I’d just like to point out that the sun is shining this morning. It may not last, but it’s shining. It’s still coldish and a little windy but the daytime warm up begins tomorrow. Huzzah!
I’m going to clean the porch railings this morning and sweep the porch. Then I’ll run some errands, including getting the Adirondack chairs out of storage.
It’s still going to be cold at night for the next couple of nights, so I’m not going to uncover the rest of the garden beds until early next week.
Maybe winter is finally making its exit?
Judy, a longtime reader of this blog, suggested something the other day. She, as so many of you do, always reads the comments. She would love to know where everyone is from. I think that’s a great idea! So, for today’s comments, tell us where you’re from. It can be a specific town or city, or it can be an area. How about this? Tell us where you were born and where you live now.
I’ll start. I was born in Detroit and raised in a suburb of that city. Eventually, I moved away and lived in Philadelphia, Boston, Cambridge, San Diego, and now I live in New York State in the Hudson Valley, just about 75 miles from Manhattan.
Do tell!
Happy Friday.
I started out in Mn., then Chicago, Detroit, Jackson, Tn., East Greenwich, R.I., Wilton, Ct. Then we bought a business in Roanoke, Va. and Miami, Fl. For 30 years we went between Va. and Fl. and also to Mn. to see family. We bought lake property in Mn. 40 years ago and now have a cabin there and a guest cabin which is being finished as we speak. We sold the last Va. house in March of this year. Now we will live in Miami Beach in a condo overlooking the ocean and by a lake in the woods in Mn. for the late spring, summer and early fall. We think it is the best of all worlds.
A lake and the ocean! How wonderful!
I hope it’s near Park Rapids, MN. We’ve been going there for 36 years (Potato Lake) and it’s one of our favorite places in the world.
I try to get to Park Rapids at least once a year. I really enjoy that town.
We are near Alexandria so not far! We are going to Park Rapids next September to visit friends. This is such fun reading. We loved Roanoke but once the business was sold we didn’t need to be there so much so home to Mn. for the summers.
I believe the daughter of one of our campground owners (Vagabond on Potato Lake) lives in Alexandria.
A lake and the ocean; sounds perfect to me!
Water anywhere is the best place to be!
I agree, Trudy!
As the kids say “Tru dat” – Trudy!
Roanoke’. We lived there, in Back Creek, from 91 to 2011. Loved it!
Were you in Newcomers? I remember meeting a Dottie.
No. I worked downtown.
An ocean and a lake? Oh my…how wonderful! ;)
Born in Danbury ,CT, grew up in Bethel, CT and now live in Painesville Twp, OH
I grew up in Danbury! No family left there now, but my sister lives in New Milford.
Good morning, Claudia. The sun is shining here today, too and the high temp is expected to be 59 degrees! Will feel so good. I have some errands to run today and I’m actually not minding, for once.
I was born in Etobicoke, Ontario and moved to the States when I was just three months old. I was raised in Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago, then we moved to Kentucky when I was 13 because my dad wanted to own a little grocery store. My mom is from KY and we always vacationed there, so I guess my dad thought why not. He had been in the grocery industry for a long time. The store didn’t do well and my parents were struggling so much, that we had to move back to the Chicago area right before I turned 17.
We lived in the Chicago area of Skokie then. Brian and I got married in 1984 and that’s when I moved out of my parent’s Skokie house and Brian and I lived in an apartment in Chicago. We then moved to another apartment in Glenview, then bought a townhouse in Wheeling. Finally bought this house in the far NW suburbs, closer to the Wisconsin border than Chicago. We’ve lived here for 28 years.
We lived in Schaumburg when it was a small town!
Oh my gosh, Gayle – me, too! My parents bought our first house there in 1965 and we were there until 1975.
Born and raised in New York City, currently living in Saratoga Springs in upstate NY.
OMG! Terri! I was born and raised in Queensbury NY! So close to you!
Yes! I was there yesterday for a dentist visit. It’s very nice.
The sun is shining here, my windows are open and I am overwhelmed! I have hope that it will last! The nights will be cool still and hopefully we won’t be needing the heat. Has Spring actually happened?
So, here is the scoop as to where I am from and have lived: born and raised in El Paso, TX. Left there when I married at 18, then started moving due to being a military wife. Here’s where I have been since: Ft. Meade, MD, Pensacola,FL twice, West Berlin,DDR and then it became Berlin,Germany when the wall fell. Bad Aibling, Germany, Ft. Huachuca, AZ, Sierra Vista, AZ, Mishawaka, IN, Elkhart, IN and finally Goshen, IN.
I really hope I don’t need to move again!
I hope you have a day filled with sunshine and warmth!
Many years ago we did the staging and lighting at the Goshen fair. You live in such a beautiful part of the world. Since then we have visited the area and loved the quilt block gardens and the barn quilts. Shipshewana has changed a lot but Leinenkugel beer hasn’t.
yes, hooray for the sun!
great idea, judy, and thanks for the welcoming, claudia! i was born in ohio and with my family moved to mississippi, back to ohio and then iowa. as an adult, for school/work/adventure, i’ve also lived in colorado and minnesota, moved back to ohio and (for the past twenty-one years) lived back here in iowa. there is an often-quoted line from the movie “field of dreams” … “is this Heaven? no, it’s iowa.” well, that’s pretty accurate for me. we live in a big, beautiful world and i want to see more of it, but iowa has lots of good things to offer as a place to live, most especially my family … so I’m not moving until the Good Lord takes me to Heaven!
happy friday, everyone … wherever you are!
kathy in iowa
I live in Saskatchewan, Canada about an hour north of where North Dakota meets Montana’s border. I was born three hours north of here and got my university degree 3.5 hours from here. Although I’ve traveled the world, I haven’t lived that far from my roots.
I should add that a different, good question for a different day would be “why do we read this particular blog”.
Claudia, in small world stories, we live about 90 minutes away from where an actor in Margaritaville Paul Nolan grew up. We watched him in some of his “Do It With Class” shows when he was a school boy.
I absolutely love Paul. He is such a wonderful person. Don and I were just talking about Paul this morning. His wife, Keely, is also in the show.
Born and raised on Staten Island, New York, moved to Connecticut when I was 19 to work on my Aunt’s horse farm – have lived in CT ever since, in several homes/small farms my husband and I have either built or restored.
I was born in McAlester, OK. My mom, dad, and I lived in Stringtown, OK with my grandparents until I was 5. I have lived in Ada, OK since then. My husband and I lived in Norman, OK for a few years while both of us graduated from the University of Oklahoma. He is a Physical Therapist, and I have a doctorate in Reading Education teaching in our local university for 35 years.
I was born in Harrisburg, PA (our state capital) but now live in Hanover, PA ( not far from Gettysburg). I’ve lived within 50 miles of where I was born my whole life.
I read your blog, Claudia, every day but I rarely comment. Unlike you, I’m not chatty. I’d rather listen. I’ve lived in Somerset County, PA all of my 69 years.
Good Morning, Between being a military child and military wife, I moved a lot. Born in North Carolina, grew up in Ohio. Lived in Missouri (two times), Monterey, California, South Carolina West Berlin, West Germany, Kansas, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Fort Irwin, California, Garmisch, Germany, North Carolina, El Paso, TX (two times) Virginia (two times).
Sunny but cool here.
Hi Trina,
I was born and mostly raised in Pacific Grove and worked in Monterey. What a small world!
Hi Deborah,
Monterey was where I met my husband of 37 years. Not only was he in the military I was too.
Trina,
Excellent! Between Fort Ord (when it was open), the DLI (Defense Language Instit.) & the Presideo, I had a lot of friends and acquaintances from the military.
It’s a pleasure to meet you.
Cheers.
Have been vacationing in Monterey for years, love it!
In Monterey part time, and Central California part time.
When did you live in Berlin and El Paso?
Lived in West Berlin from 1980-1984. Then we lived in El Paso from1998-2001, then again from 2005-2010 and moved back to Virginia after my husband retired from the military.
I was born in New Jersey and my family moved to Colorado when I was in grade school. Quite the culture shock, as we were the first of a very large, extended family to move away from the east coast. My grandpa was sure there were still cowboys and Indians running amok out here. I grew up in a suburb north of Denver, and with the exception of living in other parts of Colorado after graduating high school and going to college, I still live in the same town, where my husband and I have raised our kids. He’s a transplant, too, a Kansas City boy;)
Oops, jumping back in to fix the link to my blog. There we go;)
Hi, Karen I just had to comment here I had the exact opposite cultural shock,my extended family. lol This making me giggle a bit. ha ha anyway my last year of high school,my family moved from a tiny not even on the map town of Crescent,Utah, right smack in to the Heart of San Francisco.
None of us had ever been out of our State.(including my parents. ) We had only seen people that looked the same as we did. WASP. I went straight into my senior year not know one single person. But I had walked into a whole world of all kinds of amazing people! -Judy A
Ours turned out to be a wonderful experience, too, Judy! I can’t imagine not living in this beautiful state. Even though I am ‘back east’ once a year or so, and still lots of family there, this is the place I love to call home.
What City are you in Now Karen?
Judy, I live in Broomfield. I see some comments on this thread about Greeley. I went to UNC and spent 5 years up there, and lived in Wheat Ridge for a short while, too.
Karen, if we have one last geographical move in store for us, it might be to Fort Collins where both my remaining siblings migrated 25-30 years ago and eventually took our mother with them. She is 87 now, though not in good health. We visit as often as possible.
Eve, I love Fort Collins!
Oh Yeah Tina Marie, I have been to Hawaii twice on incentive trips yearrrrrrs ago.
But I’m so curious about Alaska! I hope you share your experiences when you do go.
Judy A
I have been to Hawaii and Alaska each once. In live in Guelph Ontario Canada.
Oh Susan,I don’t think I will ever get to
Alaska! Here is a really dumb question, you won’t believe I was ever a teacher of geography. From where you are living now could a person drive to Alaska, in a reasonable amount of time. -Thanks for chatting! Judy A
Hi Judy – I live in Ontario and have driven across Canada to British Columbia on the west coast – that is a road trip of several days. When we went to the Yukon and Alaska we took the train from Abbotsford BC to the coast and then took the ferry up the coast to Skagway and then the narrow gauge railway into Whitehorse Yukon – an amazing trip. It would be a long but amazing car trip from Ontario up to Alaska – are you planning to travel that way?
Judy A, one day, one day…I will!
My daughter moved to Fort Collins in 2016, what a beautiful place. It gets a little too cold for me and cost of living is high but I sure do like to visit.
Chalk Me up for Ft.Collins/Greeley,Love that area.
I visited Fort Collins for a quilting retreat a number of years ago. Sweet little town. I am from Guelph Ontario Canada.
