What do you love about home?

[Willowlover]

Okay this is how it goes you tell where you live, try to describe it, and then tell us what you love about it. Ill go first.

I live in Spokane Washington (USA, for anyone who didnt know). Around here there is a fair amount of trees and a very beautiful river going through downtown. One of the things i love about it is there are alot of lakes near here to escape to if i need a break from civilization.


ill try to edit for a better discription latter.

[Leaf]

I like this idea!

The idea of home sits in a few different places for me. Here are a couple of them.

I grew up just outside of Chicago, IL. I love Lake Michigan (so very very much), people who make eye contact with you when they pass you on the street, ultra fresh corn in the summer, firefies, deep dish pizza (had to learn to make it myself when I left), and the fact that my folks still live there. Childhood home always has a special place in the heart, doesn't it?

Then, after a not so brief (11 year) stint in Boston, I seem to have found myself in Brooklyn, NY. My wife and I moved here about 9 months ago, and so far I am loving the astounding range of humanity and the trememdous energy flying around this place, beautiful Prospect Park (a few blocks away from my apartment) and the constant music/picnics/doggie playgroups/festivities going on there, my wonderful upstairs neighbors, and the fact that there is always something happening. I don't really see us retiring here (although you never know...) but it's an exciting place to be living now.

[oneyedchicklet]

Howdy Leaf
I'm a Jersey girl myself...just over the GWB or Lincoln Tunnel. I visit the city as often as I can. Maybe we could hook up for a drink or two sometime.

I love my neck of the woods. I've called it home for almost 41 years now. The people are very friendly and its a very quite area. I don't think I could ever leave here.

HUGS
Barb

[Leaf]

A kitten neighbor! I love it!
I actually work in New Jersey. We might have been ships passing in the night (Hmm...do they let ships in the Lincoln Tunnel?) were it not for the kittenboard. I'd love to get together sometime.

-Leaf

[DelWhicker]

I think I've been luckier than some to have lived on both sides of the country. I grew up on the east coast in Philadelphia and in hindsight, the thing I liked best about that was water! Creeks, ponds, rivers, you name it. I could sit in an innertube and float down the Deleware River, sit by a creek and listen to it babble on by or head down the shore and cruise the boardwalk. All of the things that are missing from Southern California. There aren't any natural rivers to speak of and any creek you find is dry 10 months of the year.

That doesn't mean I don't like living here in Southern California. At the right time of year, I can head up to the mountains and get a bit of skiing in, then head down to the beach for a swim. I complain about the heat (who doesn't), but I'm less 2 hours away from the beach and the desert with it's beautiful sunsets. In around 4 hours I can be walking in the middle of a grove of humongous Sequoias, standing at the bottom of huge beach cliff or sitting in an air-conditioned casino in Vegas. I have a view of the mountains that are snow-capped 3 months of the year outside my bedroom window. Best of all, I have great friends to share in it all.

[kisstheviolets]

this is a great idea willowlover. i always wonder why people live where they do.

having lived my first 23 years in southern california, i have to agree with everything delwhicker had to say about the greatness of the versatility in that area. there's really nothing you can't do, all within a day.

but i always felt like i was born on the wrong coast. so i moved east at 23, first to winston-salem, north carolina - where i got my first taste of life with four seasons. while southern living was not for me, i knew i was finally on the right side of the mississippi (both literally and figuratively). i've been in massachusetts for the last three years.

so now i'm in northampton, massachusetts and absolutely in love with everything about it and massachusetts. while northampton is a small town, it has a thriving music scene, an array of restaurants of the quality normally found in the big city, a diversity in the population with people of various backgrounds, classes, etc (though, having grown up in a very racially integreated place, i do wish there was a little more color here). it's a bit of a hippie town - lots of organics and yoga studios and vegetarian restaurants. i'm not much of a hippie, but i love the feeling it gives the town - so laid back and accepting, of everything. i'd be remiss if i went on about the greatness of northampton and negelected to mention the coolest thing: the lesbians! this town is lesbo mecca. i will say that the dating scene kind of sucks if you're not 1) a smithie or smithie-age (smith college is here chock full of, what we called when i went to a women's college, "lugs" or "lesbians until graduation"); or 2) over 40 with kids. but, if you end up here with your wifey or luck out and land one while here, it's a great place to be.

