Me: Harriet’s never happier than when she’s in the water.
Nell: I can see that.
Me: Even when she was a tiny puppy she used to love a paddling pool.
Nell: Paddling pools are good for cooling the paws.
Me: Kev’s bought a big one for the grandchildren to play in.
Nell: Good idea.
Me: Merdog Harriet might jump in there, of course.
Nell: And David might drink it.
Me: He does like a good long drink. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: I’m sure Jonathan and Faye will be happy to share the pool.
Me: I’m getting really excited about their visit now.
Nell: I can tell.
Me: Only 2 weeks to go.
Nell: A family visit brings weeks of joy, even before the actual event.
Me: Months in my case.
Nell: Has Kev written the number of days until they arrive on your whiteboard?
Me: Yes. He changes it every day.
Nell: So, what are your plans for this weekend?
Me: Bacon sandwiches and Saturday Kitchen.
Nell: Will you be watching Wimbledon?
Me: Probably.
Nell: And the football? England are playing Norway.
Me: Definitely. David’s wearing his England shirt.
Nell: Are Charlotte and Nigel joining you?
Me: Yes. We’re going to the pub for dinner before the match. The garden is lovely.
Nell: All of you?
Me: Not the dogs.
Nell: Why not?
Me: Nigel can be a little off with other dogs.
Nell: Off?
Me: He’s a rescue dog so he’s falsely brave.
Nell: Falsely brave?
Me: Marvin’s the same. They seem bold but they’re actually not.
Nell: Rescue dogs have a hard start to life.
Me: Mutley had four owners before Kev rescued him.
Nell: Mutley wasn’t falsely brave.
Me: He was a bit, Nell.
Nell: Have you forgotten The Great Mutliano?
Me: You’re right. Sorry.
