CollinsPlus
E-news
Edition 6 August/September 2006
Editor:
Barbara Collins
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Collins Family News
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Social Events
Next Family Get Together
Next Family get together 8th
October at Graham’s place at Wantirna. BBQ lunch at about 1ish. Bring your own
everything. Let Barb know if you are coming and we can coordinate some shared
salads and sweets.
Con Collins
Con Collins is the Ground Zero man for this website.
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 Buble before they left. And
Mary rang to wish me a Happy Fathers Day!!!!!
Graham Collins
(Graham Collins is the first and only son of Con Collins who is the
Ground Zero man for this website. Graham
Collins Family)
Tyson Collins
Follow
Tyson’s European adventure in Tyson’s
blog. It’s great that he sends through so much information on his travels
so we can enjoy the adventure with him. I know his colourful tales give me
itchy feet! Here he is in Greece in front of the Parthenon. Have a look in the photo album
for LOTS more! Have a laugh over the last few blog entries – I don’t think he
will live that “Tyson evacuated a whole
carriage!!!!!!!” incident
down for a while.
Wade
Wade’s football team (Aquinas) finished 2nd on the ladder but lost in
the preliminary final. It was a sad day for the boys, but they had a very good year.
Wade sustained a very bad ankle injury with one minute to go in the preliminary
final - really unlucky. He's hobbling a bit at the moment but is on the mend.
Wade’s had a great year, and finished 7th in their Best and Fairest.
Darcy
Darcy's Grand Final was yesterday, and his team
(Knox) were the huge underdogs. Their opponents (Scoresby) were unbackable
favourites. Knox’s best loss to Scoresby during the year was in the 2nd semi
where they went down by 10 goals. However, you know the saying “a champion team
will always beat a team of champions”. It was a four point win to Knox against
all the odds - fantastic effort. Needless to say the celebrations went on till
all hours Sunday morning, which included Knox's presentation night. Darcy also
had a great year coming 2nd in his Best and Fairest.
Wade usually
Carly
I've just been working hard at the gym still, and training a lot as well,
but I have some fresh news for the newsletter. I've just become part of a new
Melbourne Dance Group called "Lush Dancers". It’s just starting out,
and it’s created from a modelling company called Lush Models. I vaguely knew
one of the models from there who's also a dancer, and it was her idea to start
the dance group, so she asked me first to be in it, and I've helped her recruit
the other girls. We are having only 6 girls in the group and have started
putting all our routines together already.
We are having a professional photo shoot in about 2 weeks, and get our
own personal portfolio to take away with us, all for free! Then we pick the
best photos to use for all our marketing things like pamphlets, the website,
t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. We
need to generate a lot of the work and promote ourselves, but the modelling
company that are funding us find us a lot of work too. We already have our
first performance booked, its on Oct
8th, Opening up the Fitness Competitions, I think at Crown. So we're
working hard on that at the moment. Costumes all provided too, its
unbelievable, we really don’t have to pay a cent for anything! All they ask is
that however much money we make at each event, we pay Lush Models 10%. Which is
fine.
The sorts of work we will be getting is like, opening up motor shows,
sporting events, nightclub openings, concerts, etc. Already have a lot of
connections sorted out. We just want to get our routines all down pat first!
Our photos go on the Lush Models website as a model, so we can pick up some
promo work too. If anyone is interested in having a look, you can go to www.lushmodels.com.au (Ed: 2010 Carly
no longer on this site)
I am on the Melbourne models link. (Barb has inserted Carly’s picture on
the Lush Models website below).
So yeah, finally, I’m getting paid to do what I love doing, performing!!
Rather than paying years worth of dance class fees, and going nowhere with it!
We are only just starting out, so will be slow moving at the beginning, but I
can see it growing - can’t wait!
The Zoch Family
Catherine Zoch is the 4th girl in the Con and Bridget Collins
Family. She is married to John Zoch. Go to Zoch Family page.
Jessica
A few weeks ago, I received DUX of year 11 for semester one along with about
six other girls on my year level; this basically meant that out of the 180
girls in Year 11, I was in the top 6 as far as my results went..... though they
weren't straight As - I got a B in business management - I was very proud and
so was mum and dad... I really hope to do the same at the end of the year,
despite the mounting pressure....
My progress on my personal assignment of pa (Con Collins) unfortunately is
slow. Though I have decided how the story will be set out. I will be writing a NOVEL
on pa, I will narrate it as if I were him, but it will be based on events and
occasions that happened in pa's experience in the war. A lot of work still
needs to be done, but at the moment school is very demanding, I hardly have
time to do the things I love!!!!! But I aim to finish it before I go back to
year 12!!!! It is my goal to have a published book before I leave my teen years
behind!
