Me: How was the beach?
Nell: Delightful. We had it to ourselves.
Me: I’m not surprised at this time of the morning.
Nell: A run along a frosty beach followed by a brisk swim is the perfect start to the day.
Me: I prefer a cup of tea in front of the fire myself.
Nell: The Cat would agree, it is rarely out of its silk pyjamas until midday. Lazy creature. As I always say: “A cold nose and sandy toes is the only way to face the day.”
Me: I know but I’m not a Labrador.
Nell: So, we have another busy day ahead. It’s the first time Shannon has visited so we thought we would welcome her with a song.
Me: That’s not going to be strange for her at all.
Nell: Less sarcasm, please. I wasn’t sure what Canadians like, so I called Michael Bouvier. He said you can’t go wrong with “Feeling Good” and he should know.
Me: Are you sure you aren’t mixing him up with Michael Bublé?
Nell: Not unless he is a Belgian Farm Dog too.
Me: Do you need me to do anything?
Nell: Only collect Chris and Shannon from the station.
Me: So are we ready for my birthday weekend?
Nell: Apart from Malcolm. I found him crying into his macarons. Unrequited love.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: I told him that flamingos and cats simply don’t mix but he’s smitten.
Me: Do I know her?
Nell: Kitten Kardashandrun. Dreadful family. All fur and no fundament.
Me: They sound familiar.
Nell: Did David just walk past wearing a Russian Cossack hat, a long coat and boots?
Me: Yes, although I think the hat might be Gladys. Sorry.