It was grand and good of you to take the time out to write. I hope you’re having a good week? Love Ali xx

Yay Tina! So you saw Keith Urban on Honey’s 7th birthday – I bet you had a fabulous time? That’s a very responsible job your brother has and I know will involve a lot of touring – it’s good that he’s struck up a relationship with him and been in the job for 10 years. So glad you get to see him too. Mmm not sure about Julie as I would have thought you may be able to get it on ITV Hub… but maybe that’s not on Freeview…? Thanks for keeping in touch, love Ali xx

Hi Merche, sounds as though you are as busy as I am with this month’s birthdays! Happy Birthday to Gerry on the 30th – we can all raise glasses together! I wish you plenty of joy and times together to celebrate. 🙂 Love Ali xx

Mary, I know exactly what you mean about time running away with you. Lovely to hear about Arthur although it’s hard to believe he is now six months old but I’m glad you have plenty of time with him. I haven’t yet watched the Davina documentary but I know there’s been a huge amount more publicity when it comes to the menopause and knowledge is Power. I’m so sorry you are struggling and wonder if maybe you should go down the route of very mild antidepressants rather than HRT? It was recommended to me by my oncologist awhile ago and although it may not help with the Nails and Hair there are lots of supplements on the market that may help like Prime 50 or Zooki? QVC stock both. Obviously run it by your Doctor but it might be worth trying it for a little while. As for the hot flushes at night… Don’t get me started! I also bought the Sun protection beach umbrella in fact I’ve got two – one for Hayley and Joe for the boys and the other one for us to keep in the garden for when the grandchildren visit. Lovely to hear from you as always and please do keep in touch, love Ali xx

Dear Sonia, Many happy returns to your mum for the 21st May – I hope the sun shines for her and you can all be outside. Sounds as though you must be busy with all four of your grandchildren – how wonderful to have triplets! And you’re right about them keeping us young… Even though I sometimes wish I had more energy! Take care, love Ali xx

Karen thank you! We LOVED The Split but haven’t delved into The Anatomy of a Scandal yet, so it’s on my list. 🙂 x

Karen, you are so right! As I’ve often said, just getting out into the fresh air and getting a bit of space around you is so therapeutic and healing. Luckily our garden isn’t in too much of a muddle but there’s still a very long way to go with the renovations indoors. It’s waiting for things to be signed off, and then for deliveries to be made, and also keeping up with people who can help Colin, but it’s definitely heading in the right direction. Fingers crossed the weather will be good on the 29th May which is when we’re having a family party for Colin’s 60th – I cleaned the BBQ in preparation! We are very much hoping to get away mid-June for a long awaited break and think we may revisit the Amalfi Coast in Italy where we went on our honeymoon… nothing booked yet though. So glad you enjoy the blog and please do keep in touch – new blog coming this week! Love Ali x

Hi there Chris, and I’m so glad you like that photograph! It reminded me very much of the paintings that our guest presenter Gabriella Bradshaw paints. Has a mainly depicting Silverbirch but they are often set alongside a path. Thank you so much for your recommendation of ‘This is Us’. My sister told me about this a long time ago and said it’s something I would really enjoy – so did my daughter Lucy! We are finishing the James Herriot series on Channel 5 and I am watching the Detectorists when I’m on my exercise bike. I think the series you’re recommending may well be more for me than Colin, but we’ll see! I hope you enjoy the final series but don’t tell me what happens! 🙂 Love Ali xx