Nell: Today is a difficult day.

Me: It is.

Nell: David and Harriet don’t look happy either.

Me: They know something’s going on. They’ve seen Alice and the children packing their cases.

Nell: I never used to like those days.

Me: Saying goodbye is so difficult.

Nell: I know.

Me: But life has to go on and their life is in Germany.

Nell: They need to get back to it.

Me: They do.

Nell: Holidays can’t last forever and Andre is waiting for them.

Me: Yes, the children are very excited about seeing their father again.

Nell: Of course they are.

Me: I love them so much.

Nell: And they love you. How was your trip to Hope Cove yesterday?

Me: It was a lot colder so I didn’t go for a swim but Jonathan Sky did.

Nell: Good. I see there were some lovely cuddles.

Me: There were. The best.

Nell: Did you enjoy your lunch at the Cottage Hotel?

Me: We did. Sarah and William who own the hotel were there and we had a lovely chat. I haven’t seen them in a while.

Nell: I remember them well.

Me: The Cottage Hotel was your favourite place.

Nell: Indeed. Moving on, I hope you’re all going to have a good breakfast. You should never travel on an empty stomach.

Me: Herr Hoffmann is making bacon sandwiches and there are fresh eggs from the farm.

Nell: Excellent. Make sure David shares.

Me: He will. Faye is quite strict with him.

Nell: Good.

Me: She’s told him all the hand feeding has to stop.

Nell: She’s right. Are they taking a picnic for the train?

Me: Yes, it’s a family tradition.

Nell: You’re allowed to feel sad, you know. It’s completely understandable.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Nell: No sorries. Not today.

Nell: That’s Nigel with Kev and Faye. In his garden.

Me: I’ve never seen it look so dry. We really need some rain.

Nell: You didn’t tell me you were going to see Nigel.

Me: We went to see Charlotte so Alice and the children could say goodbye.

Nell: Was that cat there?

Me: Xav the Cat was there but he didn’t want to see anyone so he hid in the bushes.

Nell: Typical. Cats don’t care.

Me: I don’t think you can say that about all cats, Nell.

Nell: The Cat Guardians are dreadful. No discipline at all. Just the occasional check on their loved ones and then off doing whatever they want to do.

Me: Cats are independent and free-spirited.

Nell: You mean selfish.

Me: How many parties and light lunches has The Cat hosted? And its Dressing Up Box is always available to everyone.

Nell: Not everyone and The Cat is different.

Me: Anyway, we had a lovely time at Charlotte’s and it was touching to see how happy Nigel was to see us all. Especially Kev.

Nell: Nigel is besotted with Kev.

Me: He does adore him.

Nell: How was Kingsbridge?

Me: Really busy. I sat on the quay while the others went shopping. It was really lovely watching the world go by in the sunshine.

Nell: I hope you sat in the shade.

Me: I did. I always do nowadays except later in the day.

Nell: Good. So, what are the plans today?

Me: We’re aiming to go to Hope Cove for lunch at the Cottage Hotel.

Nell: Prawn sandwiches and a bowl of chips?

Me: Exactly. Followed by an afternoon on the beach.

Nell: Sounds perfect.

Me: I wish they could stay longer.

Nell: Think of the wonderful memories you’ve made.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Nell: David and Faye seem to have bonded with each other this visit.

Me: Faye says they’re Best Friends Forever.

Nell: And what about David?

Me: He’s extremely protective of her. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: Which is just as it should be. Everyone should have a Labrador protector in their lives.

Me: You’re mine.

Nell: I am.

Me: They’re always playing together.

Nell: Good to hear.

Me: They watch the Bus Stop and share food.

Nell: I knew food would come into it.

Me: Only safe food. Faye knows dogs can’t eat everything.

Nell: Well, I think their friendship is lovely to see.

Me: So do I.

Nell: And how are you? I know it’s only two more sleeps until they go back to Germany.

Me: I’m trying not to think about it.

Nell: A wise decision.

Me: Faye asked if we could persuade our next door neighbours to leave so they could move in there.

Nell: And Jonathan Sky? He’s going to miss you all, too.

Me: He is. But life must go on and he is off on a biking and camping trip with his father next week so he has lots of things to look forward to.

