We were all sad when Aunty South, Uncle Don and Uncle Mac left the flats although we were happy for them that they had managed to buy their own house. That was the dream of most of the flat's residents.
One day Mrs Hummerston told me that new people were moving in on the weekend - a mother, father and a little girl about my age, 6. As well they had a dog. I was so excited. I had always loved animals and the cats at the flats were a joy, but a live-in dog. Wow! I couldn't wait.
There was the usual confusion when a new family arrived with removalists struggling with the lack of road and then having to carry heavy pieces of furniture along the obstacle course to the flat. It was always good to stay out of the way for a while because there were plenty of cranky people. I kept peeping out hoping to catch sight of the little girl and her little dog.
Finally, the move completed, we were invited to the Hummerstons' place to meet our new neighbours and have a cup of tea. I can remember being overwhelmed with shyness, I held my mother's hand tightly as we went up the stairs for our first meeting.
There were Mr and Mrs B and their daughter Libby. She was a real blond cutie and I liked her instantly. Next we were introduced to Spinny Boy, a black and tan mini dachshund. I loved him at once. His name was created by Libby who particularly loved spinach at the time the little dog was bought.
Libby and I were best friends for ages. We had secrets and dressed up and put on makeup and had a fabulous relationship. Now that there were three kids in the neighbourhood who played together, John, Libby and I there were also many more conflicts when we would take sides and have arguments. My mother told me I would come home crying saying that I was NEVER going to play with them again. Of course this never lasted and we would be best friends again by the next day.
We were school aged and as time went on John got his own friends and didn't play with us so often anymore although we would slot into the old friendship as soon as we were together.
Libby and I had sleepovers where we would talk and giggle for hours and the B's would take me on excursions as would my parents take Libby. We went to the Easter show and to the beach amongst other paces. As we were both only children it was wonderful to have a resident playmate.
One of my favourite memories is thanks to Mrs B. We were going to have a picnic day at school when we were in 1st grade. Party frocks and party food - I can't remember what this special occasion was for, but everyone was wild with excitement. My mother didn't understand the concept of party food, she thought it all a bit silly and planned to make my usual lunch of black bread with liverwurst or salami. Mrs B realising this was the case said she was happy to supply lunch for both girls that day. We had fairy bread!!!!!! I was in heaven!!!!! I had never eaten anything so absolutely delicious. White bread with the crusts cut off, butter and colourful hundreds and thousands. As I savoured every mouthful I wished the culinary delight would never end. To this day I love fairy bread. My mother never approved of multi coloured sprinkles - "Ach, these Australians, how they can eat this artificial food. Their teeth will all fall out with this rubbish." Uncle Don's did I suppose.
Spinny Boy, the dachshund was a delight and he followed us around, just like John's dog Susie had. Libby and I used to dress him up in baby clothes including little bonnets and wheel him around in a doll's pram. He was usually patient and put up with the humiliation unless he saw a cat. He hated cats and would chase them barking fiercely. One day as we were taking our 'baby' for a walk down to Mosman wharf Spinny Boy saw a cat and leapt out of the pram dressed in all his finery. He raced off, his outfit billowing behind him and we couldn't catch him so reluctantly went back home. Hours later Spinny Boy limped home. It must have taken him ages because he was still wearing the dress but his poor little stumpy legs were all tangled up inside and the bonnet had slipped around under his chin. He certainly was a sorry sight - funny though.
Libby moved away to Springwood in the Blue Mountains when we were about 10 or 11. Neither of us wanted her to go and we tied our arms and legs together not wanting to be separated. We cried and cried and both sets of parents were upset to see our distress but the house had been purchased and the move took place of course.
We wrote to each other for a while and also spent many happy holidays at each other's place but we grew up and apart.
Spinny Boy unfortunately got bitten by a paralysis tick. He survived but his hind legs never worked properly again although he got around pretty efficiently, all be it in a fairly ungainly manner. He was a tough little character.
Libby married and had three children and also lives in Canberra. Her parents sadly passed away years ago. Our lives moved apart and these days we keep in touch with Christmas letters.
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