Hi Tibbs - yes I knew a few people, not well - but expats can be strange people, some refuse to learn Italian and I just can't see the point of coming here if you're going to do that!
I have felt very unsettled over the last couple of months (post honeymoon period, I guess), which has coincided with being suddenly but consistently being excluded from the social group I thought I was an inherent part of. I'd see pics of their get togethers on FB and I just couldn't understand what I'd done to upset them, so I've been very hurt over it. Ironically, when I complained to one of them about being left out, she then bleated to the rest about how I'd hurt her....HUH??? Anyway, a very lovely and sensible UK friend said to just look at it from the view that I needed them in my life for a bit to help me settle in here, they've served their purpose and now it's time to move on - so that's what I'm trying to do. Unfortunately it doesn't help that one of them was doing the work on my house and has left lots of things half done - but there are always other builders!
On the plus side I have made some fab new Italian friends, with common interests, so it's all looking good for the long term

. I'd much rather have quality than quantity when it comes to friends.
Roasted cabbage sounds foul, I agree on the yak front. LCHF eating means a few more options, so I steamed the cabbage, fried pancetta in coconut oil, added the cabbage, then a little cream et voila - scrumminess on a plate

.