Okay, beware Washington, of course :-) Congrats on your neice!!! Enjoy your meeting!!!!!!! I say that about Washington, but I lived in Portland when Mt. St. Helens erupted. I have been to Washington several times and love it. I just don't know if it is tolerable. I grew up in SB, Calif...I now live in Oklahoma.
I was in Portland when Mt. St. Helens erupted, too! I remember it, but only vaguely. I was only about three - I just remember we weren't allowed to play on the swings because of the ash, and I was furious. I also remember seing people jogging but with hankerchiefs tied over their faces, again because of the ash.
As an adult, you've now come to your senses. :^) Do you like Oklahoma? Very different distinction, west or east?