Me: Why is Dave sitting by the terrace doors?
Nell: He’s waiting for the children to wake up.
Me: They aren’t outside my bedroom.
Nell: It’s much nicer to wait there than on the landing. The air is fresher and you can take in the view.
Me: Isn’t it wonderful to have them home again?
Nell: Yes.
Me: Although, I noticed you went upstairs to bed early.
Nell: Yes.
Me: And you don’t even sleep upstairs.
Nell: I needed a little quiet.
Me: Harriet went crazy when she saw them.
Nell: She did.
Me: She ran around and around licking everyone.
Nell: David kept his emotions under control.
Me: He just went from one cuddle to another. Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: And then he drank out of the paddling pool.
Me: Welcoming family is thirsty work. You were especially pleased to see Alice.
Nell: She’s my girl. We’ve known each other a long time.
Me: 12 years.
Nell: Now, at Morning Thoughts we were discussing the weather.
Me: Very British of you.
Nell: As thunderstorms are due tomorrow you’d best make good use of today.
Me: Right.
Nell; I’ve booked you in for lunch on the terrace at the Cottage Hotel.
Me: That’s a lovely idea.
Nell: Followed by an afternoon on the beach.
Me: My first swim in the sea this year. I’ve been too unwell to go before.
Nell: No swimming for you.
Me: What?
Nell: You can watch, in the shade, wearing a hat.
Me: I want to swim.
Nell: Moving on, Herr Hoffmann has organised a barbecue for this evening.
Me: Perfect.
Nell: Sausages and burgers with the odd salad.
Me: Not too odd, I hope.
Nell: We must think of the insects and vegetarians. Odd salad is what they like most.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
