Me: We are very lucky to live where we do, aren’t we?
Nell: Yes, we are.
Me: In fact I’ve been thinking about that a lot recently.
Nell: Here we go.
Me: Why is it that a walk by the sea always helps to lift my mood?
Nell: Fresh air, beautiful views, sand under the paws, excellent company?
Me: All of those things, but there’s more.
Nell: A cup of Earl Grey and a piece of cake afterwards?
Me: I think it’s about gaining perspective. Things always seem larger the nearer you are to them, so sometimes you just need to put a little distance between you.
Nell: Are we talking about David now? Only he does seem a lot smaller when you watch him on the beach from the cliff top.
Me: No. I’m talking about life, Nell. And worries. When I’m by the sea I realise that I’m just a small part of something much bigger.
Nell: Talking of small parts. Have you seen Henry and Horst today?
Me: No. Have they gone missing?
Nell: They didn’t turn up for Morning Thoughts.
Me: Maybe they’re having a lie in.
Nell: I’m sure they will turn up soon.
Me: What if they’ve been kidnapped by a Beefy?
Nell: Don’t be silly.
Me: Or a swan?
Nell: Good grief.
Me: Or accidentally thrown in the food bin again.
Nell: What do you mean by ‘again’?
Me: I thought they were sultanas.
Nell: Sultanas? We don’t have any in the house. They’re bad for dogs.
Me: I know. Fortunately they were both wearing hats so I fished them out. Are those leaves wearing hats, by the way?
Nell: Leaves? No. It’s Henry and Horst.
Me: Oh yes. Sometimes you just can’t see the woodlice for the leaves.
Nell: Enough.
Me: Sorry.
