Me: Hello gourd-geous! Howl you doin’?

Nell: Am I going to have to listen to your awful puns all day?

Me: Yes. It’s Halloween. You should join in. Let’s get this party startled.

Nell: Not happening.

Me: Come on. Let’s give ‘em pumpkin to talk about.

Nell: Let’s not.

Me: We need to witch people a Happy Halloween.

Nell: I’m wearing a hat. That’s more than enough.

Me: It really suits you. You and Harriet look simply eerie-sistible and so does my Big Brave Boo-tiful Boy.

Nell: Fortunately The Cat has a wide selection of hats for all occasions.

Me: Was it difficult to decide witch hat to wear?

Nell: Good grief.

Me: I‘m not sure Nigel likes Halloween but he’s giving it a gourd try.

Nell: It’s supposed to be his scary face.

Me: Do you know I sometimes dream of being witch and famous?

Nell: Please stop.

Me: But it’s just witchful thinking.

Nell: Help.

Me: Because you can’t always get what you wand.

Nell: I need a cup of Earl Grey if I’m going to get through this.

Me: Scream and sugar?

Nell: Just tea with a slice of lemon, thank you.

Me: Everything I brew, I brew for you.

Nell: Will this never end?

Me: Where is the best place to hide from ghosts?

Nell: I don’t know.

Me: The living room.

Nell: Very funny.

Me: Just creepin’ it real.

Nell: I give up.

Me: I hope these Halloween puns aren’t driving you batty.

Nell: They are.

Me: I’m afraid things have gone from bad to warts.

Nell: They certainly have.

Me: And you know what ghosts say?

Nell: No.

Me: Ghouls just wanna have fun.

Nell: Please go away.

Me: But Halloween is no fun if I can’t be witch you.

Nell: Enough.

Me: Sorry.

Me: I caught Harriet playing Cheeky Animals in the living room.

Nell: Are you sure?

Me: Yes. She definitely stuck her tongue out.

Nell: Did you say ‘Cheeky Animal’?

Me: No. I didn’t have time.

Nell: You didn’t catch her then.

Me: But I saw her.

Nell: You have to say it out loud.

Me: Oh Fiddlesticks! I thought I’d finally caught her.

Nell: Fiddlesticks? What century are you in?

Me: I’m frustrated.

Nell: You were never going to catch Harriet. She’s the mistress of Cheeky Animals. Try playing with David.

Me: Why were you lurking behind Harriet?

Nell: I wasn’t lurking. I was resting.

Me: I could see you listening. Were you two having one of your spying conversations?

Nell: Did you enjoy Mexican night?

Me: You’re changing the subject.

Nell: I tried out Monica Ellis’s idea of a crunchy taco inside a soft tortilla. It was delicious.

Me: It was.

Nell: It combined the best of both worlds.

Me: It did.

Nell: I noticed you didn’t wear a sombrero.

Me: There wasn’t enough room for another one.

Nell: I blame the llamas.

Me: Why were they wearing fluffy coats?

Nell: They were disguised as alpacas.

Me: Any particular reason?

Nell: Does there have to be?

Me: I just wondered why being a llama wasn’t enough.

Nell: Sometimes one simply wants a change. It’s no different to wearing a wig.

Me: True.

Nell: Talking of wigs, that Beefy in a long black wig stole a taco.

Me: Romeo?

Nell: Yes. He wasn’t invited. Seagulls never are.

Me: Which is actually quite sad when you come to think of it,

Nell: Here we go.

Me: Imagine always being the uninvited guest at the party.

Nell: If you’re not invited to the party don’t go to the party.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: Your eyes are like pools of wisdom.

Nell: Most kind.

Me: I could gaze into them all day.

Nell: Please don’t.

Me: You know you’re my best friend, don’t you?

Nell: Yes.

Me: I can talk to you about anything.

Nell: And you do.

Me: I can share all my secrets and worries.

Nell: There is such a thing as oversharing.

Me: Not with you.

Nell: Are you sure?

Me: There’s nothing I can’t share with you.

Nell: Have you read the Daily Growl this morning?

Me: There you go again.

Nell: What?

Me: Changing the subject. Avoiding the issue.

Nell: What issue?

Me: We were talking about Sharing.

Nell: I remember,

Me: I do, and you don’t.

