sometimes things are rather unexpected under somewhat miraculous circumstances – i tend to believe so, and my life so far has taught me to be very often in the right. on visiting my worthy grandfather, johann stazol, at his grave, not far from the little church in the little bavarian village where my parents live, i met the nicest of our old neighbours, mrs schmidt, whom i had not seen in years. the timing was rather propitious indeed. apart from never having been at the site, and my having been completely lost, mrs schmidt appeared right out of the blue, or, rather the snowy bavarian white, and, after having been most courteously greeted by me, exclaimed: „is it harold?“ since it was me, and i had recognized her, she expressed her surprise to see me, and i wondered why now, in the most unexpected moment and place, we had met. she was very joyous, her eyes sparkled and she led me to the grave of her late husband, exclaiming that he too was certainly glad to meet me. after some time i told her that i was searching for my grandfather´s site, and she not only knew where it was, but led me to it in no time. without her, i would never have found it – and after only a few steps around some other graves, there it was. she asked whether i would like to be alone with him for a moment, but i declined her offer and went with her, after a minute, to see her home, perhaps on such a day preferring the society of the living more than that of the dead. on my way back home i was rather in good humour, and inspired, and happy. I surely had made mrs schmidt happy. and – who knows? – perhaps even my late grandfather, johann. i certainly tend to believe so. i remain, dear reader, your obedient servant, and wish you all the best for a happy new year.