Here they are.....The two Birthday Girls......Sitting with the gifts that came from Carol Smith, Betty's Cousin, who came down from San Jose, just for this sweet afternoon! See's Candy was the order-of-the-day, from Carol.....Perfect!
We did have a really fun, raucous day....Lots of laughs......Above, the two Birthday Girls, having their funny bone genuinely tickled.....But let's start at the beginning.....Cousin Carol arrived a little early, coming right from the Burbank Airport....that was nice because I got to have a little "in person" visit with her before the other 'ladies' arrived......
Carol had turned 75 in March....And now Lee was turning 75, too.....It was so good of her to get on that plane and come on down to Los Angeles just for this 'celebration' of her dear cousin's 91st Birthday....
Next to arrive was Jacquie Scott....Her Birthday is next month--close to mine----and we will be celebrating our "days" at another 'Ladies Who Lunch'......Then....
The lovely Dianne Travis arrived....you will remember we celebrated her Birthday at the last 'Ladies Who Lunch'.......
And then....almost at the same time, Lee & Betty arrived...(Lee having picked Betty up to bring her here....) And dear Bridget Hanley, who ran into traffic problems.....There were traffic problems that day for Lee, too, being that it was a Friday here in L.A......So, these three ladies were just a little bit late.....
Of course, we had our Hors D'euvres----Crudites with a Dill Dip, very very delicious and Turkey & Sun Dried Tomato Links with a Mustard Sauce...yummmmm!
And our third yumminess-es were these Dates, with a touch of Cream Cheese, wrapped in Prosciutto and baked in the oven....! They were utterly divine! But I think I started a kind of raunchy raucousness by saying they looked a little 'lewd'. Kind of like a dogs pee pee.....! I know, BAD! But they did! Though they were absolutely delicious. And below, look at these very special cocktail napkins that dear dear Ily of Another Day In Paradise, sent from Miami, Fla....
Everyone loved them---but particularly dear Bridget.....I'm hoping Ily can find some more of these, just for her. I think they are wonderful! And Ily sent something else, which you will see when we open our 'gift bags'.
And then, the Beautiful Seemah arrived. She has to come from Pacific Palisades, which is close to the Pacific Ocean, and pretty far away....and she too, got caught in some horrific Freeway traffic, so she was quite late, but we happily waited for her....! I just need to tell you that although Lee had this milestone birthday this year, as an actress, she is busier than ever!
This is a 'one woman' show she has put together playing many of the different characters from "Spoon River"....You may recall that Lee understudied Betty, Joyce and myself, back in 1963 when we did the Original Charles Aidman adaptation of this beautiful Edgar Lee Masters work.....and then, played the 'roles' Betty played in the 2002 Revival of "Spoon River" that we did at Theatre West......The 'Flyer' above was from her performances in Alabama in April.....here below, a picture of her--in 'Character'.
In this case.....the character of 'Zilpha Marsh'....Then, for all of you "ALL MY CHILDREN" fans.....Lee will be on the show on June, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th....at least those are the dates they gave her....Plus---and this is truly exciting---this summer she is in a Pre-Broadway tryout of a new musical at the Goodspeed Theatre in Connecticut, called "Radio Girl", based on the book and film about 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm'....The wonderful thing about Show Business and 'the Arts', is....no one really ever retires if they are still willing and able, and Lee is more than willing and able---she loves it, and works harder than anyone I know.....! And by the way....the people involved in this new musical have a lot of history....The composer, Henry Kreiger, wrote the Music for "Dreamgirls".....!
We all think that Lee is more beautiful than ever....and it is a 'Natural Beauty'.....As far as I know, Lee has had no 'enhancement' of any kind...No surgery, no botox, no collagen.....This is what 75 can look like if you have great 'genes'.....lol.....Oh, and by the way, on May 1st, Betty performed in the S.T.A.G.E. show benefit....Pretty amazing. No retiring for her either. Still kicking (literally---she danced) at 91......!
Then, it was time to go to the table for our special Birthday Lunch......Here above.....Betty's 'Gift Bag', and then below....Lee's 'Gift Bag'.........
Of course....we all had 'Gift Bags'.......
And we will see what was in them.....later.More To Come........
- had this to say:
Oh I do LOVE your lady's parties. Would love to know the joke told in that first picture. You ladies do know how to have fun.
I remember seeing Lee on All My Children as head of the Martin clan. Haven't watched in a while but will be sure to now. Thanks.
Looking forward to more from the party.- Friday, May 28, 2010 at 4:57:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
You just love to tease us and keep us hanging with 'later' LOL
I am CRACKING UP at 'dogs pee pee'
Many young actresses today could take a page from the lovely Lee. She is gorgeous and most of them look like horrors after their 'enhancements'.
Happy Memorial Day!!!- Friday, May 28, 2010 at 5:09:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Not to get all "demand-y," but I trust there will be a lunch menu post, as well.
:)
Cheers.- Friday, May 28, 2010 at 6:32:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Birthdays all around! You're right, Lee is still beautiful. Good genes are like winning the lottery.
- Friday, May 28, 2010 at 6:32:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a wonderful Ladies Who Lunch! Congratulations to Lee and Betty!
Your dear friends looks so adorable and very charming too.
