JUNE 2000

THE GILL NET LODGE
 Featuring
DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL AND LILLIAN KINGSTON
(And Guests)

Welcome to the month of JUNE Gill Netters!

Just eight weeks and it's REUNION TIME!
If you want to know the latest information as per the camp site, what you'll need, etc. please click here for
Mary Leslie's last 2000 Update..:)

Remember to receive your official Gill Net Lodge T-shirt at the reunion - you gotta post a message in here once and a while!

Click here to view all the notes from May and preceding months.To view the latest comments from your many relatives - just scroll further down this page.

Hey, I get to be the first entry in Gill Net Lodge this month!  I usually let it sit for a couple days and bestow the honour to someone else however I decided to take first prize considering the Gill Net Lodge turns out the lights in a couple more months...:)  Actually, I have no plans for the security solution's guestbook and it can't hurt to have it sit here and it would still be fun to check in once and a while.

Thanks for the update Mary Leslie and wow - Uncle George the overview provided was amazing - you all have done a tremendous amount of homework in ensuring a great union.  I am humbled by your exercise and hereby agree to follow all instructions that are bestowed upon me!  Actually I was considering bringing my guitar home and I have I since decided that I definitely have to bring it..:)

Was in Vancouver today for some meetings and took the ferry across the straight - it is an hour and a half ferry ride, really nice this time of year.  If you are lucky you get to see a pod of killer whales however no such luck today - despite getting soaked in the rain as I ran around the decks scanning the oceans..:).

John V

Hi all!!!

The first day of June has almost ended and nobody has posted to the Gill Net.  I'm a little disappointed in the Gill Net participation rate these days.  C'mon you guys, pick it up!!

It has been a long time since I posted to the Gill Net, if you ignore the shot I made about John's new truck.  If you exclude that one, this is my first post to the Gill Net since probably November of last year.

A lot has happened since then....

As John mentioned last month, I went to visit him in Victoria.  He had his digital camera and posted a picture of me at the Gill Net..... an awful lot of face in that picture!!!....I'm not sure if it's genetics, aging, or plain old lack of physical activity, but the little beauty I might have had once is slowly slipping away.  Researchers studying atttractiveness have found a strong correlation between attractiveness and symmetrical facial features.  I've never measured it but I think my nose is about 1/3 the way over from one ear..... Ah well, I guess I'll just have to survive on my character and it's a good thing I've got lots of that!!  If you look at the picture above of Sam Kingston, I think he's one of them 1/3 from the ear nose type lads too...

As I was driving back from Victoria a couple of weeks ago, I was listening to CBC radio.  It seems a judge named David Vickers in BC  had refused to sentence a particular offender to jail, because he had noticed a great deal of offenders brought before his court had been suffering from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and there did not appear to be any treatment available for this particular condition.  This is a true story.  I was quite surprised.... a Vickers - a judge?  Whoa!, that's taking things a little far, but then I remembered I had never heard the Vickers mention any David as a relative.  Then again, they could be taking care of their own....

I left my job at the pulpmill in Mackenzie in March and have been doing some contract work.  I was in Salmon Arm for three weeks in May.  I have also been doing a little day trading on  the stock market... it's a lot of fun.  I haven't beaten the market over the last year, but I have made money, and I have beaten the market over the last 3 months.  They sure have been interesting times to say the least.  The market opens at 6:30 AM here local time so I am usually out of bed and at my computer by then.  I watch ROB TV (Report on Business) and usually watch this until the market closes at one o'clock.  I'm addicted.

I read the agenda and list of activities for the reunion.  It looks like the workload is being shared and it doesn't seem too burdensome.  I'll do whatever you need me to do.

I hear Scotty Byberg might not be attending the reunion.  Now, I can understand how a few of the relatives with not so strong ties to the Miramichi might not want to spend a weekend with a bunch of Kingston descendants.  Scotty does not fall into this category.  He was a regular visitor in the 80's and has strong ties to our many relatives. There is also the possibility that Scotty may not want to come because of his poaching activities.  I remember quite clearly Scotty shooting a Ptarmigan up the Dempster highway in the Yukon out of season.  I know this is true because I was there.  I'm a witness -  I handed him the gun.  The Ptarmigan was perched at the top of a small knoll and Scotty took the shot blowing the little Ptarmigan off the knoll.  Scotty, if this is your concern, maybe if you submit a letter to the Organizing committee, acknowledging your failing, they might overlook this and allow one poacher at the reunion.  I mean one poacher, reformed at that, of 182 descendants isn't a bad average.  I'll see what I can do so some of the less forgiving Kingstons don't shun you.