My daughter moved to Fort Collins almost 4 years ago…she loves it and was able to buy a place :)
She is a teacher in Severance…small town east of there…we LOVE visiting her there!
Me…born, raised, and living in Southern California (in the house my husband was born and raised in!)
A dear friend from my late teens and our early working years as 20-somethings landed in Fort Collins after her marriages took her to Germany and The Netherlands due to the husbands’ employment (they all worked for the same company). Even through the two divorces, she has remained in Fort Collins despite her only child returning to California where Mom was born & raised. Reason why is because she really likes living in Fort Collins! I also have a school friend I’ve known since age 12 who lived in Colorado Springs for a lot of years because he was career air force and taught at the Academy there, but he was widowed while still in his 40s and, here again, in spite of his grown children remaining in Colorado Springs, he returned to his birthplace of Southern California about 15 years ago and is really happy (and retired) now. He had really missed the Pacific Ocean and life in a coastal environment.
I remember on road trips with my parents in childhood, many times traveling through Colorado in those years and being quite taken with Steamboat Springs in summer, very green and pretty, and I guess a ski resort in winter.
I also thought Aspen, Colorado in summer was just lovely. It was many, many years ago, before the town was so glitzy. The landscape in June, which is when we were usually traveling, was so beautifully defined by those white-trunked aspen trees, green when I saw them but I understand ‘golden wonders’ come Fall.
Hooray for the sun making an appearance!
I was born in Port Huron, MI and moved to Palo Alto, CA when I was six months old. As a child I lived in Bariloche, Argentina, Ankara, Turkey, Chevy Chase, MD always coming back to Palo Alto.
Currently living in Livermore, CA where the sun is shining and the birds are singing.
I’m in southern California. I love hearing about the weather where you live; we don’t really have seasons here so I’m getting them through your blog :)
Love that you have sunshine! It’s chilly this morning but pretty! I’m a Marine Brat so I’ve lived in many places as a child and then as an adult I still had the wanderlust. I was born in Corpus Christi, TX and have lived in North Carolina, Calif (where I spent most of my youth), Hawaii, Calif again, Boston, MA and Cape Cod. Mobile, AL, New Orleans, Mississippi and now Georgia. I married and raised a family in So. Ga. but now live in Athens, GA (East of Atlanta) where the University of GA is located. Is this my final home? If my daughter moves I bet I will follow!
I have lived in Cincinnati, Ohio my entire life. I love my city and wouldn’t dream of leaving.
Hi Linda,
Cincy is a great city! My company’s manufacturing plant is in N. Kentucky (Walton) and I’ve visited your wonderful city many times.
Cheers!
I just think it is SO important to be able to say that, Linda!
Claudia, So glad you have sunshine. We do too. I can tell you I had to bloom where I was planted. Once I married and had children and they all live in central Indiana ….I could not move away and leave them. I enjoy family time more than anything else..so I must stay right here. I have traveled quite a bit and still love too. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie
I read your blog everyday. I am a reader and a quilter. I was born in Long Beach, CA, lived in Los Angeles until my mid-twenties and then moved to Escondido, CA where I still live.
I’m a quilter too.
I’m a quilter too. You may have heard of the tragedy in Saskatchewan two weeks ago when 16 people, many young men from a hockey team, lost their lives in a bus/semi accident. Quilters were asked to make quilts or blocks or tops with a goal of 200 quilts. I believe there are now about 2000 quilts not including the hundreds of blocks to be sewn into quilts. Quilters are the best people!
I have lived in upstate NY my entire life. I am currently in Queensbury NY and it’s been such a LOOOOOOOONG Winter. I am ready to get my hands dirty in the garden. It’s so cool to see how everyone has moved around as I am deeped rooted in the same place I was born. LOVE it! Great idea Claudia!
Oh, how a bit of sun recharges the old batteries!
I took my first breath in Utah and promptly knew that it wasn’t for me. As soon as I could, I married a CA boy and, as soon as we could, we headed for San Francisco, which will always be home to me.
With a two-year pause in SF life, we sailed off, just we two and our dog, as vagabonds on the ocean, we were effectively (although electively) homeless, with stops for a week here or a night there at towns all along the coast of CA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Caribbean islands, East Coast USA to NY, and back again—by way of Galapagos, French Polynesia, and Hawaii. After 18,000 miles, it was enough travel for us.
Our son felt NYC was home, though, so after many years of flying cross-country to visit him, we moved to Albany, NY to split time between there and a lake house in the Adirondacks. Cold winters in NY were not my CA Boy’s favorite, so we wound up in a beach house in central FL, where we continue to split time between the NY lake and the FL beach.
I loved reading about your life and travels. Many years ago, I tried to talk my husband into fulfilling his dream: selling our house, taking the girls out of school, and making a sailboat our home rather than our weekend entertainment. I’m glad to “know” someone who actually did it.
Thanks, Linda. It was quite an adventure and also my husband’s dream—not mine! It was lots of work and at times terrifying, but we made it back alive and with stories to tell!
So glad you’re seeing the sunshine today Claudia! Love this comment thread!
I was born in Mississippi, married an Air Force guy and moved to Spokane, WA, Seattle, WA, Mountain Home, AR, Little Rock, AR, Cabot, AR, and Biloxi, MS. I’m currently in San Antonio, TX -which I loath – but we are preparing for retirement in September. We have narrowed our location down to Asheville, NC or Williamsburg, VA. Will be making one more visit to each to decide.
WA was by far our favorite location and would love to retire there but it’s just too far away from our son and his family who are in PA near the NY state line.
Thanks so much for this comment thread. It’s great to hear about everyone. Have a lovely day!
Belinda,
I live in Yorktown, VA, bordering Williamsburg. It is a lovely town, and there is a lot to do in this area. However, I love Asheville, NC, too. Our winters are milder, but Asheville is a hopping place. Great choices! Good luck!
Tina-Marie, both cities are so beautiful and have so much to offer. The history in and surrounding Williamsburg has my heart yet the mountains and green living aspect of Asheville does as well. It’s a very tough decision! If we do choose Asheville we would live away from the city in nature.
It’s a tough decision but one we are so excited to make. Thank you for sharing.
Belinda, I agree, tough decision!
Born in Ann Arbor, MI. Grew up in Belleville, MI. Moved to Palo Alto, CA when I was 12 and have been in California ever since.
How fun!
I grew up in Stratford, CT, moved to Oxford CT where we started our family and now live in Woodbury, CT which is located in the beautiful Northwest corner of the state.
Claudia, my weather pattern is very similar to yours! Can’t wait for spring and keeping fingers cross that we don’t go straight to summer temps!
What a wonderful idea! It just shows us that no matter where we start there are so many things we share in common. I was born in England, my parents were both British. My Dad served in the British navy, my Mom served in the British Air Force. She fueled planes and drove ambulances, my Dad was on mine sweepers. He came to Miami to repair them during the war and having some family here decided to return after the war with my Mom, me and younger sister. Since arriving we lived in Hallandale, Hialeah, St Petersburg and Tampa Florida, were I met my husband. We have lived in Brandon Florida (a suburb of Tampa) since our marriage 44 years ago.
Janet, my husband (then boyfriend) and his part border collie lived in Brandon for a year. All orange groves and one traffic light, as I recall. Sure has changed in 44 years, hasn’t it?
My in-laws lived near Wimauma, Florida for many years and we often went to Brandon to watch high school sports. In those days (the 80s) their house was in the country. Now Sun City Center almost reaches the property.
Well, no secret that I live in Southern Calif, am a native and haven’t ever strayed too far from where I was born in L.A. except for one brief foray into the Gulf Coast of Texas for work.
Claudia, I see a lot of green in your photo! Lawn coming back? The trees! Yay!
Oh, Claudia, what an interesting, INTERESTING group of comments! I have enjoyed going back through 100 responses here to learn about where people live and also maybe where they plan to retire. Completely fascinating. What a variety of readers you have!
Born and raised a CA girl (San Francisco Bay area)! My family has very deep roots here and our children (2)and grandchildren (5) are still in the area so we have no plans of moving.
Cathy where in Bay area? I lived in Millbrae,San Bruno, Belmont, San Jose, and Redwood city all lining up to the South of San Francisco where our business was.I went to Cappucino High School, Graduated from Carlmont High School,and San Mateo JC
Cathy and Judy,
I’m a Bay Area girl too! Born in SF, college and grad school at Cal. Never strayed far from home…Berkeley, Oakland, and Alameda. Family members are in Bay Area too, except one main branch of the family is in Canada.
Cathy, Judy, Wendy,
I’m a Bay Area girl too!!!!! I was born and lived in Martinez. Now live outside of Sacramento. Still have family in bay area.
Judy and Wendy,
I was born in San Francisco, lived in Millbrae until I was four years old then moved to Redwood City (graduated from Sequoia High School) where I lived until I got married. After I got married we lived in San Carlos for four years and then moved to Cupertino (the famous Silicon Valley). I have one sibling and she and her family are all still in the Bay Area, too!
I can’t resist all these comments about our city by the bay (yay, fan of the band Journey; the late 1970s and “Lights” [”When the lights go down in the city and the sun shines on the bay.’]). I have visited San Francisco so many precious times (makes me feel lucky to have had the opportunity, the gift of that city) and you really can leave your heart there because it is such a BEEUUTIFUL, special place. My best bud from age 8 (we write to each other regularly, visit in person less frequently) left our home town in SoCalif to go north to college at Cal State Hayward (East Bay) and he never came back! Has lived in Fremont for 40 years and is grateful that he lives where he lives. I was just talking to a guy the other day who I’d once dated a whole lot of years ago and he graduated from UC Berkeley, returned to SoCalif immediately and hasn’t been back to the Bay (except for occasional visits) since 1982 but is retiring in 2020 to San Rafael (North Bay) for good, like in forever. I was always intrigued with nearby Tiburon. It’s all just on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. I’m positively drooling for wanting to go visit the other half (northern half) of my state again, especially after reading all these Bay Area commenters here on the blog today.
Hi Vicki,
We do love it here in spite of the population boom and the terrible traffic and have no plans on leaving. Having been born and raised here, I have seen LOTS of changes. It’s the best of both worlds… close to the ocean and mountains and perfect weather year round!
And of course we all live with earthquake threat here but like another good reader of the blog said a few posts back, pick your poison because every region seems to have bad with the good. It’s so important to love where you live!
I try not to dwell on the earthquakes because they scare the heck (I won’t use a stronger word) out of me. I have lived here all my life and I don’t think I will ever get used to them. You’re right about having to ‘pick your poison’ and we do love where we live!
