Thank You

The idea of this book came about with one person—who, like you, lost everything they ever owned—saying they were unable to remember a special recipe that was passed down from their mother.

It will be a long haul back—but like in the fires of 1939 and those that made it through—you can and will do it. You need to remain strong. You must talk about what has happened, both among yourselves to help and support each other, and with outsiders .This will ensure that your children and your children’s children never forget and are never affected in the same way.

Now is the time to make sure that you don’t become complacent, that you keep your network of friends and family close. You need their support more than ever. Yes there will be rough times ahead, but ask your friends and they will help you; that is the spirit of Australia and the nature of small towns.

Do not be afraid to ask for help

I can’t replace that recipe but I can try and find new recipes to replace the old. Most of these recipes are old recipes with the old measurements, they are simple and easy to make. I only hope you can enjoy these recipes as much as I do and they make your kitchen the heart and soul of your new home.

I would like to say thank-you to the following individuals and companies:

On a personal note, I would like to say thank-you to all the paid and unpaid people who, on the day, stood in the face of danger to try and protect everything I love and know. You did everything humanly possible and then some. I admire your courage, I admire your strength. Yes there were losses, both life and property but you are not superhuman men and women: you are human and that means sometimes you have to accept you did everything you possibly could without losing your own life.

Heather Samsa

marysvillescookbook@gmail.com

Second Printing, January 2010