Me: I’ve been thinking.
Nell: Here we go.
Me: This is actually an exciting time of year.
Nell: Is it?
Me: Winter is still centre stage but its performance is coming to an end and spring is poised in the wings waiting to make its entrance.
Nell: If you say so.
Me: When we were down at the river there were signs of spring everywhere.
Nell: I thought it was a little bleak.
Me: Snowdrops are popping up all over the place, daffodils are emerging, trees are starting to bud, and ducks are swimming along merrily.
Nell: Don’t bring ducks into this, please.
Me: Why not? I love ducks.
Nell: I’ll accept the snowdrops and daffodils, but ducks?
Me: Where there are ducks there are ducklings.
Nell: It’s early February. Stop leaping ahead of yourself.
Me: Just trying to find pocketfuls of happiness, Nell.
Nell: I know.
Me: I hope this year will be a better one than the last.
Nell: It will. Trust me.
Me: You were walking quite well which was a joy to see.
Nell: I do my best.
Me: I wish Herr Hoffmann would wake up.
Nell: Is that why you’re wishing winter away?
Me: Maybe. Things seemed much safer when he was in the kitchen making his German treats.
Nell: Lionel is doing his best and Manuel is making pancakes for breakfast.
Me: I don’t trust Lionel. I’ve tried. Is there any sign of Poppy’s recipe book?
Nell: Not yet. We need someone to check out that French Cafe. If those scones are Poppy’s we know we’re on the right track.
Me: I could always go there incognito.
Nell: Good grief.
Me: Dave ate my all encasing hat but I have another one with ears the children gave me.
Nell: Stop right now.
Me: Sorry.
