Little Red Tigers

Bobby and Angela attended their first Karate lesson today and had a lot of fun. Soon they will be big red tigers.

Now we just have to fill it.

We finally got a nice big (21 sq.ft.) stand-up freezer. We've wanted one for quite a long time. No more digging to the bottom of our old small chest freezer to find something.

Angela Graduates Grade Seven

In a nice ceremony at Harold Bishop Elementary, Angela graduated from Grade Seven with her Classmates today. We're very proud of our Angela and know she will do well in High School next Fall.

Life Near The Beginning

It was a pleasure to experience a little life near the beginning. Yesterday, Catherine and I attended the Christening of Zion Philip Dizon. This cute little Guy is the son of our friends Butch and Mae Dizon. It was a nice ceremony with a good Luncheon. Warm congratulations to the Dizon Family.

Tony Poulin "Heart of Gold"

It has been a sad week for the our Family. My Brother Tony passed away last Saturday, May 23, 2009. Tony was only 58 years old. This is a rare photo of me and my siblings: taken with us all together as adults. The photo was taken in 1980 at our Father's retirement party at Indian Rock (Naramata), B.C. Left to right: Michael, Alan, Tony, Dale, Kevan and Danielle.

Any one who knows Tony well will agree that he had a heart of gold. Gentle and true, always willing to help out. Tony, along with Kevan, took care of our Father for many years.

Tony fell off a ladder about a year ago and broke his ribs. He didn't see a doctor right away and developed an infection in his lungs. He went to the hospital later in bad shape and then caught that superbug infection: Staphlycoccus aureus that is highly resistant to antibiotics. He was in the hospital for a couple of weeks, treated and released. Three weeks ago, Tony had a stroke and was back in the hospital. The superbug infection had come back and had got to his heart, liver, kidneys and brain. Tony went into a coma and never came back to us. He died peacefully in his sleep late that Saturday night.

I love my Brother and will always miss him. Tony has gone to join our Mother and Father, and our Brother Alan.
Video attached January 4, 2010 "Long Ago and Far Away." This is a little video (Turn your sound up) I made with some old super-8 clips and photos of Tony and other loved ones not with us any more; Mom, Dad, Alan and my old girlfriend Holly. There's video of Jason's Mom and Dad (Before he was born). My Brother Alan... is Christopher's Dad. Some of us in the video are still around and still going strong! Some of you have seen this before and some not. It's for us to enjoy and remember.


"Good Times" Video

Lottomars is Back!

The venerable and fantastic Lottomars domain: http://www.lottomars.com/ is mine once again. I started this site back in about 1995 and had a lot of fun with it. But I had let the domain slip away. It was picked up by others who pointed it at some less than savory destinations because there are so many websites that have links to Lottomars. In fact, Lottomars was in the top 5% of the Web for having the most links that lead to it. I felt that I had lost something that belongs to me. A few days ago I noticed that the domain was free again. With the help of Tajh at Blaze Telecommunications - http://www.blaze.ca/ - I was able to acquire my old favorite website again. Thanks Tajh!

Holly McFadden

Long ago (1977) and far away from where I am now, I dated Holly McFadden. In fact, we ended up living together for a while. I let her slip away from me, as I was a bit of a rambler back in those times. I still remember her well and with affection.

I only recently learned of her terrible death and don't wish to say anything about this. I also remember Holly’s Family; Her Mother, Father and two Sisters. They were all very nice to me and treated me well. My heart goes out to them all, as I know they will miss her so much. Most of what I remember about Holly I will keep to myself. I will tell you that she was very beautiful, highly intelligent, and strong willed. She was the type of woman who makes a man out of a man. This is the only photo I have of Holly. She is with me and my Mother and Father. I cannot remember where it was taken, but I’m glad the photo includes her smile. I think that if this photo is here, somehow her Family will get to see her "back then." I will always remember Holly McFadden.

