I live in Vancouver on the beautiful west coast of Canada, where we have it all - sophisticated city living with amazing international restaurants, mountains for skiing and hiking, the ocean for sailing and a stunning backdrop, lots of art and cultural events, fouro distinct seasons, and lush forests to surround it all. Tell me about where you live, and why it is great to be there.

I live in the desert of Nevada, Las Vegas. Its a beautiful city surrounded by serene mountains, woodlands and lakes with flat desert as far as you can see. It is one place where all of nature seems to exist together equally.

I'm from the same place as you. Are you one of the rare ones, born in Vancouver?

Not I, prior I lived and worked in Toronto for over 18 yrs. Prior was elsewhere in southern Ontario. As you may know many refugees from other parts of Canada, appreciate Vancouver ..after experiencing life elsewhere.

One thing for certain: Toronto is way more international than Vancouver. Seriously. Here seeing an Afro-Canadian is rare. Toronto is probably gearing up again for their large annual Caribana that draws blacks from the NOrtheast U.S. plus whoever else locally.

I lived in 8 different states, and too many towns/cities/rural to mention. Now I live in Colorado Springs, CO. In 1972, when I graduated high school, I applied to and was accepted at colleges in Colorado. I'd never been here, but CO was where I wanted to be. It was not until 2005 that my dream came true. I love, love, love it here, and can't imagine living anywhere else. The travel brochures say that CO Springs has more sunny days than Miami.

San Francisco Bay Area.

We live in Mississippi.

And along with history, there is the company of Shakespeare, Dickens, Wordsworth, Blake, T.S. Eliot, Shelley...to name a few.

Minneapolis, Minnesota.

We have all four seasons at their most splendid. Our temperatures range from below zero to above 100. Our humidity can be 10% to 90%. We have trees that are gorgeous shades of green in the summer, beautiful warm fall colors in the fall, weighted down by white snow in the winter, and watching them begin the process in the spring is a sight to behold.

We have terrific resturants, ranging from mom-and-pop-bacon-and-eggs, to five star restruants. We have several museums of national significance and a theater scene that is highly regarded.

We are a city of lakes. Our lakes are connected by drives, walks, and bike trails. We have a creek that runs from the furthest suburb into our twin town of St. Paul. People kayak, walk the dog and bike from one city to the next,to the next....

Boy, Minneapolis sounds pretty good, doesn't it?

Arizona, in the desert. I love the moderate winters; the beautiful springs; the fantastic falls; hate the hot, dry summers. I live surrounded by mountains and on an endless beach (all sand; no ocean)! 360 days a year of sunshine. Not enough rain. But in spite of all that I can't imagine living anywhere else. I've lived in the UK and from Vermont to Louisiana on the East coast and in the South. I wouldn't trade here for any of them. The desert is so beautiful; and the plants and animals so different. They've all adapted to the climate in so many interesting ways.

Native of NYC living in Orange County, Southern California since 1980.

We have four seasons: summer; still summer; dammit isn't summer over yet? and 15 minutes of winter/rainy season. Winter (if I don't miss it) is my favorite.

I'm inland, semi-desert climate, 20 miles north of the beach and 25 miles south of the mountains.

My yard is full of several varieties of magnificent giant cacti, which need no care whatsoever. People from Canada take pictures in front of the cacti (yes, they have.)

Lots of theaters, museums, galleries, music venues (all types.)

World famous beaches, world famous shopping, and world famous tv shows about shallow rich people.

Every ethnic group on the planet (whether you've heard of them or not) has opened a restaurant here.

Lola, love the pictures. They're beautiful!

I live in Upstate New York not too far from the Lake Erie shoreline. Our suburbs are a short drive from the Queen City. We have all the positives everyone has mentioned; the only real stifling snowfall was in 1977. Lately, all four seasons have been generally gentle. Last winter was a bit harsh. But for the most part, the winters have mellowed out a good deal. Hubby and I RV around the states a couple times a year. No matter where I go, I like it here best. Arizona, Co., Toronto are all wonderful places. I flew to Italy in '93, too; but, I was born and raised WNY. There are awesome State Parks, casinos, nightclubs, and world class restaurants within a comfortable driving distance. We've museums and lots of history to ponder. The 13th US President lived in my hometown. We're surrounded by hills, lakes, resorts, and nature preserves. We're blessed. As all of you are! Also, we live near one of the Seven Wonders of the World; and Letchworth State Park, they call it the Grand Canyon of the East. It has a gorge that's 17 miles long; it has over 14,000 acres and three waterfalls over 100 feet high. The place is awesome.

