Hi everyone,

As usual it's been another busy week here this week with Christmas shopping being started on Friday...finally. I was worried that I wouldn't have any time to do it. Anyway all the relatives now have presents and we've even been over to see one of the families which we won't be seeing on Christmas Day, so I finally feel as if we are catching up.

The Gala Concert last Monday night went very well and all the students, and teachers, thoroughly enjoyed performing. They had some terrific numbers and there was lots of dancing, singing, drama pieces and instrumental things happening right through. The finale included a number from the Rocky Horror Show, with James singing one of the leads. It's something quite different to what I've seen him do before, as he's mostly a classical singer, or traditional musical theatre, but he certainly rocked along with the rest of them and did a great job. It's nice to be able to see the concerts because everyone puts so much time and effort into them.

Saturday night saw us heading off to see Singin in the Rain, a stage musical which has been running since May in Australia. We loved it. They've kept it so faithful to the movie and it was wonderful to see it come alive on stage. They had real rain on the stage too. Lots of it!!! Not just a little trickle. The staging itself was really something to see.

Talk to you all again next week. Until then, goodnight everyone,

Karen.

Thanks for your post. Hopefully the schedule I have for the Waltons in December is correct. There is some dispute concerning the scheduling of some episodes however I believe The Best Christmas will be shown on December 10 and The Day of Infamy will be shown on December 7. I will send you some comments on the episode as you have suggested.

Donald

KAREN'S COMMENT: I hope everyone enjoyed Day of Infamy. Lots of you have sent comments in about that one. This week send your comments about The Best Christmas...one which I think is a real favorite among fans.

Great job again on the Digest, Karen.

It's sort of odd that December 7th marks the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, an event that brought America to its knees. This comes less than three months after another catastrophe that did the same thing. I know I have mentioned this before but it was the "Day of Infamy" episode I was skimming through on the morning of September 11th, before I heard about the attacks on New York and Washington.

As at Thanksgiving, I guess many Americans this Christmas will take the time to reflect on their blessings. We Americans are a strong,determined people and we will not let some murderer halfway around the world deprive us of Christmas joy. "The Waltons" I believe are a microcosm of America and reflective of its spirit: The road might not be easy but we shall prevail. God bless you all and Merry Christmas.

-Patrick

KAREN'S COMMENT: Interesting that one of our newspapers should choose Saturday to do a special report on the September 11 attacks, just reminding us of the events once more. Hopefully the strength and courage that The Walton family showed, and their family spirit, will be an example to us all.

Hi all!

I love the Walton's, and am so glad to have found others who feel the same as I do about them. My favorites are when they, the children, are all younger. I so miss not seeing Grandma in the episodes they are showing now. I got such a warmth in seeing she and Olivia cooking, and preparing the table for the family...I have made it a habit with my family to make sure we have our dinner early, so that we can kick back relax, talk, and just share in each others day. This is just one of the nuggets I have taken from that family. I recently saw an episode which really saddened me. I told my kids what was about to happen before it happened in order to prepare them, as well. It was the episode when the family gets the news about GW.'s death. It broke my heart. My heart is also sadden because I know it won't be to long before Mary Ellen will be getting the same news about her husband.

I have 5 children, and have been trying to move to the country for at least 3 yrs. now. It hasn't happened yet, but I'm sure it will be happening soon. I want to have a tire swing, eat dinner on our land, and savor some of the moments of my children growing up, running with bare feet, laughing, playing, and just having a ball! More than anything I want to give them a strong foundation in who they are, what our family stands for, to know how to be a friend, and to be kind to their fellow man. I too, like John and Olivia, would like to be hospitable to my fellow man.

You just don't see people teaching these type of things anymore. Everyone is in the fast pace world of working to get more, than working to have to pay for the more that they have. The children are being neglected, and being subjected to microwave, or fast food meals-this cycle is day after day, week after week...We, as a society, are being able to buy beautiful homes, and put beautiful things in the homes, but are never home to enjoy any of the things we are working so hard to obtain. That's why I treasure the Walton's because they are wealthy in so many ways, they have so much... a lot of people miss this because of what they seem to lack 'materially'. That's just one more reason, I'm glad I have found you all! You each get it, and you see the beauty of what really matters!

Anyway, I thought I would share my thoughts with you,

Angela

KAREN'S COMMENT: I can only agree with your comments Angela. I think we are all far too busy to stop and just enjoy life and our families, and we really do need to make a conscious effort to appreciate having some time together. Just sitting down and playing games together, or talking is so important.

Happy Holidays!

My favorite Christmas episode of the Waltons is "The Best Christmas". I enjoy the opening scenes where the children are having a snowball fight, and Olivia and Grandma are in the kitchen baking cookies for family and friends.

