Grey matters: Sunday Morning

Sunday, 18 May 2008

Sunday Morning

Bonjour Everyone

Yesterday I had a great day with Si, Jo, Dad, Mum and Jeanette-very special. Thanks for helping me in the banana bath Si and Jo-glad you managed to stay dry!

I had a lovely surprise visit from Dr Elena Wilson-sorry I was so sleepy but thanks for coming and the wicked chocs. Please send my love to everyone at the Royal Free and especially my good friend Alison.

It's a beautiful sunny morning and I'm looking forward to a big fry up with Dad after my bath and then a push in Chorlton later with Jeanette.

Love

Ali x

66 comments:

Anonymous said...: Dearest Ali

So pleased you had a good day yesterday with Si, Jo, your mum and dad and Jeanette and we hope you have another great day today. What a fab surprise that Dr Elena Wilson called by.

It was lovely to speak to your dear mum today and hear all about you and we do hope you all enjoyed your fry up breakfast and a trip out in Chorlton with Jeanette.

We are off to your neck of the woods today to have lunch (hopefully in the garden if it is not too cold) with a group of our skiing friends. We all take it in turns to hold a dinner party and today it is at our friends' house in Hertfordshire.

Have a good day Ali, keep smiling.

All our love and hugs and always
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah and Daniel xxxxxxxxxxxxx; 18 May 2008 at 11:54
Anonymous said...: Hi there - I don't know if our last message worked (we so pants at this).

Just to send love, hugs and warm thoughts.

Suzanne, Laurent, Matilda, Bobby and Lucas; 18 May 2008 at 12:06
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali,

I hope your morning fry up was good, just nailed one myself, they are the best!

Have a lovely trip out in Chorlton, the sun is shining and it certainly is allot warmer today, isn't that great.

I can picture your big smile now and your amazing humour.

Keep Smiling bud, always thinking of you, stay tough...

Craig xx; 18 May 2008 at 12:30
Anonymous said...: Ali, forgot to say of to the Crazy Harpenden Carnival soon with Cat, Dave, Hannah and Charlie ... at least its dry! You must remember those parades in venture days!!!.
Craig; 18 May 2008 at 12:31
Anonymous said...: Wow, Ewan, what a blast from the past, reading the words of 'together' and then 'one voice,' how about you post 'riding along on the crest of the wave'? Just for old times sake....please!; 18 May 2008 at 13:01
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali hope you enjoyed your fry up - no such luck here as Sam had his football traing this morning.
P.S You should not get lost in chorlton now that jeanette has her sat nav heh.
You are one tough cookie mate and an ispiration to us all.

lots of love
Ian(chunder) Nicky Millie and Sam; 18 May 2008 at 13:17
Anonymous said...: Hey Ali,
Was up at the villaroger flower fete this am, and bought a wee flower that i m going to plant in my garden for you! may you grow stronger as it grows new petals.
Warm thoughts to all you rainbacks.
Your wee friend Elaine x; 18 May 2008 at 13:23
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali,
Glad you're having a fab weekend with your wonderful family. Hope you got the chocs and you're sharing them!! Thinking of you all.
Lots of love,
Sam and Vicky xxx; 18 May 2008 at 13:29
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali, we all follow your blog and you and your family are always in our thoughts. Love the quote "It's not the destination......it's the glory of the ride".

