Barry has not had much time to prepare something this year, but has contributed this memoir of Sundays, which were always 'petticoat days', with his Aunt Rube, and her other lodger, a very mischievous girl named Paula. Links are provided to the first three parts: 

I cannot adequately explain the influence that Aunt Rube had over me, especially as I got older.  Even at 17 years of age, I still had to dress up whenever Aunt was expecting visitors over, and almost every Sunday was a ‘petticoat day’. Aunt would have me put on my ‘best undies’, and one or another of my pretty frocks, and spend the afternoon with her – chatting, reading, or just keeping her company.

In the main, these occasions were pleasant and enjoyable, as Aunt Rube was kindly and affectionate to me.  I always felt, however, that I was subject to Aunt’s whims as regards behavior, deportment and demeanor.  She would easily be upset if I forgot my place as an amenable and feminine companion, and I would be sharply rebuked if I strayed from the strict standards that she expected.

There was also the ritual that at 3.00pm on the dot, Aunt would tell me to ‘Put your pinny on Pet, and we will take tea’.   I would compliantly retrieve one of my elaborate full aprons, with wide ruffles over the shoulder straps and around the edges, fasten it neatly over my frock, checking that the bow at the back fell just right, and go off and prepare afternoon tea.

I always felt great chagrin that it was always me who had to prepare tea, and that Aunt did nothing to assist – merely relaxing with her magazine until I returned with the tray to serve the tea.  I had learnt, however, to quietly comply, otherwise Aunt would be very cross, and threaten to ‘put the cane across my bottom’.  Aunt often reminded me that I was ‘not too big for a spanking’, even in front of others – which, if she was present, always prompted Paula (Aunt’s other boarder during that time), to take the opportunity to complain about some misdeed of mine, imagined or otherwise exaggerated.

On several occasions, Paula’s complaints were the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’, and Aunt snapped, ordering me over the back of an armchair with my skirt and slip above my waist and my panties down for a severe strapping (with ‘Stanley’) or even worse, a caning (‘Frederick’).  I would be in tears, ashamed at being treated like that at my age, and severely aggrieved at the unfairness of being punished on the basis of some made-up story from Paula.

I was always comforted by the enjoyment that I got from wearing a pretty dress, or blouse and skirts, and particularly the soft and lacy undies however – Sundays were therefore always special for me, as well as for Aunt Rube.
Barry C.