I spoke to Ali on the phone a few minutes ago; she's feeling rough and not looking forward to several weeks off work and enforced Taking It Easy, but she's very relieved that she had the operation in time. It was actually more serious than previously suggested on this thread: Ali had a ruptured bowel, and the operation she had was literally a life-saver. She's extremely grateful to the doctors concerned.

Ali also asked me if I could pass on via Mudcat her love to everyone and her thanks for all the good wishes. She's received some good feedback about this year's festival and is already beginning to think about 2007. Atta girl!