I want to start this blog with a thank you for all your lovely comments and for keeping in touch with me while I was away on holiday. Like so many others, we are trying to take annual leave before the fine weather here at home finishes. Seems crazy that I was only back at work for a couple of days before Colin and I headed off once more around the British coast.
This time we were travelling to Cornwall but decided to break our journey up and stop in Plymouth. It’s not a place either of us have visited before but we had a really good day mooching around even though the weather was pretty grim. Social distancing was being practised and most of the harbourside restaurants had seats outside. I was glad I have brought my waterproof with me but I didn’t dampen my enjoyment of a delicious pizza that we shared for lunch. It was possibly the nicest stone baked pizza I’ve had since Colin and I were in Rome on our honeymoon five years ago. We had hoped to enjoy the view across Plymouth Sound but unfortunately because it was so cloudy and wet we couldn’t see a great deal. Of course it’s here that’s Sir Francis Drake the intrepid explorer is immortalised in a fabulous statue just metres away from the green where he reportedly finished his game of bowls before heading out to defeat the Spanish armada in 1588. If the weather had been the same as it was for us he might not have even seen the Armada on the day! The best bit for me though was Smeaton‘s Tower Lighthouse standing tall and somewhat imposing at the top of the green.
From there we headed down to Saint Austell which is where my cousin Marianne lives and checked in to a beautiful hotel on Carlyon Bay. The view from our bedroom window was right out across the sea and we had the most fabulous meal in the restaurant there. The following morning we visited Fowey and then had lunch with the family before taking a tour around Charlestown.
This time we visited the Shipwreck Museum which was fascinating if not a little worrying to think that every single one of these vessels had been considered seaworthy and safe before they set sail! We had a delicious fish and chip supper and some delicious scrumpy before getting a taxi back to our hotel. Marianne‘s husband Len picked us up in the morning and the three of us went for walk along the cliff tops from from Mevagissey to Pentewan. Marianne made us a lasagna for lunch which I was more than ready for and then we drove to Penryn. We found a really nice Airbnb with views across Falmouth, and were delighted to find it wasn’t just an en suite room but had a huge bathroom and separate sitting room too which was laid out ready for us to have our breakfast. Adrian and Debbie were our hosts, and we were there first post-Covid guests. The place was immaculate, beautifully finished and extremely comfortable. I would highly recommend it if you’re ever visiting that part of the country – here is the link.
The following morning we woke to bright sunshine and decided to walk to Falmouth. From there we continued to Swanpool Beach, had a pasty at lunchtime and then walked back to Falmouth.
There is a lovely little train that you can catch there, and it took us home to Penryn, and that night we drove to Porthleven for dinner. This is the sunset just before it poured with rain!
From that day forward we were blessed with much brighter weather and less rain and continued around the coast to Penzance, Mousehole, and Hayle.
We walked the coastal path from Porthtowan to Chapel Porth and then Saint Agnes to see the tin mines. We were delighted to find that we actually covered 25 miles in three days and so felt we more than deserved yet another pasty! My sister Jenny and her partner Linda were also in Cornwall at the same time and were staying in a little cottage in Mullion Cove. We joined them for the last couple of days of our holiday and had a beautiful evening on Poldhu beach. This is the sunset from there and although we were sitting wrapped in blankets it was still stunning.
Hayle beach though was an absolute winner and definitely our favourite.
A little bit breezy so we decided to try and find a windbreak but bought a tent instead! It was lovely sitting in it as the sun set.
As it was another beautiful day on the Thursday, we decided to visit Saint Ives before heading home. Again not a part of Cornwall I had seen before but I was very taken with this picturesque seaside town.
We caught the train from St Erth to St Ives which gave us a cracking view of the entire Hayle coastline. Colin filmed it from the train and just caught it as we rounded the bend, so I thought you might like to see it.
It’s 3 1/2 miles long and we walked it with Jenny and Linda on the Wednesday. In truth it felt as though we have been away a lot longer than just nine days, and have vowed to try each year to visit parts of the country that we’ve not seen before. I would very much like to visit Scotland again to so that’s hopefully on the cards as well.
