Thoughts from my kitchen table in Canberra

Thoughts from my kitchen table in Canberra - post Cyclone Debbie

1/4/2017

Roses in a vase - Liz Posmyk Good Things

My thoughts are with folks in parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales this morning, as I sit at my kitchen table enjoying the sunshine streaming in through the windows.

Unlike so many others, I'm safe and dry, and all is relatively well in my neck of the woods. Elsewhere, it is not so.

The force of tropical Cyclone Debbie, and the record-breaking heavy rain, strong winds and flooding in her aftermath, has caused widespread, catastrophic damage and brought enormous loss to fellow Australians.

Watching video footage on the news is gut-wrenching, and I am reminded of how devastated my late brother, Alex, and his family were after their home was destroyed by Cyclone Tracey, which completely flattened Darwin in 1974.

I was ever so happy to hear from my nephew, Alex, earlier on. He and his wife live in Brisbane and, while their area has been affected by flooding, thankfully they are in no danger.

That said, I know that many thousands of others, friends included, have lost everything, so publishing a bunch of photos showcasing (showing off) new stuff in my kitchen doesn't sit well with me right now. I would rather use this post to send out a call for help.

Our independent national regulator of charities, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), is encouraging Australians to donate to registered charities in the wake of Cyclone Debbie. For those wishing to donate, the best way to check if a charity is registered is to search the Charity Register at acnc.gov.au/findacharity. The Register provides information on 54,000 charities, including the beneficiaries of each charity and locations where each charity operates. Sounds like a good thing to me.

The Queensland Government has also released information on volunteering and helping those affected by the cyclone at qldalert.com. Thank you. ❤

The IMK community and new directions...

Thanks so much to the talented bunch of bloggers who joined up for last month's IMK.

Many of you will know of Celia from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial, who started posting In My Kitchen pieces in February 2010. The following year, Celia began linking her posts to like-minded bloggers around the globe. Celia quickly built a strong community of foodies and cooks.

At the beginning of last year, Celia handed over the reins of IMK to Maureen, from Orgasmic Chef, who cheerfully hosted the series until September 2016, when she and Celia asked me to take over because of Maureen's health issues.

I have genuinely enjoyed hosting IMK over the last several months. Sadly, a busy schedule for the rest of this year means that it's now time to pass the baton. My friend, Sherry Mackay, from Sherry's Pickings, has generously agreed to take over hosting IMK from me as from next month, 1 May 2017. Thank you, Sherry, and thank you everyone for your continued support of IMK.

In the meantime, leave me a link in the comments below if you would like to share your April IMK.

Tell me dear readers, what's happening in your April kitchen? Do you live in an area affected by the Cyclone?

59 Comments

Peter

30/3/2017 09:06:31 pm

Thumbs up.

Amelia

31/3/2017 04:31:41 am

This is great information. Thank you, Liz.

Lizzy

3/4/2017 01:25:57 am

You are most welcome.

Simone Mason

31/3/2017 04:32:17 am

Thank you Lizzie.

3/4/2017 01:26:12 am

You are welcome x

Anna @ shenANNAgans link

31/3/2017 06:30:19 am

Liz, thank you. Thank you so much for your support and thoughts and love and kindness and all round wonderfulness. I am lucky and incredibly grateful you are in my life. xxx

31/3/2017 07:26:05 am

Take care, treasure xxx

Gerlinde link

31/3/2017 09:38:41 am

I am so sorry for the people that are affected by this disaster. My heart goes out to them.

3/4/2017 01:26:31 am

Me too, Gerlinde. Thank you xx

Judy Purcell link

31/3/2017 09:44:54 am

I am so sorry to hear about the devistating weather in Queensland and northern New South Wales -- that is so frightening! Prayers for those struggling with loss and those with family at risk. :(

3/4/2017 01:27:00 am

Judy, thank you for your caring words. Devastation across the globe, lately x

John / Kitchen Riffs link

31/3/2017 11:48:10 am

What an awful storm! I lived in Florida for a decade, so know how destructive tropical storms can be. Not a fun thing to experience, at all. :-(

3/4/2017 01:27:22 am

I can only imagine, John, most frightening!

francesca link

31/3/2017 02:48:55 pm

Thank you for the information regarding registered charities. Australians are so amazing when it comes to donating for national disasters,floods, cyclones and fires. A timely and useful reminder Liz.

