Hi there Jo, thank you for the compliment! I love hearing about your travels – I remember the Clitheroe Kid on Radio 4 years ago. My mum used to listen to it at lunchtimes – you can’t beat a Lancashire accent in my opinion! I love the sound of Accrington, and I’m hoping to persuade Colin in the future to visit Lancashire and Yorkshire. Mum’s Joe hales from Halifax and I would very much like to go and visit his hometown. The Akroyd’s were famous for providing housing for their workers and there is a whole little village somewhere that has family links. I’m sure Juliette would love to come and stay overnight with you and Colin. I agree with you it is a real treat to have them, and although I didn’t ever stay over with my grandparents until I was in my late teens, I still remember it as clear as day. I am sure that Ellie would appreciate it too 😊 thank you for your words of encouragement about my foot in your hedge – I will keep you posted! I didn’t realise that the Jasmine was a star jasmine so thank you for naming it for me. By the time I return the restrictions have been lifted so I wish you happy travels wherever you are headed. Take care and thank you as always for writing to me, love Ali xx

Hello there Judith, and many belated happy anniversary wishes to you and John. 52 years! What an achievement. I hope that in spite of your health issues you were able to enjoy the day, and that you’ve had more sunshine – that always helps. I think it’s important to get outside even if only for 20 minutes a day so well done you for your perseverance. I’m sorry to know that your daughter is still struggling as well – this long Covid is wretched. I know several people who have also been trying to get over it but it just won’t shift. Here’s hoping that the year ahead will bring you both better health and more sunny days to look forward to. Thank you for getting in touch, love Ali XX

Hi Karen and thank you for the compliment! I think it’s trick photography! Although I was wearing fairly high heels😊 we are having a great holiday in Gozo, the weather is beautiful and the island stunning. We have been here twice before and will definitely return. I do hope all is well with you, love Ali XX

Hi Jules, Thank you for writing to me and for your lovely compliments. Sometimes I wish I had a proper camera to take those photographs with although I have been very impressed with what ever is built into my iPhone! I was lucky with the picture of Corey as well. As soon as they are more aware they find life so much more interesting. 😊 thank you for your good wishes about the book – I’m not at all sure what will happen but it has been a wonderful experience writing it. I hope all is well with you, love Ali XX

Dear Vanessa, it was my absolute pleasure to share the hour with you, and thank you for The time and effort you put into the jewellery and your stories. I’m so excited for you and Graeme and it looks as though the weather is going to be glorious at the end of the month. Don’t forget to send photographs to me! Wishing you both every happiness that life can bring and the best of health too. With love, Ali xx

Hi there Elizabeth, it certainly is a tad warm here in Europe! The temperature hasn’t dropped below 30 the entire time we’ve been in Gozo. It is glorious! We visited Benidorm some years ago with the entire family and had an absolute blast! The beach is beautiful there, and the nightlife exceptional especially the bands that play free of charge! Hopefully Europe will open up again safely for all of us once the restrictions have lifted as long as people are sensible. Take care, love Ali XX

Dear Merche, I too have been thrilled with the petunias. Not sure if I mentioned but they were a birthday present from my sister Jenny although I feel that when we get home for holiday they probably would’ve passed the best! I ordered some of the DE Jaeger petunias that were multicoloured and striped, and I think they should have begun blooming by the time we are home. Thank you for writing to me, love Ali XX

Hi Kay, and thank you for the compliment! It is actually an all in one jumpsuit that I bought originally for my 60th birthday party which of course didn’t happen! Mind you it was the perfect way to celebrate wearing it for the first time. We had a lovely evening. We are currently having a lovely holiday too – feeling very spoilt with the endless sunshine. Love Ali xx

Dear Tina, I am sorry that your fibromyalgia has been problematic for you, and I hope it will not stop you from visiting the Isle of Wight. Looking at the forecast in the UK it appears the summer is finally on its way! I do hope so. That is great news about your nails – do try to Margaret Dabbs treatment though won’t you. My nails are great now – I do think sunshine and salt water help as well. Take care, and keep in touch, love Ali XX