Me: I’ll never get tired of seeing Tony and Dave together.
Nell: David needs to show a little restraint.
Me: Not with Tony.
Nell: He throws himself at everyone.
Me: I know. He’s such an affectionate Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: Some people struggle with that much affection from a giant Labrador.
Me: They do at first and then they realise what a great big bundle of love he is and cuddle him back.
Nell: I still think he needs to introduce himself before leaping on them.
Me: He can’t help it, Nell. It’s in his nature.
Nell: Moving on, have you got everything you need for Christmas?
Me: I hope so. It’s just a quiet one this year.
Nell: Poppy still wants things done properly even if she can’t do them.
Me: I miss her so much.
Nell: We all do.
Me: And as for my sister Alex, I can’t believe she won’t be here.
Nell: I know.
Me: I hope she knows how much we loved her and always will.
Nell: She does.
Me: How is Herr Hoffmann coping in the kitchen? It’s an awful lot of work for an elderly bear.
Nell: Poppy has organised a whole army of helpers.
Me; How did she do that?
Nell: By giving me lists. Haven’t you been listening to me at all over the past few weeks?
Me: I knew there were lists but I didn’t know about the helpers.
Nell: Malcolm and Manuel are taking on most of the work with David as chief taster and occasional baker.
Me: As what?
Nell: You heard me. David has an excellent palate.
Me: He eats anything.
Nell: True. But he knows what he likes.
Me: And what’s an occasional baker?
Nell: As and when needed. Do keep up.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
