Birthday Greetings to a Forumist

[David Nicholson]

Happy Birthday Tom, no pictures to show us recently?

[Luc Gilgemyn]

I bet Tom was celebrating his birthday in some wonderful Castle garden..... 
Happy belated birthday Tom, hope you had lots of fun !

[Lesley Cox]

Today (9th down here) is my good friend Otto's birthday, in Australia. He's entering his 8th decade which, I'm sorry Otto, immediately makes you sound 10 years older than you really are but you know what I mean.

Otto, now that he has reach that certain age is allowed by the powers that be in Melbourne, to water his garden from 8-10am instead of 6-8am, during the area's drought restrictions and so have an extra couple of hours in bed. when I phoned this morning he was in the middle of watering before joining a large group of like-minded friends for lunch in a local vineyard restaurant. I wish I were there with them all, but I'm sure they will feel my spirit sitting right alongside them especially when the wine is poured. I hope you've had a wonderful day Otto.

[cynthia sladen]

Happy Birthday Otto on reaching the big seven zero. You can no longer claim you are only middle aged. My very first posting and you have beaten me to it Lesley but best wishes to you too.

[Lesley Cox]

A very warm welcome to the Forum Cynthia. I'm not surprised to see you here. You must have got thoroughly sick of us all going on about it for months on end, and meeting Ian must have been the final straw. I hope you enjoy it now you've taken the plunge.

[fermi de Sousa]

Well, Cynthia, he can if he gets to 140!
We've just left Otto and a host of others at a winery/restaurant in the Yarra Valley. I had hoped to post pics from the event including at least 3 Forumists but alas I don't have the lead to download pics at this computer (at mum's half way back to our place) so you'll have to wait till Tuesday, when we can also wish Lesley a happy birthday! Otto was given a surprise by some friends who presented him with a lovely watercolour by Botanical Artist, Anita Barley, who had painted some Trilliums from live specimens from Otto's garden! Anita had said she'd been meaning to give it to Otto for years and this seemed an appropriate occasion! Lucky chap! All he's getting from me is a photographic record of his party! If he gives me permission I'll post some others here as well as the "Three Amigoes"!
cheers
fermi

[fermi de Sousa]

My very helpful niece has turned up with the right software!
Here's Tim, Otto and fermi in the garden at Badger's Brook Winery.


And here's Otto admiring his present from Anita Barley.


cheers
fermi

[Maggi Young]

Birthday wishes for Otto were certainly winging their way from Aberdeen!  I even managed to take the time difference into account..... I THINK correctly!!
What a lovely present.... good flower painting never goes amiss 

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Many happy returns Otto - I 'm sure you had a great day ! 

[David Nicholson]

Many happy returns Otto

[Lesley Cox]

So pleased you all had a great day. Otto's painting is beautiful and I'll look forward to seeing it in September.

You Otto look wonderful (for your age ), you Fermi, your usual cheerful self but oh dear Tim, whatever have you done to your poor face?

[Susan]

Many happy returns Otto. Glad to hear you had a lovely day.  We'll raise a glass to you tonight. 

How lovely to see you here too Cynthia.  When do you leave for Turkey you lucky woman.

Susan

[Paul T]

Otto,

Happy Birthday!!  I was going to ring you yesterday to wish you all the best but we ended up out at my Father and Sister's property most of yesterday, then I figured (rightly it seems from Fermi's posting) that you'd be out celebrating last evening and night. 

A big Happy Birthday from Yvonne and I.

[Otto Fauser]

A big thank you to all my dear friends sending me fond Birthday Wishes, I'm blessed to have so many loving friends., and yesterday's luncheon in the Yarra Valley, a winegrowing area similar to the Nappa Valley in California, was just perfect. The black spots on Tim's face is not warpaint , but a beard in progress-his 3 kids hate it - but his gorgeous wife Angie loves it.
  Dear Lesley, as you awake this morning , you will be a year older, but not 70 yet. But with age comes wisdom and serenity -we hope. Today you are allowed to recline on your sofa all day with a glass of your favourite drink in your hand ,Whisky I believe,and Roger serving you plates of oysters , a well known aphrodisiac
   But do not spend any more days lolling on your sofa , as you did while the cricket was televised, think of the consequenses!
   But seriously, my fond wishes and love on your birthday ,
                 Otto.

[David Nicholson]

It is now Tuesday 11 March in Dunedin, so top o' the morning Lesley and many happy returns of the day. Does being 65 feel any different to being 64? Have a lovely day.