They aren’t swear words. But Noel has his, and I have mine.

They are our verbal duelling swords. Each is sharp and effective at putting a shiver of fear up each others’ spine.

It’s a new tactic for Noel. Whenever I say, “I have an idea.” He stuffs his fingers right in to his ears and sings as loudly as he can, until I get the hump and say, rather sulkily, “Right, I’m not telling you now.” Which is, of course, his desired effect.

So, in addition to this tactic, whenever I mention my B word, he slinks off and starts researching his B word.

Have you guessed them yet? Mine is Books and his is Boats!

When I was talking about more book ideas yesterday, Noel went very quiet and I caught him looking up sailboats for sale!!

All I can say is, “On Guard!”