I live in Maine....Like Anno, we have four distinct seasons, each with its own beauty. I believe that in Maine we have it all....mountains, valleys, forests, the beautiful rugged coast looking out to the sea...anything that one would want. I am a born and bred Mainer (or Mainiac as some like to call us!) and love it here. I do have to admit that with age, I've liked the winters less and less and yearn for warmth during those hard months. Guess that's why some snowbirds head south. Still, this is my home and I love it here.

Very true!

Our summers are why I wish I could afford a vacation home in Canada.

LadyJane, sounds very similar to MD weather. And I feel exactly as you do about the winters. Never bothered me until lately. Now I know why people winter in the south.

This is a link that shares information about Baltimore. There are some photos if you browse around.
http://www.baltimoremd.com/photos/

Since I'm new, I'll "bump" this thread.

I live northeast of Dallas. Been here three years this coming December.

I was born and raised in Redondo Beach, CA. From there I lived up and down the CA. I also lived in Oregon. As well as Florida.

I'd much rather be in Colorado. But hubby's job is here in TX and it's a really good job. So this is where we'll be for a while. And I hope I can get him to retire in Colorado when the time comes.

Born and raised in Northern New Jersey; it looks like New England, especially this time of year. I'm less than an hour into the amazing New York City, where there's anything from the Rockettes Fabulous Christmas Spectacular to the Legendary New York Yankees. This may be a fast paced part of the country, but it sure keeps your interest peaked. I would love to see more of our beautiful country; I've really only traveled up and down the east coast.

Hi, I live is Southern California. I was born and raised here. That's pretty bland; however, what's interesting is that I married a man who was born in Mexico City and lived his entire youth in Brazil!They were a missionary family with Mission Aviation Fellowship.

I live in Issaquah Washington.

Welcome catlemm! I'll be looking for you in other topics.

I just reread these posts and am amazed how far apart we all are. I have lived in lots of places, born in Indiana, moved to Ilinios, Colorado, Washington, D.C. and Nevada.

I have to agree with Meredith, I love the desert in the Spring, Fall and Winter months but prefer Colorado or even going to Canada during the summer months. My favorite dream is to have a medium size motor home and drive around the United States as part of my retirement and visit in person many ladies here...

What would be your ideal retirement?

Here too Meredith our yellow pages under restaurants is a dozen pages thick on both sides depicting every ethnic group imaginable.

WELCOME Catlemm. This is a great place to make friends and hang out.

I live in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. It's small city and the capital of the Province. The city is divided by the beautiful Saint John River so I live on what is called the northside of the city. We have four seasons, but winter seems to start anytime after Halloween and lasts until early May depending on how much snow we have.

New Brunswick is in eastern Canada, so along with Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island is part of what is referred to as the Maritime Provinces. Each province is beautiful in it's own way with friendly people and down-home hospitality.

Hi Anne-Marie, Welcome to BWS! I'm another Canuck on this site, currently living in Ottawa. I lived in Halifax, NS for 17 years, and loved living in the Maritimes, despite the long winters! We still travel there to visit my best friend in New Glasgow, and often take a detour through PEI. I love New Brunswick too, and have stayed in Fredericton many times en route. Now though we tend to travel more through the Miramichi area than along the Saint John River. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the amazing women here at BWS. It's my "home away from home".

Yes, the women are amazing and I truly feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful organization. Unfortunately, I've never been to Ottawa but I undertstand it too is government and university city and those who visit, quite like it. However, I've been to Halifax and just love it, especially the Historic Properties area in the summer.

Welcome! I was born and grew up in Heaven (Maine), and now in exile in Michigan.

My sister went to school in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia......We used to say "go to Halifax"

Kind of a childish swearing thing, LOl, LOL

Hugs, Alice/Sassy

Welcome! I was born and grew up in Heaven (Maine), and now in exile in Michigan.

