Me: Dave’s in the kitchen with a focused face.
Nell: He’s learning how to make lasagne.
Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. Has Poppy started giving her cookery classes again?
Nell: Yes. There’s been a request from the larger animals. They feel the need to extend their skills.
Me: Why now?
Nell: A large animal cannot exist on cereal alone. Poppy’s disappearance taught us all that.
Me: Actually many of them do.
Nell: Don’t be silly. Food should not be plain and dry. What is a scone without jam and cream?
Me: Are they going to make scones?
Nell: No. Figuratively speaking. A dry biscuit is nothing without gravy.
Me: Most people dunk their biscuits in tea. I didn’t have you down as a dunker.
Nell: I am not a dunker. I’m talking about choices. We all need them.
Me: Variety is the spice of life.
Nell: I’m less keen on spices, to be honest. That chilli con carne Poppy made yesterday was a little too hot. David had to have a lie down.
Me: That’s because he ate Alejandro’s by mistake.
Nell: Yes, he likes his extra spicy.
Me: Babycakes enjoyed it.
Nell: He enjoys anything Poppy makes. She could serve him raw pastry and he would applaud.
Me: But Poppy’s pies never have soggy bottoms.
Nell: Nobody was talking about bottoms.
Me: Will Dave be learning how to make pies?
Nell: Later perhaps. Poppy wants to begin with one pot dishes like soups and stews. You need light paws for pastry.
Me: It’s a comfort food time of year, isn’t it?
Nell: It’s a comfort food time in general, if you ask me.
Me: You are a great comfort to me, Nell.
Nell: As you are to me. Now, let’s learn how to make lasagne.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
