Me: Dave’s so big Harriet can walk under his tail.
Nell: Interesting.
Me: I thought so.
Nell: There seems to be a lot of bounding around.
Me: The weather’s a little cooler which is a relief, to be honest.
Nell: I’m sure it is.
Me: I used to be such a hot weather person.
Nell: Times change.
Me: Having skin cancer has changed my whole attitude to the sun.
Nell: It’s understandable. You will think differently about a lot of things now.
Me: I do.
Nell: Did Faye like her poem?
Me: Very much and she and Jonathan were absolutely delighted to see Uncle Darling and Shannon.
Nell: Uncle Darling?
Me: It’s what Faye calls Chris.
Nell: She takes after you.
Me: What does that mean?
Nell: You’re always giving people nicknames.
Me: I know. It’s a Welsh thing. We’re a nation of storytellers.
Nell: That makes sense.
Me: I grew up listening to Dylan Thomas.
Nell: Was he a relative?
Me: I wish. No, he was a truly wonderful Welsh poet and writer.
Nell: I think I’ve heard you speak of him.
Me: My grandmother once called him Nylon Thomas by accident. We laughed and laughed.
Nell: I expect there was a lot of laughter in Germany yesterday.
Me: Yes. Chris sent me some photos. It looked like they were having a lovely time together.
Nell: We had an excellent tea. Poppy’s scones with jam and cream, finger sandwiches and a delicious cake.
Me: Perfect.
Nell: Mutley played the piano. The Great Barberino sang and Charlie and I danced.
Me: I absolutely love that, Nell. There is nothing better than imagining you dancing with Charlie again.
Nell: We Guardians know how to have fun.
Me: You do.
Nell: You can miss someone and still have fun.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
