Me: I’m glad we went down to the beach. A Thinking Walk was just what I needed.
Nell: Yes, I do my best Thinking by the sea.
Me: Harriet does hers in the sea. There’s no stopping her.
Nell: I know. As soon as we go down the path and she sees the water she’s off.
Me: Bless her. Even Poppy seemed lost in thought today.
Nell: Poppy has a lot to think about.
Me: Matters of the heart?
Nell: No. Jam.
Me: Jam?
Nell: It’s the age old decision between strawberry and raspberry.
Me: Personally, I prefer raspberry except for when I’m eating scones. Then it has to be strawberry.
Nell: I agree. Where do you stand on tarts?
Me: I like a lemon tart.
Nell: Don’t bring lemons into this. We’re talking jam. David has asked for jam tarts for tea.
Me: Oh, so it’s a Matter of the Tart then? See what I did there?
Nell: Just pick a jam, please.
Me: Strawberry is the conventional choice but raspberry would work.
Nell: So would blackberry.
Me: Or marmalade, maybe even red onion?
Nell: Don’t be silly.
Me: Red onion marmalade is a real thing, Nell. It’s delicious in a goat’s cheese tart.
Nell: Onions are bad for dogs. These tarts are for David. Remember?
Me: Oh yes. Maybe we should just forget the jam and go straight to Quiche Lorraine.
Nell: Who’s Quiche Lorraine? I’ve never heard of her. Why would we go to her when we’re trying to make an important decision?
Me: I’m talking about a cheese and bacon tart.
Nell: Why mention Lorraine then?
Me: I thought Dave might prefer it.
Nell: David asked for jam tarts, not Quiche Lorraine, whoever she is. He is devoted to Sally. You know that.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
