I'm Taking A Short Break
As from Sunday I'll be away from my computer for about a week. Just when we were making plans to move to Queensland, where it is so much warmer than Auckland, something came up. We are still moving, but only 800 metres down the street, closer to the beach, bars and movie theatre.
A couple of weeks ago my 6 monthly CT Scan showed a return of cancer with a couple of spots on my lungs. I will be having surgery to remove them and this will be done in two operations spread 6 weeks apart. The first surgery is on Monday at midday and for a short while my mind will be on other things and not baking or blogging.
We decided now would be a good time to downsize. Our move is from our 5 bedroom home with my dream kitchen to a three bedroom townhouse which has a reasonable kitchen but much smaller than I'm used to. It will be interesting to see how my cooking changes as I adjust to my surroundings.
At this point we are half way through the move and will be in our new home by Friday evening. This week we've enjoyed a few deli meals for lunch as there hasn't been time for cooking. The cheeses in the picture are Onetik Blue Des Basques Brebis, French Rouzaire Truffle Brie and French Chaumas. The meats are Spanish Serrano Jamon and Iberian salami.
The next Hay Hay It's Donna Day will be hosted by Peabody. Keep an eye on her Culinary Concoctions for the challenge. I'm hoping to be sufficiently recovered to compete.
Barbara I'm so sorry to hear about the return of the cancer, I wish you all the best as you face your operations and want you to know that you are in my thoughts.
I also hope your move is smooth, I'm sure you'll be able to cook some delicious food in your new kitchen.
Posted by: beccy | February 15, 2007 at 09:51 AM
Barbara, how calm you sound, organized and strong enough to move house! Any kitchen you inhabit will surely produce at "dream" level..
Good thoughts from here in Salt Lake City!
Posted by: Rosemary in Utah | February 15, 2007 at 11:04 AM
Oh Barbara.. this isn't cool!
I'll definitely be having a word to the 'big guy' upstairs about all this! Will be thinking of you on Monday at lunchtime.
This cheese looks divine, I'd love to be getting my knife into them... mmmm yum!
I look forward to reading about your creations in your new kitchen when you return.
Many hugs
Bron
Posted by: Bron | February 15, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Barbara,
Lost for words, but I have an overwhelming feeling of sadness mixed with admiration and hope that you get better.
Good luck.
Posted by: Edward | February 15, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Barbara,
Sorry to hear the bad news, but good luck with the surgery, and know that my thoughts will be with you during this difficult time.
You've always been supportive of my blog and my meager wine/food writing, and I've always wished that I could do something in return. Let me know if I can help in any way, even if I'm on the other side of the globe.
Posted by: Barbara | February 15, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Sorry, that previous comment was from me, Benito, not Barbara. Accidental typo in the name field.
Posted by: Benito | February 15, 2007 at 12:41 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you Barbara. Take care and keep positive.
Posted by: Kat | February 15, 2007 at 03:50 PM
barbara I am so sad to hear that you have to go through more operations. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks. Hope the move goes smoothly and we will be here waiting when you feel able to return XX
Posted by: chrisb | February 15, 2007 at 07:29 PM
Sorry to hear your news Barbara..hope all goes well, we will be thinking of you.
Kay
Posted by: Kay | February 16, 2007 at 04:49 AM
Oh Sorry to hear about your bad news!!I will be thinking and praying for you! Good luck!
Good thoughts from Germany,
Steffi :O)
Posted by: Steffi | February 16, 2007 at 06:10 AM
Thank you to everyone for your lovely messages of support. I'm pleased to say the move is almost complete. Big Garage (yard) sale tomorrow and then I can relax.
Posted by: barbara | February 16, 2007 at 06:55 AM
Hi Barbara - I have no doubts at all about your ability to pull through this - you'll come right. My brother's six months out from the last of his chemo treatment so I have some appreciation of your position. Take care, girl!
