Sorry to start July off with a bummer, but...

We are going through a pretty hard time right now.  On Thur. evening Stanley escaped (something I have always dreaded).  I crated him to open the front door to get the mail.  I had to look twice as Stanley suddenly flew right by me out the door and was off like a shot.  Evidently, the crate lock was not completely secured. :-((  These dogs are UNBELIEVABLY fast!  Some neighbors and I tried chasing him but he was just GONE in short order.  He's a lunatic if he gets loose.  I took the last 2 days off work and with the help of family and friends we have accomplished a great deal.  We have passed out and posted hundreds of flyers, contacted every agency remotely associated with animal control, given the local post offices flyers to post by their timeclocks so the carriers will all have the info.  We have an ad in the paper in the lost & found section of the classifieds.  We have walked the streets of our neighborhood & surrounding areas from dawn till dusk talking with everyone we see and calling for Stanley.  We have scoured area parks which might be a refuge for a freaked out dog. There have been no reported sightings since the night of his escape.  I prepare for the worst and hope for the best.  It's a really hard thing to live with.  I just try to keep DOING things because when I stop I start to crumble.

When we got home from our all day canvassing, searching, we had a message on the answering machine...Geo and Nance are parents and all went fine!   I keep trying to call the hospital room # he left but there is no answer so I have no details at this point.  I hope to god they have named him and we can somehow start thinking of him as something other than Kingslick! :-)  I wish I had more emotional energy to spend on this...Stanley is sucking my heart dry. :-((

If any of you have any other ideas on how to best to search for Stanley, please post!!!  I'll fill you in on Kingslick as I get more info.

Mary W.

Mary W. Sat. 10 o'clock and just reading your VERY sad news. The first night we had Lassie she took off and we were out most of the night but luckily for us she was only uptown.  Brendan was able to bribe her with a cookie. she wouldn't come for me.   You seem to be doing all you can.  Take care.

Patty.

Mary,

We are all so sad for you!  My kids and I could not imagine having our dog lost.  It must be a terrible time for you!  Here's hoping you have good news soon!

Hi Everyone - Mary, here's hoping you find your little bundle of joy...keep us updated.

Spoke with my mother this evening, who informs me Aunt Bernie is visiting till Thursday...she also delivered something like 40 litres of bottled wine compliments of Kevin Sullivan for the reunion...whew!  Great job Kevin!

We had a great Canada Day out here...fireworks and all the usual stuff and the weather for the most part co-operated.   We had this guy named Joe Canadian in town to deliver the "Canadian rant" from the top of a crane before the fireworks started.  (He's on a popular Molson beer commercial.)  Was a real hoot!

John V

Hi,

Patty, Bethy and John, thank you for your kind words.  We continue to search.  Our hearts are very heavy but not yet broken.

Kingslick weighs in at 8 lbs. 4 oz.  They HAVE to name him today before momma and baby leave the hospital.  I am rooting for JOE and George says there's a good chance. :)

Mary W.

Stanley has been found!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had a call at work this morning from an attorney in the downtown area.  He got my number from the humane society.  He had Stanley right there in his office.  After an hour of him and 4 other guys chasing the tiny bullet through the streets of downtown Milwaukee, they finally got him into a parking lot that was fenced and were able to grab him.  Stan was 10 miles from home.  When I walked into his office, there was Stanley curled up on his lap.  The relief is indescribable…no way can words convey the heartbreak and the sheer joy this experience has brought.  Last night we had torrential thunderstorms all night and my heart was breaking thinking of little Stanley out in that weather.

He looked exhausted and thin but otherwise OK.  I took him immediately to the Emergency Veterinary Hospital and he checked out fine.  He’s dehydrated and they gave him some subcutaneous fluids and a bland dietary food to start him back eating again.  I am back at work now with Stanley right here beside me in a little crate on my desk.  He is OUT COLD!  I wanted to let you all know right away. This is really a miracle.

By the way, the attorney had totally fallen in love with Stanley in the short time they were together.  He said Stan was the coolest dog he ever met! If he weren’t able to find his owner he would have kept him.  His last name is JOY.

Mary W.

Mary,

I am so happy for you!

Hi all,

Thanks for the kuddos, Bethy. John, I feel just like that boinging tiger...Stanley is home!!!  A miracle!

