to treat whatever ailed the multitudes or their fellows.       Egypt, China, Japan and India have rich flower-loving traditions.       Paintings of exaggerated floral arrangements have been popular in Europe for centuries and the Italian Renaissance helped give flower arranging extra spark. By the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, floral displays were commonplace among the upper classes.  A wide variety of materials were used to make containers -- marble, heavy Venetian glass, and bronze, many gracing the world's museums today. This bouquet was delivered to our cruise stateroom, fashioned from flowers grown in the Canary Islands.   It was also during the Renaissance that tropical fruit began to emerge on vases and even in some floral bouquets.  In art, fruit was often paired with popular flowers such as narcissus, pinks, iris, jasmine, pansies, French marigolds, cornflowers and rosemary.       In England, fruits blossoms and leaves were woven into garlands to decorate walls and vaulted ceilings. On festive occasions, petals were piled into baskets to sprinkle on the floors, a custom which probably spawned our present-day "flower girl" wedding tradition. A hike in Stillwater County in Montana's Beartooth Mountains shows a stubborn little wildflower growing from rock.       While flowers were used by the gentry for centuries, large numbers of average people began to appreciate, grow, pick and arrange flowers in the 18th Century.  This was when flowers began to be fashionable around the globe. The Victorians loved color and relied on flowers to help counteract the unfortunate odors of the horrible hygiene of the day.  "Tuzzy-muzzy" bouquets were used to eliminate odors and many believed the aptly named "nosegay" helped counteract disease. (Also spelled tussie mussie, it has some vulgar connotations..... but that's another posting!)   Today's millions of gardeners worldwide enjoy flowers.  They range from ranchers and farmers in my native Montana, whose iris and peony will be shooting up soon, to my neighbors here in San Diego, whose pots of tomatoes, lemons, basil, rosemary and even figs are lovingly tended on tiny townhouse patios. A California poppy brightens up a La Jolla garden.         Whether flowers are in your world to attract birds and bees, provide shade or color, or simply because gardening relaxes, we salute these faithful floral friends.  Their presence provides soothing beauty and often fragrance.      Flowers announce the arrival of spring and the presence of love.  Flowers are food, medicine and peace of mind! Flowers say "forgive me, I love you, be my friend, in sympathy and thanks." They are also inspiration for this humble writer and her photographer partner, whose favorite pictures of posies appear here! Enjoy! A dahlia blooms in a garden at High Chaparral in Montana.     COMING SATURDAY:        In a few days, we plan a little unorthodox fun -- maybe hit the road on  our Harleys, get a tatoo or two, haul out the saxophone, dust off the fishing pole, and say good-bye to our decorous past!        In the spirit of carpe diem, watch for the revels  Saturday, March 30.       whereiscookie.com       Fighting middle age, raging against the dying of the light, Keller and Cookie plan a little fun!     We are happy to be hearing from readers Singapore to Sidney (both Sidney, Montana, and Sydney, Australia!). Today, we received a message from South Korea and heard from a man in Miles City, born in Baghdad. We post Wednesdays and Saturdays at: whereiscookie.com     Please tell those persons who might enjoy.

