Me: Dave’s sulking about The Popsicle Run.

Nell: Oh dear.

Me: He’s sitting next to my bed and won’t get on it.

Nell: Some people say dogs shouldn’t be on beds.

Me: I know, but I’m not one of them. I like cuddling you all on the bed.

Nell: Maybe David just needs some time to think?

Me: He’s not thinking, he’s definitely sulking.

Nell: How is The Popsicle Run going?

Me: Rupert says demand is far outweighing supply. His words.

Nell: Seagulls never have enough of anything and Beefies are the worst.

Me: I honestly think Rupert enjoys it. He always comes back with a smile and is full of stories about how greedy they are.

Nell: Interesting.

Me: They’ve started demanding different flavours.

Nell: How rude.

Me: Herr Hoffmann can’t keep up with it all so he’s handed over the reins to Manuel.

Nell: Does he ride a horse?

Me: No, he’s an octopus, Nell.

Nell: I know.

Me: From Barcelona. Why bring a horse into it?

Nell: You’re the one who started it.

Me: Did I? No, Manuel is just good at making popsicles.

Nell: It’s the tentacles.

Me: We call him The Popsicle Prince.

Nell: Whatever next?

Me: Anyway, Dave wanted to help make the popsicles but Manuel politely declined.

Nell: Oh dear.

Me: I think it was because of the Strawberry Fiasco.

Nell: The what?

Me: Herr Hoffmann had organised strawberries and cream for the start of Wimbledon.

Nell: A British tradition.

Me: Yes, but the strawberries had gone.

Nell: All of them?

Me: I’m sure it was by mistake and I think Dave had a sore tummy afterwards.

Nell: That’s why he’s sulking.

Me: He’s recovered now.

Nell: You can recover from something but the memory of it still lingers on.

Me: True. Sorry.

Nell: What a lovely photo of you and Alice.

Me: Chris sent it over to me and I thought it would be nice to share it with you all.

Nell: Where was it taken?

Me: In Toronto last summer at Chris and Shannon’s wedding. Alice had just given a speech and I’d read a poem I’d written for them.

Nell: You can see in your faces how happy you are and how much they are loved.

Me: Yes, I think you can. There were a lot of happy tears.

Nell: The best kind.

Me: It was such a lovely wedding.

Nell: What are the Puppies doing in that field?

Me: Lounging around in the daisies. They love lying in the cool grass.

Nell: I remember. I can hardly see Harriet.

Me: She likes to hide.

Nell; Now, today is the first of the month so you need to share the link to the website where people can buy you a cup of Earl Grey.

Me: It’s https://buymeacoffee.com/saramartin. Thank you so much in advance for the support. We really appreciate it.

Nell: Yes, we do. Talking of writing, isn’t today Wednesday Writers?

Me: It is. I have a workshop this morning.

Nell: You always enjoy seeing the other writers, don’t you?

Me; I do. Writing is a solitary activity so it’s good to be around others now and again.

Nell: Even if it’s only on the screen.

Me: Do you have screens up there?

Nell: We have everything although I prefer a game of Bridge.

Me: The Cat and Dorothy will be pleased to hear you’re still playing.

Nell: Yes.

Me: Apparently they’re quite a team.

Nell: I beg your pardon?

Me: Don’t begrudge them that, Nell.

Nell: You don’t have teams in Bridge. You have partners.

Me: Of course. Sorry.

Nell: What’s the matter with David?

Me: He’s really grumpy. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: Something must have happened. He isn’t usually like this.

Me: I know. Dave has a sunny disposition. Bless him.

Nell: What’s going on?

Me: Knitwear Wolf doesn’t want to take him on The Popsicle Run.

Nell: Is Rupert still doing that?

Me: He only just started.

Nell: But the Weather Guardians say it’s not going to be hot again until the weekend.

Me: Well, the Beefies are still dehydrated. Rupert says they’re collapsing before his eyes.

Nell: Are you serious?

Me: Yes. The only thing helping them back on their little webbed feet is an ice-cold popsicle.

Nell: It’s trickery.

Me: No, it really helps.

Nell: They’re just using Rupert as an ice cream van.

Me: He doesn’t drive a van. He rides a motorbike. And there’s no room for Dave because the sidecar is full of frozen ice lollies.

Nell: They’re not dehydrated. They’re falling over like llamas to get a free lolly.

