Hi Aunt Patty!

I have kitties all my adult life and dogs only for the past 10 years.  Piedmont and Tig are the sweetest kitties you can imagine...not a mean bone in their bodies (except when it comes to robins).  Our rescue Minpin, Stanley, torments the daylights out of them and they will not raise a paw to him.  Tig actually sometimes purrs while being tormented so perhaps she has sado-masochistic tendencies. :-) I wish they WOULD bat him in the face on occasion so he'd learn he is not King of the Universe! Tiny Stanley Steamer is just such a pistol I can't even tell ya! :-)

Mary W.

Hello,

I see in family history section the name McCloughry was one associated with the name Kingston - yet another smoking gun that Jim bob is someone who has close ties with family trees....:)

Someone mentioned somewhere that Patricia's baby won't be the last prior to the reunion - whose next?  Also is it just a coincidence so many babies are being born or is this a typical snapshot of just how fast our large family is expanding?  Seems like lots of new babies around...(I still find having the responsibility of one solitary cat quite a challenge..:)

At the beach laying in the sun yesterday - +18C with spf15, walkman, book, beach towel, it was so great...I actually hear it has been even warmer of late out Ontario way..is this the case Ontario people??!

John V

JV

There have been a few nice days but certainly not beach weather (about +13 C/ 60 F on Saturday). The good news is the snow was gone by mid-late March which is not typical.  The flowers are starting to appear and I wouldn't be surprised to see tulips by Easter if not sooner.  So were you at Stanley Park John?!  Had great admiration of your trip to Fla with your Mom and Dad.  Sounded great.

We are all well - Ren just finished with chicken pox and is getting an early start at the terrible 2's. They all start swim classes next week, which will run until soccer starts in June (Spencer and Mia will both be going in).  Gotta get them ready for swimming in the Miramichi (what's the river current like by your spot Mary Leslie?)

Will be heading to San Fran at the end of May for a trade show - have never been there and am looking forward to it.

Hi John,

To answer your question, my brother George and his wife Nancy are expecting a baby in mid-June. They already know it's a *by* and there is talk of naming him Joe. :-)  As best as I can determine he will be the youngest decendant at the reunion unless someone is holding out on us.

I know whatcha mean about all the babies.  As the base crop expands from the original 2 to 190+ those babies just multiply exponentially!  No need to worry about us, however.  Two dogs and two cats have our nest very nicely filled.

Jimmy, me by, we haven't heard from ye in awhile.  Sup?

Mary W.

Howdy,

To add to the weather comments... The ice in Baie du Vin (where the beach picture of Grandmother and Grandfather was taken) went out on Sunday.  This is about a month ahead of schedule.  I am planning to take the month of July off to spend at the Ritchie's cottage with the children so, the ice going out made me realize that this is really not that far off.  And that means the Kingston reunion is getting close too.  Oh boy, I better buckle down and get my part of the reunion duties done after me saying I love working on projects. :).

Take Care Everyone.....ME

Hi,

Yes, Stephen I have been to Stanley Park - while I lived over on the mainland.  I tell my friends over there that the nice thing about Victoria is that it's like living IN Stanley Park all the time..:)  Be sure to visit the Fisherman's Wharf in San Fran which is quite amazing to see!  (You also can walk down along the water aways and put a quarter in an affixed pair of binoculars and gaze out at that famous prison Island of Alcatraz.)

Yes Mary Ellen - us foreign travellors expect the red carpets to be out...:) (When we get there it'll be your return to relax and we'll serve you!)

Tom Kingston, the board of directors of KINGSTON 2000 have ruled that unless we hear from you soon, you attendance this summer will be up for review.  In the event of a worst case scenario, you can always pitch a tent across the river on the far bank.  With my waders on, I can aleast asure you I'll wade across once and a while and bring you a beer...:)

John V

Greetings Kingston clan!

I was away to the fine city of Dublin for a week's holiday and it is nice to see the Kingston relatives in such fine form.  While away, I'll have yus know that I pinched a plane ticket to New Brunswick for a sweet deal - yus can expect to see me arrive on the Saturday of your reunion - I surely hope yus let me in at the gate!

Jimmy

John,

I LOVE that Sarah McLaughlin song "Angel"! I have the album and picked up the guitar music recently.

Jimmy, me by, glad to hear ye have purchased yer ticket to paradise. :-)

Mary W.

