in reply to @thisismarilynb Winnipeg is darn cold, Vancouver, where I lived as a child, was constantly wet. However, I think if my father had not forced my mother to move to California, my own upbringing would have been one that I wanted to remember, but now I'm trying to forget. What is it about abusive mothers? I was the youngest of three daughters, and was the target of my mother's wrath. Having said this, I have to believe she did the best she did within her limits. We were never close, I have never known a "mothers" love, and have always sought out others to fulfill what she stole from me. I too have relatives scattered in Canada, and have recently given thought to moving back to Vancouver to live near my cousin, however, between the rain and taxes, I do not see this as a viable opportunity. But, I still keep this dream in the back of my mind. I love all things Canadian, as I think as a society they are more civilized thann many of those in the States, presently.