Me: I call these photos ‘Happy Dogs on the Beach’.

Nell: A Happy Family to be accurate.

Me: You’re right. Walking on the beach does everybody good.

Nell: It does.

Me: The feel of the wind in your hair. The smell of the sea and the sound of the waves.

Nell: Here we go.

Me: Perfect.

Nell: So, you didn’t sleep very well again, did you?

Me: How do you know?

Nell: It’s early and you’ve already been writing for a while. I also heard you pacing around in the night.

Me: Oh dear. I didn’t mean to wake you.

Nell: It’s no bother. We can both sleep again in the day.

Me: You’re right.

Nell: Remember what that kind nurse told you. Sleeping doesn’t have to be reserved for nighttime.

Me: True.

Nell: Now, Shel’s room is ready for him.

Me: Good.

Nell: Kev has moved the desk to the window as we know he loves to write with a view.

Me: And he’s always writing.

Nell: That’s what writers tend to do. You should know.

Me: I’m so excited about seeing him again. We’ve known each other over 22 years. Alice turned 16 when she went to live with his family in Vancouver.

Nell: Talking of Alice, it’s her birthday tomorrow so I’m writing a poem.

Me: Lovely. I can’t believe she’ll be 38. How did that happen?

Nell: Time has a way of moving on.

Me: And my little sister Alex will be 58 on 17th.

Nell: It’s a birthday month.

Me: I have a great deal to be thankful for, don’t I?

Nell: We all do. How about a nice cup of Earl Grey and a cuddle in bed with us all.

Me: Sounds perfect.

Nell: You might even have a little sleep.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: I call this photo ‘Three Labs in the Sunshine’.

Nell: We like to make the most of any sun we can find at this time of year.

Me: I know you do. Harriet is the adventurous one lying outside.

Nell: Yes.

Me: Dave is at the back on the mat keeping an eye on you girls. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: He’s asleep. He’s not keeping his eye on anyone.

Me: And you’re in the middle waiting for me to come downstairs.

Nell: Yes, it’s what I do.

Me: I know.

Nell: To be fair we all started out waiting for you but Harriet got bored and David fell asleep.

Me: Fair enough.

Nell: So, rumour has it that we’re expecting a visitor tomorrow.

Me: Yes, our dear friend Shel is flying over from Vancouver.

Nell: How wonderful. It must be three years since we last saw him.

Me: It is.

Nell: Shel is one of my biggest fans.

Me: I know and you boss him around.

Nell: He loves it.

Me: In fact you’re the reason he rescued a dog again all those years ago.

Nell: I can be rather inspiring.

Me: You certainly can.

Nell: Anyway, please try to pace yourself over the next few days.

Me: I will.

Nell: And if you go to The Cottage Hotel with Shel I expect to go with you.

Me: Of course.

Nell: I’m sure John Keats will provide excellent service.

Me: I look forward to meeting him. You talk about him enough.

Nell: No, I don’t.

Me: You’re singing his praises all the time.

Nell: I’m not.

Me: Seems like that to me.

Nell: You have far too vivid an imagination for your own good.

Me: Do I though?

Nell: Stop seeing things that aren’t there.

Me: Sorry.

Me: Harriet is Keeping Secrets.

Nell: She’s a spy. It’s her job.

Me: She’s downstairs on my chair bathed in the rosy morning light and she’s not telling me something.

Nell: Bathed in the rosy morning light? Good grief.

Me: She’s got her ‘Don’t ask me questions, please. I’m just an innocent puppy’ face on.

Nell: She’s very good at that face.

Me: Yes. I don’t think anyone does it better.

Nell: I agree.

Me: So, what’s she not telling me?

Nell: How should I know?

Me: I think you and Harriet are both not telling me the same thing.

Nell: Stuff and nonsense. Eat your croissant and leave Harriet alone.

Me: These croissants are delicious. I can’t believe Poppy made them.

Nell: She didn’t. It was all Manuel’s work.

Me: Who knew an octopus could be such a good baker?

Nell: It’s all in the tentacles, apparently.

