Uprooting an old tree?

in Silver Bloggerslast year

What happens when you uproot an old tree, thriving in its current location, and replant it?
The chances of it surviving are almost zero!

This old tree that is found at the Durban Botanic Gardens with its many gnarled branches growing in all directions certainly will not, and I must say, I feel just like this right now.

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Why? You ask.

There will come a time when we're going to have to make a decision on whether we're staying put, and not uproot ourselves from the home we've been living in since December 1974, or move, but where to!
Humph, I hear some of you say you weren't even born in 1974!

Is the Grass greener on the other side?

One of the things we both will miss is the lush green valley that will mostly stay untouched, as there's a stream at the bottom so that green belt will always remain.
The birds and those pesky monkeys, our lush garden that once was just a sandy slope, chatting to our neighbour who calls me her Mamma across the fence, going to local stores where you bump into friends and acquaintances for a quick catch-up on the latest news or scandals, all things that I will really miss!

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Just like that old tree my heart is drawn in different directions - the ocean, the mountains, or a move closer to family?


The Ocean and the sound of Waves?

Both hubby and I love the ocean, so first two options are closer to home - the Kwazulu Natal South or North Coast? The south coast is our favourite haunt, so that would likely be the choice.

Friends and family can always come and spend holidays with us there, but what do we do with ourselves for the rest of the time? Walk down to the beach, take a swim in the ocean, just sit on the white sea sand and listen to the sound of the waves, while hubby has his fishing rod in the waters.
Can't do that all day every day though!

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My little dream house by the sea.
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As we have family in the beautiful Cape - both on the East and the West coast, that could also be an option. The Western Cape has the best of both worlds with the mountains and the ocean, plus they have the best local government in South Africa, so things generally operate as they should there.
Only thing is that we'd be really far from our friends and closest family.

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The Mountains?

A chalet with a view, in the midst of the magnificent Drakensberg mountain, sounds really divine; peace and tranquility and no subtropical storms, but...we would have to get used to the odd snow in winter.

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The Upper Highway

Moving just a little inland close to my brother's home, and my dear friend @artywink, sounds like a good proposition, but it's also extremely cold in winter, however, no humidity in summer which is really great, plus no subtropical storms! The ocean is visible on a clear day, and is a mere 40-minute drive away ;)

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The scenic Valley of a Thousand Hills forms the border of this region and has many quaint places to visit!

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The Call of the Children

Both sons live in the city of gold, Johannesburg, but city life really is not appealing, although there are quaint areas within a stone's throw from city life, like the thatch-roofed cottage the older son lives in, which is on a large property.

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However, he will soon be moving across the waters to the Netherlands, and wants Mom and Dad to eventually move there to be with him and his girlfriend; however, what about the other son if Mom, Dad and brother all flee the country? However, there aren't many opportunities there in his career path, so...

Can a Tree be divided in two and still grow?

We are still active and busy here running our BnB, so for now, we'll let the tree stay firmly planted where it's still flourishing!


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One thing is for sure, you really gonna miss South Africa if ever you would come over to Europe... I wouldn't take that as an option. But then i wanted to leave it behind 10 years ago and still am here. So...

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Someone once said to me that when you have Africa in your heart, it stays in your heart forever.
I guess we'll only visit our son for a couple of months at a time & leave someone in charge of the bnb. Time will tell, I trust we'll make the right decision when the time comes.
Thank you for the advice my friend.

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Some old trees are reborn in new soil, it is a matter of taking a risk, nature is wonderful, trees manage to divide and their roots begin to grow, the only thing is that I imagine that the process is painful as any change.

I could laugh when he mentioned the year he has been living there, it is a few decades and I was not even born. 😆🤣

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True words @soyunasantacruz, many friends have told me the same. New friends, new places, all add to the richness of life not so!
We will move to the right place when the time comes.
Thank you for your lovely comments 😊

Hi Lizelle

Oh dear, it does sound like you are well rooted there but then why would you want to leave all that, it's clear that you love it and that you know so many of the things that you will miss!

