Hi Ali,
Couldn’t agree more with everything you say. Think we all want to hide away from reality and think many of us need more support than we have. And I was really shocked at the programme too and nearly didn’t watch again but wanted to see where it would go. Hope you have a nice weekend and the house is doing well x

Dear Susan, I think we’re probably all little guilty of hiding away from some of the more upsetting scenes and news. We all have to deal with things in different ways but I’m certain with your job you are aware far more keenly of the mental health issues affecting so many. Colin and I did watch the first episode of ‘This is Going to Hurt’ but to be honest we found it far more graphic and distressing than we were expecting it to be. I’ve always been an advocate of least said soonest mended, and wouldn’t have wanted to think people who have not had children watched that and where then scared about the whole process. Let’s hope that the whole system becomes more balanced in the future.I’m glad you enjoyed the blog and yes we are trying to sort out the next visit to Joe – sooner rather than later. Love Ali xx

Dear Merche, it sounds as though you had a spectacular 60th birthday and what a wonderful gift to get from your children. Colin bought me my stunning pair of diamond earrings which I was not expecting and I was extraordinarily grateful for. Nice to get away to the coast and how lovely for you to be quite close to it anyway. Once we can take a break from the building we are definitely going to go to the seaside. Fingers crossed the sunshine returns here soon too. Take care and do keep in touch Love Ali xx

Hello there Judith, good to hear from you and I do hope that not just the sunshine but the sense of returning to normality will help you with your health. If your body is telling you to rest though you must rest! Wonderful to know you are feeling more positive and that your granddaughters have been able to spend so much time with you. As the Beatles said, “love is all you need”. Take care, Love Ali xx

Dear Karen, So glad you enjoyed the photos and the blog. It was a fabulous birthday. The renovations are coming along slowly because there is so much to do! No only structural but also wiring and plumbing! However, in the last few days it’s coming together and I’ve just ordered the new log burner! I do sympathise re the clothes though. Mine are all bagged up or in suitcases in the container on the drive although I do have some in a chest of drawers too. Good luck with your decorating – I’m sure it will look great once it’s finished – and I’ll keep you up to date with the progress here too. Love Ali xx

Hi there Joe, lovely to hear from you and also for you to share your story. I’m so sorry you lost your husband and how terribly sad that it was on your birthday. Very difficult to come to terms with the loss when it’s on such a date. However, I’m delighted that you now have a tattoo in his memory. Fancy being a tattoo artists first virgin client over 40! 🙂 Maybe I should just go for as you say. Stay well, and keep in touch love Ali xx

Dear Mary, you poor thing! I am so sorry that on top of Covid you then got a chest infection and am hoping very much that by now you are feeling much improved. Maybe a bit more time of school would be advisable? So difficult to stay germ free when you’re surrounded by the young ones. I also hope that you were improved enough to be able to enjoy your birthday on Saturdayu, but if not, you can postpone it until you Jack and Arthur are all well again. The weather certainly would’ve been a bit of a tonic and we could do with it now – it’s freezing here and I’m having to wear extra layers. Edna has definitely been a second mum to me, and always extraordinary supportive of everything I’ve done in work and with my family. It saddens me to see how much older she is becoming and less able to do or enjoy the things she used to so I want to try and make the very best of the time we have together.
How funny that your godmother was also called Edna and her husband is called Jim because that was my dad’s name! 🙂 Take care of yourself Mary – nearly time for TGBBO! I still think you should enter 🙂 Love Ali xx

Hi Loraine, you’re right, it makes all the difference when your children and family make time for you and do something special. Sounds as though Clare and Geoff have pulled out all the stops and I’m certain Ottilie and Willa will enjoy their time in EuroDisney. It’s funny how we see traits of ourselves and our children and grandchildren – Holly reminds me of myself quite a lot but more obviously her mum when she was little. I do hope you stay well and thank you as always for keeping in touch, love Ali xx

Dear Anne, my daughter Lucy has to be one of the most organised people I know! How she managed to pull it alltogether at such short notice is nothing short of a miracle but it was well worth all her efforts. I hope you enjoy the Diamonique show – we have a whole hour dedicated to the platinum range of Diamonique but we have had a shift in the schedule so will be coming soon. Great to hear from you, love Ali xx