good things - Liz Posmyk
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Musings on travel, coming home, and life in retirement

26/7/2017

46 Comments

 
The Good Things kitchen in Canberra, Australia - Liz Posmyk
Travel is grand, but it's such a delight to settle back in at home and spend time in my sunny kitchen. 

If it weren't for the photographs, I might not believe that over the last two and a half months I have spent time in London, Whitby, Cumbria, Northumberland, County Durham, London (again), Zurich and Paris (ever-so briefly), followed by Budapest, Sátoraljaújhely in northern Hungary, then Budapest again and, finally, Sydney.

While it seems a lifetime ago, I shouldn't forget that I spent 18 months prior working on my book, which was published in November last year. To my huge delight, almost all my books sold in the weeks and months before we left for overseas. (Thank you so much if you bought a copy, you are so kind!). Honestly, I'm still pinching myself!

On the flight home from Budapest, I told Peter that I was dreading travelling to Sydney a week or so after arriving back in Australia. Sure, I was very much looking forward to The Fresh Awards gala, but another trip seemed all too soon and I was feeling overwhelmed.

In hindsight, it was a good thing. The temperature in Sydney was ten "delicious" degrees warmer than Canberra, maybe more. And spending three days in "the big smoke" took our minds off the fact that we really missed being in Budapest.

Now we're back home in Canberra, it's time for me to catch my breath and simply relish life in retirement. There are heartwarming winter meals to be cooked and recipes to be developed and explored; post-travel thank you notes to be written; photographs to be sorted; and cupboards to be (further) decluttered. On the bedroom floor there's already a huge pile of clothes and shoes that will be donated to Vinnies, a local op-shop/charity. (It's amazing how enlightening it is to live out of a suitcase in minimalist apartments. We have way too much stuff!). 

I've been catching up with loved ones, lunching regularly with my beloved son and my darling daughter; as well as dining out with friends. I'm keen to get back into swimming, cycling and bushwalking. The garden and vegetable patch needs tidying in readiness for Spring; and I absolutely must make time to go through my paperwork in preparation for a meeting with my accountant, who will lodge my income tax return.

​At some stage, I would like to sit quietly in my favourite armchair in our sunny library-come-front-room and dip into the pages of some of the books in my reading pile. Phew! When did I find time to go to work, I wonder?!

Towards the bottom of my "To-Do" list is "write blog posts", "visit your favourite blogs", and "catch up on social media". I'm not quite sure when, but I'm hoping to find a little time for this.

So, forgive me, please, if I don't post recipes and articles here nearly as often as I might. And, (for my blogger friends from around the globe), apologies if I don't stop by to comment on every new post on your blog, or "like" every post on Facebook and Instagram.  I do enjoy reading them, but I don't always have time to comment, or press the "like" button. 

I know you will understand as you, too, spend precious time enjoying the here and now of real life. ​❤
Postcards from our trip by Liz Posmyk Good Things
More on The Sydney Markets Fresh Awards, and our travels in blog posts, which will be written, compiled and published in the fullness of time. Incidentally, if you would like to buy one of the last few copies of my book, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. 

Your turn dear readers (if you feel like adding a comment), do you love to travel, and what are your favourite things about coming home? And how about social media? Do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, Twitter or Facebook? Or have you managed to switch off?
46 Comments
Christine @ FoodWineTravel link
26/7/2017 10:53:06 am

Never enough hours in the day, is there Liz? :-)

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Liz
26/7/2017 07:29:15 pm

Sigh, that's so true Christine. XX

Reply
Liz
26/7/2017 07:30:10 pm

PS Thanks so much for stopping in to comment x

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Gerlinde link
26/7/2017 11:03:19 am

I have been retired for years and the older I get the faster time goes by. It looks like you had a great trip. I love to read more about Budapest because it's on my bucket list.

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Lizzy
26/7/2017 07:27:04 pm

Oh Gerlinde, welcome to the club! But isn't it the best time of our lives! I'd be delighted to present more information about Budapest. I love it so very much! Thank you for stopping by.

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John / Kitchen Riffs link
26/7/2017 12:38:40 pm

Yup, I have so much to do too -- don't know how I ever found time to work! Retirement is wonderful, isn't it? Love it!

