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John,

Let's say I want to review last month's GillNet comments (i.e. revisit them), or I want to see notes from previous month's GillNet's, where would I click?

Well, the first thing you do is scroll down this page slowly.  Once at the buttom, return to the top of the page and do this for about three hours.  Now, at this point, your eyes may be growing tired.  Go to bed and rest for about four hours.  Awaken with energy, return to your computer.  Breath deeply for five minutes.  Then calmly scroll the page again for about more two hours and you should have it :-)!

Actually I was acutely aware of your great wit at hand sir.

John V

(P.S. - I am heading down to Mexico for a week. Excuse the black and white look of this place in my absence - bye!)

Nov 3rd.......1965....I was no longer known as the baby of the Vickers' household.

Happy 34th birthday Kingston!
 

I would call you but it's late eastern time.
I'll buzz you tomorrow.cheers

will

Belated happy birthday Kingston! It is 88 degrees here in the Mexican heat and I shall buy a cold cocktail in your honour! They have free internet access in the hotel lobby which is kind of neat.

See Ya

John V

Yes, it's me!

You probably all thought we fell off the face of the earth.  I missed you guys!  Our computer crashed a few weeks back and it has been a VERY long haul getting it up and running again.  Without boring you with all the gorey details, suffice it to say that we now have a new hard drive and a new motherboard, all installed by Jack during untold hours on the phone with Micron tech support.  You have no idea how much time we spent flat on our bellies, PCU spread all over the floor, Jack with a head-attatched flashlight working away while I held the phone to his ear. Good god this was an incredible project!  Thank goodness everything was still under warranty and we now have a HUGE Pentium processor and BIG (and empty) hard drive absolutely free.  We did have to buy Iomega tools and zip up our old hard drive onto discs before removing it.

John, we had a MARVELOUS time pumpkin carving on Saturday night with dad.  We put on some music and all three of us totally got into it (carved 4 in all). I took some pictures which I will send when developed.  Our only problem was fighting over the saws! :-)  We got many compliments from the neighbors! Dad regreted he could not write a note to the Gill Net...I really think he would have had the puter been working. :-(

Your carvings are absolutely AWESOME!!! OMG! The one of Sam is my favorite.  Did you get on the news? How is Sam's little *problem*?

Please continue to pop in from your hotel lobby...that's pretty cool!  You need a laptop!  Have a margarita (sp?) for me and enjoy the sun and sand!

Happy Birthday Kingston!!!!!!!!!

Mary W.

Kevin,

I totally remember seeing Love Story up in New Brunswick! Wow...how time flies when you're having fun. :-) I also remember seeing "Wait Until Dark" with Audrey Hepburn up there with my Canadian cousins. Does anyone remember this??? It was a REALLY scary movie and, if my memory serves me correctly, I think someone fainted in the theater durnig one of the heart-stopper scenes. Anyone recall this?

Mary W.

Mary W. I was with you at the movie, Wait Until Dark. I do not remember anyone fainting, but I remember sleeping with the light on and my room door open, forever, it seems.

The Vickers left this morning for Florida, actually Prescile tonight and Tampa tomorrow.  Hello Everyone who is reading the Gill Net Lodge.

Hi Mary!

That was one of the truly scariest movies I have ever seen (besides Jaws) and it was very well done.  I seem to remember someone fainting during one of the really horrifying parts and the lights going up so said victim could be carried out. Hmmmm.... Who else was with us?  I'm sure George was there and maybe John...seems like there were 4 or 5 of us.  Trivia question: What was the name of the guy who was trying to kill Audrey Hepburn?

Mary W.

Hello Again.  It is truly amazing what a week off can do for one's brain.  Sure was nice to get away!

Welcome back Mary W.  The Gill Net slows down when you're not around.  My pumpkins made the suppertime TV news, I was interviewed on an FM morning show and the newspaper did a story...the only problem was that some evenings there was like two hundred people standing in front of my house.  The FM guy and gal suggested people should drop off pumpkins (that happened last year) and the next day I came home and there were about 30 piled up in my yard.  At the height of all the craziness, I was laying in bed one evening and thought a bad lightning storm was approaching - until I realized it was constant flashes from people's camera's outside my window!

I told a friend I wanted to move in for a couple days and leave the pumpkins behind..:-) )  I was also happy to hear about your carving successes Mary!  I don't believe I made the movie with you at that time...I think I was still limited to Francis the Talking Mule at the 50 cent Saturday afternoon matinees.

Nice to say hello Mary Rawlinson.  I am still debating about Florida for Xmas with Mom and Dad however I am feeling sunned out from Mexico and may wait and go with Will at spring time.

