At first, I was afraid that being in isolation was going to be excruciatingly boring. But I must admit, I was wrong. Not only did I rediscover hidden memories tucked away, I also reconnected with the past in a very unexpected way. Like the other day for instance, I was practicing browsing through my Facebook page when I came across a group from my Primary school days. They were sharing amusing antidotes as well as some unpleasant memories many of us experienced at the merciless hands of some of the Nuns in a Catholic school in the 50’s. I still shudder at the memory of those stern-faced Nuns walking around the classroom, wielding long, pointy edged canes during lessons. Although I must admit, the fear of being wacked across the knuckles at the slightest sign of hesitation, is probably why to this day, all the Multiplication Times Tables are indelibly imprinted in my mind. A skill that I must admit, came in handy when I had to sit for an arithmetic test when applying for my first job working behind the counter at a local Coles store on a Saturday morning, before the days of the check-out. And to this day, I still can’t drink milk without flashing back to being forced to drink a small bottle of warm milk from the crate that was left out in the sun all morning. And I suspect that thick layer of often curled cream that rose to the top of the bottle, caused many an upset tummy. Obviously before the days of Health regulations. However, there were also fond memories, like the Tuck-shop that sold luke-warm pies & pasties, Musk sticks and my favourite, Vanilla slices or more commonly known back then as snot-blocks. Of course, the best part of the day was the long, leisurely walk home from school with friends, or calling in to the fish & chip shop on the way for a serve of hot, greasy chips wrapped in yesterday’s newspaper. Thankfully, times have changed. The good, old days are exactly where they should be. In the past. And for better or worse, those formative years helped shape who I am today. At least, that’s my excuse. So, while I’m learning how to use all this modern technology without the grand kids around to help, hope everyone in Aussieland and abroad Stays safe; Stays Positive; Stays Connected;

Vivian Waring (author When Tears Ran Dry)