Posted by: Nigel | February 16, 2007 at 11:15 AM
Oh, pooh. You've had a rough go.
I wish you the very best of health.
Posted by: cookiecrumb | February 16, 2007 at 12:29 PM
I'm sending you a huge hug, Barbara!!! And when you get back to blogging I want to see pictures of that new house!
Posted by: Ivonne | February 16, 2007 at 12:30 PM
I'm so sorry to hear the bad news, Barbara :( You're in my thoughts, and I have high hopes for a complete recovery!
Mmmmm...looooove cheese! Nice picture.
Posted by: Ml | February 17, 2007 at 12:26 AM
Stay strong.....stay positive.....
You are a mountian of a woman in a petite package!
Best wishes.....good vibes!
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa | February 17, 2007 at 04:38 AM
Taking a break from the garage sale. We'll be having a nice dinner tonight from the profits. Thank you to everyone for your good wishes.
First night last night in the new place was peaceful. We walked to our favourite Thai restaurant then home to watch the cricket. NZ won. Can you believe it?
Posted by: barbara | February 17, 2007 at 06:26 AM
Oh, Barbara -- our thoughts are with you. We'll be waiting to see what treasures come from your new kitchen. And downsizing is a lot of fun, once you get over the initial panic. You'll feel free and weighless...
Posted by: Anita | February 17, 2007 at 11:06 AM
My thoughts and prayers are w/ you Barbara. I hope the surgery is successful and you have a speedy recovery.
Bruno
Posted by: Bruno | February 18, 2007 at 02:47 AM
My thoughts and prayers are w/ you Barbara. I hope the surgery is successful and you have a speedy recovery.
Bruno
Posted by: Bruno | February 18, 2007 at 02:48 AM
Thank you to everyone for your kind messages. I'll see you in a week.
Posted by: barbara | February 18, 2007 at 06:59 AM
Sorry to hear the sad news, am sending positive thoughts and energy your way. Wishing you strengths for the coming time. And as for kitchens, you will see that you find your way immediately around and adjust to the new space. Hugs.
Posted by: Isis | February 18, 2007 at 06:16 PM
Sorry to hear about this. I will be thinking of you and your family. Good luck with everything.
Posted by: Tartelette | February 19, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Barbara I am sending you a bunch of cyber hugs and best wishes! I'll be thinking about you!!! Good luck with everything and I look forward to hearing about your move and your new kitchen! :)
Posted by: joey | February 19, 2007 at 11:36 PM
Sending you healing thoughts - looking for health in the body and joy in the new kitchen!
Take care.
Posted by: Tanna | February 20, 2007 at 03:53 AM
Barbara - my thoughts and prayers are with you. Best wishes for everything. Can't wait to hear about your new kitchen.
Posted by: Morven | February 20, 2007 at 05:52 AM
Barbara, wishing you every luck and happiness.
Posted by: Golly | February 20, 2007 at 08:04 AM
Good luck, and best wishes...
We'll have to see about getting you some real truffle cheese later this year...
Posted by: Gareth | February 20, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Dear Barbara, hoping all goes well with the operation - and your move. Wishing you the very best of luck over the next weeks.
Posted by: Caroline@Bibliocook | February 20, 2007 at 10:03 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about it but I will keep my fingers crossed and send positive thoughts your way. I have faith that you'll recover well and be fine in the end :)
Posted by: Ellie | February 22, 2007 at 08:25 PM
Best wishes for your treatment and recovery. We are a cancer family too, it's a tough road. Hope you're trying out fun recipes in the new kitchen very soon.
Posted by: Sue McG | February 26, 2007 at 04:23 AM
Tough news, Barbara. I shed a tear for you. "Nihil illigitimi carborundum," as the Romans said & hope the move goes well.
Posted by: editor | March 08, 2007 at 09:31 AM
Thanks Roger - nicely put in Latin.
Posted by: barbara | March 08, 2007 at 12:30 PM