It is indeed a blessing. I had 4 very close friends who shared my enjoyment of simple things. One died, 2 went to prison, and the other lost his personality to politics. I haven’t really met any other people who I identify with in my adult life. I’m sure there are others out there, but it’s definitely harder to form bonds in middle age.
It’s hard to find friends who are interested in sitting with you in a cave in a world full of material desires. Also, it’s not a cave, it’s a hollow tree. Have you never read Whinnie The Poo?