Economize, pack light, think layers, develop a color theme STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER You'll want clothes that look stylish but don't weigh a ton. TELLING SOMEONE what to pack is like telling college kids what they should take for first semester. They'll wear what they want, thank you very much. The point is to take clothes that make you comfortable, that allow you to have fun, relax and feel properly turned out -- whether for fancy occasion or casual time. THERE ARE many styles, many methods of packing. Invent your own, remembering that it's important to be able to carry your stuff. You can't always get help at the train station, the car rental, or maneuvering out of the airport. Misha Minesinger looks "picture perfect" on the West Fork of the Stillwater River, fishing for trout in "smart casual." MY SVELTE Atlanta sister Misha travels large. She dresses up to go fishing, and she always looks like a million bucks. She checks a big bag and hoists a large carry-on. She's also an inveterate shopper, and has been known to buy an extra empty bag to schlep stuff home. She likes her clothes and accoutrements. Once on a trip to Europe right after my husband Bruce, died, I packed so badly it was comical. No worries. Misha had wardrobes for both of us -- including a beach day and a formal night at the Lido! ON THE OTHER end, my exercise pal Laurie travels light. She and her husband, John, put what they need in a pair of backpacks and have adequate clothes for a week in San Francisco or a couple weeks abroad. By Laurie's own admission, she doesn't pack baubles and silks. And she'd have to borrow opera togs. Nora is sleeping inside the carrier, but Nick is having a look around. I'M SOMEWHERE between these two opposite examples. I like my clothes, but I limit myself to one large check-through Pullman, and a loosely packed carry-on. When I travel with the Yorkies, Nick and Nora are my carry-on, so I've learned to economize on "stuff." For a cruise, I pack a nice formal top but I no longer haul long formal gowns and sequined shoes, and Keller doesn't take tuxedo gear anymore. (Those formal guy tux shoes and glittery girl heels are space hogs, and the black-tie gear gets worn only two or three times on a trip.) MOST CRUISE lines and even the opera houses in Prague, Milan and Vienna no longer insist on black tie. Ladies can blend in shipboard or at the Bolshoi with a nice little classic black dress or skirt and top with fake jewelry. My grandmother called that her "drinking and praying" outfit. For the guys, a dark blazer or sport coat and one dress shirt and tie will work for "fancy." You're set. No one cares about your shoes. True story. Add caption * BASIC THEME. Deciding on your attire really depends on what you do when you're there. Develop a theme before you go. Do you consider yourself "outdoorsy, active, casual" or "formal, fancy, elaborate" -- or like me, somewhere in between. This little self-imposed categorization will help you craft a wardrobe that won't waste precious suitcase space. If you're hiking in Scotland, Spain or Switzerland, or sunning in the Caribbean or Greek Isles, you'll need little more than casual -- cottons, denims, wash-and-wear. Throw in a pretty top and shawl for dinners out. The "layer up" edict is time honored. Start a cruise or tour morning with slacks, shirt, sweater and light jacket tossed over your arm. Strip away the lawyers as the sun warms the Earth. * GET A color scheme going, too -- blues and greens, beiges and fall colors, etc. Mix and match your clothing within loose color guidelines -- including scarves, jewelry, hats, sweaters and other accents. You'll save on space and economize on volume. Keller is dressed for sailing, ready to lend a hand on deck. * I INCLUDE a pair of jeans, a turtleneck, two capri slacks, two or three lightweight tops or blouses, a dress jacket and nice skirt as part of my "uniform." Keller packs five or six shirts and tops for a long trip: two short sleeve, two long, a Polo and sweat shirt. Don't forget a rain coat and hat. Add a light sweater or wrap -- crucial on ships, trains and in theaters. And we both like pockets. * SHOES, FOOTWEAR. As mentioned, these are space hogs, so I've pared myself down to three pair. A sturdy pair of comfy walking shoes is essential for city tours, hikes, shore excursions or a sail or boat trip. Add a basic black pair for "fancy" or "resort casual" for dinners or brunches, theater outings, receptions. A pair of sandals, comfy loafers or slippers suffice for lounging, going to the beach, hanging out. Guys can sometimes get by with two pair -- casual for day and dressier for evening. Next Wednesday's travel tips continue with shopping hints. * UNDERWEAR, ETC. Take just enough underwear and socks for a week and plan to find a laundry