(Mary - Sarah is a maritimer from Nova Scotia.  She is now based out of Vancouver and wanting to be closer, her parents moved here to Victoria to be close by.  My alarm business put in the system that protects the folks place and I've met the whole family including her guy who also plays in her band..:..jv)

Consider me a jinx - Ottawa has received a solid foot of snow since Friday night.  As you can imagine, this truly sucks!  In any event, having officially retired my shovel for the winter, I will be counting on Mother Nature to clean up her mess.  At least I can watch The Masters and dream of more temperate weather.

SK

Hi all,

Stephen, what a bummer!  We had a warm day here -- almost 20.  We usaully get what you have had two days later, so I won't get Ray to retire the snowblower just yet, I guess.

We, Ritchies, had a large weekend.  It was the weekend for Rebecca's dance recital so Friday night was the rehersal; Saturday was hairdo, formal pictures, and shoe buying day, plus Ray & U actually went out together with grown-ups (Erin Ralinson babysat); and today we all went to the recital.  You will be glad to know several Kingstons were dancing.  First of all Barbara's (Carmel's) daughter, Meaghan did an excellent job in two pieces ---Over the Rainbow and On the Good Ship Lollipop.   Also, Uncle Paul's grand daughter, Laurissa, was in several pieces as she is in the semi-pro division. Plus Rebecca was in "Disco Duck" and "Achy-Breaky Heart".   Katie-Rose was getting a bit antsy after the 3hours, but we had a great time.

Well, best be off. Take Care, all....ME

Hi all,

Life is an ongoing challenge which inspires me to greater heights ---- LOL.  Spring in Calgary has been 15c one day and snow the next.  As I sit here, listening to the Blues and type the north winds are blowing and snow is on it's way--it was 11 above till 4pm.

I'm busy planing my Easter Dinner, 14 people have confirmed and several more are on the guest list.   I have a small 2 bedroom condo which seems to expand in size when I have a large group.  There is always great conversation and lots of giggles.  I make sure everyone uses the correct lanuage and force them to look up any word that is not understood.  I have 3 dictionaries - Canadian, English Oxford and an old one which gives date the word came into common usage.  I love words and look up words for fun.  I'll have to get some portable ones for the reunion.

Now, do we know how many bridge players will be at the reunion?  I love playing bridge and go to tournaments whenever possible.

Love to you all,
AM

Hi everyone!  The girls are tucked in bed.  This is my usual night to lurk the halls of the Gill Net Lodge.  All is quiet and peaceful here.  We had a warm one here today + 21C so they say.  The girls were in a tizzy looking for their shorts.  We did some renovating here last fall so I have no idea where the container with summer clothes is or where it might be stashed.  If this type of weather keeps up I'd best do some searching.  The girls just finished basketball season and are starting swimming lessons as well.  We've been lucky so far that they have been interested in the same activities.
Nicola is finishing up her speech for school.  They start public speaking in grade 4 at her school.  Guess it is a better age to start.  I remember doing my first speech in grade 7 - it was torture.  She doesn't seem to mind a bit.

Tomorrow is Nick's birthday so they want to put a surprise party together after school for him.  Some time ago they spotted a bottle of sparkling apple cider at the grocery store and they've been anxious to try it.  They figure Dad's birthday would be the perfect occasion.  Anyhow Janna has been telling everyone that we got Dad "applesauce" for his birthday and swearing everyone to secrecy.  Hope he's not disappointed !!!

Congratulations Michael on your new venture.  Must be an exciting time for you.  Wish you every success.  It will be nice to see you at the reunion.  We can swap shop stories!  Glad to hear Denis & Trisha's bundle arrived safe & sound.  Christine will appreciate having a sister no doubt.  I remember being relieved when my sister Mary was born.  At the time it seemed important to have the guy/girl ratio pretty well even.  There will no shortage of arms to hold these little ones at the reunion.

Well it's twelve bells here on the Miramichi so I best hit the hay.
Good night everyone.
Anne

Hi:
We weren't quite as balmy as the Miramichi yesterday but it was tropical, around 14 or so.  We had extremely high winds and no power from 9:30 last night until 10 a.m. this morning.

Mary Ellen, who is Uncle Paul's granddaughter? Is this on the Kingston side or the Creamer side?

And Anne Marie, always wanted to learn how to play bridge and have been talking about it with a neighbour for the past couple of years.  Perhaps the reunion would not be a great place to start....too many diversions. What do you think?  I think Aunt Monica used to be an avid bridge player. You might be able to interest a whole gang.

And I admire your love of words.......who instilled that in you, your Mom or Dad?

