Con
Collins Family Newsletter Diary
Con
Collins
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Con and Bridget in 1948 |
Entries start at the most recent and go back to the
first edition in July 2004. To read the diary in
chronological order, jump
to the first entry
and read backwards.
Con
Collins is the Ground Zero man for this website.
Bridget (nee Lennon) is wife of Con Collins.
Barbara
Collins is first daughter of Con and Bridget Collins
November/December
2008 and January 2009
Con has had to have a
couple of operations on his other ear to remove a small cancer. His medications
became slightly unbalanced so he was suffering a few unwanted affects until the
right balance could be achieved again. Con and Barb went to the NARI (National
Ageing Research Institute) afternoon tea for volunteers. Various staff gave a
summary of the projects they had been working on during the year. One that we
were particularly interested in was about pain management in people with
impaired cognitive ability eg dementia. Our interest came from the issues Mum
had with pain in her latter years – and her inability to verbalise the source
of her pain. We also had an enjoyable pre Christmas visit with Aunty Kath –
who was the wife of Dad’s brother, Bill.
The Collins Family
Collection
Once upon a time, the Collins Family took a lot of videos of family events.
They were taken on a Beta recorder. We were talking about converting them to DVD
but we were not really sure what was on them. Clever Graham still has a Beta
player so one day we all met at Graham’s with our beta tapes and he started to
record them on to his hard drive DVD recorder. After a few HOURS, we hadn’t
even scratched the surface so we left everything with poor Graham, who had
hours/days of work ahead of him to continue on with the project. When he finally
finished, he burnt a copy to DVD for everyone and housed the nine DVDs in a case
for each sibling. We’ve called it The Collins Family Collection and it
covers things like birthdays, special events, all our (first) weddings as well
as miscellaneous family fun.
September/October
2008
This year, Judy and Renato
invited the family over for a special combined celebration for Father’s
Day and Con’s birthday. As usual, Judy and
Renato cooked up a feast for us all to enjoy at a sit down lunch.
It was a lovely day but I suspect Judy and Renato were exhausted by the end of
it. Con was the guest of honour,
of course, and enjoyed a delicious cake and lots of presents and cards to
celebrate his 86th year! It was
really great to catch up with everyone and hear all the recent news.
Con is doing very well at the moment although his eye sight is deteriorating. He is going occasionally with his mate, Bill, for a social game of bowls. He and Barb go to the Airport West Village when a movie that appeals mutually is showing. Last movie – The Duchess. He is using a special cream at the moment that is supposed to burn off some of the skin conditions that occur as a result of another medication he is on. This prescription would cost him $160 for 12 sachets (tiny amount in each one – whole 12 sachets would not amount to a teaspoon). However, his gold card covers the cost. He has two other scripts that would, in total, amount to more than $200 a month – thank goodness for that gold card!!!!
July/August
2008
Con is heading up to his
86th birthday in September. He continues to enjoy good health for his age
– which is managed by an amazed medical team of doctors and specialists in
addition to Judy and Renato’s wonderful care - and food! Con and Barbara go to
the pictures or play Scrabble most weeks. Con has had a lot of small jobs done
around the house over the last few months, courtesy of Veteran Affairs. He has
had extra powerpoint fittings put in to minimize cords lying around, special
handles put on some taps to make it them easier to use and he even has a special
toilet seat to make it easier to use the toilet!
May/June
2008
Con
had a skin cancer taken off his left ear some time ago and ended up with what
looked like a ‘bite’ taken out of the top of his ear. He has recently seen a
plastic surgeon who repaired the ear so the ’bite’ is gone and the ear looks
normal again.
Veteran Affairs have provided Con with a new bed with controls for adjusting the bed to suit his needs eg raised a little so he is not sleeping flat. They also provided him with an armchair which can also be adjusted according to need.
He’s been to the pictures a few times with Barb and they are currently even on the scrabble games they have been playing.
All medical reports are positive and Con is maintaining his fitness regime of stretching and a little exercise as well.March/April
2008
Con's healthSince the last newsletter, Dad has been back in hospital with another clot.
This was fixed quite quickly but while he was in there, they determined he
needed a blood transfusion. Not just ordinary blood. Nosiree!! CCC needed
special radiated blood. Since leaving hospital he has seen his urologist and
oncologist and they both say he’s doing very well considering his medical
conditions. He’s looking really well and is taking time to do some exercise
each day. Barb and Con have been playing Scrabble recently. They are well
matched contestants who mainly win depending on the luck of the draw for letters
on the day. They have also been to see a few movies.
Easter Sunday
We decided to have an Easter picnic lunch on the banks of the Maribyrnong River.
Most families were away so a select group of Con, Barb and Paul, Judy and Renato
and Bear were joined by stay-at-home Jessica Zoch and her two friends Liv and
Michelle. The day threatened wind and rain but ended up being a very pleasant
way to spend a few hours and enjoy lunch.
January/February
2008
On 28th December, Barb and
Con went to visit Aunty Kath (Con’s brother Bill’s widow). We spent a very
pleasant few hours catching up with Kath, her son Paul and daughter-in-law
Michaela and their gorgeous youngest child, Antoinette. Michaela’s dad, Joe,
also came along. Aunty Kath often emails Barb with updates on her garden and new
tank so it was great to see this as well.
