Yesterday afternoon, Dody and Tom treated Paul and me to a relaxing birthday lunch at Riva Restaurant on the Santa Cruz Wharf. It is our second seafood birthday meal after our Crow's Nest dinner on Paul's birthday, November 3rd, with Ed, Fernando, and Nick.
Soon after 1:00 pm, our door bell rang. It turned out that Dody's medical test ended a bit sooner than expected. So the four of us seized the day and repaired to the Wharf in Paul's Rav4 without further ado. To avoid a 30 to 40 minute wait, we decided to take an aisle table just across from the scenic windows. It turned out to be OK all the same, since the sunshades were already pulled down nearly all the way along the window tables, to reduce the fierce midday sun. With blue water still in sight, we started our delicious lunch and talk.
Paul and Tom, having seen each other in person only once since COVID-19, had a lot to catch up on. They talked mostly about music, reminiscent of past music venues and concerts in San Francisco and Felton Music Hall. With his profound music knowledge, Tom pointed out several ironic selections of songs used inappropriately in TV commercials, such as Nick Drake's songs recorded inside his room when he was deeply depressed.
Dody and I concentrated on library talk shop. Unlike some retired library managers who have now all become heads of various Friends of Libraries, she is involved in a collaborative nonprofit organization called Village Santa Cruz County, or simply The Village. It is a network of seniors helping seniors navigate the changes, challenges, and joys of aging. Each member has years of experience and wisdom that they can share with the others. She also told me that it was not advisable to head an organization of one's former profession, due to his/her professional biases or unfinished business. Dody is always a great mentor to me.
Four of us were all appreciative of our good meal, friendship and health. Our happiness is such that I saw smiling faces around us. It is simply divine and contagious to share happy moments with the people one loves. After lunch, we did not leave the Wharf right away, especially considering the fact that Tom had not been here for over 30 years. We strolled from Riva to the end of the Wharf. Perhaps it is because of an exceptionally balmy November day, or because of the good company we kept, excitement flowed in the air. Even families of sea lions went out of their way to entertain us with their deep and excited cries. A couple of young sea lions kept trying to jump up from water onto their favorite wood perches. They were not in the least discouraged by their failed trials, but buoyed by the cheers and clapping from young human spectators, especially from those pretty young girls.
We departed in front of our house, but agreed to regroup at Tom's birthday. What a great plan to look forward to!
