So ... there we were ... once again, a meeting of minds having a spot of lunch.

This time, my tab ... for reasons about to be revealed below.


"Belated Birthday Wishes, Bro ... sorry I couldn't be there. I trust that you found my greeting card, not only appropriate (it was this one here) ... but, humorous as well?"


At this point I had to take a moment out of our conversation to retrieve the paper straw covering from his straw that *caedes had blow-darted my way and had ended up in my hair. That guy, I tell ya ... back to the conversation.


"You know, you must be getting older ... apart from the obvious chronological advancement in years."

"How so, Les?", asked *caedes.

"You're slipping a bit ... every now and then. Perhaps, the ol' grey matter ain't what it used to be", I kidded.

He chuckled good-naturedly in response.

"Seriously though, did you not notice the, and I am guessing here ... inadvertent slip and release of some pertinent information on your own profile page?"

"What do you mean?"

"Wellllll ... for a long time, the membership has been trying to pry your birthdate out of you ... and to no avail. That is, until you updated the look of the membership profile pages and now ... you offered up at least the month."


You should have seen his face at that point. Something akin to ... this ...

O.O


No worries, though ... as we were distracted at that point by the arrival of our meals. He was having the special of the day, which was Faranaci (risotto with chicken and mushrooms) and I was having toast. (Unbuttered, of course ... in anticipation of a hefty tab.)

Lunch finished pleasantly and we went back to our respective work places. So ...


I got to thinking, been some time since we showed our beloved eye in the sky some appreciation ... and what better occasion than that of a birthday. Belated as it may be. But ... to kick things up a notch ... since none of you know the actual date ... had the thought to initiate a membership challenge. Contest, if you will and unofficial, that is. Here is the theme:

Submit an image in your respective creative genre that depicts a number between one (1) and thirty (30) (the number of days in September) and note in your accompanying narrative that you are doing so.

Then, whoever gets the date/number corrects ... is the unofficial, official winner.

Judging will be easy, methinks. As *caedes will be the only 'judge'. Which will come down to that of the corresponding and correct date of his birthday.

If a couple of members get it right ... ok, two 'winners' then. And so on.

Creativity still enter the picture as always.

Since 'you' could take a photo of a street assigned number as your guess. Composed pleasantly and interestingly.

Figuratively, could be a 'twenty-one gun salute'. A cat has nine lives, etc..

Representative in your image could be simply that of a number of like objects summed to the guesstimate on your part (repetitive shapes and form can be a strong element in a well-composed image). And so on.


Or, if things are a tad busy in your neck of the world, perhaps ... this discussion thread can become our birthday (belated) greeting card to *caedes. Post some words here as your gift of thanks for the site that he maintains for all of our enjoyment.

In fact, on that latter note ... I'll start us off ...


!! ** Happy (belated) Birthday, *caedes ** !!

Here's to many more years ... and best wishes for continued success in all that you do. Hope your day was kind to you. :o)

... ...

... ...

Why, yes ... I see that you recognize "Lucille" (my fourteen-pronged cake fork). Old habits die hard, you know ... 'always be prepared' ... for cake, I say.

:oD

Thanks to Caedes I've a continual feedback on every work I post. Since the first time i started uploading my photo I've found kindness, competencies and humanity.
Every feedback is given through an accuracy in writing that make me say to my friends in Italy to take this web site as example of behavioural.
Then for this reason I say: Happy Birthday Caedes.
Ed.

*cleans fork, incase there is any cake left*


A belated Happy Birtday Caedes, hope your day was a good one :o)

Several years ago, searching the Internet for some nice desktop photos, I came across Caedes - and kept coming back to admire the work of so many photographers and those pursuing other art genres. With my recent retirement, I have had time to devote photography. Not only do I enjoy posting photos and viewing others, through the thoughtful comments of other Caedes members, my work is improving (I think (hope) ;-)). To many more years of Caedes - Salut! .luckyshot

Happy birthday Caedes! I enjoy sharing our hobby with so many great friends. Shall we take some cake now ; )? Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of this site. Mich

"...I glance at my arm and never forget the bite that lingers..."



