The kindness of strangers and distant friends.

**Arlen** · 28th January 10, 01:10 PM

Let me start this post by explaining a little bit of my last year.
After spending almost a year apart Diane and I were thrilled to finally be in the same country. And we are still incredibly thankful for that.
But we are still waiting for the work permit and a year with no job and only one income has made it a very difficult year for Diane and I.
It's been a strain on Diane to be the sole earner and as hard as a I try, I'm not a very good house husband.
While we're not being thrown out of the house or anything, we have had to tighten our belts a lot.

I mentioned in passing her on Xmarks that I had worn through all but the formal Kilt hose Diane made me and that I wanted some new hose for Christmas.
Diane was able to get together enough money to buy me three pairs of lovely plain daywear hose for Christmas and I have been wearing them daily! but I had planned to buy some other when my work permit finally comes in so that I didn't wear holes in them so quickly.

Imagine my astonishment when a surprise package arrived today with this note in it.

There is no signature and only initials I don't know on the customs form.
The writing on the package looked a little like my Dad's handwriting but he was in a road accident and hasn't worked for a month so I am sure he didn't have the money to buy or send these and he denies any knowledge of it at all.
These are incredibly good quality hose that I think may be hacking (shooting) socks. As soon as I figure out the company that made them I'll be posting a VERY favourable review.

The fact is, though, that someone on here was kind enough to perk up what has been a very difficult year and a week where I've had a terrible cold by sending some expensive hose.
Someone who wishes to remain anonymous but who wanted to do this incredible thing.
Whoever you are, I hope this karma is repaid to you a thousandfold.
THANK YOU!!!!!

There have been a lot of trolls and people fighting and generally being immature or petty on this forum recently, but it is still populated with people who do things like this out of sheer generosity with no expectations.
Thank you, whoever you are. and thank you Xmarks for not letting any of the recent troubles bring this wonderful place down.

Here are a few pictures. I'll get some better ones later in the day.

THANK YOU!!!!!

**Galician** · 28th January 10, 01:34 PM

Wow, Arlen, what a wonderful gift of socks and display of comraderie from this site. Congratulations and best wishes on you in your struggles, and a toast to the anonymous donor(s) of those fantastic-looking socks.

Thanks also for sharing here with all of us.

**Jock Scot** · 28th January 10, 01:39 PM

Well it was not me! I did not have the wit to think up such a generous act. Yes Arlen, I too have been on the receiving end of the generous spirit of the people here at Xmarks, not with actual goods, but in my case, time(a lot of it) and moral support for me and my family.Yes indeed, there are some very special people here.

**cessna152towser** · 28th January 10, 01:49 PM

Well it wasn't me either, but whoever it was is very kind indeed, these look to be fabulous quality hose.
I too have experienced much kindness from my fellow xmarkers on both sides of the Atlantic, true friends who have taken me into their homes and made me welcome, and have given kindly of their hospitality and/or gifts of kilt accessories, and who have wished me well when things have been going badly.
Xmarks really is a family.

**Nighthawk** · 28th January 10, 02:02 PM

I wish I knew who it was- I would have contributed! That's awesome!

**English Bloke** · 28th January 10, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by Arlen

... As soon as I figure out the company that made them I'll be posting a VERY favourable review...

Blimey!! not me either I'm ashamed to say but what a wonderful gesture!

They look like House of Cheviot shooting socks. Don't quote me though.

**Paul** · 28th January 10, 02:15 PM

They are Grampian Stockings, which can be found here:

http://www.cargillcountry.co.uk/product/?pid=10628

**Arlen** · 28th January 10, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by Paul.

They are Grampian Stockings, which can be found here:

http://www.cargillcountry.co.uk/product/?pid=10628

Thanks, Paul! They really are fantastic quality and I would absolutely pay for them in the future.

**ali8780** · 28th January 10, 03:41 PM

What a beautiful show of love. Thank you for sharing. I have to echo the sentiment about this forum as well, I have found many dear friends and much kindness here --there really is something unique here that should be nurtured.

**BEEDEE** · 28th January 10, 04:07 PM

Arlen, you and Dianne are valued members here and this is a wonderful group of people, many of whom I am proud to call friends as well. We have all lived through your trials and tribulations getting through the red tape. I just hope that along with the hose comes a work permit soon.

Best wishes,

Brian