Cooking, Chatting & Dog Love 

I’m the 53-year-old daughter of a 91-year-old lady who lives in Eureka, MT. Because we live so far away from eachother, I don’t get to see her as much as I’d like. I’m sure that’s the case with a lot of retired folks living in Arizona, so this is why I decided to reach out to our retired community and volunteer.

Some of the best stories I’ve ever heard are from folks from our older generation. How our world has changed so much in the last 80 or 90 years is incredible, but we seem to forget about how life was in the 30′s, 40′s, 50′s and even the 60′s. Some of my fondest memories involve me chatting with my mom and aunt about how life was “back in the day”, while we cook one our old family favorite meals, so that future generations of our family can enjoy the delicious dishes of our past.

With my lovable Samoyed, Sakira, I visit assisted living facilities, retirement homes and other older folks interested in spending time cooking, while sharing family favorite meals and their fun stories of the past – all while enjoying the company of a my adorable, loving Samoyed, Sakira.  Additionally, to those in need, I provide wholesome dinners and share extra fruits, vegetables, and herbs from The Desert Baroness’ Backyard Gardens harvests.

If you are interested in The Desert Baroness and Sakira coming to your facility, please contact me via email at lydiaoconnor50@gmail.com.

Three generations of “Wagner women”, as we call ourselves, on Flathead Lake, 2011 – one beehive, still going strong.

Me with my beautiful mama in Eureka, July 2014. The modified beehive and my mom, looking great!

My 85-year-old Aunt Ann and I in Corsicana, Texas where she lives in an assisted living community called Cambridge Crossing.

Me, my Mom and sister in Eureka, MT.

My lovely Sakira – she’s fluffy, goofy and loves to love and be loved.