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Lizzy
26/7/2017 07:29:51 pm

Oh John, it sure is! And I/we love it too. Thanks so much for stopping by. : )

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Amanda link
26/7/2017 12:52:17 pm

I'm hearing you, Liz.
I write this from a hotel room in Edinburgh on my third international trip since late January. I've also had a couple of regional trips in that time, too.
Much as I love travel, I'll be looking forward to spending some time at home for the rest of this year. Although there is a gastronomy conference in New Zealand later this year that has caught my eye ... !

Reply
Liz
26/7/2017 07:31:36 pm

Hi Amanda, I've been following your travels and am in awe! I don't think I could "cope" with three international trips in the space of six months, love. Do enjoy the rest of your time in the UK... and if you get the chance, see The Kelpies! (You're sooooo close!). Thanks so much for stopping by. x

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Jenni shum
26/7/2017 05:45:15 pm

Good article and with feeling. Enjoy!

Reply
Lizzy
26/7/2017 07:32:05 pm

Thanks so much, Jenni. Would like to catch up once I've caught my breath. x

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Lizzy
26/7/2017 07:34:20 pm

PS looking forward to swapping travel tales!

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Chris Riley link
26/7/2017 06:55:51 pm

Hi Liz, I've just read a little about your book mentioned in this blog. Apologies, but I'm relatively new to your blog, and hadn't been aware of your book. I will try and get a copy. I used to work for an eccentric gentleman, Julius Elischer. Julius also fled Budepest after the revolution. He had been one of the leaders I believe, fighting from the university. He lost both his lung, and his wife to the revolution. Like your dad though he was lucky enough to get to Australia and rebuild a life for himself here. I wonder if they knew each other.

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Lizzy
26/7/2017 07:33:48 pm

Hi Chris, there's no need to apologise, truly. Julius sounds sound like an amazing gentleman. Did he settle in Canberra? My father was born in Budapest but was living in northern Hungary at the time of the Uprising. If you would like a copy of my book, you can order one via the tab on my blog. : ) Thanks for stopping by.

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SeattleDee link
26/7/2017 07:49:19 pm

Are you able to relax yet following your book project and travel adventures? Your 'To Do' List sounds pretty busy! Wishing you joy and balance as you explore this next chapter of your life

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Lizzy
26/7/2017 07:51:36 pm

Hello Dee, yes, starting to, finally, but there's much to do (especially the tax thing, eek!). Thank you so much for taking the time to post your kind words. Wishing you good health and much joy x

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Eha
26/7/2017 11:25:44 pm

Welcome home safe and sound Liz!! Am looking forwards to both the English and Hungarian experiences, thank you!!!! BUT please define the word 'retirement' !!!! Sugar, beautiful lady - I am older than you and have never ever been busier in paidwork, volunteer efforts or studies . . . . methinks I was 'retired' in my 40s and 50s . . . . certainly not now!!! Nor are you!! I grew almost hysterical from laughter at a delightful, at present travelling, lady's blog where one commenter, upon hearing of the lady's husband's 70th birthday thought that but years ago that had been 'really old' . . . . I was ready for fisticuffs!!

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Lizzy
28/7/2017 01:46:12 am

Hello there lovely Eha and thank you for your beautiful words. Yep, that's so true about retirement. These are, methinks, the best years of our lives! xx

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Glamorous Glutton link
27/7/2017 04:47:19 am

We have decided to do more travelling too. We won't be away as long as you have been but we're taking every chance to discover new places here and abroad. We're in Australia next Feb, so looking forward to it. Enjoy life and I agree, how was there ever time to work!! GG

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Lizzy
27/7/2017 04:48:32 am

Oh Amanda, that's wonderful! Enjoy (PS prepare yourself for summer downunder!). Thank you for stopping by xx

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Estelle Barnes
27/7/2017 09:20:34 pm

Hi Liz, My husband and I have just come back from an overseas holiday and I have kept in touch with your blog whilst away. After reading about Budapest and seeing your wonderful photos of where you stayed I just wanted to keep going all the way to Budapest. On my to do list now.