How is Mary Ellen doing these days?  We need an update from you Mary Ellen.

byyyyye

John V

Hi all,

My arms are finally free from baby for a few minutes so I thought I would check in on the lodge.  I guess I am addicted when you think my other choice for spending this precious free time was a bath. :)

We are having a few challenges with Katie-Rose.  First of all, she fooled us all while in the hospital and has shown us she is NOT a sleeper.  I went to work yesterday after sleeping only 40 minutes all night.  Second, at her three week check up she weighed less than when she was born and the doctor is concerned.  I am breastfeeding so I had to go in the next day and "show my technique".  I am starting to feel like a National Geographic speciman.  Anyway, now I have to breastfeed Katie-Rose and then give her a bottle of formula.  The whole thing thakes about 1.5 hours per feeding, hence the lack of sleep.  We are going back to the doctor tomorrow for a weigh-in and if she has not gained we then have to go on to a pediatrician.  She seems bright enough, so I am not panicing yet.  Ah, the challenges of motherhood.  I swear it is the most humbling position there is.  I look forward to going to work one day a week so I can affirm that, yes, I do know a few things and the world does not end because I cannot burp a child properly.

Take Care all....ME

Mary Ellen,

As a seasoned investigator of serious crime, and one who has found a way to obtain the confessions of so many unfortunate people who have taken other peoples lives, allow me to tell you; that there is no singularly more important job in society than being a responsible mother.

It is all a matter of perception.  Be confident in your knowledge that your profession, being a mother, takes precedence of all others.

Oh dear little Katie-Rose, will you ever know how fortunate you are to have such a wonderfull mother?

Kevin

WELCOME HOME JOHN!!!

We missed you big time!  Glad your brain has been rejuvinated and that you had such a great time in Mexico. As for all the pumpkin carving hoopla, I will be able to say "I knew him when...".  Next year you'll probably be on Good Morning America and Oprah!

Great to hear from you Mary Ellen!  Hang in there kiddo...I'm sure Katie Rose will rally and be just fine.  You should print up Kevin's words and put them on your refrigerator where you can read them occasionally when you are able to open your eyes enough.  Right on Kevin! ^5!  I do think dear little Katie Rose will fully realize what a wonderful mother she has...wonderful mothers just run in the family. :-)  Keep us posted on the next weigh-in!

Mary W.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/

Famous cousin.  Opened up my morning newspaper this am and found a large feature article on our cousin Guy BYBERG complete with photo.  Heading of the article " The stuff table-hockey dreams are made of.  With 28 square feet of playing surface and a price tag of $6500.00, its the ultimate for hockey buffs who come in from the cold.

Guy apparently a reputable wood carving designer, much like our other famous woodcarving cousing, George WEISSLER, has designed the ultimate in table-hockey.  Ottawa area has a population of 1 million people.  To see Guy's picture on the third page of the paper is really something.  Here are some quotes, " This is the ultimate in table hockey" " We enlarged it, simplified it, eliminated the dead spots and perfected the game in every aspect. Table hockey is Canada's unofficial national rec-room sport and it deserves this attention to detail". It is built on elegant oak. The puck is smaller to allow the deft competitor to fire shots between the goalie's legs... "it is a great social game".  The game is called the Classic.  It is on display at the Signatures Show at the Ottawa Congress Centre.

Guy has a website for his business www.artizan.on.ca   He made and sold 60 games last year.  Let me see, $6500.00 X 60 = holy shit we have a rich cousin.  John VICKERS with your marketing skills you could propel this thing into another world.

I will try to get downtown and see Guy. The last time I saw him was at our last family reunion.

Kevin

Late yesterday evening, Ann and I drove down to the Ottawa convention centre.  There was a zillion people there however we were successful in finding Guy's booth.  As I walked up to introduce myself and Ann, I could see by his face that I looked familiar to him but he had no idea who I was.  Of course after introductions we had a great conversation and it was great to see one and other.  I did not know this but Guy married a girl from Sweden and has two young daughters, Jade and I forget.  I did not want to take too much of his time as there were plenty of potential customers.  He tells me he is was aware of the reunion next year and says that he will be there.  He did not know about this web site.  He looks a great deal like Aunt Rita however he is all Peter Byberg in mannerisms.

Kevin

Kevin, I checked out Guy's site...his hockey game looks great.  What a small world, eh?

People I meet often can't believe it when I tell them that my hertiage means that I have lots and lots of "first cousins".  We're mostly first cousins at Gill Net.  I am estatic that I have so many first cousins.

JOhn V

Hi – to all the cousins and second cousins who peer over their parents to get a peek!!!

Some of you know I live in Calgary, which appears to be having the craziest weather these days.  It is November and some will remember in snowed July 2nd and July 15th.  On Friday it was 18c at noon a warm Chinook had arrived and by 5:00pm it was –1c and snowing!!!  Saturday it was around 2c and Sunday it was 13c.  Hard to imagine 2 years ago it was –25c for weeks on end in November.

My son, Jayson got engaged Thanksgiving weekend and plans to marry Estelle on June 24th, 2000.  My oldest Sam moved in with his girlfriend of 6years.  So, now I have two potential daughters in laws.  The ever expanding Kingston family!!!

Checked out Guy’s site---awesome talent!!!

What plans do people have for New Year’s –share it might be fun to see what each is up to.

Anne Marie

So nice to hear from you Anne Marie!