Nell: Nonsense.

Me: You’re a closed book, Nell.

Nell: I thought I was a pool of wisdom?

Me: Why won’t you share your thoughts with me?

Nell: Some of us prefer to keep things to ourselves.

Me: What are you thinking about right now?

Nell: Never you mind.

Me: Are you thinking about a certain handsome wolf in a conker-brown cardigan?

Nell: Don’t bring Rupert into this.

Me: You’re not swooning over that wretched lion, are you?

Nell: I’m not swooning over anyone.

Me: That’s a relief. What are you thinking about?

Nell: Sombreros.

Me: Sombreros?

Nell: Yes, we’re having a Mexican night and Gladys thought The Cat might have a few wide-brimmed hats in its Dressing-Up Box.

Me: So, all the time I’ve been baring my soul you’ve been thinking about hats?

Nell: Not all the time. I’ve also been considering the merits of soft or hard tacos.

Me: Really?

Nell: One provides a satisfying crunch but the other is more versatile.

Me: I like the soft ones.

Nell: Yes. You’ve shared that information with me. Several times.

Me: Sorry.

Me: Look at Nigel. He’s smiling.

Nell: If you say so.

Me: He is.

Nell: He’s certainly giving you his Encouraging Look, if that’s what you mean.

Me: Well, whatever look it is, I appreciate it.

Nell: Good. It takes years to perfect. Why are you up so early again?

Me: I’m on old time and I couldn’t sleep.

Nell: Old time?

Me: I’m an hour later. You’re the same.

Nell: I’m never late. I pride myself on my Punctuality.

Me: I mean you’re still thinking it’s later than it is, like me.

Nell: I’m nothing like you at all.

Me: Never mind.

Nell: Now, although Charlotte is improving a little she’s still extremely weak.

Me: I know she is.

Nell: Did I hear talk of going back to work?

Me: You did.

Nell: Absolutely out of the question.

Me: I agree. Unless there’s a huge improvement today she’s not going anywhere.

Nell: She’s not.

Me: I’m glad we’re on the same page.

Nell: Of course we’re on the same page. It’s our conversation.

Me: I meant figuratively. We’re in agreement.

Nell: I wouldn’t go that far but Charlotte isn’t going back to work.

Me: It’s hard to slow down when you have lots to do.

Nell: Needs must. I’ll ask Rupert to read to her. He has a calming voice.

Me: He does.

Nell: He’s bringing her a soft blanket, anyway. It’s in blue. Her favourite colour.

Me: He’s such a kind and thoughtful wolf.

Nell: Talking of kind and thoughtful, Lionel King was asking if Charlotte might like a little ride around the village.

Me: What?

Nell: He said Bobby can walk very slowly.

Me: Charlotte’s recovering from an operation. She’s not going horse riding with a lion.

Nell: Which is what I told him.

Me: Right. Sorry.

Me: Did Dave get any breakfast this morning?

Nell: When has David ever gone without his breakfast?

Me: He’s giving me his Poor Little Hungry Puppy Face.

Nell: He’s a Labrador. Do keep up.

Me: But he looks genuinely hungry, Nell. Maybe he did go without. It can happen.

Nell: Don’t be fooled. He’s exceptionally skilled in that department.

Me: And Nigel is behind him looking worried, too.

Nell: They’re working in pairs. Nigel just tried the same thing on Kev with David in the background,

Me: Really? Did Kev give in?

Nell: No. Why do you think they came to you?

Me: Did I tell you I’ve had to shut Charlotte’s bedroom door?

Nell: No. Why?

Me: Dave bounced on the bed.

Nell: Oh dear.

Me: It was a loving bounce but it was too much. Everything went flying.

Nell: I told him not to do that.

Me: He gets carried away.

Nell: How is Charlotte?

Me: Sleeping most of the time. It was a bigger operation than expected.

Nell: She’s going to need a while to recover.

Me: Yes. Fortunately we’re all here to look after her. At least she’s eating.

Nell: Is she?

Me: Yes. Herr Hoffmann said her plate was clean every time. He was quite surprised as he sent several treats up in-between meals and she ate them, too.

Nell: Who took the treats up to her?

Me: Dave. He usually does the treats delivery.

Nell: Was Nigel helping?

Me: Oh no. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

Nell: Is Charlotte the one going without?