Video added January 5, 2010. Two short Super-8 movie clips from back in 1977 of Holly when we were at a Bellyflop Contest at the old Coachhouse Hotel in North Vancouver. We had a lot of fun that day.

I may have found Holly's sister Gail. I sure hope she and her sister Coral get to see this post.

Sammy on The Wall

Thanks go to the Guys from ConnectPro who installed Sammy up on the wall. An excellent job and just what I wanted.

Sammy Arrived

Our new TV arrived today. It's name is Sammy (Samsung). Sammy is beautiful, tremendous, big and fantastic. 52 inch, 1080p, 120 hertz and so real, it is freaking me out. Sammy cost a lot of money, but worth every penny. It will be mounted on the wall next Saturday.

I hooked up an older PC to it and Sammy is now effectively a 52 inch computer monitor too.

Thanks go to Gurmeet at Future Shop in Burnaby for a good deal and excellent service. The Delivery Guys were super. They moved my old TV upstairs for me (Thing weighs 248 lbs.)

Angela Egyptian

Angela likes to write her name in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

Fifty-seven going on Forty-two

I was almost always tired and sleepy, especially when driving. I would fall asleep after about 30 minutes when watching TV or reading. I would get headaches almost every day and some nights. It was sometimes like I had been drugged. I snored very loudly too - I was famous for it. Also and perhaps the worst thing was that I was frequently grumpy and irritable.

I finally told my family doctor and he had me tested for sleep apnea.

"The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed; of the three, obstructive is the most common. Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer."

The test clearly indicated that I have sleep apnea. So, for the last two months, I have a machine beside my bed that pumps air into my nose when I'm sleeping. I have to wear a mask over my nose with straps around my head. My Wife and Kids laughed when they saw me with it on. It's quite intrusive, but well worth a little discomfort.

I don't snore now. I have not had a headache in over a month. I'm not tired all the time anymore. I'm not "Mr. Grumpy" at all. If fact, I feel better than I have in the last fifteen years.

If you have the symptoms that I had, go and get tested. . . don't put it off.

Girlie's Sun Run 2008

Girlie completed the Vancouver "Sun Run" Marathon in 2008. Way to go! We're all very proud of her!

We may have Jazz

Yes, Angela is taking "Band" in Grade 7 - the photo explains everything.

VERY PRACTICAL

Given a choice between diamond earings or new set of pots for her birthday present - which do you think Girlie picked?

Young Girlie

Catherine's nick-name is "Girlie." (In case you didn't know) We received this photo today from her Mom and Dad in the Philippines today. Girlie can't remember, but we guess she is "Sweet Sixteen" in this photo.

The Newest Poulin

My Nephew Jason and his wife Kassandra have a new baby boy; Kingston. He's the newest Poulin and good looking too! (It's hereditary). Bobby and Angela hope to see their new 2nd Cousin soon!

PEACH PIE

I rarely ever bake anything. So, this super peach pie is a special event. I only have to wait for it to cool off and . . . Yummy!

Horse Valley

Let's see if anyone can figure this one out. . . as in, what does this have to do with my name?

Sleep Over

Our Angela went on her first sleep over - at a School-Mate's birthday party. This was Angel's first night away from home, other that with family or close family friends. She left us a note. . .

FEE FI FO FUM

I sold the cow for some magic beans. Planted them and a very huge bean stalk grew up to the sky. Climbed up and found a immensely large house. In the house was the biggest and best "Home Theater" system I've ever seen. If you see a really big dude saying, "Fee Fi Fo Fum, where's my remote?" - don't tell him I've got it.

Fun on Ebay

Okay. . . now all I have to do is sell 50 used microphones on Ebay!

Not Too Old

Angela and Bobby are not too old to still play with a cardboard box.