I’m glad to be able to tell you that finally we have a moving date for Joe and will complete on the sale of the house next week. This weekend we will be clearing out the last of the furniture and Joe will then stay with my sister until Thursday when he comes to us. Colin and I are going to drive him to his new home on Friday and settle him in before heading home. It will be sad to have him so far away and to see the door close on the home that he shared with mum for so many years, but it’s understandable that he wants to be closer to his son and his grandchildren and we will visit whenever we can.
It was good to be back at the Q this week, and I was lucky enough to see Charlie, Míceál, Alex and Debbie and work for the first time in ages with Rosa from Yankee Candle. You’ve probably noticed that my regular Diamonique show on a Tuesday is taking a break but I am happy to say it will be back with you on the 29th of September.
I’ve been very much looking forward to the Today’s Special Value launch of Philip Kingsley’s Coconut Breeze Supersize collection. You’re saving £95.05 on the Philip Kingsley price if you buy it before midnight on Tuesday and it includes a one litre salon size Body Building Weightless Shampoo to add body, volume and shine. Also included is a one litre salon size Moisture Balancing Combination Conditioner and also, the recent introduction to the Elasicizer range of products, the Elasti-Styler 5-in-1 Treatment. It’s all about reducing physical damage to the hair and conditioning and taming your locks before you style! The Coconut Breeze fragrance smells absolutely delicious and will be a constant reminder of this beautiful warm weather we’ve been enjoying recently.
Make sure you tune in on Sunday too because it’s Beauty Day. There is a great four-piece Elemis Today’s Special Value (which is on pre-sell now!) and shows from SBC, Molton Brown and OPI to name but a few. If you head over to our website QVCUK.com we have already showcased many of the products that will be appearing on that day in a special feature and you can buy them now. Lots of Easy Payments and some great deals to be had.
All your favourite fashion brands will be headlining on Thursday and I will be with you at 10pm and 11 pm with Frank Usher and Butler and Wilson’s World of Accessories. Some beautifully embellished cowboy style boots from Moda in Pelle will be showcased too with plenty of styling tips from our expert guests.
I think that’s all I can squeeze into this blog for you, but I very much hope you enjoy reading it and sharing my memories of Cornwall. I’d love to hear from you and I know that some of you are going through very trying times currently so I hope the blog will provide some form of support for you.
Take care, stay safe and well and until next time,
With my love,
Ali xx
29 Responses
Hi Alison wow you packed a lot into your days,away glad it was enjoyable have been to Cornwall a couple of times padstow Eden project etc. No news on the house front yet unfortunately. Gary and Lamis will be moving in about a month he got the job he wanted with BT in chippenham so they will base themselves between there and Bristol he’s very happy. Willa starts school next week hope they don’t start sending them home because they have colds seems that’s what is happening. Geoff ( son in law) has been clearing some garden for a vegetable plot which we have been helping with he got a blackthorn in his finger its,swelled up badly and is lodged in the bone so he has,to have an operation who would believe such a small thorn would cause so much trouble the infection can be dangerous apparently. Anyway hope Joe settles in his new home and is happy. Lets hope this covid thing settles down its not looking good at the moment is it so many people ignoring things. Take care love Loraine xxx
Hi Loraine, lovely to hear from you and I am glad that Gary has got the job he wanted and I hope it won’t take them too long to find a new home. Poor Geoff! That sounds really sore! Any infection gets into the bone can be tricky so I hope they can sort it soon for him. I’m still keeping everything crossed for you and your home – maybe once the weather becomes a little more autumnal people will be more interested in viewing. Yes, I also hope that Jo will be happy in his new home – at least we get to settle him in. Take care and enjoy the last of this beautiful sunshine if you can, love Ali XX
Hi Alison
Really like your blogs
Love the yellow dress in the picture. Where did you get it
Thanks
Cherrylx
Dear cherry, I’m so glad you enjoyed the blogs – it’s always good fun to put them together and remind myself of where I’ve been and what I’ve done! I bought the dress when I was out shopping in Farnham with my sister. It was in a department store, but the label is not one I recognise. It’s very comfy and nice light fabric. I hope you’re well and staying safe, love Annie XX
