Please, Please, PLEASE Forgive me for being absent on your blogs....So much is going on right now I just haven't been able to visit all of you the way I usually have in the past...I will be better about it as soon as a lot of these very emotional things calm down.....And, let me say this, The Birthday Celebration was wonderful. Truly, Truly Wonderful....And soon, I will do that post.....The above picture of the "Birthday Girl" is a little teaser of what is to come....And here below, a few more 'teasers'......
The Birthday Flowers! Van outdid himself....This beautiful bowl was so incredibly lush and filled with so very many special and unusual Orchids, among other flowers, this picture below is just one example.....
I have not seen this Beautiful Orchid before. I LOVE that he included this in this magnificently lush abundant bowl of flowers.....
And this one above? I think it is some kind of Carnation...but I'm not really sure of that...I've never knowingly seen this flower before.....This did my heart good. I beg you, please bear with me during this very emotional up and down time....I promise I will be coming to visit you all, as soon as I can....
About this weekend: As a kid growing up in a small town on Long Island, we had a Parade every Memorial Day. And I saw every one. And I always found these Parades stirring and incredibly moving. The Day, back then, was about Honoring all those who had died for our country, and really, for us. It was not about barbecues or 'Blow-Out Sales, or anything else except truly remembering our dead Hero's. On this Memorial Day Weekend, I hope everyone honors all those men and women who have given their lives so we can all live in a free country.....Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the incredible sacrifices that so very many people have made throughout the history of our country to preserve our freedoms....It is a time for quiet contemplation and thanks, lest we forget. Have a wonderful weekend, my dears.....
More To Come.......
- had this to say:
I am glad to know that the birthday party was a success, and I look forward to hearing about it. The flowers are truly lovely. That is a "moth" orchid, and the other one does appear to be a carnation.
- Friday, May 23, 2008 at 9:27:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Naomi, You never ever need to apologize for anything.
Betty looks so beautiful, I'm glad you had a wonderful time together.- Friday, May 23, 2008 at 10:10:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
My neighbor is a WWII veteran and I plan to walk over there on Monday and hand him a Thank-You card, shake his hand and tell him how grateful I am for his service. That's what I'm going to do for Memorial Day. And fly our flag.
- Friday, May 23, 2008 at 11:18:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
It is ok Naomi, don't feel bad that you are not visiting all your blog buddies.
Orchid is our national flower of Singapore and I'm glad you have some over there :)- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 12:05:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi- greetings from Nuremberg! Those floral arrangements are beautiful, Van does nice work. Gald the birthday party went well, looking forward to reading more about it!
Rick- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 12:26:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I know she loved it. Friends make everything more special.
- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 2:58:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
The birthday girl and the flowers look fantastic, can't wait to see and read more :)
- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 4:55:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Betty looks Fabulous Naomi!!
I miss the little town I grew up in.. our Memorial Parade always ended with a "picnic" at our local Fire Department with the whole town out and about and everyone knowing everyone... seems impossible for that to happen now aday.
I hope you have a good weekend Naomi..with more happy thoughts than sad.- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 4:58:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Here in Canada, we don't have Memorial Day in May. We honour our veterans on November 11, Armistice Day. This is when everyone wears a red poppy to symbolise the poppies of Flanders Fields where so many died during the First World War.
The birthday flowers and the Birthday Girl are equally beautiful!- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 5:54:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hope that you have a good Memorial Day weekend, Naomi.
Your experiences as a kid were the way it ought to be today too.
Looking forward to seeing the birthday Celebration pictures :) The teasers are veautiful already !- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 6:09:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Betty looks so lovely and beautiful! I am looking forward to see another photos of the Birthday. The flowers are really wonderful!
I hope you have a nice weekend, my dear!- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 7:21:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Your pictures are such a treat!
Don't worry Naomi - we're glad to read whenever you feel like posting.
Please take good care of yourself dear and take all the time you need.- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 8:16:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
As always- Gorgeous photos. Memorable words. My mother is a WWII Navy veteran- and I'm fortunate to still have her as a living reminder of all the people of this country are capable of- on behalf of others.
Bless you-- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 8:59:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I am glad to hear the birthday celebration went so well. Gorgeous flowers and Betty is beautiful as always. Real life has to take priority over blogging; so never apologize for not making it around to reading blogs or writing one yourself. Blogs are like a bonus to life as I see it.
- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 9:06:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I do honor and appreciate all those who have given their lives in service to our nation, and to us.
Thanks for the Betty photo and gorgeous flower photos. Those teasers will tide us over for now.
Don't worry about not visiting in your regular way.
We all understand, and we know you are dealing with a lot lately. I'm your blog buddy, but first of all your friend.
Take care, dear Naomi.- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 12:28:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
The preview of the birthday post to come is sweet. She looks beautiful, as well as those flowers.
Have a wonderful weekend, relaxing and knowing that we understand. We all go through emotional stuff every now and then and need the break.- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 12:47:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Mr. kenju said to tell you that he saw "My Sister Eileen" this week, with Betty and Janet Leigh. He said Betty is one of the most talented actresses he knows of, and that she is in a league with those whom he reveres as the very best! Please tell her that she has a big fan in Raleigh!
That is a phaelenopsis orchid. I couldn't remember the botanical name yesterday.- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 1:07:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Gorgeous birthday arrangement. Wow. What an incredible (and slightly alien-looking) orchid.
Hope you're staying bundled up in this very strange weather of ours!
~S :)- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 1:48:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi. Thinking of you these days. I like the orchid and pictures you posted. Wishing you and your friend a wonderful birthday get-together. Cheerio.
- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 2:59:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
No apologies needed ! Life happens and besides my blog hasn't been updated anyway lol.
Betty looks wonderful as always and I am sure the birthday lunch was a huge success.- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 3:44:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
We certainly understand Naomi that sometimes you just can't get around to all the blogs. I know I sure can't!! No need for any apology, just as long as we know that you are okay!!
I'm glad the party was terrific! Love those flowers!! Looking forward to reading all about it.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day with Sweetie!! xxoxx- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 4:57:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a lovely party -- not to mention the Birthday girl!!!!! What a great friend you are, Naomi!!!
And I love the Memorial day photos. I'm stopping in Toledo on my trip home to put a flag on my dad's grave. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a Gunner's Mate and was intensely proud of that.- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 5:30:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I've been busy too, Naomi. The "Birthday Girl" looks wonderful. I love the flowers, too. I know you have been dealing with the funeral of your friend and I have been thinking about you.
See you when you can get around to it. Enjoy your Memorial Day. I would like to go to the Memorial Day ceremory at our Veterans cemetary, if I can find out what time it starts....- Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 10:17:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
We've just had our Church flower festival, for which my sister did some arrangements. Pop over.
The 'Birthday girl', and the flowers look beautiful!- Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 7:46:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Never apologize...I have been too caught up with too many things to visit and Blog lately too. It happens.
Your tribute for Memorial Day was great and so was your honoring your good friend Betty. I enjoyed all the pictures...AND the HAWKS!!! Those were incredible. How fortunate to see and capture one taking off!!!- Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 2:49:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I can't wait to see more pictures of the party and Betty.
This evening on TCM they are showing "On The Town" with among the other stars, there's Betty. I've seen it before but I'm looking forward to watching it again.
Enjoy your evening.- Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 6:10:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, take all the time you need. We'll still be here. Love the flower pix. I can never get enough of close ups on flowers. The tiny details of their structures are endlessly fascinating for me.
- Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 7:17:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, I'm back. Tonight we caught the last 20 or so minutes of another movie with Betty Garrett - On the Town - with Frank and Gene.It was so good, and I loved the dance sequences. I also saw that another of her movies with Frank would be on at 2:30 am, on TCM, I think. I'd love to see it, but I am not about to stay up all night!
- Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 8:13:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I read this after I had read the birthday post. I do hope the sadness lifts Naomi. Don't worry about anything with regard to blogging and calling round - your friends will wait. No sweat!
- Monday, May 26, 2008 at 8:17:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Thanks for the Memorial Day thoughts. Today, we're going to the local national cemetery to visit my dad's grave. We should never forget.
- Monday, May 26, 2008 at 9:09:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I originally found your blog by Googling the name of the town I grew up in, which is the same town you grew up in. I stayed for the wonderful stories of old and new Hollywood.
In the '60s, I marched in that very same Memorial Day parade down Middle Neck Road, first with the Brownies and Girl Scouts, and later twirling the baton with the school band.- Monday, May 26, 2008 at 2:45:00 PM PDT
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