Dear Debra, there is definitely progress being made although Colin has to explain everything to me as I’m not remotely structurally minded! There’s some fairly big things they are working on at the moment and it’s all beginning to take shape. Yes, we are so lucky to have such wonderful friends – I went to stay with Roz and Chris just the other week and had a lovely few days in Dorset with them. It was great to be dust free for a bit! Thank you for your kind words about my memories of Tova. I was so sad when I heard the news especially as we’ve not seen each other for over two years because of Covid. I can reassure you that QVC will be continue with her beautiful jewellery and no doubt Linda will be able to design some more pieces for us. I don’t recall Ernie being on the show but I would’ve loved to have met him too. They were a great couple and now they are together forever… I had a few photographs taken with Tove and I do remember making a short film once but I can’t seem to find it now which is sad. I’m sure you will treasure your photograph and I hope you keep it somewhere safe. Do keep in touch here Debra and don’t be lonely – I’ll always get back to you. Take care, love Ali xx

Dear Mary, I am sorry you’re still struggling with a bad cough and that’s one heck of a long time to lost your voice for! I’m pretty sure the novelty did wear off as you all the way it seems who rushes around doing everything for everyone so I do hope you had a little bit of help. Your sisters bungalow sounds exciting – is she going to rent it or move in? You’re right about the dust – it just gets everywhere! I’m becoming quite adept with a mop and bucket though 🙂 I’ve recently had chance to meet up with more than just friends with a special surprise birthday party that Lucy organised. I didn’t go completes a plan but it was magnificent and I’ll be writing about it in my next blog. So glad you’re going to be able to see Arthur again. We do miss him so much don’t worry? I’m sure his mum and dad will have missed you too and I hope that the dinner went well. I think your husband may well be back from Yorkshire by now but I hope you enjoyed the peace and quiet and the remote control! Take care and try not to overdo it – your lungs sounds as though they still need a bit of rest. Take care of yourself, and thanks for writing to me as always, love Ali xx

Hi Anne, it is a question we’ve asked ourselves a few times but with all that was going on with the family and also our long battle to get planning permission, it was a case of now or never. It’s already much warmer than it was, and there’s far less of the house to clean at the moment which is a plus! Also less of it to heat too which I’m sure you’ll agree is a good thing! My back is certainly better than it was but still not 100% – I’m looking into it though 🙂 I hope you’re well, love Ali xx

Hello there Anne, I am glad that you keep in touch with you here on the blog – I fully appreciate that not everybody is involved in other forms of social media and this has always been a fabulous way of providing a network for communication and support. I’ve always enjoyed reading about everyone else’s lives and thoroughly enjoy writing the blog. Delighted to know that you have managed to find a new home and as you say it’s well worth the wait as there won’t be anything for you to do other than enjoy it when you move in. We had nine years of doing very little so although it’s all come at once it will be worth it! I’m just hoping my bones generally improve as I feel older than my years and irritated that I can’t do the things I used to do without any trouble. The exercising is helping tho’ as is walking now that the weather’s improving! They’ll be a new blog with some family pictures coming very soon so I will look forward to sharing them with you. Love Ali xx

Dear Tina, thank you for your response – a slipped disc sounds awful and I’m very glad you’re over that now. My back still isn’t right so I’m going to try and get my DEXA scan pulled forward just in case there’s any underlying issues. We still have The Responder recorded and I’m trying to convince Colin to watch it with me, but if not, I’ll give it a go on my own. I’m also enjoying Chloe which he’s none to keen on…! Thank heavens I talked him round to watching Line of Duty with me – like you I pray it will return. I hope you’ve had a chance to recent sunshine we’ve been having – it was almost warm out there today! Take care and do keep in touch, love Ali xx

Hi there Karen, lovely to hear from you and thanks for the compliment – we did have a Great time at the restaurant. How are you getting on with your rose option of the Australian body care? It was a really nice mix of fragrances I thought. I think by now you will have seen the last of trigger point – wasn’t the ending amazing? I really hope they bring another series. The Gilded Age is also really picking up and I I’m really enjoying that too, as is Colin. I hope you may find more help on our website for Hair and they are supplements. Zooki is one some of the girls are getting a good response from. Take care, love Ali XX

Dear Marie, I was so very sorry to know you have recently lost your husband to cancer and are now trying to come to terms not just with your grief but also with a sudden diagnosis of osteoporosis. I think you should try and be kind to yourself, taking each day as it comes, and try not to be too worried about the osteoporosis for the moment as it’s not something that will change overnight. Knowing your bones are more brittle than you realised is a shock, but I have managed to keep mine under control by increasing the amount of oily fish I eat and also green vegetables. I also have yoghurt and eat cereals with milk to try and help my bones. I know you’re doing your own research into it, but maybe contact your local GP surgery or have a look on line as there are a multitude of help groups out there and people who can share their experiences with you. I do hope you have family and friends to support you when you’re down, and I’m sending you my love too. Thanks for getting in touch Ali xx

Much Love to you &Colin

Debra Ward-Harris

Dear Judith, I’m so sorry to know that you are still struggling with your medication and that your pain is not under control. It seems also you have to wait another month until they can reassess you. Perhaps contact your GP surgery and see if there’s anything they can do for you in the meantime? I’m glad your son was able to help with rebuilding the wall and it’s very kind of him as I know weekends are precious to all our children when they work five days a week. We lost our beautiful Magnolia tree which was in full bud, but luckily the olive trees are fairly bushy now so it doesn’t look too bad. I hope you had some sunshine today and were able to relax a little. Love Ali xx

Hi Susan, you’re absolutely right there! I remember when I first put my back out – it was in 1986 when Lucy was a baby – I used to carry her around on my hip! It is much easier now the children are older and we are lucky to have such a great circle of family and friends. I hope you manage to pursue Trigger Point? I’m really hoping I’ll be a second series. Thank you for keeping in touch, love Ali XX