And thank you so much for hosting this series. You have made the process so easy and have been incredibly prompt with adding things on your side bar for us all to enjoy. I will miss you Liz, but I guess you will still be around with your regular posts. Take care. F

3/4/2017 01:29:32 am

Dearest Francesca, I know that you have been through hardship caused by the weather, so thank you for your kind words on that matter. It's been my pleasure hosting IMK, I really did enjoy it... sadly the schedule for the next few months is crazy, but I will still be here and perhaps Sherry can hand back over to me in the fullness of time. Thanks again lovely x

Amanda link

31/3/2017 05:24:01 pm

The weather and floods in Queensland have certainly been shocking and my heart goes out to those affected.
And many thanks to you, Liz, for hosting the In My Kitchen roundups - they are always such fun.

3/4/2017 01:30:05 am

Thank you, Amanda, I know that you've had your fair share of scary times in the hills, as well. It's been my pleasure, love. xx

31/3/2017 09:50:44 pm

And here's my post lovely Liz. https://almostitalian.wordpress.com/2017/04/01/in-my-kitchen-april-2017/

3/4/2017 01:30:20 am

Thank you x

mae link

31/3/2017 10:17:50 pm

Dear Lizzie,
Your post expresses the best of sentiments. In the US, we also come together when disaster strikes, and try to help those in need (though we don't always live up to our own expectations). I appreciate your commitment to continue listing posts for the April edition of "In My Kitchen," and I did make a post, here:

http://maefood.blogspot.com/2017/03/kitchen-miscellany-for-first-of-april.html

best... mae

3/4/2017 01:30:46 am

Mae, thank you for your kind words. All the best. xx

Bob Bennett

1/4/2017 02:10:06 am

Tough times for peeps up north. Heartbreaking stuff.

3/4/2017 01:31:04 am

Indeed. Cheers, Bob.

Sarah Benson

1/4/2017 02:10:44 am

Paradise has a dark side.

3/4/2017 01:31:19 am

It so does!

Maureen link

1/4/2017 06:31:33 am

There's lots of water up here but thankfully and mercifully, none in our back yard. So many people have lost everything.

Good luck to Sherry!

3/4/2017 01:31:50 am

Dearest Maureen, I was glad to know you were safe... I mean, you are practically surrounded by water. Take care xx

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella link

1/4/2017 07:36:09 pm

It's very sad indeed to hear about people that have lost everything. Your home is your castle and it should be where you feel safe but not having that must be so difficult.

Best of luck to Sherry and thanks for taking it on when you did Lizzy :)

3/4/2017 01:32:12 am

So true, Lorraine. And thank you for your very kind words. x

Kim | a little lunch link

2/4/2017 12:54:01 am

Dear Liz, I totally understand your handing off the baton and also holding off on posting kitchen "stuff" in the wake of this disaster. My heart goes out to those who lost everything. xo

3/4/2017 01:32:31 am

Thank you, darling friend... you've been there, I know xx

Sandra Gay link

2/4/2017 01:58:19 am

It certainly been a torrid time here in Queensland. Our hearts go out to those who have lost so much, "there but for the grace of God go I." Good luck with your plans for the coming year, glad Sherry has taken the reins. My April contribution to IMK
https://pleasepasstherecipe.com/2017/04/02/in-my-kitchen-april-07/

3/4/2017 01:33:11 am

Thank you, Sandra, I hope you've been okay up there. Cheers.