Me: I suppose it would be. He could probably win ‘The Great British Bake Off’.

Nell: That’s never going to happen.

Me: Never say never.

Nell: I just did.

Me: Never mind.

Nell: I thought we weren’t saying ‘never’.

Me: Okay, Mrs Clever Clogs. You win.

Nell: Myfanwy will be singing a solo at today’s Sunday Songs, by the way.

Me: Lovely. What’s she singing?

Nell: ‘All By Myself’.

Me: Oh dear.

Nell: Quite. Far too gloomy for a Sunday Morning.

Me: I have to agree.

Nell: And to make matters worse Gladys and the llamas will be performing an interpretive dance.

Me: Gosh.

Nell: With long trailing scarves.

Me: Goodness me.

Nell: And flowers in their hair.

Me: Interesting.

Nell: It’s got chaos written all over it.

Me: I can’t wait.

Nell: You won’t have to. I can see them gathering in the field. Is that a harp?

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: Don’t look so grumpy.

Nell: Where did you and Kev go early this morning?

Me: We went to the surgery for our 4th Covid booster and flu jabs.

Nell: Why didn’t you tell me about it before?

Me: I thought you might worry.

Nell: I’m not sure you should be having needles stuck in you when you’re still recovering from the operation.

Me: It was fine. It didn’t hurt at all.

Nell: Then I’m very glad you’ve had it done.

Me: So are we.

Nell: The last thing you need at the moment is to get the flu or Covid again.

Me: I agree. How was your stroll along the quay with Knitwear Wolf yesterday?

Nell: Lovely. We stopped for a cappuccino and a muffin at Starbarks.

Me: I thought you only drank Earl Grey?

Nell: I can be adventurous.

Me: Myfanwy came looking for Rupert while you were out.

Nell: Did she?

Me: Yes. She seemed a bit out of sorts.

Nell: She would be.

Me: Why would she be? What are you not telling me?

Nell: Let’s just say certain things have come to light from Myfanwy’s past.

Me: Oh dear.

Nell: She’s not who she thought she was.

Me: Why can’t you tell me what’s going on, Nell?

Nell: It is not my story to tell.

Me: I’m sure Myfanwy wouldn’t mind.

Nell: I’m not.

Me: What do you mean she isn’t who she thought she was? What a strange thing to say.

Nell: What do you feel about a French breakfast?

Me: I’m rather partial to a pain au chocolat.

Nell: John Keats was telling me nothing beats a fresh croissant in the morning with some home made jam on the side.

Me: Was he now?

Nell: Stop raising your eyebrows like that.

Me: Sorry.

Me: It was simply glorious to be back on the big beach again, wasn’t it?

Nell: Yes, and we almost had the whole beach to ourselves.

Me: We did, apart from the kite surfers and a small fluffy dog.

Nell: Don’t call Poppy a small fluffy dog. She doesn’t like it.

Me: Listen to you making jokes. That’s usually my job.

Nell: I can be amusing too, you know.

Me: Not intentionally.

Nell: I beg your pardon?

Me: So, what’s put you in such a good mood? Going on another date with a certain someone?

Nell: Rupert and I might be taking a stroll along the quay together later. Weather permitting, of course.

Me: I noticed he was wearing his lovely conker brown cardigan today.

Nell: Yes. Autumn is the season of cardigans.

Me: And ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’.

Nell: If you say so.

Me: It wasn’t me who said that actually, it was John Keats.

Nell: Don’t be ridiculous. John Keats isn’t here.

Me: I know. John Keats is a dead poet. I studied him at university.

Nell: John Keats might write the odd poem in his spare time but he certainly isn’t dead. I saw him a few days ago.

Me: We both know you didn’t, Nell. Stop telling stories.

Nell: I most certainly did. Ask Rupert. I shall leave the storytelling to you.

Me: John Keats died in 1821.

Nell: What’s he doing serving scones at The Cottage Hotel then? I know it’s haunted but he seemed perfectly real to me.

Me: I’m beginning to think your John Keats might be a different one to mine.