Kingslick has been named. Joseph Kingston Weissler.  Is that cool or what???  Litta Joe! :-)

I need to be with Stanley,
Much love,
Mary W.

Hi all,

Whew!! I hadn't checked in for a few days so it was like an adventure novel reading about poor Stanley. Thank God is is alive, well and home. I am glad little Joe has arrived. Is he their first?

We are in the midst of chicken pox here. Rebecca waited until my first day of parental leave to break out. We are quarantined and having a great time. Talk to you later....ME

Mary W.   Stanley is back - great news!  Happy fourth of July.

Love Aunt Patty.
p.s. This is my second message of the day.  HI Big John.

Hi,

I forgot to mention this morning that today is my dear father's 65th birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy Birthday Uncle Al!!!!

Thanks for all the notes about Stanley everyone.  ME, I would much rather have read this tale in an adventure novel than lived through it in real life.  It was sheer, excruciating torture for 4 days, not knowing if he was alive or dead, injured and hiding in a bush, in our neighborhood or somewhere far away from here, if someone had him and was fighting him with a Pitbull...the scenarios are endless and they all run through your mind.

We had the most deleriously happy day today with Stanley home.  He's still tired and thin but is up to his usual old antics and will be fine.  It's the 4th of July and we live in such a great country; Stanley is home; Kingslick (aka Joe) is home and life is so good I just can't stand it!

Good luck with the pox. :-( I remember having that as a child and it was AWFUL! I would try to scratch myself on doorjams when mom wasn't looking...she said if we scratched we would have scars for the rest of our lives.  She applied some pink, chalkey stuff that helped but the itching is something I have never forgotten. Hang in there, ME!

Mary W.

Mary Ellen my heart goes out to you.  I remember when my two kids had chicken pox.  Carolyn had it so bad, her spots got infected.  Then, a week later Emily got them.  She was only 8 months old so she hardly knew what was happening to her.  All I really remember is not being able to go out for about 3 weeks.  It was Feb.at the time and me going stir crazy!!!  Hope you and the girls are coping!

Hi all,

Thanks for the note, Bethy.  I am really sort of enjoying the week --so far as it is quite a change in pace from my usual routine.  I have been able to finally not have to rush through "quality time" with the girls and in between pushing Rebecca on her swing and pretending to eat Katie-Rose's toes, I FINALLY have my house tidied up a bit.  Now I have to start the serious cleaning. It is such a statement of my life, isn't it, that house cleaning is fun.  I gotta get a real life. :)

Katie-Rose has just a few very small red spots on her and I am hoping that maybe this is all she gets. The worst day for Rebecca was on Wednesday.   She had 4 baking soda baths that day and was very cranky.

My dear brother Mark made a whirlwind trip home yesterday to help a friend move his furniture from Miramichi to Dryden, Ontario.  The girls & I had a coffee break and supper at Mom's & Dad's which was a nice change in the routine.

Last night at supper all of my siblings were there except JoAnn and we began scheming about the Kingston reunion.  As you may know, the A Kingston's are doing the breakfast on Saturday and we want to make it memorable -- plus Dad wants to one up Uncle George's crew that are the hosts on Sunday morning.  He-he-he!   We will have to see who emerges as the family with the greatest culinary skills on a budget. :)

Well, best be off, Katie-Rose has awoken and I have to feed her.  Take Care....

Hi to all,

My adventure to the family centre begins on Thursday July 13, 2000.   George and Stephanie will greet me at 5 pm at the Moncton airport.   We will attend the Irish festival and be a part of the Kelly reunion.  Just a taste of the fun of a reunion.

Now Mary Ellen, when did breakfast become a competition?  I thought we were to share good times and not have to think so hard to beat your family.  The challenge is accepted.  May all the others win with good food.  The competitive spirit will hopefully be alive for bridge.

I’m so excited about seeing everyone.  4 more sleeps until I arrive in God’s country.

Anne Marie

Howdy,

Glad to hear you are close to arriving in God's country, Ann Marie.  I am really getting excited about all of this and your eminent arrival makes it seem all the more real.  If you get a chance in between parties, please do drop in and I will make you and whomever else comes an extra special cup of coffee with a kick :).

