Happy Birthday, Paul!

The celebration of Paul's birthday this year can be characterized by three words, quiet, but busy and joyous.

Owing to the unusual quietness over the weekend, Paul could not help but feel a little curious. I did a pretty good job by keeping under wraps Nick's coming on Monday, until on the eve of his birthday when Paul asked me if we expected anyone the next day. Once the cat was let out of the bag, I happily took the blame for not keeping my vow. But it was worth it, for Paul was much happier and more expectant since.

Nick did not roll in until after 1:00 pm, due to the unexpected Caltrain's roadwork on Highway 17 South. Before then, Paul attended his noon Midjourney session with Peter and Claire, while I went to the Buttery to pick up the cake. It all worked out nicely.

The rest of the day, we chatted and cooked in the kitchen. In addition, Nick helped Paul to reinstall the Norton Utilities. Before dinner, Paul and Nick went out for a drive, which gave me a little breathing space for completing the cooking and cleaning up. Around 6:00 pm, we started our birthday dinner with our turkey-tofu soup, salad, green beans, baby cucumber, meat spaghetti, and finally pan-fried swordfish. I was pleased that everything turned out just right, although no one actually noticed any difference, except for the cook herself. 

Birthday Card from and by Leni & Paulie

The Buttery's tiramisu cake lived up to its fame. Together with our ice cream, we had a hearty dessert. With phone calls, piles of cards and gifts from friends and families, it was a truly great birthday celebration, which was continued by a FaceTime with Leni and Paulie around 11:00 pm. They were anxious about the feedback of their handmade birthday card. Papou reassured them that it was beautiful and well-loved.

It is a productive and creative year for Paul. In less than one year, he has won three photo contests in Santa Cruz Good Times. Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Paul!

SUNSET DRIVE taken amongst the happy people enjoying the sunset at West Cliff 
Photograph by Paul Titangos
Courtesy of https://www.goodtimes.sc/the-editors-desk-11-6-24/ (29 October 2025)

FLASH OF GREEN captured Jan. 5 on Seacliff Beach
Photograph by Paul Titangos
Courtesy of https://www.goodtimes.sc/the-editors-desk-31/ (5 February 2025) 

EGRET BALLET taken from the cliff that runs along Pleasure Point 
Photograph by Paul Titangos
Courtesy of https://www.goodtimes.sc/the-editors-desk-11-6-24/ (5 November 2024)