Category Archives: Memoir

Don Sinnott: Enough is Enough

I was just out of university and my new bride and I had moved to South Australia for my first full-time job. We lived from one payday to the next, with essentially no accumulated savings—hardly an unusual situation for newly-weds in the 1960s. On mid-winter nights the uninsulated rental house was icy; we lusted afterContinue reading “Don Sinnott: Enough is Enough”

Donatella Galluccio: The Beauty of Sharp Sight

The plane had landed earlier than scheduled and my guest was ready to be picked up.  I hastily made my way to the electric car, gathered its charger left lying on the ground, unplugged the other end from the car, shoved it in the boot and drove to the airport. It was dark when weContinue reading “Donatella Galluccio: The Beauty of Sharp Sight”

Robert Schmidt: The Eye Test

Yesterday starts very well. I receive a letter from the Department of Transport. ‘You can retain your existing licence. No further action is required. Your cooperation in this matter has been appreciated.’ Wow, this could be my lucky day. I have an ophthalmology appointment with Dr Abdemalchamer in Dulwich that day. The name’s quite aContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: The Eye Test”

Robert Schmidt: Alternative Reality

I was 15 in 1968 and in Intermediate at Concordia College in Malvern. My eldest brother, Peter, who was almost 11 years older than me, came to teach at the school. First, he taught mathematics, then music. He also coached me in football. I could not get away from him. He was music master untilContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: Alternative Reality”

Edie Eicas: Dangerous Weapons

It’s a beautiful day, and I’m parked at the Torrens Parade Ground waiting to pick up my Japanese student and her friends to take them to a party. I’m early and I’ve opened my windows to enjoy the warm breeze. Spring has sprung, the lawn is green, the trees are flush with new growth, andContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Dangerous Weapons”

Edie Eicas: Getting Older

I thought getting older would be a breeze. Wrong! In the fantasy of youth I believed wisdom would be the gift of ageing. Wrong! I had no idea wisdom would depend on attitude, curiosity and the ability to accept mistakes with humility. I watched my parents age but somehow refused to accept that I tooContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Getting Older”

Jean Stewart: Pie Face

My first experience of feeling shame was at the age of twelve. My friend Nina and I were cycling home, when a raucous group of boys rode in front of us, halting our trip. Nina was an emotionally and physically advanced girl, fascinated by the opposite sex. I was young for my age, enjoying theContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Pie Face”

Prem Dwivedi: Covid Period –  Social Dynamics in Burnside and Beyond

The Covid era brought challenges nothing like we had faced before, but it also reminded us of a fundamental truth: humans are deeply social beings. Despite the world closing in around us, the need for connection sparkled brightly, guiding us through the uncertainty. In those threatening days of the pandemic when the entire world wasContinue reading “Prem Dwivedi: Covid Period –  Social Dynamics in Burnside and Beyond”

Jean Stewart: Connecting

Adjusting to your partner’s children can be challenging. Is it easier to bond when they are young—say, three to ten—or when they are adolescents? Adults? What works for some, may not work for others. I have found young children trusting, more receptive. When I met my first partner’s daughter, she was almost four. She’d spendContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Connecting”

Donatella Galluccio: Eddies and Whirlpools

Packed and ready to push off. Chan in his kayak was to scout out the river ahead. Tim and Francois were to paddle and I, not being a water person, was to cook and prepare camp. When on the raft, our balsa, I was to look out for eddies, whirlpools, rapids, rocks and tree trunksContinue reading “Donatella Galluccio: Eddies and Whirlpools”

Jean Stewart: Of Mice and Women

We have looked after my sister’s Melbourne home many times while they have been overseas. A crucial part of this house-sitting has been Maddie the cat. Loved by all—nervy, contrary, needing much attention some of the time, not at all at others—Maddie was an innate hunter. Intermittently she would bring a mouse inside after herContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Of Mice and Women”

Edie Eicas: Spooked

Perhaps it was the fairy tales where the prince rode a horse or maybe it was my subconscious need to feel powerful through the agency of the animal that sent me in pursuit of ridinginstructions. A gentle horse that walks around an enclosure is a lovely experience and can fool an enamoured teenage girl aboutContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Spooked”

