Nell: Ready to party?

Me: Absolutely not.

Nell: Did the family land safely back in Berlin?

Me: Yes. I tracked their flight.

Nell: Where’s your hat?

Me: It’s early in the morning, Nell. I’m not going to be wearing a hat, if any, until much later.

Nell: But it’s New Year’s Eve.

Me: I’m aware of that.

Nell: Out with the old and in with the new.

Me: We’re the old, Nell.

Nell: You know what I mean. Have you made any New Year Resolutions?

Me: Not really, to be honest. What about you?

Nell: I’ve decided to live in the moment and enjoy each day as it comes.

Me: Do you think I could just enjoy a lie-in?

Nell: No. There’s far too much to do.

Me: Why?

Nell: We have a party to organise.

Me: Do we?

Nell: Yes. Now, party food. I was thinking retro.

Me: I haven’t even had breakfast yet.

Nell: Vol-au-vents, sausage rolls, pineapple and cheese on sticks.

Me: I love cheese and pineapple. It brings back memories of my youth.

Nell: Exactly.

Me: We used to stick them in a grapefruit.

Nell: Regarding the music, we’ve decided on a disco so get your favourite songs in as soon as possible.

Me: In where?

Nell: Into David’s playlist. He’s the DJ.

Me: I’m feeling awfully tired, Nell. I’m not even sure I’m going to make it to midnight.

Nell: Once you’ve started line dancing you’ll get your second wind.

Me: Line dancing? I thought we were having a disco?

Nell: We can have both, you know. The llamas would never forgive us if we didn’t. Have you seen my cowboy hat and boots?

Me: No, I’ve only just woken up.

Nell: Well, don’t just lie there. Chop chop. It’s nearly 2026.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: Dave’s going to miss his morning cuddles with Faye. The moment she wakes up she runs into my bedroom to find him.

Nell: He’s not the only one who’s going to miss their morning cuddles. I’ve seen Jonathan run in to cuddle up with you.

Me: True. Having the family here over Christmas has been truly wonderful, hasn’t it?

Nell: It has.

Me: So many happy memories have been made.

Nell: They have. When are you leaving for the station?

Me: Not for a while.

Nell: So you have plenty of time for cuddles before then?

Me: Yes.

Nell: Good. Now, I know you’re going to be sad when they leave.

Me: I am.

Nell: But they will be back.

Me: Yes.

Nell: And life has to go on.

Me: I know. I just wish they didn’t live so far away.

Nell: Well, they do and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Me: You’re right.

Nell: Onwards and upwards.

Me: I think today might be a little downwards.

Nell: Fine. You can be miserable today but tomorrow is New Year’s Eve and I don’t want any negativity or you’ll spoil the party.

Me: What party?

Nell: The New Year’s Eve party. Do keep up.

Me: I didn’t know there was a party.

Nell: We live in a village now. Of course there’s a party.

Me: I’m not sure I’m up to partying,

Nell: You’d better be.

Me: Maybe you could all party without me?

Nell: I beg your pardon?

Me: I might just sit this one out.

Nell: Let’s discuss it later. Focus on the family for now.

Me: I’m not partying.

Nell: I know you are and you know you are, so just go and cuddle the grandchildren and leave the rest to me.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: The children went on a big adventure yesterday.

Nell: They were certainly tired when they got home.

Me: Harriet fell asleep hearing about it.

Nell: So where did they go?

Me: They drove to Hope Cove and walked all the way to our old beach and back.

Nell: Did they see the island?

Me: Yes, they did and all is well.

Nell: I’d like to see the island.

Me: I know. We’re going to go there when the tourists have gone and it’s a little quieter.

Nell: And the sea isn’t so stormy.

Me: Exactly.

Nell: Did they go to the Cottage Hotel?

Me: That’s what they were going to do at the end but when they got there it was only open to residents.

Nell: I wouldn’t have taken any notice of that.

Me: I know you wouldn’t have but Alice felt they couldn’t go in.

Nell: What a shame.

Me: Herr Hoffmann made them hot chocolate when they came home so everyone was happy.

Nell: No wonder they were tired. They walked a really long way.

Me: Yes. Andre had to carry Fayely at one point.

