Gemini Rising

Little House Reunion

Well, I'm enough recovered from the Heinz 57 food poisoning to go back to work. Mind you, I'm not a 100% - more like 85-90% percent. My stomach can handle a wider menu but it's not game for anything too fancy. I'm still feeling a little weak and achy, but nothing I can't manage.

Today I had tickets to go to the Little House on the Prairie Reunion in Simi Valley. It was held at the Streathern Historical Society which was kind of neat. There were a lot of old fashioned buildings giving it that "Prairie" feel. I just had general admission tickets which was $60.00. I went with a retired co-worker who lives in Simi Valley. We got there fairly early, around 10 am. I thought there would be a bunch of people there but it was not as packed as the 50th Reunion was (I went in March 2024).

A lot of cast members were there including the "heavys" "Nellie" and "Almanzo" (Alison Arngrim and Dean Butler). Karen Grassle was also there. Melissa Gilbert was not. We walked through town and took some scenic pics. The line for "Nellie" was long and while the temperature was mild (we weren't roasting) the line was a good 1 1/2 wait. Kim and I had to take turns sitting down in the hall.

In the hall, they were playing a Homecoming documentary and Christmas episodes of the show. There was also a display of the blue dress that Ma knitted Half pint in the show. A lady had found the dress and restored it.

It is just amazing to me how much this show means to people. Me? I watched a couple episodes at the time it came out (in the 1970's) - but at that time it didn't resonate with me. I was more interested in Star Wars, Star Trek, and Buck Rogers and Battlestar Galacticia. Nowadays, I really appreciate the resonance this show has. It has a ton of fans who just loved the stories, loved the characters, and loved the wholesome message of the show. What's the message? Family. Community. Be kind to each other. Hard work pays off. Yes, it's folksy, but even today, those messages mean a lot to people. My friend, Kim, was like me. Never watched the show hard when she was young, but was impressed that it had the resonance it does today.

Anyhoo we had a 1 1/2 hour wait to meet "Nellie" and then she took a 30 minute break! Couldn't blame her I suppose. Her line was the longest. So I hung out and meet Patrick Labyorteauax (Andy) and Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle).

Patrick was very nice. He had several shots from his time with JAG. He was on that show for about 10 years, and he said Little House for 4, but most people remember him from Little House.



Charlotte was a hoot. Honestly, before meeting her, I didn't realize she was "Miss Beadle" on the show. A lot of people in line talked about how they LOVED Miss Beadle and thought she was the best teacher ever. Come to find out, Charlotte lived quite the Hollywood life. There was drugs, sex, rock & roll & Jim Morrison. She told a story of how she took a road trip with Jim Morrison 5 months before he died. She said nothing happened. I tend to believe her. I don't know if I'd want to boff Jim Morrison at that time in his life either. She said when she turned 65 she retired from acting because she couldn't remember her lines. Can't say I blame her. I just really enjoyed meeting her and listening to her stories. I was so impressed, I even picked up her book which she autographed for me.

Finally! I got to see "Nellie." The visit didn't last as long as with Charlotte, but it was fun. I got an autographed copy of her book and she did the Nellie face for a couple of my photos.

I wouldn't have minded sitting in the hall and watching the documentary, but both Kim and I were worn out from all the standing. We went to have lunch after then and home.

Overall, it was a nice day. Charlotte Stewart is quite the character and I'm looking forward to reading her book. I had a great visit with a friend and I can't wait to retire myself!!