once. If you're staying with friends or family, keeping clean clothes is easy. Ships have self-wash laundries and hotels and cruises offer laundry send-out. If you can afford it, let them to do the work. On a month-long Asia tour years ago with 11 other delegates from International Women for Understanding, an attorney friend taught me to wash out blouses and undies and squeeze them inside a towel before hanging them up. They'll be dry by morning. COMING UP: What else to pack? Copy special documents, get rid of the non-essentials, remember vitamins and plan to buy one unique gift for yourself -- so leave room for that! Then dining well without doubling your dress size. Remember to explore, learn, live, and check us out Wednesdays and Saturdays at: www.whereiscookie.com

This booby has his eye on the seas below, looking for a meal. He also eyes the female booby, vying for her graces. This booby is at least as interesting as the female breast to many. Boobies often fly in pairs, or quartets, forming little groups as they hunt. We watched these two for hours off the coast of Costa Rica. A SALUTE TO THE FUN-LOVING BOOBY:DANCER, FLYER, FISHERMAN, FAST DIVER, LOYAL FRIEND OF CRUISERS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WE WATCHED them for hours. No, not female-breast boobies, as a joke-cracking neighbors surmised at my e-mail proclamation: "You won't believe the boobies." His retort: "When you mentioned boobies, I got all excited. Then I realized you were talking about birds." But what birds. Maybe my friend wasn't so far afield with his suggestive wisecrack because, Chuck, boobies are sexy! They dance, they prance, they snuggle and nuzzle. They do it all without snapping their garters, donning sleazy corsets or fancy lingerie. They don't send roses or ply their girlfriend with expensive liquor. THEY HAVE elaborate courtships, mate for life and some believe they enjoy sex. My kind of birds. They also soar over the seas, darting, diving, riding the drafts of cruise ships such as ours, the Legend of the Seas, a dowager of the fleet of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. The blue footed booby is light on his feet, and those famous feet move to attract a mate. Boobies were our faithful escorts through much of our journey down the western coast of Mexico and into Central and South America. This daring seabird is comfortable and abundant in many of the world's tropical waters. The perfect symmetry and grace of the booby may have inspired early day flyers, including the Wright Brothers. The brown booby, our friends in this story, is cousin to the more famous blue-footed booby known in the Galapagos and "Down Under." Our brown friend ranges as far north as the Gulf of California, and even on both coasts of the United States. Like other boobies, it feeds with spectacular plunges into the sea. "Come look at this," Keller cried one morning. He'd been watching them for nearly an hour, he said, both bird and man looking for flying fish. The first booby appeared out of nowhere, he said, descended expertly, then boom -- plunged deep into the waters after his catch. Sometimes he devoured it -- sometimes not. Some believe the booby's soaring and diving is part of the attraction of a mate. DESPITE ITS unfortunate name, the booby is one smart birdie. Some believe the Wright Brothers studied him! This master of the sky is patient and strong. Red-footed boobies get the booby endurance award, traveling up to 93 miles, but the brown boobies we saw followed our ship for more than 65 miles one day. The silly sounding name derives from a Spanish slang term bobo, meaning "stupid." Hungry sailors noticed these tame birds landing on board ships. Hmmmmmm. Could they be eaten? Indeed they were, as they're easily captured. In fact, ship-wrecked sailors, including William Bligh of the famous Bounty, caught and ate boobies to stay alive after being set adrift. DURING MATING season, boobies are are among the thousands of species of critters who gather to pair up, engage in their own special breed of flying, dancing and romancing. For my money, they're one of the most fascinating -- and sexy -- birds. I loved being Clever writing, strong acting and interesting characters await in "Mud Blue Sky" by Moxie. in their presence for a few days. I may borrow from the booby romance ritual. I'm practicing my footwork! DON'T MISS: Moxie Theatre's "Mud Blue Sky" is a lively new comedy in a lively theater town. The story is about aging flight attendants, friendship and a pot dealer who misses his prom. Witty dialogue, fine acting and sharp direction unfold with humor, pathos and insight into the human condition. All for an enriching time at the theater. The production runs through June 8 in Cygnet's old space near UCSD in San Diego. Call 858 598-7620, www.moxietheatre.com Greece's Suda Bay War Cemetery attracts tourists worldwide. Crete's excellent harbors played a key role in World War II. COMING SOON: Before we dip over to sunny Fort Lauderdale with its romantic water taxis, hip eateries and exciting nightlife, we pay homage to a Greek war cemetery, which houses the remains of thousands of Americans, Aussies, Brits and Kiwis. Our annual homage to Memorial Day, next. We're about travel advice and adventure tips, always with a sense of fun! Remember to explore, learn and live and check us out Wednesdays, weekends and as the muse dictates, at: www.whereiscookie.com