Hi Ali, lovely photos. My son went to university in Plymouth. I love the Hoe and the Barbican. I’m glad you had a relaxing break. Hope the family are well. Love Elaine x
Hi there Elaine, good to hear from you and interesting to know that your son went to university in Plymouth. I’m sure you must’ve visited quite a number of times and it’s definitely somewhere we would return to. I hope you and the family are well too, and thank you for writing to me love Ali XX
Hi Ali lovely to hear from you as always. Your blog was like a wonderful travel show, you certainly did a lot of travelling, I am glad you enjoyed it. Cornwall is a beautiful country, I haven’t been there for years but maybe now it’s time to return for a visit. Ron had his op or as it was day surgery it was called a procedure. So far it has been a great success and today was the first time we went out for a short walk together for absolutely ages,amazing it really lifts the spirits! Funny how the little things in life can make such a difference. I am looking forward to Beauty day as all my toiletries come from Qvc and I am a great Elemis fan. I have been gardening this morning, cutting back climbers and moving pots. I forget when I buy all these lovely “little “ plants that they will grow and now I am trying to find room for them all!! Ha ha Hope all your family are well and thanks for so many lovely photos. Take care Debbie Xx
Hello there Debbie, so glad to know that Rons operation – or procedure – went well and that he is already out and about. How did you get on with you today? Did you like the Elemis TSV? I have spent a fair amount of time In the garden too – I have some new pots now from my mum‘s garden and I was going to plant the roses in there. I started off with just 12 pots and now have over 40! It is lovely to see things grow there isn’t it. You take care and thanks for keeping in touch love Ali xx
Beautiful photos Alison, so glad you enjoyed your break.
Hi Maddie, thank you for writing to me and I’m so glad you enjoyed the blog – we had a great break. Hope you’re well, love Ali XX
Glad you enjoyed your holiday the photos were lovely. Hope you are both feeling relaxed. Xx
Dear Kay, yes it was a really lovely break – a real mix of places, weather and food! Still enjoying this beautiful Indian summer so feeling more relaxed. I hope you are too love Ali XX
Hi Alison,
Your photos look amazing and you obviously had a great trip. So lucky to have it before the new lockdown restrictions of no other people in your house of garden. I just replied to you on the other blog but glad to hear joe has family and will be looked after. Good luck to them all. I’ll not be watching or buying really now but I’ll look forward to your blogs. Take care x
Dear Susan thank you for responding on this blog and also the previous one. We were very lucky to have had our trip before restrictions changed again. Having spent all of yesterday packing up the last of mums things and making sure Jo is safely with my sister we are now preparing for our journey to Norwich at the end of the week to settle him into his new home. I’m glad you’ll be able to keep up with me here and I hope you stay well, love Alixx
Hi Alison ,
Greetings from Truro in Cornwall ,although I am Falmouth born and bred.
On Swanpool beach you will probably have
noticed very large granite boulders . My mother during her period of being a local
dignatry had them put in many many years ago(early70’s maybe) as that stretch of road was periodically flooded by storm tides ,still is ,but not to the same extent,
but a fabulous spot in winter for wave watching.
I did enjoy your blog re your time in Cornwall .All good wishes Marilyn
Hi Marilyn, how amazing to hear from you and with this news! Colin and I sat on those boulders and both remarked on how heavy they must’ve been to shift but what a great idea! I think we may well have to return for some wave watching this winter 😊 how lovely for you to have been born and brought up in this part of the country. Thank you so much for getting in touch with me and I will look forward to hearing from you again, love Ali XX
Hi Ali,
Glad you had a lovely time on holiday in beautiful Cornwall. I particularly love St.Ives and Mousehole – gorgeous!
We’re back in lockdown here in Caerphilly, so can’t go anywhere for the next 3weeks.
I fell last week while out shopping on my own, and ended up having ten stitches – my teeth went right through my top lip. It wasn’t a nice experience having to wait on my own in A&E for seven hours with a face mask on with that sort of injury, but thankfully it’s healing very well now.
