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Saturday 22 December 2012

Turn of the year

Saturday, December 22nd., Brudenell Hotel, Aldeburgh.

Shortest day of the year yesterday, and my sixtieth birthday today.
I have often imagined staying here but always felt it was a bit on the posh side (not to mention expensive!). But Susan booked a two night stay as a special birthday treat, and here we are.
Lovely suite on the third floor; sea within spitting distance; great breakfast; hot, deep bath - wonderful!
Rained all day, often heavily, but still enjoyed a walk along the beach this morning at Minsmere. Grey-brown sea; big waves breaking in foam on the beach; eyes narrowed against the wind-driven rain; a powerful sense of being thoroughly alive.
Light lunch on the pier at Southwold; peered in the windows of the posh shops; guffawed at the house prices; general feeling of self-satisfaction.
Champagne this evening, and feeling thoroughly relaxed - if this is "later life", I'm glad to have got there at last.

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