Nell: My John Keats is a rather handsome Harrier Hound.

Me: I see. Well, that makes a little more sense.

Nell: I’m glad you think so. I’m completely confused.

Me: Sorry.

Me: I have a funny feeling Poppy is watching me.

Nell: Why?

Me: She’s peering through the bannisters.

Nell: There’s been an incident in the kitchen. Some minor pilfering from the refrigerator.

Me: What was taken?

Nell: A slice of ham and some leftover chicken.

Me: Oh dear.

Nell: They were meant for a pie.

Me: I didn’t know that.

Nell: We found crumbs on the worktop and a buttery knife.

Me: Sounds like a sandwich might have been made.

Nell: It does, doesn’t it?

Me: Or even two.

Nell: We have reason to believe David was involved in the eating, but not the making.

Me: Oh dear.

Nell: He is stubbornly refusing to reveal his accomplice.

Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: There may be consequences if the culprit doesn’t own up.

Me: Alright, Nell, it was me.

Nell: We thought as much.

Me: I couldn’t sleep so I went downstairs and then Dave looked hungry and I thought a sandwich might help.

Nell: And did it?

Me: Not really, so I went back to bed and read my book.

Nell: I see. Talking of books I think we need to say another thank you as people have been buying your book as Christmas presents for friends and family.

Me: Yes. And an extra big thank you to Glenys Williams for coming up with the idea and spreading the word.

Nell: Your second book is on hold at the moment because the publishers want you to sell more of the first one.

Me: They do.

Nell: Your book is available to order from most bookshops and on Amazon worldwide.

Me: It is. Have I really ruined today’s pie?

Nell: No. Poppy says there’s plenty. Just tidy up after yourself next time and leave a note.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Nell: I need a word with you, please.

Me: Are you going to tell me all about your date with Rupert?

Nell: It wasn’t a date. It was lunch with a friend.

Me: Did he whisper sweet nothings in your ear?

Nell: Certainly not. We enjoyed an excellent lunch and admired the view. Everyone at The Cottage Hotel sends their love and best wishes for a full recovery.

Me: How kind.

Nell: Yes, and Sarah has sold all your books to guests so you need to get some more to her as soon as possible.

Me: That’s wonderful news.

Nell: Rupert says he’s happy to take them to the hotel once you’ve signed them.

Me: You could go too, Nell, in the sidecar. It would be a second date.

Nell: Enough. Now, would you kindly explain why you’re up and dressed so early when you’re supposed to be resting?

Me: I’ve got my Wednesday Writers workshop on zoom this morning.

Nell: Are you sure that’s a good idea? You’re still very tired.

Me: Yes, It will do me good to be with other writers again and give me something else to think about.

Nell: You’re a little emotional at the moment.

Me: Don’t worry. I shall be amongst friends, Nell. They understand.

Nell: Fine. I was just checking.

Me: I appreciate it. I really do. So, going back to your date with Rupert.

Nell: Yes?

Me: Did he mention why he’s been spending so much time with Myfanwy lately?

Nell: He did, as a matter of fact.

Me: Care to share?

Nell: Let’s just say Myfanwy is in need of a friend at the moment.

Me: I see.

Nell: And no, I’m not going to tell you why.

Me: Really?

Nell: Stop meddling and enjoy your workshop.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: Did you see Dave having extra cuddles with Tony?

Nell: I did.

Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. He is so affectionate.

Nell: David is lucky that Tony is prepared to lend a sympathetic ear.

Me: What’s troubling him?

Nell: Vegetarian Sunday of course. We can’t be dealing with another one of those any time soon. David is traumatised.

Me: That’s a little excessive.

Nell: Vegetarian Tuesday would be acceptable, or even Wednesday, but not Sunday.

Me: I’m glad you said that because I think Poppy is making her chickpea falafels for tea today with a nice Greek salad.

Nell: Did you say chickpeas?

Me: You enjoy salad.

Nell: Life is too short for chickpeas.

Me: I like them.

Nell: You can have them then. I shall be requesting a Quiche Lorraine with my salad and some new potatoes with butter.

