Nell: Now, Alice and the grandchildren are arriving from Germany tomorrow, so you are probably feeling a little over excited.
Me: I am. I can’t wait to see them.
Nell: Is that another penguin filming outside?
Me: Yes.
Nell: Just ignore it. It will get bored soon.
Me: Not that soon. Gladys is doing a contemporary dance and Alejandro is singing ‘Spanish Eyes’.
Nell: Those two love being in the limelight.
Me: I don’t.
Nell: Well, you are going to have to get used to it with the book coming out soon.
Me: I’m not a limelighty sort of person. It’s more your kind of thing.
Nell: Oh no you don’t. I am staying firmly in the background, thank you.
Me: Talking of limelight, I’m surprised Dave hasn’t joined Gladys.
Nell: He did a performance earlier with Mutley. ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’. It was rather impressive. Top hats, tails and canes. I’m not at all sure the neighbours appreciated it, but the penguin certainly did, and the Farm Dogs demanded an encore.
Me: Mutley is on excellent form, isn’t he?
Nell: Yes. He says his engagement to Joyce has given him a new lease of life. I’m delighted for them both.
Me: So you think Joyce is genuine?
Nell: Yes, I do. She says from the moment she met Mutley she fell for him book, wine and stinker.
Me: Don’t you mean hook, line and sinker?
Nell: No. Mutley is not a fish. He loves his books and his wine.
Me: And the occasional stinker? It can happen.
Nell: I was going to say strong cheese. You know how partial he is to a piece of Stilton and that’s what he was eating when he first met Joyce. Honestly, whatever did you think she meant?
Me: I was confused. Sorry.