My sister went to school in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia......We used to say "go to Halifax"

Kind of a childish swearing thing, LOl, LOL

Hugs, Alice/Sassy

Welcome catlemm and Anne-MarieH!

Welcome ladies....so glad you've joined us!

I just found this thread. I think it's interesting to know where we all live. So many different places but sisters all. I have lived in Kissimmee, Florida for the last 23 years. Originally grew up in northern Illinois small town.

I, too, was born and raised in NJ, the central area. As a young adult, I lived in Boston/Cambridge Massachusetts, Bremerton Washington, San Diego California, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, and now am happily settled into a pocket of tranquility here in Southern NJ.

It's a quiet, harmonious, suburban community, with rare severe weather patterns in any of its four seasons .... and for big city adventure, Philly, Atlantic City, NYC, Boston, Baltimore, and Washington DC are all within driving distance. As are the beaches of several states and the ski areas of several mountainous areas.

For me the best place to be is smack dab in the center of my home, close to a quaint downtown with several favorite local restaurants.

To Lola: I LOVE the pictures!!!!

I live in West Chester, PA...25 miles west of Philadelphia...and spend lots of time in our little beach house in Avalon NJ...I think most of the USA is beautiful and love to travel and see everything...but I must admit I'm always very happy to come home..

I live in Bavaria, Germany...about 4O minutes from the Hof Brau Haus in Muenich. If we don't like our weather, we head for Italy, about a good 4 hour drive. We can also fly to the sunny island Mallorca. That's only a half an hour away and costs 50 dollars per flight.....Gee...I'm actually just talking about what's away from my area. hmmmm, wonder why.

EW, many a year ago I traveled to Mallorca - sounds like you've a good weather escape!

Lucky you Edelweiss..Mallorca is beyond beautiful...are you going there anytime soon?

I'm amazed MustangGal and Nancy that you know Mallorca. I never knew it existed when I lived in America. I guess you can say Mallorca is to Germans what the Bahamas are to Americans.

As long as we are caring for our granddaughter, I don't think we can be spontanious and hop on a flight. ... but then again ....

And Hawaii is to British Columbia, what Florida is to Ontario, as a very popular vacation spot.

In spirit, Hawaii is a close fit to British Columbians because Hawaii's population though way more interracially mixed compared to Vancouver-southern B.C., at least there is a strong sense of Pacific rim cultures, there are similar Asian influences (though Hawaiian culture is to me, so unique and different from Asia, but the people look abit similarily Asian) the inspiration of the ocean and mountains in art, music, photography for the 2 geographic areas --except one is alot more tropical and naturally /exotically floral. British Columbia within Canada probably has the most "exotic" natural vegetation and wildlife(land and marine) compared to other parts of Canada except for the Arctic.

YOur granddaughter is abit older now but not a helpless infant on a plane, so it might still be a good time to have a short trip to Mallora before she gets alot older..and gets bored hanging out with older people. You know what I mean.

We are from Long Island, NY. Just a half hour drive into NYC.
I've lived here my entire life--would love to get out of here in the future. I do not see us living here when we--OMG---RETIRE! (AT 44 YEARS OF AGE THAT IS SCARY!!! BUT OH SO AROUND THE CORNER!).

I would love to move down south or possibly out by my brother in Ohio. As much as NY has to offer, it isn't all that it's cracked up to be! I am in need of a slower paced lifestyle. Not to mention less expensive!!!

I'm living in Atlanta. I wish I had some wonderful things to say about it but I just can't think of anything. The good news is that in 4 years we retire and will be out of here shortly afterwards.

Karen, one of my sons lives in Brooklyn, though he's rarely home.

I'd vote for moving to the south. Boy, what a neat break it wo uld be after being in NY all these years. I think it would make for a more peaceful retirement. The pace matches what I hope retirement feels like.

We have sleet and snow and temps below freezing right now, Dots...very uncommon for the area, but come on down!

I just saw you area on TV JJ, good grief, what a snowstorm you guys had. They said most people there didn't even own a snow shovel and city trucks had to borrow plows from somewhere else.