Not to say anything about Hive's amazing flight to the moon this week, would be sacrilege. I am soooo glad that I've continued blogging through thick and thin. Hive remains our safe space where we can say what we like when we like, and to anyone who wants to take the time to read, and when Hive started rocketing this week, I was over the moon!
Back to the subject of the day, and that's running a BnB now that we're semi-retired.
I have told you some stories before, especially with Behind the Scenes - BnB Antics, but I think you'll enjoy reading a bit more about Lily's Cottage for some interesting tidbits of how we work.
The first contact is either an online booking, a telephone call, or an email request for accommodation; often returning guests, which is great, as you know who is coming. When they're referred by ex-guests one feels a kind of connection; but when a total stranger books online, we never know who is coming into our private space, even though it's totally separate from our own home.
What a relief when the guests arrive and we immediately connect, especially when they see their accommodation is exactly as it looks online. They really need only look at our online reviews to see we have a high rating; something we have maintained since inception; as each guest is treated with respect and made to feel special, no matter if they're a celeb or just a young trainee.
We had a celeb staying here just last week, a trauma specialist who was on the film set of a local reality show where they need someone to treat all kinds of trauma as their challenges are quite perilous and the locations pose many dangers.
What a nice guy though, who said the reason for his visit was to see his 11-month-old granddaughter. However, he then told us that this little baby's Mom had an embolism just 9 days after her birth and passed away on the last day of 2020. I was so touched and the tears just started flowing, which got him to wipe away a tear or two as well. His other daughter who lives around the corner from us is now bringing up this baby. Life really is not fair at times not so!
Like for this old fella who has been hanging around our property looking for food and safety; a lone male who sadly only has three legs.
He's not afraid of humans and when we called CROW to report this, they said it's likely that he was held as a pet, possibly by a witchdoctor who keep them till they're older, hence they become used to human beings, but they amputate a leg and sell that on the black market as magic for good luck, to win the lottery or whatever they make up to get paid a tidy sum!
It was similar to what happens to some of the birds of prey.
CROW may intervene but we will monitor him and take videos so they can decide whether he needs to be captured and possibly be euthanized if he's not managing on his own. He's not in pain as he moves around quite ably, but obviously doesn't know how to forage for food, so that's a big problem.
I need to make it clear that a witch doctor is someone totally different from a trained sangoma who is a traditional healer. Our gardener's wife is currently undergoing this training up in northern Kwazulu Natal is what used to be called Zululand.
The week before was quite a coincidence as two sets of consecutive guests came to help elderly parents pack up home and move down to Cape Town, one to live with them and the other to a retirement village near his daughter.
So our Lily's Cottage indeed has become a safe haven for many.
This weekend we had guests here for a wedding and the decorating of the stunning wedding cake was done in the cottage. The guest was quite happy to share the photo of her final presentation.
The joy of having caring children was displayed this week when our oldest son sent us these packages, and when we opened them up, it was gadgets to ensure Mom and Dad make an effort to get fit and watch their weight, and heart rate and use proper masks when going out...
I will not share my data with the son, as I will be scolded if I don't reach my targets, have failed today with not reaching the number of steps, AND I'm told by the MiFit App that I'm not getting enough sleep!
The benefit of running a small business is that we can take the odd day off, as we did this week when we went to PheZulu Safari Park's Taste of Africa with our dear friends @artywink and her hubby.
I hope you enjoyed this insight into the joys of running a BnB.
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You do it every time Lizzie, it's that feeling of, wow, that was nice. Your BnB is just awesome , a beautiful place I would just love to visit.
Great gifts from your son, it doesn't hurt to stay proactive when it comes to ones health.
How's your mom holding up, she is impressive, I hope she's finding joy in each day.
Blessings to you and the family, enjoy the day.
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Busy Bee again @lizelle, that's the joys of running a BnB. Thanks for sharing.
Always a busy bee, in our bnb and here in the Hive😄🙃
Wow what a different life over there. I am always impressed with your hard work and hospitality.
The 3 legged monkey makes me so sad. I hope the best for him.
I really admire the closeness and love of your family. It's beautiful. 😌
I lost my mother due to brain tumor (cancer) on 2017.12.17. Just/only one week before Christmas. She was 64 years old. She worked during her entire life. Even in her early pensioner age. She did everything for us (for my brother and for me). She loved us more than anything. I do not even know what to write. I cannot find the words. She deserved something much better than what this earthly life gave to her. Even I should have been much better to her many times. I should have been much more kind and much morw helpful towards her many times. May God give us forgiveness, peace and love for us all.