Cheers and love to all,
Brenda

Hi,

Brenda I noticed that my Mother plays computer bridge almost everyday on the computer down in Florida.  I would think she would be in top form to tackle a clan bridge tournament!..:)

John V

Hi all

Brenda, Laurissa is Donnie's daughter -- Uncle Paul Kingston's grand daughter.  They were at the Kingston Christmas Party at the Rawlinson's a few years ago.  I think that is the first time I met her.

Gotta go.  The girls are both "spewing" again.  I can't wait until this winter/spring sickness is over. I just needed a few minutes of distraction and tuned into the GNL.  Take Care, everyone....ME

Hi all,

Wow, it's great to see so many people writing in the Gill Net! Jack and I are on vacation this week and, for the first time ever, we aren't going anywhere.  We have several projects around the house we're working on including staining the cedar fence we had built last fall, gardening, and I am stripping and refinishing an antique desk I bought recently.  It's really relaxing and fun having a whole week of freedom right here at home.

I've also been working alot with Stanley on his clicker training.  He often throws his tiny head back and makes these little singing sounds like "wooo woooo wooo".  I have now put that on cue and named it SING.  So, now when I say "Stanley, SING" he throws his head back and gives a woo woo woo. It's so cute I can't even tell ya. :-)

I have never played Bridge but I've played Spades a little (I think I remember hearing they are similar). One can always learn! M.E., I hope the spewing girls are feeling better.

Mary W.

I was wondering if you could help us please.  That son of a salmon Jimmy, has left us, his family destitute while spending our saved earnings on Glenfiddish Scotch.  We have discovered this page on his computer and are trying to locate him.  For the love of god please come to your senses Jimmy!  Marleen McCloughry

Jaysus, Mary and Holy Joseph, Jimmy!  What are ye thinkin', ye big eejit?  Out drinkin' the dole, are ye? Takin' food outta yer baybe's mouths to put that wretched swill inta yer veins!?  God help us! This is beyond forgiveness by the holy grace of Jaysus.  Jimmy, ye must give up the terrible drink and return to ye baybies and wife.  GO! RIGHT NOW!  Marlene, don't be TOO hard on the dear wretch!

Mary W.

Mary, it appears Jim bob is on the run!

Talked to the folks today - all settled back into the Miramichi.  Mom says lots of snow yesterday however it melted fast.  They have also been up to the camp.  The thoughts of all those black salmon up there waiting for somebody's salmon fly is almost enough to make a man fly home for a few days!  I looked back a year ago and found those pictures I took when I went home at the end of April and they are here.  Oh well - I'll wait for the bright salmon in early August!

John V

Hey John!

The pictures were great! It was so nice to see everyone...y'all haven't changed a bit!

Marleen, has the wayward drunken wanderer put down the pint and returned to the nest? Inquiring minds want to know! Please keep us posted and let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

Mary W.

JOHN what would we all do with out you and your most interesting comments?  That was a great visit.  Brendan is the man for reading the tea leaves.  Joe W. has that blond lady ever entered your life yet ?

Patty K.

Still no sign of that man.  May you think of us with our molasses and bread Jimmy McCloughry!
Marleen

Ah Marleen.......

So sorry to hear that Jimmy is still out on his binge.  I hope you at least have some tea and sugar to wash down the bread.  That Jimmy has pretty high-falutin' taste!  You'd think, being at the door of destitution, he'd be guzzling Grants or some other cheap swill....but, no.....he's into those la-de-frickin'-da single malts!  And his beybies are eatin' bread!  Jimmy, ye ere the lowest variety of scumbag! Git yer butt home RIGHT NOW!!!

Alright John Vickers...

It is time to give up the gig. Who is Jimmy?????  I was fine with not knowing his identity until now, treating him as an amusing little interloper.  But now we have starving babies on our hands!  We have abandonment!  In lieu of the circumstances I believe any allegience you gave him in the protection of his identy is off.  How can we help these dear little tykes if we don't know who they are?  And poor Marleen!  Do like M.E.'s girls and SPEW!

Mary W.

Hi all,

All the similarity to "Angela's Ashes" makes me think that we are looking in the wrong direction by thinking it is Uncle George.  Mary W.... Me thinks thou dost protest too much! :)  Have you been leading us down the garden path?  Are you Jimmy & Marlene?

Hi Mary Ellen,

It is definitely not me.  I give you my word.  Furthermore, I have absolutely no clue who it is and sometimes even wonder if it's some stranger who happened upon the site and is messin' with us. The mystery continues.....