Con
I have been granted the (Extremely Disabled) EDA
pension which is the second highest pension given to a war veteran. This
entitles me to lots of benefits, just a few examples are free public
transport, half price taxis, no registration fees, free train travel interstate
anytime, free admission for him as well as his carer into the movies, and a
lot more stuff.
I want to let you all know I had a skin thing cut off my back early in February and the result was that it was yet again another skin cancer, but doctor says they got it all (so good warning to keep out of the sun as the effects of it's damage do not show up straight away, but later in life).
I took the plunge and had a game of bowls, it totally knocked me out and I was stuffed and could hardly move for 2 days after - the spirit is willing but the body's not able.
You're all probably not that interested but I have not been feeling that crash hot lately and am feeling very lethargic and weak, I have not been getting much sleep and can't be bothered doing much, but watch TV and potter around, I don't feel much like eating and have been pretty miserable with my ongoing prostrate problem. However I must say that the last 2 days i.e. 8th and 9th February I've been quiet good, Judi thinks that the hot and humid weather is exhausting me, because when it cools down I'm is a lot better.
I've had a few outings down to Moonee Valley for dining with Judi and Rene and during their holiday I may have a few outings with them, already we went out to dinner at the Pascoe Vale RSL and we've been to see a movie.
I would really like it if
all the family can attend the family meeting that Barbara has emailed you about
I think it is gearing toward the 25th February, I have something important to
discuss with all of you.
I met the gang who play in the Boxing Day golf tournament at the golf course after they played and awarded the Con Collins Perpetual Trophy to the winner this year who was Rick (Mary's partner). Congratulations Rick.
December
2007
Remembrance Ceremony at
Gregory Lodge
On 28th November, Gregory Lodge held a Remembrance Ceremony to remember all
the residents who had passed away during the previous year. During the lovely
ceremony, family, friends and carers were invited to come out and place a named
decoration on the Christmas Tree. Con added the decoration you see here to the
tree on behalf of our family. It was good to catch up with many of the carers
who looked after Bridget in her final years and be warmly greeted by them.
It was also touching to see that many of the residents who were at the home at
the same time as Bridget, were still there. Being there and seeing everyone was
quite emotional and Judy and I were glad to have our tissues with us -
especially at a time of the year that brings back memories of Bridget’s last
days.
Visit to Joan Collins
On Tuesday 4th December, Con and Barb travelled to Geelong to visit Con’s
cousin, Joan Collins, and her friend, Christine. We caught up on travel
adventures and other news. As usual, Joan was a wealth of information on the
Collins family history. Here is a picture of Joan and Con looking at pictures of
Joan’s family – including shots of a very young Con and Joan holding hands.
Great pictures!
Bridget's memorial
The family gathered at
Bridget’s graveside on Sunday 9th December to remember her on the first
anniversary of her passing. We had a short memorial service which you can read
here and Judy had written a poem which she read as well. She had the poem
laminated so she could leave it at the plaque. You can read
the poem here. Barb had prepared a DVD of pictures from Bridget’s life set
to some of her favourite music e.g. Oh Danny Boy and Irish Eyes. After the
service we went to Con’s place for a pizza afternoon tea.
Con has some good days
and some not so good days but is still getting out and about. He gave himself a
fright recently when he went to visit Bridget’s grave at Fawkner. The site is
in a ‘garden’ setting and a little creek runs along the area. Dad found
himself in the bushes at the side of the creek, lost his footing and fell almost
into the water - narrowly missing hitting his head on the rocks. He spent the
next 20 minutes trying to pull himself back onto the bank as he no longer has a
lot of strength in his legs. Con and Barbara have been going for a short walk on
Wednesdays to help keep some strength in his legs.
He continues to have a lot of medical tests and he is very often told that he is actually doing quite well for his age – especially mentally. Must be those crossword puzzles he enjoys.
Father’s Day
Judy says, “Con had a nice
Father’s Day, considering that it was going to be a quiet one (given that
we were organising a surprise birthday for him later in the month). We ended up
with a house full of Graham and some his gang, Cathy and John and their
gang, Barbara and Paul, Judi and Renato and Bear - so we had a big day and
filled up on hotdogs and cold meats.”
Con's 85th birthday
Well - what a party!
Paul and Barb took Dad out in the afternoon to Fawkner Cemetery to see a tree the landscaping unit had planted for us in Mum’s garden. We told Dad we would be back in time for the footy game at 4 o’clock. Everyone arrived at 3.30ish. Judy and Renato, Graham, Brenton and Carly, Mary and Rick, Cathy and John and Jessica, and Bear, and Paul and Barb trooping along behind. Dad got a great surprise!
Judy and Renato had been preparing a feast over the previous few days, which was no mean feat with the guest of honour being there all the time. And what a feast it was! Renato sure is a great cook. Barbara gave a speech and Judy and Graham added some thoughts. Con clarified what he meant when he wrote in a letter to Bridget, “And the least said about the time I nearly burnt the town down, the better”. Yes, Con had been a very naughty little boy.
Unfortunately, for a few
days prior to the party, Con hadn't been feeling 100%. He was experiencing a
reoccurring problem but he survived the party. However, at
2.00am, it was necessary for Judy and Renato to take him to the hospital. Poor
Con – what a way to finish your 85th.
More on Con's health
Con was in hospital for five days following his birthday while his problem
was stabilized and tests were carried out. In the end, the tests showed the
cause of the problem but there is not a lot that can be done so he is on new
medication instead. He arrived home in time to be able to enjoy the Grand
Final!!
