A VIRGO, A LEO AND A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION

ACCORDING to Astrology.com people born under the star sign of Leo tend to be extroverted, dominant and charismatic. Virgo people, meanwhile, are generally studious and withdrawn, sometimes more versatile than Leo, the site states.

Although there are differences, they make a wonderful match when each partner warms up to the other's unfamiliar style, the site adds.

Small wonder then that Dormehl Phalane Property Group heads Owen Dormehl, a Leo, and Tau (Daniel) Phalane, a Virgo, come to mind when Astrology.com states that the best aspect of the Leo-Virgo relationship is their effectiveness as a team.

"Metaphorically and literally, Leo commands attention and respect by showing people what they are made of socially, and following through on new ideas motivated by fun and excitement," the site states.

"Virgo works hard behind the scenes, scheduling appointments and following up on details. Their personalities, opposite in so many ways, makes theirs a highly complementary match."

Both Owen and Tau, a perfect business team match, are celebrating birthdays this month - a mere two days apart. Owen's birthday is August 22, when he will blow out 55 candles on his cake, and Tau celebrates on August 24.

Owen says he has a busy business day planned on his big day, flying between Johannesburg and Cape Town, but hopes that by evening he will be celebrating by simply relaxing at home.

"No, no loud partying," he laughs, when it is suggested that he might celebrate with champagne or another toot or two.

"I have already had a good birthday present... Dormehl Phalane Property Group has, on average, been converting two franchises a month," he says with a grin.

"A quiet night at home and, to start it off, breakfast in bed, would be a great gift," he says, pointing out that the best present he could get on his special day would be to hear from his son and daughter.

His children are very close to Owen's heart as he fondly recalls that of all the gifts he has received on birthdays over the years, the one he most cherishes was a handmade card from his then-small children featuring pictures of memories they had shared together.

Owen also recalls that memorable birthdays included his 30th, when he had two Brink franchises and agents took him to gamble at a casino as a special treat, after which he had a celebration at home.

"My 40th was also memorable as I had a big party at my home in Westville, in a marquee over tennis courts, and I made my arrival being lifted on a motorbike by my wife."

His 50th also stands out, but not in a good way, he jokingly acknowledges, pointing out, with a chuckle, that an agent gave him a walking stick in case he would be needing it sometime soon.

Going even further back, Owen recalls one of his favourite birthdays was when he was about five years old and attended creche with a special cake from his mom. It was in the shape of a kist and contained treasures including chocolate coins. The cake cutting was followed by a treasure hunt.

Birthday plans for Tau Phalane are not known as yet, as his super-busy schedule meant he was not available for comment.