You know, BikeMomma, people are weird, they get used to anything. Then they settle down and forget that they actually can take life in their own hands and make a change. And I am glad that we are trying to make this change, finally. I think that California is beautiful but I cannot imagine us being able to gain anything there. It is expensive, the schools are not that great and some place are just unsafe.

I told my husband this morning that I am not AFRAID of the midwest winters but it is certainly a concern. I would have to get a LOT of ASSOS gear to keep me warm out there. On the other hand, if we get a nice house in a smaller community, this would be a great place to raise the kids.
Good luck to you too and really thanks for the suggestions.

- Lenusik