Yesterday I went to Strathalbyn to catch up with some friends. Ian, Marilyn and I met in Alice Springs in 1971 (yes, 50 years ago). We were all working for the Commonwealth Government in different agencies. Young and single we were housed in a hostel where there was a fair amount of propinquity at work. Ian and Marilyn married and stayed in Alice Springs for the rest of their working lives, retiring to Ballina in 2008. We have stayed in touch over the years and catch up when we can.
Their daughter, Lisa, lives in Strathalbyn and, as they were down visiting her, we arranged to catch up for lunch.
Arriving in Strathalbyn early there was time for me to go to the newsagency to purchase a card. As I left the newsagency and was walking along High Street a woman exited a shop and nearly collided with me. As I looked at her, I recognised her and said, ‘Hello, Dot.’
She looked at me quizzically and said, ‘Do I know you?’
‘Yes,’ I answered. ‘I’m your ex-husband!’
Burnside Writers Group 