Now we are 80 -- a Botero Birthday!

Yes, next week I shall reach my eightieth birthday. Improbable, unlikely but true. It seems such a short time that I celebrated (if that is the right word!) my seventieth ...

https://kurtofgerolstein.blogspot.com/2016/02/70-boys-70.html

 Big party? inquired folks. No. Wendy and I will share a nice evening bottle of bubbly, quietly, at dear old Gerolstein, and that's all. 

But you must do something! No. And I don't want anyone else to do anything either. No 'surprises'. And above all, no gifts. I am of an age where I am disposing of the accumulated stuff of ages, not accumulating ..  a hug or a message is all I want! On this semi-memorable occasion it is I who should be giving thanks for 80 relatively painless years, and a still lively mind ...

Thought. It is I who should be giving the gifts ....

Flashback ...

Some ten years ago I visited, for the first time, the delightful café called BOTERO in the village of Maclean, NSW. I have visited many, many times since. In fact, on very occasion I have spent time in Australia. Botero blends a particularly delicious coffee which has become my staple. And makes a splendid risotto! It also sells the most delighful hessian shopping bags, hand-made from coffee sacking .. and I couldn't resist a few of those.

Wendy at Botero

I was carrying one, a few weeks ago, when I went shopping at the deli ('Fresca') in Rangiora (we are on the other side of the Tasman now!) and Luna, the lady there, admired it largely. And CLICK! The idea was born ..

I got on Messenger to Australia, and commissioned a dozen bags, suitably inscribed, as gifts for those folk who have helped me get through these last ten years. 

They have gone off to Berlin, California, New York, Leicestershire, Rangiora ...

I am delighted beyond measure ...

My birthday has benefitted Charity, which is never a bad thing. Yes, Myra James, the lady who makes these beautiful bags donates all proceeds to local charities ..

Thank you, Myra. Thank you, Botero ... there will be folks round the globe who will remember my 80th birthday ...

And if anyone is looking for a novel gift ... try these ...