My Nayne passed away today - she was 98! Over her lifetime she saw and experienced many exciting, difficult and historic events. And although I didn't always agree with her opinions, they were all formed from her life experiences.
Earliest memories of Nayne, was when she lived in a white house with a big back garden in Attadale. I would have been around 3- 7 years old so my memories are a little hazy. From there, Nayne moved to Cloverdale for a short period of time before taking up residence in her 3 bedroom house in Carlisle.
It's this place that my clearest memories are from. A visit to Nayne's would always involve a meal - roast or chicken kiev were the regulars on the menu. I'll always remember the hazelnut roll (a chocolate dipped log of white ice cream with a hazelnut flavouring ice cream centre) and the individual soft drinks - ginger beer or lemonade. The table was always properly set.
But usually before the meal, we would do a tour of her garden. It was filled with many painted gnomes and animal garden statues. The vege patch was always flourishing with whatever was in season. The fruit trees were proliferative too. The fruit would be made into jam and given to us to take home. My brother and I liked when the mulberries were ripe. Trying to not get purple stains all over us was always a challenge! There were also the chickens to say hello to as well. This tradition continued on even when we were visiting Perth. Our girls were just as fascinated with the statues and chickens too!
Inside, Nayne's house was full of treasures! We'd play on the organ/piano or flick through random magazines. One of the rooms out the back was full of fake flowers and decorations. Nayne loved ballroom dancing and would volunteer to decorate the various venues according to the theme chosen. Nayne also was thrilled to have taught Andy and I how to waltz in time for our wedding and first dance which we nailed!!
Nayne was an excellent seamstress. A fantastic talent to compliment her love of ballroom dancing and making gowns. Nayne took great care in her appearance. I got the sense from her that girls should wear dresses and boys opened doors!! So Nayne was rarely seen without her high heels, her fancy clip on earrings or a bit of lippy!
I remember on one hot summers day Nayne came over to our house and made clothes for my dolls from random pieces of material without any patterns. I probably didn't really appreciate it at the time as I'm sure I spent more time outside playing footy / cricket / hide'n'seek with the boys on our street than playing dolls inside!
Nayne sewing talent expanded into knitting and crocheting. We all have a Nayne crocheted square multi coloured blanket. I also loved the hand towels she made. She would buy a hand towel, cut it in half then crochet a top complete with button allowing the said towel to hang on the door handle of the laundry cupboard. In fact there is one of Nayne's towels hanging proudly in our laundry now!
Another favourite memory of mine is Christmas time. Nayne loved to get into the Christmas cheer decorating her house as much as possible. The Christmas tree seemed to be massive - touching the ceiling and exquisitely decorated. Nayne loved to dabble into craft and made all of Christmas baubles. Each in it's own style - with ribbons, lace and beads expertly designed and placed. A few years ago when we were in Perth for summer holidays and Christmas, Nayne asked us to each choose a bauble from her small Christmas tree. Sadly she was no longer capable of putting up the massive tree. These baubles add a special touch to our Christmas tree each year.
As I grew up becoming more independent and while I was still in Perth, I would drop over to Nayne's place. Sometime I'd help out with jobs in the garden or one year I remember painting her driveway!! Other times I'd pick up Nayne and we would venture out to a shopping centre for her to do a few chores followed by lunch at a cafe. Always a lovely few hours. Unfortunately my life took me away from Perth and visits to Nayne became scarce. Although when we were visiting we always made time to visit Nayne and take her out for a day trip with the girls.
At the age of 84 Nayne, made the journey over to Canberra with my mum to meet her first Great grandchild Ella who at the time was only 6 weeks old. We loved showing Nayne and my mum the sights of Canberra and generally just hanging out.
There are many things - a paper weight, a glass bowl, Nayne made blankets, Nayne made hand towel, the vege garden, Christmas baubles to name a few - in my life which remind me of Nayne. And when I hear the Waifs song Bridal Train I always shed a tear and reflect on Nayne and her amazing life.