Donata Galluccio: Leaving Italy

I am so excited! Papa’ is leaving for America this morning. My older sister, Cristina, and I race ahead to the fountain intersection where the bus will take him and two other men to Naples to board their ship. At the fountain we look back at them walking abreast, each carrying a small suitcase. IContinue reading “Donata Galluccio: Leaving Italy”

Robert Schmidt: Moon Landing – Truth or Myth

My father, Johannes Carl Schmidt—yes, that was his full name—was head patent attorney at Collison and Co in the 1960s and 1970s.             With his scientific background it seemed only natural that he would become focussed on the television and saw all the moon landings between1969 and 1971. He was particularly riveted watching Neil ArmstrongContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: Moon Landing – Truth or Myth”

Jean Stewart: Tackies

People have been using footwear for over 30,000 years. Prior to this, humans walked and ran barefoot. Fashionable footwear that altered the foot’s shape developed over ten centuries ago. In China around that time for example, foot binding was common among women of status, stunting and deforming their feet. In medieval Europe, extremely narrow pointedContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Tackies”

Don Sinnott: The Best of Times: The Worst of Times

Is it the good times or the bad times that stay with us? Is the mental glue stronger for joy or for sorrow? For me, Grade 4 is doubly anchored by that glue. My teacher that year was a disciplinarian with an emphasis on rote learning. Memory has never been my strong point; I developedContinue reading “Don Sinnott: The Best of Times: The Worst of Times”

Jean Stewart: Doing What Comes Naturally

Doing What Comes Naturally I turned into Gulf Parade, driving well below the stipulated 50kmh.  I was used to keeping the speed down, as Saturdays were always frenetic around the oval and community barbeque area. A still, sunny day. Dogs on leads, wet and panting from their beach romp. Children sprinting across the oval, returningContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Doing What Comes Naturally”

Anne McKenzie: Kangaroo Island

We’d planned a 3 day ‘plonk’ holiday on Kangaroo Island. You know, the kind of holiday where you book into some pleasant accommodation with great views and spend most of your time reading and gazing at the natural beauty of the spot. After a tranquil ferry trip to Penneshaw and a 45-minute drive to Kingscote,Continue reading “Anne McKenzie: Kangaroo Island”

Edie Eicas: Shopping Adelaide Arcade

I like to think my humour comes from my parents, particularly my mum who had a wicked, sarcastic, confrontational sense of humour. When the kids were little, I played a lot of jokes on them, that part of me contained an element of my family’s wickedness. When the kids were in primary school, I wasContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Shopping Adelaide Arcade”

Lawrie Stanford: The Apple Story

On an aimless stroll down Rundle Mall one Sunday, I come across it—the Apple Store. Yes! I thought, I can sort out that confounded iCloud issue on my phone! So I enter. Looking around, I see a crowded hall and cheerful Apple consultants chatting to customers. In the crowd, there was a consultant waving atContinue reading “Lawrie Stanford: The Apple Story”

Don Sinnott: The Birdsville Track: 1978. What Could Possibly Go Wrong

The bitumen stopped at Maree. We had driven our Holden Kingswood sedan, towing our camper trailer, to the only fuel outlet in town. Our friends, in their borrowed much-travelled Land Cruiser, waited behind us for their turn at the pump. We drew some comfort from travelling in company with a four-wheel drive vehicle as weContinue reading “Don Sinnott: The Birdsville Track: 1978. What Could Possibly Go Wrong”

Robert Schmidt: Poor Robert

I rang the Fullarton Lutheran Homes for a visit with my sister Pauline. ‘That will be fine,’ the secretary said. ‘No RAT test or appointment?’ ‘Just put on a mask and head visor when you get here.’ Half an hour later, I cheerfully arrive at the front door. There is a certain amount of redContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: Poor Robert”

Humble Pie: Jean Stewart

     I hobbled to the pounding at the front door. ‘Elsa from the agency!’ A portly, pony-tailed woman breathed heavily. ‘I use all me own equipment and cleaning materials. Don’t worry showing me around. Bath and vac mainly is it?’     ‘Pardon? Oh, yes,’ I replied meekly. Already I was regretting this request for help.Continue reading “Humble Pie: Jean Stewart”