Good news for
Con!
His Veteran's Affairs pension was recently increased from 10% to 80% and he
was pretty happy about that, but his representatives at the RSL(Returned Services
League) want to appeal that and try to get him 100%.”
Report on Bridget's
brain autopsy
As most of you are aware, the Collins Family donated Bridget’s brain for
research to the Victorian Brain Bank. Judith obtained the autopsy report which
showed Bridget’s brain displayed the classic symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Disease. Very simply, it said that there were signs of plaque and shrinkage, the
latter worst in the part of the brain associated with emotion, motivation,
behaviour and various nervous system functions. There was also damage to the
nervous system including tangling, inflammation and calcification (hardening) of
the nerves. There was also evidence of both benign and malignant tumours. You
can read the whole report here. It is really hard to read about the final
state of your mum’s brain and we hope that the information that Bridget’s
brain provided assists in the research into this devastating disease.
New tree in Bridget's
garden
The family love the garden setting where Bridget’s ashes are interned.
However, the drought killed off a bush, leaving a big gap in the garden. The
cemetery landscapers were not going to plant anything there until after the
drought broke. However, we assured them that we would look after anything that
they planted there for us. We have already planted numerous other plants there
that are surviving well. I promised them we would look after a tree if they
planted for us. And they did!! We think it’s a maple. So
if you are having a quiet visit with Bridget at any time, please give the tree a
water so it survives the Summer.
On 24th June, Con, Judi and Renato and Barb and Paul enjoyed lunch, music and dancing at Con’s bowling club at West Coburg. This was a special fundraiser lunch and was still great value!
Con's news is that he had to go to hospital because he was so very short of breath and very wheezy, putting off going to the doctor's because he says they don't do anything for you and thinking that it was a cold or a bit of a cough. It got too bad and it turns out that he had too much fluid and this was placing pressure on his heart and lungs. So they fixed all that up and he now says that he is feeling the best he has for a very long time, even his walking and weakness in the legs has improved, but maybe that's because while in hospital a walking frame was order for him by the physio, but he refuses to use it!!!!!! More news is that Con had a fall on his way to a doctor's appointment, he was very lucky that he did not break anything, but ended up with a bruised chest when he fell on his walking stick, and grazed his forehead and knee quite badly when he hit the cement. That will teach him to use the path next time and not take short cuts through flower beds!!!!
Con
is that he has given up his bowls for the rest of the year.
Barb
and Con have continued to explore the underlying cause of his unsteadiness. The
Geriatrician sent him for tests to see if it is caused by the middle ear which
is responsible for balance as well as hearing. However, the physio who tested
for this said Con was the best she had ever seen in this regard with no sign
that the middle ear is at fault. So far, it looks like Con has a weakness on his
left side, possibly as a result of an undiagnosed stoke and strengthening
exercises may be a part solution. The other thing that has helped him is not
getting up and walking straight away. As blood pressure can increase with age
– as it has in Con’s case - if
you get up and move too quickly, the blood does not have time to get to the
brain – and dizziness results. So now he sits up and counts to 120, then
stands up and counts to 60 and this has greatly reduced his dizzy spells. He has
passed this on to a lot of his mates who have tried it also with good success.
May/June 2007
On June 5th, Con went to the National Ageing Research Institute in Parkville to undergo a series of balance tests to see if he is eligible to take part in a research project on balance in ageing. He underwent some pretty high tech tests and Barb was very unhappy that she did not take the camera for a picture!!! At one stage he was encased in a frame, and a harness, as he balanced on a cushion with his eyes shut. Then he became a 'human mouse' as he had to make a stick figure on a computer screen move by just moving his body backwards, forwards and side to side. NOT as easy as it sounds. Anyway, the results showed a weakness on his left side. Unfortunately, he was not accepted into the research project but the tests results have proved invaluable.
On June 7th, Con was seen
by a Geriatrician who went over his whole medical story. She had the results of
the balance test and thought that his dizzy spells may be a result of an inner
ear problem and is sending him to a specialist in that field. She
also thinks he has had a minor stroke which has created the weakness on his left
side. So when he gets dizzy, he tends to fall to the left.
Joke from Con: Have any of you thought about putting in a triple flush toilet? Full flush - half flush - no flush.
(Con already has one he's had a triple flush toilet for years and years.)
Bridget’s good friend, Margo Tankard, has passed away. Bridget and Margo lived a few doors apart and Margo would take Bridget on adventures, on public transport as neither of them drove, all over Melbourne. Margo would visit Bridget at the nursing home when she was in Melbourne. Judy wrote a condolence message to Margo’s family which included a watermark picture of the last time Margo visited Bridget late last year.
On Wednesday 11th July, Con and Barbara set off to visit Cath O’Brien in Kyabram. Cath was Bridget’s cousin. Bridget’s Mum and Cath’s Dad were brother and sister. Cath and Margaret Martin have been invaluable in collecting the O’Brien history and Cath is a treasure trove of information. She filled us in on a few gaps in knowledge and our time with her was too short. Here are pictures of her holding a photo of her Mum and Dad’s wedding picture and of her standing outside her home.April 2007
Con’s been busy watching golf. He’s not getting out and about much at the moment, so it's a good chance for those of you that could never get him on the phone to call up and have a chat. Con's been doing a lot of babysitting for Bear too (see Cabrera Family news for update on Bear). He has been spending some time on his treadmill to build up the muscles in his legs and has booked in for Winter Bowls. However, since Sunday 29th April he was in John Fawkner hospital with a reoccurring problem and had a small operation on Thursday 3d May. He’s been home since Friday.
