‘I think we should sell the boat,’ says Tom.
I give him a hard stare just to make sure it’s the real Tom speaking and not some alien trying to impersonate him.
‘We’re just not getting the use out of it; the weather’s been rubbish, it’s not the easiest coast to sail and you’re scared all the time – where’s the fun in that?’
All true, but sailing is Tom’s love and I’ve always accepted that. So we sit and discuss alternatives; retain the ‘playing houses’ bit that I love by trying a caravan, buying a small fishing boat in which to ‘potter’ (see ‘we’re just not... etc’ above). Anyway, since boats hang around on the market for years, the first job is to see if the boat will sell. It does. Instantly.
‘Come to the beach,’ says Tom.
I’m not sure I want to; there’s a bitter wind and I’m nice and snugly, but, hey, there’s something wrong if you can’t be bothered to go to the beach with the person you love.
‘I don’t think we should rush into buying anything,’ he tells me. ‘I think we should go to New York.’
Ah, now I know why we’re on the beach – it’s so if I start screaming about the money, I’ll only frighten dogs and seagulls.
‘You’ve put up with the boat for years, and I know you’ve always wanted to go to America.’
So after browsing last-minute deals we’re off at the end of the month – just in time for the nuddy-pants scanners at Heathrow and a thorough pat-down. Oh, and assuming the roads and airports are free of snow. Okay, it’s not a very carbon friendly thing to do, but I think I can hold my carbon footprint up with pride; we only had one car for years and years, walked wherever we could and have hardly been abroad. And I promise to make the most of every second of it and soak up every detail. Some of my research may even find itself into the next book...
Painting is 'The Old Boathouse, Poppit' by Tom Tomos
Comments
Jeanne x
So exciting!
xo
Seriously, that's lovely, though. What a wonderful, spontaneous mini-adventure, with or without the pat down and the nuddy-pants scanner. You'll have a fabulous time. Don't forget to come back for publication, though. xox
I recommend the tour buses - especially the night one. We did them all and you get a good idea of the city that way. Also, don't miss out on the roof garden of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Or a play on Broadway. Oh, so much to see - how long are you going for?
Fp, well, I wrestled with my conscience for a while - but I won!
Mags, from what I can see you are completely snowed in... I just hope I can get out in time to catch a plane.
Fennie, 'Love Among the Deckchairs'? Hmmmn, interesting title! I'll be v.pleased to see Frances too!
Debs, Great! Another good recommendation!
Mountainear, it keeps sounding better and better. I'm sure there'll be lots to tell.
Jeanne, I do feel very fortunate and it will be lovely to see Frances.
Lane, yes, he is indeed!
Frances - I can hardly wait (although it's probably a good thing we're not going this week given the weather here).
LBD, I truly didn't drug his food or hypnotise him when he was asleep (is that possible?). Anyway, v. excited (though not about the nuddy-pants machine and the pat-down).
Rosie - we have already booked (at my insistence) the Sex and the City tour - hurray! But I will picking your brains for other ideas!
You will have the most fantastic time Chris, how wonderful that you will meet Frances, enjoy every minute!
SBS, yes, no more wild nautical trips. Phew!
Elizabeth, it's true! Now just have to hope that the snow thaws before then!
Jenny, welcome and thank you!
Hah... well, I expect we'll find out at passport control.
lx
Lovely painting.
hope you have enough money left for a really good time.
Happy sailings!
Karen - yes, definitely research :)!
Sally, I think you win on the 'days by the pool' front though!
Friko, thank you! Good swap, eh?
Aw, Pondside - I would love to meet you.
Helen, it's really whetting my appetite that everyone has such good memories of the city.
Cait, yes, that will be great, won't it?