David Hope: Memory and Loss

‘Hi, David, it’s Karl. Sadly, I have bad news. Ian Willis died last night, probably from complications from serious surgery.’ There is a little moment when things seem to stop, and belief is suspended. Then reality is back. ’I just spoke to him three of four weeks ago, Karl, and was organising to catch upContinue reading “David Hope: Memory and Loss”

Edie Eicas: Ticket to Ride

When I was very young and the urge to be someplace else was on me, I was assured by mature people that maturity would cure this itch. They lied. There’ve been many times when I wished the floor would open up and I would disappear, preferably to some beach in Hawaii. When I was younger,Continue reading “Edie Eicas: Ticket to Ride”

Jean Stewart: Luck of a Green-Eyed Cat

Who could be thoughtless enough to knock on her door at 7 am? The entire street knew she worked early shifts. Billy next door, holding a black cat with green eyes, glared. ‘Judy’s died and it’ll be put down if no-one takes it. You’re the only one in the street without any dogs or cats.’Continue reading “Jean Stewart: Luck of a Green-Eyed Cat”

Nell Holland: Time Travelling

I see me with Dad, both of us squinting into sunlight, as Mum pushed the button on the Brownie. I was five years old and on my first seaside holiday. He sits on the beach wearing his weekend trousers and a sleeveless vest; I wear knickers and a hair bow. We just had clothes.  No-oneContinue reading “Nell Holland: Time Travelling”

Fran Collins: Obsession

It’s interesting how a singular activity can become an obsession. Sometimes with good outcomes. Sometimes not. My particular obsession provided all things positive. It was born in 1988 and was a personal challenge to reduce the time it took me to reach the top waterfall of Edith Falls, south of Darwin. After four years ofContinue reading “Fran Collins: Obsession”

Lawrie Stanford: News From Home

(Day 4 of COVID isolation in a caravan, July 2022) Being confined to a caravan 24/7 gives you time to reflect. Receiving a piece of news from home during this time certainly gave me cause.  The news came from Melody, my daughter. She said in an email… Last Friday, I was picking up Rory fromContinue reading “Lawrie Stanford: News From Home”

Edie Eicas: Armchair Traveller

I’m an armchair traveller. I once did a great deal of travelling on my own, but found that without the company of another, some pleasures were denied. I’m also not good on water, I get seasick. I suffer with vertigo and tinnitus and a moving ship that rolls from side to side or up andContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Armchair Traveller”

Nell Holland: I Was Just Thinking…

Quote by John Steinbeck;- When I was very young and the urge to be someplace was on me, I was assured by mature people that maturity would cure this itch. Why is it called an itch? I experienced it as a painful, unnamed ache, too deep to be eradicated, and a source of irritation toContinue reading “Nell Holland: I Was Just Thinking…”

Robert Schmidt: What Happened to The Kia

I had agreed with Allianz to return my free Commodore car to Budget Car Rentals on Marion Road by 10am. After this date, I would pay for my own rental. On Wednesday afternoon, I contacted Alliance. They were going to contact Budget to get a cheap rental. “No worries” they say. Within minutes Budget ringsContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: What Happened to The Kia”

Rossana Mora: The Shack

The family trip started late in the morning. It was going to be a long drive before arriving at a waterfall that promised to be just spectacular. Excitement was in the air; the whole family was singing, playing games while sharing snacks. Landscape after landscape—it seemed that mother nature had just more and more toContinue reading “Rossana Mora: The Shack”

Robert Schmidt: UFO’s Humbug

Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) have fascinated me all my life. We often would talk about them around the dinner table. We talked about life on billions of planets, numerous sightings through to the 1947 Roswell, New Mexico, ‘flying saucer’ claims and conspiracy theories.My Dad was a brilliant patent attorney with the full name Johannes CarlContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: UFO’s Humbug”