It is the simple and ordinary things like that that seem so special. I also enjoy "Day of Infamy" although it is sad. The scenes of the various people....Ike and Corabeth, the Waltons, Verdie, etc. listening to the news on the radio....reminds me of Sept. 11 and watching the news. That feeling of "this can't be happening!" was in everyone's faces. I love the letter that John reads to John Curtis toward the end of that episode. It's a letter from his father and Ralph Waite gets emotional when he is reading it. It's quite moving. "The Spirit" is a good one too, although not my favorite. I love the end where Jeffrey's friend tells the story of Martin Luther walking through the woods. It's so lovely.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas. This year the words "Peace On Earth" take on renewed meaning. That is my wish for all of us.

Nancy

KAREN'S COMMENT: Thankyou for sending your thoughts on some of the Christmas episodes, Nancy.

Hi Karen

I expect that you may have already heard this story but had to share it with you just in case no other UK Waltons fans told you about this!..... We have a hit show here in the UK called "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", I know that this show has been taken by lots of other countries but I am not sure if there is also an Australian version! Anyhow what happened on Saturday night was such fun!! a guy had sailed through all his questions to reach £125,000 - then came the £250,000 question and the guy was stumped, the questions was: What was the name of the Grandfather in the Waltons family !!! both my husband Keith and I yelled at the screen Zeb!!!!!!!

The guy still didn't have a clue so used his last life line "ask the audience" the vast majority voted for the answer "John"!!!, needless to say the guy didn't risk it and settled for the £125,000!! How superior we all felt that it was SUCH an easy Walton's question!! Wonder what the million pound question was!!! We will never know!

Best Wishes to all Mave

KAREN'S COMMENT: It is an easy Waltons question isn't it. We do have a version over here, but I don't watch it. It's up against The Practise and I just find it a bit slow moving. However on the odd occasions that it has been on, there has been the odd Waltons question.

Hi Karen

I just love Day of Infamy. Its one of the better episodes. It really shows how tough Mary Ellen really is, and I love the letter John reads at the end to John Curtis.

Donna

KAREN'S COMMENT: Yes I agree with you. It really is a pity that they just couldn't have left Curt rest in peace after this episode.

Does anyone know what happened to the Baldwin sisters? Who are they, and what other characters have they played? Who were their character's based on? I love those two "old ladies", and would sure like to know more about them.

Thanks

Angela

KAREN'S COMMENT: There's lots of information about the Baldwin sisters Angela. They were based on a mother and daughter. You could search for the actors at <www.imdb.com> for more information.

Hi, Karen,

Hope you are doing well and looking forward to a wonderful holiday season. I have a question that I thought your American readers might could help me with.

Last year, a Christmas movie aired in the United States starring, I believe, Richard Thomas. The movie was based on one of my favorite books, Flight of the Reindeer. Unfortunately, I did not get to see it and I was hoping it might appear again in reruns. Does anyone know what the movie title was, and whether it will air on any U.S. stations this holiday season? As always, Karen, thanks for the digest and the hard work you put into making it happen.

Jim

KAREN'S COMMENT: You might be lucky Jim. Networks all seem to roll out their Christmas movies each year.

Hi Karen,

I have yet to see Christmas episodes of the Walton's to mention some favorites, as I've only had TNN for about 6 months or so.

Hope all is well, and to my friends from back east, I envy you! It's chilly out west! :~)

Mary, Julia, & I will be doing tea during the holidays, just not sure when yet! :o)

~Nicole

KAREN'S COMMENT: Nicole you will enjoy the many Christmas episodes, I'm sure.

I just bought my mom "The Homecoming" for Christmas at Movies Unlimited. The web address is www.moviesunlimited.com It was very fast shipping. The price was good also. It was $19.99 plus shipping. I can't wait to see her face Christmas morning!!

Lisa =:-)

KAREN'S COMMENT: Thanks for the tip Lisa. Could be a great place to check out.

Hello Karen and everyone!!!

Well, this time of year for me is officially the stress month- Christmas shopping!!! Congratulations to James upon his graduation AND the award- I can imagine what a proud mother you are right now- everything is paying off!!!

I think I remember Day of Infamy... When they listen to Roosevelt announcing the war after Pearl Harbor (well obviously, but) right??? I seem to remember all the men, Curt especially filing for the draft.... I hope I'm right here.... It's really ironic, whenever I watch an episode with the Waltons all gathered around the radio it reminds me of today with my family gathering around the television....

By the way Richard Thomas has really made it! He's been painted!! I saw him on the CBS show "Sunday Morning" and he was at an art gallery with the artist that photographed him a while ago for a magazine... I think it was Variety... and then he painted RT....

Well, that's all from this front... have a splendid week everyone!! Take good care!

Love,

Viv

KAREN'S COMMENT: Seeing the family around the radio reminds me of families today gathered around the TV too. Especially when something huge happens, like the terrorist attacks. I didn't know that RT had been painted. Wow!

Hi Karen,

I enjoy the Digest so much! I also enjoyed the Walton's Thanksgiving on TNN. Thanks to Donald for letting us know about The Day of Infamy being aired on December 7th. I am a librarian who just had a Pearl Harbor program given by members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors. I will let them know that this will air on December 7th.

