Me: You know when I’m telling you something really important and you just look away?
Nell: What is that awful noise?
Me: It sometimes makes me feel that you aren’t really listening to me.
Nell: I hope they’re not making pancakes again.
Me: And that I might not have your undivided attention.
Nell: They made an awful mess last time and Poppy was not pleased.
Me: In fact I don’t think you heard a word I said.
Nell: Did you say something? It’s hard to hear over the noise they’re making.
Me: Who are you talking about?
Nell: Gladys and the llamas. Didn’t you notice them in the kitchen?
Me: It’s too foggy outside for Gladys to Glide so they came inside.
Nell: It doesn’t mean they all have to crowd into the kitchen though, does it? Have you tried stepping over a llama?
Me: I’m not sure I have.
Nell: Babycakes Gillespie is in there too.
Me: Is he?
Nell: Oh yes. Poppy took pity on him out there in the mist and fog with his coffee and a few wet bagels.
Me: Good for her. I think Kev is going to light a fire soon, so they could all come into the living room.
Nell: Why not invite the larger animals while you’re at it?
Me: I think the llamas qualify as larger animals already, and so does Dave.
Nell: David is not a large animal. He is a pedigree Labrador. Oh, now that’s completely unacceptable.
Me: What is?
Nell: Manuel is tossing pancakes again.
Me: He’s awfully good at it, Nell.
Nell: They are supposed to land back in the frying pan, not in David’s mouth.
Me: They’re just having fun.
Nell: Did a llama just walk past with a pancake on its head?
Me: Yes. Sorry.