Nell: He won’t be able to do that for much longer.

Me: No.

Nell: So what are your plans today?

Me: It’s their last day in Devon so we’re going to have a quiet one.

Nell: Good idea. Lots of packing needs to be done.

Me: Yes. I’m not sure how they’re going to fit all the Christmas presents in but they will find a way.

Nell: Needs must. Now, I know you are feeling sad that the visit is nearly over.

Me: I am.

Nell: But try to enjoy the day together and don’t let tomorrow cloud it.

Me: I’ll do my best.

Nell: Make happy memories.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Nell: That’s a lovely photo of Alice.

Me: It is, isn’t it?

Nell: The sea looks rough.

Me: It was. We’ve had some very strong winds here in Devon over the last few days.

Nell: Yes, the children were telling me all about their exciting windy walk to the lighthouse.

Me: The wind was so strong it nearly blew them over.

Nell: I’m glad everyone is home safe and sound after that adventure.

Me: So am I. Chris says there are still snow storms in Toronto.

Nell: I know. Marvin told me on WoofsApp. He’s snuggling in.

Me: Christmas is all about Snuggling.

Nell: Not on Sundays,

Me: Especially on Sundays.

Nell: Not when you’re performing at Sunday Songs.

Me: I didn’t know I was.

Nell: You’re not, but the children are.

Me: How lovely. What are they singing?

Nell: ‘Little Drummer Boy’. David is on the drums.

Me: Dave isn’t exactly little. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: Never mind his size. He’s been practising.

Me: Is that what all the noise was about?

Nell: Yes.

Me: Our poor neighbours.

Nell: They’re fine. They said they’ll see us at Sunday Songs later.

Me: I can’t believe I’m saying this but I really hope there isn’t a Sunday roast today.

Nell: There isn’t. Herr Hoffman is making Swedish meatballs with lots of vegetables and mashed potato.

Me: Good. It’s a family favourite.

Nell: We know. The menu has been carefully planned.

Me: It’s been a wonderful Christmas.

Nell: Yes, and it isn’t over yet. We have two whole days to enjoy before they leave.

Me: We do and we’re going to make the most of it.

Nell: We certainly are. Now hurry up and get downstairs. Breakfast can’t begin without you and there are bacon sandwiches waiting.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Nell: You’re awake early?

Me: It’s all the food and excitement.

Nell: One can have enough of turkey.

Me: I agree. I’m all turkied out.

Nell: There’s no such word.

Me: Well, there should be. Especially at Christmas.

Nell: What’s been your favourite part?

Me: Having the family here. The sound of their voices, the bedroom door opening in the morning and two little faces asking if they can come in and cuddle up with me.

Nell: And that’s just Dave and Harriet.

Me: Good one.

Nell: I thought so.

Me: I wish they lived nearer.

Nell: Don’t start all that again. They’re here until Tuesday so let’s just enjoy our time together.

Me: You’re right.

Nell: Did you FaceTime with Chris and Shannon?

Me: I did. Toronto was in the middle of a snow storm.

Nell: Oh dear.

Me: Marvin went out briefly but the snow was too much for him.

Nell: I enjoyed it in my youth.

Me: When I lived in Berlin we always had lots of snow but Alice says they don’t anymore.

Nell: Global warming.

Me: Yes.

Nell: Did you say the grandchildren could go cartwheeling with the llamas?

Me: Where?

Nell: At the Recreation Ground.

Me: No, I didn’t.

Nell: I knew it.

Me: But they can as long as a responsible adult goes with them.

Nell: Which rules David out.

Me: It’s fine if Sally goes too.

Nell: I’m afraid Sally has to drive back up to London. Will Harriet do instead?

Me: Yes, but I’m not sure you can cartwheel wearing wellington boots.

Nell: What about leg warmers?

Me: Leg warmers are fine. Does anyone wear those anymore?

Nell: You rarely see a llama without leg warmers in the winter.

Me: I hadn’t noticed.

Nell: Why am I not surprised?

Me: Sorry.

Me: Happy Boxing Day.

Nell: Who’s boxing? Have we got visiting hares?

Me: Nobody. It’s what we call the day after Christmas.

Nell: Have you seen David?