Me: It’s not a new potato time of year.

Nell: We shall see.

Me: I think I saw Poppy making pittas.

Nell: If you mention hummus I’m leaving.

Me: I love hummus.

Nell: Fortunately I am lunching out today so I shan’t need much for tea.

Me: Said no Labrador ever. Who are you lunching with? Dorothy?

Nell: No. Rupert has invited me to The Cottage Hotel.

Me: How lovely. It’s my favourite place.

Nell: I know it is.

Me: I haven’t been there for ages.

Nell: I’m sure Kev will take you there again soon.

Me: Yes. So, you and Rupert, eh?

Nell: What is that supposed to mean?

Me: Going on a date.

Nell: Don’t be uncouth. It is not a date. It is merely two friends lunching together. Nothing more.

Me: I’m your friend. Maybe I could come too?

Nell: Two’s company, three’s a crowd.

Me: It’s definitely a date then.

Nell: Enough.

Me: Sorry.

Nell: Oh good, you’re awake.

Me: Of course I am. Dave is lying on my legs and he’s really heavy.

Nell: He’s Keeping a Close Eye on you.

Me: And you and Harriet?

Nell: Where else would we be?

Me: Were you worried?

Nell: You’re usually awake much earlier.

Me: I was but I put my electric blanket on and fell back to sleep.

Nell: I thought the bed felt nice and warm.

Me: I might have slept longer if Dave hadn’t rested his head on me.

Nell: Oh well, such is life.

Me: You told him to, didn’t you?

Nell: Why would you say that? David is an independent animal with a mind of his own.

Me: He follows your orders.

Nell: Moving on, it’s a lovely sunny day so you will be able to sit outside later and read your book.

Me: I’m looking forward to it.

Nell: Robin and the smaller birds have arranged some entertainment.

Me: Really?

Nell: Probably just hanging upside down from the bird feeder and splashing in the bird bath but they mean well.

Me: I can’t wait.

Nell: Gladys realises that you won’t be gliding for a while.

Me: I never started.

Nell: So Our Penguin is filming it for you.

Me: How kind.

Nell: And Princess and Roger Blubbery will be the audience as soon as they get back from their swim.

Me: I don’t need an audience.

Nell: The llamas do. They can’t live without applause. You know that.

Me: Is Knitwear Wolf taking them down to the sea?

Nell: Yes. He and Myfanwy have some errands to run so they’ll drop them and pick them up later.

Me: Rupert and Myfanwy?

Nell: Don’t look at me like that.

Me: No wonder you’re a bit edgy.

Nell: Nonsense.

Me: Sorry.

Me: You had a lovely time in the activity field, didn’t you?

Nell: Yes, it was delightful to be out together after the last few days.

Me: I’ve decided today should be a Day of Thankfulness.

Nell: I see.

Me: If this difficult time has taught me anything it is to appreciate all the love and support that surrounds me.

Nell: Good.

Me: People are being so kind. It’s overwhelming.

Nell: I know.

Me: I hope they realise how much this means to me.

Nell: I’m sure they do.

Me: I’ve been talking to cancer survivors over the last few weeks and they’re so brave and generous with their advice. Do you know one of them contacted me every single day?

Nell: Really?

Me: Yes. Sharing her journey and gently telling me that I could do this and to be kind to myself.

Nell: So thoughtful.

Me: I’ve been worried about being seen as self indulgent and I’m sure some will not agree with what I’m doing but I think it’s right for me to share this with you all.

Nell: I agree.

Me: And I know for a fact that there are people who have finally gone to see their doctor about worrying symptoms since I started posting about this.

Nell: That’s very good to hear.

Me: I’m going to have my first shower since the operation today, by the way, as the dressing is coming off.

Nell: It’s going to make you feel so much better.

Me: Today is a good day.

Nell: Well, we could have done without Poppy turning it into a Vegetarian Sunday.

Me: Why did she do that?

Nell: Healthier for you. David has had to lie down in a darkened room since he heard there’s no roast for lunch.

Me: Oh dear. Sorry.