June, 2021 Mum & Dad’s place, Cairns, Qld (Jodie & Bryon's wedding)

 

2^nd – Met Julie in Malanda to have a look at Ozcare Aged Care facility. Met Mary English (old Malanda family) who is now managing it. She remembers having Dad’s brother, Thorold here!!

After chatting for a while she said she has a room available if we would like a break and give Dad a holiday there for a couple of weeks. Bit of a rushed decision but we decided it would be good to try and that way we can see how the facility is too before deciding where his long term care will be. I hadn’t really thought about the dates but agreed on Wednesday the 9^th. As it turned out, Mum must have been guiding us for on the afternoon of the 9^th Terry and Erica are arriving by train for Jodie’s wedding on the weekend. We will be free to be able to stay with everyone in Tinaroo and know that Dad is safe.

On the way home I got a phone call from Qld Health as I had rung up to book in for the Covid vaccination. We had decided to get it over with as they were offering the Pfizer one at the hospital and that is only a 3 week break between the two week injections. We figure we will need proof to be able to travel in the future.

5^th – Sorted out Dad’s clothes etc for his ‘holiday’.

I had put my big pine glory box, that Steve had given me, up for sale. A chap wanted to have a look so I went downstairs to empty it and give it a wipe over. I had already tossed all the old newspapers and bits that has been stored in it for many years. Now to go through all the scrap books etc. One was of cards from our engagement then our wedding, my 21^st and then more birthdays and anniversaries. Very interesting reading them all again and remembering people, especially those who are with us any more in person. There was my Miss Cairns one and another for the year I ran the contest then one of my trip to New Zealand that was my prize for Miss Cairns. Can’t throw those out yet. Another one was of Anthony, our son who passed away between the two boys. That set off a lot of tears as I read all the lovely letters I received from family and friends and looked at his little footprint and photos. Needed a good cry obviously.

Steve finished installed the diesel heater and its fuel tank and it works! Will be very nice when we are in those ‘cold’ places, anywhere south of here that is!

6^th – Mum’s cousin, Wendy Morgan in Sydney had passed away on the 16^th May and my second cousins decided to have a Zoom chat online. I got an Ipad off Greg and set it up and got it to work. We could have 9 faces on the screen out of the 12 that were online so it was great to see everyone and listen to all the stories.

Warrick and his daughter Rebecca & Judy (Eadie’s children), Judy’s daughters, Tanja and Melissa with her husband David and daughter Nina; Dianne and her father Ron Taylor and his sisters Janette and Betty; Jim Taylor’s daughters, Linda and Judy; Joyce (Taylor)’s daughters, Carolyn and Jenny. Wendy had been a big part of their lives down there. Tanja who had organised it put up a slide-show of photos and I had sent some down of Mum as they wanted to remember her as well. It was a lovely idea and we chatted away for a few hours. I had this photo of Wendy (left), Mum (right) and Auntie Eadie in the middle (youngest sister to Mum’s dad).

7^th – Mum and Dad would have celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary today – Wow. Sadly Dad doesn’t recall anything. 

9^th – Loaded up the car and Dad and I set off for Malanda. I said he was going on a holiday. He had asked yesterday, had he been here the day before, so hopefully he won’t be disturbed about going to a new place. 

Julie met us there and we were taken to his room. Nice and roomy and he can walk straight outside to the garden. Julie took Dad for a wander while I unpacked. He can’t have his walking sticks here so we brought up Mum’s walker. Emily the RN came and we went through all the details etc while Dad nodded off in the chair. So far so good.

The staff are lovely. It was nearly lunchtime so we took him to the dining area which is close to his room and introduced him to a couple of men there. Dad asked them where they were from so that was promising. They served his lunch and we were just holding it together so we left him to eat and settle in. Had a good cry outside then drove around to the café for some lunch ourselves. We feel the same as when we left our kids for the first day of school except we won’t be picking him up in the afternoon.

Back down the range to home and picked up Steve so we could get Erica and Terry from the train station. It was delayed. Margit’s mum, Elizabeth was there has her sister was coming on it too for Jodie’s wedding. Margit turned up too so we had a nice chat with them while we waited. 

