In an earlier post I suggested the the people os Newent weren't the friendliest in the world and the best things about the town were the roads out (and www.marinades.co.uk). Well I was running along one of these roads in the sweltering heat this afternoon, heading towards the village of Clifford's Mesne when I came across two wearly travellers taking a break at the side of the road. I wished them a good afternoon as I puffed past and the girl said "you're brave", in response I pointed one finger at my head said "thick!". They laughed politely and I carried on up the hill.

I reached Clifford's Mesne and turned back towards home thinking how nice it would be to have a drink of water. Ditchwater would have done cos I was well parched and well knackered. On my way back, the same girl I'd exchanged pleasantries with about 15 minutes earlier, appeared, almost mirage-like, out of a house with a bottle of water for me as her partner watched on from inside the house. They had got a lift home and had waited for me passing to carry out this act of kindness.

My faith in humanity in the Newent area is now restored. I wonder if I can find an opportunity to carry out an unprovoked act of friendliness and thereby restore balance to the universe.