Nell: Is that Marvin in Toronto?
Me: Yes. He likes looking out of the window.
Nell: He’s probably looking for raccoons.
Me: You look for squirrels and he looks for raccoons.
Nell: Nonsense. I never bothered with squirrels and I certainly don’t now.
Me: You didn’t like horses, or bicycles.
Nell: I don’t suppose Marvin does either.
Me: I’m not sure if there are many horses in Toronto but there are lots of bicycles.
Nell: Being up here is a little like looking out of a window.
Me: Is it?
Nell: Yes. You can see things, but from a distance.
Me: Do you still need your reading glasses?
Nell: No, but I keep a pair in my handbag just in case.
Me: Do you remember when Gladys the Pomeranian used to sleep in your handbag?
Nell: Yes, and David would steal it.
Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: Naughty animal.
Me: I love the way Marvin has one cheeky ear.
Nell: It’s not cheeky. It just does its own thing. Poppy is the same.
Me: Poppy’s always done her own thing. How is she?
Nell: She’s gone fencing with Charlie.
Me: Sword fighting or actual fencing?
Nell: Swords, of course. It’s St. George’s Day on Thursday so she wants to practise fighting the dragon.
Me: But Dave won’t be able to be her dragon.
Nell: She’s going to use a Heffalump instead.
Me: Isn’t that a little dangerous?
Nell: Poppy knows no fear.
Me: Nevertheless.
Nell: Will you be celebrating?
Me: I don’t think so. I have the dentist in the morning and my Covid vaccination in the afternoon.
Nell: You can still celebrate.
Me: Maybe.
Nell: I think you should. David loves playing the dragon and I’m sure someone will play St. George.
Me: Yes. You’re right. Sorry.
