Nell: Dear Marvin is looking well.

Me: He is, isn’t he? His face is just what we need to see on a dreary Monday morning. Our darling Rescue Dog.

Nell: He’s obviously enjoying life in Toronto.

Me: Yes, he seems to have settled into the new house.

Nell: I knew he would. He has his own garden.

Me: He’ll be happy wherever he is as long as Chris and Shannon are there.

Nell: True, but a garden is a bonus.

Me: Do you have a garden?

Nell: Of course, and a gardener.

Me: A gardener?

Nell: Haven’t you heard of Gardening Guardians?

Me: Gardening Guardians?

Nell: We have two. Michael and Rebecca.

Me: Michael and Rebecca?

Nell: Michael is responsible for smaller tasks and Rebecca is in charge of cutting the grass, or rather eating it.

Me: Eating it? Is Rebecca a cow?

Nell: Excuse me? Do you seriously think I would have a cow grazing in my beautiful country garden?

Me: I didn’t know you had one.

Nell: Rebecca is a sheep. She’s a big fan of Lady Baba’s music, actually, and was extremely impressed when I told her I knew her well.

Me: Is Michael a sheep, too?

Nell: No. Michael is a hedgehog. He’s a little slow and rather prickly at times but he’s steady and he does the job.

Me: Well, I’ve heard it all now.

Nell: I very much doubt it. How are you today? You sound a little better.

Me: I’m definitely on the mend, although I’m sick of sloppy food and lukewarm tea.

Nell: It’s not for much longer.

Me: Talking of tea, thank you so much to everyone for the cups of Earl Grey. I really appreciate it.

Nell: People are very kind if you allow them to be.

Me: Yes. Sorry.

Me: How can it be November already?

Nell: You say that every year.

Me: Time really seems to fly when you’re older.

Nell: You sound a little brighter.

Me: I slept better last night.

Nell: I’m glad. Nigel seems in good spirits.

Me: He loves being with Dave and Harriet.

Nell: David doesn’t seem too sure.

Me: Dave’s fine. He and Nigel have the occasional disagreement but they get on well.

Nell: If you say so. How was Halloween?

Me: Everyone seems to have had a wonderful time at the Beefy Ball.

Nell: No dramas?

Me: Not as far as I know, but I haven’t really talked to them about it yet.

Nell: They’re all on your bed. Talk to them now.

Me: No, I’m talking to you.

Nell: Actually, before you do anything, share the link to the website where people can support you.

Me: I wish I didn’t have to ask.

Nell: They’re glad to help and they know how much you appreciate it.

Me: I hope they do.

Nell: They do. Just share it.

Me: It’s https://buymeacoffee.com/saramartin. Thank you so much in advance. Your support means a lot.

Nell: I trust you have bacon in the house this week.

Me: We do. Bacon sandwiches for everyone except me. I’m still on the soggy cereal.

Nell: What about the Sunday roast?

Me: I can have some cauliflower cheese and mashed potato.

Nell: Surely a Yorkshire pudding with gravy is possible?

Me: Too crispy, Nell.

Nell: Not if you soak it in the gravy.

Me: You’re right.

Nell: This too will pass.

Me: It will.

Nell: In this case it’s a good thing that time passes quickly when you’re older.

Me: Why?

Nell: You’ll be back to normal sooner.

Me: I’m not sure I was ever normal, Nell. Sorry.