Me: I think Harriet might have the Monday Blues.
Nell: It’s all this rain. Just when you think it’s stopped, it starts again.
Me: I don’t remember it ever being this bad.
Nell: It’s so difficult to make plans. My friend Dorothy and I were going out to lunch today but I might cancel.
Me: Why?
Nell: Rupert was taking me over to Salcombe on his motorbike but I can’t go in this weather.
Me: Isn’t there some sort of waterproof cover we can zip you into?
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: One that goes over the sidecar?
Nell: I’m not riding around in a tent, thank you very much.
Me: Your fur dries ever so quickly. Rupert could give you a quick rub down with a towel when you arrive and all will be well.
Nell: A quick rub down?
Me: That’s what I do to you after a rainy walk. You like it and your fur goes all wavy and fluffy.
Nell: I’m never fluffy.
Me: Bouncy then.
Nell: Or bouncy. I’m a lady Labrador.
Me: Well, I think you should get over yourself and go. What’s a little bit of rain?
Nell: It’s blowing a storm out there.
Me: Yes. Kathleen.
Nell: Is there something wrong with you? My name is Eleanor. Why on earth would you call me Kathleen?
Me: Not you. The storm. Storm Kathleen.
Nell: Why does a storm need a name?
Me: They only name the big ones.
Nell: If they start naming the small ones they’ll never stop.
Me: Shall I go and get you a towel?
Nell: Why?
Me: You’re not going to let Kathleen stop you from seeing Dorothy, are you?
Nell: Kathleen is a storm. Stop turning her into something else. I know what you’re like.
Me: Sorry.
