Me: There’s nothing like a happy dog.
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: Harriet. Ears up and a big smile on her face.
Nell: She loves her walks.
Me: I enjoyed getting the tree yesterday.
Nell: You left me in the car.
Me: Shopping at the Garden Centre isn’t what it used to be. COVID19 has seen to that.
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: You can’t dawdle.
Nell: I don’t dawdle.
Me: Anyway, we went for a lovely walk afterwards.
Nell: I used to enjoy the Garden Centre.
Me: I know you did.
Nell: A light lunch at the cafe and then a pleasant chat with Faye at The Barn.
Me: The Barn wasn’t open. We’re in lockdown.
Nell: Why were you there, then?
Me: We were allowed to buy our Christmas tree.
Nell: And candles?
Me: Yes, and some homemade dog biscuits.
Nell: I could have chosen those.
Me: You’ll be able to soon, Nell.
Nell: If I’m accompanying you on a jaunt, I expect to leave the car.
Me: It wasn’t a jaunt. It was more of a quick trundle.
Nell: And I do not expect to share the journey home with a spiky tree.
Me: There was plenty of room.
Nell: Would you like it if I said ‘Do join me on a trundle and you won’t mind if a cactus shares your seat.’
Me: It wasn’t a cactus. It looks beautiful now we’ve decorated it, though, doesn’t it?
Nell: Yes, it’s very Christmassy.
Me: And wasn’t it lovely to chat to Chris, Alice and the children on FaceTime?
Nell: David hogged the phone.
Me: He can’t help it. He’s such a Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: All in all it was a very pleasant day. Apart from the needles in my fur.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
