When I am old, I shall live in Aldeburgh. I shall paint my house red or purple or red and purple and invite my, equally old, friends to stay. I shall play tennis.
Poorly. But with vigour born of ozone overload.
I shall play bowls and wear white, or off-white, whilst doing so.
I shall drink gin and tonic to celebrate my winning and if winning goes to my head I shall take up golf. Just down the road.
Each morning I shall fast pace it to Thorpness. And back.
Accompanied by a Bardotesque menagerie of Cockapoo pups. I shall eat fish and chips and seafood pizza
and purchase my own fish from the local fishermen.
I shall apply for an allotment overlooking the marshes
and grow sweet-peas to beautify my already beautiful home. And vegetables. I shall indulge in a spot of artistry.
And if, at any time, I crave masculine attention I shall swim by the Southwold Pier and catch a lifeguard’s eye. “Save me,” I shall cry to the young blood in the lookout and I will not be drowned.
Perhaps, just perhaps, as Jenny says, to stop shock, surprise or confusion in those who know me, I should start the engine. Right now. First gear engaged. Aldeburgh is calling to my young(ish) heart.
*Inspired by Jenny Joseph’s ‘Warning, When I am Old’, Elliot’s ‘J. Alfred Prufrock’ and ‘Peter Grimes’ by Benjamin Britten.
being mrscarmichael 
‘ti human voices wake us and we drown’ – oh forget the young Eliot’s cynicism, put your dreams in place with the first pebble. Though my heart belongs to Woodbridge, I loved every shot of your Aldeburgh escapades
‘hear those voices that will not be drowned’ – maybe that’s us, Mrs.
Thank you I have hundreds more! Now off to google Woodbridge.
Will Mr. C become a local fisherman?
Will Lyle become a life saver dog?
I see you in your purple bikini with the red trim, oh, and a grand sight it is.
Go for it, Jenny!
Mr C is in disgrace at present after failing to pick up a daughter’s 21st present on his way to Barcelona this morning – for whom the bell tolls……
Lyle is also in disgrace for never coming back on walks anymore and general naughtiness.
And yes, I fancy myself in a purple bikini with red trim whatever the weather #madwomanofaldebourgh.
I only wish I could plan my future so succinctly. I enjoyed this MrsC.
Only wish I could too. Wrote it before 8am and by 8.30 my day had gone pear shaped.
Escaping to Aldeburgh becomes more appealing by the moment.
I shall join you when my bones are old and rickety : ))
Please do – Bombay Sapphire chilling in the freezer.
Yummy , especially the chilling part!
It’s a very efficient trick with high quotient alcohol.
Love the idea of a pear shaped day. I’ve had a few of those lately, just didn’t know it.
perhaps that for the best 🙂
I’m with Kathryn re: envying a future planned so succinctly… Great walk thru Aldeburgh.
Thanks Sue I sorta’ fell in love with the place. Helped. of course, by stinking weather.
And a good gin or two??
and a few bottles of vino for good measure.
Indeedy!
and I typed stonking not stinking! There, it tried to do its damnedest to auto correct again but I have its measure now.
Attagirl! (and auto correct thought this should be atta gil)….
That made me laugh.
Good to have a bit of banter… 🙂
Had a significant birthday Mrs C? You sound quite melancholy. Lyle looks lovely 🙂 and so does Aldeburgh and Southwold, but the house prices along there are eye-wateringly expensive!! Hope Mr C has plenty in the coffers…
Jude xx
Hey Jude, no nothing significant. Just took the pooch to the seaside. And not at all melancholy but embracing the easy lifestyle up that a ways. Everything on one’s doorstep.
Mr C has been most Mr C today so it it lucky he is now in Barcelona sans the 21st present for daughter #2 he was supposed to collect in duty free this morning.
I sit with my rosé, watching Wimbers and contemplate a single life by the sea.
A life by the sea is what I am also seeking… live, breathe, relax 😉
Now wouldn’t that be nice.
Sorry,but I may join you.Went there for a girls weekend and have never forgotten
The place!
you may – as may Lyle and Wiggy.
Liked this post even more the second time —
It’s grand to have a refuge in time of tension.
read it again – you might love it this time!!!!!!!