I am a native californian, 63 years old (still can't believe it!) i am single but in a stable relationship with my david for 4 years. i am an artist working in acrylics, pen and ink and currently exploring the world of gourds. i am a singer still doin' it and doin' it good. i have cooked all my life.traveled extensively.i ride a bmw motorcycle with david. i love one dish type things, but the desserts are the best things i do. i am a cake decorator (self taught) and spent many years doing same for others. got my love of cooking desserts from my maternal grandmother. i am basically an orphan and so the traditions don't exist anymore. but i have some dishes that i make on a seasonal basis for holidays. red velvet cake for valentines, pineapple yum yum for thanksgiving, grandmas special friut salad for christmas. many types of cakes for the grandkids birthdays (they each have a favorite) when married we entertained extensively. once we had 12 people to dinner and since my rep has been a good one they were expecting fancy. i set the table with my cystal and silver and best linens and flowers. i fixed beans and ham hocks, fried potatoes, gravy and biscuits and corn. big platters and crock pots. poured milk in the red wine glasses and dinner was served. i did not have a drop of any of it left. i have done large dinners of all mexican theme food and italian food themes as well. i always decorate the table to match what i am doing. when newly married i made an apricot pie and invited my in-laws over for pie and coffee. i had forgotten to sweeten the pie! my father-in-law, bless his heart ate it anyway. later i was talking to my neighbor who was a chef (i was still only 17 married way to young) and he told me something i have used my whole life since. to any 3 cups of fruit add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. elevates pies to sublime and takes the metalic taste out of berry pies and cobblers.