Me: Look at the snow in Toronto.
Nell: Is that Shannon and Marvin?
Me: Yes, I’m glad Marvin’s wearing a warm coat.
Nell: He doesn’t like it.
Me: The coat, or the snow?
Nell: Both. He’d rather be at home snuggled under a warm blanket.
Me: Wouldn’t we all?
Nell: We are at home snuggled under a warm blanket.
Me: Oh yes. It’s even stopped raining and I can see the sun.
Nell: Don’t hold your breath. The rain will be back.
Me: We’ve had awful storms. The sea destroyed the beach road near Nigel and Charlotte’s house.
Nell: Why are they still there? Tell them to come over right now.
Me: It isn’t that near. It’s a few miles away. They’re quite safe.
Nell: That’s a relief.
Me: I thought you didn’t like Nigel.
Nell: He annoys me but he’s still family.
Me: I’ll remind you of that the next time he’s here.
Nell: You annoy me and I still love you.
Me: I knew it.
Nell: Of course you knew it. I’ve told you enough times.
Me: No, you haven’t.
Nell: You and me. Always. Remember?
Me: Do you think it should be You and I?
Nell: And there you go again. So annoying.
Me: It’s nice to be loved, isn’t it? It’s something you dogs do best. You’re an example to us all.
Nell: Thank you.
Me: There’s nothing better than coming home to a welcome from a dog.
Nell: The Cat wouldn’t agree. It doesn’t do affection.
Me: Cats do everything on their own terms.
Nell: I find exuberant llamas exhausting, don’t you?
Me: I’m not sure how to respond to that.
Nell: Is it necessary to cartwheel to show you’re happy?
Me: I’m not sure I can.
Nell: That’s not the point.
Me: No. Sorry.