Love Sue Radford x
My dear Sue, that sounds ghastly! Very sore and awful for you to have had to wear a face mask over an injury like that. I do hope it heals well for you. Sorry to know also that you are back in lockdown… I hope that restrictions will be lifted again soon and that he will stay well. Take care, love Ali XX
You sure packed plenty into your break and I’m glad the weather was kind and you must have felt you’d had a break. I’m still gardening and enjoying the weather here.Love to you and yours.Suzi aka Lady Lollipop
Hi Suzi, always good to hear from you and I’m glad you too are getting a chance to get out in the garden still. I have just picked up a whole lot of pots from my mum‘s garden and I’m planning to repot my roses. I hope the weather will stay fine for you in Ayr, love Ali xx
Hi Ali I agree with others – what beautiful photos of a beautiful area. If ever there was a competition to promote an area yours would be top of the list. In the past we have had lovely holidays on camp sites in our caravan. We used it so much in the heatwave of 1976 and in 1977 we were in Cornwall and I remember fellow campers all listening to the radio because they had announced that Elvis had died. It was very far to travel from the North West but well worth it when we arrived. Happy days …
I bet Joe feels that he was so lucky to meet your Mum and all her lovely and caring family and although he will have moved I am sure he will be glad that you are only a phone call away.
Thank you for your continued support as we try and come to terms with an ‘impending loss’ (the hospice nurse described it as that) it never leaves your mind no matter what you are doing it is always there. Sleep seems to be the hardest thing – awake through the night and then desperate to nod off in the day. The beautiful weather that we have does lift your spirits and I have had a couple of meet ups with friends for an hour. Although we went to a local small town and social distancing wasn’t happening so we didn’t stay long. Unfortunately my husband can’t even walk round the block now but was able to have half an hour in the garden giving me instructions as to how to plants lots of spring bulbs we had in pots (50 in total using muscles I didn’t know I had!) Hopefully they will all show their heads at the first signs of Spring.
Ivy has had her first day at school she is one of the youngest only just 4 but I am sure she will be able to keep up. She is in ‘kingfisher’ class and she was pleased about that because it is her favourite bird! She took 3 cuddly toys to show the teacher yesterday & the teacher is called Myrtle – they use their first names which I haven’t heard of before. But as long as she is happy to go in in a morning that’s the main thing.
The virus seems to be tearing its ugly head again. I really hope that there won’t be another lockdown mainly for the fact that the girls won’t be able to see their Dad and that time is especially precious at the moment.
Throughout all of these troubled times despite the scenes we see on TV of all the negative behaviour there are far more caring and kindnesses shown to know that there are far more traits that we share than those we don’t ( if you see what I mean!)
Dare I mention that Christmas is becoming evident in shops already! At the moment I can only take one day at a time but at least I know that QVC is always there should I need to post any gifts it is great that they can be sent directly to their address.
In the meantime take special care of each other and much love till the next time from Julia (Smith) xxxx
Dear Julia, as always it’s great to hear from you and to know that you are staying strong and trying to live life as normally as your situation will permit, which I realise takes a lot of courage. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos – I too remember the summer of ’76 – it was the year I left school. Best tan I ever had! 🙂 Lovely that you’ve managed to meet up with some of your friends – they are the backbone I find when times are tough and I’m sure they will be there for the entire family. So sorry that your husband is finding it hard to walk any distance but at least you have the garden to enjoy. Bless you for cracking on with the bulbs and your pots. I have five new pots now from mum’s garden that are empty and will need filling for the spring… I may repot the rose she bought me for my birthday as it has grown too large for the original planter. I do hope Ivy enjoyed her first day at school – being happy about going is a very positive thing. I remember Lucy and Sam hated it when they were little. Things seem to be changing on a daily basis, but I am praying that with the new restrictions in place we will be able to avoid a total lockdown… I know how important it will be for you and all your family to spend time together. So glad that you are still finding QVC a comfort and are planning ahead. I hope that maybe sleep will come a little easier to you as the evenings become longer, and that you will continue to have the love and support you need. Please do keep in touch with us here on the blog. Love to you from me, Ali xx
Hi julia,
Just to say I am thinking of you. There’s not much light at the minute and I know what you mean about an impending loss. It’s always there and you try to carry on your duties as best you can. I’m glad you have your family to support you through this difficult time. Take care x
