Me: I love the way you dogs make the most of whatever walk we choose.
Nell: Of course we do.
Me: You always enjoy yourselves regardless of the weather.
Nell: I prefer it not to be raining.
Me: Is the walk by the river still your favourite?
Nell: I think it is. The grass is soft under paw and I can always enjoy a good sniffari.
Me: Harriet loves a swim and a roll around.
Nell: She does.
Me: Did I hear Lionel singing in the kitchen?
Nell: You did. He’s making bacon sandwiches for David and anyone else who wants one.
Me: The roast was delicious yesterday.
Nell: It was and he was absolutely delighted that we all enjoyed it.
Me: I have a theory about Lionel.
Nell: Here we go.
Me: I think he just needs to be needed.
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: He never really belonged anywhere. He was always on the outside looking in.
Nell: Nobody let him in.
Me: That’s because he was a bad lion. Constantly causing havoc.
Nell: I always knew he wasn’t really bad.
Me: Maybe that’s why he was so focused on you?
Nell: Because I still believed in him?
Me: Yes. He hasn’t won me over yet. One roast isn’t enough.
Nell: He’s going to try and make Poppy’s scones this afternoon. David is lending him her recipe book.
Me: What does Poppy think about that?
Nell: She’s reserving judgement.
Me: Wouldn’t it be lovely if Lionel succeeds and we can enjoy Poppy’s scones again?
Nell: It would.
Me: Chris is arriving from Toronto on Wednesday.
Nell: I know.
Me: Only two more sleeps to go.
Nell: Make sure you sleep tomorrow then and don’t spend the night tracking his flight like you usually do.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
