When Lilly told us she hadn't had a proper birthday celebration since 2001 — she was born on the 11th of September — we decided we had to reclaim the date for her. What better way than an spontaneous public demonstration of good cheer?

We told Lilly to show up at precisely 1800 hours on the corner of Broadway and Main. Not a minute sooner, not a minute later. We advised her to ask no questions.

Then we got busy. We made phone calls, we synchronized watches, we coordinated transport, we procured party hats. Anna baked a seriously dangerous flourless chocolate cake laced with hazelnut liqueur. We made tea.

At 1745 hours a small contingent rendezvoused around the corner, on the Park Blocks. Everyone had brought their own chair, according to plan. We strapped on our party hats, took up the dishes, the folding tables, the linens, the cake, and swiftly moved into position on the sidewalk.

At 1759 hours everything was in place. One minute later Lilly rounded the corner. The effect was perfect, as you can see from Param's photos.

Passers-by were happy about the proceedings. Many of them wished us a happy birthday. We wished them the same. One fellow, whose birthday was the same day, was especially pleased.