Al Zylstra

So, it is Mothers day today. I am sad. Mom has been gone less than a month and I am trying to not grieve. I am trying to remember the amazing, strong, passionate, funny and loving person that she was.

It isn’t working.

So, I am in Kamloopsnfor a convention for The Interior Logging Association. This is an outdoor event. Good thing I dressed for it.

There are some massive pieces of equipment here.

Should be a fun event.

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Your smile made my heart feel lighter. Your laughter was infectious. You made me feel loved. You were my staunchest supporter. You were there when I needed you most. You welcomed Alex into our family with open arms. You held me to a higher standard. Thank you for being my mom.

Your later years after Dad and Anna left us were hard for you. You became lost and scared yet, your smile lit up the room when I came to see you. I wanted so badly to take you away from all the fears.

You are my mom. I love you so much. Rest now. You have earned it.

So, there is going to be a Zylstra family reunion in Holland next month. Alex and I had originally planned on going, but, due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to attend. This event is somewhat monumentous. It is a celebration of my paternal Grandfather, Hantje Zylstra.

He was killed on May 4, 1945 near his home in Bolsward, Friesland, the Netherlands.

This is the official invite. Now, I see where my father got his good looks.

Here is a brief history of my Grandfather. Apologies for the bad translation. My Dutch ain’t what it used to be.

Suffice to say, I am somewhat sad that I won’t be able to attend. There is still next year. Alex and I will be going back to Europe. This time for a longer visit and try to see more of Europe.

So, bit the bullet last weekend and cleaned out the pond. Wow! These feeder goldfish are HUGE!

Bought a new lighting system, too.

Next up: rebuilding the rabbit pen.

It is still functional but, needs a new front for easier access.

Phantom is feeling a little neglected.

Beau is lounging while we make all these plans.

These two are almost ready to spend their afternoons on the deck arguing with the hummingbirds.

And these two are loving their new home.

And lastly, this tank is looking happy, too.

Who am I kidding? I loved doing this show but, I am so happy to be done with it. I need the rest.

So, I have been reporting on some of the plays that I have been working on at the Metro Theatre since I got involved with them. I have more of them to add in the coming weeks, but, I wanted to write about my latest one: UP & COMING – written by Eric Chappel

Here is a brief synopsis of the show: Philip Conway, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House is attending a party conference. But, tipped to be the new party leader, his campaign for power is in serious danger of collapse. Visits from rivals, fellow conspirators and the all-too-attentive Vicky coincide keeping Philip on his toes; the world’s press is in the lobby; there are threats of assassination; students are rioting outside the hotel: an uncomfortable evening is the result! Who will get his – or her – just deserts?

Here are some photos of the cast

The show runs Thursday – Saturday – February 23 – March 9 with two Sunday Matinees – Feb 25 and March 4.

Tickets are quite reasonable for a show of this calibre.

The Metro theatre is located at 1370 Marine Drive, Vancouver.

February 20 is still and now, will always be a day that fills me with ennui. This is the day that I said “goodbye” to my sister.

Words escape me.

So, here it is, February 1, 2019. The 16th anniversary of my Dad’s death.

I just reread my previous post about Dad. I don’t honestly think I can expound on it any better than I did when I first wrote it.

Check it out – scroll down to Memories of my Dad