Drove up to Jon and Annalise’s place to show Erica and Terry their home then headed back home for dinner. Brian came after volleyball then took them home to his place. 

10^th – We picked Erica and Terry up and went to Cazaly’s for a play on the pokies. Well Erica and I had a play, Steve and Terry had a cuppa and sat and chatted. We had a nice win so we broke even. Erica had put a Keno on and won $14 so that was a good finish. Maralyn and Greg were in town so they arrived at lunch time. I had to go to work to help with the pack up for Sports Day tomorrow so I left them all there chatting.

Put the cross stitch I had made for Jodie and Bryon’s wedding into the frame. Nothing like leave it to the last minute! 

11^th – Sports Day at Barlow Park. Back in 2014 it was in August and it was the last day I worked and the day before we left in the van. Busy day but it was cool and overcast so the drink sales were down unfortunately. That meant we had to cart them all back to Tuckshop.

Back home to toss our clothes etc in the car and head up the range to Tinaroo. Brian had a 3 bedroom apartment in the resort so we decided to take him up on his offer for a room instead of taking the camper up. Erica and Terry are with him and his son Sam.

We stopped in Tolga for dinner at a café just down the road from Grace and Fred’s place. We wandered up to say hello while we waited for our burgers and chips to be cooked. Must say the Cottage Café made the best chips ever and the burgers were huge.

Brian met us at the resort and we parked next to the reception area. All the young ones were there having a great time so said hello to everyone and gave the Bride and Groom a hug. We walked across to the apartment then with our gear – very handy. The apartment is nice and old worldly and very comfortable. David, Amanda, Ben and Ella were in the one next door. Jon and Annalise were on the other side of the complex. Dan and Fran are coming up tomorrow. 

I wandered back to the young ones for a photo. Last day as a Geck for Jodie. They all laughed when the flash didn’t go off but I think it took a better photo than the one with the flash.

We had a great night chatting. 

12^th – All quiet in the apartment so Steve and I headed off for a walk along the lake edge. Heavy mist hanging low. Jodie said she wasn’t worried it was overcast as she won’t have to squint when she is looking up into Bryon’s eyes.

 

Zoomed in on the Dam wall. Didn’t quite make it over with the last lot of rain.

Found some history plaques on our walk.

 

On one plaque on the ground it says “In 1884, ‘He is said to have found tin and shouted Tin! Hurroo!’ Thus the name of ‘Tinaroo’ came about and is still used today.”

We have both spent many holidays around Lake Tinaroo. Steve remembers on camps when the dam was low they would walk across to the island and camp on it.

As we headed back for breakfast we could hear a lot of laughter and realised it was the girls getting their hair and makeup done. Stephanie was on the balcony.

Heading back to our place I took a photo of the pool and the reception area behind it.

I had been going through some old boxes at home and found all our cards. These ones Jodie made for me so I brought them up to show her.

I got out the cards and we played cards in the morning with Sam.

I walked over to Jodie’s apartment with the garter that Erica wore in 1957 then myself in 1983. I had forgotten to check the elastic but it was ok for a photo.

I had made Margit a purse for her wedding in 1998 and had reminded her about it. She found it and now they can start their own tradition and hand it down through the family. It still had the wish bone, horse shoe and dollar coin in it – I had forgotten about those.

It was quite chilly so Steve got the fireplace (electric) working 

After lunch we all got ready for the wedding. I helped Brian and Sam with their flowers and pocket hanky then took their photos.

 

Brian headed over to Jodie so I got Sam to take a photo of us.

 

Grandad was having problems with his tie so Sam helped him out.

Erica and Terry came downstairs so I got them to pose in front of the fireplace too.

I had dug out my court shoes which have been in a bag at Jon’s and then under the house here for a long time. They seemed to be in good nick. I even lent them to Rochelle to try on for her son’s wedding in August. Unfortunately just before we were to leave I saw black bits on the floor and realised the heel pad was falling apart. At least the wedding is outside on the grass so I wore them there and I had my sandals to put on later for the reception.