Cathy S., I envy you, as SF is my Heart Home. Lived there in the city for many years, but also for a time in Santa Cruz and San Jose. Took Bart every morning to my job in Concord for ten years and took a deep, grateful breath every evening stepping off the train into the cool fogginess of The City.
We do get the advantage of the fog from San Francisco. When we get our ‘heat waves’ (which normally only last three or four days) during the summer we can be assured of relief when the fog rolls into San Francisco in the evenings. We refer to it as our built in air conditioning!
I was born in North Carolina. Moved when I was two. In south Florida until I was almost 40. Now back in North Carolina.🙂
Beverly, what part of NC? We are looking at Asheville for retirement. So many parts of NC are beautiful.
We’re in the Piedmont area, Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill. We like it because it’s part way between the ocean and mountains. I love the area around Charlotte, too. We have lots of friends that live in the mountains, but it’s too far from the ocean for me.
Beverly,
I love Raleigh! The Farmer’s Market is fabulous, and I love a little shop (well, they have two now) called Suzanna’s. Suzy and her daughter, Jenny, are the best. Tell them Tina-Marie said hi if you pop in. Beautiful area!
I was born and grew up in Rochester, NY. I now live in an eastern suburb of Rochester, near Lake Ontario. In my mid-twenties I lived for two years in Dallas, TX. I miss the winters there, but not the summers!
I was born in my mother’s hometown of Summerville SC while my father was stationed at Charleston AFB. Growing up I lived in Summerville, Scy-Chazelles and Chambley Air Base in France, Travis AFB CA, Sanford and Pope AFB in NC, Shaw AFB and Wedgefield in SC, Wiesbaden and Kaiserslautern in Germany. I returned to Summerville SC at age 19 and have lived here for 42 years. I started first grade in France and graduated from high school in Germany. So I always say I’m from all over!
So glad you are finally enjoying a sunshiny day! We have had a couple in a row here in North Mississippi and we are as glad to see it as you are. We have had a very wet, rainy, dreary winter and we are craving Spring. I hope everyone enjoys these first few days of the new season as the wonderful gift that they are!
Blessings,
Susan
Born in Chicago. Moved to Detroit 30 years ago. Now in Addison, Michigan which is right by the Michigan International speedway.
Congratulations on your warmer temps arriving. Born in Lansing MI – my bio mother was from WI – she signed with an adoption agency in Lansing. Adopted by my MI native parents. My dad was transferred to Chicago, then Memphis, then Dallas, where I’ve lived since 1961, except for my years in Austin at UT for my bachelor’s.
I was born in Sleepy Hollow, New York and raised in Danbury, Connecticut. Back to the Hudson Valley for boarding school and on to South Bend, Indiana for college. After school I lived in New York, Boston and Charlottesville, Virginia before moving to Galveston, Texas. I miss seasons – even, and most especially, winter- hills, family and more, but our children are here, so…
Born and raised in So. Cal. Moved throughout the Sunbelt during our working years, retired to Colorado.
That’s good news! It’s warming up here too. It might reach 65 on Monday. I have lived in Eau Claire county, WI for 65 years.
Not as frequent a commenter as I would like as I’m always reading the blog while at work…
from Gloversville, NY in the foothills of the Adirondacks, north of Claudia. And the pictures on the blog often make me a bit homesick, especially todays picture.
Does that mean that you are no longer in Gloversville, Lori? Our lake house is near there, so I know it well.
No, I moved to Florida in 1995 and unfortunately I haven’t been back since. It’s a beautiful place, but the industry is mostly all gone, and it was too difficult for a single mom with kids to live there.
Yup! I understand. And the winters are warmer in FL. (Understatement.)
Indeed!! (Sorry Claudia…salt in the wound)
Love your blog and this thread, Claudia! Glad you have sunshine, please send some our way. I live in Upstate NY, Manlius, a suburb of Syracuse. Born and raised in Binghamton, NY, which, ironically was the place with the least amount of sunshine and most snow when I was growing up. Now Syracuse holds both of those titles most years (Erie, PA may “win” the Golden Snowball this year, though, lucky them, tee hee).
Lived for a time in the 60s in San Francisco, San Diego and La Jolla, but hubby missed NY state, so we settled up here. I have brothers in Lexington, Kentucky (in the racehorse business), a little family left in Binghamton, and lots in California, but none up here. I think I’m a California gal at heart. I really loved it there and I hate the cold!
Can’t wait to see your garden grow — looking forward to seeing the beautiful flowers. And a big hug for bringing the love. You rock!
Caroline
What fun, Claudia!! I was born in Chicago and lived there until I was 7. Then we moved to the NW suburbs where I lived until I left for UW-Platteville for college ~ and where I met my husband. 40 years ago he took a music teaching job here, where we live now, which is about 25 miles west of Madison. This also happens to be his hometown. We live in the house where he grew up. It is a log cabin (remodeled many times over) which his parents built during the depression years ~ out of logs from nearby tree stands. We have siding over the logs now, but in the basement, we can still see them! He was born 17 years after his next youngest sibling. His parents, and my grandparents, were married the same day and same year, (many many miles apart!!) and his oldest brother was older than my mom. Our 2 kids both went through this school system where he attended. They both had him for a music teacher in Middle School. This is sooooo interesting!! I am going to read all of these fun profiles again!!
We are practically neighbors! I’m just in Madison! ;)
Hi, Chris – I always wondered what part your “in Wisconsin” was located in. We moved back to WI from the East Coast in the early nineties, living in Middle to raise our boys. Loved it and sure wish we still lived there.
I was born and raised in Central Minnesota and am still there today, just slightly more West!
Great idea, Judy. As my “handle” states, I’m in Rochester [NY]. Born & raised. For those who don’t know, Rochester lives on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, right across the lake from Toronto. My cousin & I have been doing ancestry research – and my family on both sides have been here for as much as 200 years [on my Dad’s side]. Mom’s side arrived in 1854 from Germany. I even went to college here, although home was in the northwest corner of our county and college was in the southeast corner [about 25 miles from home]. Obviously still live here, now in the city [well, outer edge of the city]. I haven’t been a massive traveler in my life, but here’s a weird-but-completely true fact about me: I’ve been to more foreign countries than US states. !!! Now I think THAT’S truly odd. Have a great weekend, everyone! Peace.
#Resist
#ProtectMueller
Claudia,
In the words of the Beatles, “Here Comes the Sun……”! You’re over the worst of it.
I’m a fourth generation California, born and mostly raised in Carmel/Pacific Grove , CA. My mother remarried to an Army Major and we lived briefly in Sun Prairie, WI, Long Beach, CA & Foster City, CA but moved back to Pacific Grove, to be closer to family and for me to start High School. In my Adult life I’ve lived in Oakland, Palo Alto, San Francisco, San Juan Bautista, CA (Mission Town), Morgan Hill, CA, Monterey, CA & Mansfield, MA. For the last 14 years I live in Lake Wildwood, CA, which is the longest I’ve ever lived in one spot.
Deborah, I’m a third generation California born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. We have a second home/cabin in Cascade Shores which is just out of Nevada City which I know is not too far from Lake Wildwood.
Hi Cathy (waving)!
It is truly a small world; I work in Nevada City!
Cheers,
And Don and I got married in Nevada City!
It’s even a smaller world, Claudia! There is so much music and theater in this small area; I’m not surprised.
He was performing there in a one man show called Jeeves Takes Charge at the theater (can’t remember its name) in Nevada City. So we decided to get married there at the National Hotel. It’s such a charming town!
have you all seen the beautiful Hallmark Christmas movie . . .
“The Christmas Card” that was filmed in Nevada City and area?
the hotel in it must be the one you’re talking of Claudia!
it’s on my bucket list to see that whole area. i watch that beautiful movie every time it’s on. i can’t get enough of the scenery and the story. Ed Asner also stars in it. it’s just wonderful.
i would move there in a heartbeat if i could!
I haven’t seen it, but I’m aware that it was filmed in Nevada City. I hope you can get there someday, Tammy. It’s really beautiful!
Yes, the Hallmark movie was filmed in and around Nevada City. Tammy J., yes, you need to come and visit. Let me know, I’ll show you around.
Cheers,
Deb
LOL! thank you Deb. i may be using a walker by the time i get to see it but i’m determined to see it someday! :)
It’s an awesome town; the Victorian Christmas is enchanting too. We’re all loosely connected, aren’t we?!
Yes, indeed!
Hi Deborah (waving back)
My parents built the cabin we have back in 1965 so we have seen LOTS of changes in Nevada City over the years. We’re anxious to see what the renovation of The National Hotel will be like.
Wouldn’t it be fun if Claudia and Don made another trip to Nevada City? We could all meet up at the National Hotel (once the renovation is done) because that is where they got married. Just a little ‘food for thought’ for the day. :-)
Cathy,
That sounds like a grand plan!
Fun! I was born in Hartford, CT, and my family is originally from Maine. However, my dad went in the Air Force, and we lived in Illinois, Georgia, England, Illinois, Montana, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Virginia, where I still live! I went to 16 schools before high school, and when I was a kid it was hard, but now, I think it was character building. Since high school, I have lived in Yorktown, Virginia, on the coastline, which I love, but I still travel to New England. P.S. I have visited 46 states (my mom did not fly), so I have four left…one day!
Which 4 Tina-Marie?
Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. I think two trips are in order; what do you think? lol
Yes! What a wonderful thing to have visited so many states. Our states have so much to offer I think and so many of us miss out in visiting.
Definitely visit each of these. I can speak for Washington and Oregon. Washington is the most beautiful state. We lived on both sides in Spokane and Seattle and just loved both. Oregon is an equally amazing state.
Hawaii is on our list for sure. We hear nothing but wonderful things about Hawaii. Can’t eait to visit.
And who wouldn’t want to see Alaska? Especially if you love nature- and we do.
What a fun and exciting goal to have. I hope you’re able to visit each of them!
Yes, Belinda, this country is beautiful, and so are the people!
The Montana part was at Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls? My family moved there from central Missouri in ’72. Lots of classmates from the base at both North Junior High and CMR. Hmmm
Sandy KN,
Yes, Malmstrom, but it was 68 to 69 (I was 10 in ’69). I LOVED Montana, but we lived there during the coldest winter on record, 60 below.
I was wondering which four too and see your answer. We only have one left – Alaska – and we’ll slip over there for a day when we are in Whitehorse, Yukon at the beginning of May. We’ve seen all of our provinces as well and think that the US and Canada have so much to offer in diverse landscapes and the commonality of the people. Maybe it’s pure luck, but we only ever meet charming people, never the grouchy ones no matter where we travel.
Brenda,
Jealous, one day, fingers crossed!
