Me: What awful weather?
Nell: It’s that Irish storm. Seamus.
Me: You mean Storm Brendan.
Nell: Whatever. My friend Pamela had to cancel her hair appointment.
Me: Why?
Nell: Well, you know Pamela is on the large side?
Me: Yes.
Nell: It’s in her genes. All Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are the same. You never see a skinny one.
Me: The mere idea.
Nell: Quite. We met at one of those dreadful public weigh-ins at the vets. Why they have to do that is beyond me. Anyway, where was I?
Me: You were talking about Pamela cancelling her hair appointment because of Brendan.
Nell: I don’t know who he is. Pamela cancelled because of the weather.
Me: That’s what I meant.
Nell: Stop interrupting me, or I’ll lose my train of thought.
Me: Why can’t Pamela go to the hairdresser?
Nell: There’s no point. Do you know how long it takes to wash and blow dry a Pyrenean Mountain Dog?
Me: I can’t say that I do.
Nell: Several cups of tea and an awful lot of biscuits. I know because I’ve waited for her.
Me: Gosh. But I still don’t know why she cancelled.
Nell: Because when she steps outside into all that raging wind and rain it will be for nothing. Unless you want the wild and tousled look, which Pamela doesn’t, it is completely pointless.
Me: I see what you mean.
Nell: No. This is a day for staying in and cuddling up in front of the fire.
Me: That’s what Dave and Harriet are doing.
Nell: Yes, David is keeping Harriet Warm and Safe. It’s what he does best.
Me: I’m going to do the same.
Nell: No. You have another book to write. Stormy weather is perfect for writing so no excuses.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
