NICK KNACK, PATTY WHACK

So, it looks like I'm off and running.

I feel that I must make my first 'memory' a nun one.

KINDERGARTEN - first day! Cannot remember how we got into this large kindy room - probably lined up and marched in, which was how it was normally done - twenty or so little 5 year olds sitting silently in a circle on tiny chairs.

Nun needed to go out of the room and told us not to talk while she was away but if anyone did, we were to tell her when she came back.

Well, of course, some of us had a little whisper and, some took the instruction pretty seriously and, although they didn't 'talk', they used their index finger knuckle to point at the whisperers whilst letting out a 'mmmmmm' sound. This was terrifying, even though the accusers were only five. I remember sitting next to Caroline. Cannot remember whether she pointed but I didn't and neither did Maureen.

Nun comes back and asked the class whether anyone had spoken whilst she was away. I remember hoping that the 'pointers' would have enough examples without indicating me. That didn't happen! Don't remember who dobbed me in but I was one of about six to get the smack. (This is the only time I remember a nun using her hand to smack as all other smacks were administered with a cane). It was 'hold out your hand' and then the smack. I don't remember whether it hurt but I remember concentrating on a thought: don't cry, don't cry. I managed not to cry and was happy about that. (Sounds a little like Pollyanna).

This event made me think: watch your step, little girl. watch your back, little girl!