Me: I made an interesting discovery on our walk yesterday?
Nell: Here we go.
Me: Because you have thick bear-like hair it looks exactly like frosting when the rain falls on it.
Nell: Bear-like hair?
Me: You know what I mean. Since we moved to Devon your hair has become thicker. The puppies’ hair is finer so their hair just looks like it’s been gelled when it’s wet.
Nell: Has it occurred to you that it might actually have been frost?
Me: No. It wasn’t cold enough.
Nell: It felt cold enough to me.
Me: It looked beautiful, Nell, and rather Christmassy. In fact it reminded me that we need to get our Christmas tree soon.
Nell: Well, I’m very glad that my frozen fur made you so happy.
Me: It wasn’t frozen, Nell.
Nell: I’m pleased we are having a Christmas tree, though. I did wonder.
Me: Oh yes. Even though it’s only Kev and I this Christmas we need to make it look nice.
Nell: Only you and Kev? What are you talking about?
Me: Well, we won’t be seeing family.
Nell: But you will be seeing us.
Me: Yes. I don’t know where I would be without you all. You are such a comfort.
Nell: I’m not sure Poppy would agree. She’s going through everyone’s dietary requirements for the Christmas menu with Malcolm and young Benjamin Seagull and she’s not happy.
Me: Is Manuel involved?
Nell: He just keeps smiling and saying, ‘Si, Mrs Poppy.’
Me: Well, he is from Barcelona.
Nell: True. Do you know Gladys is thinking of going vegan?
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: She’s been talking to Henry and Horst again.
Me: Woodlice are naturally vegan, aren’t they?
Nell: Yes, but they don’t have to go on about it.
Me: No. Sorry.