Met everyone in the BBQ area near where the wedding was to be. Unfortunately a light shower had passed over so the chap was busy drying off the seats. I had brought a towel just in case. Jon and Annalise arrived. I asked why he didn’t have his jacket on and he said he realised he was wearing the same as the bridal party (this was the suit from Benji’s wedding). He had a white shirt so he changed it to this light pink one (but it needed ironing – and I have a thing about ironed shirts!) I took a photo then sent him back to get his jacket.

 

Daniel was all good as he and Fran had been shopping so he was looking very nice today – hence the photo but the full length photo was blurry! 

We all took our seats. Bryon said for us to side on the right side so we can look at Jodie. I took a photo of everyone seated.

 

Got one of David and Amanda then Maralyn, Greg, Marijke, Bart, Mitchell and Kellie arrived – late but before the bride made her way down.

The celebrant welcomed us then asked us to turn off our phones and put our cameras away as Jodie and Bryon wanted us to relax and enjoy their wedding. I did until they were signing the register. The two mothers were the witnesses.

Luckily the rain stayed away for the ceremony and Mr and Mrs Dutton walked up the red carpet to start their married life together.

We all congratulated them. Brian was a very proud father.

We managed to get a group photo by the photographer then the rain started so we headed into the reception area for the family photos. (I got this one off the photographers FB page.)

I stood off to the side and got a nice one of Sam with his sister Stephanie and the other bridesmaid.

I took a couple too when the photographer was taking the family shots. Won’t get the whole Geck family one till Jodie gets it off the photographer. We were missing one member, Bradley, who had to do exams for his study in Maryborough. (Someone posted this one up on FB.)

Proud grandparents.

Brian with his children and his new son-in-law.

 

Margit.

The three Geck brothers with the bride and groom.

The reception room looked lovely. Lovely fireplace behind the bridal party to warm them up later.

Whilst Jodie and Bryon were off getting some more photos taken we all settled in on the verandah to chat over drinks and canapés so I wandered around taking photos and chatting with everyone. It is so great to be here with all the Geck family to be part of this special occasion.

 

I brought over my cross-stitch and everyone’s cards with money for the wishing well. I had asked Jodie if she wanted the cake decoration that had been first used on her grandparents, Erica and Terry’s wedding cake in 1957, then ours in 1983, then her parents Brian and Margit in 1998 and then by Erica and Terry again when they celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. I placed it behind their cake with a note about when it had been used. Lots of people read about it and took photos during the night. Erica pointed out later that I had put Stephen’s birth date 18^th instead of our wedding date 13^th – oops. 

We headed inside to find our seats before the bride and groom arrived. Snapped off a few more photos. Brian is very happy with his special cooler.

Mr and Mrs Dutton arrived and the bridal party took their seats. 

Dinner was served which was very nice.

Amanda, Erica and I went over for some photos with Stephanie and Jodie.

Brian started off the speeches. Lots of funny stories were told by the parents.

Jodie and Bryon cut their top cake – watch that knife Jodie!

Dessert was served and we could all take a cup cake too. 

The DJ got the music going and the bride and groom took to the floor then others followed. Daniel and Fran headed back to Cairns. We all had a great night and danced our feet off. 

13^th – Quiet morning with misty rain falling. Steve and I had breakfast on the patio and played some cards waiting for the others to rise.

Maralyn, Greg and Marijke called in before heading off for breakfast somewhere. Bart had gone back before the reception last night as Ryan had a down-hill bike competition at Smithfield today. Kellie and Mitchell were still resting as they had a ‘good’ night – no children so they let their hair down! 

Jon and Annalise called in before heading off as Annalise has work this afternoon.

Jodie, Bryon and Stephanie arrived. Jodie loved the cross-stitch. We chatted for a while. They are off to Maleny for a week’s honeymoon. 

We had lunch and then packed up. Drove to Malanda to visit Dad. Steve sat in the car reading as he hasn’t had a flu vaccination so he can’t come inside. Dad wasn’t in his room but his glasses were so I took them and went to find him. I heard a nurse call his name and found him heading to the dining room for afternoon tea. I got him seated and the lady brought him his coffee and cake and one for me too.