Debi @ My Kitchen Witch link

2/4/2017 03:51:29 am

Liz, I am glad to hear that you are safe and dry, but very sad to hear that many friends and relatives of yours have lost everything. I agree, posting pictures of neat little gadgets and new things in your kitchen not exactly appropriate. Also, I am sad to hear that you will be handing over the reins of the IMK. I do hope you will still continue to participate. It is a wonderful way of linking people from around the globe.
My IMK for this month is: https://americanfoodieabroad.wordpress.com/2017/04/01/tea-cakes-pie-in-my-spring-kitchen/
Wishing all of those who have suffered in Cyclone Debbie all the best in restoring their lives in near future,
Debi (not Debbie!)

3/4/2017 01:33:52 am

Hi Debi, thank you for your very kind words... yes, I will still participate, but just can't do the hosting for now. All the best, and thanks again. x

@ChristineSalins (FoodWineTravel) link

2/4/2017 07:27:50 am

So much devastation everywhere. Nature can be a cruel beast. Aussies are resilient and all these affected areas will bounce back but it will be a long hard road for many. Thinking of everyone who has been touched by the cyclone and flooding. Thanks for your kind words, Liz, and thank you too for hosting IMK and all that you do for the blogging community.

3/4/2017 01:34:37 am

So glad to know that you made it to safety in time, Christine. Thank you for your very kind words here, it's been my pleasure. Take care and see you when I see you, lovely. xx

Johanna @ Green Gourmet Giraffe link

2/4/2017 08:41:10 am

It is hard to imagine just how tough it must be up north lately when we are safe and snug at home but it is terrible to see the images of the devastation and think of how many are affected. Your post is very thoughtful and inspiring.

Meanwhile I am lucky enough to have a kitchen and have shared my IMK post:
http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2017.html

I am sad to hear that you are passing on the IMK baton - your hosting has been warm and generous - many thanks! On the other hand, it gives me great pride in the IMK community that there are always those ready to take on the baton. I will look forward to Sherry's contribution to this event.

3/4/2017 01:35:09 am

Hi Johanna, thank you for your very kind words. It has been my pleasure. All the very best. xx

David link

2/4/2017 10:16:33 am

I am always at a loss when there is a horrific disaster and there I sit as a food blogger posting recipes and (I hope) pretty photos. You are so thoughtful to post this today...

3/4/2017 01:35:28 am

David, thank you kindly x

SallyBR link

2/4/2017 09:47:39 pm

Totally understand that you rather not post photos of your kitchen, given the circumstances in Australia - natural disasters are so devastating, I get into this paralysis mode in which I cannot stand even watching the news - it is all so horrific! The mudslide in Colombia, just another example, in a much smaller scale, but so terrifying....

Sad to see you go from hosting IMK.

I will join this month, had my post ready for a while... so at least I catch you one more time

3/4/2017 01:36:06 am

Hello there Sally, so much devastation around the globe right now. Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to your IMK post xx

4/4/2017 07:30:53 am

here is my link.... I have to edit the post to correct the link to your site, it is directing to an old post instead of the home page

will work on that a little later today

https://bewitchingkitchen.com/2017/04/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2017/

Kari @ bite-sized thoughts link

3/4/2017 10:45:33 am

I had heard of the cyclone here in the UK, but haven't seen as much on it as I would have if in Australia. It is always so sad seeing the destruction brought about by these events - I am glad you are safe.

Thanks for hosting IMK for as long as you have! I've just done my April post at http://www.bitesizedthoughts.com/2017/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2017.html

Moya link

4/4/2017 03:38:13 am

Hi Lizzy, so happy to hear all is well with your family. And of course awful to hear the sad news about the people whom it did affect, I can only imagine their struggles. Sorry to see you go as the host of IMK and thank you for hosting these past months :) xx

Beck @ Golden Pudding link

4/4/2017 05:18:19 am

Thanks for letting us know about the opportunities to give Liz. I know of a few people affected somewhat in Brisbane and surrounds, but most have been very lucky.
I still get stunned each year by the contrasts with Australia's “droughts and flooding rains”, sometimes in the same season :(
In the mundane world of my kitchen, I haven’t bought anything, but as always have been cooking...
https://insearchofgoldenpudding.com/2017/04/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2017/
thanks
Beck

Gretchen link

4/4/2017 01:30:09 pm

Thank you for the information. While the loss is always tragic it is heart warming to see people rally together for support.