Anne Mckenzie: Ghosts

‘Do you believe in ghosts, Anne?’ Jan says. We’ve just seen a rerun of the ‘Ghostbusters’ movie at our local theatre so it’s not a wholly unexpected segue. ‘You do?’ I say. ‘Well, not so much ghosts but rather spirits. Yes, I do. For instance, I believe my mother is still very much with meContinue reading “Anne Mckenzie: Ghosts”

Don Sinnott: The Boss

Charles swivelled from his screen, his face a mix of irritation at the interruption and resignation about his open-door management policy. Edmond Brice stood in the doorway. ‘Sorry to interrupt you, boss, but I need to talk. If it’s convenient. Maybe it isn’t…’ He had read the look on Charles’s face. ‘Sure, come in Ed.Continue reading “Don Sinnott: The Boss”

Rossana Mora: Darkness

‘You must walk one hundred steps now, don’t do anything stupid like turn around, run, or scream,’ he said. ‘Or, a bullet would perforate the back of your head.’ As he spoke, he gave me back my briefcase by pushing it against my chest while pointing in the direction of the darkest street anyone canContinue reading “Rossana Mora: Darkness”

Robert Schmitt: The Guest of Honour

My birthday on the 24th March 2022 was planned to be low key. It was to be in the Honeypot Café at Fullarton Lutheran Homes. Only my two elderly aunties, Wilma and Lotte, cousin, Karen, sister Pauline and my wife Jane were invited. The party was set for 2.30pm. It’s only a few minute driveContinue reading “Robert Schmitt: The Guest of Honour”

Don Sinnott: Houseboat Holiday

It ticked all our boxes: an indulgent few days on a luxury Murray River houseboat, with guided walks each day over sections of the cliffs and floodplain, restaurant-quality meals and a comfortable bed. We found ourselves a generation removed from the other seven guests (and two generations from the two guides and the boat manager)Continue reading “Don Sinnott: Houseboat Holiday”

Anne McKenzie: Scooter

Denise and I had been finger training our young pet budgerigar, Scooter, for several weeks. Now he stepped onto the proffered fingers quickly and confidently. Such is trust. And it was a thrill to feel his little warm feet gripping our outstretched fingers. But now the time had come to take him out of theContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: Scooter”

Nell Holland: Patient 41

2022 The nurse changed my bed linen at lunchtime. It should have happened hours before, but a patient had demanded to be discharged and then changed his mind. This had doubled her paperwork and she found herself hopelessly behind schedule.  She’d sighed an explanation, ’Paperwork is the worst thing, ever, for a nurse.’ Paperwork? Really?Continue reading “Nell Holland: Patient 41”

Anne McKenzie: Noodling

‘Noodling,’ not to be confused with canoodling, is a must on a visit to Coober Pedy. It involves fossicking on the mullock heaps for opal the original miners missed. Mind you, canoodling under those vast Outback desert night skies has its appeal too – but I had no taker! We’d done all the other touristContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: Noodling”

Edie Eicas: The Coils of the Serpent

It was just after Christmas twenty years ago and one of my friends was extolling the benefits of a small handheld electrical device that denuded the body of hair. Listening to her praise the virtues of the machine, and caught by her enthusiasm, I decided an investment might prove an advantage. Excited with my purchase,Continue reading “Edie Eicas: The Coils of the Serpent”

Robert Schmidt: It’s All Part of the Act

I welcome my guests at the entrance of the Burnside Ballroom for our Words, Wine and World Music event on the 10th November 2021. I sit down with them, fairly close to the stage. At about 6.55pm Sharon, Anne, Georgette and I go and sit on chairs on the left of the stage. I feelContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: It’s All Part of the Act”

Fran Collins: An Invitation

Sitting in a café in Broome in the monsoonal heat of the Kimberley, I struck up a conversation with an American woman. She introduced me to an unconventional way of living. ‘How would I like to volunteer on a station out of Derby in an exciting new enterprise? It’s a unique project. It uses ecology-basedContinue reading “Fran Collins: An Invitation”

Rossana Mora: Roots

Memories of some chats I had with my father revolve in my head from time to time. Back when I was little, moving houses seemed to be our lifestyle. My parents were teachers and they were sent to a remote rural town at the beginning of their careers. Their wish was to move back toContinue reading “Rossana Mora: Roots”

