Me: It was glorious down on the beach, wasn’t it?
Nell: Yes.
Me: Dave always likes to lead the way.
Nell: He’s an enthusiastic animal.
Me: Whereas you and I just take our time.
Nell: Life is to be enjoyed.
Me: I agree.
Nell: Now, it’s Poppy’s birthday tomorrow.
Me: Yes, I know. She’ll be 9.
Nell: Kev is taking her for a hair cut this afternoon so Malcolm and Manuel can get on with her cake.
Me: What cake are they making?
Nell: A plain Victoria Sandwich with fresh strawberries and cream. You can’t go wrong with a classic.
Me: I agree.
Nell: David wanted an owl cake.
Me: Why?
Nell: I have no idea. I said to him ‘We haven’t got time to be making cakes into owls. A simple sponge will do.‘
Me: Does Poppy like owls?
Nell: David says she looks like an owl.
Me: I suppose she does when she’s fluffy but she won’t after this afternoon.
Nell: By the way, if any snakes knock on the door looking for Henry and Horst can you send them round the back, please?
Me: I beg your pardon?
Nell: I can’t be dealing with snakes in the house.
Me: Neither can I, and why would we?
Nell: There was a colour feature on Henry and Horst in the Daily Sliver so now they are all queuing up for autographs.
Me: The Daily Sliver?
Nell: Snakes read newspapers too, you know.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: Oliver is hiding in the tree house until the snakes have gone.
Me: I don’t blame him.
Nell: I just wish George Jones was here. He’d never hide away.
Me: George Jones?
Nell: Yes. The country singing opossum from the United States. You must have heard of George Jones.
Me: I haven’t. Sorry.
