Hi Debra, Good to hear from you and to know that you got to spend Christmas with John. That must be very hard for him to accept that his wife is living away from him, but he certainly was an incredible carer and I’m sure she appreciated it. I always find pork a little difficult to cook well – chops are easier than a joint – but the crackling is my favourite part 🙂 Loving the idea of you being able to move to Greece. Any one of the islands would be wonderful – I think Zante is my favourite. Good luck to you with your property investments, and thank you for your kind words. It’s a great job to have! Love Ali xx

Hi there Anne, yes it was great to see all the family together and something we hope to do again soon. Everything is heading in the right direction with the renovation, but we’re definitely in for the long haul. Colin reckons May before everything is completed internally but then there’ll be more work externally too! I’ll post a few pics in the new blog. I hope all is well with you and yours? Love Ali xx

Dear Mary, Good to hear from you, and yes thanks, both Colin and I are completely over Covid and feeling well and much stronger. It’s all go here with the work – I’ll take some photos for the new blog and post them. The second part of the house will be closed down this week which will leave us with just the back bedroom, shower room and kitchen to live in! Mind you, everything is going according to plan so once the plumbing and electrics are all in we can start to think of colours and fabrics etc. which will be nice. I’m sure your bathroom looks lovely now with the new bath and vanity unit. I’ve got to clear out our en suite tomorrow which I’m not looking forward to although I’m pretty sure there’s a lot I can throw away.
I am sorry to know that it’s been over a year since your mum died and I fully understand your mixed emotions especially as the year prior to her death was so difficult. I know counselling isn’t for everyone, but sometimes talking through how you’re feeling with someone who truly understands can help? The Good Grief Trust are very specialised and as a charity have helped thousands of people who are struggling. Just a thought… be kind to yourself. As someone once said to me, you need to love really deeply to hurt so badly… and that is true for you I know. I’m sure though that Arthur brings you much joy, and yes please do tweet a photo of him for me. They grow up so quickly don’t they?! Corey will be 10 months old on the 31st January and he is just gorgeous. My pots are just beginning to present little green shoots so my tete a tete, crocuses and daffs should be making an appearance soon. It’s been pretty grim here too but the last couple of days have been far milder and perfect for walking. I just wish I was near a beach like you! Take care, love Ali xxx

My dear Lynn, what an awful time for you! I’m so glad that you recovered well though and were home in time for Christmas too. I’m sure your Christmas dinner with all the family was a relief to you all – and you’re right, it’s definitely the tough times that make you appreciate the more ‘normal’ times. God bless to you and your family, and may you stay well and happy. Love Ali xx

Dear Tina, I’m so glad that you got to see your sister – is she a vegan or vegetarian? I think eating healthier is always a good thing – says she after a mighty cooked english breakfast! 🙂 I do though try and include more fruit and veg and make a lot of my own soups too which are always enjoyable. Loving the sound of the Skechers boots. I bought a pair a few years back that are specifically for walking and have faux fur around the top and inside too – great value for money and still going strong. I’m off now until the 6th February but will have a new blog for you before then.
Love Ali xx

Dear Karen, thanks for your kind words and I’m so glad that you always tune in for the Liz Earle shows. Caroline is a joy to work with and I agree, she always has so much advice and knowledge to share that it makes the hours just fly by! I do hope all is well with you and yours? Love Ali xx

Ooh Cherry I do hope you’re not having to cope without heating or hot water?? We had a couple of days like that and I had to shower at work! It will definitely be worth it once it’s finished but that seems quite a way off at the moment. I hope you don’t have too much longer to cope with it all! Take care and stay warm, love Ali xx

Dear Kathy, I’m so sorry to hear about your arm especially as it’s been over three months and the movement is still restricted. Hopefully by the time you get to March it will be feeling much better and you will be able to enjoy your holiday in Mexico. Yes, we were staying not far from the Akumal Bay hotel and it’s such a beautiful part of Mexico. I don’t think Colin and I will be travelling anywhere until the house is finished which won’t be until about May. I’m sure you and your husband will enjoy the break. Thanks for keeping in touch, love Ali xx