Thank you for touching so many people's lives and love to you all from The Parkinson family.; 18 May 2008 at 13:53
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali. You add a sparkle to the day of all players in Shrink Thinkers United. You don't do sad and sombre so neither will I.
A big event in Atholl today! 'Etape Caledonia' a closed road cycle race/time trial taking in Loch Tummel, Loch Rannoch and over the hills and far away!....eighty-one miles. Members of the British ski team took part as did the guy who completed a round the world ride recently: eighteen hundred took part and all came past our place a couple of miles from the start. Check www.EtapeCaledonia.co.uk if you feel up to it.
I have passed the three score years and ten today: allotted span? I don't think so!! Sharing the same birth date with Nobbie Styles and, to my Mum's great delight, a Pope!(Pius XII)? She always hoped I'd be a priest or a chef. Sorry Mum!....I was never much of a footballer either!
On Tuesday Gibbo's Mum and I are off vagabonding for a month, so will be out of the loop for a while. We don't have a portable P.C./laptop so will communicate via an early form of P.C. a post card! I know cyber cafe's exist but neither of us drink cybers. The only certain plan we have is the ferry from Rosyth/Zeebrugge after that we'll be lost in France.
You and the whole Rainback team will be in our thoughts. Team Rainback really is habit-forming!
Keep on keeping on. Awrabest.; 18 May 2008 at 14:34
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali - I'm really envious of the fry up. As Carol is a veggie, fry up's are rare and generally of the motorway variety, en route 'Up North' !! We're off tonight to the Med for 10 days, but you, your Mum, and your Dad will be constantly in our thoughts. I found a quote today that brought you so much to mind - "wherever you go, no matter what the weather, you always bring the sunshine".
Roger & Carol; 18 May 2008 at 14:48
Anonymous said...: hi Ali, Happy breakfast to you! Could murder one myself right now.Think i`ll just go to the pub to watch the tigers instead. We styill have the chance of winning the premiership, provided we beat Glouster today (southern jessies). spoke to Rach yesterday and we`re going to catch up soon. Hi to the gang down there. Stay tough Ali. I,ll see you soon mate, a to the k. Love Fran.; 18 May 2008 at 14:59
Grant Anna & Marjorie said...: Dear Ali

Hope you have had a nice weekend. Its good to know that you are in the right place & surrounded by your family & close friends.

Anna & Marjorie are in the UK this week so they went to church this morning to post a wee prayer for you.

You’re a great guy Ali & I’m sure that where ever your destination lies, you will be just fine.

Grant; 18 May 2008 at 15:11
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali and team!
Like your friend Elaine, I went to a plant sale (National Trust) today. I chose a rather chipper looking aloe vera plant, thought I could call it Ali Vera...
I checked out your blog stats before and it blew my mind (knew I should have concentrated more in maths)...adds up to a whole lot of love there.
thinking of you and yours,
love jane x
whitham; 18 May 2008 at 15:59
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali

Hope you have had a nice day!! Sounds like you will. We have just got back from the delightful Harpenden Carnival....hasnt changed in 30 years....and I am now about £30 poorer....at least we havent come home with a goldfish!!!
Spoke to Nick and sounds like you had an awesome time at the training ground I am very jealous.

You are always in our thoughts. Your courage is an inspiration.

Lots of Love
Cat, Dave, Hannah and Charlie xxxx; 18 May 2008 at 16:30
Anonymous said...: Lovely to see some family pictures - The Rainbacks must be blessed with eternal youth because your parents look no different to in our venture days. !!!!

Thinking of you all and remembering all our happy times which you were always such a big part of - lovely summer days spent at Kimpton pool (is it still open?) and evenings drinking and chatting endlessly in the beer garden of the three horseshoes.

Love to you all - Nicola Williams xxx; 18 May 2008 at 17:31
Anonymous said...: Well, anonymous asked for it, so here it is (with verse!!) Put your own "2-3-4"s and "all together now"s in wherever appropriate!

All hands aboard, boys, all hands aboard boys, The ship is calling for more
We're getting ready, now for the steady pull away from the home shore.
We're off to find adventure anyhow, because we know that now:

We're riding along on the crest of a wave and the sun is in the sky.
All our eyes on the distant horizon, look out for passers-by.
We'll do the hailing
When other ships are round us sailing.
We're riding along on the crest of a wave and the world is ours!

