Here is the fabulous Maddie, (Betty's G.'s grandaughter, about to turn 11 in about two weeks), with the darling adorable "Ruby"....this was after Christmas Dinner, which was perfectly yummy...! Great meal, great company, one special evening for yours truly!Here is the beautiful tree...Much had been opened already by the time I took this picture....
There is another picture of the tree...Not a good one, at all...but, it does show the lights "on" though it is lousy focus...still, I am including it because I am funny that way....(lol)
Christmas at the Parks has always been very very special and this year---having not been there for two Christmas' due to health things....I was able to go. This is where I have spent every Christmas day for over 30 years....And now in 2006, our numbers are small enough that we can ALL sit at the dining room table....Cozy, comfy and very familial, indeed....
From this end of the table we see Garrett Parks, Betty's older son, with his wife Karen (Culliver) next to him on the right of the picture with the darling Ruby on her lap, and next to her is Katy Melody, (Betty's younger son Andy Parks' wife...).On the other side of him is a lovely wonderful young woman named Myrna Garwyn, she was Andy's very first girlfriend back in High School....and like Betty's daughter-in-laws...she is still like a daughter to Betty...
In this picture we see Myrna on the far right, (with just a glimpse of Garrett's arm....) and next to her is a very old friend of Betty's, Ginny Brown...a lovely woman who is an artist and who's husband, Phil, (just passed this year) was an actor who is probably best known by the public for his role in "Star Trek"...'And next to Ginny, is Betty's son Andy, and next to him is Michael Stefanie, a lovely man and a wonderful actor...he is with Myrna.We all had these silly hats on because they came in the "snappers" that were on the table for the first time....
And you can just see the dead snapper in the bottom middle of this picture above....That's Betty's cousin Carol Smith on the left, who flew down from San Jose....Betty---still eating---next to Carol, and then Maddie next to Betty with Michael S. on the far side of Maddie....
Here is Betty cooking in the kitchen, before the meal....if you are wondering why she is always wearing a visor it is because of her 'Macular Degeneration'....it protects her eyes from the piercing feel of light and helps her to see a bit better....
There were eleven of us at the table and it was a beautiful table with all sorts of goodies on it....including some chocolate "Christmas Trees" and "Santas" that I brought....some of the best dark chocolate I have EVER eaten...(SerendipityChocolates.com).....check it out....worth every penny!
In the hallway going from the Kitchen area to the living area Betty has some fun things hanging on the wall and Karen & Maddie put up "lights" this year to brighten it up....I love it!
They are talking about leaving it up all year round....It really brings a good amount of light to this hallway, too, besides looking so very festive...
Below is a picture of a few people around the Christmass tree haing opened more gifts there in the living room....
Katy and Andy having a bit of Christmas cheer, and in the background, Garrett, Karen and Michael, talking...you will notice that there is a kind of wonderful Black & White drawing above the 'player piano' right there in the upper center of the picture....
This is a wonderful treasure. It is a "Hirschfeld", drawn by the famous artist who did these fantastic cartoon-type (but soooo much more than that....), drawings for the New York Times Sunday Arts & Leisure section for shows and plays opening on Broadway, for years and years and years....It was quite an honor to be one of his subjects....
This particular one was Betty when she played the Irish cook in the 1989-90 production of "Meet Me In St. Louis"....(where, incidentally, Garrett met his lovely talented wife Karen, who was in the show, too....) and these are coveted and prized 'originals'. And if you were lucky enough to have been able to buy yours---which Betty was, well, as I said...it is a true treasaure! Al Hirschfeld is gone now so there will be no more of these fabulous treasures....
Here is a bit of a closer look at this wonderful drawing....not the best picture in the world, but for now, it will have to suffice....
Betty did this wonderful song and Irish Jig on the top of a rather small table! She is one game performer....! It was one of the highlights of the show....and thus, the subject of this Hirschfeld...It is absolutely the essence of Betty, wghich was what Hirschfeld's great gift was as an artist.
And one last picture of Maddie and Ruby on this Christmas Day, 2006...I think this was the feeling of everybody there on this day...much love for one another and many hugs, too....
More To Come.....
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had this to say:
As Cole Porter wrote; "What a Swell Party This Is". I Love all the pics of the family and the Christmas Tree and Maddie's adorable puppy. I hope there are many more special Christmases together for you and the Parks Family.
"Memories are made of this"!- Friday, December 29, 2006 at 6:41:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Looks like a wonderful time was had by all.
I absolutely love the picture above the piano. What a wonderful story to have to tell.- Friday, December 29, 2006 at 6:47:00 PM PST
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I predict that Maddie will be as beautiful a woman as her grandmother was/is! It looks as though you had a great holiday, Naomi. Thanks for sharing.
- Friday, December 29, 2006 at 7:57:00 PM PST
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I love reading these and seeing the pictures! I love the last one of Maddie and the pup. SO cute.
How many "Ninas" are in that Hirschfeld? ;)
I'm with you... always take pictures of the tree with the lights ON. And I love that they are going to leave those lights up all year. I put a string of Christmas lights on the headboard of my bed, and I'm thinking of leaving them there forever. They give off such a wonderful light!
SO glad you had a great Christmas. Happy New Year, my dear Naomi. Hope to meet you one day.
xo
pg (here via michele, but I don't need to be)- Friday, December 29, 2006 at 9:12:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Great pics! Happy New Year from me, and from Michele!
