Another year...

[Empty_of_Clouds]

… and another birthday coming up this weekend.

I've tried very hard to find something pen-related (or even a pen) to gift to myself, but without success.

There was a Kullock 51 for sale with the body made of woodgrain ebonite... and I got up at 4am to catch the end of the auction, but luckily I spotted a flaw and so did not bid. Nobody else bid either, perhaps the flaw was seen by others (though it was hard to see IMO). Then there was a nice 51 vac in navy grey with a gold cap, but it had someone's name on the barrel.

There were a couple of Parker big reds for about $190, just couldn't bring myself to gamble on the nibs. Gary Lehrer's latest catalogue had some very interesting entries... probably not a suitable site for me as most are way outside my budget.

While not spending money can be a good thing, I also believe it should at times be spent. Right now though I am finding it very difficult to pull the trigger on anything, and thought that a birthday (even though mine are rarely if ever celebrated, by family or friends) may have spurred me into a little bit of rashness (because it can be fun once in a while). Alas, no go. It's a level of being uncertain that actually feels a bit uncomfortable.

It's probably early-ish senility setting in.

[countrydirt]

Happy Birthday!!

[azkid]

Well, I wish you a happy birthday even if youre uncertain what to get yourself. I can relate on the uncertainty.

[Bold2013]

Sto lat

[junglejim]

Ohhh, another fellow Pisces! Congratulaions and have a Happy Birthday, EoC!

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Close, but I'm an Aries (24th March) . Close enough for

[Deb]

Happy birthday! We are 4 days apart but I suspect that there are a large number of years too.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Well, officially I will be 54. However, I started going backwards at 48, so I'm really 42.

[penwash]

Happy belated birthday, David!

I like your "moving backwards after 48" move

[although]

Happy Birthday! How about a nice desk pen? They don't get much love, so they frequently go pretty cheap on ebay... I wish modern makers would tool up and make a long pointy blind cap and a desk holder for some of the better modern pens.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

I do like desk pens, but generally prefer something I can carry around with me. Good thought though!

[catbert]

I'm not going backwards but did reset the counter at 50.

Many happy returns EoC.

[stub]

Suggests:

Vintage: Sheaffer Balance Premier or a nice Parker Vacumatic

Modern: Pilot 743 with a cool nib. (a tiny bit over your budget but a ton of pen for the money)

Leonardo Momento Zero (interesting pens in sexy plastic)