I was born and raised in the lovely Willamette Valley in Oregon, but a few years ago my best friend took me to Hawai'i where she'd spent many of her formitive years, and I fell in love instantly (you'd be surprised how many people actually do not). I recently moved to the Big Island and I'm loving every day of it, though there will always be a special place in my heart for Oregon. I love to bake, although I don't make as much time for it as I'd like. I think the reason I love it so much is that for most things you can taste them before they're done and it's different but still good. I can make an outstanding traditional Thanksgiving dinner, from beginning to end. It's taken many years of practice, but I have it down now, much to everyone's relief. Learning patience was the key, especially when it comes to meats (if 350 is good, 450 is NOT better)... they looked fabulous on the outside and were clucking, mooing, or oinking in the middle. I have managed to mess up Jello. Yes, it's true. I've done it.