Helen and Gordon Gemmill

These nice Folks are my old friend Karen's parents. Sadly, Gordon is not with us anymore. I've known them for 30+ years. There's not too many people on this Planet that have been nicer to me than The Gemmills. When I was in a bit of financial trouble at Parksville Insurance Agency, because of a cockroach thieving partner, Helen lent the business quite a lot of money and asked nothing in return - not even interest! Helen is the only person I ever correspond with in writing by mail. It's no mystery to me where Karen got her abundant grace and charm from.
Update March 21, 2015: Helen Gemmill has recently passed away. I'm going to miss this Grand Lady, but she had a good long life and will be lovingly remembered by many people.

Bob & Rosanne Johnston are Grandparents!

This is Bob and Rosanne's Daughter; Alesha's Baby, "Xavier" - Born October 13, 2007. (That was a tough sentance!) CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL. Two observations: Cute little Guy and Bob always reaches life milestones before me.

Ebay Store Closed

I closed my Ebay store: DKP Ventures. New lesson learned: it's possible to loose money while sleeping!

Dale's New Car

I bought a new 2007 Toyota Matrix today - fully loaded - a very nice little car. The very best part; 40 mpg city / 45 mpg hwy - yeehaw!

New Laptop PC for Dale

I bought a very nice HP Laptop just for me. It's Super-duper! Does everything but cook dinner. It's not as fast as our home PC, but having "Wireless" access to the Internet more than makes up for this. The good part: I'm the only one that uses it!

Opened an EBAY Store Today

DKP Ventures. Yes. . . I want to make money while I'm sleeping! We'll see how this goes. There not much there now to look at. But, watch out! I'm going to be one of those EBAY Millionaires!

Our Pals Father's Day Look-a-Like Photo

Here's a great photo of our Pals: Zen and Robert. We spotted it in our local Newspaper's Father and Son Look-a-Like Photo contest for Father's Day. Good One Guys!

Burst Hot Water Tank

You sure don't want this to happen to you on a Sunday! It's a good thing we were home and not too much water leaked out. It was still quite a clean-up job. ADVICE: once your hot water heater is past it's waranty, start getting quotes to replace it.

Vancouver Aquarium

We had an excellent visit to the Vancouver Aquarium at Stanley Park today. The "Fish" in this tank were so cute, we brought them back home with us.

Kidney Stone

You definitely do not want to have one of these! I was getting ready for work last Friday and suddenly I'm in serious pain - in my back, on the left side, below my rib cage. It would not go away. In fact, it got worse; came right through to the front like a kick in the groin. I was home alone and didn't think I could drive. I called an ambulance and ended up in Surrey Memorial Hospital for the day. Had a CT scan and about 2:00 p.m. I was told I had a kidney stone, given lots of pain killers, told to drink lots of liquids and sent home. I passed the stone at about 9:30 p.m. and the pain was completely gone. I'm supposed to call a Specialist on Monday. The Ambulance Crew and the Hospital Staff took very good care of me. I went to Costco on Sunday and bought $25.00 worth of pens (nice ones) and gave them to the Staff in the Emergency Ward of Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Worse Than a Root Canal

I work in an office. The worst injury I should expect is a paper cut! Getting my finger slammed in a heavy desk drawer, on the first day at a new job, was no fun at all. It's very sore and just will not stop hurting. You get the photo to see and cringe at.

Road Race Set

Bobby's Christmas present took over three hours to put together! It was well worth it though, my little Guy really likes it. Angela won't admit that she likes it too (because it's a boy's toy) The set is much better and bigger than I ever had as a young boy. . . so Dad gets to play with it too. I'm just not looking forward to the disassemble job!

Two Parrots

Just when we are having about the worst Winter weather ever here. . . we get this photo from Cousin Ed! He's in New Zealand at Rurakaka Beach - Two Parrots. (Maori) Ed, I'm putting a snowball in the freezer - for your next visit!