Nell: That’s good to hear. So, what are your plans today?

Me: We’re going into Kingsbridge to buy some fresh fish.

Nell: Again?

Me: You can never have enough fish. Ask Poppy.

Nell: If you say so.

Me: And this afternoon we’re off to the beach.

Nell: Don’t forget your hat and your sunscreen.

Me: I won’t.

Nell: And don’t swim out too far.

Me: I’m always careful, Nell. I grew up by the sea.

Nell: Enjoy every moment. You’ll miss them but you’re making memories that’ll stay with you long after they’ve gone home.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Nell: David is on a mission.

Me: He wanted to get up on the bed first.

Nell: Harriet doesn’t seem too bothered.

Me: The heat is wearing her out.

Nell: The Weather Guardians say temperatures will drop over the next few days.

Me: Yes, that’s why we changed dinner from fish to a barbecue.

Nell: Thank goodness for that.

Me: We were able to sit in the garden to eat and it was even warm enough to play a board game after dinner.

Nell: Who won?

Me: I did. Again.

Nell: No need to show off about it. Winning is fine but coming second is kinder.

Me: I’ve never heard that one.

Nell: Well, you have now. The beach looks busy.

Me: It’s August so we have to expect it but I must say I prefer it out of season.

Nell: It seems wrong to me that we dogs are banned but the seagulls can go where they like.

Me: The Beefies were everywhere yesterday.

Nell: I can see. Is that a piece of pizza in its beak?

Me: Yes, you won’t believe this.

Nell: I might.

Me: The Beefies were selling pizza in the beach car park.

Nell: Nothing surprising about that.

Me: But that’s not the surprising thing.

Nell: Get to the point. I’ve got a breakfast meeting in a few minutes.

Me: A breakfast meeting?

Nell: Yes, being Chief Guardian is extremely time consuming.

Me: So you won?

Nell: I told you, didn’t I?

Me: Maybe. Things are rather busy at the moment.

Nell: So what have the Beefies done now?

Me: They sell their pizza to innocent tourists in the car park.

Nell: Gullible Grockles.

Me: And steal it back on the beach.

Nell: Dastardly.

Me: But clever.

Nell: Never praise a Beefy.

Me: No. Sorry.

Nell: Have you been talking to horses?

Me: They were ponies, actually.

Nell: Same thing. What were you doing talking to them?

Me: They were passing the house and stopped to let the children stroke them.

Nell: And did they?

Me: Of course they did. They loved meeting them. It’s always good to make new friends.

Nell: With a horse? David doesn’t seem too pleased about it.

Me: Dave’s asleep on the bed. He couldn’t care less.

Nell: Were the horses waiting for a bus?

Me: No, they were going for a walk with their riders.

Nell: One of them was just tagging along.

Me: She was the children’s favourite.

Nell: They were probably after Spaghetti Bolognese.

Me: There wasn’t any. I think Stanley might be on holiday.

Nell: Please don’t tell me you’re having leftovers again today.

Me: No, although they were delicious yesterday. We’re having fresh fish.

Nell: Fish, again?

Me: From our fishmonger. Not the Beefies. Do you have fresh fish up there?

Nell: We have everything.

Me: Ask Poppy to cook you some. She loves fish and it’s very good for you.

Nell: I don’t like the bones.

Me: Poppy can fillet it.

Nell: Fish is for Fridays not Mondays.

Me: Now, you’re being contrary. Fish can be for any day of the week.

Nell: Moving on, what are your plans today?

Me: I’m going to my aqua class at the gym and Alice and the children are off to the beach.

Nell: Are they taking a picnic?

Me: Yes, they are.

Nell: I hope they have hats and sun cream.

Me: They do.

Nell: And lots of water. We don’t want them dehydrating.

Me: Alice has it all under control. No need to worry.

Nell: It’s my job.

Me: Yes, I suppose it is. Sorry.

Nell: Is Faye hand feeding David?

Me: He likes it.

Nell: That nonsense needs to stop.

Me: It’s only a piece of carrot.

Nell: It doesn’t matter what it is. Hand feeding is for sick animals only.

Me: The llamas love it.

Nell: Of course they do.

Me: Most animals do.

