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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Testing Times

Chch Earthquake 4

Of necessity this is going to be a short post right now.  I am sure you have all heard about the devastating earthquake that rocked our city on Tuesday, and I am humbled more than I can say for all the kind thoughts and wishes that so many of you have sent me from around the world.

I am fortunate to be safe and unhurt, and have wonderful family taking care of me.  You can see in this picture the state of my kitchen right now, so I hope you understand why I'm not cooking (no power either) and blogging right now.

Communication is not always easy either, so if you have sent me a message or comment and I haven't replied yet please forgive me, but please keep your messages coming - you cannot imagine how grateful I am for them right now and how much they mean to me.  So I am getting your messages, but it is not always easy to respond.

Right now I am very much focussed on just trying to function and do the things that I absolutely have to get done.  My whole future is completely uncertain right now, and I have no idea what lies ahead, but please know that I will eventually get back to you - it just might take me a few weeks.

There is really much more to say, but right at the moment it is all too raw - I will share more with you in the time ahead, but for now I just wanted to let you all know that I am safe and to say thanks.  It may be a few weeks before I am back to any kind of regular posting, but I hope you will keep me in your hearts and keep coming back to my blog.
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49 comments:

  1. ClareFebruary 27, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Sue, I'm so glad to hear from you via Couscous & Consciousness even though we had touched base after the ’quake. You are absolutely in the thick of it, and even though I've read every word in The Press, looked at all the photos on line and listened non-stop to National Radio, I can't comprehend what Christchurch people have gone through and what the future holds. Blessings and heartfelt best wishes from the West Coast.

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  2. pamFebruary 28, 2011 at 2:01 AM

    I echo everything Clare said above. All of my thoughts and prayers are with you. I can't even begin to comprehend what you are going through. We are all here for you.

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  3. Nisrine, Dinners and DreamsFebruary 28, 2011 at 2:19 AM

    I heard about the earthquake in the news and thought about you but wasn't sure if you lived where it happened. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. You will get through it but I'm sure right now things are still raw and painful. We will keep coming to your blog and will be here when you're back.

    Take care, Sue!

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  4. SusanDFebruary 28, 2011 at 2:27 AM

    I too heard about the quake. It is a comfort to hear you are well. Please know you are on our hearts and in our prayers. Praying here...for you there. Blessings, SusanD

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  5. kitchen flavoursFebruary 28, 2011 at 2:34 AM

    Hi Sue, really glad to know that you are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the people in Christchurch. Hope everything will get better very soon. Be strong, Sue, and please do take care!

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  6. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 3:02 AM

    Sue, sending you a big hug. Take care of yourself and you know I'm thinking of you...

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  7. UnknownFebruary 28, 2011 at 3:03 AM

    our thoughts are with you. I hope things sort out quickly.

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  8. Heather S-GFebruary 28, 2011 at 3:31 AM

    Sue, I am so glad to hear that you are okay and unhurt. Were right here sending thoughts and prayers across the miles. Hugs from afar!

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  9. SasaFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:54 AM

    Oh Sue! I'm so sorry, what a mess. Wish I could help clean up, I'm good at that. Everyone *has* been thinking of you - I was just telling Flo today how brave you've been and I was wondering if you'd been doing any cooking at your cousin's but I guess you must be home now. We'll be waiting when you're ready to do new posts, take as much time as you need xxx

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  10. Debbie B.February 28, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    So happy to hear you are safe and sound!! Thoughts are being sent your way from the States! Take your time and feel every emotion you need to!

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  11. debby emadianFebruary 28, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Although you are so far away the people of your country are in our thoughts over here in England all the time at the moment we are constantly getting updated news reports and hoping that survivors will be discovered. Be sure that lots of positive thoughts are going your way. I do so hope that things soon return to some kind of normality for you and yours.