Anne McKenzie: A Few Drinks

‘I think I’ll just walk down to the local pub for a few drinks,’ he says, smiling and looking directly at me. We’ve just got back from the airport and we’re having a cup of tea at my home.  It’s the first time I’ve seen them face to face for seven years, as they’ve beenContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: A Few Drinks”

Don Sinnott: Amateur car repairs, 1970s

Just a minor collision. A lady shopper reversing in the car park didn’t notice my wife, Wendy, driving past behind her. There was a crunch of deforming metal as her car’s rear end embedded itself in the passenger-side door of our car. The post-collision discussions lacked any heat—it was clear who was at fault andContinue reading “Don Sinnott: Amateur car repairs, 1970s”

Edie Eicas: Shared Memories

The 11th of February is my mother’s birth-day, and I realise there are memories that only she and I shared, and while I can still tell stories of our lives together, her input is no-longer available to me. In 1987 I was pregnant, and my eldest was crawling. Busy getting dinner ready for a party,Continue reading “Edie Eicas: Shared Memories”

Nell Holland: The Bargain

Chocolates and sticky cakes usually hold little temptation for me. But once one is sampled, although the brain says ‘stop’ my mouth takes no heed. Unfortunately, I must confess I’ve got pitiful willpower. On a recent shopping trip I saw a bag of chocolate caramels on sale for five dollars instead of the usual ten.Continue reading “Nell Holland: The Bargain”

Anne McKenzie: Skin Cancer

‘I’ve got the results of your biopsy and it’s an unusual result,’ he tells us. Marie and I look at one another, faces grim. I’ve been on this skin cancer journey long enough to know that ‘unusual’ is not good. It’s going to be as bad as ‘medically interesting’ was the last time. ‘So it’sContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: Skin Cancer”

Fran Collins: Then I Fixed It

What a scorcher was that Melbourne summer of December, 1967. The Bureau of Meteorology had predicted bush fires for the Dandenong Ranges and fire bans were in place in early October. Residents perched on ladders were zealously clearing their guttering of dried leaves and other combustibles. Blinds drawn, windows closed, and where no blinds protectedContinue reading “Fran Collins: Then I Fixed It”

Edie Eicas: AI, Artificial Intelligence

I wasn’t sure why they asked me to do a psychology test before I bought that new fangled high-end, super-dooper fridge with voice activation, and the ability to predict what I needed. But, I was impressed by the salesman who sold the thing to me. Well, more than impressed. He was good. He worked meContinue reading “Edie Eicas: AI, Artificial Intelligence”

Don Sinnott: Recollections of the Heysen Trail, South Australia

We’re loggers. Not the timber-cutting kind, but the kind who log their notable events in a journal. For years we’ve recorded recollections of journeys that bring a warm inner glow, peaks of joy and depths of gloom. We don’t intend to have others read our journals—although perhaps a later generation might skim them after we’veContinue reading “Don Sinnott: Recollections of the Heysen Trail, South Australia”

Rossana Mora: Stevens-Johnson

The baby girls were born into a lovely family after a hard pregnancy for their mum, who had a massive belly that looked like it was going to be torn apart at any time. The baby born first is always claimed to be the strongest. The second one was born half an hour after theContinue reading “Rossana Mora: Stevens-Johnson”

Robert Schmidt: My Mask Day Blues

Jane and I drove to South Terrace to pick up an admission form for St Andrews hospital where Jane was to have a medical procedure. After hastily parking my Suzuki, I walk towards the entrance of the hospital. While walking, I fiddle in my jacket pocket for my mask. My mobile phone must have wrappedContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: My Mask Day Blues”

Fran Collins: An Adventure into Nature

An impulse to bend rules and indulge in some ‘risky business’, along with a big injection of hormonal lust, saw me accompany the sexy, blond-haired Sven on a trip to Banias Falls. Nineteen seventy-three. We were volunteers on Kibbutz[i] Amiad, in the Golan Heights, a stone’s throw from the Sea of Galilee and 40 kilometresContinue reading “Fran Collins: An Adventure into Nature”