Me: Don’t say that, Nell. I’m sure the boys will have brought her the treats. She just might not have eaten them all by herself.

Nell: Maybe you should take them up to her in future?

Me: You’re right. Sorry.

Me: Everything is going to be fine.

Nell: What are you talking about?

Me: Charlotte is home and Dave saw a rainbow when he was out on his walk.

Nell: Can I go back to bed now, please? It’s Sunday morning and it’s early.

Me: It’s not as early as you think.

Nell: It is.

Me: The clocks went back last night so it’s actually an hour later.

Nell: I know. I’m supposed to be enjoying another hour in bed.

Me: But I wanted to share some Sunday Morning Thoughts with you.

Nell: They’ll keep.

Me: I might forget.

Nell: Write them down in your notebook and show them to me later. It’s what you usually do with your Nighttime Thoughts.

Me: These aren’t Nighttime Thoughts, They’re Sunday Morning Thoughts.

Nell: It’s too early. I’m going back to bed.

Me: What if I made you a nice pot of Earl Grey and a slice of toast with farmhouse butter and homemade marmalade?

Nell: I suppose I could go back to bed later.

Me: Yes, you could.

Nell: You might as well boil a couple of eggs while you’re there. Charlotte might like one.

Me: I think we should let her sleep. She’s exhausted.

Nell: Well, David’s going to be very hungry after the night shift.

Me: True. All that cuddling can take it out of you.

Nell: I’m sure it can.

Me: Is everything organised for a gentle Sunday Songs outside Charlotte’s window?

Nell: Yes. Everyone has been told to gather quietly.

Me: Even the llamas?

Nell: They’re wearing soft-soled shoes. Gladys confiscated their tap shoes.

Me: Good idea.

Nell: So what are these extraordinary Sunday Morning Thoughts of yours?

Me: I can’t remember now. I’m just glad Charlotte’s home and Dave saw a rainbow.

Nell: Good grief.

Me: Sorry.

Nell: Do you know what time you can go and collect Charlotte from the hospital?

Me: Not yet. The doctors have to make sure she’s well enough to leave first.

Nell: But the operation went well?

Me: Yes, it did. She was happily eating roast chicken followed by jelly and ice cream when we texted yesterday evening.

Nell: Nigel has been asking when she’ll be coming home since she left yesterday morning.

Me: Bless him. I’m afraid he’s going to have to wait a little bit longer.

Nell: He keeps looking out of the window at the cars, expecting her to get out.

Me: Haven’t you explained she can’t drive yet?

Nell: Of course I have.

Me: He’s going to be so excited when she comes through the door.

Nell: I’ve told everyone to try and keep calm. No loud barking, no jumping and no llamas.

Me: They definitely need to stay outside.

Nell: You know they’ve started tap dancing?

Me: Oh dear.

Nell: Quite. As if cartwheeling isn’t bad enough.

Me: Well, they can’t do any tap dancing around here for the next few days. Charlotte’s on strict bed rest.

Nell: Good luck with that.

Me: What do you mean?

Nell: Your sister is not someone who likes to sit around. She’s always on the move.

Me: Not on my watch.

Nell: Or mine, but I worry about David.

Me: Why?

Nell: He’s easily persuaded.

Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: I’m going to make sure Harriet does the night shift with him. She won’t stand for any nonsense.

Me: Is the night shift a good idea?

Nell: Charlotte will need cuddles and nobody gives better cuddles than David.

Me: What about Nigel?

Nell: Nigel’s taking on the day shift. He’ll need a break.

Me: You’re right. Sorry.

Nell: Why is Nigel upstairs on your bed? He doesn’t usually visit us this early on a Friday.

Me: Kev and I are taking Charlotte into hospital so Nigel is going to stay here with you and the others. Can you keep an eye on him?

Nell: Of course I can.

Me: He’s very worried about Charlotte.

Nell: That’s completely understandable.

Me: So am I, to be honest. She’s my precious sister.

Nell: Everything will go well. Try not to worry too much. It doesn’t help anyone.

Me: You’re right. I’ll just be glad when we bring her home tomorrow.

Nell: We all will. Now, you get yourselves ready and off to the hospital. I will look after Nigel.

Me: I know you will.

Nell: I’m presuming bacon sandwiches are allowed for our second breakfast even though it isn’t the weekend?