Naomi, you are a great hostess! All looks beautiful and sounds you all had a lovely time together.
I will return to enjoy more the Ladies Who Lunch!
Cheers!- Friday, May 28, 2010 at 7:37:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Birthday to the girls!!
I love the photo of Betty and Lee laughing...the one where they're having their funny bones tickled! All your photos show such a great time was had by all, as usual.
Lee is a timeless beauty. What amazing bone structure and eyes! I hope I look that good at 50.
I'm glad they liked the napkins. I'll send some for Bridget sometime next week.
PS - The Prosciutto wrapped date sounds simple and delicious! I'll have to try that since I like the combination of salty and sweet.- Friday, May 28, 2010 at 4:21:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
My goodness! Everyone matches eachother AND the party favours! More importantly......such grace and beauty. Joy too. xx
- Friday, May 28, 2010 at 6:42:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I don't look as good at 69 1/2 as Lee does at 75 - so there's no hope for me!! But, of course, I was never Miss America either.....LOL
Belated Happy Birthday to both women; I would truly love to be there with you at your parties, Naomi.
If I see those napkins, I'll send you some!- Friday, May 28, 2010 at 6:44:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
And the flowers were superb!!
- Friday, May 28, 2010 at 6:44:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You tease, you! Yes, Lee is a rare, natural beauty. I love to watch her act. Thanks for the peek. (PS LOVE the "attitude" poster...may have to steal it.)
- Friday, May 28, 2010 at 6:57:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Another wonderful Ladies that Lunch!
Happy Birthday to Betty and Lee!!!
wow..they both look fabulous to me! I have never met Betty but did help Lee at an autograph show once and she is even more beautiful in person!!!
you give the best luncheons be they for birthdays or just get togethers! I do wish we could see a few more shots with you enjoying your friends now and then Naomi. (hint hint)
Can't wait to see what's in those bags!! lol- Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 3:23:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh, Naomi, so lovely. The ladies are lovely and gracious. So glad you've enjoyed such wonderful times. I am off with my lovely mother-in-law this morning; coffee and shopping.
xo- Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 5:31:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I was totally enjoying your food porn until I got to you mentioning the dog pee pees. Then I had to *really* look at those. And yes, yes they do. But I bet they tasted great!
Can't wait til you show us the goody bags!- Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 7:43:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I always enjoy the ladies lunches.
- Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 7:47:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You make me smile all the way over here! Another amazing lunch and you are so right all of you are beautiful women who are enjoying life as much as ever. That is sure how it should be done. And the food, inc. the dongs whatsit (he he), looks delicious. Cannot wait to see the next part. Thanks for sharing these lunches on your blog. I absolutely love reading about them. Age is but a number and all of you prove it. Such an inspiration to me.
- Sunday, May 30, 2010 at 8:44:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
All I can say is WHAT FUN YOU ALL HAVE! You host the most scrumptious lunch parties, Naomi. I just can't wait to see what delights you have hidden in those gift bags this time!
And those dates... well, they may look rather odd and I am roaring with laughter at your description of them, but I bet they are absolutely delicious.- Sunday, May 30, 2010 at 6:09:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Happy Belated Birthday Greetings to the two beautifuly girls and everyone looked so stunning Naomi!!!
I am so 'jealous', I really want to be part of this lovely party, just being there to listen to all the chats and experiences is enough to satisfy me.
Yes, can't wait to see your goodies again Naomi :)
Love all the ladies who lunched at your place and love your thoughtfulness once again, your friends are so lucky :D- Sunday, May 30, 2010 at 8:58:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
As always it looks like you all had a great party. I think you all are excellent examples of aging gracefully and proudly.
- Monday, May 31, 2010 at 8:23:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
How lovely it is to see friends celebrating not only birthdays, but friendship! I love it! xoxoxox
- Monday, May 31, 2010 at 10:22:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I love the photo of the 2 birthday girls laughing!! Laughing is good medicine so you all got a good dose that day!! Nothing better than that!!
I got so tickled when you said the dates with the cream cheese and wrapped in Prosciutto looked like a dogs pee pee!! Thank you for that good laugh!!!
Lee is beautiful! Wish my genes were as good!! Unfortunately I don't think they ever were !! LOL Oh well, some have it and some don't!!
Lovely to see Betty doing so well. Such a remarkable lady! She was born the same year as my mother.
Thanks for the great post Naomi, and for you kind words on my blog! You are such a sweetie! I am feeling better now, thankfully! I'm looking forward to the next part!!!- Monday, May 31, 2010 at 5:33:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
how lovely! a true tribute to friendship and girlfriends, good food, lewd jokes (!) and FUN! your photos are lovely and the gift bags perfect!
- Monday, May 31, 2010 at 7:20:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Those DO look lewd! I love the second photo and I do love to see natural beauty in women.
Everything looks beautiful and everything looks yummy and fun!- Monday, May 31, 2010 at 8:09:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What great friends you have. Lee and Betty are beyond stunning for any age. I saw Lee do "Spoon River Anthology" last time y'all did it at Theatre West and she was absolutely extraordinary. Speaking of your posse, I hear Ann Guilbert is great in "Please Give," I'm dying to see that.
- Monday, May 31, 2010 at 10:03:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
A late Happy Birthday to Lee and Betty!
- Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 1:49:00 AM PDT
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