Me: But it’s making Rupert ever so happy. He comes back for the next batch smiling away.

Nell: The next batch?

Me: Do you know how many seagulls live around here?

Nell: How many Popsicle Runs is he doing?

Me: Loads. As soon as Herr Hoffmann’s frozen one batch he’s back for another. We’ve had to get a second freezer.

Nell: I don’t believe it.

Me: It makes sense. Everyone loves popsicles and the grandchildren are visiting soon.

Nell: Well, I’m on David’s side. This is ridiculous.

Me: It’s not ridiculous. It’s kind. And Rupert is a kind wolf.

Nell: He’s a gullible wolf.

Me: Maybe he doesn’t mind if the Beefies aren’t really dehydrated? Maybe he just likes making them happy?

Nell: Maybe you’re right?

Me: I am. Sorry.

Nell: Are Kev and David on the same page?

Me: What do you mean?

Nell: They’re looking in different directions.

Me: They’re checking the crops.

Nell: Are they?

Me: Yes, it’s part of their routine. They find it fascinating.

Nell: What about Harriet?

Me: She isn’t too bothered. She just loves to run.

Nell: Until she doesn’t.

Me: Then she rolls on her back in the grass.

Nell: I find it’s always good to have a little break now and again.

Me: I agree. How was your walk in the park with Charlie?

Nell: Delightful. We sat in the shade of a big oak tree and put your world to rights.

Me: You have trees?

Nell: We have everything.

Me: How was the skateboarding?

Nell: Poppy says Mutley was too reckless and she’s not taking him with her again.

Me: I find that very hard to believe.

Nell: Mutley has become quite the thrill-seeker since he became a Guardian.

Me: Gosh.

Nell: It’s Monday so what are the plans for today?

Me: I’m not a fan of Mondays, as you know, but this one is quite busy.

Nell: Why?

Me: Everyone seems to have lots to do.

Nell: What?

Me: I’m going to the gym.

Nell: Madness.

Me: For my aqua class.

Nell: Fine.

Me: Kev’s got lots of appointments in town.

Nell: Ok.

Me: Dave and Harriet are going to be busy Waiting.

Nell: For you to come back?

Me: Yes. Herr Hoffmann’s making lunch with Malcolm and Manuel.

Nell: Another salad?

Me: Tuna pasta.

Nell: I like that.

Me: I remember. And Knitwear Wolf’s doing A Popsicle Run.

Nell: A Popsicle Run?

Me: Yes. Ice lollies for the dehydrated seagulls.

Nell: You know there will be hidden Beefies amongst them, don’t you?

Me: Dehydrated is dehydrated, Nell. Sorry.

Me: Nigel’s a handsome hound isn’t he?

Nell: Is that David’s paw?

Me: Yes, Dave and I were sitting in my chair and he didn’t want Nigel to come too close.

Nell: I sympathise. Nigel is not very good at respecting one’s private space.

Me: He likes to give Dave a big kiss now and again but Dave doesn’t like it.

Nell: I don’t blame him.

Me: Didn’t Nigel try and kiss you one time?

Nell: Yes. It never happened again.

Me: Probably because you growled or barked if he came anywhere near you.

Nell: Can you blame me?

Me: He was being friendly, Nell.

Nell: You can’t just kiss another animal.

Me: No. You’re right.

Nell: So, what are your plans today?

Me: Sunday Songs and a roast as usual. What about you?

Nell: Poppy’s roasting a chicken with all the trimmings for lunch and then Charlie and I are going to take a quiet stroll in the park.

Me: You have parks?

Nell: Mutley and Poppy are going skateboarding later.

Me: Really?

Nell: Mutley loves it.

Me: Whatever next?

Nell: We went to the cinema yesterday.

Me: I love to hear about all the things you Guardians get up to, Nell. I find it really comforting.

Nell: I know.

Me: Henry and Horst say the Beefies have put the Grockles attacks on hold.

Nell: Why?

Me: Heat exhaustion.

Nell: Really?

Me: Several Beefies collapsed and couldn’t fly home. I feel quite sorry for them.

Nell: It’s a trick.

Me: I even suggested to Rupert that he could bring them some ice lollies on his rounds.

Nell: Canadians call them popsicles. Did he agree?

Me: He said if he saw a dehydrated seagull he would offer them one.

Nell: If they attack Rupert it’ll be your fault.