so, i love when the trees go gold and red in the fall along streets lined with old colonials and victorians, and i love the first few snowfalls in the winter when everything is white and clean and gleaming, and i love the hope i feel when i see two women in love pushing their child down the street, and seeing the wedding rings on their fingers and knowing "yes, it's legal here," and i love the sweet corn and thunderstorms in the summer and playing softball with my friends. mostly i love just feeling like i'm finally home.

[taralover7]

what do i like about living a Washington is i have no idea. willowlover is my best friend we live 6 miles apart and i dont see why he likes it here so much. maby its because he got a new gf or somthing i dont know. pretty much all i know is this place this city is to big for me i kinda feel like i dont belong. i get the feeling maby i am soposed to live some where else
i do know that i like helping people in the area. and if u dont bleave me ask willowlover. i have helped him a few times. well what i am trying to say is i dont think there is any thing i like about this world it really hasent given any thin to like about it. well this will most likly bring some of you down and im sorry but that is the way i think.

[FemaleOfTheSpecies]

England's green and pleasant land!

I've always lived within 3 miles of my birthplace, and I truly love it. The county is Derbyshire and it truly is one of the most beautiful parts of England - dramatic peaks and moorland (think Wuthering Heights), rolling green valleys, open fields. From my home I can be out in open countryside within 5 minutes walk, letting the wind blow through my hair. Half an hour's drive and I'm in one of England's busiest cities with a thriving culture - museums, shops, bars (a wonderful 'gay village'). Extend that driving time to an hour and I can be on the coast - choosing either tacky tourist-ville or secluded beaches. The village I live in - and it's closest town - are wonderful. It seems to be a little hotbed of witchiness around here, all bubbling below the surface. In fact (dare I say it) as we approach Summer Solstice I know there'll be a vast amount of incredible (and probably some of it naked) festivities in a local beauty spot. All this in middle England - what more could a girl want?

[justin]

I'm another Derbyshire resident, so pretty much every Cat said goes to me.

The best thing about this bit of the world is definitely the variety of scenery you get. From wide, open fields through small towns and villages to large busy cities.

[Puff]

For me home is a tiny place called Berlin in MA. We have a population of under 3000, it was quite a shock to move here because I lived in silicon valley for 4 years.

I love my house! As I sit here writing this I can look out at the horses grazing in their pasture. I can also look over and see Sabrina my baby lamb grazing with my friends goat by the barn. We have a river at the back that we can kayak on and friendly neighbors that have welcomed the family and been very accepting.

The town itself is very friendly, everyone seems to know everyone else. I took Sabrina the lamb to the Berlin Memorial parade and we were a hit. We have apple picking in fall with hay rides. We have a pumpkin show at halloween that is amazing (and because there are so few trick or treaters even the adults get candy when they are out) and the christmas festival is fun. We get all 4 seasons, each with their good and bad. Oh and we are close to 'civilization' with Boston only 40 minutes away

[Melee]

I have two homes...

Richmond, Vermont. Where I grew up. My family is there, and I have some of my best memories there. It's such a beautiful place, especially in the fall. So many things just feel... welcoming there.

New York City, USA. My current home. Here, I have had some of the most amazing experiences of my life. In the year since I've moved here my life has changed in so many crazy ways. I have made the most amazing friends. I'm an aspiring actress, and I have become so immersed in the theater world of New York. Shows, benefits, concerts, just getting to know people. It's amazing.

[Auriam]

I have two home
Paris and my island Reunion
That i love from Paris is by night the city is really beautiful !

[gorn]

There's a Nintendo Wii.

[Willowtree252]

That everything here is true and Megan knew it. This is about my home.

