There was a lot of tonic in it Matthew!!! And thank you, we did have a smashing time 🙂 Love Ali xx

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

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 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

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 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

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

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