Congratulations to my two sisters on their new babies in February.  George and Nancy are expecting a girl this month too!  She will be the youngest Kingston descendant at the reunion.  I am looking forward to seeing them at the reunion and hope to get an update when their baby is born, Mary.  I was glad to read the postings from my brother Michael.  How is the new pharmacy doing?

Anyway, it's late and it's time for me to sign off.....

Tom

Go Devils!!!

Hi all,

Great to finally hear from you Tommy and I do hope you spark a response from Scotty.  One of the great memories I have of my early 20's is waking up one Saturday morning and seeing a strange car in the driveway.  It was Scotty who had driven all night to attend a family event.

I am at home today after doing injury to my foot.  I have to stay off of it for a couple of days and I am slowly going nuts looking at all the things I should be doing, but can't.  Rebecca tried really hard to be a good nurse/doctor last night.  She brought me all of the essentials including pillows and the remote control.  Katie-Rose is even cooperating as she slept through the night -- or maybe I was to high on medicine to hear her :).

It is hard to believe there are only 8 weeks left.  I think the organizing committee has everything generally worked out and it should prove to be a lot of fun for all ages.  I am just hoping Katie-Rose doesn't follow in her sister's footsteps and start walking before she is 10 months old.  If she is fairly immobile, I will be able to enjoy a few rye whiskeys with a minimum amount of stress.

Stephen Kingston, we have not heard from you in a while.  I bet there is excitement in your house about school being almost done.  Rebecca can't wait for us to head to the beach in 3 weeks.

Well, best be off. Take Care, everyone.

p.s. Happy Birthday to Mark (May 31st), his son, Tyler (June 4th) and JoAnn's children, Ben & Monika (June 12th).

Hey y'all!

Great to hear from you Tommy!  Don't stay away so long next time!  BTW, George and Nancy are expecting a BOY in 2 weeks.  They cannot decide on a name and are waiting to see the wee beast before naming him.  Geo is having a field day with the name thing and has settled on "Kingslick Stunmeyer", an abominable play on Kingstun-Slickenmeyer).  Whenever we refer to the baby we call him Kingslick...I will definitely think of him as Kingslick when he is born!  Gotta lose this one fast. :-)

Mary Ellen, what did you do to your foot!?  Sounds kind of serious! :-(

I would like to join John in thanking Mary Leslie and all the N.B. Kingstons for all their heartfelt labor in planning and organizing the reunion.  I applaud all of you!!!  Also, John, I think we should keep the Gill Net going forever...it's a great resource for staying in touch and heck...it's fun!  I do miss Jimmy though. :-)

I was in Madison all day (about 100 miles away) protesting a new pet store that recently opened that sells puppymill dogs...pretty awful.  The protesting has been going on since the store opened (the day after Dateline NBC did it's program on the horrors and unspeakable cruelties of puppymills). The protest has been getting TONS of media coverage...TV, radio and print and we are really putting the kabosh on his business...he's only sold 3 puppies in 5 weeks.  The owner is a real jerk with a long criminal record including several assault charges, disorderly conduct, suits for nonpayment of bills and several drunk driving citations.  We are not radical animal rights people but mainly representatives of breed rescue organizations and just plain old dog lovers.  We try to educate potential customers who come to the store on why they should not buy that doggie in the window. I was AMAZED at the volume of cars that drove by, honking like mad and giving us the thumbs up. :-D Anyhoo, I am beat and Stanley (my Minpin rescue) needs some lovin' up.

Mary, Albert and Stanley

HI Mary W. It's plain old DOG lovers that make a difference.

  Lassie thanks you.