The main reason I wanted to do the book and doco was because I had been
studying the war earlier this year, and I knew pa had fought against the
Japanese but that was about all. I felt like I had a great hero in my family
that I didn't really know. I wanted to have something that would always remind
me of pa and I wanted to do it for pa, like a legacy. I think there is not
nearly enough recognition for the poor souls who fought for our freedom and the
least I can do is show people one person who will always be my hero. I have
also written poems and pa, it’s my way of imprinting him in my memory forever.
I want to write a book, so what better way to go about it than write on someone
special.............and yeah that's really why I'm doing this.
The Cabrera Family
Judith
Collins is the second girl in the Con and Bridget Collins Family. She is
married to Renato Cabrera. Go to the Cabrera
Family page.
Judy and Renato
Well Renato and I have not been doing too much.
The highlight of the month of August was Barb and Paul's wedding. It was a
beautiful day and they made getting married in a registry office very special.
They looked great together, the service was short it had lovely
readings, music and of course the very emotional vows. I was honoured to
be asked to be a witness to this loving union. I also did a reading and Renato
was the ring bearer. At the wedding reception we lived it up at the
Sofitel with a high afternoon tea, very posh and exquisite, then up to their
suite for drinks, speeches and the bridal waltz, and grand views across Melbourne
by day, capturing a sunset and all the lights by night.
We also had another special occasion - the
Christening of Lucas (2nd child) of Renato's neice, Patricia. The
church service was in Spanish and there was a grand Chilean celebration
afterwards.
We went to another one of those "HOMICIDE
an Investigator's Insight" fundraising nights. We took dad along
this time. Proceeds go to Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation. It is
an amazing night out and a great insight into all the
police/homicide detectives have to do to solve these crimes and also
how it effects their personal lives as well. They have a questions and answers
time too, for anyone in the audience that may have any little
puzzling questions about the case. They have a very nice supper which is included in the ticket price. Next year
they are thinking about having a night giving insight into all the Melbourne
ganglands and Mafia murders (that one will be right up Renato's alley).
We had a nice Father's Day with Dad and went out
to tea with him to MY2K Indian restaurant in Lygon Street Carlton. He likes it
there - we used to go with him and mum all the time.
Renato and I had a great night out recently. We
went to Croxton Park Hotel over 28s night. We had not been there for about six
years, we danced on and off all night until 3.00am. The next day I felt like as
if I'd run a marathon and felt 5 kilos lighter (that weight feeling didn't last
for long- unfortunately). We had a ball and decided that we will do it
more often, only not so late next time.
Renato now works on a Saturday Morning. He only
works for about an hour, but gets paid for three. He's up at 5am and home about
8am, and brings me breakfast in bed from the cafe up the street. How's
that!!!!!!!
Bear
I've been a bad boy and nearly got squirted with
the hose from a friend of the people who live next door, but my dad (Renato)
came to my rescue and saved me - and he really blasted this person and told
them if he catches them squirting me with the hose he is going to wrap the
hose around their neck. And all just
for barking!!!
I'm not allowed to have many bones anymore, but
I recently got a medium sized marrow bone and it lasted me about 2 weeks – but
the garden does not look too crash hot though!
The Deacon Family
Peter
Deacon
is the son of Mary (Molly) Deacon (nee Lennon) who is the youngest sister of Bridget
Collins (nee Lennon) who is married to Con
Collins. Peter has 2 sons –James and Mark.
Peter
and Judy
Judy and
I have just returned from the Gold Coast where we stayed overnight at a lovely
eco-resort island called Corean Cove http://www.couran-cove.com.au/ . Although it rained nearly the
entire weekend, it was nice to have a mini-break in such a peaceful and exotic
location.
James
Hi, my name is
James Anthony Deacon. I was born in Geelong, Victoria
in 1987. I lived there for 5 years before moving to Sunnybank in Queensland
because of the weather and also severe eczema I used to suffer from in
Victoria. I now live in Noosa with my Mum and step father. My parents divorced
7 years ago and my Dad, Peter, lives in Buderim with Judy. I also have one
brother, Mark, who is in year 12 and he spends most of his time at Dad’s.
I also
have a job at Woolworths working 32 hours a week doing produce packing. In my
spare time I like to go to the gym 4 times a week where I train for golf. I
also practice golf 4 times a week and play regular competition. I like to also
spend time at the villa near my place were I put some money on Keno. Besides
those hobbies I also enjoy music, watching videos and I can talk about sport
all day. My favourite band at the moment is Snow Patrol and I barrack for the
Broncos and Lions.
