Nell: What a beautiful sunset.
Me: Evening walks are particularly lovely at this time of year.
Nell: You need some rain.
Me: We really do, but maybe not when the family arrive.
Nell: I’m afraid the Weather Guardians tell me the weekend is exactly when it’s going to rain.
Me: Never mind. We’ll all be so happy to see each other again that we won’t care.
Nell: When exactly are Alice and the grandchildren arriving?
Me: Saturday lunchtime. Only three more sleeps to go.
Nell: Talking of sleeps, you’re awake very early again.
Me: I know I am. I just can’t get back to sleep.
Nell: It’s not surprising. You haven’t seen them since Christmas.
Me: The children will probably have grown.
Nell: Unlike you.
Me: Yes, I’ve lost a centimetre in height.
Nell: Well, you can’t afford to lose anymore.
Me: No, I can’t.
Nell: How is David? Still demanding to be hand-fed?
Me: No. Kev took over and he ate his breakfast nicely.
Nell: Was it a boiled egg and soldiers?
Me: No. Sardines on toast.
Nell: I told you to stop with the fish.
Me: A few sardines won’t hurt.
Nell: What about you?
Me: I didn’t have sardines for breakfast.
Nell: What about lunch?
Me: I’m having afternoon tea with the Wednesday Writers at the Cottage Hotel so I’m skipping lunch.
Nell: You’re going to Hope Cove?
Me: Yes, I am.
Nell: My favourite place.
Me: I know.
Nell: Without me.
Me: I’d take you with me if I could. I haven’t really visited the Cottage Hotel much since you left us.
Nell: It’s high time you went there again then, isn’t it?
Me: Yes.
Nell: It will always be our favourite place whether I’m with you or not. So enjoy yourself.
Me: You’re right. Sorry.
