I've been married, to the same man :=), for over forty years. We are now both retired, have one married daughter and four grandsons (three teenagers and a newborn). I have lived my whole life (except when I was away -90 miles- at college) in Chicago. I love to collect recipes and even occasionally try new things. I use a lot of ground veal (it's not considered red meat and still tastes like ground beef) and boneless skinless chicken breasts. I enjoy making different veggie side dishes. I haven't baked much but have been influenced by the accomplishments of people on RE to try, Various holiday meals, both religious and secular. Meals spent with family and/or friends. Even after all this time, I consider anything that gets compliments to be a triumph!! More than I want to admit. Two come to mind. Once I was cooking a meal to bring to a house of mourning. It was late at night and while the carrots were boiling (they were going to be glazed), I turned on the TV and sat down to watch while waiting for them to finish cooking. Next thing I knew, I woke up to the smell of something burning and and the sound of something sizzling. The carrots were black and the pot beyond help. Luckily I had more carrots and was able to start over and stay awake. The other time, my daughter was making Thanksgiving dinner and asked me to make pumpkin pie. I used a store bought pie crust and when I went to take my beautiful pie out of the oven the tin buckled and I had pumpmin on the oven door and a disgustng looking pie. I ended up buying a pie at the bakery to take to the dinner! But, my husband and I enjoyed the disfigured pie at home (maybe not such a tragedy afterall).