I started watching Bonanza as a little kid, when it started, although we didn't have a color TV. Didn't matter. Little Joe captured my heart from the first moment I laid eyes on him. The show was kind of a big deal, since it was broadcast in color. I remember when I first saw it in color, I think in 1963. A WHOLE NEW WORLD opened up! Haha. I am a retired elementary teacher, now part-time college professor. I still don't seem to have much free time, but now trying to get back to some of my enjoyable (albeit) "childhood" activities (such as watching/talking about/reading about Bonanza). I discovered Bonanza FanFic about 18-20 years ago and devoured it, but lost track of it until very recently again. Now, I've decided maybe *I* can take a shot at writing! I've got a couple of stories under my belt already; some of them inspired by some I've read by some of you, and I'm almost ready to take the plunge and let someone besides me read one or two of them. I don't think I could rise to the level of some I've read, but sometimes, a story will stick with me - or a situation the Cartwrights were in, and I think to myself, "Why did no one ever explore that aspect?" So I have started to take on some of those items. Interesting stuff coming! Husband thinks the whole Bonanza stuff is silly, but what's new! Lots of others probably have the same kinds of spouses, eh? I always loved Little Joe, but married "Hoss." True. I remember once - after being at the Convention for 40th anniversary, I saw a list of Hoss' measurements - pants, neck size, inseam, etc. THEY MATCH MY HUSBAND TO A "T"!!! LOL I guess - deep down - we all always knew Hoss would one day be great husband material (not that I would have turned down LJ - but he never asked!). Well, that's my story. Sorry if I got carried away! I feel like we're all connected, somehow, and you'd all understand.