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Post by MrsOliviaWalton on Oct 5, 2012 8:57:07 GMT -5
Well where to start with this report :s ummmm lol
Well we arrived in LA on 24th September and spent a few days in the Hollywood area before heading to Burbank. We nearly never made it actually as my Gramp had an accident on a escalator at Hollywood and Vine, I was just glad that I was watching him and saw what was going on and boy I must say I have never moved so fast in my whole life than I did at that moment, which felt like a lifetime. It was scary and I am so thankful that I managed to stop him from going down and tumbling down and for the kind man, who I might add was a lot smaller than my Gramp and I, for lifting him to his feet. We managed to walk away with just a few bruises as I said it could of been a whole lot worse. I hated escalator to start with, now I hate them even more.
Anyway I will move on now to the fun stuff haha
We arrived at the hotel in Burbank on Thursday morning. We did see some people hanging around but I wasn't sure if they was for the Waltons Reunion or not, and knowing Carolyn and Vicky was there already I was looking out for them. I never saw Carolyn till later that evening but had seen Vicky walking around and didn't realize it was her till she came and talked to me Thursday evening. I mingled for a bit with the other fans and met Kim (ForeverWaltons) Ryan, Vicky and a few others (names escape me right now) Then we went our own ways for the evening.
The following morning (Friday) I was up early I guess because I was mega excited haha and don't really remember what happened Friday day time till the evening dinner. We was queuing up to get autographs and after a while was told to go around and start at the other end which we did I got a few autographs but missed Kami and Ralph as they hadn't arrived yet. The evening went on, I loved the program that Carolyn and Vicky planned, poor Vicky was poorly and left early. Ryan even gave me the dvd that was in his bag what was left for us, thanks again Ryan. I did actually win a prize which was a bit of the cactus from The Waltons home I believe. But because I was flying back to the UK I knew I wouldn't be able to bring it in so I gave it to Ryan, I keep forgetting to ask him if he managed to get it home himself. Although I couldn't keep it, it was an honour winning something. I left with awesome memories that will remain in my heart so that's enough and like winning to me 
After a while Kami and Ralph arrived and I managed to get Ralphs autograph and a photo with him right at the very end, but I missed Kami because she left early and for some reason I didn't think to ask her on the red carpet the following day for her to sign my picture.
Tony Becker and his wife was sat at our table for the night, but we (Ryan and I) had to catch him leaving to grab his autograph and a photo with him. He was so nice and told me (because I live in the uk) if I ever meet his friends (he did say the names) to tell them that I am friends with him and to make sure they treat me right haha him and his wife was so lovely, I had a cocktail to drink that night and she even asked me what it was like. We had to catch Ronnie Claire Edwards as she was leaving too, the poor lady looked so tired but she was happy to stop, talk and have a photo with her, shes the best!
I must admit also that I had tears in my eyes watching the video of In Memory, it was very moving and I am an emotional person, im surprised I didn't start crying full on. The video was very good so whoever made it, well done.
I also have to add the following morning after breakfast we was heading back out into the hall way and I saw Lynn Hamilton talking to someone and when we got into the hall we saw her husband (?) peering in the window and my Gramp said "oh dear, once these women start talking they never stop, your gonna be waiting ages" (I don't think he knew who he was myself) but anyway what my Gramp said, made her husband laugh and as they started talking I looked back and Lynn was coming out and walking up to us, I smiled and said good morning she smiled and said good morning back, with that my Gramp turned to look at her and said to her what he had just said to her husband, the look on her face was a picture and she looked at me and said with a smile "I only just said hello" and she looked back at my Gramp "I only just came out" she said and laughed as he said "oh I meant when you was in there talking to your friends" she smiled and said "ooooh" and we all laughed I will never forget that morning ever, then Carolyn came along to talk to them so me and my Gramp walked ahead and I told him who that was, he didn't realize at all that it was Lynn who he had just said it. I still chuckle about it now
Then of course we left to the house tour not long after, it felt so surreal being there and seeing where they filmed the show. I stood waiting to have my photo taken with Earl on the porch and as Kim (ForeverWaltons) said someone said "its time to move on" and Earl replied with "well I haven't had my photo taken with Jane yet" I actually thought he said that because someone had gone in front of me when I had been there for a while, I had no idea it was because he was told it was time to move on, so Thanks to Kim for letting me know the real reason
I had an awesome time at this Reunion and have made some awesome new friends. I will never forget it thats for sure and am looking forward to hopefully attending next years reunion too.
Carolyn and Vicky put a lot of hard work and long hours into this reunion and I want to just say THANK YOU once again. I had the time of my life, even if I was burnt and in pain, I enjoyed it and forgot the pain once it got going on Friday evening haha
I still can't believe I met Ralph Waite and Earl Hamner hehe ♥ ♥ ♥
I would like to apologize if my writing isn't that good, but I am no good at writing things down and I tried to put it in order best I can.
