Hi! This is Natalia, my granddaughter. Of course, grandma thinks she's the most beautiful thing ever, plus I'm awaiting the arriving of Natalia's sister in June and her cousin (my daughter's first) in September. Natalia's dad (my stepson) and my daughter and husband were all transferred to Florida last year and live near each other We also have a handsome son in Arizona, who is single.

I've loved Zaar for years and the great recipes I've found here. From fast and easy when the kids were younger and I was working to adventurous meals when I had more time, Zaar's fabulous cooks have helped me every step of the way. .

Even though I had visited Zaar for a very long time, I didn't become a premium member until 2005. I wanted to start putting together cookbooks of my own and other Zaarites' recipes for myself and my children and their families.

Since moving to California, we've developed an interest in grilling and smoking, but I still like making my comfort foods, cakes, and hors'deourves. Thanks to the Zaar family of cooks and the enthusiasm for cooking I developed through them, I'm now considered a good cook and have learned to develop some of my own recipes.

I moved from "sweet home Chicago" to rural San Diego County, CA, in 2004 when my wonderful husband of 34 years retired. I've had vision problems and a retina disease since birth, but never let it stop me, except now I can't drive anymore. I still love to read my grisly crime novels, play on the computer, and play blackjack at the local casinos (within reason, of course??)

Spending time on Zaar has not only helped me improve my cooking skills but being busy on Zaar has also made the transition from city to country easier. Even though my old friends tease that I'm a cross between a dirty old lady and a mother hen, Zaarites seem to bear with me and I've made many new friends through the forums, swaps and contests. What started as a place to find new recipes has turned into a community filled with interesting people, great discussions, new friends and lots of fun.

Sharon123: