Hello readers (assuming there are any of you left). I wanted to apologize for my long absences. My family has been going through so much the last five years, that it’s been hard to find creative energy. I have promised myself to get back to the kitchen and the keyboard and breathe some life back into this project. (I hope I can keep the promise this time)
For those who are wondering what derailed me so much (I can’t remember how much I’ve written about, so I’ll touch on everything), here’s the gist. Our oldest daughter has severe autism and is completely non-verbal and 6-7 years ago we found ourselves battling the school district in court to get her placed in a school designed to teach her effectively. We won – but it took a lot out of us all.
Right around the time that we made it to court (about six months before), my husband discovered that he has a brain tumor. Slow growing, thankfully, but terrifying nonetheless. Surgery then a year of chemo and things have been pretty quiet until last year. Last year (right about the time I started back making burgers), Paul’s quarterly MRI showed activity again in his tumor. So, in October he had proton radiation and now he is in cycle three of eight cycles of chemo (each cycle is six weeks). Chemo sucks, really sucks.
And here we are. Brain cancer, autism, life is complicated. But we all need creative outlets and my goal for this year is to move forward – one step at a time. You won’t hear from me every week, but let’s shoot for once a month. I’ve got my Maltese Burger made and photographed, so now it’s just a matter of sharing it with you.
I hope you’ll stick around to see it.
Cheers,
Linda
I’m so sorry to hear about the unfairly difficult hand you and your family have been dealt. I have really enjoyed the recipes I’ve used, and in fact you’ve given me a few ideas for a project of my own (still in the works, but it might eventually see the light of day!). I hope things get better, I really do. I’m looking forward to trying the Malta burger when it appears!
Thanks for your kindness. We are lucky, we have lots of love and lots of good food. I’m happy to hear I’ve inspired you – can’t wait to hear more about your project.
I am so sorry to hear about all of the challenges you are facing right now. I really hope that 2020 brings many good things to you and your family. I just discovered your blog, and have had so much fun looking at your recipes. I’m looking forward to trying some new things!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad you discovered the site and hope you enjoy the burgers!
Hey Linda – long time reader who took a sabbatical for a few years as I was running around. I just wanted to say that I LOVE your project and this blog.
Life does get in the way, and I cannot imagine how tough the last few years must have been for you and your family. Stay strong and keep going!
Thanks JB – I’m hoping to get back to burgers once life gets slightly more normal…hoping that happens soon.
Stay well!
A friend of mine just forwarded your blog to me and I want to say this is such a cool project and you have a wonderful gift when it comes to writing. Am really enjoying reading the country descriptions and recipes. I will definitely be trying the food and I hope someday to see some of these exotics destinations as well.
Having now read your life update my heart is with you and I just wanted to say thanks for sharing and I hope the best for your husband’s health and that things start looking up for all of you. For what it’s worth, during this crazy time, please know that you’ve brought some happiness to others and that while we’ll never meet, myself and others are cheering for you and your family. Best wishes.
Thank you Nate – unfortunately it’s difficult to get the ingredients I need to keep things going right now, but I’m still here, we’re still healthy and I’m hoping to get back to burgers soon!
You are a very strong woman and I’m glad your family worked together to go through this series of difficulties. I love your burgers project. I couldn’t find any sites that provide the most common burgers/gyros/etc eaten in their countries. Half of the sites that provide burgers around the globe show some bazaar burgers the locals don’t even eat. Keep up the good work, girl!
Linda – I have sent your blog to many friends and we are all huge fans. I cannot imagine what you and your family have been going through these past few years. All I can say is hang in there. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Linda – I have sent your blog to many friends and we are all huge fans. I cannot imagine what you and your family have been going through these past few years. All I can say is hang in there. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Edit: got my website wrong… fat fingers.
Hi Jamil,
Life has been busy the last few years, but I’m feeling like I’m ready to start back in and get cooking! Stay tuned for more recipes this summer!
Best
Linda