Being home this week with a 5 year old who gets bored with old Mama about 3:00pm, I have been thinking about how the 50 or so children are going to spend their days during the reunion.  I have a couple of craft activities I think the children might like to do.  A suggestion I would have is each of us who are local and have children bring enough supplies for 2 crafts or activities.  Rebecca and I have been saving a huge box her dresser came in so that we can make a puppet theatre at the reunion. Maybe some people could bring some old socks, buttons, etc. and we could make puppets one day and then put on a puppet show.  Just an idea.  I just know I have to keep Rebecca active or I am never going to here the end of it.  I am desperately trying to come up with ideas and I tell ya', I ain't no Martha Stewart so this has been a real challenge.

Take Care all....ME

Hellooo,

Trish you must visit longer! (Actually, if the guestbook isn't working right for you, email me by clicking on my email address above and I will be happy to assist.  My brother Kingston informs me the Lodge doesn't work properly at times on AOL.)  For those who don't know, Trish is my first cousin (sister to Tom, Bethy, Micheal, Anne Marie, etc.) who is born on the same day as me (same day - same year!)

There is this feeling in the air that things are starting to gear up.  Dad was phoning last evening and inquiring about my arrival time at the Moncton airport.  In addition to the reunion, soo looking forward to getting to our camp and getting the salmon rod going.  There are few places as beautiful as the Miramichi.  (One of the reasons I love the rocks in the background is that they remind me so much of looking down into the water on the North West.)

John V

Hi,

My trek east starts in about 5 hrs.  I will be in Moncton by 5 pm.  I am so excited!!  Can't wait to see everyone.

Anne Marie

Hi,

I made it. I'm in God's Country.  Mom and Dad greeted me and we arrived home at 8pm. It is so neat to be here.  I'm functioning on 3 hrs sleep.

Anne Marie

George Kingston Weissler and Joseph Kingston Weissler, day 9

Welcome to the world, little guy.  You look so adorable.  Anne Marie, gald to hear you are home!  We start our trek tomorrow at 5:30 a.m.  We are all excited!  Happy Birthday, Micheal (my brother in British Columbia).

Thanks Bethy!

And thank you John for getting the pics up so fast!  We went down to Chicago this past Tuesday and spent the day with the new family of three.  They also just bought a house...all in one week!  We went through it and it's just lovely...an old Victorian in beautiful shape only 3 blocks from where they live now.

Litta Joe is just the sweetest thing!  He slept alot and only let out a few plaintive yelps. :-)  I had a cold and was restricted from holding him but I felt fortunate they even let me in the house to see him!

Bethy, have a great adventure and keep us posted if you get near a computer anywhere!

Mary W.

Hi, All

The Challenge for breakfast superiority is heating up.  The George Kingston's will be ensuring the Alli Kingston's are defeated. Rumour has it ME is seeking insight into French cuisine as she was so intimidated when I accepted the challenge.  George and Alli were having a discussion and neither would share their secrets.  Me may be making a quick trip to Paris.  Remember I come from the famous Stampede city, which has pancake breakfasts for 10 days in a row.  Talents abound in our family.

PS. We need Judges who will compare the culinary experiences.

HELLO to all my Aunts and Uncles, Best wishes to all my Cousins everywhere across Canada, your Wives, Husbands and Families.  This is George Kingston Weissler.  Oldest son of Ann Marie Kingston and Joseph B. Weissler, along with my wonderful wife, Nancy Ann Slichenmyer, announcing the birth of our son, Joseph Kingston Weissler.  Born July 1st. 2000... a heathly and strong 8 lbs. 4 oz. baby boy.

We plan on leaving for the Kingston Family Reunion on Aug. 1st. and arriving in (the town formerly known as Newcastle) on or about, Aug. 3rd.  Not only will this be little Joseph's first meeting with his Grandpa Joseph but also with all the family of his Dear Grandmother, Ann Marie.  Would that she could be there too.....It will be quite the time!

Stories? Of cource there willl be stories:

"To Dawson Town came Percy Brown from London on the Thames.
A pane of glass was in his eye, and strokings on his stems.
Upon the shoulder of his coat a leather pad he wore,
To rest his deadly rifle when it wasn't seeking gore;
The which it must have often been, for major Percy Brown,
According to his story was a hunter of renown"......

R. S.
More to follow.

Salute! to you all.
We look forward to the reunion.
G. Kingston W. and family

ICEWORM COCKTAIL!

