Hi everyone,

I've had a little time this week for some surfing on the Internet, and I found a terrific site about The Promised Land. What I particularly liked about this one is that it's been written by a crew member, who has put in lots of little details about the shooting of the series that us fans all seem to love. Now you might ask why I'm mentioning a site about this show. Well, here's the thing...many of you would know that Richard Thomas (John Boy) played the part of Joe Greene on that show, and appeared every so often. If you have a look at the series 2 episodes you will find a mention of RT in Episode 203. This webmaster is complementary of Richard's acting ability, something that of course we already knew, but it's nice to read comments from people who actually worked with him. :-))

Now you can all view the website at Promised Land. I was fascinated with the site and wish there were more like them on the Internet. Enjoying the show really helps too. Over here we have had all three seasons aired on Channel 7, but they ran at 5.10 in the morning! Still I managed to tape many of them and really enjoyed the series. Pity it finished. Perhaps Foxtel might pick the show up. They have Touched By an Angel.

Well I guess that's my little bit of Waltons related news for the week. I'm on holidays this week, and really looking forward to the break. It's cold here, but not too cold. We've had some chilly mornings but on the whole it really hasn't been too bad at all. I'll talk to you again next week. Till then...

Goodnight everyone,

Karen.

Karen,

I have quite a few fave Elizabeth moments but, the one I like most was the two part episode when she is recovering from her injuries from the accident she has while standing on the pile of logs. She was always such a good actress I felt but, in this one she was great!!!!!!

Sincerely, Cally!

KAREN'S COMMENT: They seemed to write scripts to show off Kami Cotler's acting abilities as she grew older, and yes, this is a terrific example.

Hi Karen

I think my favorite Elizabeth moment is when she and Drew are dancing at the Baldwin's party even though she wanted to go with Steve. Another good one is when Jason and Ted (Jewish friend) are there for the weekend and Elizabeth is having trouble dealing with people because she made good grades and they tease her and Ted helps her out.

Donna

KAREN'S COMMENT: I'm not sure offhand what the "Ted" episode is, but I do love the Baldwin's party one, where she and Drew "find" each other.

The best Elizabeth episode was the Idol with Hazel Lampere (Susan Krebs).

Jonesey might have been better for Erin than for Mary Ellen as you suggested because of his adventurous spirit.

Donald

KAREN'S COMMENT: The Idol was a terrific episode, and showed a lovely relationship between father and daughter I think.

My favorite Elizabeth is probably The Homecoming. Such a little cutie. I always loved those little dimples and the beautiful red braids. The dimples were less noticeable as she grew up, but her hair got prettier as the seasons went along.

We're getting into the episodes I've only seen once (didn't get to see them on their first run). Would love to watch them again, but I only get to catch bits and pieces as I clean houses for ladies who have cable or satellite and who aren't home while I'm cleaning :( Hopefully someday I'll get to own them all, then I won't have to bother with TNN :)

Donna

KAREN'S COMMENT: I can just imagine you saving all your lounge room or family room cleanings until The Waltons is on Donna. :-))

Hi, everyone. I just found my new favorite Elizabeth moment. I'm not sure what the episode is called, but it is the one where Elizabeth falls in love with the new minister, and he thinks that it is Erin that loves him. The moments between Elizabeth and her Daddy are very touching. It was a great episode.

By the way, here in Indiana, we get The Waltons twice a day on TNN, at 12pm and 1pm. It has been my favorite show for about 12 years now. Well, that is all from me today.

--Ben from Indiana

P.S. I also like in The Homecoming where Elizabeth says she is going to have puppies when she grows up. That is a good Elizabeth AND Jim-Bob moment.

KAREN'S COMMENT: I like it when all of the new ministers arrive on the mountain, but this one is lovely with the misunderstandings between the minister and Elizabeth. Now there's someone who would have been good for Erin too, and I think she actually mentions that she thought so too.

Hi Everyone,

Wanted to respond to Karen's query regarding "favorite Elizabeth moments." I really don't have a specific moment but I just love all of the special times Elizabeth spends with Grandpa. I think their relationship as portrayed on the show is so wonderful and so special. It reminds me of my grandpa and my time with him. He was a very special person and I was his "shadow." I lost my beloved "Gran" in 1983 and still miss him terribly.

Also wanted to comment on your winter weather. As I'm sure you hear all the time, it seems so strange to think of your winter being now during our scorching summer here in central Florida, USA! The high temperature today was 104 degrees with humidity at 80% and we had terrible summer thunderstorms with a lot of rain.

Also like hearing about your kids schooling. It sounds wonderful and I wish our schools here in FL were more in tune with the type of curriculum your sons have. I have a son who will graduate next May and am worried about his readiness for college. Our school system leaves a lot to be desired! Oh well ... so it goes. Have a good day, everyone!

Tammy

KAREN'S COMMENT: I think Will Geer as Grandpa Walton was loved by so many people. One very special moment that I remember from the series, is when Aimee asked him if he would be her Grandpa too.