Contented cows, here near Jacksonville, are a must for good cheese! Blue cheese and red wine -- say ahhh! WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN CHEESES -- AND WHAT A NOBLE, INTERESTING, INTERNATIONAL HISTORY HAS CHEESE Oregon's Rogue Creamery cheese has won many awards, dating to 1933. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE CHEESE makers were hard at work, delivering some of the best blue cheese we've ever sampled to a small tasting table. We were at the famous Rogue Creamery in Central Point, Oregon. This pastoral part of southern Oregon boasts blossoming fruit trees, great grazing land and contented cows who share their milk with cheese lovers worldwide. Pretty cheddar wheels await packaging and enjoyment! The Creamery is known by everyone who's lived in Oregon for any amount of time. It has the feel of a family run place and Rogue Creamery proudly draws from the beauty and flavors of Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, from which it takes its name. THE CREAMERY is a smoothly run, successful business, creating gourmet, hand-crafted blue cheese, cheddar and TouVelle. The company uses certified, sustainable whole milk to make prize-winning. internationally acclaimed blue cheese. We took a drive from nearby Ashland, Oregon, where we were seeing plays. Our visit to the creamery got us thinking about cheese and how it was "invented." YOU'VE HEARD the story of the shepherd boy who left his milk in a cave as he hurried to escape a winter storm. When he returned the following spring, the milk in his sheep-skin flask had turned to creamy, delicious cheese! No one knows for sure just when or where cheese making originated. The practice is related to the history of the domestication of milk-producing animals (particularly sheep) which began a mere 10,000 years ago. The stories of the origins of cheese are as varied and rich as an array of the softest bries. Early Egyptians enjoyed cheese. Cheese making calls for sterile conditions. ALTHOUGH SHROUDED in mystery, cheese dates to the time of the Roman Empire. Cheese making became widespread throughout Europe and the Middle East as those traveling Romans spread cheese techniques across their vast empire. Cheese is mentioned in ancient Greek mythology, and on our recent trip to Egypt, we saw Egyptian tomb murals featuring cheese makers, dating back 4,000 years. IN CHINA, yellowish chunks of the world's oldest "cheese" were discovered on the bodies of mummies buried in the Taklamakan Desert. The 3,800-year old mummies were buried with jewelry and food, as was the custom. The funereal edibles included dairy treats to enjoy in the afterlife. Scientists have deduced that the Chinese cheese was easy to make, nutritious and easily digestible. A Chinese mummy was found with cheese bits, above, and the Romans brought cheese to their vast empire. SOME OF OUR favorite cheeses today, though, -- cheddar, parmesan and gouda -- are the new kids on the cheese block, appearing only in the last 500 years or so. What makes good cheese? Early American cheese makers looked for fine grazing land for their cattle, places with mild climates and green grass year-round. Thus, Oregon is a natural and several of its famous valleys feature delicious cheeses -- Tillamook has been a favorite of my Oregon family for years, along with Rogue Creamery's offerings! SINCE THE early 1700s, New England Puritans have been farming and making cheese. Paintings show Puritan women as artisans of cheese making, as they had been in their homeland of East Anglia in England. From the early 19th Century, cheese making in America was connected to farming. On farms along the East Coast, it was the role of farm wives to make cheese and carry on the tradition. Mild winters and early springs mean good grazing for cows. Rogue Creamery, a star in Oregon. BEFORE THE industrialization of the cheese industry, milk on the farm had to be consumed quickly or processed in some way just to help preserve it. Early settlers used the cream which floats to the top, to make butter, leaving the rest of the milk. Credit goes to the women, who did much of that work -- hauling milk, churning butter and processing of the cheese -- pioneers enormously