Me: How is Dave today?
Nell: A lot better. Thank goodness.
Me: I don’t know what was wrong yesterday. He didn’t even want to talk to Tony.
Nell: I know.
Me: He just lay in the shade with Harriet.
Nell: Yes,
Me: And he didn’t have thirds for dinner, only seconds.
Nell: I noticed.
Me: Do you think he’s missing Sally?
Nell: No. He is used to a long distance relationship.
Me: Maybe he ate too many Brussel sprouts. He’s done that before.
Nell: We all remember, thank you very much.
Me: Well, it must be the heat then.
Nell: To be honest I think he’s missing the sea.
Me: Yes. So am I.
Nell: Both you and David grew up by the sea. Not at the same time, obviously. You’re an ageing grandmother and he’s in his prime.
Me: You make me sound like a little old lady.
Nell: Which part of that bothers you?
Me: I don’t feel old yet. Well, I do sometimes, but you know what I mean.
Nell: Anyway, he’s used to running along the beach.
Me: Yes, casting caution to the wind as he surfs the waves.
Nell: Here we go.
Me: But we can’t go down there, Nell. It’s far too crowded.
Nell: I know. I explained that to everyone at Morning Thoughts.
Me: My poor Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: But all is well. Rain is forecast for tomorrow so we’re going to have an English picnic in the garden.
Me: We are?
Nell: Yes. We’re going to eat our picnic in the rain. Knitwear Wolf is even going to bring some sand back so we can get it in our sandwiches.
Me: Perfect. Soggy sandy sandwiches. English summer on a plate.
Nell: There won’t be plates.
Me: Of course not. Sorry.