It's a strange site indeed...people from all walks of life (including Goth and Goth-Inspired) that make art, think stuff, and share it...You've created a wonderful place...

I realize I already made A Greeting Card...

Happy belated Birthday, Caedes...

P.S. - This site and the people in it make Deviant Art look like a DUNGEON...and I DON'T say that in PRAISE this time! :P

A very Happy Belated Birthday to you Caedes!! Your efforts to make this a top notch site are very much appreciated. Thank you!!

Stan

Caedes ... I would like to wish you a Happy Birthday and also would like to thank you for creating this Site. Not only have I met terrific people from around the world I've also been able to experience beautiful views from all over the world through the eyes of all my friends on Caedes.
Thank you
Jellybean

The constant question of how do you pronounce Caedes? will now be replaced with people asking how Old is Caedes? Happy Birthday Caedes! ...Throughout our lives we take action and measure its success by the affected people who share its goal. By creating this site, you have created an opportunity for anyone, to demonstrate their creativity, expose their imagination, create answers to problems, and then act as if its just the most natural thing in the world. The goal - is to share it all, without fear of failure. Thanks!!

Moose

Happy birthday! You get to celebrate one day for each year so I imagine you have one or two days left to go! Thanks for giving US the gift of beauty! Hilda

I don't like birthdays much, maybe because mine is one day before a holiday and nobody was in the town and I couldn't celebarte it, but I like to congratulate the Caedes birthday, because it helped me to meet many people and friends, and to enjoy with them posting photos, talking about them, joking.... I hope we'll be together for a long time. Cheers!

Milka

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Caedes.....a little late. Just thought I'd drop by to say how much I love being a part of this site. It's the best site on the net by far. I now have a serious hobby.

Jimbob

Thank you Caedes for producing this site. I have always loved photography and now I have a way to present my works, get feedback, ask questions, and learn a whole lot more on a subject that I love. Thanks again and Happy Birthday.

Ryan

Happy Birthday (belated) Caedes!! I for one would like to thank you for creating a pastime that has turned into an addiction! However it is not a bad thing as I have met and seen places from all over, and I think because what you have done here we all have a wonderful extended family! You have indeed left your mark on the world!! Thank you very much! :) Steve

Happy Belated Birthday to you Caedes. All your hard work with this site has ended in true success, many many thank you's for this magnificent site. I've made so many fabulous people here and they have helped me so much to improve my photography.

Again I can't say enough times Happy Belated Birthday and Many Thanks for this Fabulous site.

Hello Caedes,as far as I am concerned the internet means
only Caedes, because that much I like this site.Before
I join the Caedes my experience in photography was very
poor and I learned much about the work. I am very greatful to you Caedes,and wish you a very happy birthday.
MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY CAEDES.

Happy Birthday, Caedes and allow me to take this opportunity to thank you for providing me and hundreds of others like me this wonderful site where we all have made friends, where most of us feel quite at home and have learned a lot about photography in general. For retired persons like me it has become a favourite pastime to spend a good amount of time everyday on caedes.net. My belated Birthday Wishes and all the best for the future.

'caedes... a belated wish that you had a happy d'day last September from me also! Two more and you'll be into your thirties. And don't worry, I've got a bit and two more for the seventies and I still don't know what old is!
You know it takes quality people to attract quality people... and YOU have! Look at this thread... and it'll grow! Les will see to that! And most important of all... 'caedes... Les... and everyone else, have a Great day... today and everyday! :o)

I missed your birthday?...hehe...Well happy belated birthday Mr. Caedes! I hope you had a good one. I have to tell you that I'm so happy I found your site so many years ago. I love it here and you've done some excellent work on creating it! Hope you have many years ahead of you yet!
Joanie

A Happy (belated) Birthday Wish Caedes. Like to use the opportunity as well to say a big 'Thanks' for providing my 'Caedes-friends' (think 'Caedes-friends will become a new word in the dictonary', lol) and me the possibility to make new friends, to share our images, and to give each other (some) phographic advice. As taking images is a big hobby of mine, your site has become a part of my life. Thanks to my Caedes-friends, I've learned a lot of new things about photography. Hope from the bottom from my heart that you and this site will go on for many, many years!!