responsible for the evolution of cheese making in America. Cheese makers keep a meticulous shop at Rogue Creamery in Central Point. Locals and tourists love visiting. Curds and whey! IF THE shepherd boy story is true -- that cheese was discovered accidentally from storing milk in containers made from the stomachs of animals -- the enzyme rennin comes into play. Rennin is found in stomach lining and causes milk to separate into little Miss Muffet's curds and whey. The curds at Rogue Creamery are delicious, and a popular seller! Cookie pauses to meditate outside Jerusalem's Western Wall. Three major world religions inhabit the city. COMING UP: Easter is just around the corner, and we're taking readers with us to Jerusalem. In this magnificent, historic and cohesive city, three major world religions exist mostly peacefully. Tell us where you'd like us to take you next! Remember to explore, learn and live. Please share our blog with friends: www.whereiscookie.com

"Food, glorious food," as the lyric from "Oliver!" goes. The appetizers are being devoured as the main course is prepared. FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD AS CLEVER KITCHEN CAPERS PROMOTE QUALITY FAMILY TIME STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS The family gathers to nosh and talk and play -- here niece Aurora with her daughter, Elliana, and at right, James, chasing Yorkie Nora. PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WHEN ONE MENTIONS food and music, our family "comes big." That's the expression my grandfather used: "Come big or stay home." Everyone contributes a special dish or theatrical presentation when a family reunion is in the offing. We grew up with violins, violas, trumpets, trombones, pianos, flutes, saxophones, clarinets, musical theater. We sang every Broadway score, from "The Sound of Music" to "The King and I," "Gypsy," "Guys and Dolls" and "South Pacific." Breakfast time for Christena, in front, and her second-cousin, James. Sister Misha's "Famous Lemon Bars" are always a hit. We were also raised -- like many families -- with the kitchen as the center of the good times, the "first course" before the tunes. Cookie's Famous Turkey Breast is a family tradition, too. FOOD AND MUSIC ARE the twin focus for all family fun. My sister Misha's lemon bars are part of every family reunion. Sometimes she sings when she serves them. (Usually the "Good Morning" song made famous in the movies by Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor.) Whether she's staying in a hotel, in a rented cottage or in one of our homes, she shops for the ingredients as soon as she and my brother-in-law David pick up her rental car. Then she prepares her delicious treats. here are never left-overs -- just crumbs. My specialty is roast turkey -- a favorite of our late mother's and grandmum's and something no family fete is complete without. Olivia makes a fantastic avocado pie and both sisters make superb green salads -- with berries, nuts, feta and raspberry vinaigrette. Niece Amarylla prepares the dough for her "Famous Bacon-maple Donuts." I'D THOUGHT AHEAD -- arranging the paper stuff in pretty picnic baskets -- cups, glasses, silverware, napkins, plates -- again, to save time and keep our focus on visiting and enjoying one another. Keller and I hung balloons and put cloths on the tables. We'd also prepared several dishes ahead of time: a huge tray of lasagna, a double-recipe of scalloped potatoes, dishes of baked beans, three jello salads, a fruit salad and a pan of brownies.We put out large coolers of iced beverages -- wine, beer, tea, sodas, lemonade, water -- ready and waiting for guests. Great-nephew Connor readies the deep-fryer for the donuts. NIECE AURORA is famous for her lavish birthday cakes. The vanilla lemon confection she made to celebrate all the Leos in the clan, was so heavy with thick Amish cream and filling that it toppled over in the frig! (We uprighted and relished it, to the last crumbs.) COOKING for four days for 30-plus people might have been daunting. It wasn't, because of all the help we had and because of prepping. Everyone provided goodies -- fresh fruit, veggie trays, cheeses, appetizers, breads, cookies, "extras" -- lagniappes as they say in New Orleans. We set up the barbecue before hand, and placed borrowed tables and chairs. While the barbecue cranks up, cousins pass paper plates and arrange tables and chairs for the family reunion's finale. We provided main courses: that made-ahead lasagna, chicken, turkey, brats, hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey burgers and trout caught the morning of the first day of the reunion, by Keller and a neighbor. (Fishing license: expensive for out-of-staters.) Two of our party don't eat meat, but love fish. Handy to have the Stillwater River near, although Keller