Hi Ali ,so glad you enjoyed Cornwall, we absolutely love it we have been going there on and of for about 40 year’s, sometimes twice a year in the early days. We used to stay at a caravan site in Pentuan St Austel ,it wasn’t as commercialised as it is now ,it was very quiet ,we always had I pitch right on the beach, but they are sooo expensive now we have found others just as good, we once did the coastal walk from the site into mevagissey, oh it was certainly an experience up hill and down Dale wasn’t in it ,needles to say we got the bus back 😂hope you got to go round lost gardens of helegan if they were open, well worth another trip if you didn’t manage it this time ,we love Charleston too ,you can really imagine all the serials that have been filmed there,last time we were there we went in a shop that sold everything made oh wood and upstairs was a lifsize horse all made of wood just like the one in war horse, I don’t know how they were going to get it out if anyone bought it .we are going to Cornwall next year with Simon and crew and I can’t wait, hopefully we will be back to some kind of normal by then 🤞.it will be soooooo good spending 2 weeks making memories with them ,also this time Harry’s girlfriend will be joining us ,can’t believe he will be 18 by then ,time really does fly as you get older, well Ali think that’s all my news for now ,stay safe and keep well both of you ,till next time lots of love Linda F xxx
Hi there Linda, You’re right about places to stay/beach huts/camping sites all being so expensive around Cornwall, but the views are great! You’re right about that walk being up hill down dale! We got a taxi back with Len after a couple of Rattlers! Next time we will definitely visit the lost Gardens of Helegan – they sound beautiful. I’m glad you’re planning to revisit Cornwall next year with Simon and the crew and I’m certain you will have a fabulous time making new memories. Gosh hard to believe Harry will be 18 by then – as you say time flies so much faster as we get older. Thanks for keeping in touch and although it is pouring with rain today, It really has been one of the best and longest some as I can remember. Take care Love Ali xx
Hi Ali, I’m lying in bed listening to the wind push a large wheely bin up the road and thoroughly enjoying your fabulous pictures of glorious Cornwall..simply a beautiful place We went years ago when Jack, now 23 was a baby but Chloe is going for a week in the summer next year to a big posh house she’s rented with 4 friends to sample all it has to offer..she will love it!
Just a short one from me today..had a great day in London yesterday as Chloe walked over the O2 in the wind ( a Christmas pressie from last year that had already been cancelled twice) then we did the Emirates cable car, in the wind..we were swaying a little more than I’d like!!
Going to rip some more ivy from the stone wall in the garden today and hopefully reduce the slug and snail population that have feasted on my plants this summer and have a general clear up after the terrible winds which have completely battered my beautiful full and fluffy white giant dahlias.
Thank you for asking about the pub. We are only open 3 days a week over Friday, Saturday and Sunday to avoid wasting beer that doesn’t sell in the week., it’s been tough and will continue to be tougher over the coming months..I think hanging on by our fingernails is a fair comment we have been lucky enough to use the building next door so we can have a few more customers but I think we are both past the sleepness nights worrying about something we cannot control..we just hope and pray our customers remain as loyal and supportive as they’ve always been.
School is ok..we are wearing masks in communal areas but not in class and as we are a special school our bubble is a secondary school bubble rather than year groups or classes.. but its bubble of 125 kids plus staff…not sure I understand the reasons why but I refill the small sanitiser attached to my lanyard daily with my L’occitane one and have just ordered another duo..plus the amazing hand cream offer too with the new bergamot flavour!!
Hope you have a lovely Sunday..whatever the weather. Much love Mary. X
Dear Mary, lovely to hear from you and well done to Chloe for her walk across the 02 – makes my hair stand on end just thinking about it – as does the thought of being on the Emirates cable car in the wind. You’re a braver girl than me 🙂 I think the storms and wind have been worse in the north and east of the country. We were with Joe in Norfolk from Friday and it was appalling there. I only have a few roses left in my pots but it’s purely the end of the season for them rather than damage. Although I’m sorry to know of John’s reduced days with the brewery, I am glad to know that you’ve both accepted it although it’s really tough, but are no longer losing sleep over it. I am certain your customers will be loyal and hopefully closer to Christmas things will pick up. The situation in your school sounds as confusing as it is for Lucy in hers. My sister is soooo relieved that she’s retired now. It must add undue stress to what is already a very stressful job. Let us all continue to pray for a positive change. There’ll be a new blog this week, but I hope that it goes well for you and thanks as always for keeping in touch, love Ali xx
Blimey O’Reilly. That G&T Glass couldn’t be any larger, could it? Looked as if you both had a smashing time. Perfect couple. x
There was a lot of tonic in it Matthew!!! And thank you, we did have a smashing time 🙂 Love Ali xx