Me: Sorry.

Nell: I see Nigel is visiting.

Me: He popped in for Lasagne.

Nell: For breakfast?

Me: No, yesterday evening. Stanley cooked.

Nell: Oh yes. Did the evening go well?

Me: It was great fun. Rupert and Myfanwy joined us with some of the Welsh Corgi Choir and we had a lovely singalong.

Nell: Singalong?

Me: Lionel King was on good form and even sang ‘That’s Amore’ with Dave.

Nell: Was his mane still matted?

Me: No, washed and brushed.

Nell: Good, and Rupert?

Me: Rupert’s a wolf, Nell. He doesn’t have a mane.

Nell: How was he?

Me: Reassuringly Rupert with a touch of sadness.

Nell: He’s still missing me.

Me: We’re all missing you.

Nell: You look dreadful, by the way. What’s wrong?

Me: I had a bad night with a sore throat.

Nell: I hope you’re not unwell.

Me: I think it’s hay fever. The pollen count is very high again today.

Nell: Best to stay inside.

Me: I know. I can’t be in the sun anyway.

Nell: So what are your plans?

Me: Well, England are playing this evening so we’re going to watch the match together.

Nell: So are we.

Me: Good. I like to think of you cheering them on.

Nell: Poppy’s been practising her football skills with Mutley since first thing this morning.

Me: With Mutley? He’s an elderly Patterdale.

Nell: Age has no meaning up here. She’s put him in goal.

Me: Wouldn’t Charlie be better in goal? He’s a German Shepherd.

Nell: Charlie prefers cricket. What’s for dinner?

Me: Hot dogs. The perfect accompaniment to a game of football.

Nell: The match doesn’t start until 10pm your time.

Me: We’ll have a late dinner.

Nell: You’ll have two dinners. There’s no way David can wait until 10pm to eat.

Me: True. Sorry.

Nell: How are you all today?

Me: Much better. The weather has finally cooled down after the storm. Thank Goodness.

Nell: It was quite something according to the Weather Guardians.

Me: Yes. Kev took Dave and Harriet out in the evening for some Storm Watching.

Nell: I beg your pardon?

Me: Dave was particularly fascinated by the dark clouds gathering.

Nell: I don’t want my Puppies out in a storm.

Me: They weren’t, Nell. As soon as Kev thought it might be coming nearer he took them home.

Nell: I’m glad to hear it.

Me: He couldn’t take them out until later because it was far too hot.

Nell: Were they frightened of the thunder and lightning?

Me: There were a few barks but nothing much. Fortunately none of you have ever been that bothered.

Nell: Yes, I never really minded thunderstorms.

Me: You didn’t. Gosh, I just had a Missing Nell Moment.

Nell: What’s that?

Me: Both Kev and I have them. You get a sudden tremendous feeling of loss.

Nell: I understand.

Me: You learn to deal with it but it still hurts.

Nell: It does. But I’m always with you.

Me: I know.

Nell: So, what are your plans this weekend?

Me: Well, Nigel and Charlotte are coming over and we’re probably going to change the Spaghetti Bolognese into a Lasagne.

Nell: Why?

Me: Stanley suggested it, actually. It’s easier to freeze if there are any leftovers.

Nell: Leftovers?

Me: Yes.

Nell: What are you talking about? You have David. There will never be any leftovers.

Me: True.

Nell: Is Lionel King still invited?

Me: Of course.

Nell: I hope he wasn’t scared of the thunderstorm yesterday.

Me: Scared? Surely not. He’s a lion.

Nell: A lion with Feelings and a matted mane.

Me: You’re right. Sorry.

Me: It’s so hot, Nell. You wouldn’t believe it.

Nell: That’s the village pub garden.

Me: We cancelled Stanley and popped over to the pub for dinner and sat outside.

Nell: When I told you to keep hydrated I didn’t mean downing a few pints at the pub.

Me: I had a tonic water.

Nell: Likely story.

Me: I did. It was too hot to have a real drink.

Nell: What about the Puppies?

Me: Dave and Harriet don’t drink.

Nell: Did you take them with you?

Me: We talked about it but we thought it was still far too hot and they were better off at home.

Nell: I used to go everywhere with you.

Me: I know you did.

Nell: Many’s the time I enjoyed a prawn sandwich at The Cottage Hotel.

Me: Happy memories.

