Nell: Happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends.
Me: Happy Thanksgiving. Mutley does enjoy wearing a hat.
Nell: Yes, it suits him. David has been wearing his sequinned version for days.
Me: I know. I’m glad we girls are in bonnets.
Nell: I’m sure they shouldn’t be sequinned too. Now, we already knew there were going to be an awful lot of people coming to Thanksgiving dinner today but there have been some last minute additions.
Me: Who?
Nell: The Portly-Martins have invited themselves.
Me: Your cousins from Purley?
Nell: Yes. Portia, Penelope and Pat.
Me: I like Pat.
Nell: Now they are big eaters, even by Labrador standards, so Poppy is in a slight panic. I suggested we can spread the word that family hold back.
Me: I’m not sure Dave will be very good at that.
Nell: No. So the plan is to cook another turkey. The Cat has offered its kitchen in the Big House and Malcolm will cook it there and bring it over with David’s help.
Me: Where are we going to get one at such late notice?
Nell: John the Doberman has contacts. He’s on his iBone right now. I’ve said James can collect it.
Me: Fingers crossed.
Nell: I’m sure it will all be fine. The main thing is that we are all together.
Me: Yes. We have a lot to be thankful for, don’t we?
Nell: We certainly do.
Me: Our loving family and wonderful friends.
Nell: We are most fortunate I must say.
Me: Where would I be without you, Nell?
Nell: I prefer not to think about that if you don’t mind. The mere idea. Now, if you can stop giving thanks for a moment the potatoes need peeling.
Me: Yes.
Nell: Don’t forget to hang your sequinned bonnet up before you enter the kitchen and wipe your eyes. You without me? Me without you? Inconceivable.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
