It was almost birthday time, but before we could begin the celebration, Suzanne and I went into New York for a dinner at the Union Square Cafe. On the walk there from the train station, we passed this potential light for our kitchen and once there, I recorded this collection sign before we had our dinner with Jhumpa and Alberto.

The next day, I had my office people over for lunch and Main Street brought the goods first wrapped and then unwrapped salmon and pasta vegetables with chicken multiple sauces for the salmon asparagus butterfly cookies to go after the meal and our own birthday celebration but not the main event along with berries and vegetables. All were gathered around the table and the festivities began.

To prepare for the real birthday celebration, I flew across country and began my eating at the Original (but one of many original) Pancake House where these pancakes were shared by Dansyl along with this omelet and the banana pancakes were mine as Dansyl ate away. We next decided to go to Balboa Park where the fountain was in the distance as we made our way and agreed not to bother the little critters. For dinner, we went to PF Changs where I ordered this mojito made with exotic Asian liquors and Syl and Dan studied the menu while I took this self portrait which caused the waitress to take these group pictures before the curry dish Mongolian beef and moo goo gai pan arrived along with white and brown rice. A large group over ordered their dessert and so this delicacy became ours before we returned home to play a game of Ohell.

The next morning, breakfast began with apple bread and coffee cups were placed out as pizza was contemplated and the table was set with the season's first cherries and Dan's pizza was heated so that we could all eat before having a game of Ohell. Larry arrived carrying shirts and Janet's shoes as they settled in and we then headed off to D Z Akins where amidst the signs and the menus many pickles were served along with the sandwich Larry and Janet split my avocado jack sandwich Syl's bagel Dan's sandwich the blintzes and Syl's massive salad. I took photos of the assembled but Janet was incognito with Larry and with Syl as Dan and I posed and I took this profile of myself. After lunch, Janet was enthusiastic as she headed to the yarn store and then back at the apartment, we saw what we were celebrating.

After a break, we headed to the Marine Room where the valet was ready for us and once inside we watched the people on the water as butter was served along with Larry's iced tea and wine for those of us who were imbibing. When main courses came, this was the salmon Janet had and my tofu Syl's salmon (which looked remarkably like Janet's) Larry's elk and Dan's halibut. Outside, the seas were getting rougher and the sun was setting so that these pictures of our group were taken by Hector, our waiter who also recommended these desserts and then brought us a final treat and upon hearing that it was Syl's birthday gave us an opportunity to sing to her.