Can't wait, Geo! :-D

Love,
Lumpie

 The days are running out!  Tom and my brother Will are rendezvousing in Edmonton, Alberta and flying home together on the 29th....John Kingston and family arrive on the 30th and I am into New Brunswick on the 31st.  Please AIR CANADA - don't strike!  .....jv

John is your calander a quiz question?  Today is only the 18th.  BUT time is running out.

See you all Soon.
Patty

(Your're right Aunt Patty.  I got to work and was informed a scheduled meeting was not occuring because it wasn't until tomorrow.  Sounds like I need a vacation...!...jv)

AM Kingston you are slaying me with your breakfast competion!  The sock puppet show sounds like a great idea.  They make them then have to come up with a show.   Should keep them busy for awhile.  We leave for the first leg of our trip [Ottawa]soon.  Good thing.  The weather here is pretty awful.  Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Heather

John,

Took a look at your directions to Mary Leslie's camp.  Newcastle is now Miramichi West, not east. Though I am sure most of the relatives are well aware where the former Newcastle is situated, I thought you may want to change this just in case there are relatives who have been away for awhile and who were going to surprise us by intending to show up unannounced.

Kevin
(Thanks Kevin, I have corrected it!..jv)

John and Will,

Hurry up and get home.  Went through 3 gas tanks in the lawn mower today cutting grass at the camp.  I should of had a Massey Furgerson tractor with a bailer.  However in practising or reacquiring my Miramichi lingo, I can say " she looks some good buys (boys)"

Kevin

Hi All,

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this post...have been dreading writing this for days.  We will not be able to attend the reunion. :-((

I called out travel agent to arrange air accommodations earlier this week.  Because of our crazy work schedules we could only get off Thursday-Sunday.  Because of it being such a short trip that included a weekend plus the "two dogs in the cabin" situation, the best rate they could offer us was almost $1000.00 a piece.  That, sadly, is prohibitive. :-((  We would only have been able to actually BE there Friday and Saturday.  I am just sobbing writing this.  We were both looking forward to this so very much.  I'm so sorry.

We are thinking we'll plan a trip up there with Dad sometime in the next year, maybe even this fall when we'll be able to spend some quality time.  I desperately want to see everyone again.

In the meantime, I expect yus all to take very detailed notes on the events of the reunion and share them with us.

Totally depressed,
Mary & Jack

P.S. We need some volunteers to help Mary Leslie with the Saturday Hip of Beef dinner which we were supposed to orchestrate. (tears again) :-(((

Say it ain't so Mary! This is unfortunate news...I was thinking that what if even you could escape yourself for 96 hours? Many of us folks would miss the opportunity of seeing you all when you do visit next year...anyway, MAYBE FOOD FOR THOUGHT???

John V

John, I agree.  Mary & Jack I will miss seeing you this year.  Lassie says hello to the family.
Love Aunt Patty

>This is unfortunate news...I was thinking that what if even you could escape yourself for 96 hours?<

I had our travel agent check this out too.  It didn't change the rate except to subtract $100.00 dog ticket. :-((

Mary W.

Hi all:

You know what this means, John and Mary.  We are going to need an Internet hookup at the site so that Mary can be there via modem.  Mary, this just isn't fair......you have been such a part of this site and have been so looking forward to this...I think my dear brother Dennis and his wife, Cathy, were on with you and Jack to do the hip of beef, but meals are details (although for most Kingstons they aren't)....the important part was your being there....anyway I am sure you are trying your best to swing it and it just means that we must do another reunion in 2005.....start planning now!

Love to all,
Brenda

Howdy,

Mary.... I cannot believe it.... I add my disappointment to the list.  Any chance of you hitching a ride with someone passing through on their way?

Whether you can make it or not, I am in agreement with Brenda about having an internet hookup on site.  It would be great to record events as they happen as well as keep in touch with distant Kingstons.

Ray, the girls, and I are just back from 9 days of camping.  We started off in PEI then went on to Halifax to see the Tall ships and then to Sussex as we did not want to come home right away.  Katie-Rose did wonderfully camping.  She and I had a bed together and after the first night she settled in very nicely.  I did learn one thing while away which may prove useful for those of you coming to the reunion with little ones.  Bring a high chair or some apparatus to contain them for short periods of time and during feedings.  I would not have returned with a nerve left if I had not brought one for Katie-Rose.  She was -- at times -- into EVERYTHING in the trailer.

