ABOUT ME AND MY BLOG
In June 2004 I began describing my life as BC and AC. AC (after cancer) began here with my first post .
I began blogging on the 5th January 2005. At the time I was in the middle of chemotherapy. I had several reasons for blogging. Mostly to stay in contact with the world while I was confined to home. It just seemed easier to stay at home while I was feeling so sick, my immune system was down and I looked terrible. Anyone who has been through chemotherapy knows the look. The person that stares back at you from the mirror is not anyone you recognise - grey skin, dead eyes. Eventually I gave up mirrors.
My fight with cancer continues. Since my first surgery in June 2004 I have had two recurrences of secondary cancer, firstly in my liver followed by tumours in my lungs. Surgery and more chemo and now I'm back on three monthly check ups.
I no longer think of my life as AC. I've stopped pining for my BC life. My life is now just my life. I make the most of every day.
Thirty two years after moving to New Zealand with my New Zealand husband we've returned home to Australia to live. Exactly, almost to the day, 34 years after meeting each other on the Gold Coast of Queensland, we are back. To a bigger, brighter and more exciting city than the one we left.
My interest in food came when I was about 6. I read the story of Heidi, the little orphan girl in Switzerland. When Heidi's grandfather toasted a lump of cheese for her dinner I remember thinking how interesting it sounded. I needed to try it. Luckily we lived on a farm with an old wood fired stove. I cut off a chunk of cheese and toasted it over the coals. My first attempt at raclette .
So began my love of food. Later came an interest in wine. Even a job in the wine industry for some years. Travel, books, movies - most food and wine lovers tend to have these same loves. I guess in a way they are all connected.
I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in Margaret River, a region I appreciate more now than when I lived there.
I share my life with a wonderful husband, Bryan. We have two beautiful sons, Chris and Mike. When the boys were teenagers we opened our home to two overseas AFS students and now love Diane in France and Barb in Switzerland as if they were our own daughters.
I love walking on the beach, laying on my back in the pool looking up at the blue sky, picnics with friends, drinking wine, discovering new restaurants, listening to music in the candlelight. My travel is limited for the moment so I enjoy books, movies and documentaries about life in other cities and countries...and blogging.
I especially love the friends I have made through blogging.