A little insight to Mississippians. Gotta Love it.





..Socks are only for bowling.

...You never use an umbrella because you know the rain will be over in five minutes...and when it stops it will be so DADGUM hot you will dry very quickly.

...A good parking place has nothing to do with distance from the store, but everything to do with shade.

...You can tell the difference between fire ant bites and mosquito bites.

...Anything under 70 is chilly.

...You pass on the right and honk at the elderly, but pull over for a funeral.

...You've driven through Yeehaw Junction.

...You could swim before you could read.

...You have to drive north to get to? "The" South.

...You know that anything under a Category 2 just isn't worth waking up for.

...You dread love bug season.

...You are on a first name basis with the Hurricane list. They aren't Hurricane Cammile, Hurricane Katrina...but Katrina, Camille, Georges, Cindy, Andrew

...You think a six-foot alligator is actually pretty average.

...You were twelve before you ever saw snow, or you still haven't.

...'Down South' means Key West

...You think New York drivers licenses should only be valid in New York

...Flip-flops are everyday wear.

...Shoes are for business meetings and church,

...Sweet tea can be served at any meal.

...An alligator once walked through your neighborhood.

...You smirk when a game show's 'Grand Prize' is a trip or cruise out of New Orleans~~oooohhh...aaaahhh!!! lol

...You have a drawer full of bathing suits, and one sweatshirt.

...You think everyone from a bigger city has a northern accent.

...You know the four seasons really are: hurricane season, love bug season, Crawfish season and summer.

...It's not soda, cola, or pop. it's coke, regardless of brand or flavor, 'What kinda coke you want?'

...Anything under 95 is just warm.

...You've hosted a hurricane party. (won't do that again)

...You understand the futility of exterminating cockroaches.

...You can pronounce Gautier, Tchutacabuffa , Ichnatucknee and Withlacoochee

...You understand why it's better to have a friend with a boat, than have a boat yourself.

...You were 25 when you first met someone who couldn't swim.

...You've worn shorts and used the A/C on Christmas.

...You actually understand this.

[glokenpop baby]

The sun, the beach, the warmth of lying on your bed with your friends giggling and gasping for air because it's 40 degrees outside and about 60 inside. The first skinny dip of the year, the first run down the beach with your friend's clothes. The last time you ever do that again because of the giant bruise you're now proudly sporting.

Heh, Australia. Living on a beach is pretty fantastic.

[dlline]

Ooh, Dianne, that was cool. Thanks. Buckeyes have a similar list:

You are from Ohio if you...

1. You don't think of Florida first when someone mentions Miami.
2. You snicker when someone's from Tiffin, because you think of the State Hospital.
3. You think Pro football teams are supposed to wear orange!
4. You've heard of 3.2% beer.
5. Schools close for the state basketball tournament. Deer season, too.
6. You're proud of your state fair, but would rather go to Cedar Point.
7. You know all the 4 seasons: Winter, Still Winter, Almost Winter, and Construction.
8. You live less than 30 miles from some college or university.
9. You know what a buckeye really is, and have a recipe for candy ones.
10. "Toward the lake" means "north" and "toward the river" means "south."
11. You've heard of the Great Nickel Beer Night Riot.
12. You know if other Ohioians are from southern or northern Ohio as soon as they open their mouths.
13. You root for a college team though you've never taken a class there.
14. You can spell words like Cuyahoga, Olentangy, Bellefontaine, and Tuscarawas *(Wapakoneta?) and you know which letter is doubled in "Cincinnati."
15. You always visit more than two amusement parks in one summer.
16. You know that Serpent Mounds were not made by snakes
17. You know what game they're playing when the Mud Hens take on the Clippers.
18. "Vacation" means spending a day at Cedar Point or King's Island.
19. You measure distance in minutes.
20. Down south to you means Kentucky.
21. Your school classes were canceled because of cold.
22. Your school classes were canceled because of heat.
23. You've ridden the school bus for an hour each way.
24. You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.
25. You know what's knee-high by the Fourth of July.
26. You end your sentences with an unnecessary preposition. Example: "Where's my coat at?"
27. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.
28. You think of the major four food groups as beef, pork, beer, and Jell-O salad with marshmallows.
29. You carry jumper cables in your car.
30. You know what pop is.
31. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.
32. Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.
33. You think sexy lingerie is tube socks and a flannel nightie.
34. The local paper covers national and international headlines on one page but requires 6 pages for sports.
35. You think that deer season is a national holiday.
36. You know which leaves make good toilet paper.
37. You thought that the Michael Stanley Band was the most popular band in the country.