Ann Marie, we A. Kingstons are ready for the great Miramichi cook off.  I did have a few revelations while on the trip as to how we can manage the Saturday breakfast. :)

Well best be off.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone in a few days and I do hope, Mary, that you can find a way home....ME

Hi, Mary and Jack: We are heart-broken that you can't come for the reunion - or are you just spoofing us, like JIMMY MCCLOUGHRY?

We are just devastated if this is true.  Please relieve our pain and join us on Aug. 4th - or earlier -

George and Stephanie and all the"George Kingstons" East and West

Now just when I had yus all thinkin' I was a counterfit man (it only took some a promise of imported Scotch from the motherland to get that John Vickers to spin his yarn and keep George and other compatriots quiet til my arrival ) here I am a commin' to the New World to surprize yus to death and I find that Mary Weissler may not be around.  We're hoppin' you'll find a way to get there Mary!

Jimmy

Jimmy,

I had the whole world thinking you were not for real!  Looking forward to finally meeting you!

Tom Kingston would be the guy to set up a live web cam for the 2000 reunion.  I don't know if it's possible - what do ya say there Tom?

John V

P.S. One week from tonight and I am packing my bags!

Mary I won't say anymore because it has already been said.  I hope fortune changes.  Moreover my fear grows because of my older brother's penchant for cajun cooking (which I believe is American for burnt (just kidding!).  Anyway I am sure between Bren and I and many others we can fill the bill for Sat supper (I can see the Miramichi Leader headlines regarding vast weiner shortage on the river!)

We will be arriving on the 4th (delayed a bit due to work committments on both our parts and we will see some of Giulia's relatives in Quebec on the way) and staying until the 11th.  The kids are really looking forward to it and from my estimates will have a variety of playmates.  I will be starting a new job on my return (have 2 offers, one from Nortel, one from a startup so we will see how negotiations go this week).  Hi tech in Ottawa is booming beyond belief.

Safe journey to all

Hi John and all you lads: - George will supply the computer c/w what ever it takes with Tommy doing the set-up.  Mary Leslie will have to give us permission to install a telephone/computer jack.

Glad to see Jimmy is coming!  I have been waiting to have a drink of single malt with him for sometime.

Re: Barbaque of a large hip of beef.  Do not count it out.  If it does not materialize from others, I will guarentee that Jimmy and a gang of life size Lepracons will make it really happen.

Mary and Jack stop stalling and get here, if it is only for a short time, your presence is essential,
it truly will put a damper on festivities if you are not HERE.  I am sure I express the true desires of all of Samuel and Lillian's descendants that you lads be HERE.

Hi all,

Just wanted to let everyone know that there has been a change in plans about the DJ on Saturday night.  To make a long story short, we will not be having a hired one, however, bring your CDs and a "boom box" will be there.  The plan is to have a variety show on that night as well.  I am trying to track down a karaokee machine which I think would be a hoot, however, I am not having much luck. In any case, please bring your musical instruments along with you and copies of whatever sheet music you can find for everyone to use as we sing along.  My dear Mother has volunteered to do some step dancing that night and heaven knows what my dear Father will end up doing after a day of sipping whiskey with the relatives (ha!).  Looking forward to seeing everyone next week....ME

John, Steven, Brenda, George & Stephanie,ME and all,

Thank you for your kind posts.  They a tearing my heart in two.  I haven't even been in here for awhile...too bummed out about this sudden turn in events.

We had absolutely no idea the airfare would be so exhorbatant.  $2000.00 for two days of vacation is just more than we are able to bear.  We were thinking it would be 1/2 that.  I'm so sorry to let everyone down. :-(

Please do get a computer to the site so you all can fill me in!  And all must have a few belts of Scotch with Jimmy for me!  Oh, this is so sad. :-(((

Mary W.

These things can happen Mary.  You'll definitely be there in spirit!

I am so looking forward to meeting many great cousins.  I was thinking just yesterday that it sure seems like quite a while since I've met any of Rita and Peter's children.  Neat!

Will and Tom are rendezvousing in Edmonton tomorrow (Will from Yellowknife and Tom from the B.C. Interior) to fly home to the Maritimes together. They've even managed to fly back after the reunion together.