Ali, mate, your blog has been doing the hailing, calling all your friends to be near in spirit, however far we are physically apart. We are all around you, as far as the eye can see and the heart can feel (all the way to the distant horizon, in fact). Stay strong!

Love from Ewan xxx; 18 May 2008 at 18:07
Anonymous said...: Wow! Not sure how you follow that from Ewan!

Love the thought of all your blog fans singing along, perhaps some even doing the actions?

Your pictures are great, but your blog always makes me feel hungry - all those descriptions of food (OK, apart from the warm weetabix). Fried breakfast sounds particularly good, even at 6pm.

Hope you had a lovely day and that the sun shined on you all; none deserve it more.

Love
Miranda & Alan xxx; 18 May 2008 at 18:27
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali

Told you I read your blog more than I brushed my Teeth!!!!

Glad you had a great dy yesterday make sure they all are buddy.
Sounds like team rainback are A1 as they keep the tyre changing going om Chorlton!!

Hey you been watching Britains got Talent? there are some really funny acts. My daughter was on u tube this morning and re played the Michael Jackson and the singing seek (sorry cnt spell that!) and we really laughed out loud. You should have a look if you can

Love ya see you soon

Danny G; 18 May 2008 at 18:44
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali,

As I type they are singing a South Pacific song (I think?!) on that Graham Norton finding a Nancy programme and have the image of Richard Marshall dancing around the stage with coconuts strapped to him! Pink satin front row dresses still haunt me....

Ali - thinking of you loads. You are constantly in our thoughts.

Lots of Love,

Clare (Melville), Laurie and Charlie x; 18 May 2008 at 19:55
Anonymous said...: Ali Mate,
I have been a bit snowed under with work to actually write anything for a while but rest assured, I have been following the blog as ever.
It was great to see you the other week and have a good chat, it was also a pleasure, as ever, to have a chat with your fantistic Mum. (Mine sends her love and best wishes (and my Dad of course)).
Now back in Italy, I am extreemly jealous to read of proper 'fry ups' and the likes. I am also a little pissed to read that you have good weather, here it has been raining for the last while and is forecast to continue for the next week! I took my first swim of the year while I was in England!!!
Any way Mate. Keep strong, chilled and positive as ever.
Much Love to the Rainback 'Team' and Big Love to you my friend.
Dicky M; 18 May 2008 at 20:14
Anonymous said...: There's an awful lot of Gang Show songs floating around my head now. Yesterday I found one on tape (am trying to transfer tape stuff to DVD) Can't remember what year it was but I think it was the first year I didn't do it but pretended I knew how to do make up instead. Si was front row though!! Yayyy!

Happy happy memories - thanks Ewan.

Ali - hope you enjoyed your big fry up - nothing like it on a Sunday morning.

Take care you. Love to you and the whole team Rainback

Jules A xxxx; 18 May 2008 at 20:20
Anonymous said...: Dear Ali,

After reading your blog now for last couple of weeks i felt that it was about time i wrote to you too express my thanks!

You have really opened my eyes, im 21 and thought that it was against the world, i was a very self centered individual, but after reading your story something inside me changed.
I have realised that id would be silly for me to not take full advantage of the opertunities that lie infornt of me and make the most out of life!
i now know the true meaning of the words courage and bravery and im in admiration of you. I can honestly say that i have been touched by blog so thank you once again.

tell your mother and father im only across the road at number 32 (im sandra and chris's son) so if they need anything doing dont hesitate to ask me!

my best wishes and most positive thought are with you Ali

Ryan Gilligan; 18 May 2008 at 20:22
Anonymous said...: Dear Ali, Jeanette, Ian, Diana,
Si, Jo and family,´
There is so much emotion spinning around in my head and heart, its hard to know what to say or how much to say. I woke this morning at 3.00am due to jet lag coupled with the words of your mum in my head. I wrote a small poem expressing my feelings and it goes like this....

You are being taken from us earlier than planned,
We feel angry and sad because we want you around,
But rest assured Ali, there is some good to tell,
We will meet you in heaven and we will party like hell.

