Me: I had a lovely walk along the quay to my aqua class.
Nell: I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Me: The sun was shining on the water and there weren’t too many people around.
Nell: Were there any Beefies?
Me: Strangely not. There are usually lots of them around there.
Nell: They aren’t in the village either. They must be gathering somewhere else.
Me: Maybe they’ve gone on holiday? ‘School’s out for summer’ to quote Alice Cooper.
Nell: Who’s she?
Me: It’s a he, actually. I remember dancing to that song in my youth.
Nell: Beefies don’t go to school.
Me: I know.
Nell: And summer is their busiest time of the year. All those grockles buying fish and chips and ice cream.
Me: True.
Nell: My guess is there’s a Beefy Convention somewhere.
Me: Well, I’m glad I’m not invited to that.
Nell: Talking of invitations, four weeks today Chris and Shannon are getting married.
Me: Yes, and three weeks from Tuesday I fly to Toronto.
Nell: Are you excited?
Me: Very. Not only is there a wedding to look forward to but I shall see the family again.
Nell: We should start planning.
Me: Planning what?
Nell: You’re a terrible packer. You always take far too much.
Me: I never know what I’ll need.
Nell: We need to get Henry and Horst on the case.
Me: They’re woodlice, Nell. They’ll never be able to close it.
Nell: I was talking about the organisational side of things. Henry and Horst are excellent planners.
Me: But I can never hear a word they’re saying.
Nell: Ask David to interpret. He has keen ears.
Me: He has large ears. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: Stop prevaricating and go and fetch your notebook and pen. We’ve lists to make.
Me: Sorry.
