Dinner with a Celebrity

Yesterday was my son's 21st birthday. I am so proud of him. He's living on his own in Santa Cruz and going to UC at the same time. I'm an education nut, but I'm not sure how fun it would be to live in such a wonderful place, and then keep your head in the books. Fortunately for him, he has found a way to make the best of both. He is working towards a major in Psychology, and a minor in Electronic Music. It's an excellent way for him to get experience in producing music as an undergraduate. UCSC also has a two year graduate program. I'm so proud of my son because he found the minor first, and didn't have to add it on later as a graduate. He doesn't complain, but it adds a lot more to the course load. But it gets better... he has also made it a point to use his skills out in the world to make some extra cash.

He has done all of this education stuff at the urging of his father and me, as well as "spin" music as a DJ for people in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and other cities in the Bay Area. Then his 21st birthday came around, and almost seemed to get in the way; he was the headliner at a nightclub in Oakland until the wee hours of the morning, and then he had to get up, walk to school, and take a Sociology mid-term just hours later. Poor thing! I felt so sorry for him when he had to get up at the crack of dawn to go to UC to take that exam. What a trooper. He looked exhausted when I left our condo to return to Dublin, but he didn't complain one tiny bit.

We began the 21st birthday family celebration at the Crow's Nest. Wednesday night is usually the night we sail in the sailboat races, but it was fun to watch them from the other side. We waited there until Paul arrived, and then the four of us loaded up in one car to go to Shadowbrook in Capitola for dinner. A couple of the staff noticed him as we dined. It's a little bit like dining with a celebrity. We enjoyed our dinner and his company at this wonderful restaurant. I hope it was as fun for him as it was for me. I enjoyed myself, and the company of my family, immensely.

Hardy always barked, "If you can't play in the islands, woof the islands to you."  I don't think Hardy would have minded waiting in the car here. It's never too hot, and they boxed a special "doggie dinner" for Roxie and Chico who waited out there. Hardy would have loved running up and down the garden stairs that lead to the restaurant, but I don't think he would have liked riding the tram. It's just too darn romantic for a little doggie.