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Post by waltonfan1 on Oct 5, 2012 9:57:49 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately I couldn't make it this year, but was at last years. Carolyn and Vicky do an incredible job! An definitely planning to be there next year, so hopefully we will meet!
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Post by daniela on Oct 5, 2012 11:46:09 GMT -5
Great story loveslondon! I have enjoyed reading about everyone's experiences, and all of you have written them so well!
P.S. your gramps sounds so cute, and am glad he didn't hurt himself too bad.
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Post by Ryan James on Oct 5, 2012 12:35:10 GMT -5
Very well written Jane!! Loved reading it!! I'm sorry to hear about your Gramps falling as soon as you got there, those escalators can be tricky! You're most welcome for the DVD box set! I hope you've been enjoying them! I ended up giving the Christmas Cactus to my friend Tori on sunday morning as she lives in California, so I knew it would be in safe hands with her! ;D I had a blast getting to have you as one of my table mates and having Tony as our Cast guest was fantastic! he did the craziest irish accents didn't he! lol. I'm glad we managed to get photo ops with him and Ronnie too before they left! I hope most of them can make it again to the VA one next year! and I hope you can too! RYAN-J  |
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Post by ForeverWaltons on Oct 5, 2012 18:22:15 GMT -5
It was great to meet you, your Mom & Gramps Jane! I look forward to staying in touch & hopefully seeing you again next year in Virginia. I'm glad that you had a great time.....it really was a once in a life time experience, wasn't it??
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Post by JeannePhx on Oct 10, 2012 23:03:49 GMT -5
Loved reading about your reunion experiences. I'm still on cloud nine from being there myself and meeting so many of the wonderful cast members. I talked to Tony Becker a bit and agree with you - he was just so friendly and seemed to enjoy being there meeting everyone. MarieClare Costello and Claire Whitaker sat at my table - both so nice, and Ronnie Clare Edwards sat behind me and Jon Walmsley a few feet away. Couldn't ask for anything more! I also was impressed with Michael McGreevey- such a pleasant man and very friendly to talk with. I'm still star-struck at meeting all the cast members and especially Ralph Waite and Earl Hamner. Never in my wildest dreams as a high school student watching the show would I have ever thought I'd meet them someday!  |
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Post by MrsOliviaWalton on Oct 13, 2012 6:52:30 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately I couldn't make it this year, but was at last years. Carolyn and Vicky do an incredible job! An definitely planning to be there next year, so hopefully we will meet! Great story loveslondon! I have enjoyed reading about everyone's experiences, and all of you have written them so well! P.S. your gramps sounds so cute, and am glad he didn't hurt himself too bad. Very well written Jane!! Loved reading it!! I'm sorry to hear about your Gramps falling as soon as you got there, those escalators can be tricky! You're most welcome for the DVD box set! I hope you've been enjoying them! I ended up giving the Christmas Cactus to my friend Tori on sunday morning as she lives in California, so I knew it would be in safe hands with her! ;D I had a blast getting to have you as one of my table mates and having Tony as our Cast guest was fantastic! he did the craziest irish accents didn't he! lol. I'm glad we managed to get photo ops with him and Ronnie too before they left! I hope most of them can make it again to the VA one next year! and I hope you can too! RYAN-J
I haven't actually watched that much of them because of course I jetted of away again just a few days after getting back, but now I am I am for sure gonna watch them and in order too, so I need to get hold of season 1 first and go from there haha aww you did? Hope she can make it grow
Indeed he did, him and his wife was so nice, it was awesome having them at our table
I hope most of them can too, it would be so awesome and I hope to make it, now I am back home I am gonna try and sort things out and see if I can make it work It was great to meet you, your Mom & Gramps Jane! I look forward to staying in touch & hopefully seeing you again next year in Virginia. I'm glad that you had a great time.....it really was a once in a life time experience, wasn't it??  It was indeed a life time experience for sure still can't believe I was apart of it this year either lol Loved reading about your reunion experiences. I'm still on cloud nine from being there myself and meeting so many of the wonderful cast members. I talked to Tony Becker a bit and agree with you - he was just so friendly and seemed to enjoy being there meeting everyone. MarieClare Costello and Claire Whitaker sat at my table - both so nice, and Ronnie Clare Edwards sat behind me and Jon Walmsley a few feet away. Couldn't ask for anything more! I also was impressed with Michael McGreevey- such a pleasant man and very friendly to talk with. I'm still star-struck at meeting all the cast members and especially Ralph Waite and Earl Hamner. Never in my wildest dreams as a high school student watching the show would I have ever thought I'd meet them someday!
Have a great weekend <3 |
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It was indeed a life time experience for sure