He has no idea who I am and seemed quite vacant. I showed him photos of the wedding to make conversation but he wasn’t interested. I mentioned visiting Grace and Fred and I got a reaction to that. It breaks my heart to see him like that but he doesn’t know and isn’t upset so it is all good. Didn’t help me though as the tears came about quickly. The staff were lovely and found me some tissues. The activities lady said he had had fun last night with the Country Music singing etc. Another nurse stopped to say he had had a nice shower and shave this morning. He had track pants, t-shirt and jumper on as it is quite cool in there but he was scratching his back. I gave him a scratch and said ‘I love you’, he replied ‘I love you scratching my back’. Oh well, better than nothing. The rest of the residents started to arrive for afternoon tea so I left them to it as the tears were not under control!

We drove back down the Gillies to ‘home’. Seems empty with Mum gone and now Dad not there too. I said to Steve that he should head up the Palmer this week instead of in the school holidays. I am worried Dad might need more help than just me when he comes back then before he left us. I rang the Covid vaccination office and swapped our appointments so Steve can go away on Wednesday. 

14^th – I went to work and Steve got a few more jobs done. Steve rang Mark and Heidi to see if Mark would like to come up the Palmer with him. We had met them in WA and they are in Cairns helping their daughter out with her café whilst she is having treatment for breast cancer. It was perfect timing and Mark was free and was very keen to go with Steve.

A lot hotter today – got up to 29 degrees. Big change from the cool drizzle on the Tablelands.

Kerry and Brian called in for a cuppa as they are up visiting her mother. Hopefully we can all catch up next year in WA goldfields. 

15^th – Went around to Brian’s to pick up Erica and Terry. I took Erica and Steve got Greg’s Tarago back and took Terry home. Erica and I went to Cazaly’s. Got her Qld Covid app working on her phone after Sam had uploaded it for her. We started off with a $56 win so put our money back in our purses and had fun playing with our profit. Lost some then won more then lost again. Ended up with $40 profit so that was definitely a good day out.

Malcolm rang, he and Kerry are coming up at the end of July so we will see them then.

Went back home for late lunch with Steve and Terry. We dropped them back to Brian’s for a rest while we headed into the hospital for Steve’s Covid vaccination. As I was there too I asked if there were any vacancies and they fitted me in. Lots of people getting the jab which is good and we are getting the Pfizer one which means we only after to wait 3 weeks for the next jab and it is 95% protection where the other one was only 65% and people have been getting blood clots from it. Steve had his first, no problem at all. I got mine – all good too. 

Headed back and picked up Erica and Terry for dinner as Brian has a volley ball thing. Jon helped Steve loaded Rick’s old stove on the truck so he can take it up to Rob’s lease with a lot of other bits and pieces he has been collecting for him. 

Mark and Heidi called in with some gear to pack in the truck. Greg called in with his solar blanket for Steve to use as ours hasn’t arrived yet. 

Jon and Annalise called in later to say farewell to Erica and Terry. Brian arrived and we said our farewells to Erica and Terry as they head back to Bundaberg in the morning on the train. We will go down for Christmas. 

16^th – Steve headed off to pick Mark up on his way out of town on their way to the Palmer River goldfields. Hope they have fun and find a few bits of gold.

The photographer from the wedding and others have posted up some photos so I put a few up myself. I got these ones of Stephanie’s page etc. 

Driving into town I spotted Sarah on the side of a bus (the left one) – advertising a show she danced in.

The nurse looking after Dad rang in evening to say Dad had had a fall. He had been outside in the garden and staff found him on the ground sitting with a grazed elbow. His walker was well away so he had obviously left it behind and probably lost his balance going off the edge of the path. She said there was no head injury and his blood pressure was good. 

17^th – I went to work. Nurse rang to say Dad had complained of a sore shoulder and couldn’t lift his arm so they were going to send him by ambulance to Atherton Hospital to have it checked out. First time he has been in an ambulance. I rang Julie and Greg to let them know.

I had lunch at Rebecca and Clive’s. They are heading over to New Zealand to meet their grandson, Spencer, at last now the travel bubble has been established – Covid issues. Rebecca and I went to the shops as well.