This Mothers Day is the first one that the Collins Family have experienced without our beautiful Mother, Bridget. The last four years saw the family visiting Gregory Lodge Nursing Home for Mother’s Day. We would have a BBQ – and on each occasion, the weather was beautiful. Bridget may not have known we were there to honour her as our Mother, or Grandmother, but we were never quite sure. We hope that somewhere inside, she knew we were there and loved her. We DO know however, that she enjoyed her shandy on that special day. So this Mothers Day, we will be thinking of you Bridget and hope you can hear our thoughts and prayers.
I
thought people might like to read the letter
of a young Bridget, 21, to her husband-to-be, Con. At the time of writing
this letter, Bridget and Con had not met and were just developing a romantic
interest in each other via correspondence. I have chosen this letter as we have
just had Anzac Day and in this letter, Bridget is describing the jubilation in
Melbourne at the declaration of peace on 15th August 1945. She also
speaks a lot about Con’s younger brother Bill (16 at the time) and of her
sisters. This is how Bridget would have looked at that time.
March 2007
On Tuesday, 20th
February, the family gathered to witness the internment of Bridget’s ashes at
Fawkner Cemetery. Con,
Barb and Paul, Judi and Renato, Graham, Mary, Cathy, Jessica and Elise gathered
on rather a warm afternoon at Bridget’s final earthly resting place. Judi read
2 readings, We will remember and Death is nothing at all and we
remembered Bridget while listening to some of her favourite songs: What a
Wonderful World, Danny Boy and when Irish Eyes are Smiling.
Con placed the urn in the prepared space behind the plaque holder and when the
site was covered, we placed one of her favourite flowers, white chrysanthemums
in the prepared vases. Barb planted a Butterfly Iris (Dietes
iridioides) and some native violets. Fingers crossed they will survive with
a little help from family and the weather.
Dad had an old
friend Bernie Grimes ring to say he would come for a visit and from
that it developed into quite a few mates. There was Bernie, Peter Whelan, Storky
(nickname) Feehan and Jack Armanasco - they sat around drinking beer and
reminiscing over the old days. They all enjoyed themselves and vowed they must
do it again soon.
January/February 2007
Bridget was an organ donor. Unfortunately, at the time of her passing, her organs were not able to be used. During her many times in hospital, she was highly sought after by teaching doctors due to her unusual heart rhythm. The doctors would bring their students to Bridget’s bedside and ask them to listen to her heart and suggest what may have caused the unusual rhythm. She loved telling about her experiences and the fact that she was helping the medical profession. So when Con suggested that we donate of the brain instead of her organs, we knew straight away that mum would have wanted this. Who knows – Bridget’s brain might be the one that makes the difference in making progress against the ravaging disease.Bridget’s ashes are to be laid to rest in a garden setting at Fawkner Cemetery. We found a lovely spot that Bridget would have loved. It’s close to a creek, a walking track, a grassed area just right for remembrance gatherings and with a view of an older section of the cemetery AND not far from where Wasyl (Paul’s Dad) was buried earlier in the year.
Con had a nice smorgasbord lunch at the Templestowe Hotel with other ‘geriatrics’ (sic) to celebrate his friend Bill Sibbinson's 80th Birthday.
Con also said to add to this water saving advice:
If it's yellow
Let it mellow
If it's brown
Flush it down.
(Only thing he says it sometimes it gets a bit on the nose.)
November/December 2006
On 9th December, Bridget Collins passed away at Gregory Lodge
Nursing Home. She had been in the home since November 2002. Over the last
month, her health had dramatically declined and we knew she would not survive.
The family arranged a bedside vigil so she would not be alone when she passed
away. She was on morphine for the last hours so was peaceful and not in pain.
Cathy was with her when she went just before 9.00am on the Saturday morning.
Her life was celebrated by a Requiem Mass at St Joseph's Church in West
Brunswick on 13th December, followed by a short service at Fawkner Crematorium.
People were invited to the Collins family home in the afternoon to reminisce
about Bridget. Bridget's good friends Joan and Maria prepared the family home
for the afternoon visitors and then looked after everybody to make sure they
had plenty to eat and drink.
The Mass was a lovely and loving tribute to Bridget. Carly read the
First Reading; Wade, Darcy and Alex read the Prayers of the Faithful; Elise and
Zac made the Offertory Procession and Jessica gave the Eulogy. They were all a
credit to their families and to Bridget. Jessica had worked hard on the Eulogy,
ably assisted by Cathy, Mary and Alex and you will find a copy by clicking here.
A vocalist, Andrea O'Loughlan, sang specially selected hymns during the
service which was performed by Father Pat Harvey. The Funeral Director,
Mal Dubock, assisted the family in preparing for Bridget's funeral. About 150 -
200 relatives and friends attended to farewell Bridget.
The night before the funeral, the family had a last chance to view their beloved mother prior to a Rosary in her honour. Sister Ester led the Rosary and The Legion of Mary said a special prayer over the coffin. Barbara spoke about how Bridget was always there for the family, and Cathy and Judi both read poems - Judi read one that she had made for mum previously, and Cathy read inspirational one that Mum had given to her that she has kept on her fridge ever since.
