Bonjour Everyone
What a day! Fatnick and I had a trip to the Arsenal training session and we met every single player including Arsene Wenger- thanks Russ for arranging it.
I started the day with a big breakfast (Chris came in specially early) and we went in the Hospice Minibus with Brian and Alison and parked in Mr Wenger's space-he didn't seem to mind! We met the players, had our photos taken, watched them train -then a healthy lunch before coming home. The whole day was excellent and we can't thank Arsenal and everyone enough for a super day.
The Chaplain (Liz) bought round some cans of IPA which I had with Matt and Tom whilst talking New Gen how exciting. Jeanette came in the evening (and looked gorgeous) and Jo came with Si, Charlie and Archie and also looked gorgeous.
Love
Ali
With Jo my special sister-in -law
Dino looking so innocent!
Enjoying the heights
Annecy
Summer 2007
With Julian at Wimbledon
New Generation Directors
Charlie, my Bro and me La Napoule
John T and Me by Lake Annecy 07
Cheers
The Rainback Boys
Chocolate Cake and Wine !!!
Me and my Birthday Girl
Job well Done!
A Happy Day in Parc Vanoise
La Napoule Harbour before Monaco GP 07
Sunday Lunch
Family Breakfast
Guess Who
The Rainback Roundup La Napoule 07
todays highlight with Anne and Julia
Room with a view
My mate Theo!!!
Nick, Arsène Wenger and Me
View from the balcony
We'll be back soon!
The big guns
Jeanette in Anncey
Jeanette in Anncey
My brother Simon and nephew Charlie
Jo and Nephew Archie
Archie Rainback
|Charlie Rinback
Clouds above saint foy.
Ski touring in Les AVals, Courchevel
Biarritz Surfing New Gen Style!!
Si & Me in Ashridge Forest
Fran and Me-only a little drink
Rome
Jeanette in Rome
I love this photo - I hope it look like that up there just now!!
Courchevl! Black and White I think looks better
From my Window in Courchevel - New Years Days last Year
Archie
Archie Rainback
A seagull's botty, lake Annecy and a few mountains
Sunrise from our Annecy balcony
Simone!!
In La Grave
Me, Matt and John trying to look the part
Can anyone guess where this is?
Mr and my great friemd Franny telemarking in Cpurchevel
Jet and Ali in Rome
My friends Carolyn, Lotti & 'Tilda
in Bourg St Maurice
Jet and me in Rome!
Me in italy on our ski day
Children at New Gen!
The Farewell team welcoming me back!
Me and the UEAFA coaching team-Largs
Skiing in Courchevel - Thanks Matt
Charile is 4 on Saturday! Yippee!!
some old van om the way to piips house
Rocks in Courchevel during last summer
Jet and me in Annecy
Definately going to fall off that bridge!
Charlie in his flying suit - best thing!
Courchevel from the nursey slope
Skiing again in Courchevel
This was planned!!!!
A mountain!
A COLD mountain
Me and my friend Jumbo!
If you want his number you have to go through me ;-)
It's fizzy water....promise!
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Me and Warren in Zermatt
Me in Courchevel....very happy after a powder day!
Roy and me in the Helicopter in Italy
Two of BASI's top trainers ha ha
Me definately falling over!
Can you spot me?
Whooheeeee!
Some old banger in Rome!
Me in Courchevel
Don't ask me why I took this photo but I liked this lorry!
Our home in Annecy (4th floor!) - come and pay us a visit
Sunset at the Refugio de Guiliamina
A friends sand castle!
The way ahead....?
Finlay Mickel and me. Good luck with the injury Fin, it's okay, the Hannenkham is over now!!
Haha Roy is one of our most experienced Mountain Instructors and examiners!!
Me in the 550 Maranello (ssshhhh Jumbo!) ha ha
Think Shrink....please :-)
Sleeping at the hospital
Probably about to fall over!
Si and a young Charlie
Tim, Matt and me trying to play ball in Annecy
Dicky, Si and me in La Napoule
HAPPY NEW YEAR from Ali and Jeanette
THINKSHRINK!
About to hit a tree!!!
My visualisation for the day was Nick and Dicky on each of these blasting the tumor! How I laughed
John and Matt in Annecy
Me trying to punt...thanks for the lesson Fran!
Not my glasses...!
My 20th Ski birthday!
