Me: It’s cold in Canada.
Nell: It’s December. Of course it’s cold.
Me: And really snowy.
Nell: I can see that.
Me: Chris says Marvin doesn’t want to come out from under his blanket.
Nell: I don’t blame him.
Me: Look at his little face.
Nell: Look at all that snow.
Me: I don’t think we’re getting any snow down here in Devon.
Nell: Well, don’t tell the llamas. They’re hoping for a White Christmas.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: Rupert’s been telling them about growing up in Canada and now they want to go sledging and snowball fighting, too.
Me: I keep forgetting he’s a Canadian wolf. Do you think he misses home?
Nell: No. When I asked him, he said, ‘Home is where you are, Nelly.’
Me: What a lovely thing to say.
Nell: Rupert is my rock.
Me: Winter suits him. Just like Autumn suits Harriet.
Nell: I know what you mean.
Me: It’s the time of year for knitwear.
Nell; I beg your pardon?
Me: Cardigans, shawls and woolly hats come into their own in Winter.
Nell: I suppose they do.
Me: And sitting in front of the fire with a good book.
Nell: And a cup of Earl Grey and a gingerbread biscuit.
Me: Herr Hoffmann’s gingerbread is the best.
Nell: Yes, it’s excellent.
Me: Germans are good at Christmas.
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: The traditions and quiet beauty of it.
Nell: I see.
Me: Candles and Christmas markets.
Nell: Yes.
Me: We’re good at the noisy fun bit.
Nell: It’s certainly going to be noisy this year.
Me: I can’t wait. We haven’t had a noisy Christmas in years. Only just over a week before they arrive. I’m so excited.
Nell: I noticed. Have you seen the time?
Me: I couldn’t sleep. Sorry.