I'm interested to know why you don't think your son is ready for college yet Tammy. I find it fascinating to compare the two systems too. I do think that James is far more ready for University than Tim was, because he is a far more independent learner and is very motivated, something that Tim really isn't. I also think that at 18 they are still so very young to decide exactly what they want to do with their lives. Fortunately James is happy to continue to study and I have no doubt that there will be some sort of door open at some stage for him to go through and say yes, this is what I see myself doing as a job!

Hi Karen and Everyone!

I haven't the slightest idea what my favorite Elizabeth episode is! I did like the one that dealt with poltergeists. Wasn't it called the Changeling? That one scared me when I saw it, but I was only eleven years old. I haven't had any problems this year, though, and I'm thirteen! Thanks, Jennifer. I'm glad to know that my brother, my teacher, and I, aren't the only Trekkies in the world! By the way, Karen, I think the first quote for many of us that comes to mind when we think of Elizabeth is, "Daddy, where DID I come from?" John's reply was, "Hiding behind one of your Mama's smiles."

Maybe I'll add more later.

Goodnight Everybody,

Robin

KAREN'S COMMENT: I like the poltergeist one and also the one on the Ferris wheel which someone else mentions later. She was given some scary episodes. :-)

Hi, everyone!

Regarding the Waltons house - it's on the back lot at Burbank Studios, formerly Warner Bros. Studios, in California. I didn't get to see it, but about 20 years ago a friend of mine and I took the studio tour, and we got to go inside the interior set of the house. The front porch was duplicated in the sound stage (big building where interior shots are filmed) and we walked up and through the front door (the screen door didn't squeak like it does on the show), and into the living room and kitchen! I got to touch the bench where they all eat, Jason's piano, and the picture of FDR hanging in the living room! We were only able to be on the set for a couple minutes, and there was no filming taking place at the time we were there, so we didn't see any cast members. I was in awe just seeing the inside of the house! (The steps that go upstairs on the show actually go nowhere when you see them on the set - they stop halfway up, out of camera range!)

Geri Ann

KAREN'S COMMENT: It's really fun to hear about things like this. Thanks Geri Ann.

Agnes mentioned seeing the Walton's house in another TV show: "What is the Walton house doing on that show, and why does it look so bad? ... and if the inside will have the same floorplan?" And Karen replied:"I believe that it is on one of the studio lots. I doubt that the floorplan would be the same, as they would have been sets in the studio I think."

Quite right. The Walton's house, as was the Godsey's store etc, were just flats on the "back lot". The interiors were sets in the studio.

And now a question - What was the title of the episode in which Peggy Rae first appeared (as a landlady), as Lisa noted? I think it is one of the episodes which Bill Atkins hasn't yet written a synopses (but my memory may have failed me....!).

Cheers! from Arthur

KAREN'S COMMENT: Great to hear from you Arthur. I hope you're well and enjoying some summer weather over there. :-)) Can anyone tell us the title of the episode which Arthur asks about?

Hi there Karen,

It's definitely summer here out west, as we've had an extreme drought for the last couple of months! Temperatures very seasonal, in the 60's to 70's.

My favorite Elizabeth episode is when she meets Aimee for the first time, after Ike and Corabeth adopt her, and they become best friends. It's good of them to write that in the show, as Kami, I believe was the youngest on the show, and with a house full of brothers, and 2 older sisters, I'm sure she felt a bit "mis-placed" until Aimee came along.

I'd have to agree with one of the members here, that when Elizabeth's legs were broken, that was also a very touching episode.

I'll have to surf for the whereabouts of a "walton video library" as I'd like my kids to pick up on the Walton type values, as I did. It'll be my legacy to them.

Goodnight everybody!

~Nicole, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

KAREN'S COMMENT: Yes I like that first Aimee episode too and it would have been nice for Kami to have another child her age on the set. I imagine they all would have enjoyed having child actors guesting on the show, as it would have given them a bit of variety.

Hi Karen and Everyone,

As Jennifer Smith is traveling from VT to VA this week, I will be traveling from VA to VT!! Visiting relatives, don't you know!

I have thought and thought about my favorite Elizabeth moment and I honestly don't have one. Even though she was the youngest child, she made a major impact on the show. Maybe one reason was because we really did watch her and Jim-Bob grow up and she was only a teenager when the series was cancelled. With the older kids it was harder to tell their ages once they graduated from high school and went out into the work world. She was a great actress and seemed to always have a impact on each episode.

I still stand by my original thought about Jonsey didn't seem to fit with Mary-Ellen. I can see him with Erin. Jonsey was so patient and laid back. Mary-Ellen was too bossy and needed someone more assertive.

Erin just never found herself and I can see Jonsey taking care of her. Mary-Ellen always could fend for herself. I wasn't real crazy about Paul for Erin. He just didn't fit in with the family. Now Drew did and it would be nice if there was an Elizabeth/Drew wedding in the future.