Me: He’s upstairs on my bed watching ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ with Fayely.

Nell: I beg your pardon?

Me: It’s a famous children’s story.

Nell: It’s also inappropriate. We have bears in the house. Hard working bears, I may add, who do not deserve to be hunted.

Me: Nothing happens to the bear.

Nell: And David shouldn’t be watching anything.

Me: Why?

Nell: He’s supposed to be helping with the tidying up. The house is in a dreadful mess.

Me: I’m not surprised he’s hiding upstairs. Nobody likes tidying up.

Nell: It has to be done.

Me: Christmas Day was really rather wonderful, wasn’t it?

Nell: It was certainly busy.

Me: So many smiling faces. Even Lady Anwen.

Nell: Lionel King enjoyed himself, too.

Me: I still don’t trust him.

Nell: He brought us homemade biscuits.

Me: I’m not eating any of them.

Nell: Don’t be silly.

Me: Christmas dinner was absolutely delicious.

Nell: David ate Sally’s roasted parsnips by mistake.

Me: She didn’t mind. He’s her ‘Darling Davey’.

Nell: He ate Harriet’s roast potatoes, too,

Me: Now, she did mind.

Nell: She was extremely angry.

Me: But not for long. Jim the Farm Dog gave her his.

Nell: He’s a kind animal.

Me: Like Knitwear Wolf. I saw you two snuggling together at the end of the evening.

Nell: I was feeling cold. Rupert brought me a soft blanket.

Me: There’s nothing better than a handsome wolf to warm you up.

Nell: Moving on, I think we might need a gentle day today,

Me: Yes.

Nell: Leftovers and board games.

Me: And lots of cuddles?

Nell: Always.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: Happy Christmas, Nell. You’re awake early.

Nell: Happy Christmas. Where’s your hat?

Me: I’m going to put mine on later.

Nell: Hats are to be worn at all times.

Me: Dave looks a little disgruntled in that photo. Is it the hat?

Nell: No, David saw Herr Hoffmann put bacon on the turkey and he still hasn’t recovered. Bacon belongs in sandwiches.

Me: It helps keep the turkey moist and gives it a good flavour.

Nell: You know that Notorious Vegetarian James Beddall thinks we should be eating a nut roast instead of turkey, don’t you?

Me: A lot of people and most birds would agree.

Nell: I’m not a bird. I’m a Labrador.

Me: Well, Dave isn’t going to be disgruntled for long. Sally is here and the children are giving him endless cuddles.

Nell: Andre kindly brushed our hair ready for Christmas.

Me: Yes. He was especially gentle with you.

Nell: I noticed.

Me: Does Harriet know Jim the Farm Dog is going to join us for Christmas Dinner?

Nell: No, but she will if you don’t lower your voice.

Me: I’m having a wonderful Christmas, Nell.

Nell: I know you are.

Me: I’m making memories that will stay with me for ever.

Nell: Yes.

Me: I know there are some out there who are not having such a happy Christmas.

Nell: Yes.

Me: And I hope if they’re reading this they feel part of our Christmas and know they are loved.

Nell: They are. We care about them very much.

Me: We really do.

Nell: Now, enough chat. You have grandchildren patiently waiting to open their presents by the fire.

Me: What a wonderful thought.

Nell: It isn’t a thought, it’s a fact. Put your hat on and join us. It’s Christmas Day.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: You’re up early.

Nell: It’s Christmas Eve. There’s lots to be done.

Me: I’m not sure the Puppies would agree. Do we know why Harriet is sitting on two beds?

Nell: No. There’s an elf looking out of the window upstairs, by the way.

Me: It’s Alfie. The elf on a shelf. He’s waiting for Santa.

Nell: Everybody’s waiting for Santa.

Me: Alfie’s going away with Santa today.

Nell: Good. He’s no business looking out of the window. He’s not part of the Bus Stop Monitoring Team.

Me: You can probably take a break from all that over the Christmas period. I don’t think there’s going to be much going on.

Nell: Maybe. There’s certainly more than enough going on here.

Me: It’s wonderful, isn’t it? I love hearing the sound of the children playing and the gentle hubbub of family life.

Nell: I don’t think hubbubs can be gentle.

Me: I know what I mean.

