Socialising, Analysing and Chasing My Tail!

I think I’ve driven over 500 miles in the last few days and as always I’m very thankful for my somewhat boring but reliable car! From Dorset to Ditchling Common, Winchester, Salisbury Milton Keynes and Swindon! Phew! Do you remember the days when we used to have to pull the choke out before turning the ignition and then pray that our car would start, especially in the cold weather? My kids still find it hard to believe we used to drive without seatbelts and that drink-driving wasn’t even a thing! How times – mercifully – have changed!

So how are you? Thank you very much for the lovely response to my previous blog. I can’t tell you how great it was to catch up on all your news, and to hear about your pre-Christmas plans and your family gatherings. I’ll be honest, Christmas felt a long way off when I last wrote to you but since then I have been spoilt rotten catching up with friends and family (hence the driving) in a variety of different venues, but all equally enjoyable.

My daughter Lucy organised a trip for her brothers, Colin and I plus the grandchildren to Legoland’s Christmas extravaganza as a Christmas gift.  She booked it way back in April and although the weather on the 1^st of December was grotty, we pulled on our waterproofs and made the absolute best of it.  Sam did very well considering he was still on crutches and to be honest, I had trouble keeping up with the grandchildren as we zoomed from ride to ride!  I managed to bow out of the scariest one ‘The Dragon ‘ a high speed, vertebrae jolting nightmare, but I joined eight-year-old Calla on the giant swing boat, which as you can see from the expression on my face, I found more than a little terrifying! We thoroughly enjoyed the day though and vowed to return once Sam and Elise’s little one is old enough to enjoy the rides too!

Lucy is always good at planning ahead and I’ve learned over the years to take a leaf out of her book.   I put this into practice along with my girlfriends, and so it was particularly special to meet up with QVC guests Jemma Forte and Clare Edmonson in London to celebrate Christmas with a fabulous Italian lunch.  The food was fabulous, the wine flowed, and the conversation was unstoppable! We even managed a quick peek inside Fortnum and Masons and then posted our adventures on Instagram and Facebook.  Imagine my shame when I found out that the amazing pinecone display in the centre of the store, had been constructed by my son Jack and his work colleagues and I hadn’t even given him a mention!  The company he works for were responsible for creating and fitting it, and I was incredibly proud when I found out,  as I’m sure you can see why! Jack struggled academically but has always been particularly good with his hands and this company are really giving him a chance to build on his experience and to try new things which is great.  I have a feeling that 2025 will be a good one for him– I hope so.

The 11th of December saw me with more friends from the past – my QVC past – when we joined together at a Winter Wonderland Ball, in aid of an incredible charity called Kaleidoscopic.  In their own words, they turn the lens on domestic abuse whether it be verbal, physical, psychological, emotional, financial or sexual… it is something I feel very strongly about having lived in an abusive marriage for a number of years – too scared to leave and too ashamed to talk to anyone about it. Charities like these can change the lives of men women and children who struggle, and it was such a wonderful opportunity to give something back to those who have helped so many. If you’d like to find more out about the work they do,  here is the link: kaleidoscopic.uk

We’d all decided that sequins were the way to go, and dressed up in our gladrags, we quaffed Prosecco, joined in with the raffle and secret auction and danced our socks off!  I told the girls how much it meant to me that I was still included in these occasions and they said they feel I’m still part of the QVC family, which was lovely.

When it comes to giving though, it’s difficult isn’t it? There are so many heartfelt and moving advertisements on television for Barnardos, Shelter, Crisis, Cancer Research… the list goes on. So who should we give to? Do we need to find a personal connection with or do we give to those whose marketing campaigns press our emotional buttons? I don’t think there is a right or wrong, I think it’s good to give if you can, to whoever you can and I am certain any donation is gratefully received.

We managed to get our Christmas tree early this year – and so far no needle drop! It always makes me smile when I post up a photograph of my tree, because it looks the same every single year – positioned slightly differently! Last year my granddaughter Honey was staying with me while Lucy had her back operation and she helped me to decorate it. This year I did it alone but made sure all her favourite baubles were right at the front of the tree. This year I’ve added in the new bauble they sent to me, as it’s a family tradition and something Lucy has spoilt me with since before Honey was born. I love it 🥰

Colin and I were out again in London on Monday night with friends, enjoying a Spanish Tapas meal.  During the conversation we reminisced about what our favourite Christmas present was when we were children, and I found myself talking nostalgically about the beautiful doll’s house my father made for me when I was seven. I will never forget how it looked at the end of my bed, with the little lights inside it, shining through the green velvet curtains and lighting up the home-made furniture my grandfather had made. I absolutely treasured this, and was something I kept until we moved to Bedfordshire when Jack was three.   I still regret giving it away… Do you remember what your favourite gift was?

I haven’t been on too many walks recently, but the last time I did I took a few photos – the one at the very top of the blog and this one here. I hope you enjoy them and I very much hope that the Christmas you have ahead of you will be happy and shared with the people you love. And if you can’t be with those you love, I hope your memories will keep you strong.

Thank you for all your support throughout this year, your comments and kind words of encouragement; you are the best.♥️

Please do drop me a line if you have a moment, or keep in touch with me on Facebook and Instagram and I’ll definitely get back to you. 🥰

With my love,

Ali xx