I hope that if it´s at all possible you can get some comfort from this.

We know that being surrounded by your beautiful fiancee and amazing family gives you special love and comfort.

Ali you are the best and we love you dearly.
CArolyn, John, Lotti and Matilda.; 18 May 2008 at 21:03
Lesley & Ray said...: Hi Ali,
Great to read about the things you have been getting up to. I can hardly remember the days of having a good fry up - long, long time ago before 'healthy' eating became such a fad. This country was built on good fry ups - with all this bran that and wholefood this it is no wonder we are going to the dogs!
How on earth did you get in to the Arsenal ground - did you have a false passport? Perhaps Mr Wenger said 'I did not see it'? I didn't think they allowed any Englishmen through the gates - you'll have to change your name to stand any chance of playing - Aligas sounds a good bet.
While digging the veg patch today I was applying a good layer of farmyard manure and immediately thought of you! That may sound a bit odd but I was thinking back to one of those first summers we had at Blackmore End when one of your get rich ventures was bagging and selling manure - I can still see (with a good deal of concern!) the farmer delivering trailers of fresh steaming merchandise. Boy was it good - if you ever decide to do it again do let me know - just as long as you bag it up a long way away!
All the very best to you Ali - you and your family are always in our thoughts.
Ray (& Lesley); 18 May 2008 at 21:09
J-A said...: Hey Ali,

Loving the new photos. It's great to see all your family and Jeanette of course. You all look so chilled - marvellous!

The comment above reminds me of when Pat Dyer used to dig "a healthy layer" of horse sh*t (manure isn't as funny a word as horse sh*t - I know, it's childish) into his roses every year and the whole of Dacre used to smell for weeks. Do you remember? I admit they were nice roses but...honestly!

Tried on a few clothes this afternoon and have decided to start doing the old exercise bike before work, starting tomorrow - If I'm still doing it by Wednesday it will be a miracle, but wish me luck. I figure if you can keep smiling like you have over the last 6 months then surely I can puff, pant and wheeze my way through a mere 20 mins on the lowest setting. I'll keep you posted of my progress. To be fair if I actually make to work at all after having done the tiniest bit of exercise I'll be amazed!

We love you lots.

J-A & Gareth; 18 May 2008 at 21:45
Anonymous said...: Dear Ali,
Today a group of 1800 people including our posse walked 14 miles along a riverbank from Heybridge to Chelmsford in Essex. We were raising money for the Farleigh Hospice a local hospice caring for life. My Dad spent a while there and by the sounds of it the people caring for you have the same big hearts as the ones who cared for my dad and our family. This evening our legs ache but slowly the guiness makes it subside. Keep strong mate and take support from all those around you. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Love Sos, Sarah and Harry; 18 May 2008 at 21:49
Jacqui Edwards said...: Hi Ali and Jeanette & family - thinking about you all, it is so lovely to see your photos and hear about the lovely food (most of us are on slimming world diets (Not James who is so inspired by you!))> Loved your Mums blog - stay strong all Rainbacks. Lots of love the Edwards fanily; 18 May 2008 at 21:54
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali,

I came across a photo of Mark and I learning to ski with your lot in Courchevel in 1998, I think it was. It brought back memories of .... how crap we were!! We went skiing this year in Switzerland and nothing had improved!! Only wish we'd gone back to Courchevel again though, as it was much better.

Thinking of you always ... no word from Ewan McGregor yet though which is very disappointing!

Love, Julie & Mark xxx; 18 May 2008 at 22:33
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali

I haven't posted for a while, but I still read your blog every chance I get and am thinking about you and Jeanette and your family lots and sending lots of love your way.

I'm intrigued by the warm weetabix/chocolate goo combo. Do they go together? In the same bowl? Or is it warm weetabix FOLLOWED by chocolate goo? I think this delicacy definitely needs introducing to us northerners. Who knows - it could overtake deep-fried Mars bars...!!! Let me know the recipe, and I'll cut you lot in on the profits!