Happy and safe travelling to all travelers!

John V 

Just a wee hint of advice for those you with children who will enjoy wading in the river-the river has a rock bottom so it would be worthwhile to pack an old pair of sneakers or watershoes to protect little feet.

See everyone on the weekend!!!

Anne,Nick & girls

Mary W,

Your Dad got all the way to Bangor, Maine and when he went to rent his car, he learned that his driver's license had expired.  He made enqueries to ascertain alternate travel methods, to no avail. I called Joe at his hotel, 207-947-6721 Room 610.  I offerred to go and get him, he is only 5 hours away. He advised me that he has cancelled all his reservations and will be returning home tomorrow morning, 3August at 5:00 am.  I did not want to pressure Joe in any way and gave him my phone number 506-622-0054 in case in changed his mind.  Should you get this message Mary, you may wish to give him a shout and tell your Dad that it would be an honour for me to go and get him.  I tried to reach Mark to advise him of same however no luck in reaching anyone.

Hope this gets to you in time.

Wish you were here.

Love, your cousin

Kevin Vickers

Mary,

I had posted the previous message in case you did not get your email.  Thanks for getting back to me.  I am sure your brother George will be a great Wiessler representative.

Kevin

Hi Mary,

Sorry to hear about your Dad. We were sad to hear he got so close and not to arrive. Up to the grounds today - Uncle George's family is all settled in.  The big event begins tomorrow with registration at about 2 in the afternoon.  Anyhow, take care...]

John V

Dear Kevin and John (and all),

It certainly was a sad thing that Dad was only 5 hours away and decided to return home.  He was just feeling very overwhelmed by the whole thing.  Suzanne talked to him yesterday afternoon.  He made it home, safe and sound and she said he sounds fine with his decision.  We were worried he might start beating himself up about it once things calmed down.  But Dad rarely looks back after he makes a final decision so I think he'll be fine.  I worry more about how this might affect his overall confidence with regard to travelling.  He claims he is swearing off any future trips that involve anything other than a straight shot plane ride. :-(

Anyhoo...I am counting on you guys to fill me in on what's going on up there! I will check the Gill frequently over the next few days and I expect to see alot of messages! :-D

Love,
Mary

Mary Weissler can also be reached at: 110607.3647@compuserve.com

Hi Mary,

The first day was a great success.  Thank god for name tags! Lots of people wondering who was who. (For example, mine says "John Vickers, son of Monica".  It got funny when it got to the inlaws.ie...John Doe, husband of Mary, daughter of etc..:)  It was great to see your brother George here representing your family.  His son is quite the centre of attention as the youngest of the Kingston clan.

There was a pot luck supper tonight on the opening evening...lots of fun is an understatement!  A number of us also went tubing where we drove a few miles up the river, dumped our tire tubes in the river and floated all the way back to the camp...it was really great.

Alley's crowd is preparing breakfast at 6:30 am...going to try and get up there abit earlier as there is a great salmon pool nearby and think I will try my luck as the sun comes up....shall keep you posted!

John V

Hi Kingstons!

Dlad to hear a great time is being had by all and that George & family made it to N.B. safe and sound. When Jack read the part about the salmon fishing I thought he was going to start openly weeping! How was the breakfast?

Am I the only decendant living the reunion vicariously through the Gill Net?  If there are any other of you out there, speak up! :-)

By the way, while driving home from the dog park this morning I was listening to NPR.  They were doing a segment on a Canadian songwriter named Stan Rogers who was killed in an airplane fire in 1983.  His songs were just beautiful and all were about Canada.  One of his more famous folk songs was "The Mary Ellen Carter" about a ship.  Have any of you heard of him?

Mary W.

Greetings on this Sunday morning Mary,

I read your post with Uncle George last evening and he indicated he knew of the person you were referring to.

What a day yesterday!  It began with Uncle Alley's family putting on breakfast - they did such a great job.  They came complete with "I am Kingston" T-shirts and had things starting to happen by six in the morning.  The weather was great and we had a giant BBQ later in the day - soo much food around here! At seven or so last evening we had a variety show with a large flatbed truck serving as the grand stage.  There were lip sinc acts, dance routines, guitars, a fantastic rendition of Robbie Brown by your brother, and Aunt Bernie and Uncle George got up to sing a rendition of Danny Boy. Bernie encouraged her brothers and sisters to get up and join her and soon all immediate family members were up there for the song. It was great.  George got up for your family, Brenda for Billy's, John Byberg for Rita's - it was really something.  By the way there are TONS of pictures being snapped and there is a scanner here.  I'll see if I can get some scanned abit later on and maybe I'll put together an online album showing all the festivities in order that they occured.  The day topped off with about 20 of us gathered around a campfire down along the river bank and more guitar music till about 1 or 2 this morning.

