Maneki-neko and Maggie

SPOLIER: Steve and Michele, do not read this blip until after Saturday night!!!!

Tonight we are going out with friends who both turn 50 this month. Dave has been wanting to get Steve one of these lucky cats "maneki-neko" for some time. Their favourite eating establishment (Benson's Number 1), where many a fine meal and beer has been consumed, has always had one on the counter. So tonight, this will be gifted to Steve! (That's the gold one, not the black one).

We do have another gift to give them, it is a canvas of this photo which we have on our lounge wall. So Michele, I hope you meant it when you admired it and that it would look good with your new paint colours!

Links to things mentioned here:
Bensons Number 1 Restaurant, Riccarton Road, Christchurch. (I recommend the Cumin Lamb on a Sizzling Plate. I always have it.)
The story and history of the Maneki- neko, fascinating