Sunset from Annecy
View from my apartment in Annecy!
Me skiing
John and me after down hill muddybiking
Wozza, Tom and me
One of my childrens group
Looking for Marmottes
The Aguille du Fruit in Courchevel - I guess it was like this yesterday. Cool!
John, Ali, Dino and Phil in St Albans yesterday (Sat)
Courchevel from 1650
Can't wait to get back!
My favourite piccie of Jeanette
Me skiing in Courchevel
New Gen in it's first year!
Back to the cycling with John soon.
My chrissie pressie from Nick....Pigeon - that's me!
Best thing today
Me and Cookie in Italy
Can you tell that I took that photo?!
We're turning a corner!
Me and my friends the Skatalites!
This is another story!
Julia, me and the Porsche
Thanks Julia!
The New Gen Surf Team!
My good friend Rachel and me half way up Saulire!
Me flying in Tignes (Thanks Matt...again!)
Our good friends Martin, Sally, Deirdre and Jeanette
Me and my friends at New Generation in Verbier last season
Me and my bro after my brain biopsy
Jeanette in Courchevel in October
The awesome Amanda (hi-5!) and the lovely an helpful Alison
These are all my photos
Jo and I with my trusty turbo trainer
This was the New Gen boys Heliskiing in Italy (I'm very proud of this photo)
Dad, Ali and Si all without (much) hair!
OK. First attempt......Option No1.
Option 2. Mmmmmmm....
Final attempt. Which do you prefer?
Yoo hoo! I'm free..!
John and I in Annecy
Charlie in his Fireman's outfit on Christmas day
My nephew Archie
My loyal and 'always there for me' Dad
My gorgeous and loving mum,,,,thank you for your everlasting support
Powder in Courchevel!
Jet and I in Thorens Glieres above Annecy
Jeanette, Rachel, Jerome and I
My friends.....I miss them!
Outside our home in the Alps
Ruthie and I in Courchevel
Fat Nick, Lisa, Fat Ali and Dicky M - sorry about sick Nick!
With the mask on again...
Me on the table today (10/12/07)
Me in Val d'Isere about to fall over!
My 20th skiing birthday party
Thanks for coming everyone!
The Buzzymachine IS my friend!
The BUZZYMACHINE at work on me! (7/12/07)
Zoe, Rachel and Jeanette on one of our lovely summer walks above Annecy
I took this of the cable cars in La Grave on our staff day out
My 36th Birthday. Jet and me in Royal Free Hospital just before my Brain Biopsy!
My eyes are half closed because of the swelling in my brain. That's better now because I'm on steriods and....I'm eating like a horse! Mum made the lovely cake.
A night at the Ronnie.....wish I was there now!
Jeanette and I in Vienna
Jeanette and I in Vienna
About Me
- Ali Rainback
- Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- I'm the technical director at New Generation Ski school in France and Switzerland. I love skiing, meeting people, football
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33 comments:
WOW !! Paul ( big Gunners supporter ) will be in awe of you.....as we all are Ali.....great to hear your days news and great photo and lots, and lots of thoughts for today. Love Sally & family X
Blimey, mixing with the rich and famous Ali, all sounds very exciting (well if you're into foodball that is)... Glad you've had such a great day. Take care, simone xx
Dearest Ali
We are so happy that you got to meet the Arsenal team and Arsene Wenger, what a terrific day you must have had. Can't wait to see lots of photos.
Foodwise you are certainly getting the best, quite makes our mouth water some of the lovely goodies you are having.
It's another beautiful day especially for you Ali so get out in Chorlton and enjoy yourself.
So pleased that Jeanette, Jo, Si, Charlie and Archie came to see you and all looking gorgeous, great news. Great that you managed to have a chat to Stewart.
We are thinking of you constantly Ali and hope to see you very soon.
All our love to you, Jeanette, your mum, dad and all the Rainback crew.
Love and hugs
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Alistair,
fantastic!!!!!!
God bless
Steve - Cagnes
Hey Ali
Whats all the fuss about!!! Who is the Wenger man!! Ramos is your man........ nuff said bored!
Geachy
Absolutely brilliant! Glad you had such a wonderful day!
Lots of love, Nicki & Hugh xx
Hi Ali
Only joshing!! I remeber when you used to steward down at Highbury, you must have had a ball shame about them all being French!! Oops sorry your practiacally French!
