Dolls & action figures

Imagine this. It’s a summer evening. You’re ten, 25 or 80 years old. You’re sitting outside, and you’ve got a collection of dolls and action figures in front of you. The only limits? Your imagination and the timer on the oven for your slow cooked casserole. 

Maybe it’s the superhero tea party of the century. Or the fight between the princesses and the dinosaurs that will determine the fate of the universe. Or maybe you’re just entertaining yourself while your baby niece eats some snacks and rusks. 

Whatever you’re doing, you’re knocked out of your reverie by the arrival of a fuzzy, waggy, ball of fun. You put down your monster truck and grab some dog biscuits. This one is probably your furry friend’s current favourite biscuit, and you throw it high and far. They jump up and, remarkably, catch it. Your baby niece gurgles with joy as you chase the dog around. 

Now that you’re up, you decide to get on with some sports. You kick a ball around for a bit and score a couple of goals against an imaginary goalkeeper. You laugh as your furry friend jumps up and scores a header and then you hear the oven timer going off. 

You run inside and enjoy a delightful and healthy meal. Then you have bowl of fresh fruit for dessert. A mixture of kiwis and raspberries, perhaps? Yum. 

Unfortunately, it being Britain, the weather has turned, and you don’t really want to sit outside in the cold drizzle. Luckily you have some cake and sweet mixes to make inside. Of course, the kitchen quickly turns messy as your niece joins in, but what’s life without a little mess? 

And don’t worry, the weather looks good tomorrow.