You're most welcome Lassie! :-D

Hi all,

Mary, I twisted my ankle coming out of the girls' daycare.  They haven't landscaped so the last step is higher than the others.  I was extremely careful during the winter, but have become quicker paced this spring.  Another mother fell and rolled off of it on Friday.  I was thankful neither one of us had our precious bundles in our arms when the incidents happened.  I figure we should get a few weeks of free daycare out of it.... :)

Tuesday, June 6, 2000 - 04:02:48 pm:
Message from Mary Weissler at 110607.3647@compuserve.com:

Hi everyone,

We just got back from Chicago where we spent the day visiting with George and Nancy (Suzanne, Jack and I went). It was just a picture perfect day, sunny and in the 70's...went for some nice walks along the lakefront and had lunch at an awesome Thai restaurant a few blocks from their house. I was a bit emotional leaving them...this is the last time we will see them before the hatching of tiny Kingslick in approximately 2 weeks.  Life as they (and we) have known it will never be the same.  We just can't wait to meet the little rascal! :-) I'll keep you posted.

Mary Ellen, that step situation sounds really dangerous, especially with the kiddos about! If they don't offer to compensate you with some free daycare threaten to sue them for millions of bucks! :-)

Mary W.

Hi all,

When I took on my new position at the college and with it a new office, I realized I did not have anything to decorate it with -- my home is very sparce in the decorations department.  So, I called upon my dear Mother to help me out.  Well, I am so pleased.  I now have two pictures that Aunt Anne Marie painted hanging on my wall.  They look like they were made for the spot and they are so beautiful. I especially like the fact that they were made by someone I knew.  Just thought I would pass that along....

Mary,

I am flying into Chappel Hill this coming Tuesday. Spending a couple hours at the University. I will give Mark a call.  Hope to convince he and family to change their mind about coming to the Reunion.

Kevin

Hi all!

Well, don't I feel special this month of June, being my mother's daughter.  Her wedding picture graces the title of the month in the Gill Net (their anniversary was on Monday...June 5th) and Mary Ellen has her paintings hanging in her home.  That all makes me ver happy. :-)  She lives on in all our hearts and is the special link between us.

Kevin, be SURE to call Mark & Annie when you're in Chapel Hill...they just loved your last visit and would be steamed at missing an opportunity to visit with you.  I dunno if you'll talk them into the reunion...they were really planning on it and then some seminar came up in California that Mark must attend.  It's not for want of desire that they have to bow out.  What brings you to the U.N.C.?  You must write and tell us about your visit! :-)

Mary W.

Hello,

Yes, Mary it certainly must be Weissler month - I have been meaning to ask you if I could get Joe's number from you.  I am attending a conference outside of Denver next week and it would be nice to call him and say hi.  We actually have to drive a few hours from the Denver airport and as I am accompanying some business companions, I am not sure whether I'll have a chance to actually visit - Tom sure had a great time there when he was down before.

John V

Hi John,

I'm sure The Joe would LOVE to hear from you when you're in Colorado...better yet if you could actually visit him!  I think he gets kinda lonely out there away from all of us. See what you can work out with your buddies...he'd welcome them all in a heartbeat and he lives in a really beautiful spot. His phone # is: (303) 530-3407.

He was just here visiting last week.  I asked him if he'd like to post a note in the Gill Net and got a no go. :-( I think he has some misconceptions about the internet and I rarely even go there anymore...you have a try at it John! :-D  I do hope you can wriggle in a visit, but if not, we'll all be together in a few short weeks!!! Yessssssssss!!!

Mary W.

Mary,

Will not get to Chapel Hill now until the end of June, had to reschedule.

Kevin

Hello,

I'll see what happens Mary...:)

I was looking at my plane tickets and I arrive the Sunday prior - it will be great to get about four days of fly fishing in, the reunion on the weekend and then four more days of rest and relaxation (or possibly four days to recover???)

John V

Hi,

Let me introduce myself to all of you.  I am George and Stephanie's 2nd daughter.  I live in Spokane with my husband Terry and 2 daughters Carolyn (11) and Emily (8).  I have been living in the States for 17 years.  I just became an American last Sept. so now I am a Dual citizen of Can. and U.S.  I am so thrilled that I can finally vote this year!!!  I just graduated with a Masters in Teaching and am enjoying life as a Mom for awhile.  I will apply for jobs in the next month for the coming school year.

