Hi everybody,

It's a glorious spring day here this morning, with the sun shining. We're heading off for a barbecue later with family, to welcome my niece back. She's been travelling overseas in Europe for the past 5 months. Lucky thing.

I received my Blue Ridge Chronicles (newsletter of the Waltons Mountain Museum) during the week. Terrific article on the Waltons radio coming home to the museum. Earl Hamner's article tells of the importance radio had in his own life and talks a little about the importance of this particular radio to the Walton family. If I might be allowed to quote from the article:

"It announced to the Waltons as radio did to every American family of those days the great and small events as they happened. It brought good music into our lives, all the news of the day, and entertainment we could listen to without worrying if it was okay for the children to hear. One of my favorite images of those days is of the entire family sitting in the living room listening to the radio."

Blue Ridge Chronicles, Fall 1999, p.3.

I remember my own mother talking to me about the importance of the radio in her family, and she describes the scene exactly as Earl did. It was obviously world wide. Congratulations to those concerned who were instrumental in getting the radio to the museum and I hope you all remember Earl's words when you visit the museum and view it.

Also in this newsletter was a flyer from Ike Godsey's Store, which sells lots of Waltons merchandise. Terrific ideas for Waltons fans for Christmas presents in here. You could choose from any of the videos or books they have available, or you might choose the Walton Calendar ($10) or the re-released Walton's Christmas CD ($15.99 CD; $10.99 tape). Of course there's the wooden yo-yo for the kids, or those who are kids at heart, or tee shirts. Notecards and Christmas Cards are also available. For any information on these products, including prices and postage charges, you could contact the Waltons Mountain Museum at: waltonmt@cstone.net.

The URL of the museum is www.waltonmuseum.org

Finally today, I just wanted to remind everyone that this will be the final week of voting for the best Waltons episode ever. The finalists are A Children's Carol, The Best Christmas, and Grandma Comes Home. You can vote for your favourite at my site:

THE WALTONS: THE UNOFFICIAL HOME PAGE:

http://www.oocities.org/TelevisionCity/2792/walton1.htm

Thanks to those who have voted already. Let's try and make it that every digest member votes once. It will stay up until the next digest.

Till next week, goodnight everyone,

Karen.

Wow Karen, do I get a prize for being the first to vote in the latest Poll. I was surprised to see "Grandma Comes Home" had 100% until I read out of 1 vote! :)

I cast that vote in honor of the late and great Ellen Corby.

Darrell

KAREN'S COMMENT: Well done Darrell. You were very quick off the mark. I formerly announce you as being Number One Voter on the 1999 Waltons Poll!

<< And for the rest of the Walton clan Ben and Cindy's daughter was all ways called Jenny, it was Cindy's mother that called her Virginia.>>

Actually, I think she was called Ginny (short for Virginia), but maybe that's just the way my ears heard it and it might have been Jenny after all! Sounded like more of an "in" than "en" sound in the middle to me.

Geri Ann

KAREN'S COMMENT: Yes I'm sure it was Ginny too, although it does sound like Jenny at times.

Karen

Hi regarding the accent. The lady that works at the museum has it also it is interesting. I loved it when Grandpa was smelling Grandma's breath it was very funny. One of the books I have by Earl Hamner has a recipe for Livvie's Applesauce Cake I could send it along if anyone is interested. I really enjoy the digest I just don't often get a chance to respond. By the time I do it is usually time for another one. Thanks for sending it.

Julie

PS The lady at the museum said the Judges wife daughter is still alive but I doubt if she still makes the recipe. She lives in the next county over.

KAREN'S COMMENT: The Applesauce Cake was always a favorite around Christmas time.

Hi, Karen.

When is the Christmas CD coming out?? I have been a fan of the Waltons for a long time any information would be delightful.

Linda

KAREN'S COMMENT: Well as I mentioned in the opening letter Linda, the CD is advertised as being sold at the museum. If you can't get it locally, you could email them and see if they have stocks. If it's available I'm sure they'd be stocking up for end of the month sales during the Reunion.

Hi Karen & everyone,

I have actually tried using the "recipe" in the frosting for apple sauce cake. Being a non-drinker, it did not suite my taste, but others who enjoy alcohol thought that it was delicious.

I had a great thrill this evening.....Earl Hamner, Jr. was at a local book store for a book signing of his latest book "The Avocado Drive Zoo". I was lucky enough to buy the last book the store had available and Earl autographed it with a personal message. His sister, Audrey was also there and autographed my book too. They both were gracious enough to pose for pictures with me. They are genuinely nice people. I told him a true personal story.....at my daughter's wedding last month, she had the DJ play the Walton's theme song on my behalf as we entered the reception hall. Earl put his hand to his heart and said "That is very touching!"

