Author Archives: Al Zylstra

After 5 1/2 years of NOT using our ensuite bathroom, the renovations have begun. Alex and our amazing plumber, David tore out the phone booth of a shower. It took less than two hours to open up the shower, cap off the water and haul the shell away. It looks so much bigger in thatContinue reading “Bathroom renos on my mind…..”

Had another whirlwind visit to Edmonton over the weekend. Mom has been moved to a new facility: Lynnwood Extended Care Facility.  It is in the West End of Edmonton near West Edmonton Mall. A very nice facility, to be sure.  Open and airy.  Brightly lit with lots of things to see and do for theContinue reading “Visiting Mom”

So, after 5 1/2 years of enduring the master bathroom that is completely irrelevant to our needs, it was time.  Time to change it. Alex and I discussed it a couple of years ago and we started looking for new fixtures that would transform the bathroom from a space that I only used to brushContinue reading “Changes are afoot ….”

Today is a sad day in our household. Lucky, our rescued budgie has passed on. We never knew how old he was but, we had the joy of having him our in our lives for 5 1/2 years. Nykie, our previous furry family member, found him in our backyard on a cold, blustery day inContinue reading “Goodbye little feathered friend.”

So, on our last full day in the Netherlands, we chose to spend it with Nance and Tjalline.  I am so glad that we were able to connect with these two amazing people.  They welcomed Alex into the Zylstra family with open arms. Alex loves them, too. Instead of shopping (a decidedly good thing –Continue reading “Day 12 – Another visit to Alkmaar”

So, after two wonderful weeks in the Netherlands, it was time to come home. We got up fairly early had a leisurely full of tea and did our morning constitutionals in a decidedly unhurried manner. We checked out of our hotel and hopped in the rental car. A quick 15 minute drive and we wereContinue reading “Home sweet home …..”

So today, Alex and I headed back to Friesland to go and see Sneek.  This is where my Mom was born and grew up.  It is a beautiful little community filled with old buildings and canals. We got there after about a 90 minute drive – having to stop twice on the way there whileContinue reading “Day 11 – Sneek – Home of my mom”

After spending 10 days running at a frantic pace to try and catch everything we wanted and / or needed to see, Alex and I hit a wall – not literally – figuratively. So, we took a day just for ourselves and stayed in our room.  We had a quiet breakfast, watched a bit ofContinue reading “Day 10 – down day”

Today, Alex and I met up with my friend Pat and his daughter, Marina.  The four of us decided to spend the day  touring the museum district of Amsterdam. Rather than drive to them, Alex and I opted to take the train in to see them.  Brilliant idea, if I do say so myself.  WeContinue reading “Day 9: Amsterdam and Museums away!”

So, yesterday was one of the best days I have had in a long time. We picked up Nance, Tajlline and Nance’s boyfriend, Juergen and headed off to Friesland.  To get to Friesland, you have to cross the Afsluitdijk  A massive manmade structure designed to keep the ocean at bay. After that, we pulled intoContinue reading “Day 8: Friesland and home of my parents”