Lawrie Stanford: Saintly Deeds

It was a long time ago, back in university days. There were long hours in the Barr Smith Library and frequent attempts to break the drudgery of study. It was time for another coffee. I left the library passing Mary, my steady friend who had a more disciplined approach to study. I knew she wouldn’tContinue reading “Lawrie Stanford: Saintly Deeds”

Robert Schmidt: The Friendly Reminder

Normally I pay my bills on the day I receive an account. I have a perfect credit rating. My wife and I have a Home Care package from the government, which pays for certain work in our house. Mind you, not $10,000 for a fancy bed for my wife that we were talked into buyingContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: The Friendly Reminder”

David Hope: ‘Do I know you?’

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.Continue reading “David Hope: ‘Do I know you?’”

Anne McKenzie: Unbelievable

It’s a balmy evening the first night of our week in Port Elliott and it’s time for a beach walk. Denise and I cross the road from the unit where we are staying and head down the cliff. To reach the beach we have to first follow a narrow sloping dirt path, then go downContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: Unbelievable”

Rossana Mora: Numbers

The Fields is the name of the nursing home that lies in the middle of the one of the nicest suburbs in Adelaide. Almost 80 percent of the residents are women, the oldest being 103 years old. They live within the four areas that are named after grains: oats, rice, barley and rye. Rye isContinue reading “Rossana Mora: Numbers”

Fran Collins: Lost In Translation

‘I promise you it won’t be difficult or dangerous, really Fran.’ A simple request of deep friendship from my friend, Sinead. Belfast, 1973, a city besieged, with search checkpoints located strategically at turnstiles at the entrances to the CBD. Skeletal remains of buildings partially blown away, walls plastered with graffiti, evidence of a city atContinue reading “Fran Collins: Lost In Translation”

Sharon Apold: The First Walk Home

The small girl walked along the long dusty track. Newspaper clutched to her chest and small brown school case held by her side. To a stranger, it would have appeared to be something she did daily. The determination on her face was deliberate. Fear and doubt were welling but she did not want to letContinue reading “Sharon Apold: The First Walk Home”

Sharon Apold: Dance with Dad

Beneath my hand I feel your shoulder bone Your smile is broad, careless, sweet I’m reminded of home Your step is neat Under my feet the floor feels grounding Your joy is open, blatant, obvious I’m almost crying Your dance oblivious Around my waist your arm holds tight Your eyes shine bright, clear, pale I’mContinue reading “Sharon Apold: Dance with Dad”

Georgette Gerdes: I’ve A Bone To Pick With You

It lies on the grass grisly and grainy; fat pokes out between the brittle maze of calcium castles, tufts of red flesh glistening, beckon a salivating dude, the main man. Sammy. He waits, alert, primed for action. ‘Sit, stay.’ He sits. He stays. The seconds are like minutes, are like hours, like an eternity. ‘GoContinue reading “Georgette Gerdes: I’ve A Bone To Pick With You”

Robert Schmidt: The Flow Test

Two weeks ago I had a flow study and a bladder scan. The tests identify how well you empty your bladder. A few weeks earlier a CT scan of my bladder and only kidney, had identified a problem down below. On the day of the flow I drink a litre of water in the hourContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: The Flow Test”

Georgette Gerdes: The Culprit (Plumbers’ Dream cont.)

He stands proudly, gnarled, twisted, whispering in the breeze. He’s been here for one hundred years or more. He’s steadfast, strong and rather unattractive. My late mother would say how much she hated him. His red needles would drop all over her grass and the brick patio. Annoying sweepings required. He extends and thrives. HisContinue reading “Georgette Gerdes: The Culprit (Plumbers’ Dream cont.)”

