I am a married mom of two adult kids, Matt and Katie. I am a painter, faux finish and murals, I would say semi retired. I seem to keep getting pulled back into it. Hard to give up the old paint brush. It seems our family life and friend life revolves around our kitchen. I made a rhubarb pie once that my son and husband said would win a contest if I entered it. So when we heard about a nearby rhubarb festival I entered it. I was shocked and thrilled when they announced my pie as the grand prize winner. I have been hooked ever since and enter contests when ever I can! I collect cookbooks and my sisters and brother and I put together a family cookbook honoring my mother, "Ellie's Cookbook". This was a such a fun project. I love trying new recipes and also love to find great restaurants around the country off the beaten path...hidden gems ...and try and duplicate our favorite finds. Life is fun but so short! So many recipes so little time!