Nell: What is the matter with you? You are bouncing around like the collie who got the cake.
Me: Don’t you mean the cat who got the cream?
Nell: No. I never mentioned a cat. Is it because your friends are coming to stay for the weekend?
Me: I am excited to see them but it’s not only that.
Nell: Is it because son Chris has finally booked his flight home from Toronto for Christmas? It’s almost a year since we saw him.
Me: That is definitely part of it. I am so excited.
Nell: I have to tell you Mutley was completely beside himself with joy. He and Chris bonded years ago over a shared can of tuna and have been best friends ever since.
Me: I know. Mutley will be sharing his bed no doubt. Actually there is more. You know daughter Alice and grandson Jonathan aren’t coming for Christmas?
Nell: Yes. We were very sad but we moved on.
Me: Well, they are flying over from Berlin next week for a surprise pre Christmas visit.
Nell: They are? I must say I might just start bouncing around myself. Harriet adores Jonathan. She will be so pleased.
Me: And that’s not even all.
Nell: There can’t be more, surely?
Me: Alice is having another baby at the end of May next year.
Nell: Just like dear Meghan. What wonderful news. No wonder you are over excited.
Me: Dave is going to have to learn to be careful. No jumping up at Alice, or Jonathan.
Nell: After yesterday’s Thanksgiving turkey incident David is not to be trusted.
Me: He only ate the leg. It was quite a long way from the Big House to our home and he was hungry.
Nell: It was completely inexcusable. Malcolm was distraught. We had to serve a one legged turkey.
Me: Yes.
Nell: Let’s go and tell everyone Christmas is coming twice this year. Stop laughing at David.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