With the best regards of a grateful user.
Cornelius.

A most wonderful Birthday wish to +Caedes ... where would we be without You? Very bored I guess. So many love this site and find so much enjoyment here and all because of You. Thank You
susanlynn

Thanks, Les, for the opportunity to send greetings to Geri for his birthday. In order to take up your challenge of getting the day right, could you say how long we have to do so? In the meantime I am going to think about whether Geri is more like a Virgo or a Libra before picking the day. ;0)
A great dialogue above. Perhaps, one day you can write us the long story. ~~~~~~~~~~~
Geri, you have accomplished much in your short life (6 years?), and you have made a lot of people happy with this web site. For many of us it is a release and a gathering place; a place of artistic expression and friendships. So, Happy Belated Birthday and may you and "Caedes" have many many more. Cindy

This site has become a big part of many people's lives. It certainly has added to the collective photographic knowledge, certainly mine. I'm sure for many, it has become a reason to get up in the morning. We certainly need something to brighten our day during these ever increasing troubled times. Thanks to your creative genius, you have provided that and more. A note to fellow Caedes users reading this: If you use this site regularly, you need to be supporting it-financially. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY and MANY MORE to you!! Owd Momma

Hippo bee lated birdie two ewes, Caedes. :-)

Since finding this site I've never been able to leave.

(Sound of clanking chains).

I have learned a lot here. I found some beautiful wallpapers for my desktop... and one of the things that struck me after a short while is that it's unlimited, as there are new ones every day. Otherwise I might have left after rootling through it for all the best wallpapers. :-)

Thank you for providing a (relatively) sane spot on the web to call our home!

Tootles

Thanks Caedes for this chance to share my hobby with wonderful people from all over the globe, without you this would not have been possible. A belated happy birthday to you and i wish you many more for the future. Thank you!

-:¦:-•:*'""*:•.-:¦:-•*hαρρÿ в-ḋαÿ*•-:¦:-•:*'''''*:•-:¦:-сαεḋεṡ-:¦:-•:*'''''*:•-:¦:-
♫♫♫ѕιr caedeѕ.......ι ѕтυмвled on тo тнιѕ ѕιтe ѕeveral yearѕ ago looĸιng ғor wallpaper. ι waѕ нere a long тιмe вeғore ι regιѕтer and ι aм glad ι dιd вecaυѕe ι нave мade loтѕ oғ ғrιendѕ and ι нave a ғιrѕт claѕѕ ѕeaт тo ѕee тнe world wιтн oυт leavιng нoмe. ι aм graтeғυl тo yoυ ғor тнιѕ wonderғυl ѕιтe yoυ нave creaтed тнaт allowѕ all тнιѕ тalenтed pнoтograpнerѕ тo dιѕplay тнeιr worĸѕ oғ arт and тнoѕe υnтalenтed people ѕυcн aѕ мyѕelғ тo gaтнer мagnιғιcenт wallpaper and ѕcreenѕaverѕ. ι alѕo love тнaт we can leave coммenтѕ ғor тнe arтιѕт aѕ well. now ι нope yoυ нad a wonderғυl вιrтнday and мany мore тo coмe вecaυѕe yoυ deѕerve ιт............joy

Caedes, if it wasn't for you and this site I would have never picked up a camera again. This site has inspired me so much I am lost for words, so Happy belated Birthday to you and keep up the great work. Gregg

Happy (but late) Birthday, Caedes, and a wish for many more!

A birthday wish albeit late. Thank you for all the hard work

Thank you Caedes for all that you do...all that you will do... and all that has been done. You really don't know how much we appreciate this site and community. Happy Birthday to you and I hope you get everything you deserve and more and I'll hold a toast up especially for you.
Cheers!!!!

Paul

Happy Belated Birthday Caedes! A while back, I found this site while (like most people) looking for some great wallpapers photos. It took me awhile to get the courage up to open an account and start posting my photos. And, I'm glad that I did. People here are great and extremely helpful.

Thanks for bringing us together!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

A big happy birthday to Caedes, and a big thanks to Caedes for putting the interest back into photography for me.

