Birthday Bounty

~ beetleypete

Even though it is something of a special birthday today, I didn’t want to receive a lot of ‘stuff’ as gifts. Stuff that a place has to be found for, and in a house with little remaining space. With that in mind, Julie’s main present to me is taking me out for two different birthday meals. One tonight, and again on Saturday. But she also bought me gifts, and all of them are useful.

A new windproof umbrella to replace the one I had been using for over 20 years.
A new PC keyboard to replace this one, because of some letters refusing to register and having to be re-typed.
A new wine glass engraved with the words, ‘Vintage 1952′.
New black socks with the same printed legend.
A straw hat for the summer to protect my head from insect bites.

In the post, I had already received a parcel from my cousin containing a nice hamper. Inside were special crunchy snacks, a Pâté to eat them with, and a lovely bottle of Merlot. My next door neighbour arrived an hour ago with a gift of a very smart ’70’ tea mug, and a card.

Now my cards are displayed on the window-sill, 12 in all. With no more post until tomorrow, I presume that is it for cards. But I am very happy with that, and grateful for all my gifts, and for the birthday wishes from the WordPress community.

102 thoughts on “Birthday Bounty”

  2. That is a wonderful birthday bounty, Pete. Actually, I think the best gifts were the straw hat for the insect bites and the new keyboard. Yes, I’m the practical one. I’m so glad you had a lovely 70th!

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  3. Happy birthday Pete! Sorry I’m late in wishing you the best of birthday wishes! Hope this year is your most extraordinary year ever. I have been helping my daughter pack up her apartment in Boston in preparation for a move to New York City! I’m just about to board a plane for home now! Happy, happy birthday my friend! Cheers to many more 💕🥂🎈

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        1. I have a dozen or more, in a box in the garage. I gave some away when I moved to Norfolk, but kept the ‘good ones’, like the Magnum commemoration, and the 1950s photographic survey of both banks of the River Thames.

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              1. OK, it’s probably Magnum Magnum the one I have “ It celebrates sixty years of the vision, imagination and brilliance of Magnum photographers in over 400 photographs by the acknowledged greats of photography in the 20th century and the rising stars of our time. Each photographer is represented by six of their works as chosen by, and including a critical text by, another member. Including biographies of the featured photographers, a history of Magnum Photos by Brigitte Lardinois and a bibliography of Magnum books, “

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  5. It all sounds perfect. I have come to appreciate small useful things with time as well (and yes, things that don’t take up a lot of space are a bonus). I hope your keyboard is comfortable. It does make such a difference! Enjoy your birthday meals as well!

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    1. Thanks, Olga. I already use the same keyboard, (large keys on a yellow background) but after a few years, some letters have failed to register unless double-typed. So a new one of the same style will hopefully cure that.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  7. I love, love that you are having a birthday week. it sounds like your gifts are just perfect for you, and that the cards and greetings are wonderful gifts as well. enjoy the week as you continue your celebration and happy birthday!

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    2. Thanks, EW. When I was 40, I received 72 birthday cards. I only had one window sill at the time, and had to display most of the cards on the floor around the skirting boards.
      Now there are emails, e-cards, text messages, and huge postage rate increases. Many friends and family members have died over the last 30 years, and I have lost touch with many former colleagues. Given all that, I think 12 cards is pretty good. 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  20. Congratulations on reaching your three score years and ten. I think a wind-proof umbrella is a very useful thing indeed. Can you use it whilst riding your bike? Your hamper sounds exceedingly delicious. You have been very spoiled indeed. 🙂

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    1. I had that same windproof umbrella in 2001, and it lasted for 21 years, in some extreme winds once I moved to Norfolk. Then one of the rivets holding the arms broke off, and I finally needed a new one.
      I have never tried to use it on a bike though. 🙂 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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    1. I am hoping it means I wont have to keep tabbing back to add the letter ‘W’ to every word that needs it, David. I will plug it in at the weekend, and find out. 🙂
      (I got the joke, eventually.)
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  23. Happy Happy Birthday Pete! 🥂🍾🎉🎊🎶🎵🎶🎁🎈❤️🎂
    Knowing you did not want presents, especially from the western colonies, I at least wanted you to know that your birthday present, a box of 100 bags of Yorkshire Tea, was intended to be sent anomolusly to an old retired actor that truned in a rather spectacular performance as a secondary school teacher in the dockands.

    In the movie, ‘he’ appreciated tea. In the book, he also appreciated the lady that served it to him, but that part didn’t make it into the movie. Seemed not only did he receive a wonderful gift in the film, but also earned the respect and admiration of his industry as well. But sadly that brilliant bit of anomalous gift giving disolved on January 7th when he passed away at four score and 14. I thought about sending you the book, but realized. . . You already have a copy, don’t you, Birthday Lad!

    My most true and sincere wishes to you for the happiest birthday week of your “6&10”.

    Cheers Pete!
    🍷🍷

    CT

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    1. Thanks very much, Chris. I did actually buy a box of Yorkshire Tea bags on Monday, so I won’t go short this week. ‘To Sir, With Love’ is a classic indeed. I have a copy of Braithwaite’s book somewhere, probably in a box in the garage.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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      1. It´s actually awful as we are having a dust storm. The air is filled with dust and sand from the Sahara and everything is covered in red dust. Then it rained so now everything is covered in red mud! The dogs came in from their walk with little red feet. Regular rain would have been prefered. Enjoy your day. xo

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