I am anxious to read his book, and will treasure this experience, the photos, and the autographed book. This has convinced me to attend the event at the Walton Museum on Oct. 23 after all. Cindy----tell me how we can meet and I will bring a sample to you.

JF

KAREN'S COMMENT: I imagine that the recipe would add a "special" flavour. :-) What a lovely meeting you had. The Hamner's do seem to be lovely, genuine people. Hope you enjoy the book.

To JF.

Thanks but we probably won't be traveling any further than Schuyler. Shucks! My husband is disappointed but maybe I'll send him for a long walk on Walton's mountain. Perhaps he will run into Boone!

Cindy

KAREN'S COMMENT: There you go Cindy. Your husband might get his "sip of the recipe" yet. I'll email you JF's email address separately, in case you don't have it.

Karen,

The recipe was added to a couple things over the course of the show. I remember it being added to the lemonade a couple of times in episodes. One was shown last week I think where Elizabeth and Aimee were selling Pink and White Lemonade in front of Godsey's store. I believe the real reason why Pink Lemonade was 5 cents and White was 4 cents was the Recipe. That is why the Pink was only sold to adults!!!! Imagine if the Sheriff had come by!!!!

Cally!

KAREN'S COMMENT: Glad you reminded me of the lemonade Cally. Elizabeth and Aimee were very innocent weren't they?

I asked about the Walton CD in both New York and Virginia and found out it isn't quite ready yet, but it should be at the time of the reunion.

Schuyler was wonderful-found the restaurant right next to the Museum to be good too-they have some pictures to sell there but I tried to get the autographed one of Cindy but I couldn't buy it because it was the only one that they had. I did sent a post card from the Schuyler post office to Les Moonves of CBS to request production to start on the Walton Special.

In Schuyler last Friday there were some visitors at the museum from Scotland.

Saw the video at the museum in Schuyler and one of the scenes had the time when Richard Thomas-John Boy-was smoking his pipe and you could see the look on Olivia's face of disapproval.

Regarding Debbie's comment about Knoxville TN accents--You are probably aware of the fact that my dear friend is from Knoxville and I have never heard her say "oot" for out and other things-but people from the Richmond area have been known to use it-as well as the host of the program that used to follow the Waltons in the mornings when it was on the Family Channel-and although he was born in Staten Island New York he has lived in Virginia Beach for years. That is how he got the pronunciation.

Donald

KAREN'S COMMENT: Sounds like you had a good time Donald. Thanks for the tip about the restaurant. Very timely for fans who are visiting shortly. What a clever idea to send the post card from the museum, asking about the special. Perhaps if all fans who visit for the reunion could do that, we might get one.

Greetings fellow Walton Fans! I have a few questions that I hope someone has an answer to. In Season 1 in an episode called "The Scholar" where John-Boy teaches Verdie Grant to read and write, wasn't the daughter who was going to graduate from college named 'Sarah'?? In Season 7 in the episode called "The Illusion", Verdie's college educated daughter returns... in this episode her name is 'Esther'... is this the same daughter or did Verdie have 2 daughters??

Also, in Season 6 in the episode called "The Festival" did anyone notice that the character of 'Josh Foster' is played by another actor and not Todd Bridges who played 'Josh' in the episode titled "The Stray"?? Then Todd Bridges is back playing 'Josh' in "The Illlusion"... what's up with that??

One more thing, does anyone know for sure if Lewis Arquette who played 'J.D. Picket' is the same Arquette who is the father of actors Rosanna, Patricia and David?? Patricia Arquette is married to Nicholas Cage and David Arquette recently married Courteney Cox of 'Friends', I think he is the same actor who played 'J.D.', the Arquette boys resemble him a bit.

Friends With You,

Eve

KAREN'S COMMENT: I hope someone will be able to answer these queries for you because I don't have the later seasons you mention to check. As for Lewis Arquette...I believe that he is the father of Rosanna Arquette. Is she the sister of David? If so, I guess that his Dad is Lewis (J.D. Pickett) Arquette.

Hi Karen,

My name is Nancy and I am from Angola, Louisiana. I have been a fan of The Waltons ever since it came on TV. I loved all the characters, but my favorites were: Grandpa and Grandma Walton. They always seem to have after all them years of being married, a great love for one another. My favorite line from Grandma was: "You Old Fool".

What I would like to know, is there going to be a new special this year? I guess that is all for now. I really love your site, and look forward to receiving your mailings.

Nancy

KAREN'S COMMENT: We keep hoping Nancy. By the way, welcome to the list. I loved the relationship the older Walton couple had too. Two fine actors, creating two wonderfully written roles.