Nell: You’re up early this morning.
Me: It’s my Wednesday Writers workshop later.
Nell: No need to wake the whole house.
Me: I haven’t. Herr Hoffmann’s been baking bread for hours.
Nell: I must say I miss those fresh German bread rolls.
Me: They’re delicious with honey, aren’t they?
Nell: I prefer mine with lots of butter and a boiled egg on the side.
Me: Good idea.
Nell: David looks decidedly grumpy.
Me: He doesn’t like having his photo taken before breakfast.
Nell: Is that mud on his nose?
Me: Probably.
Nell: Well, no wonder he doesn’t want to be photographed. Nobody would with mud on their nose.
Me: True.
Nell: And Harriet looks positively shocked.
Me: I don’t know why. She’s seen me in my pyjamas before.
Nell: You should be wearing a dressing gown.
Me: It’s quite warm today, Nell. There’s no need.
Nell: Why aren’t you dressed?
Me: I just popped downstairs for a cup of tea before I showered.
Nell: You’re messing up everyone’s routine. The Puppies come upstairs to you when they’re ready.
Me: But I’m ready now.
Nell: But breakfast isn’t. Nobody expects to see you until then.
Me: Well, I’m here now so I might as well grab a bowl of cereal.
Nell: A bowl of cereal?
Me: Yes.
Nell: When you have the chance to enjoy one of Herr Hoffmann’s freshly-baked rolls?
Me: I can have one of those later.
Nell: Two breakfasts?
Me: Not two exactly. More of a staggered breakfast.
Nell: A Staggered Breakfast?
Me: Yes. Cereal now, then a shower and a roll.
Nell: What?
Me: Why not?
Nell: Breakfast must be enjoyed quietly and slowly. It’s the most important meal of the day.
Me: Is it?
Nell: A Rushed Breakfast leads to A Rushed Day.
Me: Right. Sorry.