Mary W.

Sooner or later, the REAL Jimmy M. will have to come clean - (and save his family in the process!)  (He'll be reading this no doubt!)

I am trying to get my ticket to New Brunswick changed as I leave on the Friday after the reunion and have realized there is a smaller Vickers reunion on that following Saturday.  (Two family reunions within seven days sounds great - particularly if I can get a few days on the river flyfishing inbetween.)

Kevin V. it is rumored you are leaving the nation's capital for some maritime persuits - what's up?

John V

We have great news to tell yus!  We've found Jimmy in the Cork Jail - sleepin' off his tirade on the town.  The boys assure us they'll deliver him to our front door and my he has got hell waitin' for em. What's a family to do with such a drunken bum!  His brother Jerry has delivered us money for the umpteenth time - we had meat last night!  We'll give that Jimmy a diet of molassses and bread for a while and see how he likes it!!  Your kinds words of support are soo much appreciated.  Bye Kingstons! Marleen

On July 23rd of 1999, I recieved an email from Uncle George, part of which included this information:

"Here are a list of some of the names modern day Kingston's definitely had in the past, not necessarily in the order given here.
Oinseamain
Cincseamdri
MacOinseamain is the Galic form of Kingston in West Cork Ireland
MacCloughry:- Clough means "stone" and ri means "king". Clouchaire means a worker in stone

This was the first reference that I can recollect to hearing about the name MacCloughry .  Then, a second email from my Uncle George, on February 26th, 2000 with the following:

Hi John and Happy Birthday. Enclosed is more heritage information.  You may wish to rewrite and embellish it  in your words and post something on the  2000.  Give credit of the rewrite to a person named MacCloughry."

Ah ha!  So, Uncle George gave birth to our famed man - who I actually took the liberty of naming Jimmy.  The rest is history as they say - I dutifully began writing about Jimmy and his exploits.  I then recieved further instruction with regard to Jimmy's running out on the clan - I believe Tom Kingston or Will Vickers had offered some director's advice on that one!  (Just to let you know Tom, efforts are still being made to find you a comfy place to tent across the river if we don't hear from you - Mary Leslie is there room for him over there?....:)

I would not only like to thank Uncle George, Tom and Will, I would also like to thank all the screen actors guild, the producers and directors who made this production possible.  I would like to particularly thank my dear mother, who will be celebrating her birthday on April 27th.  Thanks Mom for your direction and patience in making me the fine son that I am...:).  I would findly like to thank my cat SAM, who sometimes appeared deprived of love and affection (he bites) while the story lines were being written. 

P.S. Wasn't Marleen a great name for the wife??!! :)

John V

Alrighty then.  The whole lot o' ye ere gonna have ta clean the lavatories after the reunion!

Humph!
Mary W.

So the caper is over!  Jus a note to say good-bye and I really hope yus do have one hell of a reunion!  Cheers to yus!

Jimmy

John,
You should have hung in there to the bitter end and unveiled Jimmy at the reunion! Mary W. was going great guns with the Irish dialect (too many Frank McCourt books for you, Mary).  I thought she was on to a new career.

It's snowing in beautiful Nova Scotia this morning, but it promises sun this afternoon and +14 in the next couple of days so I guess it's just a gentle farewell from Old Man Winter.

Cheers and love to everyone,
Brenda

Hi Brenda,

That was in fact the original game plan however I was beginning to feel it was abit to manage when real life is so hectic right now...:)

It's around 7 am and departing for a nice four hour drive up the Island to the metropolis of Campbell River...have a nice day everyone.

JOhn V

The following people have been scheduled to keep natural facilities in a sanitary manner throughout the Kingston 2000 reunion.  These individuals have had their names associated with the McCloughry scandal.

John Vickers
George Kingston
Tom Kingston
Will Vickers

The Kingston 2000 committee requests all potties are to have equipped logged fireplaces.  Their inside temperature must not exceed 25C.  We request regularly scheduled rounds by our fine potta pottie crew to ensure a most pleasurable environment awaits visitors

Hahaha Brenda!

Yup...I got sucked in hook, line and sinker but it was fun.  I really had no clue who Jimmy was and was thinking it was someone much more obscure than the obvious villians.  I am so gullible it isn't even funny and everyone I know takes great pleasure in abusing this quality. :-)  Uncle George made a statement about having no idea about who "jimmy...whatever his last name is" was and I believed him. Also, in retrospect, I think John V. started writing alot less once Jimmy came on the scene. Jimmy was a trip and I will miss him!  I especially wanted to find out what would happen after his sorry ass was deposited on the front stoop after his little stint in the slammer.

