Sunday, 11 May 2008

Sunday Morning

Bonjour Everyone

I've got some lovely yellow roses from Mum at the bottom of my bed and I feel very safe here because everyone looks after me so well. My steroids are going down again so I'm eating less and feel happier because of it.

I had a great day yesterday because Jane-Anne (J-A) came to visit and I haven't seen her for 18 years since we were neighbours in Kimpton and she made me a lovely big Guiness cake -yummy! Thanks for coming J-A great to see you again.

Sally Chapman dropped by too and took me for a push in Chorlton round the beautiful gardens-please come again Sally good to see you. Bernie and Karin came as well on their way back to London. Today I'm looking forward to watching the Grand Prix with Dad and seeing my old friend Franny later.

Thank you Bob Wilson, Russ, Fatnick and everyone here for helping me to have some happy dreams of an awesome day out.

Thanks everyone for your comments we read them all so please keep them coming.

Love

Ali x
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29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Ali

We are first on!!! Only up early because Georgia is taking part in the Herts Youth Games this morning and we have to be there by 9.00!

Glad they have cut the steroids down and you are feeling happy. Sounds like you had a great day yesterday with lots of visitors.

Looks like another lovely day today. Hope you and Chorlton get another whizz round the gardens.

Love and best wishes

Paul, Amanda Emma and Georgia
xx

11 May 2008 at 08:20
Anonymous said...

Good morning Ali,

It's another beautiful day here in Beaconsfield. It was the fair yesterday - the old town is completely closed for one day every year and an enormous fair arrives. Quite incongruous with its surroundings of old buildings and its all packed in to every nook and cranny in the streets. What a great day, the children always love it and we came home with a load of tacky fair prizes..sign of a good day had by all I always think!

Can't believe this amazing weather, long may it last. Good weather obviously follows you around..something to do with your sunny disposition!

Enjoy the sunshine, hope you have more of your friends to visit today and give Chorlton a his daily exercise.

Todays quote:

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
(Ashley Smith)

Keep smiling.
x

11 May 2008 at 08:42
Anonymous said...

Off to Annecy today mate on our way to pick up my Mum from Geneva - we'll be thinking of you when we see the lake.

I have just emailed you a video message from me and Dougie that we shot back in April whilst on the end of season tdc day out. We were supposed to be heli-skiing but, thwarted by the weather we ended up skiing the Foglietta in St Foye and probably had as much fun. We walked to the ridge in thick mist, it was pretty scary finding our way in and then the clouds lifted and we had a magical ski. We'd left it a bit late in the day and ended up taking our skis of down in La Masure at 6.50pm.

We talked a lot about you that day and drank your health in the Monal that evening. Miss you as ever mate.

Stay strong Ali.

Love Paul G

11 May 2008 at 09:05
Anonymous said...

Hello mate,

That guiness cake sounds the business. I will be thinking of you today whilst I am also watching the Grand Prix, but I've tiling to finish first so I must dash.
Also a big thank you goes out to Elaine Sigrist at the Arsenal who pulled everything together to make it all possible. Like I said we'll be up to see you soon to catch up proper and see all the photos from your day. Take care and keep smiling,

Russ, Belle & Cara xxx

ps only 2 weeks to go and you could say Belle is fully cooked, at least she hopes so!

11 May 2008 at 09:09
J-A said...

Hey Ali,

You know I realised last night when I got home how daft we've been. Communication these days is so easy and yet we'd not been in touch for so long. It's made me realise how precious friends are and how important it is to take the time to check in with them and see what they're up to. It's a lesson I've learned now. I can't change the past but I will be making sure I do it in future.

Just before we'd got the news of Mr Tumour I'd found you on Facebook and was looking forward to catching up with all the news of what had been happening in your life. I was kicking myself for not having been in touch before so yesterday was such a special day for me, seeing you again after so long and you hadn't changed - still the same Ali I've always adored. We should have done it years ago.

Your Mum and Dad were pretty much EXACTLY the same and it was wonderful to hug them and talk to them as if I'd seen them just the day before. As my Mum says that's the good bit about old, old friends, you pick up where you left off. It was great to meet your other friends too.

You're in a wonderful place there and I can see that you feel happy and safe and I thank God for the dedicated carers who have made you feel that way. Not all of us are lucky enough to have shared in all of your life up to now, but I'm pretty sure everyone who has met you, loved, laughed and cared for you along the way feels a bigger, brighter person for it.

