Tag: travel

Rancho La Puerta 2026

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My latest visit to Rancho La Puerta, a world-renowned health and wellness resort in Tecate, Mexico, marked my 17th year as a musical guest at the Ranch. With 40 miles of hiking trails, delicious vegetarian food, stunning gardens, meandering brick paths, swimming pools, fitness classes, and, of course, a gorgeous Steinway B piano and dreamy performance space, the Ranch is my idea of heaven on earth.

While there, I presented two singing classes and a piano concert. My day included early morning practicing from 6–8 a.m. followed by swimming, soaking,  yoga, and long walks. I brought my dear friend Kathy Lee as a guest, and she delighted in attending  a variety of fitness classes, morning hikes, tennis, pickleball,  Pilates, and lectures on diet and brain health.

One of the highlights of my week, in addition to seeing old friends from past visits,  was a dinner for the presenters hosted by the Ranch’s co-founder, Deborah Szekely, who will turn 104 in May. During the dinner, she offered sage advice on living a long and healthy life: stay curious, follow the Ranch diet, and remain positive. Her mind is sharp, her stories engaging, and she continues inspiring  others toward leading healthy, vibrant, and impactful lives. At the dinner she asked me to lead the group in a song, I chose a simple old camp tune that seems perfect for the tranquil  Ranch atmosphere: “I’ve Got Peace like a River.”

Stay curious! Consider learning to play the piano- a wonderful way to engage your brain while adding artistic beauty and joy to your daily life.  Play Piano Today with Laura Dean

Evan Visits Seattle

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Evan, my thirteen year old nephew, flew from Bozeman, Montana out to Seattle (on his own) to visit me during spring break. This was his first time on an airplane and his first time in Seattle. What a delight to show him around this beautiful city and to see it all through his eyes.

We used the light rail and our feet as our main sources of transportation for our iconic adventures. Our first full day together included a trip to Pike Place Market where we explored the flower stalls, fish counters, a gelato shop, and the corridor of shops that are nestled below the main market where we rummaged through vintage photographs and records.

From the market we made our way down to the Seattle waterfront where we hopped on the Bainbridge Ferry. During the crossing, we enjoyed our picnic lunch while taking in the sparkling views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline.

On our second day, we headed to the Seattle Center where we spent a good chunk of time at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop). Highlights at MoPop for Evan included the video game room, the Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix exhibits, and most of all, the hands on musical experience of playing guitars, drums, and keyboards in small practice rooms. Evan is very musical and he tried all of the instruments and he even let me jam with him. What a thrill to play music with my nephew!

MoPop
Pike Place Market
Bainbridge Ferry
Jam Room
Jamming at home
Aunt Laura’s Homemade Pizza

In the late afternoons and evenings, exhausted from our big adventures, we relaxed at home with games, tasty meals, and we played even more music together in the Yellow House Experience Music Venue.

On the final day, I drove Evan to the airport and accompanied him to the gate. I was sorry to see him go, but I know he’ll be back. It’s a reminder that connecting with family and spending quality time with those we love is truly priceless.

Here’s a piano version of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana – played by Aunt Laura for Evan, who loves Nirvana.