Thanks for replying and the lovely idea to write down their sayings when they’re little. I’m going to follow you with that one. I sadly missed out on Lulu s tsv, it had all sold out when I tuned in. Gutted!!! Will wait for the next one. Definitely will order if and when she brings her fragrance back. Like you say, it’s very Chanel like yet very individual.. Love it!!

Hope you enjoyed the best of different Christmases. Still special in its own way. We all did help ringing on Christmas Eve on our drives, lot candles and sang carols.. First time that’s happened in the 40 years we’ve lived here. Some tears shed but also joy and hope and new friendships formed with new neighbours , it started with a smile and a wave… Think it will become a thing..

Sending much love and blessings and renewed hope for the coming year…and health and new opportunities.. And doors opening..

To you and all your family Ali

Christine x x

HI Mary, Thanks so much for your kind words and comment. You sound like a woman after my own heart. Staying positive about the vaccine and the world generally is the only way. Difficult sometimes but I very much like your take on QVC ‘keeping the window open’. Delighted to have helped. Merry Christmas to you and yours too Mary, love Ali xx

May dear Julia, I didn’t read down the comments so replied to your original post…. I feared this may happen. I do wonder though if you can create a support bubble with Charlotte? You are now living on your own and vulnerable and under a doctor’s care… you may be eligible to travel and spend time with them? Maybe the government website would give you some information? I do hope so. It’s awful for you, but equally hard for the little ones. They are too young to understand. Luckily I am in a support bubble with Lucy so am seeing Honey and her tomorrow. We are trying to find other dates to see the rest of the family. I am very glad that the trainline were kind and helped you with your ticket, and hopefully you’ll be able to see them sooner rather than later. I am sure all your girls will be able to contact you via Skype/Zoom/Facetime? It makes such a difference to actually see them rather than just talking to them. I will be thinking of you, and hope so very much that there will be a way around this. Hold onto hope. You’re doing so brilliantly and it will get better. Sending you my love and a hug. Stay strong. Ali xx

Dear Sue, I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the blogs and thank you for all your kind comments on them. I’m wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas too and fingers crossed 2021 will be easier for us all. Stay safe and well, love Ali xx

Hi Loraine, funnily enough I was born in Beaconsfield, my nanny lived in Chalfont St Peter and my Aunty Ivy lived in Gerrards Cross. It’s nice to now be settled close to where we grew up too. We’re hoping to take Honey to the model village in the New Year… once it’s open again! Love Ali xx

Hello there Una, So glad you liked the grotto. It’s an absolute sun trap in the summer so I was really chuffed that Colin has made something special out of it for the winter too! Honey loved it. 🙂 It’s always good to catch up with you and the children and I am sure that you and Graeme are making all the difference to Adam’s life. No doubt Meli is helping too. I understand why he would have been overwhelmed by it all when his past has been so troubled. It’s all about adapting and most importantly as you say, accepting that he does obviously remember what happened before. All these wonderful memories though will help heal him I am certain. This year has been tough for us all, but the only way is forward and although the light at the end of the tunnel seems a little dim at times it is there. I firmly believe that. Take good care and enjoy your Christmas with your lovely family. Here’s to a happier New year for you all. Love Ali xx

Dear Karen, I’m glad the blog cheered you but I am sorry that you were feeling low… although I do understand. The biscuits were good although I little tough on the teeth! I wish you a happy Christmas and hope that the coming year will be an easier one. Thanks for keeping in touch here. Love Ali xx

Hi there Mary, lovely as always to hear from you and to find out what are you up to this Christmas. I’m so glad that your Jack has a job, and I hope he doesn’t find it too difficult getting up early and travelling for that long having been used to being so close to work. You’re right about the journey – that night was an absolute mare! If they were just a little more careful with the diversion signs people wouldn’t get lost, but I know it’s only part of a huge plan to improve the motorway so we just have to accept it. I’m glad that you have a little bit of time off before Christmas and try not to think about returning in January just yet! Maybe one more glass of Baileys would help? We also have Yorkshire pudding is with our Christmas lunch Although they are aunt Bessie’s – my Christmas shortcut! I’m glad you discovered the rhubarb gin – my cousin Len gave me a bottle of local rhubarb gin when we were in Saint Austell in the summer. It’s delicious.In fact a glass of that in front of the firepit while lounging in the grotto may well be where you’ll find me over the next week! I’m sorry you’re not seeing your sister this Christmas, but It sounds as though you’ve got it covered with your game of dog and monkey bingo…?! I think it’s something I should find out more about. I hope for all of you it will be a happy and healthy Christmas and as you say fingers crossed 2021 will be a lot easier for us all. Love to you and your family, Ali xx

Dear Karen, I am so very sorry to know that you have lost so many friends this year… So difficult to stay positive when there is such sadness but looking forward rather than falling back into that place is the only way… easier said than done I’m sure. So glad you enjoyed the Molton Brown shows with Jemma and I. She is an absolute hoot and I love working with her. I very much hope that you will be able to spend Christmas with those you love and that the New Year will be far happier and healthier for us all. Thanks for taking the time to keep in touch, love Ali xx