I saw the banana bath too and it looked great, such a clever design. I'm not sure my huge backside would have fitted in it though!

Well now Skates, I have a lot of phone calls to make and letters to write, so I'll blog again soon.

I'll take your advice re the cycling and one day Gareth and I will let one of your New Gen boys or girls teach us to ski. I know we'll be in good hands.

Husband says Hi and hopes you enjoy the cake (I think I may have to make one for him too!)

We love you lots, Ali.

J-A

11 May 2008 at 09:32
Anonymous said...

Hi ALi - just back from a few days break in Norfolk - fantastic weather for once! How lovely for Jane-Anne to visit you. Iremember her mum coming to see me in St Albans Hospital in 1977 - I was on traction for 6 weeks - slipped disc and Noreen was working there at the time. That is the power of KIMPTON - there is always someone there for you. Keep up the sunny side Ali.
Love Liz & Keith
ps - would like the recipe for Guiness cake - sounds good - might do for May Festival 2009

11 May 2008 at 11:09
Anonymous said...

Hi ALi - just back from a few days break in Norfolk - fantastic weather for once! How lovely for Jane-Anne to visit you. Iremember her mum coming to see me in St Albans Hospital in 1977 - I was on traction for 6 weeks - slipped disc and Noreen was working there at the time. That is the power of KIMPTON - there is always someone there for you. Keep up the sunny side Ali.
Love Liz & Keith
ps - would like the recipe for Guiness cake - sounds good - might do for May Festival 2009

11 May 2008 at 11:09
Anonymous said...

Don't know why it's appeared twice - probably twitchy fingers - sorry about that - I will attempt to send this only once! Liz

11 May 2008 at 11:11
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali. Good to read your happy blog. It brought back memories of when the "black stuff" was promoted with slogans like "My goodness my Guiness" and "See what one or Toucan do". It was the drink of choice amongst soldiers in my unit who were all fit, strong and healthy as a result! And now......Guiness cake?! What is the world coming to? Here's hoping it produces the same result for you and keeps you going....but not too often! Think stink! Awrabest.

11 May 2008 at 11:28
Anonymous said...

Dearest Ali

Your blog as every never fails to show your sunny personality. What a terrific day you had yesterday with all those visitors. I am sure you will have the same today.

David is watching the Grand Prix at this moment so it is nice to know you are doing the same with your dad.

It's another wonderful day, I've been really busy. We are decorating at present and I ended up cleaning the conservatory roof on the inside and melting in the process, boy was it hot out there. I then cut the lawn and did some more gardening, still more to be done but once the Grand Prix has finished we are off for a cycle ride around the sea wall here, about a 7 mile ride and beautiful by the river.

Hope you have a wonderful day. The sun is still shining brightly for our special friend, Ali. Keep your sunny smiles coming Ali, and enjoy all the tlc you are receiving and much deserved too.

Love and hugs to you Ali and to Jeanette, your mum and dad and all the Rainback crew.

The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

11 May 2008 at 13:56
Anonymous said...

bonjour Ali,

nous venons a peine de rentrer de New York et c est pourquoi je me depeche de t envoyer ces quelques lignes.
j espere qu elles te trouveront en pleine forme.
on est restes une semaine a New York, avec beaucoup de marche, de visites de musees, une comedie musicale a broadway et aussi beaucoup de shopping.
je crois que Jeanette te l a deja dit mais je voulais aussi te le confirmer, Martin et moi on attends un bébé pour le mois de novembre.
pour le moment tout va bien, je ne suis pas trop fatiguee mais j ai quelques degouts pour certains aliments.
quand rentre tu a annecy?? bientot j espere comme ca on pourra passer te voir si tu n es pas trop fatigué toi aussi.
Martin se joint a moi pour vous envoyer de tres grosses bises.
a tres bientot

gaelle

11 May 2008 at 14:34
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali,
Just seen the Grand Prix. Good news for ferrari,as per usual!!!! Mind you not too bad news for Hamilton.
Me and Sally are chilling here in Morzine untill 20th May and we are then back in the UKfor most of the summer. We are not a million miles away from you so it would be great to pop in to see you.
I could show you my new found skills of helicopter flying, mind you its proving to be a pretty expensive hobbie for such a small little toy!!!!!
I've found a pretty funny of you in Tignes with Roy, and a few of the other trainers involving interviews and elephant racing.!!! I'll show you it when i come and see you, it should make you laugh.
All the best buddy,
See you soon,
Mo and Sally

11 May 2008 at 14:40
Anonymous said...

hi Ali, great to see you and your folks today.It sure is a nice place where you,re camped for now, and enjoyed chatting to the nurses after you'd dropped off for a kip. Look forward to seeing you again soon, it was lovely just to stroll/roll through the gardens and natter. Take it easy Ali.
Love, Fran.