I am kind
of shy and can come across as a very serious person but once I get to know
people I enjoy their company. As I do have aspergers syndrome, I
find simple things harder to do but as I grow older I am coming to terms with
my problem a lot better. 2005 wasn’t a great year for me as I lost 80% sight in
one eye making golf and other things more difficult to do. This was devastating
as my golf career was on a high having reached a 5 handicap.
Anyway I
am about to move to a new Woolworths store which is due to open in October. My
Boss begged me to go there because he knows I am a good worker. I hope starting
in a new store will be exciting. Last year most of my high school friends went
in different directions – some went to university and others moved interstate.
I have had to make friends again from work and golf. This is frustrating as I
had to do the same when I moved from Brisbane to Noosa.
To wrap up, I will mention more about myself. Well, I have an Asian complexion as my Mum is from Malaysia and my Dad was born in Victoria. I am 185cm tall and 71 kg - I am a slender build. I passed year 12 but didn’t get the best results. Well I hope you know a bit about me now and next time I write a short auto biography. My dream is to one day become a golf professional.
The Teres Family
Paul Teres is husband to Barbara Collins,
daughter of Con Collins. Go to Teres Family
page.
Lisa
Lisa has
moved to Brisbane for a working holiday. Paul and Lisa drove up to Queensland
late July and Lisa is staying with her grandmother, Pauline, while she is on
her working holiday. She has a job with
a sports stadiums management agency.
Paul
Paul attended a Red Cross Award Ceremony
on September 10th and was awarded for 200 donations to the Blood Bank. Here he
is with the other people who have made 200 donations. Hmmm – they are all men.
Did you know that 30% of Australians will need a blood donation product some
time in their lives – but only 3% of Australians give blood. At the awards,
people spoke who would not be here if they had not received a blood product.
They thanked the donors for helping them live. It was very inspirational.
Barb
and Paul
We were married on 27th August 2006 at the
Registry Office in Melbourne. Here we are with our marriage certificate.
Click here for a story about our wedding and honeymoon
Joshua
Joshua Teres is now sitting up and starting to
crawl! Here he is at afternoon tea on Sunday 17th September. You can see that
he already has a keen interest in money.
See Josh’s blog at http://seretja.blogspot.com/
The Squires Family
Leo Squires is 2nd cousin on
paternal side to Con Collins (Jnr)
Leo
is at the start of a completely new kitchen for Jan. He’s doing it himself
in between, tennis, Probus and family demands. Their daughter (Anthea)
announced her engagement a couple of months ago. Wedding planned for March '07.
Happy birthday
to Benton Collins in August and Lisa
Teres, Con Collins and Cathy Zoch in September: Click
here for your birthday card.
If your birthday
falls in August and September and you are not on this list, email the
Editor and send in your birth date.
Have you heard of light therapy?
Light therapy has been recommended for quite a while now for
sufferers of SAD or Seasonal Adjustment Disorder. This disorder effects some
people as the seasons move from Autumn through Winter and these people become
depressed. You can read more
about it here. When Bridget first started to exhibit signs of dementia, her
mood would change as the afternoon wore on and this is a well known pattern
with dementia patients called ‘sundowning’.
At the time, I tried to find out if there was any research on the
internet that linked sundowning with the change in melatonin levels that is
thought to trigger SAD. I couldn’t find anything but Con has found this article and maybe there is a link
after all!
The hippo and the tortoise
"Much of life can never be explained but only witnessed."
Are
you a crackpot?
Funny Stuff
The
following conversation was heard between a teenager and God:
"How
long is a million years to You, Lord?"
"Oh,
about a second," He replied.
"Well,
how much is a million dollars to You, Lord?"
"Oh,
about a cent," said God.
The teen promptly
asked,
"Would
You give me a cent, Lord?"
"Sure
thing," God answered, "in a second."
This is
what happens when your dad is a graphic designer……
Sorry guys !
All websites featured in this newsletter are archived on the Links Page of the CollinsPlus site for future reference.
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Congratulations this month to ….
ü Congratulations to Jessica Zoch for received DUX of year 11 for semester one
ü Congratulations to Paul Teres for donating
200 times to the Blood Bank
ü Congratulations to Paul Teres and Barb
Collins for tying the knot after 14 years together
ü Congratulations to Wade Collins on coming 7th
in his football team’s Best and Fairest
ü Congratulations to Darcy Collins on his
footy team making it to the grand final and on coming 2nd in his
team’s Best and Fairest
ü Congratulations to James Deacon for his
extremely positive attitude in life – very inspiring
ü Congratulations to Anthea Squires on her
engagement
ü Congratulations to Carly Collins on her new
venture: the “Lush Dancers”
ü Congratulations to Jessica Zoch for
preparing to write a novel on Con
ü Congratulations to Lisa Teres on her new
job in Brisbane
ü Congratulations to Joshua Teres on almost
being able to crawl
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