Nell: I can’t imagine Rupert ever agreeing to be hand fed.

Me: Maybe not wolves.

Nell: Hand feeding Beauregard would be a very bad idea.

Me: Or tigers.

Nell: And The Cat would faint at the mere idea.

Me: Maybe cats in general.

Nell: Harriet looks tired.

Me: She is, a little.

Nell: What are the plans for today?

Me: Sunday songs and a cream tea by the river.

Nell: A cream tea and a roast dinner?

Me: We had our roast yesterday so Charlotte and Nigel could join in as they’re busy today.

Nell: Roast beef on a Saturday?

Me: It was absolutely delicious, Nell, and we can have the leftovers this evening.

Nell: Leftovers?

Me: Yes. Bubble and squeak.

Nell: You can’t eat bubble and squeak on a Sunday. It’s a Monday dish.

Me: Not today, it isn’t.

Nell: This is shocking. You can’t serve visitors leftovers.

Me: Jonathan Sky is having his with baked beans.

Nell: Stop. This is too much.

Me: Before I forget, I’d like to say a big thank you to all those of you who bought me a cup of tea. It really is appreciated.

Nell: Yes, it’s very kind. You just changed the subject.

Me: Did I?

Nell: You know you did.

Me: What do you think about hats?

Nell: Always wear one on a Sunday and in the sun.

Me: Would you wear one if you were going out to tea?

Nell: Of course. Stop changing the subject.

Me: Sorry.

Nell: David would like to make a complaint.

Me: How do you know?

Nell: Look at his face.

Me: What’s the complaint about?

Nell: Feet.

Me: Feet?

Nell: In his face.

Me: When?

Nell: In the morning when he’s trying to do his job.

Me: What job?

Nell: Watching.

Me: Watching what?

Nell: The Bus Stop, of course.

Me: I see.

Nell: And possibly the photos on your digital photo frame.

Me: Does he know whose feet in particular?

Nell: Jonathan Sky’s.

Me: Jonathan has been coming into my bed in the mornings.

Nell: I knew it.

Me: For a cuddle and a chat.

Nell: David sleeps on your bed.

Me: I know.

Nell: You can’t just oust him from his rightful place.

Me: Nobody is ousting anyone.

Nell: And stick your feet in his face.

Me: I’m sure there’s enough room for everyone.

Nell: Moving on, today is 1st August so you know what to do.

Me: Share the link to the website where people can support me with a cup of Earl Grey?

Nell: Exactly.

Me: It’s https://buymeacoffee.com/saramartin. Thank you so much in advance. I really do appreciate every cup.

Nell: Going back to the feet.

Me: Must we?

Nell: Is Jonathan Sky the reason why our conversations are later?

Me: Maybe.

Nell: Have you been talking things through with Jonathan before me?

Me: Not really.

Nell: Not really?

Me: We might have discussed a few things.

Nell: Now, I know how David feels.

Me: What do you mean?

Nell: Ousted from my own conversation.

Me: Don’t be silly. We’re having a conversation right now.

Nell: Are you alone?

Me: Not really.

Nell; And there we have it. Years of devotion replaced by a young whippersnapper with perfect feet.

Me: They are nice feet.

Nell: Enough.

Me: Sorry.

Nell: What beautiful photos.

Me: Yes, we had a lovely day yesterday.

Nell: Are those slippers?

Me: I can explain.

Nell: Did you go out wearing your slippers?

Me: I’m afraid I did.

Nell: I can’t believe this.

Me: Nobody noticed until we were sitting down for lunch and Alice said ‘Mummy, are you wearing your slippers?’

Nell: Mortifying.

Me: We couldn’t stop laughing.

Nell: It’s not funny.

Me: It is, Nell. I even had to go for a walk along the river and to the wild flower meadow wearing them.

Nell: Did anyone say anything?

Me: No, people were far too polite.

Nell: At least they matched your dress. We can be thankful for small mercies.

Me: Yes, and it makes a good story.

Nell: Who is that Golden Retriever?

Me: I don’t know but it wanted to play with the children in the river.

Nell: Where were David and Harriet?

Me: At home with Nigel. We couldn’t all fit in the car.

Nell: So, you spent your anniversary in your slippers with another dog.