Reply
Liz
28/7/2017 01:47:34 am

Hi Estelle, isn't it lovely to have the opportunity to travel! Welcome home to you, also. Thank you for your kind words! If you're ever planning a trip to Budapest, do shoot me an email. Will talk you through the good things to see, taste and do, as well as accommodation options. x

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sherry MacKay link
28/7/2017 01:48:37 am

social media is so distracting isn't it? i can spend an hour on it without thinking. i am trying to be more mindful of it and not waste real life time when i could be reading real books or doing real things. but i don't want to ignore my virtual friends either. aah dilemma .... we are off on a road trip to Rocky tomorrow- can't wait. love a long-ish road trip. xx

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Lizzy
28/7/2017 08:34:09 pm

It surely is, Sherry. Safe travels, enjoy xx

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Simone Mason
28/7/2017 01:48:40 am

Welcome home dear Lizzie. I enjoyed following your journey on instagram. Budapest looks beautiful. Shall watch for your articles about the trip.

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Lizzy
28/7/2017 08:32:18 pm

Thank you xx

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Bob Bennett
28/7/2017 01:49:27 am

Welcome back!!!! Loved seeing your postcards. The Red Bull eh. Wow.

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Lizzy
28/7/2017 08:32:31 pm

Bob, it was something else!!!!

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Judy Cinerari
28/7/2017 06:19:22 pm

We are currently on a 7 week holiday in our caravan. Travelling from Melbourne to Darwin and Kakadu. Relaxing and warm.

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Lizzy
28/7/2017 08:32:42 pm

Oh Judy, enjoy! xx

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Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella link
29/7/2017 04:28:43 am

Welcome back Lizzy! I love travelling but I also love coming home too :)

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Lizzy
30/7/2017 07:47:19 pm

Thank you : )

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David link
30/7/2017 07:38:56 pm

I've loved following your adventures, Liz! And I can't imagine how any of us do what we do! Thank goodness I don't sleep well! Welcome back, and I'm here ready to read when you are ready!

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Lizzy
30/7/2017 07:47:40 pm

David, thanks ever so much!

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Pamela Hayward
31/7/2017 03:16:59 am

Hi....I was wondering if you have ever been to Buda house in Castlemaine. Buda is actually named after Budapest as it was originally named by the owner who came from ...Budapest. it is an interesting story and the house and gardens are beautiful (maybe not quite so much in winter ). He had five daughters who were incredibly talented in various arts. Google it anyway and if you are ever in the area let me know and I can show you it (I am a volunteer there )

Reply
Lizzy
31/7/2017 03:56:12 am

Hello Pamela, no, I hadn't even heard of Buda House, but I am definitely going to Google it. Thanks so much for your kind offer. : )

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Fiona Ryan
1/8/2017 01:22:52 am

A lovely post Liz. Full of reflection and memories. We also fronted up for a trip away to the Barossa, less than a week after being in the US and Mexico for 6 weeks. As the time crept closer, I too wished I hadn't booked them so close together but as it turned out, we had a great time with our friends and it was a nice way to end our travels. All the best xxx

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Lizzy
1/8/2017 01:52:02 am

Thank you, lovely. Apologies I haven't been stopping by so often. xx

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Kate link
1/8/2017 06:11:14 pm

I know that feeling all too well. The juggle, albeit a rather nice juggle, of settling back into your routine after an adventure.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog to say hello. A real treat when new readers pop in and comment.

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Lizzy
1/8/2017 07:15:46 pm

Kate, thank you so much. Love your blog, so quirky, my kinda thing... much to investigate there.

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Jenni shum
5/8/2017 09:29:33 pm

Hi Lizzy. I heard you on ABC radio just now. Your comments re the food in Budapest brought back those happy memories of our recent trip. I'm so glad we spent a few more days in Budapest than we otherwise would have. I cooked the chicken paprika last night (from your book), which both John and I enjoyed. Cheers Lizzy.

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Lizzy
6/8/2017 04:47:20 am

Hi Jenni, oh, how lovely, thank you for letting me know! PS did you make the nokedli as well? xx

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Laura | Tutti Dolci link
8/8/2017 11:24:44 pm

I love seeing your travel photos, it sounds like you had a wonderful time! Your floral arrangement is so lovely too!

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Lizzy
8/8/2017 11:53:02 pm

Thanks Laura x

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Moya link
15/8/2017 07:05:44 am

What a whirl wind of a holiday... a well deserved rest after publishing your book. Do you plan on selling it on Amazon? I know how hard it is to keep up with social media but do love when you find the time to stop by :)

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Liz link
16/8/2017 08:16:33 pm

It sounds like life has been good to you!! What a fun trip---you know how to do retirement well!!! I'm wondering if my comments go through as I visit now and then---I need to check! xo

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    Photo of Liz Posmyk, Food Writer, Cook and Traveller

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