paid nearly $80 for the license to catching a couple rainbows. We'd put all the paper stuff in picnic baskets -- cups, glasses, silverware, napkins, plates -- again, to save time and keep our focus on visiting and enjoying one another. We hung balloons and had cloths on the tables. Grand finale: Famous Donuts laced with bacon bits and sprinkled with maple glaze, are a last, farewell hit at the family reunion. I"D MADE several dishes ahead: a huge tray of lasagna, a double-recipe of scalloped potatoes, baked beans, three jello salads, fruit salad and a pan of brownies.We'd also prepared large coolers of iced beverages -- wine, beer, tea, sodas, lemonade, water. Those were ready and waiting for guests. WE ENJOYED several meals together, the last a morning brunch featuring my niece Amarylla's decadent donuts. Deep-fried, they were a huge, fast disappearing hit. (We procured a deep-fryer for the occasion. After frying, Amarylla sprinkled them with bacon bits (bacon, fried crispy and broken up) and maple syrup glaze. Talk about gilding the lily. Or as Oliver Twist asked, "Please, sir, could I have some more?" Rain forced the talent show inside the garage, but didn't dampen spirits. The family reunion featured nephew James on base guitar. NEXT UP: Now, the entertainment. What happens when the family reunion invitation requests a talent contribution as part of admission? Music, music, music. A swing trio, a roast, a toast, a bittersweet farewell. Country songs, show tunes, jazz, classics and more. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com

STILLWATER PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION DOES GOOD WORK, THROWS FUN PARTY WITH A FILM CLIP The Stillwater Protective Association preserves life in the beautiful Stillwater Valley, here, near Nye. The frundraiser July 26 will feature film clips from "Fishtail," shot on the Fishtail Basin Ranch owned by the Abbott family. "Fishtail" offers familiar scenes of the valley in calving season. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and courtesy "Fishtail" documentary archives ONCE A YEAR, lovers of our quality life in Stillwater County gather to support the continued good works of the Stillwater Protective Association and boost the organization's coffers. The grassroots group is proud of its "watchdog" efforts to insure that nearby Stillwater Mine keeps its operation clean and maintains good faith with the community. SPA's 2015 fundraiser features a visit from filmmaker Andrew Renzi, whose friendship with the Franny Abbott family inspired his 2014 documentary, "Fishtail." CLIPS FROM the acclaimed film will be shown at the annual SPA summer event, Sunday, July 26, at the Anipro Event Center south of Absarokee. Doors open at 4 p.m. with the program at 4:30 p.m. Filmmaker and award winning director Renzi will show film clips and share his experience in making the ranch life documentary set in Fishtail. AS ALWAYS, hors d'oeuvres are on tap, prepared this year by Montana Wild Flower Kitchen. Live and silent auction items -- from art to books and rafting and fishing trips -- will be offered. The history of SPA dates back to 1975, when residents gathered to commit to preserving Stillwater County’s rural and agricultural quality of life while encouraging responsible growth. Its pursuits include limiting the footprint of Beartooth Mine on the Beartooth Plateau and providing for the clean-up of mine waste and other industrial hazards. Fishtail Basin Ranch's entrance. Raffle tickets will be sold and the winner takes home a selection of wines. Franny Abbott, who with his wife, also named Franny, owns the Fishtail Basin Ranch, at last year's event. A visit by filmmaker Andrew Renzi, a classmate of one of the Abbott sons, inspired the making of the film, "Fishtail." THE FILM, "Fishtail," features narration by renowned character actor Harry Dean Stanton, known for his quirky roles in a distinguished 45-year career. The film, set on the Fishtail Basin Ranch on Fiddler Creek, details ranch life's joys and hardships, including an unusual calf birthing sequence. Director Renzi's visits and longtime friendship with Tylee Abbott inspired the film. Andrew as director followed Tylee and ranch manager Brian Young for four days during calving season, using a 50-pound, 16mm camera. Actor Harry Dean Stanton, known for his craggy looks and unusual "lived in" voice, does the narration for "Fishtail." One reviewer called the narration "beautiful, a rough recording of Harry Dean Stanton reading poetry….I was mesmerized..." The film's faded colors and grainy texture combine with natural wonders to create a vintage look, an old-fashioned ode to a bygone time. SPA EVENT goers will endorse by their presence a unique "Good Neighbor Agreement," signed by SPA, Northern Plains Resource Director Andrew Renzi will