Happy Birthday Caedes!
Thank you very much for making the AWESOME (and that's an understatement) webby.
We all appreciate your awesomeness.
Thanks again

very good photos site, no better one for me so far... ! ;)
happy birthday

Happy Birthday Caedes. You have a wonderful photography/art site that has allowed us to view beauty, inspire beauty and strive for beauty. Thank You

best site for me also Happy birthday !!

And we all sing together in the family!

May each day in your life be a good day
May the Lord always watch over you
And may all of your hopes turn to wishes
And may all of your wishes come true

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Caedes !
Happy birthday to you !!!

John

Happy birthday Caedes! You are well appreciated. Blessings to you for a long and prosperous future.

I agree so much with all these friends above! I became totally addicted to "caedes.net" when I started posting here. I made such good friends and always feels like coming home when I enter the site.
May i send my best wishes for you Caedes for the new year ahead of you, and with this i want to give you my sincere thanx for making this site possible for us (me, my mom (susanventer) and my daughter (emmie9)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOSS!!!!!

Happy (Belated) Birthday *caedes! Hope your day was a beautiful one. I'd also like to take this time to thank you for this amazing site ... it has helped me grow as a photographer & also opened my eyes up to many forms of art.

Much appreciation in all you do.

Cheers!

Sherree ;-)

Happy Birthday,this site is very good,it is a very good photos site.Have a good weekend.

Happy Birthday Caedes! I just want to thank you for this incredible good site, I’m really happy to be a part of it, and to have opportunity to see all the beautiful photos from all parts of the world. Thank you!

I discovered this wonderful site ,by chance, and then I became addicted to it...I visit it ,every day, with the same pleasure ,of almost 3 years .. Thank you for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and to share with them the passion for photographic art! ...I wish you,with all my heart, HAPPY(BELATED)BIRTHDAY,Caedes!....Adriana...:)

Happy Belated, Mr. Caedes!!! May the Big Eye continue to be both foresighted and farseeing...

Words cannot express my gratitude to this site, it has literally pointed my life in vast new directions.

mary

I am reserving my number... here... this way... 'cause I need my posting privileges for the current Symmetry contest! There is a plus to this madness of mine... I get to explain my 'reasoning' first! '=39 c=100 a=97 e=102 d=101 e=102 s=116 sum('caedes)=657 657-600(20*days in Sept)> 57-30= 27                                         
So the date I reserve for my guess is Sept. 27! :o)

Happy Birthday Caedes. Remember, you are not getting
older, you are getting better... well, O.K. .... until
you get to my age, then you just start falling apart. Hey
have you seen my arm laying around somewhere, my eyes aren't
working so good. What? I can't hear you... Naw, just kidding.

Happy Birthday!!!

Garrett

Happy birthday..and many more of them..R.

Happy Birthday Caedes. Thank you for allowing me to share my pictures with the world and for helping me be a better photographer.

Belated Happy Birthday Mr. C...hope you celebrated in a fashion worthy of one who originated one of the best sites on the world wide web...I've been coming here since '03, first just to grab some great wallpaper, then joining in '04, and the rest is history...the site continues to grow in membership and popularity while continuing to maintain it's sense of friendship and community...not an easy task trying to please the minions, I'm sure, but you've done a fabulous job and I thank you for all your efforts...as for creating an image to represent possible age, I'm not sure I'll have the opportunity so I'll just take a stab at it and guess about 28...all the best in the coming year.

Happy belated birthday. Thank you for a wonderful sight that allows me to show my photos and helping me to be a better photographer and introduce me to lovely helpful people.
Roger

A very happy Belated Birthday to Caedes!! Hope it was one to remember.

