I have been retired for 6-1/2 years and have been involved with cooking for a little over a year, but have learned a great deal. I am definitely an intermediate cook and quite often am asking my wife for helpful hints in the kitchen. I am becoming an avid reader of recipes and cooking methodologies. I find it very interesting learning about different spices and how they compliment each other. STILL HAVING FUN!!! I enjoy making main dishes primarily using beef, chicken or fish. I primarily grill with a gas grill, but also do some baked dishes. On Christmas my family always meets at one of my childrens homes and we all make different dishes and share. This past Christmas I contributed a meat ball dish which was judged by my children as GREAT! Of course, they couldn't hurt the old mans feelings Just getting started was quite a triumph for me! My wife, a veggie, just loves my sweet potato casserole. I haven't really had any yet, but give me time.