We have five children, including three boys and two girls.  Now I know what you are thinking but it's not MY fault! (I'd chain him to the kitchen sink but he'd get me while I was doing the dishes!) 

We now live in Ottawa where my husband is a public servant and I am a homemaker. I am very highly qualified for this job which largely entails watching TV and eating bonbons. My favorite bonbons are chocolates and my favorite TV show is - you guessed it - Coronation Street! 

The first time I saw Coronation Street, it was in black and white and I found it very dull, even depressing viewing. I wish now that I'd given it more of a chance because I grew to love it in later years. When I did start watching regularly, CBC was running it five days a week, an hour each day. That would have been around 1984, I think. Bet is my all-time favorite character but I also hold a special place in my heart for Hilda. My least favorite character would have to be Audreh with Le Mouton (Liz) a very close second! 

I think the attraction Coronation Street holds for so many is that it reflects real life. Unlike the American soaps, the characters are not all rich and beautiful. Because these are ordinary people with ordinary problems, I think it's easier for viewers to relate to. Unlike many fans, I cannot claim to be a British ex-patriot or even to have British heritage. In spite of that, I find that the program has a certain universality, in its characters and in many of the situations they find themselves in. 

Much of my life today is spent not only watching the show, but socializing at pingfests and other events with people who are also fans. Also, I like to spend time on the computer and practically all of that is Street-related. (Ok, way too much time - my kids are reduced to wearing recycled dirty clothes and they think 'White Cheddar Kraft Dinner' is a gourmet meal!) I number many of the people in #coro_street among my very good friends and have even met some of them! We gather in the channel at various times of the day and night to chat about the Street and to share personal news in our lives. One of my favorite events in the chat is quiz night - every Friday at 8:00 p.m. EST. 

Hope to chat with you soon! 

CURRENT FAVORITE CHARACTERS: 
Rita and Mavis, Jack and Vera, Curly, Sally and Chris and, Mike Baldwin. I have always liked Mike in spite of his 'mean' streak. I did not approve of his womanizing before he was married to Alma but I think he has settled into domesticity rather nicely now. 

LEAST FAVORITE CHARACTERS:
Alec has always been a source of irritation. Also, grit my teeth everytime Nastalie is about, likewise when Tanya Pooley used to be on. 

FAVORITE STORY-LINE: 
The story that had Ken comprimising Deirdre's reputation by publishing priviledged information in the Wetherfield Recorder that he was actually obtaining through a mole (Wendy Crozier) in the council office. This story had it all; deception, betrayal, and professional ambition vs. family loyalties. 

LEAST FAVORITE STORY-LINES: 
In former years, Bet scrounging for money and/or a partner so she could stay landlady at the Rovers. This story, while wonderfully written and portrayed, was very sad for me because it signalled Bet's departure, from which I have never fully recovered. Today my least favorite would be a toss up between the Samantha/Des romance ('therapy'?) and the Fiona/Steve/Alan/Jimbo quadrangle. BAD premise, BAD writing, BAD acting. 

STORYLINE I WOULD MOST LIKE TO SEE: 
Aside from the obvious, i.e., Bet's return, I would love to see Curly with someone (preferably Raquel) married and settled with children. This would spell happiness for poor Curly and a huge number of fans I think! 

STORYLINE I WISH HAD NEVER HAPPENED: 
Aside from the obvious, i.e., Bet's departure, I deeply regret Derek's demise. To me, his loss was pointless and insipid.