I grew up in central Michigan then spent some college years in Iowa. From there to Los Angeles for a time and eventually back to Michigan and Iowa. From there to Missouri and Kansas for many years with brief stints in Montana. And presently am transplanted in Oklahoma…..until??
Born and raised in Brevard, NC, Lived in Franklin, NC for many years, then in Cocoa Beach, FL for 6 years, Calgary CAN ,for a year and in Fayetteville, NC of last 17 yrs
Sunshiny here too Claudia! So, so very welcome.
I was born in Robbinsdale, MN. It is a suburb of Minneapolis. When I was growing up it was a small town with a Main Street for all the shopping. We always said, “I’m going uptown.” It still feels like a small town. The shopping areas have expanded, but most are still on Main Street AKA Broadway. I grew up in the house my mom grew up in.
I lived in Jacksonville, NC for a year with a Marine. I did not like the South, and the people there did not like Yankees. It was a miserable time. Fortunately, I got smart and left before the marriage.
I lived in Golden Valley, Mn with my mom from 1977 to 1981. We live in a condo just off Highway 100.
Then I moved to North Minneapolis. I shared the top part of a duplex with a friend. Good times.
From 1983 to 1991 I was back in Golden Valley with my mom and new son.
In 1991 to the present I have lived in Hinckley. My husband, son, and myself moved here into the woods. The almost perfect place to live. All that is missing is water, a lake, stream, creek etc.
Thanks Claudia. This was fun.
Trudy, I grew up in Blaine MN. My mom lives in Crystal MN. Nice to see a few readers from the twin cities area!
My roots are in Delaware (where I was born and raised), Maryland and Pennsylvania, near to the semi-circle top of the Mason Dixon Line. My family goes back on both sides to the Calverts and the Penns.
Somehow, home now is the suburbs of Birmingham, AL. For all its faults and persistent problems, there is much here to love in tradition and culture, in particular, writing and literature (think “Mockingbird”) and the civil rights movement. I am grateful to be here as part of progressive change and with like-minded friends.
Many earlier “tours-of-duty” in other states as a so-called trailing spouse – Florida, Texas, Maryland, probably a few others I’ve forgotten. Not the military, just business.
Thanks for this post, Claudia, and thanks to Judy for suggesting it!
PS, love seeing your Chinese Money Plant thriving. I acquired one after you featured yours, and since then got three more, including a “rescue ” that had only two leaves. All are growing happily. They love light and lots of water.
Hi Claudia, I was born and raised in New Jersey and have lived here all of my life, moving between Morris County and Warren County. We spend time between our New Jersey home, Frog Hollow Farm, in Hackettstown and a little cottage on Long Beach Island down the Jersey shore. Asheville, North Carolina is one of our favorite places outside of New Jersey and we visit as much as we can.
Hi Ann Marie! (little wave) from your cousin in Colorado;) I’ve missed your blog. Nice to ‘see’ you here!
Hi there! Next time you are in NJ please let us know! ❤️ I miss my blog too and have been thinking about beginning to blog once again. Hope all is well! xoxo
Sunshine here, too!
Most of my life has been lived in Missouri. I was born in Cape Girardeau and have lived for many years in the Kansas City area. I dream of warmer climes but this is where my daughters and grands are so here I stay. But I can travel!
Born and raised in Medina, New York. Situated between Buffalo and Rochester. Living there still after raising our family and teaching here for 30 years. We enjoy our cottage on nearby Lake Ontario.
I live in Lockport, NY. We couldn’t live any closer!
My husband and I lived our first 69 years in Eureka, Ca. We lived along Humboldt Bay amongst the beautiful redwood forest. Both of us graduated from our local university Humboldt State but our children went away for their education and relocated elsewhere. They are teachers, Presbyterian ministers and social workers. With their families they all relocated in Oregon. So last year we made our move to Sweet Home Oregon and loving it. Grandchildren, family, gardening, fishing, trailering, and enjoying our new surroundings.
Thanks for asking,
Lani
Hey Lani … You’re just up Hwy. 20 from me (Lebanon, OR)! Small world:)
Just read yesterday’s post this morning. Looks like you’re going to need a bigger plate for your treasures soon. I was born in Los Angeles CA . Lived in Alaska for a bit but have stayed in CA most of my life until 12 (!) years ago. I’m very happy here in southern Oregon.
so glad you have the sun dearest bean!
when i was about three i used to tell people that i was half yankee and half okie.
my upstate NY mother met my tall lanky Texan father and i arrived right after the war.
he’d been stationed in Pine Camp before shipping overseas. she went to OKC to get to know her mother in law and he came home there and that’s where i was born. but back and forth to NY and to many other states … VA CO MN NY to name a few. and finally back to OK. something amazing happened. showing that truth is stranger than fiction!
when i lived here at 10 years old i met my future husband. i used to be allowed to take what i called “moonlight rides” around our block. so long as i was home before dark. i was looking up probably for the moon? who knows. but i ran smack into the car parked in the street. the handlebars on the bike hit me in the stomach and knocked the wind out of me and skinned my knees up good! i woke being carried to the house by a handsome young man in uniform who was home on leave and visiting his parents. it was the dad’s vehicle i hit. they wanted to call my mother and i wouldn’t let them. i was so embarrassed! we moved all over the country and i never saw him again. until i married him after living in many of those different states. my dad died when i was 17 and we moved back to OK to be close to his family for awhile. while attending OU i met my husband. the young Sgt in the AF who had carried me to his front porch and wanted to call my mother! it’s a small world for sure. he was my thunderbolt! and it was wonderful. he was 10 years older than i was. he died in 1979. and here i stay. my mother hated the wind and heat and tornadoes here and went back home to upstate NY (the Thousand Islands area) where she had grown up. like Chris in WI …
i am going to visit all of these wonderful followers in our little community here at more length!
Oh, Tammy!! Wasn’t this great fun??
yes Chris! we have a village! xo
Hi, Dear Claudia and All friends,We do not have Spring yet, and as much as I hate winter I won’t move(from Salt Lake City) same reason as everybody else! Kids and Grand.But I have to say
that first day of Spring when it finally comes Is GLORIOUS! isn’t It?
Thank You Claudia this was SO Fun. Thank You for keeping my hope for Spring Alive!
Judy A-
Hi there! Originally from B.C. Canada’s North,then to the Lower Mainland,then Montreal in Quebec and back to B.C.’s Lower Mainland:)
Yeah, another Canadian!
Practically neighbours,haha:)
Another Canadian here, only because I was born there! ;-) I was born in Etobicoke – my dad was from Kitchener. And then my grandparents lived in Barrie for a long time. I still have an aunt and cousins that live in that area.
MY grandmother went to nursing school in Barrie.
Cleveland, Ohio. I was born and raised here and now live a couple of blocks away from where I grew up. My husband was born and raised here as well.
Enjoy the sun!!!!
We’ve got sun too in the Seattle area. So nice! I was born in MO but grew up a military brat in several places. Married military so my kids grew up in several places. Finally retired here because they are so enlightened when it comes to retarded/handicapped kids. Love the people here for that!
I am a daily reader and a rare commenter.
I was born in Arlington, TX grew up there, got married and moved to the nextdoor city of Fort Worth, TX. “Where the West Begins”
I don’t comment nearly as often as I would like to but thought I’d participate today. I grew up in Switzerland (which is a tiny place) and moved to Glasgow in Scotland in the late 1990s. I am still here, with my bloke and four children.
It felt like spring here, too. Finally. I am totally done with winter. Have a lovely weekend. xx
‘Hey’ Y’all*
I was born in North Carolina to lifelong Democrats and proud of it! I have lived in Pinehurst NC area as a child, and have lived in Raleigh, NC most of my grown up yrs . We did live in Fredericksburg , Virginia for 2 yrs in the 1980s. I went to College and Grad school in NC as well.
You might say I am a real “Suh-thaner A liberal one. I love grits…and kale.
Love, Katheryn
1st comment Born and raised in Colorado. Several college or work related moves. Oregon , 3 months in central California, Washington and now North Idaho. Claudia, I share your sentiments about our President and current administration. I enjoy your commentary. We now keep a notebook and write down 1 thing we are grateful for each night beginning Jan. 2017 to help keep our spirits up.
Hi Katheryn! I’m another Liberal NC person! We just got done visiting my daughter in Chapel Hill and think we should move there (or Carboro ) to live where the liberals are. Right now we live in Holly Springs and we have to search to find liberal here!
Hi Jane!
Nice to meet you. Thank you for replying.
I am very happy to hear you are moving to a heavenly spot of NC. This area is fortunately a liberal oasis!
I love Chapel Hill and Carboro and know them very well. My youngest son lives in the country outside of Chapel Hill.
I know that Holly Springs is growing like Cary did; isn’t it? We lived in Cary for a while in a neighborhood called Lochmere. Now I am in Raleigh to stay!
So glad I met another NC gal here on Claudia’s Blog.
I was born in Louisville and my family moved to a suburb of Detroit called Fraser when I was nine. I lived in Clinton Twp, Roseville, Macomb Twp and Ray Twp MI before moving in2006 to Port Austin in the tip of the thumb as us Michiganders would say. Four years ago we decided we had enough cold and snow so we packed up and moved to Sebastian FL central east coast area. I do miss fall colors and a little snow at Christmas would be nice but I don’t miss the winters that seem to last nine months out of the year in MI.
So glad you’ve got the sun at last Claudia. I was born in the south of England and I moved to London when I was 18 to train as a nurse. I stayed there until 2008 when I moved back to Surrey which is where I grew up. Since I retired 2 years ago I live in the UK for 6 months and swap that for the mountains in Andalusia Spain for the other 6 months.
My cousin had been living in the heart of the city of San Francisco (Calif/USA), they moved to London for many years. She and her family would always vacation on the Costa del Sol in Spain (Malaga, Marbella; Ibiza); they loved it so, so much. Education and work had taken her from Texas to New York (graduated from Cornell Univ), then SF (got her PhD at Stanford U which is in nearby Palo Alto), to England and then finally settling in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania/USA) which has been home for more than 20 years (they hope never to leave Pittsburgh and feel their life is so enhanced by living there [a good quality to their lives]; absolutely fell head-over-heels for this culturally-diverse city [any kind of restaurant you could think of with so many diff types of foods of many nations/ethnicities], enjoying a lot of bicycling and walking; the rivers, the arts; and the city is reminiscent of San Francisco with so many city staircases due to being quite ‘hilly’, SF of course renowned for its labyrinth of city stairsteps [instead of public sidewalks] which connect so many neighborhoods situated on very steep streets).
