Me: The good thing about our walk is most of it is in the shade.
Nell: It’s far too hot to go out until much later today.
Me: I know.
Nell: The Met Office has issued an extreme heat warning until Friday.
Me: Do you have a Met Office?
Nell: Don’t be silly. We have Weather Guardians.
Me: Have they issued a warning?
Nell: They give advice. If you have to go out, please make sure you put on sunscreen and wear a large-brimmed hat.
Me: Can I wear a floaty dress?
Nell: Acceptable, but not mandatory.
Me: Good to know.
Nell: Drink lots of water.
Me: I will.
Nell: Hydration is essential.
Me: I’ve filled all the water bowls.
Nell: Make sure to keep them topped-up.
Me: Do you remember when you, Alice and I went on a girls’ holiday to Devon in my open-top car?
Nell: I certainly do.
Me: We had the most fabulous weather and so much fun.
Nell: I went swimming in the sea.
Me: And barked at surfers.
Nell: They needed chivvying along.
Me: Surfers never need encouraging, Nell. They’re always running.
Nell: Anyway, as I recall it was all very enjoyable.
Me: Happy memories.
Nell: You know what they say.
Me: What’s that?
Nell: The next best thing to enjoying something is remembering how much you enjoyed it.
Me: True.
Nell: You’ll be making lots of new memories soon when Alice and the children arrive for their summer holiday.
Me: Yes, it’s not long now. Just over a month to go.
Nell: Happy times are ahead.
Me: They are.
Nell: But in the meantime you need to make sure everyone is safely hydrated and in the shade.
Me: I hope ice cream is allowed.
Nell: Yes, but not for breakfast.
Me: No. Sorry.
