Hi there once again everyone,

From some of the letters I'm getting from many of you, it would seem that it is that time again when the new school year is about to begin. It does seem funny hearing that school is about to start, because here we only have 3 more weeks of term to go, then we are into our final term of the year. I think that there must only be about 13 weeks of school left for us here. I'm really looking forward to it.

Speaking of school, the school musical production takes place this week, and with both boys involved in it, I can see there will be a lot of running around to do. They are performing each night from Tuesday to Saturday. This year they are doing "Fiddler on the Roof". They've had such fun being involved in it. James is also involved in a State Youth Theatre musical group and their musical performances are at the end of the year. He has roles in both "Trial By Jury" and "Oliver". Those performances don't take place for some time yet though.

It has been a beautiful week this week. The sun has been shining and it's been about 20 degrees Celsius for many of the days. You still know that it's winter though because the mornings are still very cold and frosty, and sometimes foggy.

Thank you for all of your talking point letters. I think I'll stop rambling on now and hand to forum over to you. Enjoy this week's digest and I'll talk to you all again next week.

Goodnight all, Karen.

TALKING POINT: Which is your favorite episode from Season 2?

Hi Karen,

It is difficult to choose a favorite story from Season 2, but I will go with "The Theft". This is a story about a wealthy family falling on hard times and the mother doesn't know it. She is going on with life as if nothing has changed. Only her children know the difference. The girl has returned from private school. The boy is wearing old clothes. He is selling off their valuables in order to keep them going. After John Walton was in the mansion to repair the refrigerator, the mother accused him of stealing. John stood his ground and she found out it was her son who was guilty. I felt sorry for this very sheltered lady. There is a lesson to be learned here. It is fine to be cared for, but be sure you know the status of your finances....Doraine

Karen,

"The choice of my favorite episode from the first season is indeed a difficult decision. The first season is truly full of "favorite" episodes. Since I must make a decision about one "extra-special" episode I choose "The Typewriter". I have selected this particular story because it is the first episode where we see John-Boy actively pursuing his dream of becoming a writer by (1) attempting to have one of this writings published and (2) allowing someone (Miss Hunter) for the first time to view his writings."

Karen, I know I am a little late in posting but wanted to offer my 2 cents worth. William sent the above paragraph in and I couldn't help remembering my favorite scene from the Typewriter. When John-Boy discovers the typewriter is missing and he's crying and telling his parents "that if I ever become a man in this house, it'll be a miracle." or something to that effect.

I think I would have to agree on favorites from Season I, my favorites were The Easter Story and The Love Story.

My favorites from the Second season would have to be (of course) The Thanksgiving Story. I love Jenny, I wanted John-Boy to marry her. My second favorite was The Ghost Story, that one always sends shivers up my spine. Luke is so adorable.

Allysen from the Watermelon Mountains

Hi Karen,

My favorite episode of season 2 is "The Graduation". I guess the reason I'd have to say that is because I can relate. Growing up we didn't have much money and it seemed every time when we needed something, we had to return it, because the money was needed elsewhere. So I know how John Boy feels when he had to return his suit so the family could buy another cow.

I really enjoy this list. Keep up the wonderful job!

Lisa

Hi everyone:

I'm Penny, and I'm also one of the brand-new members! I was very excited to hear about this list-serve. I know when I bookmarked some Waltons internet sites last year about this time, I don't remember there being a link for a listserve. But, in any case, I'm thrilled to be part of this group! Out of curiosity though, how long as it been operating? Thanks for your efforts Karen!

Favorite episode from Season 2: I think it would be "The Heritage." I will admit that I'm not as familiar with the earlier episodes as with the later ones. I probably did start watching The Waltons on prime-time towards the end of Season 2. I noticed that towards the latter part of the episode guide for that season, I started recognizing more of the episodes though. <g> Anyway, I would choose "The Heritage" as my favorite from that season because of the emphasis on the family's strong ties to Walton's Mountain. To me, the family's connection to their land, the mountain in particular, is one of the cornerstone themes of the series. I still get chills when I remember the lines from a later episode (or perhaps a special) where John Boy describes the sounds, scents and senses that can "call him home" after all those years of living in N.Y. I also remember "The Thanksgiving Story" from when it originally aired, and it would be my second choice.

Since I missed the Season 1 commentary, I'll just add quickly that I think "The Easter Story" would be my favorite from that season.

My favorite characters would be John Boy (because I too have literary aspirations) and Erin and Elizabeth. I identified with Erin's romantic trials and tribulations while I was growing up (I think I'm Kami Cotler's age though), but am probably more like Elizabeth in personality.

I'm looking forward to all the great discussions about The Waltons!

Take care everyone,

Penny

Hi Karen and all the other Walton's fans on this list... :)

Actually, this is my first entry to this list, and I would have answered the season 1 favorites, if I wasn't on vacation!!!

