Al Zylstra

Home Renovations are like hiccups – sometimes it feels like they will never end! (Part 2 of many, many, many parts)

So, one massive job done. Numerous more to go. *sigh After many painful and anxiety-filled hours, we got the deck finished! Who would have thought that ripping up the old indoor/outdoor carpet would be the EASY part? Removing the glue that bonded the carpet to the decking along with the rubber backing of the glueContinue reading “Home Renovations are like hiccups – sometimes it feels like they will never end! (Part 2 of many, many, many parts)”

The Lights of Broadway … er South West Marine Drive – A history of my involvement in theatre. Part 2

My next show at the Metro introduced me to another great director, Don Briard – Teacher extraordinaire. When I was approached to be his Stage Manager, we met at an event at the theatre. We seemed to hit it off right away by trading gentle, good humoured barbs at each other. Barbs? Actually, they wereContinue reading “The Lights of Broadway … er South West Marine Drive – A history of my involvement in theatre. Part 2”

Home Renovations are like hiccups – sometimes it feels like they will never end! (Part 1 of many, many, many parts)

Here we are in the middle of one of the more uncomfortable heat waves that Metro Vancouver has experienced in a while. There are even weather advisories out telling people to stay indoors, drink lots of water, stay cool and don’t do any heavy work outside. So, what are me and Alex doing? We areContinue reading “Home Renovations are like hiccups – sometimes it feels like they will never end! (Part 1 of many, many, many parts)”

Netherlands Bound – Yippee!!!!!

So, I am over the moon excited. Alex and I are heading to the Netherlands. We have been talking about this for over 15 years. We finally have booked our trip and it is going to be EPIC!!! I have upgraded my website so we can add video diaries every day! Our main base ofContinue reading “Netherlands Bound – Yippee!!!!!”

The Lights of Broadway … er South West Marine Drive – A history of my involvement in theatre. Part 1

So, about 10 years ago, I was trying to find something new to work on. The Rainy City Gay Men’s Chorus had folded and my one creative outlet had suddenly vanished. How was I going to spend my free time now? I was stumped. Then, out of the blue, I got a call from Miles,Continue reading “The Lights of Broadway … er South West Marine Drive – A history of my involvement in theatre. Part 1”

Weekend in Edmonton

So, here I am, back in Edmonton. My trips here are always a whirlwind adventure. I am never in one spot for very long before I dash off. I arrive late on Friday night’s – usually around midnight. A quick dash to the car rental agency, pick up the latest and greatest car ( whichContinue reading “Weekend in Edmonton”

Totes ma Goats

Remembering our Nykie

Nykie Zylstra was born in Happy Valley, China on approximately Christmas Day, 1998. He was one of approximately 6 puppies born in that litter. He was ½ Chinese Chow and ½ Keeshond. Both breeds are strong willed and very independent minded. Nykie seemed to have developed the best (and worst [grin]) of both…. Now forContinue reading “Remembering our Nykie”

Dragon Boat Festival – 2018

I am always thrilled to follow my bliss. One of my biggest thrills is to work as a Stage Manager. This year marks the 10th year that I have been involved with the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival. I am responsible for the World Beat Stage – Music Festival. I get to listen to someContinue reading “Dragon Boat Festival – 2018”

Wedding Memories

I know that my anniversary is a ways off, but, I stumbled across some of my wedding photos. These photos were originally posted on Facebook page. When I deleted my Facebook account, I was able to download my history. So, below are some of the photos from one of the happiest days of my life.Continue reading “Wedding Memories”