This was originally titled The Kindness of Strangers Friends but my titles don’t allow for different font styles. Anyway, on to the post ……..

As I grow older, I feel more contented and more willing to recognise that most people are, inherently, kind. I always thought that I would grow up to be one of those ‘grumpy old men’ (and, no doubt, many of you who know me thought so too) but, it seems, it will not be so. I think that, had I stayed in the UK and we had continued to do what we were doing, things would have been different. But now, being here, relying on people to accept us, help us, advise us, we have made ourselves more open to those people who ‘do good’ in their lives and for others.

Once such is a friend who, last night, presented us with the keys to her mother’s flat on one of the lakes.

We are to use the flat whenever we wish, providing we make a telephone call prior, so that the relations, who live in the same building, can put on the heating, know to expect us, and can make sure their dog is kept from Rufus.

The other thing that also pleased us last night was that her mother had been told about the restaurant we go to in the town (well, we’ve been twice; once on V’s birthday) and had gone and liked it very much. So much so that she went more than once. Now, in my mind, if you can recommend a restaurant to an Italian and they agree with your recommendation, then you have reached some sort of milestone.

So, I am finding that people’s kindness knows no bounds. If I was religious I am sure I would put it down to the higher power but, whatever it is, it’s nice and I like it a lot. It also makes you want to do the same for others and so, it’s self-perpetuating.

This winter will mean that we have a few days away in the lakes from time to time and, although it will be cold, I can’t wait.

Thank you so much – friend and friend’s mother.