Sounds like a good chat apart from her being a bit off with you. I hope next time you ring she is over whatever it was. It's lovely that receptionist and your mum get on so well and receptionist makes extra effort to find mum. Glad to hear the puppy hadn't gone missing and was safe in the drawer.
I hope your OH is seen soon and finds out what is causing problems ?
I hope your OH is seen soon and finds out what is causing problems ?