I thought my Auntie Lucy and Uncle Ted had the most beautiful house I had ever seen. As a small child, the journey to visit Auntie Lucy and family took us half the day. There were several trains, a bus and a bit of a walk...but it was worth it. These days, it would take no more than an hour! Auntie Lucy and Uncle Ted were also my Godparents! They had two daughters, Katherine and Jeannette! They also had a son, Peter who died when he was only 4 days old - a terrible tragedy and I don't think Auntie Lucy ever quite got over losing him. There wasn't another boy born into our family until my sister, Jacki had her son Anthony in the 70's!
Kath and Jeannette were my cousins and they were 11 years and 9 years older than me, respectively. They were always kind to me when we came to visit and I was always allowed to play with their dolls and read their books!
All manner of wonderous sights greeted me as I arrived. Approaching the front gate, I could already see the beautiful garden sprawling out before me. Azaeleas and Camellia bushes big enough to hide behind! Large wattles, a huge gordona and countless Gardenias (my favourite shrub to this day). Underneath lush folliage, a huge glassy eyed cat or two lay watching the birds as they flew around.
Climbing the front steps, I could already hear my Aunt calling out "is that you Betty?" and my Mother with equal anticipation and excitement calling back "it's only me Lu!"
Once inside, the grown ups kissed, hugged and discussed the newest family gossip over steaming cups of tea, served in very fine china which was always reserved for special visits.
I was allowed to drink my cordial from a special glass (as long as I sat still and didn't interrupt)
After cramming my mouth full of Sao's topped with slices of tomato and cheese, I was then turned outdoors into the magnificent backyard that to this day is one of my very favourite places.
Around the perimeter were large trees, many of them flowering gums, but there was a Magnolia, a Crepe Myrtle and several Cotoniastas. In amongst the trees were more Azaeleas, Gardenias and elsewhere, the garden was thick with fishbone ferns.
Now being a girl with a tremendous imagination, I was able to create a fantasy land in that backyard. There were fairy grotto's, a Princes castle and of course, no garden would be complete without a secret place. I would sit in that secret garden with the sun streaming down on me and dream....when I grew up, I wanted my very own house with a garden just like that one!
My Auntie Lucy was a strong, confident, intelligent and striking woman. She and my Mother, although very close sisters, were like chalk and cheese! While Mum 'made do' and thought things like face powder, hair pins and high heels were terribly vain, my Auntie was NEVER seen without red lippy, hair beautifully brushed and looking sensational in a freshly ironed dress and a pair of heels!
Lucy kept her home as women in the 60's did....loads of doilies around, china cabinet full to the brim with family heirlooms and the kettle always on the boil.
I remember marvelling at the fact that their toilet wasn't halfway down the backyard, but there it was, large as life in the bathroom!
The other thing that sticks in my mind is the tin of Devondale ice cream kept in their freezer! Such a treat was so very rare when I was growing up!
My Uncle died when I was only 17. I wish I had known him better and knew more about his life, as he fought in WWII and although he never spoke of the horrors he witnessed, sometimes I would see a faraway look in his eyes. In the midst of our family get togethers, he would silently slip out the door and sit on the back steps, just gazing out, as if he were a million miles away.
My Auntie died several years ago - at home. Lucy was the last of that generation in my family. A true gentle woman who adored her family and her home. At her funeral, my eldest sister spoke about Lucy and to quote her "ladies and gentleman a lady is present"..and that is exactly how I remember her. I miss her every day, along with my own Mother and all the other female influences in my childhood. They were ladies, in the true sense of the word. Quiet, strong, houseproud fabulous cooks who could fix a hem, give all family members a haircut and new all about the latest gossip.
My cousin Kath still lives with her two beautiful cats in that house. I am so lucky that I can still visit the special garden that holds so many good memories for me.
As a child who grew up with turmoil, fear and sometimes distress, the thought of that garden was my bit of peace....
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