Poor Con! After a clean bill of
health from all his doctors, Con found himself back in hospital a few days
after Bridget's funeral with gastro.
October 2006
On Friday the 22nd, September, some of the Collins family met at that Moonee Valley racecourse to celebrate Con’s 84th birthday. We caught up on news, listened to Jessica’s adventures in Queensland, sang happy birthday and did a spot of dancing. Highlights of the evening were getting Con up to dance and we think we saw John on the dance floor once ….. for a few seconds.
Con is happy to
report that his ribs, back and ankles all coming good and with the
Spring/Summer bowls season, he is now playing bowls about 3 times a week.
He recently upgraded his Foxtel to Platinum which is all very technical for him,
but he's got the hang of it so he can now record shows directly onto the
hard drive at the touch of a button. At the same time, he still has his VCR
recorder and can now record up to 3 programs at one time. His only trouble
now is finding the time to watch it all.
Update on Bridget
Judy said, “Mum is
doing pretty well. We had a care plan meeting with all the care staff, doctor
and head nurse recently and all are happy with how she is going. They find
that she is responds well to the iron injections which are a 5 week course. She
has finished her second treatment and doctor will monitor her
blood regularly to check the iron levels do not fall too low again. If they do,
they will keep on with random courses or iron injections which are most
favourable or iron supplements. Mum is going well with the pureed food and her
weight is good. I did point out a thing that has been growing bigger on
mum's face near her left ear, that has concerned me for some time now. The
doctor has looked at it and it appears that it needs to be cut out. This
will be done by a skin specialist who can perform the surgery at Gregory
Lodge. I'm hoping that it is going to be done on a day when I or at least
someone can be there for/with her. I have to find out more details about
when and how, I do know she will have a local for it, but not sure if she will
be asleep. Mum is stiffing up a lot more now, therefore she must be
encouraged to walk even if it is only inside the
complex, as you know this will help her mobility. So if you are visiting, try to
talk her for a walk around.”
A special visitor for Bridget
Judy said, “Margo Tankard (long time friend of mum) was in Melbourne for a couple of days and she rang to say she would like to visit Sue. We picked her up from the Hilton and went to see mum. Unfortunately mum was not the best when we first got there, but she soon picked up. Mum did not have much to say, but incredibly when Margo said "Bye Sue, I'm going now", mum responded by saying "Come again". What a magic moment! Having spent more time with mum than we expected to, we ran ourselves late in getting Margo back to the Arts Centre and had to have a very rushed lunch at a very ordinary cafe at the Victoria Market. However it was lovely to see Margo and Meryl and to catch up on all her news. It was lovely to experience the true meaning of a good and loyal friend.”August/September
Bridget
Collins
Judy reports, “Mum is
doing pretty OK. She is still has having a few falls, and is almost at the
end of her 2nd lot of iron injections. The iron injections do not seem to be as
effective this time, but after this lot she may have to have a permanent iron
supplement. We do have to take into consideration that she is entering the next
stages of dementia, but I tell you what, she is putting up a good fight!
Mum is a lot stiffer and sore when you try to get her up, but at 83 anyone
would. She is losing weight and it has been recommended to have her food pureed
to make sure she eats all her food (which we thought she was, but maybe that's
only while we were there and that's only for one meal a day) so we agreed on
mum's behalf and she loves it and gobbles it all up. Renato and I still
take her outside almost everyday for a walk. The doctor told us to walk her as
long as she can (the old use it or lose it - applies even more so when you have
dementia).
Con Collins
I’ve been
suffering a pretty painful back (Lumbago) no
bowls, no action, using a walking stick and in the middle of all of this, I
cracked a rib leaning over the arm of a chair. Then to top all of that off I
got an infection in my lower leg, which needed antibiotics. It's all coming good
now and I’m going to take the risk and play bowls this coming
Saturday. It's the start of the pennant season and you know how important that
is to a bowler. I had a great Fathers Day. Graham came to visit me on the
Saturday night and he gave me a comfy velvet pair of slippers. Cathy,
John and Elise came to see me on Fathers Day they gave me lots of my favourite
sweets from Darrel Lea. Judy and Renato took me to an Indian Restaurant and
gave me a wallet, a tranny and a new pill box. Barb and Paul were on their
honeymoon cruise but gave me a bottle of ginger cordial from my hometown
Beechworth and a CD of Michael Bubley before they left. And Mary rang to wish me
a Happy Fathers Day!!!!!
May/June 2006
We had a lovely lunch at Gregory Lodge Nursing Home on Mother’s Day. The day threatened to be cold and rainy so we decided to have an indoor meal. Judi and Renato booked a room for us and set up with an antipasto platter with salads and dips. We supplemented the feast with a fruit platter and a cake for Graham’s birthday. This year, we also had Paul’s Mum, Pauline with us.
April 2006
Our first get together of the
year was at Gregory Lodge Nursing home so Bridget could also be involved in this
get together as many family members were away over Easter.
Easter Sunday
Guess where? Yes, at Gregory Lodge. It’s great to be able to get together and socialise in a place where Bridget can easily be included. Although she appears not to be aware of what is going on around her, we do know by her reactions at times that there is some awareness. Graham, Darcy and Carly came for lunch and Bridget distinctly said “Tyson” (who is overseas at the moment). She also responds by rolling her eyes when she is given something sweet to eat which is a way she signals she is happy. Renato and Judi cooked up a storm for everyone with more of that great Chilean pork belly and delicious salads. Paul’s daughter, Lisa, joined us this Easter which was terrific and, although the weather was on the coolish side, we had a pleasant lunch together before Graham and the kids left for an Easter celebration at Josie’s (Joelle’s sister), and we settled into looking at Lisa’s pictures of her holiday in New Zealand.
