Me: There’s nothing like a gentle stroll beside the river.
Nell: Or mad dashing in and out of the water, if you’re Harriet.
Me: Kev was worried because the river was running quite fast.
Nell: Harriet’s quite sensible when it comes to water.
Me: It’s been a strange old July. More like autumn than summer.
Nell: Yes.
Me: I’m hoping the sun comes back for the family’s visit.
Nell: Only a week to go.
Me: I can’t wait.
Nell: Now, Poppy wants to know if anyone minds having lunch a little early.
Me: I’m fine with that.
Nell: Her sword fighting class starts at 2pm so she wants everything done and dusted by then.
Me: Is Poppy running the class?
Nell: Yes, there’s not a lot she doesn’t know about sword fighting.
Me: Who are the participants?
Nell: Quite a wide range from the Welsh Corgi Choir to members of the Whippets Institute.
Me: Why on earth do they want to learn to sword fight?
Nell: To be in my movie, of course.
Me: Movie? You usually insist on film.
Nell: Needs must when you’re directing an international blockbuster.
Me: It’s actually an animation series, Nell, and Shel’s directing.
Nell: I’m not talking about the series. I’m referring to the movie I’m making with Snoopy and Lucy.
Me: It’s the first I’ve heard of this.
Nell: I know. You’re not a member of the Screen Animals Guild.
Me: You do realise humans are animals.
Nell: Nice try.
Me: It’s true. What’s the movie called?
Nell: ‘Raiders of the Lost Bark.’
Me: Are we talking about Indy?
Nell: If you mean Indiana Bones, then yes, and we’re looking for a lead.
Me: They’re hanging up near the front door.
Nell: That’s not what I meant and you know it.
Me: Sorry.
