I think the earliest Y&R story I remember watching was Victoria/Ryan/Cricket though it was mostly just background noise. I really had no idea what was going on but I recognized their faces. I always thought Nina came into the picture after Ryan/Victoria got married. How long were Ryan/Victoria married?
I didn't know the Verna portion was suppose to run longer. That's interesting. I had completely forgotten that Abby met Val/Verna at the diner. Her reaction to Val not recognizing her was priceless.
Re-watching the "Val's Babies" story. Somebody on YT clipped some of the scenes. I wasn't alive during most of KL's run but I did watch the show when SN aired it. I LOVED it.