I would also like to offer belated birthday greetings to caedes. I came across this site early last year while off work with whiplash and not able to drive. Climbing the walls at home, decided to find a nice desktop background to at least make a change from the one which came with my relative new computer. Hence I discovered caedes. I lost track of the hours I spent looking at all the wonderful photography. I was bitten!!! Then I realised it was something perhaps I could try and do - not as good as alot on here, but try never the less. I have enjoyed making friends, and also still seeing the photography and uploading my own work. Thank you for giving me this chance. I hope this site continues to thrive for many years to come.
Ann

A happy belated birthday Caedes. A lot of good people were born in September. My late father was one of them. I use his birth date for my ID on your site. I too was fortunate in running across this while looking for wallpapers. The knowledge, friendships and enjoyment I have received from the site are immeasurable. Thank you very much.
Tick

Happy belated birthday Caedes! I hope you had a great day and lots of fun!
I am truely glad I found this site and all the good friends here. You made it possible and still do. Thank you!
SEFA

I thought I smelt pancakes and came a runnin'...too bad it was birthday candles!! Gotta have my nose checked!!

Happy, Happy B-Day!! Another year and another gray hair!!

Your present is on the way...new tube socks & a pack of new guitar strings!!

8~D

Sláinte Mhath!!

Happy birthday (belated) Caedes. As many people have said above, this site forms an important part of my life. I first posted an image of a spider that I was proud of but nothing more for nearly a year then Liverpool had a spectacular firework display to celebrate its 800th anniversary and i took many pictures. I posted the best of these and was gently torn to pieces! However everybody was so helpful and full of tips and hints on how to improve and that is the hallmark of this site. People on this site care and are happy to help.

Happy Belated Birthday Caedes.. Hope it was a fun and memorable one.. Wishing this site has many more years of good times ahead..Appreciate ya pal...=D

A Happy (belated) Birthday Caedes!
Here's wishing you all the special things in life that bring you happiness! I'd also like to take this time to say, thank you for this awesome site! I'm proud to be a member here, and enjoy all that your site has to offer. A worldwide community site that shares ideas, and makes it possible for friendships and talents to grow! Your improvements to the site continues to make this, the best wallpaper site on the Web! Thank you! :)
Lori

(*eyes birthday cake for the post-thread celebration ...*)

'Hmmm, think it will be enough ...'

... ...

(*dips finger into icing on a corner piece ...*)

I to want to wish you a Happy Birthday, and thank you for your time effort that you put into this wonderful site. I found it several years ago on Kim Kommando. I have made some great friends, and have truly found a wonderful hobby behind the camera lens. I do hope your day was great! =^..=^Sandi

A Very Happy(belated)Birthday Wish Caedes. I'd like to thank you for the creation of this excellent website. I've met many friends and learned a lot about digital photography in the short time that I've been here.

Thanks Ed

Good luck on that "Birthday" thing. It may be a tradition that stands a chance of catching on. Thanks for the great site.
Eubeen Hadd

Happy BL birthday Mr. Virtual Caedes-as I can't tell if your real or not- this site is the only "evidence" showing your existence:):),having said that, I suppose the sight just didn't create itself for that would be folly and from what I've seen since I joined there's no folly involved:):) Thanks for this coolest of cool sites and I will be taking advantage of this for along time with continues posts and enjoying all that caedes has to offer form all the other great "artists" :):) Now blow hard, the candles are aflame!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Belated Birthday,
I have been acquainted with Caedes for nearly a year now and I really appreciate the opportunity you've given me to show, tell, and learn from you and all the friends gathered here. I know I will keep learning. Thanks again for the opportunity.

Carol

Happy Birthday Caedes! And many more to come! Thank you for creating this web site that brings together so many people who share common interests. And so many great photos to admire and oppportunities to learn. And friends to be made.

I think a birthday celebration of this website should be a barn burner!! Since I joined I have found new friends who don't laugh or get bored with my little pictures! It has also attached me closer to photography and all the brilliance and wonder that goes with it! Thanks Caedes for the best site since sliced bread!
Paul

So the eye in the sky is a year older! Many happy returns Mr Caedes and may the force be with you always.

Here's a little ditty just for Mr Caedes and his Caedesians...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Caedes Cure

here in caedes town
we stumble, we fumble,
but are forever humble,
we reach, we teach
and beseech
each other
to create, to design
ever align
never do we resign
we love the art of art
from the start
ever searching for
recognition but not
be any admission
only to learn and see
what's on this earth
for us for all eternity
to see all things
and share the joy, the
love, the laughter
it so often brings
we share what we love
we say what we think
but most of all
we get the cure to endure
a daily dose for sure
it's the caedes cure
this creator of the site
makes our days ignite
when we feel uptight
or when things go right
either way we meet each day
with anticipation
even expectation
frustration, relaxation
revelation but never
procrastination
but with congratulations
to the imagination
of this ceades celebration
there is no hesitation
as he gets our dedication!!