Thanks also for hosting. You've been a wonderful IMK host and will be missed, though I'm sure we'll still see regular posts on your blog. Good luck with your busy schedule.

I've just put my post up here,

https://feedingmy3sons.com/2017/04/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2017/

Shaheen Sutton link

4/4/2017 02:23:09 pm

Hi Lizzy, there has been very little coverage in the UK of the cyclone. I am genuinely so sorry to read your post about the destruction of peoples home and also that you are passing the IMK baton on. I would sincerely like to say Thank you so much for hosting and playing a small role in our kitchens wherever in the world we may be and that you continue to be safe in yours.

Here is my blog post
http://allotment2kitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/black-butter-and-charcoal-biscuits-in.html

sherry MacKay link

5/4/2017 07:55:10 pm

Hi Liz
hello again:=) it was wonderful to catch up in person this week. here is my link http://sherryspickings.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/in-my-kitchen-april-2017.html
Hoping to see everyone next month when i start hosting.
cheers
xx

Tandy | Lavender and Lime link

6/4/2017 03:31:32 am

The storms looked terrible and so good of you to share the charitable information Liz. Sorry to hear you won't be hosting IMK any longer. Thank you for linking my post before I had the chance to comment here xx

The VegHog link

6/4/2017 03:07:38 pm

Hi Lizzy,

It's awful to hear about the floods, I hope that there will be quick help for the people in need. It's also sad that you won't be hosting IMK anymore, thank you so much for these past months! I will of course still be following your blog, and wish all the best to you!

Here's my April IMK post:
http://the-veghog.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/in-my-kitchen-in-april.html

The VegHog

Napoli Restaurant Alert link

7/4/2017 08:43:28 pm

Thank you for your hosting efforts Liz, I know it takes a lot of effort. Here's the last post you'll link from me! x https://napolirestaurantalert.wordpress.com/2017/04/08/in-my-kitchen-april-2017/

Shari from GoodFoodWeek link

8/4/2017 11:52:10 pm

Thanks so much for hosting IMK - I'm so glad to see that it is going over to Sherry who will continue to keep it alive. It is one of my favourite link ups. Here is my contribution for this month: http://goodfoodweek.com.au/2017/04/life-whats-kitchen-5/

Maree link

9/4/2017 03:39:24 am

Thanks Liz for the work you have done to keep the IMK posts rolling. It really is something I look forward to and sadly one of the few posts I get to do these days. All the best for the future, cheers, Maree. Link to my post is https://aroundthemulberrytree.wordpress.com/2017/04/09/in-my-kitchen-april/

Maggie link

9/4/2017 04:51:12 am

Hi Liz,
So sorry to hear about the cyclone but I'm glad your nephew and his family are okay. I completely understand your sentiments. Thank you for posting the links to the charities and your explanations. I'll for sure add a donation.

Thanks very much for hosting.

Here is my link for this month:https://spooninasaucepan.com/2017/04/09/in-my-kitchen-april-2017/

Liz link

9/4/2017 10:53:30 am

Thank you for hosting Lizzy, I look forward to hearing of your new adventures.

Here is my post, a little late this month but still before the 10th.
https://spadesspatulasandspoons.com/2017/04/09/in-my-kitchen-april-2017/

Miss Food Fairy link

10/4/2017 05:26:43 am

Hi Liz, thanks for hosting IMK for the past few months. Good luck with your new adventures. We'll still be in touch with all your goings-on for sure.
Here's my post - just in time :)
Take care xx
https://missfoodfairy.com/2017/04/10/in-my-kitchen-april-2017/

Aida link

10/4/2017 01:37:48 pm

Hi Liz,

Sorry to hear you are not going to organise IMK anymore. My IMK for April as above link hope you can include since I did not participate last month.

Though with people affected with the cyclone...and honestly thought to everyone that is unfortunate by any situation...civil war, natural disaster.

Keep in touch.

Thanks,
Aida at SOTG

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Thoughts from my kitchen table in Canberra - post Cyclone Debbie

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