NEW & OLD

Our Family had the old green Kenwood mixer since about 1956 an it served The Poulin Family faithfully all through the years. Many, many potatoes got mashed by this machine! Sadly, we said good bye to the old machine and it's gone to old appliance Heaven; a Salvation Army Thrift Store in Surrey. We now have our new KitchenAid Artisan and Girlie is very happy. There a whole lot of baking going on, here at our house!

Big Ten

Our Little Girl is a "Big Ten Year Old" now. Angela and Friends, with little Brother, went to see the movie, "Happy Feet." There was a party with pizza and cake after.

Glasses for Angela

Angela had to get glasses today; just for reading. We hope this will stop the headaches she's been getting. I've had headaches all my life and I sure don't want my Daughter to be the same as I in this regard. Angela can see her reading material much better now. We're all happy about this. To my little nightly sneak reader, "don't fall asleep with your glasses on!"

21st Century

It's time to retire my old cell phone. It's been serving me faithfully since 1998. My new cell phone is quite a marvel. . . does everything except the dishes! Thanks go out to Brad Jefferson for helping me join the 21st Century.

Media Room

Our Media Room is starting to get set-up nicely. The addition of a 10" Sub Woofer made quite a difference to the overall sound; much better. I've used older large wooden speakers to make up the rest of the 6.1 sound and they work very well; much better than little metal or plastic speakers. Next, I'll install a real good center speaker.

New SONY 6.1 Home Theater Receive

Got this nice SONY Receiver today and will be hooking it up soon. 6.1 and 100 watts per channel - it's going to be nice! Now all I need is some good speakers.

Lesley's Nice Leather Couch

It only took 5 months, but I finally got this nice leather couch I bought from my Pal English Lesley. The darn thing will not fit down the stairs to my basement - for my Home Theater Room. . . double rats! But, hey. . . it sure is nice to lay on!

TV Stand Built

I finally finished building the stand for our Sony Wega 36 inch flatscreen TV. It was quite a task, considering I haven't done any carpentry since 1977. I had forgotten how much I dislike painting. There will be three matching shelves right above the TV to hold DVD, VCR and Sound System. My extensive collection of Video Game Systems will be below the TV, when I'm finished.

Bobby Graduates (Playschool)

They're Graduating earlier and earlier! Oh. . . and it's not Playschool, it's Pre-Kindergarten - thank you very much! Anyway, it is a terrific photo of my little Guy. Way to go, Bob!

Father's Day 2006

As my Children, Angela and Bobby, start to grow up a little - it's a real pleasure on Father's day. Their bright eyes and piping voices make me realize how lucky I am. I think a lot about my Father too. It's been six years since he passed away. I will never stop missing him. So Guys, make these day count and don't waste them. . . we are all mortal.

A Visit With Bob Johnston

I had a visit with my Friend Bob Johnston in Oliver, BC last Saturday, with Catherine, Angela and Bobby. We did get to see Bob's pretty Wife Rosanne later in the night and we saw one of his Daughters to briefly. I had not seen Bob for about 3 years and it was a real pleasure to hang out a bit with him. I had almost forgotten the sound of his voice and his most excellent laughter; this cheered me up a great deal. I was feeling a bit down because of problems with my employer. This visit with Bob was the tonic I needed to pick me up a bit. Thanks Bob!

Chantal Graduated

Last weekend our Family took a trip up to Osoyoos and Oliver to see our Darling Niece Chantal Graduate from Osoyoos Secondary School. Chantal, we hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known. With much love from Angela, Bobby, Catherine and Dale. PS: your can see more photos of Chantal at http://www.imagestation.com - just search albums for Mathieu.

Catherine had fun!

Catherine had fun yesterday at a wedding we attended (see previous post) This is such a nice photo, I just had to get it displayed.

James & Korina got Married

Catherine and I had a good time yesterday at the Wedding Reception for James & Korina Manaloto. "May God be with you and bless you. May you see your children's children. May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward." You can see more photos at imagestation.com - search albums for Manaloto.