March 2006
Bridget
Bridget is going along fine at the moment - she has been very relaxed and
quite alert. She has lost her upper dentures so now she has no teeth. We
have asked for her food to be pureed until the denture shows up - if it does. It
would not be the first denture to go missing in her unit. She is having 3
Panadol 3 times a day now, to keep her pain free from those horrible shingles
attacks.
Con
ConHe says there is still a
bit of life in the old boy - he has won two games (of Bowls) and was runner
up in his last social game and won $30.00 worth in prize money.
He saw his Bladder
Specialist last week and is all clear for four months - but may need another
‘rebore’ then.
As he writes this news he is off to the Bowling Club with Judy and Renato to
celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Bear
Bear
really missed his mum and dad when they went away, but thanks to Barbara he got
a few walks in and he was spoilt rotten by his grandpa. He got lots of visits to
Grandma at the nursing home while Judy and Renato were on leave.
January/February
2006
Each year, Gregory Lodge has a Christmas Carols evening
with a terrific supper. Last year, the staff put Bridget to bed before the
Carols started so this year, we decided to have a private Carols singalong in
Bridget’s room at Gregory Lodge. Bridget does not cope well with large crowds
and can be a bit cranky by the end of the day. So Con, Judy and Renato, and Barb
and Paul, and Bridget’s friends, Joan and Maria, assembled in her room. We lit
candles and Judy had organised carols books and a CD with appropriate music. We
sang along quite happily - at times singing better without the accompanying
music. Bridget did not sing. In fact, we couldn’t get any smiles out of her at
all but she did yawn a lot (No, we weren’t that bad! Or maybe we were?!?)
Unfortunately, we got into trouble about the candles and their potential to set
off fire alarms. And we missed out on most of the supper – but I think
we had a good time.
As usual, the Collins Family spent Christmas Lunch with their inlaws and/or other loved ones. Con, Judy and Renato joined Bridget at Gregory Lodge for a Christmas BBQ lunch. And in the evening, all gathered at Mary’s spacious home at Patterson Lakes for a simpler meal and to share Christmas wishes and exchange presents.
Con
Con
was made Skipper at Bowls and it was the first time in 5 years. The team won 34
to 11 and no, they were not playing against a kindergarten.
Con’s cataract
surgery has now all been completed in both eyes and he has new glasses -
transition at that, and after all that can't tell any difference.
Colonoscopy was
successful with no polyps in sight and no need to return for another two years.
And a long
time mate, Harold Cox, passed away last week, but it has a happy release. And he
‘stole’ Con's departing song "I did it my way".
November/December 2005
Bridget
was 82 in November. As usual, family members who were able to be there to
celebrate gathered at Gregory Lodge Nursing Home. We had another terrific BBQ
with almost perfect weather. Unfortunately, Bridget was having a bit of a down
day and it was hard to get a smile. Mary has kindly
volunteered her home at Patterson Lakes for the family to meet for ‘dinner’
on Christmas Day. More information through the grapevine! Thanks Mary. We will
enjoy relaxing with your great water views after a hectic Christmas Day. Con has now had his 2nd eye cataract laser surgery done and
all is going well – apart from some bruising. When he goes back for a
check up, he will find out about new glasses that go with the whole procedure.
He went to a reunion on
6th December for past Australian National Line employees - at The London
Tavern in Richmond.
October 2005
Con received a
commemorative medal from the government for his war service.
Con’s Birthday lunch didn’t happen! Con ended up in hospital. He
was there so he could have intravenous antibiotics as the rash on his leg was
not responding to the oral antibiotics.
So Con had his 83rd birthday piecemeal. He went with Judi and Renato to Moonee Valley for a meal on the actual night of his birthday. The night before, Barb, Paul, regular dinner guest, Father Casey and Bear helped celebrate the occasion. And as he was in hospital in the day we were GOING to celebrate, he had several well-wishers pop in during the Sunday.
On Tuesday 18th, he had laser treatment for a cataract on
his eye– and says he didn’t feel a thing!
Barbara
Collins
"I have started serious genealogical research. To
date, I have only collected information passed on by other family members,
notably Margaret Martin, Leo Squires, Joan Collins and Con Collins and put it
into Family Tree Maker. You have probably looked at this information on this
site which is linked to the CollinsPlus website.
But the time has come to find out more information about our ancestors.
First port of call was becoming a member of PROV (Public Records of Victoria).
After a fascinating tour of the facilities, I did an online tutorial and the
first records that were found were those of Kathleen Marcella Collins. She was
Con’s aunt (Con’s Mum’s sister). I found the Inquest Report on her death
in 1956. As she died at Mont Park, which was a hospital for people with a mental
health illness, an inquest was mandatory. Looking at these old records can be
quite emotional. I kept thinking how hard life must have been for this poor
woman. She was first admitted to an institution in 1939 and it sounds like she
was in and out until the time of her death. Her illness today could probably
have been managed with medication. Now I want to find out what happened in her
life that may have contributed to her illness so am looking at accessing her
hospital records through Freedom of Information (FOI). I’m also hoping that
these records will give an insight into the early life of her sister (Con’s
Mum) as little is known of the sisters’ lives after their mother died when
they were young.