Is there any word whether TNN will keep the Waltons on their schedule? I hope they will.

Thank you.

Silvia

KAREN'S COMMENT: Hope you enjoyed the show too.

Hello Karen, everyone! Good idea for a discussion! The Day of Infamy was very sad, and particularly haunting given what is and has been happening in our country and world today. I feel like watching it again will give us all hope and strength. The end of the show is very touching, the family listening to the radio, Jim Bob walking through town on his way to give Mary Ellen the telegram, Verdi stopping by the Walton home to share her good news of Jody, and Jim Bob telling Mary Ellen the news....Grandma getting the letter and John reading the kind and inspirational words of Curtis Willard...gives me goose bumps. My 5 year old daughter, Paige, and her pre-school class have adopted a family in New Jersey that lost their husband/father ... in the World Trade Center tragedy. Reading about this family and their loss will kind of mirror the reality of what the Waltons went through ... I can't imagine bearing up through such a loss. I only hope that what we can give financially and emotionally in support will let them know they are not alone.

Judy take care everyone!!

KAREN'S COMMENT: There will certainly be a lot of families who will relive the September tragedy again as we head towards Christmas I'm sure.

Hi Karen, I forgot to mention that the movie "The Christmas Secret" with Richard Thomas will be on 7:00 pm central time on CBS, Friday, December 14th ...... I haven't seen it, can't wait!

Judy

KAREN'S COMMENT: I think you'll love it.

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to drop a note to comment on Waltons Christmas shows. I just love "The Day of Infamy". It is one of my all-time favorite Waltons episodes and even though I have seen it at least a dozen times, I still cry my eyes out at the end when John reads Curt's letter to baby John Curtis. It is such a poignant scene. At this time of year and at this particular time in our nation's history, it will be even more so this season as our thoughts are with our brave military personnel so far away from home.Happy Holidays to all Waltons fans all over the world!

Tammy God Bless America!

KAREN'S COMMENT: I'm with you Tammy. I always cry at that end bit!

Hello Karen and All,

Seasons Greetings from a very warm Vermont. Last year at this time we had so much snow we were ready for winter to end. This year it has been in the 60s for 2 weeks. Not good for the skiers or the ski industry. Doesn't feel like Christmas either. But, I know it is that time since I just watched The Childrens Carol yesterday and The Spirit today.

I think it is a great idea to give our opinions about Christmas episodes. My favorite is The Best Christmas. Can't wait to see it soon.

Day of Infamy is going to be a lot like Christmas this year for a lot of people here in the United States. I think it was a great show, but very sad. I feel badly for MaryEllen and Verdie. I can certainly say that knowing me, I wouldn't have coped as well as they did. I envy MaryEllen her strength.

I wish I could write more, but I have so much to do. We are driving to Maine on Friday to have "Christmas" with my parents and my in-laws.

Good Night All, -----Jennifer

KAREN'S COMMENT: Perhaps you could send some nice sunny weather this way. It's been very cold this year.

Hi Karen and all. HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.

Just a note to say HIP HIP HOORAY The Waltons are on in the U.K. Well the Homecoming is, Its on Channel 4 the Sunday before Christmas I think. There was I just a few weeks ago getting really jealous because you lot abroad are getting Walton Marathons etc. and here in the U.K we are getting nothing at all. so what if its only the Homecoming which I have seen a thousand times. Well fingers crossed maybe they will start to re-show it again.

May I Just say a special message to all our friends in the U.S . May you have a Christmas full of PEACE and HOPE and LOVE and lets hope that for all of you in America the New Year will bring calm, closure and hopefully no more tragedies. PEACE BE WITH YOU.

Take care my friends. I really love receiving the Digest thank you Karen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE.

From Clara

KAREN'S COMMENT: I can only agree with you Clara. I wish we had all the marathons etc. but I guess I have them when I watch the videos. Glad you're getting to see The Homecoming anyway.

Thank you to everyone who wrote about Day of Infamy. I agree that it is a really powerful episode. It must have been so awful for all those loved ones at home to hear of the attack on Pearl Harbour, and then to have to just wait until they heard some more news from someone. It would have been worse in those days because the news wouldn't have been so instant coming. At least these days bad news get to you fairly quickly, although not always. We saw that with September 11...all the people just waiting, watching and hoping that their loved one would be the one pulled out alive. I imagine that Verdie would have felt dreadful too, rejoicing that Jody was OK, then finding out that Curt wasn't. Perhaps she even felt guilty!

Mary Ellen's strength did shine in this episode, and we knew that although she was in for a rough time, she would get through it. Curt obviously knew that he was leaving Mary Ellen and his son in good hands, as we saw through his letter. He knew just what gift each of the Walton family members would offer his son.

A wonderful episode...and especially poignant and meaningful this year.

Don't forget to send comments on The Best Christmas for next week's edition.

Karen.