http://www.helpothers.org/ Extraordinary, positive changes are happening all around the world and are often overlooked. These are stories of smile cards, that encourage small acts of anonymous kindness around the globe. inspiration, kindness, good news, service en-us pif@helpothers.org We lost all our trees in the fire last year. Knowing this, a couple who live in the village (which survived the fire) have invited us to harvest the cherries from the tree close to their house. Cherries are absolutely my favourite fruit and I'm in my element processing them to preserve for future goodies. My partner did some small tasks for them yesterday while we were there, as they're getting older themselves. It's a lovely trade. ... http://helpothers.org/story.php?sid=209897 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700 A few weeks ago, I discovered that Rachel who organises the activities within the building celebrates her birthday on the same day as me. I decided I would make something for her and I knitted one of the bags that I've shown before. I put a panel on the back and knitted a belt to thread through it. When I put the bag and strap together, I realised she could either put it round her waist or tie the ends of the belt together and put it over her shoulders. On Tuesday she mentioned she would be on holiday next week which includes our birthday. She was running a quiz yesterday so before it started I went into the main lounge and found her to give the present in a giftbag. She was pleased and kept telling me I was so kind. I said she could open it when she wanted and she said she would keep it for her birthday. The picture shows the back and front before I put it together with the belt. ... http://helpothers.org/story.php?sid=209906 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700 Earlier I posted about my neighbours who have kindly allowed us to harvest their cherries. I've finally managed to process them all this afternoon and they're now safely stashed in my freezer for later use. Not before I made three clafoutis though - one for the neighbours as a thank you, one for my son to take when he visits friends, and one to eat all myself 🤭 I've made sure that the two I'm gifting are sent with a carton of cream. Yum! ... http://helpothers.org/story.php?sid=209899 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700 Record hot temperatures in UK, incredible! Making sure all my guests and a few neighbours are well. Calling and sending messages with useful information to make sure we do what's best to stay hydrated and keep homes as cool as possible ... http://helpothers.org/story.php?sid=209901 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700 We have a wonderful mail carrier who always sports a plastic flower behind her ear. The other day I left a rose for her clipped to the mailbox but she had not taken it. (I'm usually not at home when she delivers our mail) Today I had a small orchid flower that made me think of her and I again clipped it to the mailbox and left a little note that it was for her. Today I happened to be home when I heard the mail being dropped in-so I rushed to the door and I saw her and said please take this flower--it's for you! She was so happy and I asked her if she saw the rose the other day--I said it was for her....she said that she didn't know so she just took a picture of it. I said if there's anything clipped here, it's always for you! (but I'll make sure to leave a note) She took the orchid flower and said "you'll never know how much this means to me"..... WOW. My heart feels so happy and light.... http://helpothers.org/story.php?sid=209902 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700 On Monday, I slipped into the communal lounge to speak to someone. Mary who gave me the pattern for the lovie approached me and asked if I had any toy stuffing. She had nearly finished a lovie herself and had run out of the stuffing. I told her I would bring her bag when I joined the knitting group on Tuesday. Yesterday, I took a bag of stuffing down for her. One of the other ladies was also finishing a lovie so I said I would go back up to my flat and bring some more down. As I was about to depart, I asked Mary if a teddy and an octopus would be of any use at the hospital and she said it would be. Along with a bag of stuffing I came down with the teddy and the octopus. Mary thought they were lovely. I'm so glad I've been able to help in this way.... http://helpothers.org/story.php?sid=209903 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700 I'm sure you're all bored by my cherry endeavours now, but one last cherry story! My son has returned from his event with an empty dessert dish and a request for another dessert to be sent to the event he is attending this coming weekend. He has also come home with a cherry pitter that his friend gifted me to help with the processing work! I'm very touched that she thought of me (though I don't doubt some self-interest was also at work as more cherries processed probably means more baked gifts!). I'll pop into the local restaurant later and see if they have a few takeaway dishes I can purchase, and when I do the dessert for the weekend I'll do her a couple for her freezer at the same time. I'm not a natural cook, so this is quite a novelty 😄 ... http://helpothers.org/story.php?sid=209900 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700