Me: What are you and Dave talking about?
Nell: Storm Bella, if you must know, and stop being such a Nosey Barker.
Me: It’s Nosey Parker.
Nell: No, it isn’t.
Me: It was certainly wild last night.
Nell: Yes, so I don’t want any comments from you about muddy feet, or stray feathers.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: We had rather a house full.
Me: Did you have a Boxing Day party?
Nell: No. All animals, birds and insects were invited inside to shelter from the storm.
Me: What do you mean by all? Not the llamas?
Nell: Don’t be silly. Where would we put three llamas when we had Malcolm and family, Princess and Our Penguin, Henry and Horst and relatives, half the Welsh corgi choir and PC Panda?
Me: Why was PC Panda here?
Nell: He popped in for a scone and stayed on.
Me: I’m surprised the Whippets Institute weren’t here, too.
Nell: Their minibus got stuck so they had to turn back.
Me: Where are the llamas?
Nell: In The Barn with the larger animals and the pug family.
Me: Has Sunday Songs been cancelled then?
Nell: Of course not. Once everyone has had a nice mug of tea and a bacon sandwich we will venture outside.
Me: It’s still rather cold, Nell.
Nell: Yes, but it’s stopped raining and the sun is out. In my experience one can deal with almost anything if the sun is shining.
Me: And you have woolly hats and scarves.
Nell: Knitwear Wolf has made sure there are plenty of those for everyone.
Me: Did I just see a Beefy fly by in a scarf?
Nell: Yes. When I said everyone, I meant it. This Christmas is about kindness. It’s the only way through.
Me: You are right. Sorry.