Me: Yes.

Nell: Herr Hoffmann is making a cake to welcome her home tomorrow.

Me: Lovely.

Nell: And David and Harriet are making a banner. They’re very sorry about the dirty bedding yesterday.

Me: They jolly well should be. Naughty animals.

Nell: We’re going to impose a No Going Upstairs Unless You’ve Cleaned Your Paws rule.

Me: Good idea.

Nell: David was wondering if Charlotte would like the Big Cat Vibe to play her a few tracks when she gets back?

Me: I think that might be a little bit too much.

Nell: Could the llamas cartwheel outside her window?

Me: Maybe.

Nell: The Welsh Corgi Choir suggested some gentle lullabies.

Me: They won’t all fit in her room.

Nell: They’ll be singing outside.

Me: Could we save the singing for Sunday?

Nell: We can move Sunday Songs to the bus stop just for this week.

Me: Good.

Nell: She’s going to be fine.

Me: Yes, she is. Sorry.

Nell: Have you seen David?

Me: Yes, I most certainly have.

Nell: That’s a rather grumpy way of putting it.

Me: Have you seen Harriet?

Nell: She and David just got back from their morning walk so she’s probably resting somewhere.

Me: You mean hiding.

Nell: Hiding? Is someone chasing her?

Me: They soon will be.

Nell: You’re extremely out of sorts this morning, aren’t you? Where’s David?

Me: Dave is upstairs lying on the floor next to my bed with his paws against the wall refusing to talk to me.

Nell: Why on earth is he doing that?

Me: Because he knows he and Harriet have been very bad animals.

Nell: What have they done?

Me: You know we’ve been getting Charlotte’s room ready for when she comes out of hospital?

Nell: Yes, of course I do. Frau Hoffman ironed the sheets.

Me: She did.

Nell: And she put a lovely coverlet on the top and lots of comfortable cushions and pillows so it’s perfect for her.

Me: It’s not perfect anymore.

Nell: What happened?

Me: Dave and Harriet happened.

Nell: What have they done?

Me: They ran upstairs after their walk with muddy coats and rolled around on the bed.

Nell: I beg your pardon?

Me: They even threw the pillows around.

Nell: That’s completely unacceptable,

Me: I agree. We’re going to have wash everything all over again.

Nell: Frau Hoffmann is not going to be pleased.

Me: I’m not pleased.

Nell: I’m afraid it’s The Clean Bed Syndrome.

Me: What?

Nell: It happens to us all at one time or another.

Me: Does it?

Nell: Yes. It’s an irresistible urge to roll around on a freshly clean bed.

Me: I’ve never had that urge in my life.

Nell: You’re not a Labrador.

Me: No. You’re right. Sorry.

Me: I’m glad it didn’t rain until we were leaving the beach. The sky looked truly ominous.

Nell: It certainly did.

Me: You could see the rain coming down.

Nell: I know.

Me: It was fascinating.

Nell: It was wet.

Me: Only at the end and the other dogs were all wet from swimming in the sea.

Nell: I had stones in my paws.

Me: Not for long and not really. We kept you off the actual pebbly beach.

Nell: I prefer sand.

Me: The sandy beach is a lot further away.

Nell: I miss the island.

Me: We all miss the island, Nell. We’ll go back there soon.

Nell: How is your sister Charlotte?

Me: Very tired and a little anxious about her operation on Friday.

Nell: That’s completely understandable.

Me: Yes, it is. But she will be convalescing with us so we can make sure she is well looked after.

Nell: Frau Hoffmann is ironing the sheets and will make the bed up later.

Me: Good.

Nell: And Herr Hoffmann is going through the menu with me this afternoon.

Me: But we don’t know what she’ll want to eat.

Nell: So we need to make sure there are lots of choices.

Me: That’s true.

Nell: Starting with jelly and ice cream.

Me: I love jelly.

Nell: You’re not the one having the operation.

Me: You know jelly means jam in the United States, don’t you?

Nell: We’re not in the United States. We’re in Devon.

Me: I was just pointing it out in case our US readers thought we were having jam with our ice cream. They call jelly Jell-O.

Nell: You’re not having any jelly and ice cream.

Me: I’m sure Charlotte will want to share.

Nell: The jelly is only for Charlotte, not you.

Me: Sorry.