School ends Fri. for my girls.  We are going to making tracks to the Miramichi starting on the 15th of July.  We are going to be visiting Chicago for a few days, then take a train to TO and stay for a few days then Ottawa for a few days, then Montreal where we will meet up with my brother John and his family and stay a few days then Quebec City for a few days and then a train to Miramichi.  We are all excited about the trip and especially the reunion.  It will be great to see everyione.  Well, I guess this is it for now.

Hi Bethy!

Welcome to the Gill Net and we hope you'll stop by again soon!  (John, I think Bethy is deserving of a T-shirt since she has elevated herself from the lowly world of the LURKERS into the lofty world of the PARTICIPANTS.) :-)

Bethy, your summer trip sounds really exciting and fun...what an adventure!  If you feel like visiting Milwaukee during the Chicago leg of your journey, by all means let me know! In any event, we'll see you at the reunion. :-D

Mary W.

I will begin the same way Beth did.  My name is Heather Kingston.  I am married to John Kingston [of the Georges].  We have two daughters, Stephanie[age 10] and Leslie [age 9].  I was talking to Beth yesterday and she told me to get onto this website.  I am totally impressed with the level of organization . Everything looks so well planned!  I am getting all enthused about attending.

I must admit I am a litle intimidated by all the people's names I would like to know and how they are connected.  Is it possible to make the name tags fairly detailed so the guests like myself have a clue as to who is who.  Would it also be possible to have a hard copy of the family tree to look at.  I think the kids would enjoy searching for the attending relatives on it.  I was also going to ask if it is possible to have a library of lent books [and possibly quiet time activities] for the kids.  I know Beth's kids and our kids are great readers but we can't bring much to read or do.  Just a thought.  I see Beth and I are signed up for Storytelling.  I have Brownie Camp songs to photocopy.  I will also brush up on my assorted stories and tell them.  My kids want me to do a Martha Stewart parody with a stuffed rabbit.  It is real shtick and great entertainment .  Hummmm I'm not sure though. I'll gave to see how tough the audience is.

This is all for now.  I'll be back.  Heather

Hi All

Just got back from a week in Horseshoe Valley ON (about an hour north of Toronto).  We had a wonderful week in a beautiful area of Ontario.  Better yet was the opportunity (albeit brief) to stop in to see Pat and Bernadette Sullivan (who are both well and looking forward to attending with their clan this summer).  The weather was great (only a half day of rain) and was a full reunion for Giulia's side of the family.  A little golf, a little running, a few naps --- unfortunately all relaxation dissipated after one day of work!

ME Spence finishes school in 2 weeks.  He is enrolled in a variety of summer camps (basketball, swimming, etc) at a local community center and Mia will join him for a few at the end of August to get used to a larger group as she enters JK in September.  Bethy if you want to stay at our house in Ottawa you are welcome (we are 10 mins drive from downtown - you will have a long journey that is definitely a once of a lifetime experience for you and your family).

We will be leaving the Weds before the reunion weekend due to work committments so unfortunately shorter than we would like but definitely looking forward to it.

Thanks for all your greetings.  In Ottawa, we are going to be staying at The Novotel Hotel.  Thanks for the offer.  The kids would be disappointed not to have a pool!  Heather, your ideas of books are great! I know I am looking forward to the spoof on Martha Stewart!

This weekend we are going camping in Sandpoint, Idaho.  It is a lovely spot!  This weekend will be our training for the reunion. Although this place has hot showers but not the great company!

---

Yeah!!!  Everyone seems to be getting into the spirit.  Glad to hear from Bethy, Heather and Stephen. Heather, name tags with lineage information on them (i.e. grandaughter of George) is my job so this is already planned.  Re: the family list, this should not be a problem as I think it is already somewhere on the web site (?).

I am really looking forward to seeing everyone and celegrating Sam & Lillian and what they have contributed to the world.  I may not be able to celebrate as much as I had intended asKatie-Rose starting crawling (full speed ahead) yesterday and I will need to keep my wits about me.