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  12. Zo @ Two SpoonsFebruary 28, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    Yay, you're ok! Your kitchen looks very sad though - I feel like we got off so light in comparison. Take care :)

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  13. KimFebruary 28, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Sue- I am so happy you are okay and are surrounded by your wonderful family. I'm sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way. I'll be right here when you get back.

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  14. Deb in HawaiiFebruary 28, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    Hey Sue,
    Glad to see you out here and that you are still doing OK after the quakes. Still thinking those positive thoughts for you and everyone there and hoping things get back to normal for you soon. Take care.

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  15. a moderate lifeFebruary 28, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    Suzy Q, so glad you are ok and please let us all know if there is anything we can do for you or your country. HUGE HUGS!!!!! we love you! Alex

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  16. LanaFebruary 28, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    Sue, I was so relieved when you tweeted that you were OK. I am still thinking of you and the people of Christchurch and hoping that life starts to go back to normal. The photo of your pantry put my heart on pause. Be well and don't you worry about us. We'll be here.

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  17. AnnieFebruary 28, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    Hi Sue, I've been thinking about you since the earthquake struck. I'm so glad you and yours are safe. Our thoughts are with you as the country goes through rescue and recovery. Take care!

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  18. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    So so glad, again, that you are OK and that you have family around to look after one another. Even in Wellington I've found myself totally shaken after this week so I can't even comprehend what it must be like for you all. I have quite a bit of family down there and though they are all OK, wish I could be there with them. Thinking of you and everyone else in Christchurch in the coming weeks, and of course will continue to visit your blog!

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  19. Lyndsay WellsFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    Thank goodness you're okay! I've been thinking about you all night. Sending so much love...
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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  20. Michelle BMarch 1, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    Sue-I'm glad you posted. I've been wondering/worrying about you. Happy to hear that you are safe.

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  21. TinaMarch 1, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    Sue, the important thing is, you are ok. Your kitchen looks like hell but that can be sorted out. I heard the news and immeditatley thought of you - my husband mentioned you too when he called and mentioned the quake and asked if you were ok. Lots of people have you in their thoughts. Sending you good vibes!!

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  22. AndreasMarch 1, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Glad to hear you are safe.
    Sending you the best wishes for the times ahead.

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  23. Chats the Comfy CookMarch 1, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    From Alex, I understand you and your family are all right which is what is important.

    I looked at that photo and can't believe it. One moment, all is well and then boom, everything is upside down. I pray all will be well with you and everyone there. I am sure a lot of people are in a lot worse condition and they are in our prayers too.

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  24. April J HarrisMarch 1, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    I was watching your Facebook page, and was so glad to hear you are well and safe. I'm so sorry to hear about the devastation that has been suffered in Christchurch - and my thoughts and prayer really do go out to everyone there, including you!

    It must be so overwhelming, and so worrying. It's hard to know what to say, but please know that I'm sending lots of prayers, positive thoughts and good wishes.

    Take care, thinking of you and of course I will keep visiting to hear how you are getting along.

    April x

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  25. AnonymousMarch 2, 2011 at 1:56 AM

    Oh, Sue, my heart just breaks for you. After I received your email, I was so happy to know that you were safe. You are in my prayers and thoughts, and I know that all of us will be here for you when you're back to posting your incredible food.

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  26. MiriamMarch 2, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    I am SO glad you posted! I've been so worried, thinking the worst. I'll keep you in my prayers and thoughts. God bless. Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

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  27. AnonymousMarch 2, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    Sue, we are all thinking about you and glad to hear you have family support to help you through. If you feel like getting away for a while I have a self contained flat as part of my cooking school With of course great cooking facilities and you are welcome to use it, just drop me a line, comment or tweet. Take care, Alli

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  28. Sally - My Custard PieMarch 3, 2011 at 12:43 AM

    So sorry to hear this but glad you are alright. Our thoughts are with everyone in Christchurch.

