My sister Annette and I were the eldest two in a family of seven children. This meant we had little of the carefree life which many of our friends enjoyed. We did most of the housework and had a major involvement in caring for our younger brothers and sisters. As we worked we would entertain ourselves by singing. We knew all the songs from most of the current musicals.

Sunday lunch was the main meal of the week. We usually had roast meat or chicken, served with three or four vegetables and a pudding or other dessert. Often there would be guests for this meal. Annette and I always had to do the washing up, so guests meant extra work for us. Sometimes it was quite considerable and took us a long time to finish.

One Sunday we were dawdling over the washing up and singing, as usual.
'What shall we sing next?' Annette asked.
'How about "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" from Oklahoma?' I suggested.
We began singing. Just then Dadput his head in the door.
'Oh, what a beautiful morning, oh, what a beautiful day.' We sang. 'I've got a beautiful feeling...'
'I'll give you a beautiful feeling' Dad interjected 'if you don't hurry up and finish that washing up!'