The Dungarven Hooper (The Dungarven River is a tributary I believe of the Miramichi) was considered in my youth as the most bone chilling Miramichi ghost story.  Uncle George has forwarded it and I have posted it under Ghost stories in the family section - it's also available here.

John V

Hi, again

Saw our cousin Peter Byberg on TV tonight-Canada Tonight (newshour) --carried about a 3-4 minute piece.
Peter made several comments and the talble looked wonderful.

Hi folks,

Congratulations to Jayson and Estelle.  June is a great time to get married.

You asked about plans for New Years. Well, I have 2 baysitters lined up, however, Ray & I have decided to be rebels and not celebrate until next year-- Actually, we are too old and worn out from keeping up with the children to even think about getting dressed up and going out this year :).  We will probably stay home and have a few drinks,order out and watch Dick Clark, etc. ring in the new year.  BORING!!!  JoAnn and Paula-Marie were glad to hear I was not in need of the babysitters and are planning to live it up at the Kinsmen Centre in town.

Re: Katie-Rose. She is doing a lot better.  The doctor was amazed at the difference in her in 10 days.  She has gained weight beyond her birth weight, so she is out of the woods.  I took her to Fredericton with me yesterday to introduce her to my former colleagues. She doesn't travel as well as her sister, so it took a while to get there and back.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, Kevin.  It puts things into perspective.

Take Care everyone.  Only a bit over 10 months until the reunion.  I can hardly wait to see everyone face-to face in one place. It is so amazing that from 2 people there are over 185 people connected to them.

Hi all,

It appears we now have two famous cousins in the bunch...John the mad pumpkin carver and Guy the table hockey carver.  I'm glad you made contact with him Kevin and perhaps he'll drop by the Gill Net now that he knows about the web site.

Congratulations to Jason on his upcoming wedding and to Katie Rose for her weight gain!  She'll be a little porker in no time! :-)  I'm off to check out Guy's website and read George's ghost story now.

Mary W.

Wow...

I just checked out Guy's site and yup, Anne Marie...it's pretty awesome!  I sent him an e-mail telling him to get his butt over to the Gill Net Lodge!  Everyone should go to the site and e-mail the bejeezus out of him until he finally shows up! :-)

Mary W.

Yo John!

I have a few pumpkin carving pics all scanned in a ready to send to you. I was all excited and then I realized...I don't have your e-mail address anymore (address book lost in the crash). Please send it and I will send pics. I wasn't sure if the e-mail address on the homepage was yours or Tommy's.  Where is Tommy anyway?

Mary W.

Mary your pumpkins look wonderful!  You and your Dad look very into it!  It's great...:)  JOhn V

Mary W

Brings a real warm feeling to see you with your Dad.  I hope my daughter, Laura, and I have times such as those depicted in our future.....

Mary, that profile shot of you reminds me of a very dear and favourite aunt who I think of so often...

Kevin

>Mary, that profile shot of you reminds me of a very dear and favourite aunt who I think of so often...<

Awwwwwwwwww, Kevin...I am simultaneously beaming and madly wiping tears!  Thank you for that immense compliment!  As for sharing future times such as these with Laura, I think that's a given.  The Kingston men of our generation all had such incredibly nurturing mothers and take after them in spades.  Ask John to send you a pumpkin carving kit and stow it away in a safe place for 40+ years. :-)

Mary W.

I forgot to say...

See that little table behind me in the cornor?  Than is my one treasure that came from Grandma's living room on Old King George Highway.  I cherish it.

Mary W.

Hi All,

Mary, that table style brings back memories of Grandmothers place - we would love to speed up the clock's hands on the mantle in there so we could hear it chime..:-)

My brothers Will and Kingston inform me they are using net meeting (free to download) from Microsoft and with a $100 camera and mic, they are now interacting via live video over the internet...sounds like fun! They are even using video emails.
I am going to go camera shopping.

In my work with telecommunications and 24-hour security monitoring, there is a new revolution emerging where homes will have complete video conferencing, and much more. They say the new home market will really be getting up to speed with special wiring installations (an extra $1,500 or so) over the next two or three years while efforts to encourage change within existing homes will be increasing.

It's amazing what is coming down the pike.  As you walk through your residence, motion sensors for example can detect your body heat and can automatically turn lights on as you go.  The daily nicities in homes 20 years from now are going to be great.   I can see it now.  The question's will be - "You mean they really didn't have that back then at the turn of the century?"

John V

Hi John,

That video thing Will and Kingston are using sounds pretty cool but I would hate to have to worry about my hair and makeup before jumping online! :-)

As for the utmost in security systems, the coolest one I ever saw was at a shop in St. Louis a few years back that sold some pretty bizarre home alarm systems.  How it worked was there was some sort of electronic eye and it anything tripped it, it was hooked to a big sound system that immediately blasted what sounded like 20 Doberman Pinchers insanely violent and wanting to rip the intruder's throat out! I was quite impressed!

Mary W.

Hello,

It has poured rain almost every single day for the last month here. When you live out here on the west coast, it doesn't pay to be concerned as to when the sun is supposed to come out. You simply accept you won't expect to see it with any consistency until sometime in March.    ): 

John V