Friends.

Living out here has really made us focus on who our friends really are.... or were....
When we were planning and working towards this dream we obviously told all our friends what we were hoping to do, many were supportive, some dismissive (oooh you'll never up sticks and leave.. )but a few were very actively excited for us and the challange it involved. Those very few friends have been fantastic, have kept in touch and visited when all the others have fallen by the wayside. So much so that we can now list our friends back in UK probably on the fingers of one hand, but those that do remain have made up for all the others...
One of those friends has just gone home after popping out for a few days, it really was a joy to have her with us, the casual acceptance of our now somewhat different lifestyle to what we once had, the ease with which she fitted into the household, her eagerness to help with any work that was needed, and just her general enthusiasmn for our life here was just wonderful. And of course it was great for us to have her company for a while too.
We also have another couple who have come out every year since we came here, the first time just a matter of months after we arrived and have really helped and mucked in and supported our decisions with friendship ever since. And our friendship has grown even better as a result.
It really does make you appreciate these people, its not easy for them to come and stay when how we live is so different from what most are used to, our last friend had to sleep in our three man tent, put up in the ruin of what will eventually be our second bedroom, but she didnt even bat an eyelid... she enjoyed the waking up to the views of the forest as the ruin only has three walls at the moment...
These people have and hopefully will continue to enrich our lives with their friendship for many years to come.