The Costa del Sol area is beautiful with mountains and the coast fairly near to each other. Malaga is such an interesting city too. Your cousin certainly has travelled around. I visited San Francisco a few years ago and absolutely loved it. Such an interesting place. Have never been to Pittsburgh though, that sounds like a great place to settle.
Oh, I hope you continue to enjoy wonderful 6-month stints in Andalusia! Unfortunately for my cousins, they became less enchanted over time with Ibiza in the Balearics because of the hard-partying (younger) tourists!
I keep well away from the partying areas of Southern Spain. Where we live is a small traditional farming village in the mountains so it’s very peaceful and good for the soul.
Hi Claudia, I was born in Burlingame California. Lived there 17 years then moved with my family to Eureka CA. Married then divorced moved to Kelseyville .CA with my 3 children, met and married a wonderful man named Bill. Married 20 years and he passed away in 2013. Moved to Lower Lake Ca and lived with my daughter and her husband for 3 years. Lost that home in a fire. Finally got back on my feet and moved back to Kelseyville where I live currently.
I was born in Baltimore. My family moved to Massachusetts when I was six and that’s where I lived until my husband and I moved to New York, then New Jersey, then Ohio and finally back to Western Mass twenty four years ago. And we’ve had the same endless winter weather that you’ve had Claudia. So happy to see some sun today, now bring on the warmer temps!
I was born in the Island of Terceira, Azores. We moved to Canada when I was seven years old. I lived in Toronto, Ontario Canada until I got married, then moved north to Brampton, then Caledon, and now we live in Oakville, Ontario by the Lake (Ontario).
i was born in New Brunswick Canada but moved to Ontario as a teen. lived in Belleville Malton Mississauga Brampton Milton and now Brantford, which we hope will be home for a long time close to kids and grands just up the 403 from you Sue.
Hi, I am a regular reader of your blog but have not posted before. I was born in Brisbane , Queensland Australia, lived in Lithgow , New Soth Wales Australia for twelve years. For now I live in Chiang Mai , Thailand.
Wendy, my daughter went on a 10 day trip to Thailand last year and absolutely loved it. She still talks about it!! In the resorts where they stayed, they had Morning Glory salad and she said it was just delicious. I was thinking about that the other day as I was looking at garden seeds.
Hi Chris, glad your daughter enjoyed her stay. Many beautiful resorts over here and different dishes to try.
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan and moved to Edmonton, Alberta when I was 12. Lived there until we married at 22. We moved out to Sherwood Park, a small bedroom community so our kids could have the best education in the Province. My parents moved to the Vancouver, British Columbia area on the West Coast when our kids were still small and we missed them alot. Moved out to the West Coast to be closer to my parents and our other family members, including my brother and his family. When my dad became ill, we had just moved back to Alberta, so they came back home too. He died a few years later and we’ve just stayed. Amazing jobs and opportunities here and our weather most of the time is lovely. We created and grew our charitable organization along with all our kids and it’s hard know to think about moving. But our hearts are still on the West Coast and we’ll likely in the next few years buy a little piece of land on the tiny island of Salt Spring and build a cottage there to commute back and forth, so we can have the best of both.
Fun post. Lovely to see where everyone is from!
X Chy
Ahhhhh, Salt Spring. Our daughter often works at the theater at Chemainus and we always visit her there. We have friends on Salt Spring and often take the ferry over. We love it.
Definitely our favorite place on Earth. Not just the location ~ it’s also the people. Can’t wait to be a true Islander!! X Chy
Hi Chy! Too funny. I am a teacher in Sherwood Park and actually live in Ardrossan. A fellow Albertan. Thanks for commenting on my post too!
Born in Vermont, we moved to San Dimas California, went to school in La Verne,CA, my first apartment was in Pomona , met & married about a year later, moved to the Philippines due to his career of 30 years.. the Navy. Lived in San Diego, Imperial Beach, Poway and now Temecula,CA. Home is where we are , together 52 years. Fond memories of New England especially ice skating, skiing, sledding and gardening especially. We raised our granddaughters here, one settled in Massachusetts! Enjoying your blog Claudia,!
I was born in Dorset, England. I have lived in Somerset, Hampshire, and
Kent, England. Toronto, Canada. San Fernando Valley, Silicon Valley,
and Monterey Ca. I now reside in a suburb of Seattle, Wa.
I was born in Detroit and grew up in Dearborn (that suburb Claudia referred to.) l stayed around Detroit until I was 35 when I moved Los Angeles where I could sail more than four months a year.
My wife, daughter and I found our piece of heaven in Redondo Beach where we have enjoyed the weather, natural wonders, diversity and, believe it or not, the local theater since 1988.
Ahhh, Redondo. Both sets of my grandparents loved it so much. One of my fave photos of my one grandpa (taken in the early 50s but in color, thankfully) is of him leaning against something or other right at the entrance of the pier, sand and blue sea all around him with gulls flying overhead. You can almost feel the sea breeze. My other grandpa would fish off the pier. I’m in the north suburbs and just have to get back down there one of these days; be a tourist. Also had an aunt in Manhattan Beach; darling little 2-bedroom cottage still there (I google it just to look at it sometimes; so many happy childhood memories) and still miraculously not turned into a mega-mansion, short walk to the sand. Other relatives in Hermosa. It’s such a nice trio of beach cities but, can you believe, this – – to this day, and I’m a homegrown L.A. girl with ancestors there since about 1903, I have never been to Venice Beach/Muscle Beach! Or Balboa Island, further down the shore. Malibu is one of my most favorite places in the whole world; I could care less about the celebs and ‘the colony’ but I’m addicted to the curving coastline and the beautiful coastal bluffs further north around Pepperdine and Mugu Rock. Have you ever sailed to Catalina Island? I spent some happy summers there when I was a kid.
Yes, we sailed over there at least twice a year … sometimes as part of a race, and sometimes just to relax and enjoy the crystal clear water on the leeward side of the island. The hiking is pretty good, too. My daughter still talks about the buffalo.
Oh, I forgot about the bison who roam inland! Do you know that the only reason they’re there is because a few were brought over as part of a Hollywood movie set in the 1920s, so they just left them there after filming was over, which is how they’ve remained and propagated over all these many years!
What amazing sailing adventures for you. (I love ALL of our Channel Islands here in SoCalif!) The water is (was; hope it still is) indeed crystal clear, even in Avalon. I can remember being all of maybe age 8, standing knee-deep in that tiny protected little beach at the harbor, staring straight down into the water to an array of seashells on the beach bottom, reaching (submerging myself!) to grab a particularly-lovely pink shell, which I still have (although, were it today, I’d try to resist and instead leave the shells right where they lay).
I’ve since, as an adult, developed a real love and appreciation of vintage Catalina ceramic tile (1920s-1930s era; beautiful, hand-glazed tile) and want to go back to more closely-inspect tile murals, stairways, walls, fountains, etc. on the island.
When I was a child, I loved the bird sanctuary/bird park there on the island (oh, the vividly-colored macaws/parrots..!!!..so glad I got to enjoy all that before they closed it down in the mid-1960s; there were THOUSANDS of birds [they were eventually relocated to the L.A. Zoo] and it would be a chorus of heavenly birdsong/bird talk in the lovely, shady eucalyptus trees/palms/pepper trees]).
Also was SO fun to tool around in a golf cart for transportation (hardly ANY cars)!
The views from the hilltop Wrigley Mansion (summer house for the Chicago Wrigleys who owned the island in the early 20th century) are incredible.
My mom’s uncle helped build the pier/docks in the very-early 1900s (construction worker as opposed to a longshoreman; he also worked on the L.A. Coliseum in the 1920s) and continued over the years with maintenance of same, so Mom had some growing-up summers on the island with him and her aunt, when they’d ‘boat over’ (Catalina ferry) from San Pedro where they lived on the mainland.
I could go on forever with all this stuff; time to let somebody else talk! Thanks (Claudia/Mike/everybody) for letting me cry a little (happy cry) over some special memories here today…
Vicki, I love your writing. You spark fond memories in some of us too. If you decide one day to set up a blog of your own, I would follow you.
Several years ago, we spent an idyllic week in a 1920s Victorian cottage in Seal Beach. Gave me a perspective on California I’d never had before. My friend, who’s house it was, had it charmingly decorated in a ballerina motif in honor of her daughter who was a professional dancer.
We learned they have a culture of fire-fighters. This discovery came about because my husband happened to wear his FDNY tee shirt. As it happens, the beginning of his career was as a fire protection engineer so he loved making that connection.
I know too little about Seal Beach; just that it has a cool pier and that it’s a big navy base. I wonder why they have a culture of firefighters? Is it associated with the base? The man my grandma married in the late-1950s (after she was widowed) was a firefighter stationed at China Lake which is a naval air base in Calif (NOT scenic in my memory and I did NOT like going up there to visit her when I was young; and there was certainly no lake [it’s a dry lake]).
How wonderful to be able to vacation for a week at the beach in a pretty cottage. It’s one of my retirement dreams to go to several different destinations in the Los Angeles area and stay for a few days in one place at a time, to really sink into the locales and explore rather than having to spend so much time going back and forth on the freeways in an attempt to make it a one-day trip. When my parents moved to the burbs and we still had so much family all over the Los Angeles basin, we’d make these marathon day trips and fit in who we could but it was for visiting, not sightseeing. One of the very fun things I’ve been able to do as an adult is spend a week in Downtown where I walked all over, took an art & architectural tour on foot, etc. Had never before taken the time or opportunity to do anything like that, and it was really educational.
Thank you for such a kind comment. If your husband is FDNY, are you still then in Claudia’s neck ‘o the woods?
Vicki,
I was unclear in my comment, I apologize. My husband was not a firefighter himself, but his first job as a field engineer for an insurance company brought him into regular contact with them for inspection and testing of sprinkler systems and other fire hazard risks. He went to a lot factories and smelly paper mills in those days. Never in New York City, however. But in fact, his only brother and brother’s wife do currently live in Long Island City, Queens, so we have a connection there. I would not have imagined there was an inch of undeveloped real estate in NYC, but somehow there’s new construction all around them!
I’d like to improve my writing skills but sometimes I’m in too big a hurry to get my ideas out. I’ve heard it said that good writing is about good editing.
You write just fine; it’s me who can’t edit myself and fall victim to excess with verbal diarrhea in print, which is why I can never be a writer. I tend to get over-enthused on this blog but it’s an overall problem with me (my letters to people, for instance, are always too lengthy and, you know, people are busy!); I’m not concise in speech, face-to-face ‘talk’ either. It’s all too disorganized with scatter-brain me (but much of my life is like that, too…so, it’s telling, isn’t it!).
