Author Archives: Al Zylstra

Our latest project has finally taken shape. When we moved here back in 2013, we saw our backyard as a tiny oasis full of possibilities. It was, at the time, a veritable jungle of weeds, vines, morning glory, dead and dying shrubbery. I had my doubts but Alex saw the potential! The yard was notContinue reading “Greenhouse ahoy!”

When Alex and I first moved to our current abode back in 2013, one of the first things we put in the backyard was a small pond. We found a small round pond shell which we put in one corner of the yard. It was cute and was big enough for 4 or 5 smallContinue reading “We have Pondage!”

When the Pandemic of 2020 hit the world, everything and I mean EVERYTHING came to screeching, grinding halt. It has been felt around the world and it is just now that things are SLOWLY (ever so slowly) coming back to a semblance of normal. My gigs as a Stage Manager evaporated. The play that IContinue reading “My newest gig”

So, this heat wave has taken its toll on residents of the Lower Mainland. I am sad to report the loss of a dear, sweet neighbour of mine and Alex. Alex and I met Maggie and her husband shortly after we moved into this complex back in 2013. They welcomed us with open arms andContinue reading “RIP Maggie”

So, on top of being the best person in the world to take care of me and all my foibles, my husband rocks at gardening. Since 2013, when we first moved here, he has taken a bare patch of grass and weeds in the back yard, a disaster of a front yard and two non-existentContinue reading “Alex’s Green Thumb”

June 8, 1949. That was the day that my parents were married. Thinking of my amazing parents on this day. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

So, the city of Surrey, BC has, once again ignored the residents of Surrey and are planning on building a road through one of the most pristine parks in the region.

April is one of those months that I have become very ambivalent. Spring is here, the flowers are up and there is a warm feeling in the air. But, April also is the month where I miss my Mom and Dad. Dad’s birthday is on April 20 and Mom’s passing was on April 22.

Our household has grown again. After the debacle of the four big comet goldfish constantly harassing our big female goldfish…. they were banished to our pond in the backyard where they are THRIVING. In the meantime, I found that our big girl was feeling lonely. So, back to Craigslist I went. Found our newest additionsContinue reading “Meet the new family members”