Before I continue with the whole referral thing, two weeks post-surgery (more details later – gotta keep the thread going), I am pleased to report I am doing good and getting stronger by the day however, I need to say some important thank you’s.

Firstly, Kingy’ my amazing husband who has been an absolute legend. Visiting me in hospital after long days keeping Dot Teas going. Running a wholefood shop is not an easy task particularly when most of the products are hand-bagged (and I am a control freak). Although I have continued with the admin of the shop behind the scenes, Kingy has been front of house as my favourite shop assistant and has answered many questions from friends and customers which has not been easy for him as he loves his wife and along with me, cannot quite believe this is happening; is an emotional soul so it has been a stressful time for him. Turns out he is a master with a fork coming home every evening trying to conjure meals that are tasty but also that can be mashed up so I can eat them.

My son George, for being my son George.

Thank you to a small group of people who were in the ‘know’ and who kept my secret. You will see through the coming blogs that the continued success of my shop was/is is of paramount importance to me but that nobody knew what was happening until it had happened and my reasons for that.

My amazing siblings, Mandy, Robin and Christine – who have checked in everyday, acted as my critical friends, given advice and kept me laughing.

Dotty’s Birds – bit of a list. These ladies are all important to me (the list is in order of the WhatsApp group listing not their level of important to me which is equally shared). These ‘birds’ have been integral to my life going back as a far as 45+ years and their support has meant everything. Denise; Div; Elaine; Em’s; Francesca; Hevvv; BFF; Jam Pot; My Bird; Kay; Onions; Pammy; Sammy; Shaunie + The Awesome 8; Sassy 6 and the Fab 4.

On top of this amazing list (I know, I am spoilt) a thank you to every friend, customer, mum of a friend, friend of a friend – terrified of missing somebody out, but every single person that has messaged, sent flowers, presents, called, written has asked after me, it has been overwhelming but all very gratefully received I have always said that my life is a richer place because of the people I have in it, never was that more true than now x

Friendship is so weird. You just pick a human you’ve met and you’re like, ‘Yep, I like this one,’ and you just do stuff with them. (Bill Murray)