I have SO much admiration for people who can pull together thoughts into perfect packages of great sentences and proper paragraphs (less is often more when trying to get a point across). Claudia knows how to do this in an organized but ‘real’ (human) way and there’s another blog I read called A Lovely Inconsequence whose writer, a person named Donna Macdonald, encapsulates these gems (‘essays’ I guess you could call them), never being over a certain length but the right ‘size’ to keep a reader from tuning out due to too much wordiness.
Editors Note: Mike and went to high school together in Dearborn. He’s a great guy. We were fellow Drama Club/Thespians. The irony is that we lived not all that far from each other in California but didn’t know it at the time.
Mike’s daughter is a professional actress. xo
Wow. Just wow. Love all this connectedness you have, Claudia!
Wow! Just had to comment again to say how much fun it’s been to read everyone’s little “bios.” People here have been just about everywhere – in the US for sure. Many have even lived abroad. So interesting. It’s really true – every Life has a Story. This was a LOT of fun – please consider doing more ‘interactive’ posts like this. It would certainly provide you a bit of a break every once in a while, which you completely deserve, because I don’t know ANYONE who posts every day like you do, Claudia. THAT is awesome!🌞
Born in Miami and live in SE CT after 3 first grades, three high schools, being a military wife.
Wow! This is so interesting…and fun! Great idea Judy had!
I was born in Milwaukee, WI, raised in Elm Grove, a suburb of Milwaukee, and moved to Madison to attend the University of Wisconsin….and never left. I met my hubby there in 1970…we’ve never had any desire to live anywhere else. We’ve live on the north side of the city, surrounded by a marsh…so there’s plenty of wild life to keep us amused, and down the street is a small lake, which is part of the marsh system. It’s our little slice of heaven!
Glad to hear the weather has changed for so many…spring, I think is coming! ;)
Yes, Donnamae, we are nearly neighbors!! And Elm Grove ~ IKEA is coming!! Won’t that be nice to not have to drive to Schaumburg to shop??
Yes! The meatballs will be closer that’s for sure! ;)
Hello from a very very hot London- I am melting! So my contribution- born in Dublin, raised in Singapore where my Daddy worked- moved to the UK at 18 to go to Cambridge University. Lots of travel with spouse and currently selling up in London and moving to Cornwall
Siobhan
Siobhan, I’m visiting London this summer, and also Cornwall, where I have a friend. I’m looking forward to seeing both areas again, as I haven’t been there for almost 30 years!
Have a wonderful time! London fully geared up for tomorrow’s Marathon and the sun has brought everyone out. Cornwall is my favourite place in the world
Siobhan
I will! And looking forward to showing my daughters the sights.
We had a bit of a tourist day yesterday- exhibition at the Tate, river cruise on the Thames and an evening at the Globe. London is a magnificent city xx
River cruise on the Thames is definitely on my agenda. I’ve seen lots of the tourist sites, but was never on the river. London is one of my favorite cities. But #1 will always be my birthplace San Francisco.
I grew up in Upstate NY, Capital Region. After marriage, my hubby was in the Navy for 10 years so we moved frequently. First home was in Virginia Beach, VA., then Groton, CT, back to Virginia Beach before moving to Rota, Spain, where my first Son was born, then on to Charleston, SC, where my second Son was born. My husband separated from the Navy and we moved back to our home area. We lived in several different homes in the area and remain here to the present. Lots of great experiences and great friends!!
Claudia, today’s post comments were so enjoyable to read. You should pinpoint every place commenters mentioned on a map! I feel I’ve gotten to know the regular commenters a bit better. Spring is nearer and nearer for you! It’s in the low 70’s here and I just got back from a lunch date with a friend. I’ll do some gardening soon. I have to trim back some bushes that are blocking my view of the rest of the garden. I thought I cut enough down but they’re only fine when I stand up to see the garden, but in the way when I sit.
Hi Claudia, enjoy hearing from you each day! I was born in California, lived there till 22. Then moved to GA for 13 years, and then a big, crazy move to Dushanbe, Tajikistan! Lived there almost a decade, and now live in NC. Love it here, very much!!!
I grew up in Michigan, spent 30 years in Maine and now I live in Florida.
Editor’s Note: Kay and I lived one block from each other in Dearborn and were childhood friends – still are. Her parents were my godparents and they gave me my first egg cup.
Now, Claudia, I would like to see you buy a world map and use colorful pins to mark all of the places your readers are from! Isn’t it amazing how many people you have reached! You certainly are making a difference in the WORLD! I was born in Chicago, IL, grew up in Lombard, IL and have lived for many years in Naperville, IL. I enjoy your blog very much and read you every day! Thanks so much for sharing with us!
I was born and lived in the San Francisco bay área and now live in northern California in the Sierra foothills. Happy spring is here!
Born in Detroit Michigan too. Our family moved to Arizona when I was five. Grew up there, married and raised out girls. Moved to our current 1950’s home in Oregon as empty nesters and been here for ten years! LOVE the seasons here!!!
I have lived all my life in the Minneapolis area of Minnesota. Today it reached 63 degrees and the snow is melting! I am so happy that I could dance and sing.
Wow, looking forward to spending time reading all these comments. I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but raised in a small college town in SE WI called Whitewater. Met my future husband (from Cudahy WI) at UW-Whitewater and we lived first in Washington DC for most of the eighties, Then we had a child and moved out to the Maryland suburbs. Once we had a second baby, we wanted to be close to grandparents and moved back home, living in Middleton, first, just outside Madison and a great place to raise a family! Several jobs later, we are now living in the Cedarburg-Grafton area north of Milwaukee and both work in downtown Milwaukee. So, full circle here.
As much as I complain about winter in Wisconsin (and this “supposed spring”), it is a lovely place to live, isn’t it? Middleton is such a nice town, just east of us. I love Cedarburg in the summer months. So many interesting places to wander!
Great place to raise a family for sure. Because I grew up in a college town, living in Madison area was ideal. He had to drag me kicking and screaming to this part of the state – was tired of the 2-hr commute from Middleton. Grudgingly have finally accepted it as “home.” But I’d go back to live in DC (where we spent our exciting pre-child years) in a heartbeat. :-)
Karen from Arizona. Past 23 years. Live in 6 states, originally from Ohio.
Claudia , wondering where the lovely new colorful round pillow is from. I am a color person and must try to find it.
Home Goods.
This is so fun reading how people’s lives took them all over the world. I was born in Lock Haven, PA. From there my family moved to Waverly, NY. After graduating high school, we moved to Sayre , PA. Then I got married and my husband and I moved to Elmira, NY and on to Walton, NY after that. When the company closed where my husband worked, we packed it all up and moved to West Tennessee. We are a 2 hour drive from Nashville or Memphis, depending on which way you go. haha!
Hi, Robyn
Interesting reading about your living places. Being from Binghamton, I had relatives in Elmira we visited often when I was very young. Dad took us one time to visit one of his brothers to see his new TV, a tiny thing with some sort of thing on it for color. All the husbands were sitting around looking at it and talking about it. We kids didn’t get it. Sadly, my first love was from Elmira (went to South), but broke my heart. I had a best friend just after high school who was from Waverly. My husband loved to fish in Walton, and we stayed at a farmer’s there many years. So many connections! We even went to Nashville and Memphis on one of our many trips cross country in the 60s. Good times.
Caroline
Hi Caroline! Wow, we really have a lot of places in common. My husband misses fishing the Cannonsville Reservoir the most. haha! I got a big kick out of your story about all the husbands gathered around the TV. It just makes me smile at moments like these where you realize” the world really is a small place” Robyn
Grew up in Tecumseh, Michigan, moved to East Lansing, Michigan for college the moved to Dallas, then Memphis, then Farmington Hills, Michigan, then Medford NJ, then back to Farmington Hills for 22 years. Last year we retired early to Venice, FL. I am a Michigan girl at heart (like Claudia), but loving Florida!
I was born in Waterbury CT and now live just a few miles north of that city. I sure didn’t go far! We have a teeny tiny cottage on Cape Cod MA that we plan to spend a lot more time in when we retire but CT is home.
I was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and lived there for 50 years, then I packed my family up and moved to the northern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia, where it’s still summer, 30°C (86°F) today (Saturday) and tomorrow and even hotter on Monday. I can’t wait for our grey, dreary, rainy winter to arrive because I’m over this summer which has dragged on far too long.
Not a regular but a long time follower from the days of sweet Scout and Riley, but certainly enjoyed reading about where everyone lives. Great idea, Claudia, thanks! Oh, and to the one person who lives in Texas, I’m so sorry. I’m stuck here in backward hell, too. : )
“Backward hell” does sum up the political situation.
Backward hell doesn’t begin to describe the political situation in Texas nor does it begin to describe the other things wrong with this place.
I won’t go into more because I don’t want to ruin this lovely thread but yes it is awful. Believe me I am counting the days that I have left here.
My husband was born and raised here. He left at age 25 to serve in the Air Force and he never wanted to come back to Texas. It’s funny I feel the same way about where I was raised in Mississippi. MS has some lovely areas and some wonderful people but it does not compensate for the things that are wrong there and that number is large.
Our liberal selves cannit wait to move on.
Oh, it’s awful isn’t it? I just “keep to myself,” as they say. : )
I used to introduce myself as the “only Democrat” in my town. Now, I would be more likely to say “progressive,” and I wouldn’t think I was alone. If the last election did anything, it energized some to speak out, and I have learned I’m far from alone here in tiny Bastrop. We meet to go see Beto, we take training in talking about reproductive rights, we contributed to the big sign now on 71 pointing out that Cruz, McCaul and Trump benefited from the tax overhaul, and have otherwise become more visible. If anything, I hope that the problems we find so egregious will cause those who think like us but have not voted in past elections because there’s just no use to vote this time. I’ve even seen a Beto sign on a historic district lawn!
I wanted to clarify. I am not an organizer for the group that is making these things happen. That glory goes elsewhere. I’m just a grateful participant when it’s possible for me to do so.
Well said! I’m rooting for Beto. I drove through Bastrop last week on my way to Austin. You’re closer to Austin so more progressive. We’ve got some progressive pockets here but no nearly enough. Sigh. some day maybe.
Thanks for reaching out, Linda.
So sorry. What part? Any chance of leaving soon?
It blows my mind on a daily basis how messed up this place really is.
Thanks for your sympathy. I live in College Station, which is about halfway between Houston and Austin. You may hear about it today because Barbara Bush will be buried here. Wish I coulda talked her out of that. : )
Home of the Aggies. We drive through College Station often to visit my in-laws in Henderson.
May Barbara RIP. ONE of the few good things to come out of Texas.