Glad your still having a fantastic time through all the adversity. You really a speacial guy.
Do you remember the song 'Around the town she wore a borough blazier ...'
Good one that
Speak soon
Feel the force big man and keep smiling
Danny G
mate the Arsenal trip sounds awesome! well done mate and a big thanks to everyone that sorted. Hope you are doing well big guy
love Jumbo x
Hi Ali
Brilliant, brilliant day out at the Arsenal, so so glad you enjoyed it. Was out fishing at Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire Dales and out of phone range so couldn't phone you as planned. Spoke to Fat Nick last night and he said that you had a smile on your face all day. Highlight of the day was talking to Arsene Wenger. We are so pleased for you Ali and you'll have dreams about it for many nights to come.
Will try and call you today and hopefully will try and see you on Saturday on our way South.
Keep smiling and keep dreaming mate.
Ciao & love
Bernie & Karin xxx
Cool! I love the photo too. lots of love
xxxx
Hey Ali
So glad you had a good time, what a lovely thing for you..well done Russ for sorting it and Fat Nick for taking care of him! Great great photo.
Love you lots
Rach
xxxx
Hi Ali,
Nice one on the Arsenal trip. Sounds like they are a pretty good set of guys. I am a Liverpool fan myself (sorry about the Champions League ;-) ) but I have always had a lot of respect for the Arse and even more so now.
Hope you really enjoyed it and have some great memories. I am sure that you will have done.
Take care and all the best
Charlie Owen
Hi Ali
Great to hear you got to visit Arsenal team etc. My lads are man utd but wont hold that against you. So know how special a trip like that was. Blog is great you are an inspiration. Deirdre keeps myself and Stephen updated. Thinking of you as always.
love
cathy and Stephen, Limerick, Ireland xxx
Ali
If you want to visit a proper footbal Club let me know and I will take you to SPURS!
We won a cup you know!
Look after yourself and keep fighting
Hugh Pelling
Wow Ali, what an amazing day - Ali will be so excited for you!
L x
hi ali,
brilliant that you got to go to arsenal - very cool (never thought I'd say that about arsenal! ha ha!), you look so calm and collected, I'd be beside myself if I got to go to the pool!
thinking of you loads - and can only agree with the comments and thoughts written by all your friends you inspire and make laugh every day.
have a lovely weekend, with plenty of visits from friends and time with Jeanette and your family.
lots of love
Katie
xx
Hi Ali,
Funny how a day with the Gunners makes many a man happy! Once went with my husband to a match v. Liverpool at the old Highbury ground, on the terraces that were there then. It was so packed and felt very claustrophobic, and when Arsenal first scored the crowd went mad, jumping up and down,and I had to struggle not to get knocked over and stay standing. Dreaded there being another goal and unluckily for me it was a high scoring match! Some of those fans were real bruisers so had very sore toes the next day!
Anyway, quite an experience, won't go again but proud to say been there..done that.
Hope it has lifted your spirits. Great photo, pity we can't quite see Chorlton in all his glory too!
Todays quote:
"No longer forward or behind
I look in hope and fear
But grateful take the good I find
The best of now and here."
(John G Whittier)
Keep smiling,
x
Ali,
You must be so made up to have met the Arsenal, but if you had only asked i could have taken you to the home of football West Ham's Upton Park. Love to you and your wonderful family.
Sos Sarah and Harry
Hi Ali,
Bless Sos, he has always been a bit of a dreamer hey!!
Glad you had a great day!!
have you noticed that since you have been back from annecy it has not rained once!!! think the sun is shining on you!!
Lots of love
Nikki & Matt
Hello mate,
So glad you pair enjoyed your day, now we have to make a date so that we can see the rest of the photos and hear all the gossip. I will be watching the match at Sunderland tomorrow to see if they are playing the Rainback way full of heart passion and courage. Liking the IPA to help wash all that gorgeous food down aswell, you take care and keep smiling.
Russ, Belle & Cara xxx
hi ali.
Well, while you were playing foot we were in Semnoz! all you have to do is close your eyes and think of your flat in annecy turn your head a little to your right and there it is! The little ski station which has got a lovely forest road up and up it goes ,we however were walking listening to the birds singing , and then half way up a view of annecy breath taking,i am sure you can imagine it, anyway you were with as all the time.Think of us at 9 on saturday morning the 17th 1\150 days on the chemin d'ali be our butterfly.
take care mark and lili
Blue is the colour, not red!! Great that Arsène took the time to see you - strange though ... he never usually manages to see anything!!
