Nell: Could you stop sighing, please?
Me: It’s a grey Monday morning thing.
Nell: When I feel low I think of my finest retrieving moments. Dashing into the sea with David and Harriet and getting to the ball first.
Me: I don’t think I have any finest moments.
Nell: Everyone does. Stop being self indulgent and wish the people of Canada a Happy Thanksgiving.
Me: Happy Thanksgiving Canada! Look after son Chris.
Nell: You see, you just couldn’t resist adding that, could you?
Me: Chris is far away in Toronto.
Nell: Do stop. He is absolutely fine and he is coming home for Christmas.
Me: Yes. He is.
Nell: There will be a Christmas tree and crackers and a turkey.
Me: The Canadians are eating turkey right now.
Nell: Good grief. It’s the middle of the night over there. Give them a chance.
Me: I always forget the time difference.
Nell: Poppy just called out from the kitchen. She wants some pumpkin pie recipes for the cafe, please.
Me: Good idea. Actually we have a lot to be thankful for, don’t we?
Nell: We certainly do. Our family and friends. Our lovely home. The sea.
Me: Happy Thanksgiving Nell.
Nell: Happy Thanksgiving. Enough of that, we have a lot to do today. Poppy wants the opening of the cafe to be a Halloween theme and pumpkins need hollowing out.
Me: I know it sounds silly but that pumpkin over there is looking at me.
Nell: It’s only Gladys. She fell in and decided to stay. Makes a change from my handbag.
Me: I see. Sorry.