I rang Ozcare to see how Dad had gone at the hospital but he hadn’t come back yet. I rang Julie to get her to ring the hospital and just as I hung up my phone rang and it was the doctor at Atherton Hospital saying Dad didn’t have anything broken but there was a lot of calcification in his shoulder, which I guessed as his hips and knees are bad too. She will send him back to Malanda when they get an ambulance free. That’s good news. She said he was happy, had a sandwich and is polite. 

I went through Dad’s travel folders downstairs and found some letters Mum wrote to me and what I wrote back when they went to England in 1992. Such lovely things to read – just wish I had found them to read them to Mum before so we could have laughed about what we wrote. We have found lots of letters and Julie has scanned them all so we have them on our computers too. 

Ozcare rang to say Dad was back at the facility and was comfortable and happy. She said he was happy to have a ride in the Ambulance when they had picked him up.  

19^th – Two months since Mum has left us. The house still feels like she is here and I often look at her chair expecting her to be there.

I drove to Malanda and met Kaylene and Rick at the markets. They are having a weekend break in Yungaburra. I bought some homemade Rosella jam for Dad and Di Morrissey book about the Kimberleys – it might be fictional but she includes a lot of true history so will be good to read before we head over next year. She did two on Broome which were great and one on the Palmer River Goldfields after seeing Frank and Leo’s place on the North Palmer. 

We went back to the old Milk Factory for a cuppa and scones at the café. They have a small museum so we popped in for a look. Will have to come and spend more time reading all the information. Took a couple of photos on my phone – my camera works better.

I had found an engagement and wedding card that Kaylene had given us so brought it up to show her again. Interesting to read what she wrote back then. 

Said bye then headed around to Ozcare to visit Dad. I found him walking without his walker so said hello and he gave me a kiss and we chatted about the plants. One of the staff found his walker so we went for a wander along the path through the garden. It is a long walk around the whole ‘secure’ area. We headed back as it was nearly time for lunch. I got him settled then left him eating his lunch. At least I didn’t cry this time. 

On the way home I stopped at the Crematorium to check on Mum’s plaque. All good. 

Jon rang for a lift into town. I stopped at Pete’s first to give him the frozen pumpkin soup I had made out of the pumpkin he gave us recently. We had a drink and chatted then I went around the corner to Jon and Annalise’s. They were heading into town with friends to celebrate Annalise’s birthday which is tomorrow. She loved the present I got her which was nice.

20^th – Annalise’s birthday today. Sent her a text hoping she didn’t party too hard last night and is enjoying her birthday today! 

We have been having a few hot days – 29 degrees maximum and quite warm nights too then today the cold change arrived – well 24 degrees so into my slippers, long pants and cardigan for the day - we are such sooks up here!

I warmed up by baking some biscuits for the boys and Anzacs etc for Dad. 

21^st – Anthony would have turned 30 years old today. I dug out his scrap book and read all the lovely cards we received and the diary I wrote. Made me cry but I think I needed a good cry.

Quite cold this morning, 7am 15 degrees but I warmed up quickly as I started pulling everything off the walls etc ready for when Julie and Tash arrived to spring clean the house ahead of the ‘gathering’ on the 4^th July. 

Jon and Annalise called in to pick up his fudgy-wudgy biscuits I baked yesterday. Annalise is making pumpkin soup so they invited me over. She is such a delight and they are so happy together. 

22^nd – Last day of work for me this term. 

Steve came home in the late afternoon. Had a good time but the grass was very high making detecting very hard. Mark was happy to explore the area and they both brought home some little nuglets. 

Steve took some photos of Rob’s new camp area and the shower he and Rick helped make the last time they were up there.

23^rd – Steve and I drove up to Malanda and met Julie at the Dairy Centre for lunch. We then headed around to Ozcare to pick up Dad. 

He was just finishing lunch and was in a bit of a mood but Ricky was great and whilst we packed his gear she got him ready for the trip back to Cairns. He wasn’t helpful about getting in the car (nearly put him back into care!) but eventually he got in so Steve took him for a drive while Julie and I discussed things with Mary, the manager. She has a room free so we decided this is the right time and we booked him in from the 12^th of July so he can be home for the ‘gathering’ and his birthday on the 8^th.