Okay... out of all the amazing episodes in season 2 of the waltons... i'd have to say that "The Gift" is my personal favorite. Although almost every other episode comes in a close second. The reason i like this episode is that i had to endure losing a close friend and then a relative to leukemia, and just watching them slowly die day by day was really hard. This episode was a real heart-breaker for me, and i don't think i could stop crying throughout most of this episode... but it did leave me with a good feeling in the end... so i reckon it has to be the best episode for me... :)

love, Kavitha

I wanted to be sure I checked Arthur Dungate's website again to make sure I had the Second season in tact. But I did not know until I checked that The Ceremony was in the first season. That was a very moving excellent episode.

The Chicken Thief which more or less gets you acquainted with Yancy Tucker is a wonderful episode from the second season, but the best episode is the Thanksgiving Story.

I inquired earlier about the movie IT which was on Lifetime Cable about a week ago. When it was over Richard Thomas received credit for an appearance. He played, according to a Forum reader, the part of Bill Dennborough. I turned on the movie when it was more than half over so I dont remember what part Bill Denenborough had. Perhaps it will be on Lifetime or another cable channel soon again.

Donald and Erin the cat

Hi Karen,

I've been on the digest list for about a year now, and I love it. I guess my favorite episode for the 2nd season would have to be The Journey. It really touched my heart. Also I liked the episodes pertaining to the war years. That's about all I have to say. Keep up the good work Karen.

Mylinda

Hi Karen,

Hope I'm not too late to vote for my favourite episode of Series 1 - it's hard to pick just one, but I think it would be 'The Dust Bowl Cousins'. In Series 2, It would be 'The Odyssey' with Sissy Spacek.

A close runner-up in that series would be 'The Gift'.

Good night from Dublin, Ireland.

Tricia

Hi there Karen,

Its so hard to choose favourite episodes but mine from season two would be from these. I can't narrow it down any further.

The Roots

I love the feeling between John and Jodie ( I think maybe it should be Josh). I like the way that Jason's relationship develops with Josh throughout the series.

The Bequest

Great grandma scenes. Shows her to her very best and I love the way they all plan what to do with the money. I do this with my imaginary lottery winnings and am convinced that half the pleasure is in the planning.

The Gift

One of the very best. If I was forced it would be my favourite. Am I alone in thinking that Ron Howard and Jon Walmsey resemble each other? When I first saw "Happy Days" I thought I was seeing "Jason"..

The Ghost Story

One I always remembered from my childhood. Very enjoyable.

The Car

Another well remembered episode. I always felt so sorry for the man who lost his son.

Wade Walton: He certainly was Boon's grandson in "The Dustbowl Cousins". I'm never quite sure how Boon relates to Grandpa.....I think that Grandpa is Boon's uncle. Martha Corinne appears to be Boon's mother and was married to Grandpa's brother. However I think writer's slip could occur in later episodes. Also some families use the name/word "uncle" for an older relative, when strictly speaking it is only a cousinship i.e. i was brought up to call my mother's cousin "Aunty Molly" even though she is only my first cousin once removed and not an aunt at all.

John-Curtis and Charlie: My theory is this. In "our" time twenty ( or more ) years lapsed between the 1980s specials and the 1990s specials ( ie the former were set in the late 40s and the later in the sixties). However in Waltons' time it is obvious that only ten years had gone by ( maybe a result of drinking the recipe ?? ) hence John and Olivia only celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in the sixities when we know they married in approximately 1914. So John-Curtis would be about 20. Clearly he is a clever boy and so he has gone to university, maybe overseas and therefore can't return for family celebrations. Charlie would be in his early teens and so Cindy's rich mother ( her natural mother) has paid for him to go to boarding school, maybe also overseas.

Alison

Hi fellow Walton fans!

I guess my favorite episode from Season 2 would have to be "The Journey." The story of Maggie McKenzie's wish to visit the sea one more time is so sweet and touching. The fact that she realizes deep down that it is probably her dying wish also makes bittersweet.

Saw an episode of Gunsmoke the other night called The Angry Land. In it there was a young girl who looked vaguely familiar to me or reminded me of someone else. I checked the credits and her name was Eileen McDonough. Then I realized that she bore a resemblance to Mary Elizabeth McDonough (Erin). Does anyone know if MEMcD has a sister who also acted?

Carolyn in Tennessee

KAREN'S COMMENT: I had to think about this very carefully. As someone else said, there are so many excellent episodes to choose from. Finally I narrowed them down and my first choice would be "The Journey", followed by "The Gift".

I also loved "The Thanksgiving Story". Both of my nominated episodes where beautifully acted and written, and are episodes that I could watch time and time again. I do particularly love Linda Watkins performance as Maggie McKenzie in "The Journey" though. Her character was so convinced that she needed to get back to the seaside that the way she manipulated John Boy was just delightful. And John Boy, to his credit, turfed Marcia Woolery and the dance, to take Maggie just in time. I can only hope that there will be somebody just as sympathetic to my needs when I get that old and want to go somewhere. Of course, Earl's appearance adds to the enjoyment too, and all of the family photos. It's a wonderful episode.

I noticed a lot of people added further comments about season one, and that's fine too. Please feel free to let us know. I'm amazed at how diverse the favourites are during this season. It must be the sign of a great show.

