Dear Merche, I’m sorry you too had this awful virus, but thank heavens it wasn’t Covid. It’s still making people very poorly so I’m glad the antibiotics helped you. Yes, our time with Lucy and Honey was lovely and it’s Colin’s daughter’s birthday this week so we hope to see them all again soon. Glad you and your husband had time with Nyle – great name – and your daughter and son-in-law. As you say, family is so important. Stay well and keep warm – it’s getting a lot chillier! Love Ali xx

Dear Debbie, Lovely to hear from you and to read about your family although I was so sorry to know about your daughter… Such an awful time for you all, but am so relieved that despite the understandable heartache she has two beautiful daughters and you are a grandmother. Well done for potting up your tulips and daffs. I did mine just the other week with a new strain from Plants2Gardens – looking forward to seeing how they come up! Squirrels are devils though aren’t they. Not sure about the plastic forks – try the planet friendly squirrel deterrent – it worked relatively well for me with squirrels and rabbits! Take care, love Ali xx

Dear Kim, How very kind of you to say such kind things. Little Poppy is a Chihuahua. She is such a sweetie and changing almost daily. Her little ears are beginning to stand up more now and her legs are completely brown as though she has socks on. You take care of yourself and thank you for getting in touch. Love Ali xxx

Dear Mary, Thanks for your additional message on Instagram – I’m delighted for your news now that you are a grandma! It’s just the best thing ever 🙂 So glad you enjoyed the blog – yes the night out was a much needed get together although it took me a few days to feel fully awake! Did you manage to get the hall stairs and landing started before the baby arrived? I hate balancing on the ladder doing the stair well bit! Maybe you can delay the carpet laying although that’s always the best bit I think. Bannister painting though takes forever – well done for finishing the baby’s nursery – they’re lucky to have such a kind mum/nanny. Glad your daughter loves her airfryer – jolly clever piece of kit I’ve always thought. I hope you had a great weekend and the sun shone for you. Love Ali xx

Hi Mandy, well spotted! It is an old Diamonique design – I’ve had it for about five years now! I’ll remind my buyers and see if we can have a newer version made of it. Love Ali xx

Hi Karen, I’m sorry you’re struggling with a rotten cough. So difficult to sleep when laying down seems to set it off! I hope you’ll be feeling much better soon. Yes, it was a wonderful night with Claire – so many folk delighted to see her, and wonderful for us all to get the chance to let our hair down! My Aunty Eileen used to live in Slough in Britwell – way back in the 60’s – but I do remember going there. And my mum and dad both worked in Slough and that’s where they met! So glad you enjoyed the blog and thanks for keeping in touch. Love Ali xx

Dear Judith, lovely to hear from you, and I know exactly how that nodding off feeling starts! I had to have two attempts to watch the end of a cracking movie Knight and Day but sleep got the better of me 🙂 How lovely that you are still wearing your Diamonique jewellery – I’ll let Deb know about the wishbone ring – and will mention it when my Diamonique show returns mid November. I will be with Tova though and a TSV on Tuesday the 2nd November so do watch out for that. Yes, the puppy is just beautiful and so delightful to cuddle. Honey is a perfect puppy mother! I’m sure you’ll get equal enjoyment from spending time with your son’s puppy next week! Look after yourself, love Ali xx

My dear Jo, As always it was lovely to hear your news, but I’m sorry that your little grandson is in hospital with bronchiolitis – such a worry for you all, although I’m relieved to know Ellie can be with him. Great that she and Dave have both sets of grandparents as back up. I know how difficult it is when that’s not available and makes trying times even harder. I hope he will be better and home again very soon. I was also very sad to learn that you lost your baby boy… The years may pass, but as you say the loss remains, and so much harder to try and contend with when there is no support or understanding. It’s good that you are all strong as a family and support and care for each other the way you do because it makes the world of difference… So pleased you had the chance to get out and enjoy the cinema and theatre again. I’m sure I’ve been to Malvern at some point in my life, but am adding it to my list of places still to see with Colin. Thank you for your sweet words – I feel very lucky for all we have. Take care, love Ali xx

Dear Cherry. Thank you so much for getting in touch with me… I have replied, but my response is at the bottom of the page. Take care, love Ali xx