Back home again but he wouldn’t get out of the car. We made a cuppa and sat in the garage until he was ready – took an hour. Once inside he seemed to sense he was home and even knew where the toilet was etc. 

Greg came over for Chinese and to see Dad. 

I had bought a sensor alarm used for carports so when Dad he got off the bed it would wake me up. Worked well – up at 3am so I was able to change him and get him back into bed in half an hour. 

24^th – Dad slept in till 10.45 – making us check on him constantly just in case! 

He was fine when he woke so we got him changed and fed him his ‘brunch’ in the lounge room rather than the dining table as getting up down off the dining chairs was becoming a problem even before he left for respite.

25^th – Daniel called in to see Papa. He was happy to chat which was nice. Fran hasn’t been well so I gave her present to Daniel. We said things will start moving once Dad goes into care so he will get onto the jobs we need for the camper as soon as possible.

26^th – Fran’s birthday today. Sent her a text hoping she was feeling better. 

Kaylene and Rick called in for a cuppa after lunch. Jakob and Anna arrived too asking if we had old safari suits for Jakob to use for a 70s party tonight. I had one of Steve’s in the glory box which fitted him. 

27^th – Jon called in with Bandit after they had been to Bunnings. The staff loved Bandit and gave him a Bunnings coat – All a dog needs is a Tradie, it said. Dad thinks he is great too and Bandit had his undivided attention while he ate his breakfast, hoping for a bit of toast, which he did get.

I got Dad into the kitchen after Jon left to give him a haircut, then a shave and then he agreed to have a shower so he is all neat and clean again.

Heated up some pumpkin soup and Steve made toasties for lunch as it is still overcast and cool. 

Greg came over early, 3pm, so we could attend Steve and Wendy’s surprise 40^th wedding anniversary party at Kewarra Beach.

We walked through the resort onto the beach where there is an open area on the top of the beach with tables and chairs, food, drinks and a band. Great setting. Steve and Wendy were very surprised as their daughters Cassie and Kimberley arranged it secretly. Had a lovely couple of hours chatting with them and their family and friends.

28^th – Dad was up early so once he was settled in his chair I ducked out to do a few jobs. Julie rang after checking out recliners in Atherton. She found a nice one for Dad and has arranged to have it delivered on Monday, 12^th when he goes back into care. 

I picked up Mum’s ashes ready to scatter them on Sunday morning. It is very heavy – they lady said most people are surprised but it is the bone marrow that makes it heavy.

Just before lunch Dad went into his room and sat on his bed reading. I started making lunch and when I checked on him he was asleep on top of the covers.

Dad slept til 5pm. He had woken twice and I suggested he get up but the answer was ‘Nope’. 

I fed him his lunch with his afternoon drink of ginger beer then we had a late dinner which he ate too. Nodding off in the chair by 9pm but wouldn’t move. Eventually at 10pm I got him into bed. 

29^th – Rain during the night and overcast. 

Covid is striking again. Because a clerical staff member of a Brisbane hospital has tested positive and she went up to Magnetic Island the Premier has called for a 3 day lockdown from 6pm tonight for SE Qld and Townsville – it is going wild in NSW after Vic had another bad session. That will stop Roald and Joan from coming up on Friday, unless they can change their flight to Saturday. Dennis was in Brisbane so hopefully if it is lifted on Friday he can still fly up on Saturday. Very hard to make any plans. Luckily we haven’t had to worry like the people in the big cities having to wear masks etc.

Started raining about 6pm. Watching Youtube videos on travelling along the Gibb Road which is what we want to be doing next year. 

Joined Valerie and Christine for a chat and cuppa at Valarie’s place. Don’t have any cross-stitch to do so just enjoyed chatting and eating Valerie’s delicious desserts. 

30^th – More rain during the night and still drizzling rain. 

Dreary wet day to end June. Heard from a couple of people who were going to be away for the gathering on the 4^th but now Covid has struck they will be in Cairns so we will be seeing them. 

The intercooler has arrived for Smokey. Once Steve has put that on he will get it ‘tuned’ up. Steve has been finishing off a few little jobs on the camper. Waiting for Daniel to do his bits now.

A lovely lady bought my big pine storage box that Steve had given many years ago. Trying to cull now we know we love our life on the road.