Take Care everyone....ME

Tuesday, June 20, 2000 - 06:16:28 pm:
Message from Patty Kelly at seanchai@acncanada.net:

HELLO.  What a slow week!   JOHN we miss you.  Mary W., this is take your PET to work week.  See you all soon.  Patty.

Hi everyone!

Yes, great to hear from so many new Kingstons on the website!  I definitely think we should keep the Gill Net going after the reunion.  We'll all know one another a little better then and it'll be fun sharing the experience in the aftermath. :-)

It's really "Take Pet To Work Week" Aunt Patty?  You seem to know about all these fun pet holidays we don't have in the U.S.  My doggies would be BAD canditates for this festive outing.  I manage a restaurant and the little hellions would be furiously barking at every guest who entered the establishment.  They think any incoming stranger is coming to murder us. :-D  They wouldn't bite anyone but they put on one hell of a display of hostile fury!  Just last night some politician came to the front door passing out information (main door was open with just screen door shut).  They went at him like they were gonna rip out his jugular!  When I appeared he looked rather skittish and was trying, hopelessly, to smile amidst all this hostile mayhem.  He said "I'll just leave this brochure on the porch" and scampered quickly away.  GOOD DOGGIES! :-D  But I think it might be a bad decision to expose our customers to this type of treatment. :-)  Are you bringing Lassie to work with you?  If so, please write and tell us all about the experience!

Mary W.

Yo!

This, Friday June 23, 2000, is the due date for George and Nancy's baby!   Sue, Dick, Jack and I are placing bets on the precise time Kingslick will erupt.   I think 11:45 tonight.   (Man, they have GOT to name this little guy soon!)  I will definitely keep y'all posted.

Mary W.

Eh!

Well, Aunt Patty along with Mary's efforts this week, let's get this place rockin' even more!!  So nice to get back home and into my own bed.   A lady friend hung out here looking after my cat.  Whew!   I have folded t-shirts, my bed is actually made, the candle wax stain on my carpet is gone, there is aluminum foil under my oven burners - a whole bunch of very neat stuff!! :)

Mary, I screwed up big time with Joe's number.  We were supposed to have internet access at this conference and I had opted simply to get the number off the Gill Net down there - only to discover a big posted sign indicating there was a mess up with their provider and there was no internet after all.  I couldn't remember exactly where he lived in the state - I guess we'll be seeing him soon anyway.

Spent yesterday at this Six Flags entertainment park in Denver.  Whew!  Talk about a fun place.  Live Vegas type shows, roller coasters, the whole works.  (The only oucher was $6.00 U.S. for a six inch cold cut Subway sub!)

John V

WELCOME HOME JOHN!!!

We missed ya, little buddie!  It sounds like you had a great trip and that ladyfriend Sam-sitter sounds like a keeper! :-)  I always like seeing my posts turn blue...it's like they are dressed instead of bare nekked. :-)

Sorry you missed a visit with The Joe but, as you said, we'll all be together real soon.  He lives in Boulder, btw.

I have not heard one peep from Geo and Nance today...leads me to believe I'm gonna lose the bet. :-( Jack bet Sunday @ 11:23 am; Sue bet Wed. @ 2pm and Dick bet FRIDAY (hello) @ 9pm.  Next Friday is a whole week after the due date! All you Kingston women with kiddos...is that normal?  Dickie is a very smart cookie and he might know something we do not.  Please advise!

Mary W.

Mary, I hope the baby arrives soon.  I think they will let you go up to two weeks beyond your due date if all is going well.  I, myself, pleaded insanity and they induced me for both girls very close to the due date.  My experience with pregnancy is that it sucks, so the doctors have always been a little cautious and given me my way at the end. HE-HE-HE ! :)

It is a glorious day in Miramichi.  I am trying to get the mounds of house work done, but as you can see, my motivation is not very high.  I did get a few loads of clothes out on the line and was quickly reminded that I need to buy a bug jacket.  Word of warning for everyone... get yourself a bug jacket for the reunion.  We can call it official reunion wear, ha!  Other families have T-shirts, but in this neck of the woods designer bug jackets are all the rage.

Well, best be off...