11 May 2008 at 17:28
Anonymous said...

Dear Ali,

Could do with your chef tonight as I offer yoghurts for pudding to the tribe ..yet again!!

I get a warm picture of where you are staying...yellow roses and banana shaped baths! Our thoughts are with you all.

Your enthusiasm for life has always bowled me over Ali - and your blog continues to ooze it.

Love Clare, Paul, Amy and Ben xxx

11 May 2008 at 20:02
Anonymous said...

Dear Ali,

Bonjour mon amie, potage bon femme, monge tout, mange tout. It's Ian Parker(L'Sex) from the good old days. I hope you have received the messages as you are all constantly in our thoughts and prayers buddy.

Is your mum as lovely as the last time I met her? In your first year on the way back form hockey in the mini-bus the Borough Bulldozer took a detour to Chez Rainback for tea and cake. We were all made so welcome even though a total transendance had occurred sending your airedale up the wall. Happy days aye?

Glad to see you are off the steroids and happier, Geachy is also happy as it means we he can double his dose and keep eating!

Sounds like you had the perfect day with the Gunners, I phoned Granty in NZ who was naturally green with envy but also overwhelmed by your enthusiasm and positive outlook. He sends his regards and the usual expletives about Spurs.

I update my form class at school daily as they could do with a lesson in humility and general jolliness! They are sixth formers and are skiing with me next Easter-have sent them the New Gen link as some are after courses. They are all in awe of how you are handling things and have adopted the Macmillan Trust as their form charity as a result.

You take care mate and keep writing safe in the knowledge that you are enlightening people everyday!

Myself and the boys would love to come and visit anytime you were up to it. I think J-A summed it up. It has been too long since the slopes of Courcheval in 1998 and we have to rip into Jonno for city losing 8-1 today and to Geachy for Spurs just being shite! Make sure the Guiness cake is long gone before then though. Only joking, we are still close.

Love to you and the family and hope you are comfortable and your usual chipper self.

A'bientot

Ian (L'Sex) Parker

11 May 2008 at 20:35
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali,
I am still in Courchevel enjoying the tranquility of the inter-season! The weather has been fab! I know it wasnt too good while you were in Annecy, pity.. I have been up to Annecy a few times, -think of you while i am there! If you are back before the end of June (another aussie season beckons -am I crazy, yes, nothing changes!) I will def call in, left it a bit late last time...

I was thinking about working for Renault again for the Monaco Grand Prix, but its not really worth it.Didnt get to watch the GP today (dint get up in time, had a dinner party last night with Jim Bell, my brother Sean and Sam and some others.. it went on quite late!)

Caroline and the girls get back from Oz this week, will be good to see them and spend a bit of time over in their valley.

Would have been nice to see Sally. I worked for her this year, but havent seen her in about 2 years!

Sounds like you have been keeping very busy lately which is good to hear. Did you ever release that football song??

Anyway good to chat, speak again soon.
LOL Marie

11 May 2008 at 20:48
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali
So glad you enjoyed your visit to the Gunners and thought you might like this alternative version of your trip.
'Aresenal players were priveleged, after training, to meet world-renowned skier and coach Ali Rainback. Ali, whose fan base is greater than Cesc Fabrigas, took time out of his busy schedule to give a motivational talk to the players, stressing the power of positive thought.
Ali signed autographs for the players, before rushing off to another appointment.'

