Hi Karen,
Thank you, I’m feeling better than I was but definitely not 100% – hopefully the tests they’re running will give us a clearer picture of what is going on. Take care and I hope you enjoy the new blog, love Ali xx

Hello there Tricia, Thank you for getting in touch, although I was sorry to know that having spent the last two years recovering from injury and surgery all the plans you made for this year to get out and about have been put on hold. The fact that you are able to respond to emails from vulnerable people via the NHS is wonderful though. I’m sure that you have given Hope to a great many people this way and as you say comfort and reassurance too. I like you believe that there is like now at the end of the rainbow and things will begin to get a little easier. So glad that QVC is a positive force, and that all of us are playing a part in keeping folk company. Thank you for your kind words. Stay safe and please do stay in touch, love Ali xx

Hi there Mary, lovely to hear from you and good to know that all is well in your world. Sorry to know about the hot flushes though – we all seem to be struggling a bit with him at the moment but that fan you bought is one of our most popular and I’m glad you’re getting good use out of it. Yes I absolutely adore the water feature that Colin made, and when it’s up and running it sounds fabulous. Considering you are always adding things to your garden I’m not surprised that John is worried he’ll come home one day and you’ll have dug a hole! 🙂 We are repainting various parts of our garden in a soft grey but used something close to Willow in the past. I’m so glad you were able to see your best friend last week – although not being able to hug her would’ve been very hard. It’s not for ever, and as you will see in my new blog finally I’m able to be with Lucy and Honey because of the social bubble situation. Lucy went back to work last week, and my sister too. Jenny works in a junior school but Lucy is in a secondary school and they each have difficult but different things to deal with. We had a great deal of rain here but the forecast for next week is good so I’m hoping that each one of the boys will be able to visit individually and also my sister will come over too and we can spend time in the garden together. You’re right, I think many of us would’ve found this so much harder to bear it had of been in the middle of winter. Keep on enjoying your walks, and remember to take five and put your feet up every now and then! Love Ali xx

Hi Tina, lovely to hear from you although I’m sorry you’re still struggling with the hot flushes. I don’t have a fan, but just make do with flipping the duvet on and off myself! Sometimes I manage to get the window open once Colin’s asleep but he hates ‘a draught’ too! Have you thought of reading books online or maybe via Audible? I listen to books all the time, and then there’s my short story reading every Saturday if you fancy 15 minutes escape? 🙂 Completely in agreement re Skechers and Lock and Lock, but I bought the last TSV and as we’re not seeing anyone else I still have them all. Usually I’m packing up meals for the children etc. to take with them! I don’t know if I could have taken clippers to my hair, but it sounds as though you did a good job. Mine is hanging on in there, but I will be very glad to have it professionally looked at! I do hope you can find something to help with the flushes – Black Cohash or Evening Primrose maybe? Take care and stay safe, Love Ali xx

Hi there Linda, I’m going to head over to your Facebook now to see your new colour, and thanks for the compliments re the cut! I have to give credit to Jo my stylist as I basically followed her lines. It’s getting a bit thick now though as I have no idea how to thin it without thinning scissors. Still, I have an appointment booked for the 15th July so all will be well 🙂 I like you love a BBQ and always try and have a fair few salad ingredients in. I’ve stopped buying the bags of salad as they seem to go soggy really quickly and have reverted to good old fashioned lettuce. I’m hoping to grow my own rocket too! Very glad that Harry has been in touch with you, and although it’s right, I think staying safe and staying away is the only thing to do at the moment. Patience is a virtue so they say, and Heaven knows we’ve all needed a lot of that just recently 🙂 Colin really enjoyed his birthday and the sun shone all day too which was lovely. Take care and do keep in touch, love Ali xx

Hi Julia, thank you so much for your recommendation of the Hedgehog and the Tortoise book – I did find it and forwarded it to Lucy, although you’ll see on the new blog I have been very lucky and they are both now in my social bubble so I have been awarded my long-awaited hug. In contrast your story about little Ivy made me well up… it is really hard for the little ones I appreciate. I am sure though she will LOVE her banana loaf 🙂 Great idea to wear your ‘best frock’ for your daily walk. I like you have been living in joggers or jeans but hopefully when the weather changes next week I can get out into the garden and put a sun dress on. Sorry to know your Gatineau was in stripes!! Maybe rub it in circles next time. Stay well and I hope the beaches will be less busy in the months to come and thank you for keeping in touch. Love Ali xx

Hello Jo, I’m so glad to know that you’re okay and although may still feeling a little down understandably, I’m keeping everything crossed that with the changes we’re seeing every day you will soon feel more hopeful. The beautiful book you mention – The Boy The Mole The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy, was given to me as a gift by Kathy Tayler. She highlighted the page she thought describes me best which meant the world. When people really understand you and make you feel loved it’s a very special feeling. You are really good at understanding people and I
m sure your sister was relieved to have time with you in the middle of the month without making a huge issue of the day of her birthday. These significant dates are always difficult to work around… Etty though opening her gifts in the hallway is something I’m sure you’ll always remember although as you rightly say, it won’t be one she’ll have to contend with. I hope the rain has come to refresh your lawn, and thanks so much for getting in touch. Good to know you’re there and well and enjoying the Saturday stories – one to come tomorrow. Love Ali xx

Hi Tracey, I’m sure the Richard Jackson products will work well for you and personally think Flower Power is a must. I’ve got so many of my friends and family to use it and it’s made the world of difference. Colin’s birthday went well thankyou but I’m sure he would have appreciated a slice of your lemon drizzle cake! How kind of you to get a cake over to your mum – there’ll be plenty of opportunity to celebrate once times change – but as you say, we need to make sure things are all clear before we do! You stay safe and well too. Love Ali xx

Dear Fiona, it is from the Frank Usher collection, and unfortunately it sold out that night! Do check our website though as there are many other fabulous designs available. Take care, love Ali xx

Dear Loraine, Thank you for the compliment re-my hair – I think if I hadn’t of had such a good cut it would not have looked anywhere near as professional! That sounds interesting – the thought of the move – although I remember you waiting for this house to come through and being so pleased when it did… At least I think it was you?! It’s all about planning for the future and getting the very best of what we have remaining. Like you I’ve worked most of my life and it be nice to feel that when I no longer do I Will be happy where I am. Because my daughter is a single parent she and Honey are Now my social bubble therefore I was able to see her for the first time this weekend and hug her which was Incredible, especially after what’s been a difficult time for me over the last few days. I hope you enjoyed your visit to the forest and that the beaches are less busy these days. Thanks for keeping in touch, and take care love Ali XX