As part of my searching, I found a site by Ted Noonan. Now, you might
find it hard to understand my excitement about this find. Con’s Mum’s
Grandmother was a Noonan. If you are in Elise’s generation, Mary Noonan was
your Great Great Great Grandmother. But we don’t have much information about
the Noonans. Here is the site http://users.mrbean.net.au/~tedn/index.htm
So, being extremely excited by this find, I emailed the website contact, Ted
Noonan, straight away to introduce myself and say ‘hi’.
September 2005
Con
saw his oncologist on 18/9/06. Dr Grigg requested a blood test for
genes - they think they may have found the gene that causes Polycythemia and Con
could be a good example. The tests could be a good thing for future
generations.
On
15th September Con had an appointment with his blood specialist, and was not
looking forward to the result as his blood count was down. However his
blood count has gone back up and the specialist said Con was
“indestructible”.
The
Collins family was sad to hear that one of Con’s oldest friends passed away on
Thursday 1st September. Ern Carne and Con worked in the Post Office and at ANL.
Ern and Thora shared a special friendship with Con and Bridget that spanned many
decades and even preceeded their marriages.
Con’s
winter bowling season has ended. The team who beat Con’s team by one, won the
final. Con’s team came third having beaten the other semi loser.
Con
received a commemorative medal from the government for his war service. This
medal was issued to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War 2.
Con says he would have preferred the money it cost to produce and distribute it!
August 2005
Con
Con
is writing a resume on the lives of his mother and father.
Barbara
Barb has been
picking everyone’s brains on memories of Con’s Mum and Dad. Aunty Kath (Bill
Collins Family) and Con have been a GREAT help. Con is writing a resume on his
Mum and Dad. Barb has also collected bits and pieces of information to add to
her own memories of “Nanny Collins” who died when Barb was 10. Hope to have
these ‘bios’ ready in September.
July 2005
Con
Con, Judi and Renato had some luck at the first Friday of the Month BBQ at
Bowling Club. They won three prizes with our combined 13 tickets - $30.00
meal voucher at the Taverner in Pascoe Vale, a topside side roast and a tray of
scotch fillet. Judy said, “The spooky thing was that before the raffle
was drawn, I told Dad and Renato how I had been thinking about Heather ‘with
the deep voice’, who passed away a few months ago. She used to sit at the
table with us, and either she or we would always win something each
time. I was sort of talking to her and telling her how we had not had a win
since she had not been with us. Now you might not believe that - but
Dad and Renato are my witnesses. Thanks Heather, Rest in Peace.”
Barbara
I’m walking up
a storm now that I have discovered the 10,000 steps program. By logging steps
each day on the free website, I know that since I started on 7th June, I have
walked 350,000 steps (approx 250km). That works out to an average of 9600 steps
a day so I’m a little bit off the10,000 goal. My worst days are the two days
when I go to work - too much sitting at the computer. My highest day was about
22,000 steps!
After hearing
that Judi and Renato were going to go to a Learn to Dance Class, Paul and I
decided to go too
At
this time of the year, there’s not too much to do in the garden but chase off
those dreadful minor birds who seem intent on pulling my baby plants out of
pots. They deserve their ‘rats of the sky’ description!!
June 2005
Bridget
Bridget continues to enjoy excellent care at Gregory Lodge Nursing home.
Some days are better than others and if you pop in for a visit you never know if
you are going to be greeted by a little smile or grabbed by the hand to be taken
for a brisk walk around the home. The carers at the Lodge are mindful of each
resident’s needs and idiosyncrasies, and treat them with respect and special
touches that help them feel comfortable.
Bridget celebrated Mother’s Day this year in her new
‘backyard’ at Gregory Lodge Nursing Home. Graham, Brenton and Wade made the
trip out to Flemington to join in the Mother’s Day fun with Con, Judi and
Renato, Bear and Barb and Paul. It
was really great that Brenton and Wade were able to join in this year.
Con
Good news for Con.
He received the all clear from the melanoma taken from his back.
A voice from
the old S.P. bookie days of 35 years ago was a telephone call from Kevin Timms.
Con and Kevin had an enjoyable five hour counter lunch talking about old times.
They are going to repeat the adventure in the near future!
April 2005
Con, Judy, Renato,
Bear and Barbara trooped off to have Easter Sunday lunch with Bridget at Gregory
Lodge. Because Bridget’s room now faces out on a courtyard with a BBQ and
sailcloth, we were able to set ourselves up there for a lovely Easter lunch.
Con
Con has had a suspicious skin sample taken from his back on
6/4/05 and will find out in a week if it is a melanoma. Other than that, he
says he has is just spending his time bowling and enjoying his Foxtel.
Bridget
Bridget’s new room at Gregory Lodge Nursing Home is lovely. She has a
door that opens out onto a peaceful courtyard which is her “backyard”. She
seems to enjoy sitting quietly at times just looking out into the courtyard.
It’s the only room with this configuration so thanks to Judy for campaigning
for so long to make sure Bridget got it.
March
2005
Con
Con has been back into hospital for a small procedure. He
was in at 11am, sat waiting until 5.30pm and was home by 6.30pm. All is OK.