Lots of love and warmest thoughts to you all. Especially you and Jet. Will try to call you soon, J*.

Lots of love

Jacquie xxx; 18 May 2008 at 22:51
Anonymous said...: Hey Ali mate,

Dave M here. There was a guy on my course last week who remembers skiing with you ten years ago before his BASI 3 and still remembers what a good teacher you were.

I think you are a good teacher because essentially you are a good person. One of the most cheerful and friendly people any of us could meet.

I have been reading your blog as always and seeing that you have 'inspired' people does not come as a surprise. Your mum's words the other day about you 'never failing' to take an interest in people are some of most true ways to depict you.

In your health your infectious personality always had an impact on me and in your illness I see even more how the real traits of your amazing. positive character run deep despite adversity.

I only hope i can put a fraction of your positivity, bravery and genuine good will into my own life.

Speak soon my friend. You're a great example to me and many others.

Dave; 18 May 2008 at 22:56
Anonymous said...: I am singing along with Euan (doing the 2,3,4's which were the rebellion of the final Saturday night show!) Remembering Claire's memories of Dicky Marhall and his South pacific coconuts, remembering (yet trying to forget) the walk up to Werfen (where eagles dare) castle with our cases - that hill was so steep !!! Dicky Boden swinging by a rope (probably illegal by H&S standards) to those magnificent men in their flying trapese at the Harpenden memorial hall, the boys tap (every year so much better than the girls - esp when you and si were in the front row)

So many memories and you were such a big part of it !

Nicola Williams x; 19 May 2008 at 00:16
Anonymous said...: I am riding along with the crest of the wave along with Ewan here ... I am giggling along with Claire at Dicky M with coconut shells and his South pacific turn ! Stll giggling at Richard Boden being swung with a (prob dangerous by H&S standards rope) across the stage of the Harpenden memorial hall as the magnificent man in a flying trapese !!!

Can you remember hauling our cases up the side of the werfen (where eagles dare) castle ? Such a view from the top and so many happy days looking out from the top of the castle to Austraia beyond.

So many memories and you were such a big part of it !

Nicola x; 19 May 2008 at 00:42
J-A said...: Hey Ali,

Puff, pant, wheeze.....knackered now!

Dignity - that's the other thing you have.

Lots of love

J-A; 19 May 2008 at 07:29
Anonymous said...: Hey Ali
We're thinking about you every day.
Lots of love, Hugh & Nicki xxx; 19 May 2008 at 07:46
Les said...: Hi Ali
Thinking of you all the time,
Thea & Les; 19 May 2008 at 07:59
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali
It's Monday morning an I'm in work early (a real struggle even though the sun is shining - yes it does occasionally happen in Scotland!).
I was talking about you with my Mum yesterday about the parties that I had at their house - Mum was commenting on how well behaved we all were..I think she's forgotten anything bad about us all (so you're all offf the hook with Mrs McGregor!) ;-)
It's good to read all the memories of gang shows and expeditions - Werfen, does anyone else remember the strange game of hammering a nail into wood in one of the bars?
You and all your family are always in my thoughts. Take care of yourselves. Much love and hugs to you all Kirsty McG xx; 19 May 2008 at 08:17
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali

So many Venture memories - Expeditions, Gang Ghow and the Ski Trips, great times eh!
So pleased you are getting great care.
Always think about you.
Stay strong -
Big Hugs
Richard T
Love to all the family.; 19 May 2008 at 08:48
Anonymous said...: hi ali! ooh that sunday lunch looked good! just checking in on you, Dave and I both send our love he asks after you all the time, as does my Mum she's a regular on your blog too! Mysterious female fans eh! Nothing changes... :)
Keep smiling Ali I'll be there to give you a hug in person as soon as I'm back to the UK. All my love Janey x x; 19 May 2008 at 09:12
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali,

Found this quote which seems to sum up everything about you. Wanted to share it with you and your blog team to give us all inspiration and hope.

