10 schools and many houses...
My very first ever memory was in Bermuda. Dad had been stationed there, so Mom, my big sis and I went to Bermuda to join him, though he stayed on the ship. I remember going on the ocean liner, the Queen Elizabeth. Mr. Sobey(yes, of Sobey's) helped her - but was it the train or the ship?? - help Sis??!! On the ship we had our picture taken in matching dresses. I look so miserable in that picture. The dress was uncomfortable and I hated it. The next memory was of watching a chameleon on a wall and having my pic taken with my new schoolbag strapped over my shoulder. I was topless as all little kids there are. That was my 3rd. birthday. The next memory was walking under a ladder and tripping over the paint, and Mom trying to clean me up.
When I was four we moved to Victoria, B.C. We stayed in some type of complex while our house was built. What I remember are the huge trees and collecting chestnuts. The house we moved into hasn't changed. Judy and I went back a couple of years ago - to our houses and schools. We found them all!!
In this house I got my first little red bike for Xmas and was allowed to ride it inside. I also received my Dale Evans cowgirl suit, cowgirl hat, a holster and gun.
Willow school for Gr.1 & Gr.2
For the second part of Gr.2 we moved to the Officers' Married Quarters, near Naden, the Navel Base.
I loved it there because it was, and still is, surrounded by so much land and we had the freedom to roam around all day. The Officers' Mess was down the hill but we dared not go on the lawn down there. We knew our boundaries. We took the old tin can to school at the Base. School was hard at the beginning because they had already started Cursive and I hadn't, so therefore couldn't understand anything, and was much too shy to talk. Eventually my teacher realized the problem and I didn't feel stupid any more. Can't remember the name of this school!
Grade 3 and we moved into my all time favourite house. It was 'open concept' with a big fire place between the living and dining rooms. Yup, a new house and school again for Gr. 3 and the first half of Gr.4. Frank Hobbs.
I started figure skating that year. The best was carrying my skates to school and leaving a bit early to catch the bus. This school had a covered playground for when it rained. The library was a converted bus that came once a week. The important thing was to always have a friend by Hallowe'en, to go out trick-or- treating. Guess I could call this one of my first "survival skills"! While still living in Victoria, Judy got to go out on the ship with Dad, to greet Queen Elizabeth. Mom and I had to stay on shore. Life isn't fair! But seriously, many of our memories are of being on the ship, in the Wardroom, and going up and down the ladders, always in a dress. Now, we realize how lucky we were. We also took swimming lessons at the Crystal Gardens, down near the Empress. At the time it seemed huge and I remember floating on my back, looking up at the glass roof. So awesome when you're just a kid! What a gorgeous city!
Dad was transferred back to N.S. I think all of us were sad to leave that house. It has since been torn down and replaced by a large, new beautiful place. Judy and I met the owner when we were there. Same neighbourhood, same huge tree, different house. The movers always did the packing so at least Mom didn't have that hassle. We left on New Year's day, with tulips and daffidils in bloom around the house.
We drove across the country, via the U.S. to Nova Scotia. I was only 9 but rememder this so well. Three kids in the back seat and our turtle in its dish, up on the ledge. We went to Disney Land and our turtle died so we tossed it over the fence. Saw the sights of San Fransisco, Hollywood, Knots Berry farm, petrified forest, tumble weeds, etc.
We went to visit our Grandmother in Digby, before settling in Halifax. Finally some snow and time to toboggan. This is where our mom grew up, as the only child of a wealthy dentist from Boston. We loved this place and realized years later that this is where our roots are. This is what I consider home, as does Judy. Nanny's place overlooked the Bay of Fundy. The memories are too numerous to mention. The ashes of Mom and Dad are there. Mine will be too - there in the ocean by my rock - in the summer, please! We then stayed in a B & B. for a couple of weeks while Mom and Dad looked for a house. We had to go to a private school-Halifax Ladies College(rest of Gr. 4), across the street from Dalhousie. Halifax has a really good system and consisdered us to be behind. I remember standing in front of the mirror with Dad, tying our ties! Loved going to this school and wearing a uniform. I was behind. The kids in my class(all 13 of us) knew the X's tables up to 13, had already had conversational French, and little books of Shakespeare.
I loved it!!!!
We rented a house on Sunnybrae Ave., just one streeet over from where we lived before going to B.C.
The owners of the house lived in the basement and he sometimes drove us to school. This happened to be Sandy Hoyt, who became a very well known D.J., on CHFI-FM - 98.1. in Toronto.
Grade 5 was at Central, the public school down the street.
During this time whenever I thought of Dad being at work, I think of him being at NATO. Back then, I really didn't understand what this was all about!
My parents then bought a house in Dartmouth. I completed Gr. 6-10 there.
Grade 6 Northbrook
Gr. 7 Harbourview
Gr. 8-9 John Martin Jr. High.
Gr. 10 Dartmouth High.
I figured skated as often as I could, went to a girls' club, Girl Guides(hated the cooking badge) and dances every second Friday night, called Darteen. All-in-all, a pretty good life.
When I turned 16, Dad was transferred to Scotia, (or was it Star?)the base in Hamilton, on Lake Ontario.
Judy was working at Niagara Falls that summer so I asked if I could go and stay with her. I expected a "no" and got a "yes"! I packed my one bag and was put on the train, in care of a porter. Sleeping on the train is the best. I had the upper bunk and loved it. One day I'll do a cross-country trip. Had to change trains in Montreal and then off to the Falls! I ended up working 3 different jobs and could buy some clothes. My parents and younger sister arrived in Burlington at the end of August. We stayed in the large double room at the back of the Ascot Hotel down on the lake,(beside Emma's Back Porch) for 3 weeks while house hunting.
For Gr. 11-13, I went to Central High. Ever since I've been a Burlington/Oakville girl. But my heart is in Digby!
So, 10 schools, many homes and always a friend for Hallowe'en, makes for a life I wouldn't change. How many people have run down the docks to meet Daddy, and had ships to run(walk) around. We were taught and expected to use the table manners of the Queen and were often on display, as Officer's kids, but I wouldn't change a thing. But, a Naval wife - no way... a totally different life for our Mom!!!! Because as great as he was, Dad was often away for weeks at a time. So guess who did everything?? Yup, our Mom!
Heather
The picture is of Judy and I, last summer on the Haida, on which she was the first person Christened by the Admiral. I was Christened on the Nootka.