Hi Claudia, I read your blog everyday but I think I commented only once in all the years I have read your blog. Shame on me! This is fun reading everyone’s comments, I was born in Mpls,MN. Grew up in Blaine MN. After graduation, lived in Belvidere IL. When my dad passed away we moved to Rockford IL. Hoping to move to Madison WI when hubby retires to be with our youngest son.
In all my years of employment, the nicest person I ever worked for was a man who came to us in SoCalif from Rockford, IL. Oh, how he and his wife missed the area; they talked about Rockford and Chicago all the time. When he had a change in the Calif employment, they headed right back to Rockford. They’ve both passed on now, but I was glad they were able to return to a place that really meant something to them. I also have an acquaintance who moved a few years ago from Calif to Evanston, Illinois and he tells us life is good in Evanston. I was the go-to babysitter in my younger years/teen years (for ten years!) for a family who had hailed from the Chicago burbs; the mom was raised in Glencoe (North Shore?) and, during my time with them, they took many trips back to Glencoe because grandparents, aunts & uncles were still back there (a loving family obligation). I always enjoyed hearing about these trips when they got back; I know the winters can get pretty tough on the lake but, gosh, these seem like really nice places to live (and I guess Glencoe is upscale/wealthy). Sure hope I can go there some day! I remember Claudia saying how much she enjoyed her visit to Chicago in this past year.
I had a transplanted Calif cousin who lived for umpteen years in Springfield, Illinois (much further south from Chicago) and she never looked back; completely loved being in four seasons and wearing all the winter clothing that she never needed in SoCalif, like long coats and boots. They took a lot of weekend trips to an area called Quad Cities which they seemed to just enjoy so much; I think somebody they knew had a farm. But I also recall that they’d go to the most delightful outdoor music festivals in summer and that they were sort of right THERE on the Mississippi River which seemed so odd to me because I tend to associate the Mississippi River with the Southeast, like Louisiana. I should read up on just how that river flows; it’s of course a VERY long river.
It’s such a small world isn’t it? We run into so many people in Madison WI who moved there from Rockford. We love Madison because it’s so similar to Mpls. We went to the quad cities for one of our wedding anniversaries and had a great time! Been to the headwaters of the Mississippi River and now we visit Dubuque IA whenever we need to see it which is at least once a year. Hoping to visit New Orleans and see where the Mississippi ends. Loved reading about Claudia’s trip there!
This has been so much fun reading about Claudia’s readers!!
Yes, I’ve enjoyed all this conversation with Claudia’s post although I’ve jumped in ‘way too often but it’s been a marvelous connection and also I think helpful for three reasons:
1) We all ‘know’ each other a little better now; Claudia has a COMMUNITY!
2) Talking about where we live makes us realize a lot of us appreciate where we live maybe more than we ever thought, and…
3) Very helpful for any of us considering retirement destinations to hear about all these many interesting locations in the U.S., Canada and the other places people here wrote about (or even if to just, now, have new ideas of where to spend a vacation!).
I’m very intrigued with at least visiting Madison and the Twin Cities (and everywhere else I haven’t been in the U.S. and even Canada, after reading quite a lot about it now here on Claudia’s blog from ‘real’ people who are actually living there and tell the tales; love the descriptions). Speaking of the Mississippi River, I think it could be so ‘neat’ to cruise on it from end to end on however they do it, paddlewheeler, barge, whatever; it’s such a grand thing, that river! Think of all the towns along the way on the water; river life.
PS: My husband lived in Iowa for several years as a young adult, mostly around Des Moines (this was pre-me, so I’m not familiar with Iowa to describe exactly where). I enjoy seeing some depictions of Iowa in that movie with Meryl Streep called “The Bridges of Madison County”. I guess the film came into theaters over 20 years ago now; I’d read the book before I ever saw the movie and I didn’t think it was the greatest novel ever written but the story grabbed me. It may be my most favorite Streep performance although “Out of Africa” would be right up there with it.
My husband and I once thought of driving the length of the Mississippi but discovered there are lots of parts of it that don’t have roads nearby. We love visiting the headwaters of the Mississippi in Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota. There you can easily walk across the river. You can totally confound people in New Orleans when you say you’ve walked across the Mississippi.
I agree. People do a double take when you mention that you walked across the Mississippi. Haha.
I wondered where those headwaters were in this discussion so I’ve just written down in my ‘travel journal’ that I must go to Itasca State Park. You all are giving the rest of us some amazing travel tidbits! My head is swimming with all these tantalizing tips.
When my son’s were young we visited Dyersville IA where the movie “Field of Dreams” was filmed. My boys got a kick out of disappearing into the corn fields. Very fun excursion. Would have liked to tour the farmhouse but that was off limits. I think my husband and I need to do a road trip to Des Moines. Never been there and really not that far.
My husband now tells me he lived in Merrill, IA and also Adel (I guess that’s the town closer to Des Moines). He said winters and summers are brutal but Fall (thru October) & Spring (green!) are very nice. He said Adel has those country roads that dip up and down. (I just looked up Adel and it says, “Stine Seed, the world’s largest private seed company, is based in Adel. It has 15,000 acres of Iowa farmland and is almost entirely owned by Harry Stine and his four children.” Now, I’d like to know more about something like that; interesting! Merrill, like Adel, are on or near a river, I think my husband said. But he doesn’t want to go back to Iowa even for a vacation. (I’ll convince him otherwise; it probably has something to do with his first wife, but that’s a whole ‘nuther story!)
We both love the Kevin Costner movie and have watched it so many times. (He seems like a nice guy in everyday life; he has resided in both Ventura County and Santa Barbara County in this SoCalif area where we’ve had the horrible wildfires last December and he does quiet things to help, like a benefit music concert [he has a band; lead singer for the band {not just an actor}] to gather money for fire-victim relief; very loyal to the city of Ventura where he went to school when a boy.)
I have to think if I’ve seen a large corn field; I don’t know that I have. I haven’t! (Where I live in Calif, it’s all avocado, lemons and strawberries.)
Born in Mobile, Al, raised in Arkansas, lived in Pittsburgh, Colorado Springs, back to Arkansas then on to Miami , Pensacola,. After 19 years and several hurricanes moved to husbands home town, Hollidaysburg, Pa, then back south to Pensacola, Fl. I’ve been married forty two years and have lived in 18 different house. I’m done moving!! 😄
I am Brazilian, I live in Tupã, São Paulo and I am a faithful reader of your blog.
I was born, raised, and still live in Independence, Missouri, the hometown of President Harry S Truman. We’re right outside of Kansas City. I love that we experience all four seasons here, although spring is very late in arriving this year!
I was lucky to have traveled extensively when I was younger, but I’m pretty content to stay close to home these days.
Claudia, it’s been fun to read where everyone is from! And as always, thank you for the gift of your blog. :-)
Born in Iowa, still in Iowa, 50 minutes north of Des Moines
Hi!
Born in Farmington, Maine, lived in Maine 52 years, now live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
I’m so happy you’re seeing the end of winter, Claudia!
I was born in Lebanon, Oregon. I’ve never lived further than 15 miles from where I was born … and I’m back living in Lebanon, Oregon again.
Houston, Texas
Hi, Claudia! I’m late to reading your blog today and missed the fun. I was born in Galesburg, Il but spent 30 years in Burnsville, Mn where my husband and I raised our two boys. In the last 9 years we have moved 3 times, to Atlanta,GA, Charlotte, NC and lastly Flower Mound, Tx which is just north of Dallas. Still shaking my head and trying to figure out how I ended up in Texas–It’s been quite the culture shock. I enjoy reading your blog each day and hearing your thoughts : ) Oh, and to the California readers, my youngest son lives in Concord, CA and I spend a great deal of time out there with my 2 grandsons every month or so.
Hi Teresa! Your mention of Concord brought back memories. My late husband and I used to volunteer as ushers at the Concord Pavillion almost every weekend when we were in our 20’s and 30’s. We saw so many shows there for free. And because we were the youngest ushers, we didn’t mind working at the really loud shows, like Steve Miller Band, so we usually got first choice for the rock and roll bands my husband loved. Every one else was very much older, and didn’t like the rock and roll. One evening, I saw a very young swelte Linda Rondstate roller skating in the back parking lot. She had accompanied her then boyfriend Jackson Browne, who was performing on stage. Difficult to believe she is now 72 years old!
Oh, I love this; what a cool story! I was/am such a huge, huge Linda Ronstadt fan and I’ve duplicated all my old (played and played and played) LPs (vinyl) with CDs which I guess will mean I’ll eventually have to go to something else too along the way so that her music is always at the tip of my fingers. So, she really did roller skate?!! There’s that one album cover where she’s in skates (‘Living in the USA’ I think).
My brother tuned me into Steve Miller back in the day but of course Steve Miller Band also got a lot of airplay on Calif AM Radio back then, too. I think I read he was working and playing in the Bay Area when he was still super-young. Never saw him in concert but I did see Linda perform at the Universal Amphitheater in L.A. in about 1982 (..?..just after Labor Day; still felt like summer but I remember we got soaked with warm rain, sprinting toward the parked car [packed parking lot]) and it remains a highlight of my life; she didn’t disappoint and she had of course all those amazing, talented musicians backing her up onstage; her band was terrific (Andrew Gold, Kenny Edwards, Waddy; can’t off the top of my head remember all the rest of those guys). They had just converted that theater from an outdoor arena to an indoor one; the sound inside was SO good and, man, could she belt out a song. (The theater isn’t there anymore. They tore it down about four or five years ago. Universal Studios wanted the space for some new tourist attraction; hope it was worth it.)
Steve Miller Band…want another funny story? We ushered their show at Concord Pavillion, but we were split up to different aisles. I ushered with a couple of elderly ladies who kept talking about how wonderful it was that Glenn’s son took over his band. They thought they were going to hear Big Band music! They were puzzled when our supervisor went around handing out ear plugs. Imagine their surprise when Steve Miller Band got on stage to the strains of Jet Airliner! They left shortly afterwards, as we were allowed to leave after the first act. I don’t remember who opened for Steve Miller, but it was a great concert. And my husband’s first cousin hung out with Steve Miller in Berkeley well before he became famous.
And, I have to apologize for getting you excited about Linda R. I love her music too, all of it, including when she got back to her Hispanic Roots. But, I didn’t see Linda ! It was actually Darryl Hannah roller skating…my mind doth not remember well….
You did have me head-scratching; I had only remembered Linda with romantic involvement of singer/songwriter JD Souther, mostly. (The music end of things, anyway; of course I remember her also with Gov. Jerry Brown, back in the day, because my boyfriend in those years was caretaker for a Malibu house just up a few houses from hers, same beach road [where Jerry would often come to visit].) I do recall the tabloid stories of Darryl Hannah with Jackson Browne and it didn’t end well for them. I remember the days, too, when she (Darryl) was in the headlines with JFK Jr. Now, she’s apparently with Neil Young!