Quote for today:

“When all this started, I asked myself, 'Am I going to withdraw from the world, like most people do, or am I going to live?' I decided I am going to live or at least try to live the way I want, with dignity, with courage, with humor, with composure.”
(Mitch Albom )

Keep smiling,
x; 19 May 2008 at 09:44
Anonymous said...: Dearest Ali

Love, hugs, prayers, to a very special friend.

Hope you have a very happy day today with your family. You deserve only the best for being one of the best.

All our love as always
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxxxxx; 19 May 2008 at 09:47
Anonymous said...: On Saturday I raced in the SOLA relay run around Zürich. I ran the last section, number 14. 5.6km with a steep 60m height gain section in the middle.

Looking at my stats today my friend Donald commented "your speed went way up halfway up the hill". That Ali, was when you sent me motivation. Nearly all the other competitors walked from the start of the hill. Half way up, with my heart hammering at 184 bpm I was seriously considering maybe walking a bit myself. And then I thought no, Ali keeps going, Ali hasn't stopped, neither will I. So I put my head down and kept on running up that hill. Even accelerated it seems.

At the end it brought me a time of 25 minutes and 57 seconds. With an average pace of 4 minutes 35 seconds per km. A personal best!

Normally you inspire me to go fast downhill. This time, thanks Ali, for coming to SOLA on Saturday. Thank you for turning up to inspire me just when I needed you and for pushing me up that hill.

Michelle x; 19 May 2008 at 10:04
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali,

Haven't been in touch for a while as the internet in France is on dial up and for some obscure reason have not been able to access the comment bit. I have however been reading your blog daily and Nick keeps us well up to date with everything. I'm truly humbled by your humour that shows through in your blog, but then you were always good at making people laugh and looking on the bright side. Do you remember the early morning feast of rice crispies on the kitchen floor with Nick and Lucy the dog when we lived in Harpenden? I still laugh about it now but not as much as you and Nick did! The image of Rice Crispies flying around the place and Lucy trying in vain to catch them still has me laughing!!
Keep smiling Ali and stay strong.

Love Mrs H.

This next bit is for your Mum who herself is also showing great courage.

Life is a story in volumes three,
The past, the present and yet to be,
The first is finished and put away,
The second we are living day by day,
The third and last of the volumes three,
Is locked from sight...and God keeps the key.

Stay strong! I say a daily prayer for you all, but especially for Ali.

Bridget.; 19 May 2008 at 10:07
Anonymous said...: Dear Ali

It sounds like you are getting amazing care and love.
We read you blog every day...you are truly inspiring.

Sending you all our love and light

Kerry, Griller and Abbiexxxx; 19 May 2008 at 10:12
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali,

I have been keeping up to date with your blog, though I'd say hi, since I had a mention!
Elena has never bought me chocolates, you must be special. Ive not been up to much, finished painting my bathroom, which I started when you were on treatment! But whilst I was painting the radio was playing, and 'someting inside so strong' came on, made me think of you, and all your family.
So take care of yourself, enjoy those baths they look great, and say hi to everyone in team Rainback.
Alison; 19 May 2008 at 10:18
Anonymous said...: Good morning Ali
The weather has started to improve here hope it is in England. Great photos and Sunday lunch looks scrumy.....any choc ice cream?

Have a good holiday Awrabest and Carolyn....book us in for the party as well.

love Martin and Deirdre (still in Portugal)xxx; 19 May 2008 at 10:39
Anonymous said...: Ali, Hope today's lunch is as good, looks it. Have a good day and thinking of you all lots, Love sally C X; 19 May 2008 at 10:57
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali
Glad you have had a great couple of Days. You had a fry you lucky thing!! I would love one sooo Much!!
I'm In lazarote getting rady for the Ironman this weekend, cant wait! my first one of the season!
Once the race is over beers & fry Ups!!!

