After working for high tech companies for 20+ years, I retired about 8 years ago. I've been cooking for 50+ years and still learning new ways and recipes to try. I have such a backlog that I'll never get to all the dishes I'd like to try. At this stage in my life, cooking and eating is what I do best and enjoy. My 5 kids, 12 grandkids, and husband get the benefit of all this. Although I like the old standbys/comfort foods, i.e., meatloaf, stuffed peppers, etc, I like trying ethnic dishes, seafood, and soups which I make alot of. Every Christmas it is a must that I make "Canadian" Meat Pie. As a kid it was something my mother made and we had on Christmas Eve. I have her special 10" pie plate that I use every year to make it so much more special. Of course I've tweeked the recipe a bit just cuz I can so it's not the original (which was in my Mothers head). I like trying new things so most everything else is non-tradition, depending on what I find in AllRecipes or other sources of inspiration. I actually "brined" my turkey this year instead of roasting but for all the trouble, I will stick w roasting next year. Although my three sons-on-law kid me about it, everyone wants the "green bean casserole".