At the moment, here on this Sunday morning, George Kingston's family is at the breakfast helm.  I am the judge of "the best breakfast" at the reunion and I regretfully inform you Mary that there is lots of influence peddling going on.  I was offered cash, alcohol, promised lawn chair butler service etc. etc. - all in the name of which family makes the best breakfast.  I have to regretfully inform my fellow cousins that due to influence peddling being a serious offense and that both families were involved, I cannot legally rule on which breakfast was best - thus a draw is the result...:)

We have mass this morning at 11 am and a salmon dinner this evening. Another sunny day! The weather is sure cooperating - cloudless morning.

We'll check in again thanks to Tom Kingston's efforts in getting the computer all hooked up here.

John V

Howdy Kingstons!

So you have a computer right there at the site, huh?  Cool!  Thanks Tommy!  John, thanks for keeping me so well informed...it sounds like you are having a BLAST!

I'm glad George recited Iceworm Cocktail...it's my favorite Robert Service poem that he does and he recites it with such flair and animation! "To Dawson town came Percy Brown from London on the Thames..............."

As for the breakfast thing, I can't believe that I come from such highly competitive stock who would actually reduce themselves to bribing the judge to win! I think you resolved the situation well, John.

Tell anyone who has time to stop by the computer and drop me a line! :-)

Mary W.

Dear Mary

Here we are. Up on the Little Southwest Branch.  Everyone misses you.  You've got to know that you'd be the biggest hit.  Dinner last night was pork chops.  They were really good and again we missed you. I did the Ice Worm Cocktail to rave re views, more reallly than deserved....it was a very good time.  Little Joe has been a huge hit.  I have photos w/ him and most all of Mom's sibs.
We look forward to seeing you and showing you the photos

Be Good, We love You! Jack too-
Geo

Hi Geo, Nance and Lidda Joe!

Glad to hear you're having such a great time!  Can't wait to see the pics.  I'm just dashing off to work now...keep me posted!

Love,

Mary

Hi Mary,

Well, the final big day was fantastic! We had a lovely mass and late this afternoon finished the day with a great salmon supper - a total of 12 salmon were prepared and served with home made mayo..hmmmm!  Another hooot day with lots of folks out in the water.  The pictures are really something...will try to post some before I go - if not there'll be lots when I get back to Victoria and hopefully I get lots emailed..

Going to try my luck at fly fishing again at sundown..take care..john v

Sunday, August 6, 2000 - 01:53:23 pm:
Message from John V at :

There ya go Mary!  One hell of a picture!  I will place this off the main page as a link when I get back as it will be a long download time..cheers jv..

Hi!

My name is Carolyn Marie Cox. I am Bethy's oldest daughter. It was a lot of fun- tubing, swimming, and meeting new relatives!  I loved the food esspecially the breakfast.  If I were judge on the breakfasts; I would have picked the Sunday Breakfast(George Kingston breakfast)I live in the States.Have to go to bed!!  I am Stephanie Ona Kingston.  I am John's oldest daughter. Finally the reunion is over. The food was great and I think the George Kingston breakfast was the best.  Tubing was awesome (West Edmonton Mall is better).  I also think that my family is farthest north.

Bye-
Carolyn & Stephanie
P.S. we are eleven- that why we are constantly hungry!!!ha!ha!ha!!

See ya!

Hi Kingstons!

It was great to hear from you, Caroline and Stephanie...glad you had such a blast at the reunion.

John, the picture was GREAT!  I could pick out you, Monica, Carmel, Bernadette, Patty and Nance but that's about it!  When you create the link you'll have to put names over everyone's heads. :-)

The Gill Net is HUGE!  It takes forever to scroll down!  When you get home you'll have to start an August Gill Net mid-month.  We will be very much looking forward to seeing all the pictures!  We are so sad to have missed this. :-(

Mary W.