Me: Nice hat. Any particular reason why you’re wearing it?
Nell: It’s Thanksgiving in the United States and I’m supporting our friends over there and Babycakes Gillespie by looking smart.
Me: Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I’m not sure pink is a Thanksgiving colour.
Nell: Our dear departed Queen loved this hat.
Me: I see.
Nell: She had a couple of similar hats herself.
Me: I remember.
Nell: We shared a great deal, the Queen and I.
Me: Including several afternoon teas.
Nell: Buckingham Palace provides an excellent tea.
Me: Paddington says The Queen always carried a marmalade sandwich in her handbag. Just in case.
Nell: Paddington says a lot.
Me: He’s adorable.
Nell: Talking of bears, Herr Hoffmann is roasting a turkey for lunch.
Me: How exciting.
Nell: And serving it with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, gravy, and pumpkin pie for dessert.
Me: Goodness me. What is a green bean casserole?
Nell: I have no idea but I believe it’s made with tinned mushroom soup.
Me: Interesting.
Nell: I’m afraid the llamas are over excited about Thanksgiving. They’ve been cartwheeling since dawn.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: They’ve got grass all over their wellington boots.
Me: What about their pyjamas?
Nell: They’re wearing dungarees.
Me: Sensible.
Nell: Yes. Pyjamas are not for cold weather.
Me: Unless you’re inside and then pyjamas are perfect.
Nell: Where’s your hat?
Me: I didn’t know I had to wear one.
Nell: David wore a top hat to breakfast.
Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. I wonder if he keeps a marmalade sandwich underneath it like Paddington.
Nell: David is a pedigree Labrador from Oxfordshire not a lost bear from Peru.
Me: Yes.
Nell: If he keeps a sandwich under his hat it will be bacon not marmalade.
Me: Of course. Sorry.
