I remember the time that Dad decided to repaint the house at Wooloowin. I think it was previously covered in a mid winters grey, but still, it was necessary to remove it in order to reseal and repaint. Now the technique Dad decided to use was the application of a kero burning flame together with a metal tool and in that way scraping the old paint off. What this caused was a constant stream of fire balls, falling like meteors to the ground. Well it was nothing special really, until he had worked himself around to the open laundry area. There Tom and me were able to watch from a spectacular viewing theatre under the darkened house, the fireballs fall the fireball lights. What a special sight it was, those flaming droplets of burning paint. Well it did not take long for a game to be created and in the tradition of all things Baskerville with a high level of physical risk. So this was it why don’t we try and judge when the next fire ball will drop and run under its path just moments before. What exhilaration to hear that fire ball drop inches behind you as it tore the air in its fiery flight. Now Tom! He was just not up to it. He was running round like an excited puppy no idea of the danger no idea of the pain. He just ran and giggled and then ran some more. Finally it had to happen splat, right on Tom’s neck a burning ball of grey paint lighting up his neck and his ear. The whooping, yelling squeals soon brought Dad down from the high scaffolding to attend to the unfolding drama. Dad was eventually able to deal with it all so well, as I just stood there and watched. Who me? Finally as Dad was able to calm Tom’s cry to a whimper He delivered a firm whack on the bum and a good scolding about being just a little bit stupid. Well Tom’s red bum marks soon healed up and disappeared, but the permanent scar on Tom’s neck reminds us all of the fun we had – as Baskerville Kids!