Fella my thoughts are with you and the strong positive vibe you put out is amazing,inspiring & humbling.
TOTAL RESPECT TO YOU.
Love
Hugh; 19 May 2008 at 11:50
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali,The sun is shining in Aberdeen too!! Hope today is a warm and happy day for you dear Ali.Love from the Pirie Clan x; 19 May 2008 at 12:20
Anonymous said...: I still find it incredible how your positive influence continues to grow to seemingly world-shattering proportions. Pictures of your fabulous family always smiling - even at the prospect of a mere bowl of flowers for breakfast - amazing! I loved Michelle's comment above - how you inspired her to run uphill - I confess to using you to get up the steep hills on my runs around Bozel. Hope you don't mind.
I read something the other day - from someone in a similar situation to you. He said that he had learned things that he couldn’t possibly have learned about himself, his friends or his family without having gone through this. He also said that “We can’t change the fact that we’re mortal, but we can express our gratitude and forgiveness to the people we love and let them know there’s nothing left unsaid." It is obvious that you are creating a legacy - whether you like it or not - that has already changed how people view and live their lives. I hope that can be a comfort to you and probably even more to your family, friends and fiancee.
And finally - hopefully not too morbid, but another thought from this chap: “Maybe I don’t have much time, but the time I have is quality. I’ve lived a good life—the best I know how. Death is just another journey. It’s not the end. I don’t believe there is an end."
You've started something special Ali.
Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family, from Lisa, Hoops, Luke & Amelie-Jane; 19 May 2008 at 12:27
Anonymous said...: Hya Ali
I'm glad the sun is still shining (in soo many ways....you are so smiley, strong and self-less...) and you can get out and about lots (even if just to the pond...have the tadpoles got legs yet?).
After reading all your inspirational messages..I can't follow them adequately...I thought I'd contribute a gastronomic delight (?) you might like to try...
I went to supper with the gap students and one (she'd probably rather remain nameless)refused the bolognese sauce with her spaghetti...but added drinking choc powder instead...lots of it...well mixed in! Sounds like pre-marathon food to me.
I can empathise with Michelle's comment...am running quite a bit and thoughts of you have often spurred me on thro' the harder bits (...or just out the door!).
See you soon and thinking of you (and family) lots
Hugs Pipxx; 19 May 2008 at 12:29
Anonymous said...: Hey Ali,

Hope the sun is shining in Berko today and the bath girls are being gentle!

I was thinking of you again and remembered you doing a version of Prince's "Kiss" at the talent show in Ireland '88. Do you have any other Purple One favs that you like to cover?

Love and strength to you and your family and friends

Russell Husbands; 19 May 2008 at 13:37
Anonymous said...: Ali

This song keeps going round in my head whenever I think about you and the team, both those with you and all of us on line. I can imagine us all singing it together. As it is not a song everyone would know, I couldn't work out how to get it to you - good old you tube - turn your speakers up !

With love
Linz xx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8iTeDl_Wug; 19 May 2008 at 13:37
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali and family,
I certainly like the sound of all the food you are enjoying. Especially the chocolate!
It's geat to read all the comments from everyone and it certainly brings back a lot of very happy memories.
Well, I can just hear the cry of a small baby that wants some attention so I have to go. But you're in my thoughts a lot and I send you and yours all my love.
Take care and keep eating that chocolate...
Love Alex W; 19 May 2008 at 14:27
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali,

It's so interesting reading other people's comments, and today, the comments about how you motivate people to get on and do things. I've had the same experience. On my way home from work, there's a stretch of road which, in a car, seems flat. However, on my bike, and not being as fit as I should be, this seemingly flat road is actually very slightly uphill, and always seems like real drag. I used to find it incredibly laborious, going up this 'flat hill', and to motivate myself, I always think about you on this road. To this end, I've renamed the stretch 'Ali Alley', and I don't think I'll ever be able to cycle along it without thinking of you.
Behave yourself, and look after all those special people looking after you!