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  29. Michele@FitFoodistaMarch 3, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Sue,
    I'm so glad to learn that you're as well as can be expected. I've been following the news with you in my thoughts. I've been sending good thoughts, prayers, and positive vibes your way. Stay well and keep us posted.

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  30. UnknownMarch 3, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Sue - we are so so so glad you are OK. I found your blog a couple of weeks ago and after last Tuesday have checked back constantly to see if you have posted and that you are OK. Thank goodness you are. Look after you and yours and we are thinking of you from here in Wellington.

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  31. ElisabethMarch 4, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    Hi Sue-I just remembered that you mentioned about the Bittman Challenge you commented on my blog last month, the first Thurs. of every month. I had it jotted down in my notes, so I clicked over to your blog, and it hit me...you are from Christchurch New Zealand. My heart suddenly sanked:((
    Sue, I am so very sorry about the earthquake, I've been following it on CNN, and my heart goes out to all the victims' families, and so, so sad about the devastation it caused.
    Thank God you and your family are not harmed, and you did not lose your home. As far as for the mess it has caused in your kitchen, that is the least of your worries. The main thing is to stay safe, and in time the city will re-build from the horrific damage.
    I will keep you all, in my thoughts and prayers!
    Keep us informed, when you can!

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  32. kitchen flavoursMarch 5, 2011 at 3:33 AM

    Hi Sue,
    How are you and your family doing over there? Hope things are better now. Thinking of you... in my thoughts and prayers.

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  33. ChristyMarch 6, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Dear Sue,
    you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! with love,
    Christy

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  34. AlessandraMarch 8, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    Ciao Sue

    I am so sorry, please keep in touch and let me know if you need anything.

    Are you back in Chch now? Do you have water? Hope to hear from you soon.

    ciao
    A.

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  35. GwenMarch 9, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    Oh my God! I had no idea! I feel like I live under a rock sometimes. That is so horrible, but I'm glad your unhurt. Good luck and God Bless!
    ~healthymamma

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  36. BarbaraMarch 10, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Just popped by to see how you are doing Sue.Take care.

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  37. TinaMarch 12, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    I just wanted to say hello and tell you that you've been in my thoughts. I hope the clean up is going ok and I hope you are in good health. I miss seeing you online.

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  38. April @ The 21st Century HousewifeMarch 15, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you. I keep popping by from time to time, and I do hope that things are coming back together. Sending positive thoughts and prayers. xx

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  39. kitchen flavoursMarch 16, 2011 at 4:14 AM

    Hi Sue, Just drop by to find out how are you. Everything fine over there? Take care.

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  40. Medifast Coupon Code 2011March 24, 2011 at 2:49 AM

    You poor things terrible tragedy to so many.

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  41. aipiMarch 29, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    I am sure things will get better soon...they always do. Lots of hugs n love..Take care Sue..

    US Masala

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  42. April @ The 21st Century HousewifeApril 6, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Just popping in again to say I'm still thinking of you and hoping things are going well. Take care.

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  43. KaterinaApril 9, 2011 at 1:18 AM

    I hope you will get your life back to normal eventually! Time has the magical power to allay our strong feelings and emotions after a tragedy. Hang in there healling will come sooner than you think!

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  44. kitchen flavoursApril 9, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    Hi Sue,
    Everything OK over there? It's been sometime since we last heard from you.... please do take care.

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  45. a moderate lifeApril 16, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    Sending you some love baby girl. Please get in touch if you can!

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  46. NisrineApril 22, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    I hope things are getting better. Missed you!
    Hugs

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  47. April J HarrisMay 6, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    Do hope things are okay. Thinking of you! x

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  48. emmMay 9, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    Far out. I have a few bloggers that I follow from Christchurch. Thankfully you are all okay.
    Also many thanks for introducing yourself on my blog :-) I'm loving finding new NZ blogs to follow Xx All the best

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  49. Heather S-GMay 9, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    Hi Sue! Just popping by to say hello again :D Hope you're doing well =)

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