The Waltons are now back to just once a day on TNN, at least here in the Eastern Time Zone but I'm not complaining---I'm just glad they're still on!

Just got my latest newsletter from the Walton's Mountain Museum. Earl Hamner gave wonderful reviews of the books he has written and let us know that another book called "Goodnight Johnboy" is being currently developed. Earl says "It will feature everything you ever wanted to know about the Waltons, the Hamners, the cast, the episodes, Schuyler, Hollywood, the history, the writers, the directors, the reviews and numerous photographs along with a personal commentary from Earl covering all aspects of the series." It did not say when it will be out for sale but hopefully the museum will let us all know.

Joyce

Boones Mill, VA

KAREN'S COMMENT: You've made a good point about Mary Ellen needing someone more assertive, as indeed Curt was. Yes, I knew that the book was finally being written. I think it will do very well. Perhaps it will be out in time for the reunion in October. Who knows!

Hello Karen!

How is everyone............. unfortunately I don't have much to say. Summer break has finally come here in Jersey.... and while Karen has winter, I have a heat wave coming by Friday........

Wow, favorite Elizabeth scene... I'm thinking of a lot of "rescue scenes" LOL. I went to a carnival recently, and rode the Ferris wheel, so I guess the moment in that episode where John- Boy and Jason help rescue Elizabeth.

Well, can't wait to hear from you all. Take good care!!!

Peace, Viv

KAREN'S COMMENT: I hope you have survived your heatwave. Stay cool. :-))

Hello Karen and All, We are back from vacation feeling well rest. We stopped at the Waltons Mountain Museum and it is as great as ever. I do want to stress to everyone that the museum is raising money for improvements. They have until the end of June to raise what they can for it to be matched by the state. There is a lot that needs to be done, so if anyone can send something, please do, it is definitely needed.

Anyway, it was wonderful, and I truly enjoy any time I can spend there. When we left, we passed over Hickory Creek. I was happy to see a land mark from the Homecoming. I can see why it took Earls dad a long time to get home from that spot.

Also, some good news. Earl Hamner has some books coming out soon. One of them is something we will all enjoy. It is called GoodNight Johnboy. It will be stuff about the Waltons, the Hamners, Schuyler, and everything you have ever wanted to know. I think when it comes out we will all want it.

He is also releasing a few others. The first is due anytime, it is called Odette, the Singing Goose. It is for kids but looks cute. The next is another work with Don Sipes called Boomerang. It is about an orphaned kangaroo joey. He had come up with the idea while in Australia doing The Man from Snowy River. Lastly, he has a book of poetry he will publish himself called Welcome to My Garden or There is a Curmudgeon in the Camellias. It is all about gardening, another of his favorite hobbies. I guess we have some great things to look forward to from Mr. Hamner.

Also, if anyone gets a chance to order Ronnie Claire Edward's book Sugar and Grease (paint) from the museum store, please do. It is very funny. She shares recipes and the stories that go along with it. I laughed thru the whole book. She is an amazing and talented lady.

Good Night All, -----Jennifer Smith

KAREN'S COMMENT: Thanks for the updates on the books Jennifer. Perhaps Goodnight John Boy is closer than I thought. I'd love to know what the Boomerang book is like. It's great to see him continuing to write so much.

Hi Karen on the show when John boy gets married I am rather confused how many times were Mary Ellen and Erin married and how many children did they have. Also what happened to Cindy. Hope all is well. Night Lisa

KAREN'S COMMENT: Difficult questions in a way Lisa. Over the series and the telemovies Mary Ellen married twice and Erin once. Cindy was still married to Ben in the 1993 telemovie. Others may like to add more info for you.

Karen you might want to include this in an upcoming newsletter. Ronnie was passing these out to us that attended the reunion. She is writing a book about the the tv show and the fans and anything she can get for her book.

She writes....

Dear Fans of THE WALTONS:

I would appreciate any stories or thoughts about what the series has meant to you. If I use them in my book, I will give you credit. If you could please send me copies of personal photos, I would like to enclose them also.

Thank you.

Ronnie Claire

Please mail to:

R.C.E.

c/o Kaufman

852 Curson

Los Angeles, CA

90046

KAREN'S COMMENT: Thank you for passing this letter on to me. It sounds like a great idea and hopefully some of our members will find themselves in the book too. :-))

Haven't received the Digest so far this weekend but hope it will soon be coming out.

I have noticed that the month of July ends with the special A Walton Wedding from 1995 when Johnboy finally marries Janet. But TNN doesn't list any Waltons for the regular time slot of noon CDT 1pmEDT for either July 30 or 31. I don't know the reason for this yet.

Donald

KAREN'S COMMENT: As you can see Donald, the digest wasn't too far away, but yes, I'm a little slow this week. It will be interesting to see what happens at the end of July then.