Love to you all

Bill
BASI

11 May 2008 at 21:29
gassman said...

hello mate.
its great to hear that you have had a great couple of days.
mate i can't beleave you went to meet all the gunners players. i have to say even tho i love the spurs and hate the arsenal, that is the shit. I can't think of anyone else that would deserve it more.
would love to come and visit you if you can fit me in.
love you mate
speak to you soon
gassman

11 May 2008 at 23:37
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali

I have had a frantic start to my day with a teething, non sleeping baby and heaps to do at work. As usual though, before I knuckle down to it, I have logged on to check your blog and am so pleased to find your happy update. It reminds me not to sweat over the small stuff. You make such a difference to us all, even those of us who don't (or at least didn't!) know you so well. Thank you.

lots of love

xxx

12 May 2008 at 09:07
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali

As usual have been enjoying the blog. Almost as much as I enjoyed Gimpton May Festival last weekend... 2 hours of washing up in the Methodist church hall kitchen helping WAK Ventures... what a treat, and hands that do dishes for 2 hours are not as soft as your face. Fact!
Looks like Arsenal was a top day out, and the hospice looks great. Am getting further updates through the Kimpton grapevine, so look after yourself and I'll keep reading the blog.

Laters.

12 May 2008 at 09:44
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali and family

Just wanted to say hi. I can't wait to see you on Wednesday.

If there is anything you need, then just let me know

Big kisses

Rach
xxxxxxx

12 May 2008 at 10:24
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali,
Great to see you Saturday, it was lovely to have a push in Chorlton and chat. Great to meet your mum and dad again and of course lovely to meet Jeanette, beautiful ring! Hope Sunday and today go well, weather still beautiful. Will bring my instructions over for the watches next time! Could bring Tilly too but she is a bit of a rascal! Love to you all, thinking of you lots. Sally X

12 May 2008 at 11:26
J-A said...

Hey Ali,

Thought I'd drop you a line as have just been out to lunch and had a walk in the glorious sunshine. You definitely brought the sun back with you.

Next time I come to see you I'll bring a bottle of Pimms and a bottle of lemonade as your current location is so beautiful and is perfect for Pimms O'clock.

We sat in our garden yesterday under our new red parasol (been wanting it for ages so quite over excited) and consumed several large ones and made the most of this lovely weather. In this country you can't afford to spend a sunny day indoors!

There is a cloudy ginger cordial - can't remember which brand - that they sell in Tesco - it's kind of strong but still subtle and I wondered if that might help with getting rid of the metallic taste in your mouth. Might be worth a try.

Have a lovely afternoon.

Lots of love

J-A

12 May 2008 at 13:53
Anonymous said...

Hi Rainback clan
Well you have told us how good the apple pie was, how fantastic the banana bath felt, how safe and looked after you all feel - now all we need is a picture of the view from your window to really make us feel like we are there with you!!
I'm so glad you enjoyed your day out and are feeling good.
positive thoughts and lots of love
jemma

12 May 2008 at 19:45
Anonymous said...

Dearest Ali

It was so nice to see you today, your dear mum and dad, Jeanette and also Richard. We will blog again soon but just wanted to say goodnight and thanks for a lovely afternoon together xxxxxxxxxx

love and hugs
Chris & David

12 May 2008 at 21:20
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali,

Sounds like you're keeping busy with people popping in and out, whizzes around in Chorlton AND days out hob nobbing with the stars ... on that note, any chance you can get me to meet Ewan McGregor!!! No news from us, but the lure of the "overseas" life is starting to creep in again. Love, Julie & Mark xx

12 May 2008 at 22:14
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali, We are all following your amazing blogs with awe and admiration-the cakes,your friends comments,your photographs and your journeys between Annecy and England illustrate a wonderful enthusiam and strength which no illness can dent! Gregor is a bit excited by Man U's antics but I'm sure you won't grudge him a wee celebration!! We all send strong vibes and love,The Pirie's x

12 May 2008 at 22:30
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali

Here I am again reading your blog whilst putting 2 of my clan to bed! I will tell you this that l'sex character is a right plonker!

How you keeping sounds like your well busy with visitors and amazing trips albeit to see the gooner scum! Did you get my email? I am about in herts in 2 or so weeks so send us your address and me you and franny can go for a ruby. I wil pay this time as not sure we will get away with doing a runner.Not saying that you being in chorlton. But more to do with me being 18 stone! Could not much run when I was 13 stone let alone now!
Good to read you so positive and up for a fight you truely put many of us to shame.

In my thoughts everyday. Keep strong, live long and keep smiling

Love
Danny g

13 May 2008 at 20:47
Anonymous said...

Hi Ali,

I am so glad that you are happy and comfortable at your hospice.

Thank you for being so selfless in your situation; this truly is the most generous gift to your friends and family.

Thinking of you, Jeanette and your family, and will continue to keep you in our prayers,

Noni and Family x

17 May 2008 at 22:31

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