Just a note to Carolyn. I think that Eileen McD. must be Mary's sister. You can see her as Patsy Brimmer in a couple of episodes in season 4 or 5. I think a Michael McDonough also appeared. Is he a brother?

The next talking point will go along the same way, and this time we'll choose from Season 3. I hope you're all enjoying the letters. I know that I am.

Hi from a very humid North Carolina.

I have a very unique Walton sighting. Has anyone ever seen the Disney movie 'The One and Only Incredible marching Band" with Buddy Ebsen and Leslie Ann Warren. Believe it or not a very very young Jon Walmsley is one of the children in the movie and he is wonderful. He is real cute and plump.

It was made in 1967, I think he was most likely about 10 years old in the movie. It is a terrific movie, It also stars John Davidson too ..

Rent it you will like it!!!

Everybody Have a great week !!

Scott

KAREN'S COMMENT: Amazing. Gosh he would have been very young. Well spotted.

Hi from Geri Ann in Phoenix, Arizona!

Someone asked if anyone had met any of the cast. I saw Richard Thomas and Kate Jackson in the play "Love Letters," and I had a front-row-center seat, so I was just a few feet away from Richard! I didn't get to meet him, though. :(

I saw Michael Learned in a play also, but didn't get to meet her either.

I met the actor who played Yancy Tucker at a tennis tournament, got his autograph, and had my picture taken with him. He is a super super nice man!

And I met Mayf Nutter, who played Bobby Bigelow (of the Haystack Gang, the country group that Jason played music with) at the same tennis tournament. He was also a very nice man.

And I met Ike Godsey at a parade here in Phoenix - he was very jovial and signed autographs for everybody.

And one more - I met Judy Norton-Taylor at a celebrity rodeo here. I got her autograph. She was very nice but seemed kind of shy.

Geri Ann

KAREN'S COMMENT: Geri Ann, you've certainly done very well. Fancy being in the right place at the right time, all of those times.

Just received my Blue Ridge Chronicle from the WIFC!!! Jon Walmsley is featured this month. In answer to the question re. bands Jon played in: He was a guitarist-vocalist with The Doobie Brothers, Elvin Bishop, Gregg Allman, Merle Haggard, Roy Acuff and Richard Marx. I hadn't realized that Jon was in so many television shows and movies. He has been acting since the age of 9!!!

Can't wait to attend the October reunion. Kami Cotler, Morgan Woodward (Boone Walton), Mary McDounough, Jon Walmsey, and Lisa Harrison are attending. I am so excited as this is the first time I have gone to one of these festivities. Of course it will be part of my honeymoon, as I have mentioned in past digests. Please look me up!

Cindy

KAREN'S COMMENT: I always thought that I received my Chronicle well after you, but I'm happy to say that I don't. I received mine this week too. As you say there is a really big feature on Jon. Fantastic.

Hi Karen,

Mark asked about the band that Jon Walmsley was in. Around 1988 he was playing for Richard Marx. I saw them perform August 14, 1988 in Grand Forks, North Dakota - 10 years ago!! Richard recorded his first album with studio musicians and then recruited a band for touring. Jon was one of two guitarists he had. For Richard's second album, he unfortunately only used his touring band for two songs (two of the more "live" sounding ones). The rest of the songs were recorded by studio musicians. This album was "Repeat Offender" and the two songs with Jon in them were "Real World" and "That Was Lulu". After this Richard started touring with different musicians. I think Jon was in a couple of Richard's earlier videos. I have a video from back then called "Richard Marx Live" that has a whole concert featuring Jon.

He sure looked different than Jason (especially the long hair) but when I spoke with him he was the same courteous, friendly person that Jason was.

Robin mentioned that in The Estrangement John told John-Boy to "find Boone, and tell him to get his nephew, (referring to Wade), out of jail." In The Conflict, it is quite clear that Wade is Boone's grandson. Boone's only sibling was Henry Jr. who died as an infant. Therefore, Boone could've only had a nephew-in-law ( a nephew of his wife's), but Wade's last name was Walton. I think the Story Editor was asleep for this one!

Happy Waltoning everyone,

Rob

KAREN'S COMMENT: Thanks for answering Mark's question about Jon. He did look VERY different to Jason didn't he?

Hi Karen,

I haven't written in a while, but there were a couple of questions in this week's Digest that I think I can answer.

Someone asked about Jon Walmsley's musical career. In the early 90s he played in the band of Richard Marx.

Someone else asked about what Sian Barbara Allen's career has been. I did an Internet search, and it seems that she appeared in her first movie in 1952 (as an infant, presumably) called 'It Started in Paradise'. She seems to have been most active as an actress in the 70s, when she appeared in 'Scream Pretty Peggy' (1973) and in 'You'll Like My Mother' (1972) in which she co-starred with Richard Thomas.

Her name shows up again in 1993, when she had something to do with Martin Scorcese's 'The Age of Innocence'; and in 1994, when she is listed as 'Art Director' in a movie called 'Rapa Nui'.

Tricia, Dublin, Ireland

KAREN'S COMMENT: Thanks for your help too Tricia. It's nice to get all these questions answered.