- Friday, December 29, 2006 at 9:46:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
It looks like you had a wonderful day! I'm so glad you were able to go :)
- Friday, December 29, 2006 at 9:54:00 PM PST
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Maddie is a beautiful girl. Is she making a face in one of the pictures (taken at the table)?
I loved seeing everyone you spent your Christmas with, it was like being introduced to everyone! Looks like there was lots of laughter and joy. Wonderful things to have at Christmas time. Good memories for you. :)- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 1:14:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I always love looking at your pictures!!! Have a great New Year. Here from Michele's tonight (this morning)
- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 1:29:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
What an excellent family party!
And coincidentally, I was just watching Betty on TV yesterday, in a Murder She Wrote episode.....
Maddie is growing up so pretty, she's gonna be a stunner! :-)
cq- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 1:30:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
What a wonderful Christmas you had! Michele sent me over to share in it!
- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 3:05:00 AM PST
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It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas :-) I love all the pics that really give a feel of your fastive day. How wonderful to spend the day in teh company of good friends. I am so glad you had such a good time.
- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 3:58:00 AM PST
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It's nice to see people having a grand time during special occasions. Thanks for sharing the pics.
(((Hugs)))- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 4:29:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
What a lovely and special Christmas you had, dear Naomi!
Love all the pictures!
Have a Great and Happy New Year!- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 5:30:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I'm certainly glad to hear you made it to Betty's this year and had such a grand time!!!
time spent together with best friends .. it doesn't get much better then that!!
I hope you have a healthy and happy New Year Naomi!!- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 6:35:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Great description and visuals, Naomi, I feel like I was there. You know how much I love wonderful Betty and I've never met a Parks I didn't like! Was there lots of singing? Maddie is a delight, we have to get her together with Leah. I can see the two of them putting on a full-scale show after an hour!
- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 8:02:00 AM PST
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That looks like a wonderful holiday gathering. I'm glad you had a great day.
Kendra- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 9:53:00 AM PST
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Thanks for your kind commnets about Bob. He is the most sweet tempered cat and they love him at the cattery. Can you beleive he is about 17 years and may be older as I got him as a rescue cat many yeasr ago! I have had him 15 years and he was bewteen 2 and 4 when I had him!
Our cats give us so much joy :-)- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 10:02:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I am so glad everyone was "well" and you got to spend Christmas at the Parks :)
Love the pictures, I am sure that everyone was pleased their resident turkey carver was there too :)
We needed you here on Christmas night for our turkey,Mark did an ok job but I suspect you would have done better LOL- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 1:51:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
What a wonderful Christmas that must have been. I hope you have a terrific New Year!
from Michele's,
Mike- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 2:05:00 PM PST
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Looks like a fun time. You can't have too many friends.
- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 3:11:00 PM PST
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Sounds like you had a wonderful christmas! I am so glad!
- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 6:09:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Oh, I enjoyed these photos so much, Naomi! Having read Betty's book, I almost "feel" like I know everyone present.
Maddie is just stunning and doesn't she love Ruby! Who's a real cutie herself.
I"m so glad you got to spend your day with these wonderful friends. It's obvious what a great time you had. And please wish Betty a very Happy New Year for me!- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 6:45:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
I am so glad you were able to attend this year. It looks like a wonderful home to celebrate in with a great group of people. Maddie and Ruby are both adorable!
Happy New Year Naomi! I wish you only the very best for the coming year.- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 7:52:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi, your house always gives off the feeling of warmth and love. I love seeing many people around the tables, in the kitchen and hanging out. It looks like you had a wonderful day. I posted some pics this morning...log in though. :)
- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 8:11:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I am so glad you were able to have such a fabulous day. And now, a very happy new year to you and your precious Sweetie.
- Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 8:16:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
what a wondeful time you had there, naomi. nothing beats spending christmas with those you love and love you in return. happy new year! ;)
- Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 5:48:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Thank you for sharing this wonderful family gathering and the pics was so nice. Really good to see you've had a lovely Christmas time too - very much like our First Christmas Day family party you know!
Also here to wish you and your family A Happy New Year:-)- Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 7:13:00 AM PST
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Those were very lovely pictures you posted. Looks like you had a grand time. It's nice to be with your loved ones during this season. It was nice of you to share them with us.
Happy New Year!- Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 9:55:00 AM PST
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Well, you started with Maddie & Ruby and ended with Maddie & Ruby. They are both SO cute!
It is obvious that everyone was having a good time.
It\'s so great that you were able to attend this year. I\'m sure those couple of years that you were ill were not very festive for you. It really is a bummer to be ill on a holiday and miss out on all the fun with your long time friends.
I think Betty should leave the lights up around the Mickey Mouse & Betty Boop area. It looks SO Hollywood! :)
Happy New Year!!!
I hope you have a wonderful 2007!!!!- Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 11:08:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
What a wonderful day you had. Everyone looks so happy.
Have a wonderful 2007
Happy New Year- Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 11:35:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Looks like a great Christmas celebration. Happy New Year!!
- Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 2:28:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
What a wonderful Christmas you had with this dear family Naomi! The pictures are great!! Simply great!! Thanks for sharing them with us!
- Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 5:46:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Dancing on the table! I love the hats! I'm trying to figure out what the paper is on the tree?
- Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 7:37:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
What a delightful set of photos depicting a day among friends and family-- the best kind of Christmas
- Monday, January 1, 2007 at 8:11:00 AM PST
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I really miss getting together with my family for Christmas. No one does it anymore due to age,distance,etc. So, I'll live vicariously through you!
- Monday, January 1, 2007 at 2:11:00 PM PST
x4
