Nell: Happy Anniversary.
Me: Thank you.
Nell: Ten years.
Me: I know.
Nell: Poppy says it’s tin.
Me: Yes, that’s not very exciting, is it?
Nell: No. It’s very Cornish though.
Me: Yes, Kev was born in Cornwall.
Nell: I’ve written you a poem. Would you like to hear it?
Me: Yes, please.
Nell: ‘It’s July 30th, let’s all bark hurrah,
Kev and Sara were married ten years ago today.
Two soulmates united. It was meant to be.
Proving love can be found even when you’re 50.’
Me: Thank you for that reminder.
Nell: Quiet. I haven’t finished yet.
‘The past ten years have seen lows and highs,
Two wonderful grandchildren, some painful goodbyes.
A move down to Devon to live by the sea,
With David and Harriet, Poppy, Mutley
And me.
Since we arrived our family has grown
With animals, birds and friends yet unknown.
But there is something we all really want you to know
We’re so glad you said ‘Yes’ all those ten years ago.’
Me: That’s lovely, Nell. Especially as I know you are struggling with your ears.
Nell: I am a little fragile today, that’s true.
Me: Well, that’s most odd.
Nell: What is?
Me: There’s a pigeon outside in a black toupee.
Nell: It’s probably Walter Pigeon. He’s copying Romeo.
Me: No. It’s not him. It’s wearing a tweed cap.
Nell: A newsboy cap?
Me: Yes, a bit silly in this weather.
Nell: This could be serious. Let’s hope it doesn’t have a Birmingham accent.
Me: That’s not very nice, Nell. We need to appreciate the tourists.
Nell: I’m afraid it’s one of the Beaky Blinders.
Me: Who are the Beaky Blinders?
Nell: Let’s just say they make the Beefies look like canaries.
Me: Yellow?
Nell: No. Soft and harmless.
Me: Oh dear. Sorry.