Bridget
Bridget has moved to another part of Gregory Lodge. Thanks
to Judy sourcing and insisting on the room that Bridget has been given, her new
accommodation faces onto a lovely courtyard and she has access from her room to
the courtyard. She has settled into her new room well.
Barbara
Barbara and Paul have been on a cruise! They left from
Brisbane on the P&O Pacific Sky and travelled to Port Douglas, then back
down the coast to Cairns and the Whitsundays. The first two days were very rough
with four metre waves and an overcaste sky but the rest of the cruise had
perfect weather. They loved it and are saving already for the next cruise – in
the Mediterranean.
February 2005
Con Collins
Con says
“Congratulations to Dane, son of Neil Taylor, for winning the annual golf day
at Ivanhoe.
Jessica had her first taste of battle and vowed her name would be on the
trophy one day.” One minute silence was observed in memory of past member, Mr Zoch.
Con has resumed bowls after the Christmas break and is playing at least 4
times a week.
Con, Barb, Paul, Judy and Renato went to see the Phantom of
the Opera. Con hasn’t been to the pictures for a few years. Although he loved
the stage production of the Phantom of the Opera, he was a little disappointed
by the film. However, he is enjoying a smorgasbord of Cricket, Golf and
Tennis on TV.
Barb and Con went to visit Joan
Collins who is a first cousin of Con. She lives in a retirement village in
Grovedale just outside Geelong. She has been working on the family tree for many
years and is a wealth of information on both recorded and anecdotal history.
Joan has provided a vast amount of knowledge about the Collins side of
the family and the direct line back to our earliest known ancestor, Daniel van Köhlen
who born in Holland. He was a ship’s captain, with the Dutch East India
Company and he married a quarter or half caste Balinese, or more likely
Javanese, woman, Cornelia Blaghurst, in the early 1800s. We only know about one
of their children, the first Cornelius Charles. His surname was changed from van
Köhlen to Cullens and in the
next generation, it became Collins and that name has stayed with us until today.
Collins Family
On Christmas Day 2004, the Collins Family lunched with
extended family members and all came together as usual in the evening. Judy,
Renato and Dad had Christmas lunch at Gregory Lodge with Bridget.
This year we met at Con’s place in the evening to share Christmas wishes, presents and food. The tradition of taking a whole family photo, introduced and strictly policed by Joelle, continues.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Joelle and
Judy lead a “Silent Night “ carol to remind us of the true spirit of
Christmas. The grandchildren were left practically speechless by their very
generous present from Grandpa Con.
Bridget
Bridget’s nursing home had Carols by Candlelight before Christmas. On
arrival, Con, Judi, Renato, Barb and Paul found Bridget had been put to bed and
was fast asleep. So she missed the carols.
Bridget’s dementia medication has been reduced to a minimum and the
family is looking forward to her move to a new room with a garden/courtyard
outlook soon.
Barbara
Barbara is working on the family tree and the CollinsPlus
website and looking forward to a cruise early in February – pictures next
newsletter!
November-December 2004
Con
Family Boxing Day Golf for the Con Collins Perpetual Trophy will be held
this year on Monday 27th. This year we welcome Jessica to the fold and
hope she has many years of pleasure with us. Unfortunately Noel and son
will be away on holidays, we will miss them. Venue is at Ivanhoe Golf Club.
Bridget
Gregory Lodge additional accommodation is coming along like wild fire,
they expect to be finished next February. (Just after Dad sent me this snippet,
Mum’s wing of Gregory Lodge was flooded in the storms on Monday 6th
November. Some parts of the building that are now exposed to the elements
because the extensions were not securely protected from the weather and early
morning staff found themselves in 2cms of water. Luckily, the residents slept
through it all. Hurry up February!)
Bridget’s
birthday on 13/11/05 at Gregory Lodge Nursing Home.
You may recall that in the last newsletter, Judi was
contacted by Paula Bain who is an educator with Alzheimer’s Australia. Paula
presented at a two day leisure and lifestyle conference in November at the
Melbourne Convention Centre. It was organised by Total Aged Services. Paula’s
presentation was titled “But what about……….?”
Barbara
Barb and Con going to see Joan Collins early next year.
Joan has made quite a study of our family tree and will have very valuable
information to add to what we already know about our ancestors.
September 2004
Con
Con recently visited Bernie Grimes a teenage close
friend after nearly 50 years. He found Bernie has nearly 30 grandchildren
(almost 31). They had a great 3 hours of catching up and promised to meet again
in the near future. This is a picture of Con (left), Bernie (middle) and another
friend (Fred Smith) with Bill (Con’s brother) and Timmy the dog in the front.
Con and Cathy had a combined birthday celebration on 22nd
September. Con was 82 and Cathy was 40 a few days later. We celebrated at the
Waterloo Hotel.
Con took 40 old 78's records to "Memories on
CD" of Mentone, to be copied on to C.D. eg Begin the Beguine, Toselli's
Serenade etc. All old love songs! (If you would like a copy – contact Con)
Bridget
Bridget attended a hat parade and her hat was called “You
are my sunshine”
July
2004
Bridget
Bridget
has been featured as the special resident in the Gregory Lodge Nursing Home
newsletter. It’s a new feature
for the quarterly newsletter and Bridget is the first resident to be featured!
We used her biography from the website.
Con
Con has
been in hospital for tests and observation – twice in the last month.
Bear
Bear is
a highly intelligent dog according to a Canine IQ test. (Also check out the
information on the CollinsPlus Pets
Photo Album).
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