On September 16, 2004 I had Lap band gastric by pass surgery, to date I have lost 166 lbs. I'm married with 2 boys, 21 & 19. We have 3 dogs, Chloe, an English bulldog, Daisy, a white Boxer & Lily, Daisy's daughter, plus one calico cat, April. I love working in the yard, gardening, having backyard cookouts, cooking, baking & canning and I'm trying my hand at making sauerkraut for the first time. I still enjoy Christmas every year I make dozens of cookies & candies and my husband shares them with his co-workers who have become spoiled rotten. Now they start asking when I'm going to make my cookies & candies right after Thanksgiving. New Recipes Every year at Christmas I make Sausage Bread & a huge salad with Buttermilk Ranch dressing. Thanksgiving is the Turkey & dressing with green bean casserole & Macaroni Salad made with Eagle Brand milk, Pecan Pie without syrup, yep thats right no syrup, & Buttermilk Pie. Even the ones who don't like Buttermilk ask for the Buttermilk Pie as soon as they come through the door. Making a new recipe that everyone loves. About 10 years ago I put a pan of pinto beans on to cook & forgot about them. Needless to say they were crispy critters & I had to throw pan & all away. This was the only time I have burnt anything & I have yet to live it down.