I was born, raised and received my early education in Toronto Canada where there is a thriving multicultural environment. With my husband, now retired from the Cdn military and our three children I have lived in Beirut Lebanon,Mons Belgium, Montgomery Alabama,Colorado Springs Co and 5 Cdn provinces. I attended college in BC and journalism in Ontario. Inspiring dishes A roast on Sunday Anything that hasn't failed There are two that stand out. When first married I attempted baking powder biscuits (a personal favourite), but there was just a stringy, gooey mess. The other was a dinner for guests shortly after our arrival in Belgium. I had bought Cornish Game Hen at the American PX, prepared them as usual, but forgot that the gas stove could be so temperamental. (A friend once remarked that it could bake ceramics). When I thought the Hens were ready,they were whisked in with a flourish to be greeted with great oohs and ahhs. Then came the moment of truth-- nobody could cut into them; the knives kept bouncing off!! The stove had done me in.