Thanks for sharing some fun stories, Wendy T! I can’t place Concord in my mind; East Bay, right? My brother-in-law was once part of a drum & bugle corp in another state and I have this vague memory of him telling me, when he was out here visiting in Calif, that Concord was a location of one of the best drum & bugle corps in the world. I could be wrong on that…
Yes, Vicki, Concord is in the East Bay, north-east from Berkeley. Linda is having a one-woman show, mostly or totally conversational, I think, in late May in Saratoga, at a winery venue. That’s in the South Bay.
I’m glad with her Parkinson’s that she still has the ability to speak even though she no longer has the ability to sing.
Hi Claudia! I was born in Patterson, New Jersey and moved to Trois Rivieres, Quebec , Canada when I was 15. Talk about culture shock! I didn’t speak French but needed to learn it pretty fast…. After I completed my University in Montreal, I found a teaching position in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. And I have been here for over 36 years! I love reading your blog :)
Another Canadian!! You’re not far from me Carol. X Chy
Hi Chy. I actually live in Ardrossan and am a teacher in Sherwood Park! It’s great to “meet” someone so close through a far-away blog :)
We have a family centre in the Park (community preschool, grief programs and other family activities) but live just a few minutes away out in the country, south of 14 and east of 21. Small world!! Chy
I grew up outside Philadelphia in Yardley. Lived in New Jersey, then New York, before moving to Hudson, Ohio. I miss the ocean like crazy…but blooming where you are planted is the way to go.
I was born in the SE region of Tidewater, VA. I’ve never left—lived here 69 years come November, married 50 years come June!
Southern Illinois…
Happy Saturday, Claudia! This thread is bursting with kindred spirits, isn’t it?
I was born in Muncie, Indiana (parents were faculty members at Ball State) and attended Burris Laboratory School for 13 years. I graduated from Ball State with an elementary education degree and taught in Westfield, Indiana for 7 years. I met my husband in Westfield and we moved to Jackson, Tennessee for a few years. He was desperate to return to his native Michigan (he’s a Detroiter) so we relocated to Owosso in 1984. For many years we had a cottage on Posey Lake near Addison MI. I taught elementary school in Owosso until retirement in 2008.
Our kids and grandkids live in Grayslake, IL, Berrien Springs, MI and Grand Rapids, MI.
Great idea Claudia! It is fun to get to know a little bit about other readers.
Hi Claudia, I thought I’d left a message, but I can’t see it. I was born in Beccles Suffolk UK soon moved to Lowestoft, also in Suffolk, then when I was 8 moved to Gt Yarmouth. Norfolk UK , stayed there until I got married then moved to Gorleston, Norfolk. From there I went to the US, a short time in New York,, then off to Mass, Lawrence first, then Lovell. 5 years later back to UK, then Oulton Broad, Suffolk, then back to Gorleston Norfolk then having remarried, the Midlands.. Chase Terrace, and from there to South Africa. Joburg to start with, then Cape Town (which was incredible) left 2nd husband there and back to UK, Lowestoft Suffolk again, then Gt Yarmouth Norfolk (again) where I ran an hotel, then to Hadleigh, (Suffolk where I bought a wine bar) then back to Suffolk, then back to Norfolk where I had a pub. I was then diagnosed with MS and decided to retire to Honing, a tiny village in Norfolk, By this time I had remarried for the third time. We had a lovely cottage there, but eventually I couldn’t manage the stairs, so we moved to where we live now, Catfield, which is a tiny Norfolk village. I have a specially adapted bungalow, and the Government is very good to me re new cars, free medication etc. By the way, between all of this I was a columnist for the Eagle Tribune in Mass, then several other newspapers in the UK, then I got a position as Editor of 4 food and drinks magazines with the biggest newspaper publisher in the UK. that was a really fun job. I miss all the running about it involve, but I have some wonderful memories. By the way, Claudia, I was in an actors work shop when I was in Mass. that was a real blast, although I think casting me as Blanche in ‘A Street Car named Desire’ was a bit ‘iffy’ . However when I played in /noel coward’s Blithe Spirit I was complimented on my English accent. lol
Hi! This is the first time I’ve posted even though I read the blog every day. I was born in Atlanta but moved at 3 months old to York, PA where I grew up, I went to college at Penn State and then moved to NC where I have lived for over 30 years. I presently live in Holly Springs, NC.
I commented earlier but got an error about the server when I hit Post Comment. Oh, well. I was born in Elmira, NY. Went to school in Corning, lived in Catlin. I still have relatives living in Elmira and the surrounding area. We moved to Vero Beach, FL when I was 12. I lived briefly in Ithaca, NY and Woonsocket, RI. Most of my years were in Vero Beach until 1999 when I moved to Spring field, GA.
Hello Claudia and all of you, i live in amsterdam, the netherlands. i have no blog myself but love to read your blog ( and a few others). i used to live in a busy part of amsterdam ( near the zoo) for 40 years and for he last 30 years i live on the outskirts of amsterdam. 1 son and grandson living in amsterdam and 1 son and his family in your country, in millbrea. come june they will come back to europe, austria /wien. that’s only 1,5 hours flying whereas the states is 10 hours flying….yeah…a happy mother and . grandmother. it is nice to hear, ehhh , read about your life overthere. i keep following your blog…enjoy life and stay healthy…love from amsterdam, ciska
Hello back to you. As I write this, my sister-in-law is touring Amsterdam and my cousin just returned from a visit to The Netherlands in mid-March. She and I share the same great-grandfather whose family hailed from a rural village in Friesland which remains to this day although our family left Friesland for America in the late 1800s. We feel such a special kinship with (and regard for) The Netherlands; it’s in our DNA although my cousin and I are U.S. Californians. We love our Netherlander heritage. At present, she and I have a large contingent of cousins in the area (towns) of Grand Rapids/Wyoming/Holland in Michigan, so many descendants of our Friesland ancestors who settled there after earlier years in the Hudson Valley of New York/upstate NY. In The Netherlands, they’d been farmers and barge workers. I was fortunate to visit Amsterdam once, too many years ago now, and I thought it was one of the most beautiful cities I’d ever been privileged to visit. I was spellbound by the tree-lined canals in the city…and bicycles were everywhere!
hello vicki, so nice to read about your dutch background. if ever you visit amsterdam again and want a place to sleep pls send me an email. say hello to all your ‘ dutch’ family….as we say in dutch…de groetjes/greetings
You are so kind; thank you!!
No wonder I love this blog so much. This is a great idea! I was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky, but except for a very brief time, I have lived my life in Georgia (Ringgold area).
Hi,
I’m french, from Paris, France and I love your blog.
Hi all!…I live in Central Pennsylvania…Lewistown Pa….born here….remember when babies were born at home?…I was one of them…I can also remember when the Doctor made house calls…now I’m really aging myself!…lol..I lived in Northern Virginia for a time too…I worked for the state of PA until I was hurt on the job and I have been on disability since then…I do not live in town but out in the country…I could never be a town dweller again!
Born in Montreal, Quebec, raised in Toronto, educated in Dublin Ireland and landed in Grand Rapids Mi. I still consider Canada my true home tho i have been transplanted for 22 years and i want to go home!
I’m very late to this conversation. I was born in Northeast Louisiana, but my parents moved us to Port Arthur, Texas when I was just three. My father had been studying chemical engineering at a small college in Louisiana, but was managing school, a marriage, and two children when he heard about the possibility of a steady job in that refinery town. He took a job in the chemical lab. My husband was born in Port Arthur and grew up among a big, extended Italian-American family where all the grandparents were Sicilian immigrants. Through our almost 49-year-marriage, we’ve moved a lot but always throughout Texas. He worked as general counsel for several companies that somehow were always being reorganized, their main offices moved, or acquired by other companies who brought in their own executive staffs. We’ve lived in Houston three separate times, Dallas once, and in several small towns. Fortunately, I am a writer, so I could easily move. When he retired, we moved from the Dallas area to a small town in Central Texas to be between daughters who live in other Texas towns. We live in a very red-leaning small town in Central Texas, which causes me a bit of angst. However, I am vegan, and we live next door to a younger single mom who is also vegan, and we do the classic neighbor thing of bringing each other meals. We live on an acre lot in a neighborhood of acre lots, and we take walks and talk to all the neighbors who also walk. Our neighborhood has Easter egg hunts, summer cookouts, and other such events. After my brain surgery allowed me to get out and walk the dog again in the mornings, as I used to do, neighbors stopped on the way to work and told me how happy they were to see me able to take walks again. We have a community symphonic orchestra in which I played the violin until I was unable to play any longer. We have an art center. Our small town has live music entertainment in almost every downtown restaurant every weekend. We’re close enough to other large cities that I can go there for entertainment. After years of frequent travel, my husband loves the freedom from traffic, so here we stay for now.
I loved reading your story, Linda. It sounds like life is good and that you live in a wonderful area; and, of course, from living all the years you have in Texas (and being born in the Southeast as well), you’re well adjusted to the weather. I probably could have continued to live in southwest Houston except for problems with my lifelong asthma; a specialist finally just told me flatly that Houston was the worst place I could be living, due to the change in the ozone with heat/humidity which I guess released mold spores into the air (I’m allergic to mold) and also the oil/gas industry which is still so prevalent in the area. I have a cousin who’s chosen Dallas as his base; he’s been happy there for years. I never made it to San Antonio or Austin, to my regret.
Vicki, I’ve loved reading your comments on so many others’ comments. I wanted to say that we were in Bastrop when the wildfires roared through in 2011, and over 1700 homes were lost. Fortunately, although we were evacuated, we did not lose our house, but many of our friends who had evacuated first to our house and then evacuated a second time when we were told to leave, too, did end up losing their homes. When the fires first broke out, we had a good vantage point from where our house sits and began calling friends and telling them to get out. They came to our house. My husband tried to get to the house of friends we knew to be out of state, to get their cats, but he was turned back. (Fortunately, although the fires burned their detached garage and 35 trees, the house did not burn and their cats survived.) That’s not the first or the last set of wildfires that we’ve experienced. I understand some of what you’re experiencing with constant wildfire threats, too.
I was born in Canton, Georgia and I have lived here all my life. My husband was also born here. We are about 30 miles north of Atlanta.
Sorry to be late. We were away on vacation for 2 weeks and I’m just now catching up on the goings-on here.
Grew up in Jamaica, WI, moved to S. FL. Maine for college, S. CA for grad school, Worked in NYC for a about 8 years, in the film business. Now back in Ft. Lauderdale where the main draw is the warmer, more humid weather. Certainly not the bad city politics!