Mary Ellen what is a bug jacket?  Can we get a discount?  Spokane is hosting hoopfest. It is a tournament for amateurs.  There are 50,000 participants.  They range in age from 5-94!  It is three on three basketball.  The downtown streets are filled with hoops and players.  We are just spectators!!  It is really something to see.  The weather is going to be great this weekend.  Only 20 days till we start our journey!!!

Hahahaha Bethy!

I was wondering what a "bug jacket" was too!  Your basketball tourneys sound fun...we have a big Harley Davidson convention in Milwalwee this weekend (they are made here) and you can hear that low, throaty, unmistakeable Harley rumble everywhere in the city!  I heard on NPR this morning they are trying to get this particular sound trademaked...it's been in the courts for about 6 years.

Thanks for the info M.E.! I had no idea these hatchlings could go 2 weeks past due in the incubator before calling out the squads (shows how much time I have spent with pregnant peeps.)  Kingslick is still hanging on for dear life.  Nancy has had a fairly comfortable pregnancy, except for the first 2 months when there was alot of nausea.

Aunt Patty...did Lassie go to work???

Mary W.

Saturday, June 24, 2000 - 05:27:11 pm:
Message from PATTY KELLY at seanchai@acncanada.net:

Mary W. - Lassie did not make it to work but she spent one heck of a day with ROB's lab NELSON who never gave Lassie a minute of peace.  Nelson is eleven months and was put out in the garage for a few hours so Lassie could have a rest.  Take Care.

Hello Mary Leslie!  How is everything coming along?

A bug jacket is basically all netting.  It covers all of your upper half including the face area.  Maybe someone could down load a picture?

---

Hahahaha John!

I think you would need to get hold of some I.V. line and run it up the sleeve, through the neck opening and into the thirsty facial orifice. :-)

Mary W.

Aunt Patty,

I sure wish Stanley could spend a day with Nelson...sounds like he could give him some of his own. :-)

Mary W.

Uhhhhhh.....

I am starting to vividly recall the bug situation up there and am taking this bug jacket thing seriously. Where can one be procurred?  I take it Off Skintastic is no match for those nasty N.B. skeeters?

Mary W.

Hi!

Come early August the bugs aren't usually as bad and tend to peter off abit.  I think if you slap on the Skintastic you should be fine.  Besides, it would be a drag to go to the reunion and only remember people by their voices!! :)

John V

---

Hi all:

I can attest to the fact that yes, the bugs do let up a bit by the beginning of August and this is coming from someone who lived on the Nor'West Miramichi where the bugs are bigger and badder.....by the way (a test?) on which branch of the Miramichi is Mary Leslie's lodge located?

Also, if you have any Kingston blood in ya' at all, those bugs shouldn't bother ya' and that Skintastic stuff will just attract other critters, i.e. bears, skunks, etc.

Let's not be wimpy about this folks.....we are talking the wilds of the Miramichi, the home of "The Miramichi Woodsman" aka Paul Kingston.

Bye and love to all,
Brenda

Well, Brenda dear,

I think you are made of much stronger metal than wee me. :-)  I will be slathering on the Skintastic and might get into a Bug Jacket to boot.  Bears don't bother me...they are so cute. :-)

Well, guys, still not the slightest sign of an imminent Kingslick.  George is threatening to rig up some ghastly homemade apparaus to his shop vac and wait till Nance goes to sleep! :-O  My suggestions were MUCH more sane and conservative:

" What about jumping jacks? Tell her to gulp down 3 cans of JOLT cola and then run up and down the stairs 10 times.  Put on some nasty heavy metal music and turn the stereo up full blast.  While this is playing turn on every loud appliance and tool in the house...drills, vacuums, garbage disposal, smoke alarm.  Go to terrifying horror movies like Texas Chain Saw Mass Ker.  I think if you do all these things tomorrrow afternoon Kingslick will lose his grip on his wee mental faculties, let go and come bursting forth! Good luck!"

He's gotta come soon! Nance has had it and wants him OUT!

Mary W.

I understand a good dose of cod liver oil works.  I remember Aunt Monica giving this as a suggestion to someone at one time.  The convulsions created by just drinking the stuff would be enought to start labour let alonw what it does when it makes contact. :)  I hope the baby comes soon.  I have such sympathies for Nancy having to wait -- especially in all the heat ARGH!!!

Take Care...