Al Zylstra

Happy Anniversary, Babycakes!

The easiest time to get the last word in

So, today marks the 16th anniversary of the day I said, “I do!” What a whirlwind adventure!

I cannot believe that I have been this lucky to have someone like this man in my corner and in my life. He has always been my staunchest supporter and a source of constant entertainment, anxiety, stress, joy, laughter and tears.

What’s not to love about this amazing man?

Where did October go?

I just realized that I hadn’t posted anything since the end of September. So much for my promise to myself to write more often. *sigh

So, a lot has happened during the last two months – so much that I have forgotten a large chunk of it. But, I do have some things that stick out in my mind:

In early October, I was able to make my way to Edmonton for one more trip. This one was filled with a sense of sadness. I chose to go to see my parents’ and sister’s grave stones. I did not have much input on the design of them, but, I do approve of them wholeheartedly.

During this trip, I was also able to hang out with Kathy and her fur-baby, Remi. We had so much fun wandering the Edmonton River Valley yakking about life in general and just taking in the scenery while Remi gambolled around making friends and trying to do as much as he could in the time he thought he had (we were there for a good couple of hours)

During this brief trip, I was also able to get together with my family. We had a great time and are most likely going to try to do it again in early 2020. Hopefully, I can bring Alex.

Welcome to Penticton

Part of my job is to go out and attend networking events, trade shows, health fairs and the like to discuss the IRIS Corporate Eyecare Benefits Program. This week, I was fortunate enough to attend the BC / Alberta / Yukon Convention for the Royal Canadian Legion in Penticton.

It is a very busy weekend for the Legion members as they select a new executive body. In between all the seminars, meetings and functions, there is time for the delegates to peruse the wide array of organizations that help support the Legion. I also got to hang out with one of our amazing IRIS managers, Clara from Vernon. She is definitely a great person to do these events with.

Hello Montreal

So, we are just arriving in Montreal. We have a 90 minute layover and then we are heading home. Can’t wait to be in my own bed again

Touring Halifax with Angela

Today, we spent the day with one of my favourite people on the planet: Angela. She is this truly amazing, wonderful person who I love with all my heart. She is brave, funny, fierce, loyal, kind and a truly wonderful soul.

She drove me and Alex all over Halifax to show us her home. It is such a beautiful place here.

Final day in Nova Scotia

Yesterday, Angela and her man, Glen took Alex and me for a drive to Lunenberg and Mahone Bay. What an amazing trip! The scenery is glorious and we thoroughly enjoyed the company.

Halifax – Day 3

So, the day started off great. Angela and I went for a long walk around a couple of lakes. Amazing scenery! Great company and a most invigorating walk. I have a goal of 10,000+ steps a day and last week, I didn’t meet that goal.

But, yesterday that changed. 13,623 step! Hooray for me. I have been walking for almost a year now and I have found it life changing. I get up every morning around 5:30 and take Phantom and Beau for an hour and a half walk. I put on over 10,000 steps in that time period. Everything else I add on throughout the day is just gravy!

Anyways, Angela showed me one of her favourite walking trails. I can see why she loves living here.

Welcome to Halifax

So, after the wedding, Alex and I checked out of our hotel and made our way over to Ashley and Dana’s. We stayed for a bit of the gift opening and then we were on the road. 4 hours later, we pulled into Halifax. We are staying with Alex’s BFF, Angela and her partner, Glen.

It feels like home. Alex is relaxing while I update my site. For the next few days, we will be traveling around Halifax checking out the sites and sounds.

Miramichi Wedding!!!!!

So, I have got lots to tell. It was a beautiful day even though the weather chose not to cooperate.

Alex has some incredible talents – he made all the flowers for the wedding including these corsages and boutinierres
Here are the before pictures of the flowers
The process has begun. I just sit back and take pictures
Table toppers – all done
Bouquet

The wedding day was cloudy but filled with joy

Now that is one proud papa

Signing his life away
Alex, Angela, Glen and an old friend of Alex’s
Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Lynch
Alex and the minister
Alex and Dana’s best man
Enjoying the day
Father of the Bride
Part of the wedding party
Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer – just rockin’ the hat and glasses
Apparently, Alex hand painted all the panels of this quilt which was presented at the reception to Ashley and Dana
Check out that TIE
Father / daughter dance
Proud parents
The Blushing Bride and her two dads!