Nell: So, how are the Puppies coping with this heat?

Me: They don’t like it at all. We’ve set up fans everywhere with a bowl of ice in front of them and we keep refilling their water bowls with fresh, cold water.

Nell: Good.

Me: And I’ve been cooling their paws with water.

Nell: They won’t like that.

Me: They don’t, but it helps. We can’t take them out at the moment, although Kev thinks we probably can this evening.

Nell: You do realise not taking them out and throwing a bucket of cold water over them is going to make them think they’ve done something wrong, don’t you?

Me: I hadn’t thought about that.

Nell: You’ve got some explaining to do.

Me: I told them I was just trying to help but I’m not sure they believed me.

Nell: I’m not surprised.

Me: It wasn’t a bucket of cold water, Nell. It was a gentle sponge down.

Nell: Same difference.

Me: Sorry.

Nell: I see David is being a good boy and keeping out of the sun.

Me: Look at his dear little face. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: He certainly seems to be enjoying himself.

Me: He’s having A Dave Day.

Nell: A Dave Day?

Me: Bacon sandwiches for breakfast followed by a quick chat about the England game with Kev and some quiet time with me in the armchair with the fan on.

Nell: I hope lunch is just a salad.

Me: Yes, it’s far too hot for anything else.

Nell: And dinner?

Me: Spaghetti Bolognese.

Nell: From the Bus Stop?

Me: No. Stanley is coming over here to make it. You can’t leave pasta at the Bus Stop in this heat.

Nell: You’re letting a seagull into your house?

Me: I know Stanley’s Stephen Seagull’s little brother but it’s not his fault and he’s not part of the Beefy gang.

Nell: As far as you know. He definitely has dealings with that rook.

Me: Sponge Finger is not invited, but Lionel is.

Nell: Lionel King?

Me: Apparently he was spotted staring out to sea with a matted mane so I took pity on him.

Nell: I’m glad.

Me: Also Henry and Horst asked me to invite him and Stanley too, come to think of it.

Nell: So, the Spaghetti Bolognese was their idea?

Me: It was. I didn’t know woodlice ate pasta.

Nell: I don’t think that was the reason.

Me: They have kind hearts.

Nell: It’s got nothing to do with kindness. They want to gain information.

Me: I’m not sure Stanley will give them his recipe.

Nell: Not about Bolognese. About the Grockle Attacks.

Me: It’s so hot I think I might have A Dave Day, too.

Nell: I’m not chatting about football.

Me: No. Sorry.

Me: Can you see Harriet’s grey chin?

Nell: Never mind that. Why are you posting photos of a cat?

Me: It’s Xav the Cat.

Nell: It’s still a cat.

Me: He’s Nigel’s best friend and cat brother.

Nell: Cat brother?

Me: Yes.

Nell: Cats are not family.

Me: What about The Cat?

Nell: The Cat is different. I’ve told you that before.

Me: It certainly is. It’s started using a parasol.

Nell: Sensible idea. You could do with one.

Me: With tassels.

Nell: Unnecessary and annoying.

Me: It can’t see where it’s going.

Nell: It’s still a good idea in this sunshine.

Me: It’s not for me, Nell. I’d rather wear a hat.

Nell: Fine.

Me: I’m not a fan of umbrellas either, truth be told.

Nell: You’re sounding Welsh again.

Me: Yes, I do that sometimes.

Nell: So, how are Henry and Horst?

Me: They’ve been in Zoom calls with Sally since they got home.

Nell: Interesting.

Me: There’s been no spaghetti bolognese at the Bus Stop for a while now so I’m wondering if they’re connected.

Nell: You think Henry and Horst are behind the spaghetti bolognese? You know it was Stanley Smoochy.

Me: I think there’s a lot of Lying Low going on.

Nell: Lying Low?

Me: Or Lion Low. See what I did there? That wretched lion hasn’t been seen in a while.

Nell: Lionel King?

Me: Who else?

Nell: I hope he’s not unwell.

Me: He’s probably off chasing tourists with the Beefies.

Nell: Don’t you think it might have been on the news? ‘Lion chases Grockles along Torquay seafront’.

Me: Why Torquay?

Nell: Why not?

Me: I used to love walking along Torquay seafront. The colourful lights were so pretty.

Nell: Can we get back to the Lying Low issue, please?

Me: Yes. Sorry.