Aren't people lovely?

Over the past couple of days I have received three gifts.

Well, technically two were for me and one was for my dog.

It's not my birthday, nor my engagement or housewarming.

They're just gifts 'because'.

Aren't 'because' gifts the best kind?

Today a package arrived in the mail from my friend and photo co-blogger Mrs Kypo. Belinda has a fantastic blog of her life in Sydney, and is so incredibly sweet.

Even though we are yet to meet in person, Belinda so thoughtfully sent my new puppy Otto a cute gift from 'Dogue' (haute couture for dogs, darling) - a gorgeous sky blue collar and leash for when he's a few months older.

It's perfect for him and I absolutely love it!!

But what I love more than the gift itself is the thought and generosity behind it. Always when you don't know it, there are kind people out there thinking of you, virtually gift-buying, thinking

"Wow, I bet (your name here) would really love this."

This week I also received a parcel of photographs from my dad's wonderful and elegant girlfriend Cida.

The photos were from our recent holiday to Nha Trang in Vietnam, and also included a bunch of pics from Christmas back home.

I miss them so, and receiving their photos really lifted my spirits.

And then a few days ago, my fabulous new Hong Kong friend Mary bought me the Luxe Guide to Hong Kong, just "because I said I didn't have one".

How wonderful are these people???

How lucky am I to have them in my life?

On a scale of 1 to Very?

Eleven.