Nell: Kev’s collecting the turkey from the farm shop today, isn’t he?

Me: Yes. I don’t know where we’re going to put it.

Nell: We’ll find room.

Me: Herr Hoffmann is cooking a gammon for this evening. It’s going to be a Throw Everything On The Table dinner.

Nell: What are you talking about?

Me: Cold meats, salads, pickles and bits and bobs.

Nell: I don’t want a bit or a bob, thank you.

Me: I’m going to read ‘The Night Before Christmas’ to the children this evening.

Nell: I thought you could do that in front of the fire so we can all listen.

Me: Does Dave know Sally is coming?

Nell: No, but he will soon. I think I heard her car.

Me: Christmas is rather wonderful this year, isn’t it?

Nell: I told you it would be.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: Faye loves you all so much, doesn’t she?

Nell: Yes, she does.

Me: She never stops cuddling the Puppies.

Nell: I know.

Me: And she always wants to be the one to give you treats.

Nell: She’s also an excellent listener.

Me: She probably gets that from me.

Nell: Really?

Me: Yes, I’m an excellent listener.

Nell: Are you though?

Me: I listen to you.

Nell: You didn’t listen to me about Barry.

Me: Barry? Who’s Barry?

Nell: The Stuffed Tiger. I told you he was sly.

Me: He’s not sly, Nell. He’s stuffed.

Nell: Well, he’s in jail now.

Me: In jail?

Nell: You’re doing that repeating thing again.

Me: Why is he in jail?

Nell: Who knows? It could be a number of things.

Me: Like what?

Nell: Slyness, Eavesdropping on Conversations that have Nothing To Do With Him, Threatening Behaviour. The list goes on.

Me: Threatening Behaviour?

Nell: Ask Nigel. He’s been called as a witness.

Me: Barry never actually did anything to Nigel.

Nell: That’s what you think.

Me: When did you find out his name was Barry?

Nell: Faye told us.

Me: How did she know?

Nell: My guess is Barry broke down during interrogation and finally started talking.

Me: Or she made it up? She is my granddaughter after all.

Nell: Either way, that Tiger is going down.

Me: I don’t think it is, Nell. I saw it back on the bunk bed just now.

Nell: I beg your pardon?

Me: It’s up there with the Cuddle Nells.

Nell: Who paid its bail?

Me: I have no idea but I’m guessing ice cream or cake may have been involved.

Nell: Why?

Me: Faye has a sweet tooth.

Nell: Don’t start blaming Faye for this. That Tiger has accomplices.

Me: Yes, of course. Sorry.

Me: Christmas has now officially begun.

Nell: It has.

Me: It’s wonderful to have the family here, isn’t it?

Nell: Yes, it is.

Me: When the train doors opened and Faye and Jonathan came running along the platform towards me I thought my heart might burst with happiness.

Nell: I can imagine.

Me: It was so lovely.

Nell: Did you cry?

Me: Only a little and they were happy tears.

Nell: I must admit I felt rather emotional, too.

Me: I haven’t seen you enjoy cuddles as much as you did yesterday in a long time. You and Alice seemed deep in conversation, by the way.

Nell: We had a lot of things to discuss.

Me: Like what?

Nell: Never you mind.

Me: I don’t need anything else for Christmas if that’s what you were talking about. Nothing means more to me than having the family here.

Nell: I know.

Me: The only thing missing is Chris and Shannon.

Nell: Maybe another year?

Me: Yes. It’s difficult for them as they can’t leave Marvin.

Nell: David was too demanding again.

Me: He can’t help it. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.

Nell: Even Andre was forced to cuddle him.

Me: Nobody was forced to do anything. The thing about Dave is he’s almost impossible not to cuddle.

Nell: Nonsense.

Me: It’s his size. There’s something about cuddling a huge animal.

Nell: I need to talk to you about the new dog beds.

Me: I’m glad they arrived.

Nell: The children sat in them.

Me: I know they did. I think they enjoyed the softness. You didn’t mind, did you?

Nell: I’m always happy to share my bed.

Me: We both know that isn’t true.

Nell: As long as people ask me first.

Me: Yes.

Nell: Except they didn’t.

Me: No. Sorry.