Don Sinnott: Walkers Follow Ridge

Today’s start point for our walk is near Woolshed Flat, a whistle stop on the Pichi Richi rail line, halfway along the pass between Quorn and Port Augusta. A road, now badged the southern section of the Flinders Ranges Way, shares the pass with the rail line and crosses it at several points. Whether youContinue reading “Don Sinnott: Walkers Follow Ridge”

Edie Eicas: Temptation

I know I shouldn’t have, but it was too much temptation. Maybe it was boredom, or maybe it was my personality that looked for excitement and a laugh. I put the need for a laugh down to my parents known for telling jokes sourced from everyone who came into the shops. My mother and fatherContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Temptation”

Nell Holland: Double-Decker Day

The double decker buses of my childhood were the only mode of transport my family used on a regular basis as we didn’t own a car, and neither did anyone else I knew My favourite position on those red Midland buses, was upstairs, sitting right at the front where the wide windows gave an elevatedContinue reading “Nell Holland: Double-Decker Day”

Edie Eicas: Free Range

Free range kids not tethered by the fear of a parent explored the back blocks. School holidays found the group of seven to ten year old boys roving the hills of Glen Osmond. In a pack, it was safety in numbers. Anyone who thought they could abduct one of them was dreaming. They were loudContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Free Range”

Nell Holland: Dee Time

She wasn’t the best nurse in our student year, but she was the one we all wanted to copy for style. Dee would have been more at home on Carnaby Street than the world of a hospital training school. It was 1962 and with her geometric hairstyle fitting under her nurse’s cap like a polishedContinue reading “Nell Holland: Dee Time”

Don Sinnott: House Hunting

They were rosellas. No doubt about it—dead ringers of those on the sauce bottle. The brilliant birds appeared in our yard a few weeks ago, paired off for the breeding season. But surely it’s still winter, the sap has yet to rise, avian ardour must lie dormant. Yet there they were, a devoted couple, clearlyContinue reading “Don Sinnott: House Hunting”

Don Sinnott: COVID Daze

Dan wasn’t a party a party animal. Never an expert in small talk, at social gatherings he either kept to himself or found a soulmate for a one-on-one chat. At work he was more attuned to planning business strategies in his own headspace than to the interactive ‘brain-storming’ sessions his management periodically called. His firmContinue reading “Don Sinnott: COVID Daze”

Sharon Apold: She Left Alone

My Grandmother looked at me. Her eyes shone in her pale face, searching for the comfort of recognition. I know she saw the silhouetted figure and heard the voice of a woman holding her hand. My hand. I could tell I was still familiar to her, but somehow difficult for her to trust between theContinue reading “Sharon Apold: She Left Alone”

Edie Eicas: Gardening Tales – Part 5

I have a philosophy when it comes to trees and global warming. My position is that if you drive a car, you plant trees to offset your carbon miles. As a result, I proselytize; annoying a number of people but feel I have a responsibility, no matter what. My friends will tell you I’m tangential;Continue reading “Edie Eicas: Gardening Tales – Part 5”

Edie Eicas: Gardening Tales – Parts 3 and 4

Murder Another year and I still hadn’t learnt about scraps composting through the garden. The pumpkin seeds had generated again, and another group of vines spread through the front. At first it was water conservation and I ignored them but, with finding the first Butternut, a new plan emerged. I began watering in earnest. TheContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Gardening Tales – Parts 3 and 4”

Lawrie Stanford: Stranger Danger

The officer was polite but firm while her male companion had a look that was more firm than polite.  The female officer was the first to speak.  ‘Sir, you’ve heard of stranger-danger, haven’t you?’ Earlier, I arrived home late from work, a little before 7pm.  As I walked through the front door, I could hearContinue reading “Lawrie Stanford: Stranger Danger”

Georgette Gerdes: Plumbers’ Dream

The effluent was overflowing. Black sludge in the basin of the outside tap. Congealed, gritty and pungent. The plumbers’ dream. Rivers of black trickled from outlets. Sinks bubbled. Water pooled and slowly drained from showers and poos came back up decrepit toilet pans. I need new pipes! He comes six monthly to unblock. Heavy metalContinue reading “Georgette Gerdes: Plumbers’ Dream”

Edie Eicas: Gardening Tales – Parts 1 and 2

The Garden I like to think of myself as a perma-culturist, a euphemism for a haphazard gardener. I’m the kind of person that if I eat something with seeds inside, I save the seeds. I’ve had peaches, nectarines, pomegranates, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers the list goes on. But, like any fertilized seed, what you get isContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Gardening Tales – Parts 1 and 2”