Me: No, I spent it with the family.

Nell: It looks like you had a lovely time.

Me: We did. Kev and I went on an anniversary walk while the children played in the river.

Nell: My favourite walk.

Me: Yes. To be honest we both shed a few tears remembering walking there with you.

Nell: No tears. Only happy memories.

Me: I’m making so many happy memories, Nell.

Nell: That’s good to hear. What are the plans for today?

Me: I’m having a quiet day after yesterday but Alice and the children are off to the beach and Charlotte’s coming over later to join us for dinner at the pub.

Nell: Sounds good. Enjoy yourselves and no more tears, please.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Nell: Happy Anniversary.

Me: Thank you.

Nell: How many years is it?

Me: 17.

Nell: I hope you’re giving each other a piece of furniture.

Me: Why on earth would we do that?

Nell: It’s what you do after 17 years.

Me: I think a kiss and a card will be enough.

Nell: A kiss and a card?

Me: Yes.

Nell: No cake?

Me: There might be a cake later.

Nell: Poppy’s made ours. Lemon drizzle.

Me: Yours?

Nell: We can’t not celebrate your anniversary.

Me: I see.

Nell: When does the party start?

Me: Well, we were going to the pub but it’s fully booked so we’re going there tomorrow.

Nell: And today?

Me: A simple pasta and salad dinner in the garden.

Nell: A simple pasta dinner?

Me: Yes.

Nell: With salad?

Me: Yes. A large bowl.

Nell: Never mind the size of the bowl. It’s still a salad.

Me: It’s what Kev and I want.

Nell: Poppy is not going to be pleased about this. We’re having steak and chips.

Me: We’ll probably have chips tomorrow.

Nell: Too late. And what’s Nigel doing there?

Me: He’s visiting.

Nell: On a Thursday?

Me: He wanted to start his weekend early.

Nell: We all want to start our weekends early but it doesn’t mean we can.

Me: Well, Nigel has.

Nell: Typical Yellow Lab behaviour.

Me: Talking of Yellow Labs, how is your campaign going for Chief Guardian?

Nell: Don’t ask.

Me: I just did.

Nell: The Colonel has resorted to bribery.

Me: How shocking.

Nell: A treat for every vote.

Me: Dastardly behaviour.

Nell: Quite. But two can play that game. Poppy is baking scones as we speak.

Me: I’m not sure about that.

Nell: Needs must. Go and kiss your husband. It’s your anniversary.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: Harriet blends into the background in this dry weather, doesn’t she?

Nell: Only when she’s on spying duty.

Me: She’s a similar colour to the crops.

Nell: Not the green ones.

Me: Never mind.

Nell: Just because Harriet is quieter than David doesn’t mean she can’t be noticed.

Me: I wasn’t saying that. When we’re out and about Harriet isn’t shy at all.

Nell: She didn’t much like the Dog Show.

Me: True. Dave loved it.

Nell: David craves attention.

Me: He does. You can be like that.

Nell: Absolute nonsense. I merely expect people and animals to listen to what I have to say.

Me: I remember.

Nell: It’s why I’ve been nominated as Chief Guardian.

Me: Goodness me. Does that mean you will be in charge of all the Guardians?

Nell: Don’t be silly. Only the Labrador Division.

Me: I see. Do you think you’re going to win?

Nell: I’m up against a rather pompous retired Yellow Labrador so I hope so.

Me: Aren’t all Guardians retired?

Nell: Certainly not. Poppy is never going to retire.

Me: I stand corrected.

Nell: How was Hope Cove?

Me: Lovely. We had a sandwich up at the Cottage Hotel and spent the afternoon at the beach.

Nell: I hope it was a prawn sandwich.

Me: Yes, full of lots of juicy fresh prawns.

Nell: You’re sounding fishy again.

Me: Am I?

Nell: You want to keep an eye on that.

Me: Stop fussing.

Nell: Did you swim in the sea?

Me: Yes. It was cold at first but not for long.

Nell: Did the children swim?

Me: Everyone did.

Nell: Was the beach busy?

Me: Very. There was even a wedding.

Nell: On the beach?

Me: Not an actual ceremony, just photos.

Nell: That’s not a wedding.

Me: No. Sorry.