[Willowtree252]

I love it Diane

[Foomatic]

Haha, those lists cracked me up! I found one for my neck o' the woods:

You know you're from San Francisco when:

1. You take a bus and are shocked that 2 people are carrying on a conversation in English.

2. Someone says TENDERLOIN - you don't think of steak.

3. A really great parking space can move you to tears.

4. You know that anyone wearing shorts in July must be visiting from Ohio.

5. You were born somewhere else. (ohio?)

6. You assume every company offers domestic partner benefits.

7. You feel prudish for never having had a threesome. . .

8. You're tan in spring and fall, pale in summer.

9. You found your current aparment, car, couch, running pals, bookgroup, girlfriend/boyfriend, and booty call all on Craigslist.

10. You haven't been to Fisherman's Wharf since the first month you moved to SF and you couldn't figure out how to drive to Coit Tower if your life depended on it.

11. Left is right and right is wrong.

12. Your monthly house payments exceed your annual income.

13. You dive under a desk whenever a large truck goes by.

14. You can't find your other earring because your son is wearing it.

15. You pack shorts and a T-shirt for skiing in the snow, and a sweater and a wetsuit for the beach.

16. Rainstorms or thunder are the lead story for the local news.

17. Gas costs $1.00 per gallon more than anywhere else in the US

18. A man gets on the bus in full leather regalia and crotchless chaps. You don't even notice.

19. You realize the only Republicans you know are your Aunt and Uncle in Texas.

20. You realize there are far more Rainbow flags in the city than California State Flags.

21. You consider "Tom Kha Gai" a staple food.

22. Through years of practice, you have perfected the art of the helpless looking "sorry, i'm broke" shrug that you use when someone asks you for change.

23. At any given time, you are carrying three or more tiny electronic devices, some of which emit noises and/or buzzing at different frequencies, and all of which "simplify" your life.

[woahnellie]

I love sitting on my front porch at my parents. Listeining to the coyotes, frogs, birds, and just living in the country. And a nice big glass of iced tea doesn't hurt either.

[Willowtree252]

When I was growing up we use to visit back home in Mississippi my grandparents had a old house with a big front porch I use to sit in the swing for hours or run down to the saw mill.

[love_2003]

I am originally from a small town in Texas where I lived until I was 20. I now live in Indiana in a city that is only 30min. from Chicago. In Texas I lived in the country where it was quit all the time and you could see every single star in the sky at night. In the city I live in now its noisy and when I look up in the sky I see smog and airplanes. I definitely miss the country life of Texas.

The thing I do love about where I live now though is that I am now around family that I never saw growing up in Texas. At least once a month it seems like the whole family gets together for somebody's birthday. I'm the kind of person that would rather stay home hanging out with her family instead of going out; no matter how frustrating that family can be sometimes.

My mom always told my sisters and I that, "No matter where you go in life and no matter what decisions you make in life your family will always be there for you. We may argue and make each other mad but when push comes to shove we will stand up for you."

[Guest]

What I love best about the homes I have lived in is that they are all like storage places. A sort of memoir...

You can sit under a particular tree or stumble across an unexpected footpath years later and just tap in again to the family love that has remained intact. In total opposition to nostalgia, it is a blissful feeling.

[dlline]

When it looks like this:


Sunset over Massanutten Mountain, Virginia.