Verena

Thanx to a great guy
for all he brings us!!

Verena
10 October 2009
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Birthday, Caedes! ;)

What a wonderful occasion for all of us to say how much we appreciate all the hard work in creating this little corner of the World which is safe, friendly and, above all, inspiring! Thank you, Oh-so-Thoughtful Caedes, Live long and Prosper!
anawhisp

birthdays may be good days to remind us of all the things we have in mind ..... i highly appreciate this site, therefor your effort Caedes, may your eyes always see, thanx and take care
Roland

happy birthday! enjoy!

Belated "Happy birthday" to you *caedes. Thank you very much for providing this superb site.
Best ...

Happy Birthday!! Hope it was a good one. Birthdays to me are just another day now - but that's just me. I found out about this site when it was the featured site of the day on the Kim Komando site. It was great to find a community like this to share my images with others and get their opinions of my work. It's a kick to see the number of folks who find my work good enough that they are willing to look at it on a daily basis on their PC screen. Thank you so much for taking the time to start and maintain this wonderful site for what has now become quite the little community and once again - Happy Birthday!

Thanks everyone for the great comments and well-wishes. It certainly brightened up my day. It just shows what a great community we have been building over the last few year. =D

Belated Happy birthday CAEDES!

I am very thankful for this site. This is definitely inspired me at photography. I wish you all the best :)

Nathan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAEDES! In the words of our dear friends Thorin, Oin, Gloin, Fili, Kili, Ori, Nori, Dori, Dwalin, Balin, Bifur, Bofur, and Bombur.......... May your Beard never fall out and ever grow longer!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAEDES !!!..Many years ago i wanted to find some pictures,and find Caedes.It was a Happy Day in my life..Thank you.Erja.

Cake all gone!!
Serves me right for being late :)

My birthday wishes and many happy returns added as well Caedes :)
I hope it was a happy day.
This site gives pleasure and happiness to so many.
Thank you
LynEve

Since we don't know the exact day, that means that you AND all of us get to celebrate for 30 days!! Lots of cake and good wishes for a whole month!

Whoo-hoo!!!!! (my guess is Sept. 9th as you birth day :-)

Hope the day was good to you *caedes!!

Happy Birthday & thanks for all you do for us.....:=)

Happy Birthday Old Man! lol! ...well if you won't reveal your age I have to guesstimate! ;) Thanks for creating Caedes - it opened my eyes to the wonders of photography and since being a member I have made many true friends! Birthday hugzzzz. Patti x

"Cake all gone!!"

Er, no Lyn ... still lotttttssssss left.

As the "130,000-pound treat is just icing on the festivities".


Grab a shovel.. ... er, fork and plate ... and dig in. :oD


Backing up the discussion thread truck some more ...

"In order to take up your challenge of getting the day right, could you say how long we have to do so?"

Till the end of October, that sound good?

Upload them to the ... "new images->caedes gallery".

That'll work, methinks. Three weeks, give or take ... is an approximation on the archiving timeline of images anyways. I will keep ... ahem ... an eye on the gallery. ;o)


And it looks like some have taken up the challenge.

In particular, susanlynn; aka susanlyn submitted her guesstimate and image.

Namely, that of ... "28th - a Guess for +Caedes Birthday Day in September". :o)

Happy Birthday! Somehow, I'm always the last on such occasions! My sincere thanks for a wonderful site where I've made some wonderful friends and learned many many things, not only in photography, but also in life, from friends and all! THANK YOU!

Happy "belated" birthday wishes! That is what I do now, use the whole month for reasons to celebrate. I truly enjoy the diversity and talent that you've drawn together here! Thank you for having us!

Sorry dear CAEDES for being late....

My heart warming belated birthday wishes.... Wishing you many more years ahead; Tons and thousands of thanks for this very website which is helping a person like me sitting at a small city like Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala [India] to view and share images across my friends round the globe....