Went to see Northampton Gang Show tonight with Jemma - not a patch on Harpenden, as you'd expect, but they did do a Circus number with several songs from Barnum, which reminded us both of Fat Nick doing his "Join The Circus" solo! Happy memories. Stay strong, and, stay jealous too when the Blues do a famous double this season!!
Love from Ewan
hey ali,
top work, hopefully you managed to run over eboue's foot in chorlton and put him out for the game on sunday!
keep living strong
martin creasey
Hi Ali,
Sounds like a great day out! I'll have to tell my cousin in Singapore...he'll be jealous...he's a Gunners fan too. He actually managed to catch a game at Highbury when he was last in London on business.
Sending love to you all from "across the pond".
Katherine
Ali,
WoW, what a day for you!
One of the best day's of your life I am sure. Can't say I am jealous being a yid and all that. Sure you and Fat Nick were in your element.
Stay tough mate!
Love
Craig x
Hi Ali!
We´re glad to hear you are getting well looked after in the hospital, and wish you a nice banana bath time for tomorrow too.
Ruby had her last outing of the season in Sölden at the weekend. She might be geting a bit old but she still goes like a dream!
You´re a star for blogging and letting us know how you´re doing.
Love, Ant & Gudrun xx
Bloody hell, how great does that day sound! The closest I got was buying an Arsenal tax disk holder from the old Highbury shop - which I was told to throw away when I got married to my Manchester United obsessed husband....What was I thinking.
Anyway, lots of love to you and all the family. Been thinking about you all a lot recently and remembering a lot of happy days.
Love Alex W
xxx
Hi Ali,
Great photo! Keep smiling and I shall continue to send positive thoughts in your direction.
Love,
Gillian X
(Peisey)
Hey Ali,
Best thing about today - eating Guiness cake with an old friend!
You still have an extra special place in my heart, Ali Sea Rescue.
Lots of of love
J-A
Ali, I'm a friend of Jo's and Simon's and we met a couple of years back in St Albans (a magical moment outside elc). I've been meaning to write for so long, but it actually took the Bob Wilson comment for me to figure out how - how shallow! Your blog, and you, are an inspiration. The way you keep your humour and deal with everything that's thrown at you is just amazing. The same is true for your family, I admire how strong and happy you all are together. My Dad has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer at a very advanced stage. It was a bit out of the blue and has totally thrown us all. Reading about you and your friends and family give me hope, that maybe before too long we'll be able to put into words what we want to say and somehow get on with it.
Thanks Ali, you are amazing!!!
Wishing you all the best and always thinking of your family and you.
Kirsten x
Hey Ali, I check the blog daily but don't leave comments so often - compared to what you are up to, I don't have that much to say. But am always thinking about you.
So glad you had a brilliant day - although it's only football. What's all the fuss about?!@*
Kate Fowler
Bloody brilliant Ali,
Every footballers dream so well done.
Only a couple more days here in Oz and ready to come home. Need to hand the kids over to Dad so I can have a small break!
Hopefully will see you soon.
Love CArolyn.
Dearest Ali
It was so nice to see you yesterday. You were on top form and smiling as always. It was lovely to see your mum and dad, Jeanette and Richard who was already visiting when we arrived.
What a super place you are in with such beautiful gardens and wonderful staff. We will come again but will speak to your mum to arrange something. Jeanette is a super young lady and we can understand your happiness in having met your perfect match.
Your dear mum and dad are doing absolutely brilliantly in taking care of you and deserve lots of love and care too.
We had a good journey home but stopped at a pub on the way for some food as we were quite late to be driving back to cook our own meal so decided to spoil ourselves. When we got home I wrote a goodnight message on the blog but being tired obviously failed to press all the right buttons and mysteriously it isn't there!
Stewart rang us on our drive home as Richard had told him we were visiting you and he wanted to know how you were. Hopefully he will be able to visit you soon.
Anyway we are thinking of you 24/7 and thank you, your mum, dad and Jeanette for giving us so much time to enjoy our visit.
Take care of yourself and all the Rainback crew.
All our love as always
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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