be on hand at the SPA fundraiser, to introduce clips from the film. Council, Cottonwood Resource Council, and Stillwater Mining Company. It is the world's only legally binding document between citizen groups and a hard-rock mining company. SPA is an affiliate of the Billings-based Northern Plains Resource Council which encompasses 13 communities across Montana, from Helena to Glendive and Gardiner to Circle. A "Cork-a-Doodle" wine auction features raffle tickets for $5 (5 for $20) for a chance to win a dozen bottles of fine wines. Tickets are $30 if reserved by July 19; $35 at the door; children under 12 are free. RSVP to stillwaterpa@gmail.com or 406 248-1154. Contact Barb Lischer for the wine raffle 406 328-7139. Bob Whiting, MD, with his saxophone and clarinet. UP NEXT: On the trail of history and summer fun, we visit an unusual retired Hardin doctor with a yen for music. Then we take a look at the amazing museum: Big Horn County Historical Museum in Hardin. This unusual 35-acre complex houses 24 historic structures. But the main museum building is a masterpiece of preservation and integration of the old with the new. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Wednesdays and weekends at www.whereiscookie.com

You're sure to find a wilderness preserve or wildlife and bird refuge near you. Check it out for a relaxing, cheap diversion. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS CLICK HERE ==>> TO DANCE WITH LILIAN PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IF THE CALL of the wild lures you to commune with nature, you probably have beautiful wildlife and birds within an hour or two's drive of you. Think wildlife refuges, which dot the country from top to bottom, east to west. This happy seal is enjoying life at Moss Landing, near San Jose, California. We've explored a half-dozen of them in the past few weeks, and look forward to more in 2015. CALIFORNIA alone has 20, and Montana has 15, giving me 35 refuges to explore in the pair of states I call home. Wildlife preserves welcome visitors to view their conservation methods and enjoy boating, hiking and photography. I love visiting the refuges and preserves. During my 15 years in Arizona, I spent time watching the desert bighorn sheep, cousins of the bighorns in my backyard of rural Montana in the Beartooth Mountains. Cookie and Yorkie Nora hit the trail in southern California near Julian. I've viewed the pronghorns in Oregon, tundra swans on the Upper Mississippi, wild ponies on a press trip to Virginia's Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, and recently, gorgeous waterfowl in Wyoming's National Elk Refuge. MOST OF the refuges and preserves offer abundant bird life. At Moss Landing Wildlife Area near San Jose, California, we shared a splendid kayaking experience with friends, enjoying birds, seals and otters for free! Whale watching expeditions -- which we also enjoy and partake of -- were charging $35 and $40 nearby, but with our friends' kind loan of a kayak, we spent only time, gasoline and a little elbow grease enjoying this California State wildlife preserve on the shore of Elkhorn Slough. Bighorn sheep -- here in Montana-- may be viewed in several other U.S. states in wildlife preserves. THIS LOVELY spot near the Monterey Submarine Canyon is also a favorite site for shoreline whale watchers. As with many preserves and refuges, parking is free and plentiful -- and traffic is seldom bumper to bumper as it is in some of our national parks. At Moss Landing, the beach is cool and pleasantly windy. We enjoyed paddling past a group of noisy seals as we headed toward pelican and otter sightings in the marshes. You can usually find a place to stay, a restaurant, and sporting opportunities near a preserve. This is true at Lake Henshaw,Ca. Regulars know when to watch for whales offshore, breaching and gliding by. Josiah Diallo has what it takes to win an audience. NOT FAR from Julian, Calif., the 5,312 acre Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve, located in the scenic mountains between Santa Yasbel and Julian about 40 miles northeast of San Diego, is one of the prettiest preserves in the county we've seen. Nearby Lake Henshaw offers places to stay and the hiking is superb -- acres of rolling grasslands and native California oaks. The forests are almost as dense as in Northern California -- minus the redwoods. COMING UP: A brilliant San Diego musician rings in Christmas with a beautiful voice and stellar guitar stylings. You can book Josiah Diallo for a party, celebration or education event. He is at home in the classroom or an outdoor eatery, a church or private function, or anywhere calling for gorgeous music and enlightening commentary. Remember, carpe diem: so explore, learn and live and catch us Wednesdays and weekends at www.whereiscookie.com