Love
Sheila (Matron)x; 19 May 2008 at 14:44
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali - just catching yp with your blog whilst on the enquiry desk at work. Is this a record number of hits? Have just found nigellas book with the famous guiness cake in - thanks Jane-Anne. Reading all your previous correspondence from today is like a history of HVSU, and i love all the quotations. Keep smiling - you are a true inspiration to us all.
love Liz & Keith; 19 May 2008 at 18:14
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali,
Thinking of you every day,
lots of love,
Victor, Sandra, Rosie, Sophie & Zac; 19 May 2008 at 18:35
Anonymous said...: Dear Ali,
I have been following your blog every day - you're such an inspiration! Sending over lots of love and endless good wishes, Zana x; 19 May 2008 at 21:05
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali,
I was thinking about you over the weekend when the football was on. It reminded me of the funny story you told me at the New Gen BBQ about your football song! Whatever happened with that?! Your enthusiasm is infectious and you never fail to put a smile on peoples faces. Stay strong. Thinking of you all the time. Flora and Richie X; 19 May 2008 at 21:41
Anonymous said...: Dear Ali

Thinking of you and sending our love. You're a wee gem.

Honour and Rhys xxx; 20 May 2008 at 00:33
Anonymous said...: Hey Ali,
This really is like an HVSU reunion, so I decided to dig out some pics!! I found a hilarious one of us all sitting in the snow in Andorra - you have on beautiful red salapettes with a yellow sweater! and look about 10 years old!!! and Marc Dench has a well dodgy head band that makes his ears stick out. Matt Cooke is the only one who looks vaguely cool. Maybe I am worst though with an atrocious perm!!!!! Me and Russel H are sat next to you. Our skis are all extremely long and skinny!! I guess this is probably about '86 maybe!?? or '87. I have others too and lots of Simon - he had so MUCH hair then that I can't believe he lost it!!!!!I seem to also have all these ones of Jeremy Finch flashing his boxer shorts?? dunno what that was all about!
It is holiday w/e here and we did a short overnight hike/camp in the Rockies (Lake Minnewanka, Banff - I still anglocize the name to mini wanker!!!)My spirit is always renewed going to the mountains. It sounds to me as if your spirit has always been in the mountains and their splendour and strength will always make me think of you.
If I could I would send you these photos and a trolley load of chocolate - because:
'there's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate' (Linda Grayson)!!

Keep smiling! you touch us all daily.
Love Louise Buchanan xx; 20 May 2008 at 01:58
Anonymous said...: Ali - because you bring us sunshine...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZedhoqYdfTM&feature=related; 20 May 2008 at 08:04
Tim Scott said...: Hi Ali
Keep up the good work matey - you are truly inspirational! I'm reading your blog regularly and thinking of you lots. Best wishes, Tim S.; 20 May 2008 at 08:06
Anonymous said...: Dearest Ali

And still the sun is shining for you. Hope you have a lovely day. We are thinking of you constantly.

Love and hugs as always
The Conway
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; 20 May 2008 at 08:25
Anonymous said...: Hi Ali, I am so inspired by your strength and the amazing person that you are. Thinking of you and praying for you. Best wishes,
Pete H; 20 May 2008 at 09:57
Anonymous said...: Dear Ali

Glad to hear that you are being so well looked after - the bannana bath looks the business!
Was in Annecy last night with Dougie very quietly celebrating his b-day. He sends his love along with all the other boys.

Big hugs to you and all your family.

Summersx; 20 May 2008 at 10:17

Grey matters

Sunday, 18 May 2008

Sunday Morning

66 comments:

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

The big guns

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

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!

Me and my friend Jumbo!

It's fizzy water....promise!

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?