Well, guys, ya had me goin' and it was quite an imaginative little thing you created together. Outhouse duty is certainly a just punishment since ye ere all full o' shit! :-)

Mary W.

Mary...

I was out waiting for a friend in this restaurant talking to another person also waiting for a friend in the same restaurant.  She had heard me make reference to the Maritimes and quiered me as to where I was from.  When I told her the Miramichi, she indicated that her father was from the Maramichi.  Her father's name was Loggie and they hailed from the Napan area - particularly wierd way out here on the west coast.  I then informed her that my grandmother was a Loggie hailing from the same area.  She then indicated she had returned from states on March 13th as she was visiting her parents.  I indicated I had also returned from the states on March 13th visiting my parents.  I asked her where she flew in to and she indicated Tampa, Florida.  I indicated that I had flew into Tampa, Florida as well.  I asked her what area down there her parents lived.  She indicated it was a tiny community just south of Clearwater Beach called Indian Rocks.  I indicated I was in a tiny community just south of Clearwater Beach called Indian Rocks.  We then both looked at each and discussed whether we should further the conversation over fears that another conjunction would be to hard to handle...:)

We are having lunch next week to investigate our Loggie history - I'll keep you posted..:)

John V

Holy Schnikees John!!!

That is just WAYYY too bizarre!  My hair was starting to stand up on end reading your post! It definately sounds like there was some kind of cosmic power involved in creating an intersection for your two paths to meet!  I cannot wait to hear about your lunch next week!  You know, I think the first question you should ask her is if she has any Irish ancestors named McClourghy who survived on bread and tea. ;-)  What's her name?

Mary W.

Friday, April 21, 2000 - 04:48:01 pm:
Message from Mary Weissler at 110607.3647@compuserve.com:

Oopsie! I meant McCloughry. Sorry Jimmy!

Good Easter Sunday Morning!

I remember on Easter Sunday mornings not being able to find my Easter basket (after some searching) and waking my Mom up around 5 am to inquire where she might think it would be...:)

I have a friend who wishes to cook me a turkey today...hmmmmm - been a while since I had enjoyed such a feast!!

Mary, I will keep you posted on my lunch with Ann Loggie. Certainly is a small world!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

John V

Hi all,

A question for you ... When I was pregnant for Rebecca, I found out that I have RH negative blood and had to have the injections to prevent complications as Ray is RH positive.  No one else in my family -- including Mom and Dad -- have this type, but it must be recessive on both sides in order for me to have it.  So my question is, do any of you also have RH negative blood or am I the only mutant among us? Ha!  Just wondering.  The blood drive at the college today reminded me to ask.

I hope everyone is enjoying spring in their neck of the continent.  I had the Vesey seed catalogue out tonight and hope that this will be the year that I get something to grow other than dandelions.  I tell ya' I sure don't have the green thumb my dear sister Paula-Marie has.  I plan to do a small garden down at the Baie so Rebecca can see vegetables growing (I hope).  I think I will try pumpkins, corn, carrots and a few potatoes as they are her favorites.   I am so glad our next winter's meals are not depending upon it, though.  I'll have to get PM to come visit once a week to check things out.  Are any of you planning your gardens?

Take Care all....ME

Hi ME,

I don't even remember what type of blood I have but it's one of the most common ones...definately not RH positive. You are a mutant! :-)

As for gardening, we have it made if the shade. The couple who owned this house before we did landscaped lovely little gardens in both the front and back of the house, framed with lots of decorative stones.  There are a VAST array of perennials coming up (we had no clue what was in there since we bought the house in the fall).  We keep up with weeding and just sit back and watch the show! I do have some Calalilly and Begonia bulbs sprouting in pots and will put them in when the weather is a bit more consistently warm.

The big project we're working on now is staining the cedar fence we had built last fall.  We don't want it to weather to that drab grey so common to cedar and the stain is a wonderfully warm cedar color.  It isn't especially difficult but it takes FOREVER!  And we get very sore doing this with our bodies contourted into such convoluted angles for hours on end. Calgon, take me away!

Mary W.

Hello, I bought a new pickup truck last Saturday and Will and Tommy have been wanting to see pictures.  I finally got around to getting them scanned in and they are here.

Work is busy, life is busy and in about 12 weeks no one will care because we'll all be PARTYING on the Miramichi..:)

John V

How much of a discount did you get on account of the colour, John?