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We are well rooted but the work load of property maintenance & running the bnb is getting tougher as the years go by. The bnb basically pays for maintaining the property and staff but our hand is needed on a daily basis, and...the years are piling on...the mind doesn't want to believe it but the body starts telling the real story 🙈
I'm sure the right opportunity will show up though.
Thank you for commenting @emma-h 🤗

I can understand where you're coming from. From what I understand the tourism sector is taking hits everywhere even though Covid is behind us, it seems like there are now other issues with inflation and so on that's impacting various parts of the world negatively.

I'll be thinking of you and hoping that you find your next adventure, even though you'll miss so much of what there is now, perhaps like you say it's time to move onto something new.

Keep well Liz.

There are many options open to you, Lizzie. All attractive if you ask me, judging by the photos. But at the right time, you will make the right choice :) For the moment, let the tree continues to take root and provide shade around you.🤗😊

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I just love how you put it Eli, we'll keep our roots firmly planted for now and enjoy the shade and tranquility which has once again returned following the storms earlier this year 💞

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While it won't be an easy choice, I can see you aren't ready for it anyway. I say to enjoy life as it is, but, like you are doing, explore your options. I think the choices are more difficult when you have so many.

I have found throughout my own life when it comes to decisions like this, I have been blessed with the situation presenting a clear choice in its own time. (not my own) Something will tell you it's time and you will know it is the right choice.

Swapping cottages is a great option too.

It is nice to have so many! ❤️

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I totally agree with you Denise, that's exactly how we both feel.

We're still enjoying running the bnb, it's just that it can get hectic at times as there are days when our staff work elsewhere.

However, I do believe the opportunity will come at the right time, so for now we'll enjoy our little haven.

It would be ideal having a summer and a winter home, but that's beyond our reach.

Thank you for the sound advice, it's always lovely seeing you🌻🌻🌻

I can fully understand this post! It's a hard decision as to leave or stay put! I love the photos of some of the houses you posted about! They really are quaint! I know you'll make the right decision! Sounds like you'll be staying where you are for the time being, but you've got options if you decide to take them!

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Yes we will stay for now while the business is running smoothly and helps us maintain such a big property. Of course our regular guests tell us we should stay but maybe move into the smaller cottage & use the main house as a bnb...we'll see what happens, but there are options.
Thank you for your input @apanamamama 🤗
Not an easy decision 🤷‍♀️

It is tough to even consider a big move! It took me a while to get on board with moving to Panama, but now we've happily been here for 5.5 years and I can't imagine living anywhere else. Ha!

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That's a very hard decision to make my friend, we have a beautiful country. North coast?,South coast? Eastern or West Coast, if I could afford to live in the West Coast, that would be my choice, but, remember their winters are cold and wet, so maybe good old green hills of natal with it's perfect weather would be the answer for us old foggies. Lol!.
Thanks for sharing my friend.

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We may end up being neighbours my friend 😉
I agree, the Cape wet winters and wind will not suit me! We need 2 homes, KZN coast for winter & a summer pad in the Cape or up your way, just to get away from the humidity, wishful thinking hey 🙈
We were looking at the estate where my brother's staying, they can build smaller houses but I think it'll still be above our price range, so we'll stay put for now, but keep on exploring our options.
Have a lovely Thursday @artywink 💖

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The right one option will come at the right time, good you weighing them up. Have a great day.

What a dilemma, Lizelle. I don't envy you 🤗

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Yep, not going to be an easy choice, but I believe a door will open. As that old song says: '...Whatever will be, will be!'

Que maravillosos se ven los árboles

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The Valley of a Thousand Hills!!! Gorgeous!!!

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It certainly is stunning!

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Those are your choices?

Can I have all of them, please? :)

Your life looks wonderful and satisfying. And full ❤️

And I'd love to see your air bnb...