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!