If these walls could talk, you'd sometimes sit in disbelief, end up laughing, or crying! I often sit and shake my head thinking of what we got up to while living inside this home.
Fifty years is a very long time, and while there have been times of great joy, excitement, and laughter, these walls have also seen many tears.
What is a house, and what is a home?
There's a huge difference between a house and a home, right?
A house of course is a building -grand or modest, but something cold and impersonal!
A home on the other hand is a warm place, filled with people who go through many ups and downs, but live together as a tightly knit family.
Such was/is ours - started as two newlyweds, till a baby boy made his way into the world some three years later, and we were three! Another break of almost three years saw a second baby boy arrive, making our family complete!
I turned a blind eye and deaf ear to people telling me we HAVE TO 'try for a girl'
What a load of hogwash, I was happy with my boys!
Our sons always came home for Christmas, something we looked forward to.
Hubby is gone, and our older son emigrated, but our younger son still comes home every year to spend these special times together.
His young lady has found a place in my heart, and also came home this Christmas!
Moving house?
That's been the burning question. I cannot live in this big old house and run the BnB much longer. The responsibility is becoming too much, so I will be looking for a new house to turn into my retirement home. One where the kids, family and friends can visit for holidays, or just to spend time together.
My only concern is my darling Poe, I will need to find him a loving home as none of the complexes allow cats!
And I'd have to let my wonderful staff go as well. Will make sure they're settled in new jobs before I move out though!
Decisions that are hard to make when one is flying solo, but is necessary!
I will find myself in a new home-sweet-home in about a year's time.
This December has been resentless!
Seasons come and seasons go, and the time has come to move into a new season, no matter how difficult it's going to be!
All will be well in the end!
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I have moved so many times in my life that it is not funny anymore, but it has given me a lot of experience. And so in my mind, you will get more if you sell the house with the BnB as a going concern. After all, you have established the BnB with a good reputation over the years, and now it can pay you back for all of your work, by escalating the sale price of your house.
We have some wonderful retirement lifestyle villages here, and some even has frail care centers. Some are built in beautiful nature settings where I visit to take bird photos.
Just something to think about for you.
Blessings and !LUV
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Thank you Zac! I've lived in this house for 50 years, and the BnB will be 10 years in October 2025, so 2 milestones reached will be a good time to sell. I will for sure sell it with the BnB as a going concern.
I've seen some nice retirement lifestyle villages, some very pricey and another sought-after but affordable one that we were keen on, is a 50 minute drive from Durban. My name is still on their list.
I'm not keen on frailcare, would prefer a caregiver. Of course that also depends on the care needed.
One can have a caregiver live in at the retirement complex I'm looking at.
There are so many factors to take into consideration. I'm giving myself a year to get my ducks in a row and hopefully move at the beginning of 2026.
A happy new year to you and Marian🙏💕
I think that you hit the nail on its head with that home that you are considering Lady Lizzie. My reason is that you stayed in your home for 50 years, and the new home is 50 minutes away. Co-incidence? No, as there is no such thing. Rather a good sign.
Caregiver or frail care, doesn't matter, as long as there is help available during an emergency. Fortunately, you and I are still young, but things can become dicey when we reach the 90s. !LOL
A year should be more than enough for the preparations.
May you and you sons also have a blessed new 2025.
!PIZZA and !LUV
@lizelle, @papilloncharity(1/10) sent you LUV. | tools | discord | community | HiveWiki | <>< daily
Decisions, and changes, they may be challenging and difficult but you will do what is best and necessary! There is a big difference between a house and a home, indeed. Wherever we move, we can make a new home there, as the ingredients will come with us: love, bonds, habits, character and everything that makes us who we are, as individuals and as a family. 😉
Yes a big decision and I will feel sad, but I need to remember that I can take those vital ingredients for a new home with me. I've never moved so it's going to be tough.
Thank you for your encouragement @mipiano ❤️
Oh I'm so sorry to hear you're moving, @lizelle! Still, here's to a fresh new adventure, no? I'm sure you'll find a way to turn your next place into a home and not just a house (and I agree, there's a huge difference between the two. Some people live in a place for years and it's still just a house, and I think that's sad). Besides, while it's true the walls have the memories, you do too and you're taking them with you wherever you go next!
PS: Your son and his lady and you all seem happy <3 I'm glad.
Thank you sweet @honeydue, you're so right! I need to look at it as a new adventure and remember the the memories will also move with me.
I'm giving myself a year, still waiting for the estate matters to be finalized. Yep, it takes forever here, it's 17 months later and still incomplete!
I agree, it is very sad that some houses never become homes.
We had a very nice outing that day, needed to relax in between the bnb cleaning and laundry, it's crazy this time of the year with no staff!
Wishing you a wonderful 2025 dear @honeydue 💕
I guess you will be closer to your son. It was a wise decision, you already had a lot of responsibility with your BnB and it's time to rest. Take better care of yourself, don't have worries, enjoy nice walks. The memories will always be with you. I know you will be fine and you will adapt quickly, always value what is best for you and your health. You will have a lot to tell us and you will be entertained. Poe will find new owners and be happy. Happy end of the year and a 2025 of new challenges in your life but as always of success. A big hug dear friend @lizelle
Thank you dear @mamani, wishing you a wonderful 2025 as well!
Yes, I fully agree with you, it is time to change, and I will adapt to a new lifestyle. Will be able to explore more of our beautiful world, even if it's just close to home, wherever that may be!
A big hug right back to you <3
I wish you the best of luck with your plans, Lizzie and may the place you move to bring you many moments of happiness and turn to be a beautiful home for you. It must be a difficult decision. And a real pain is that you can't take Poe with you :( It has been hard for me to be away from my Milo for so long and when I come home all I want to do is spend hours on the couch with my baby cat by my side. I am so thankful that my mother come to the rescue and is living in our house to watch over him while our future plans are being defined.
May 2025 be good to all of us 🤗😘
Happy New Year to you dear Eli!
It's not going to be easy, as I know every blade of grass on this property, but it's time to change.
I will chat with my son and see if Poe can emigrate to go back to his 'parents', they live in a house now so it won't be an issue. I will dearly miss Poe, he's become my little tail, follows me wherever I go, and even sits and watches me when hanging up washing. And I wasn't a cat-lover, believe it or not!
I do hope the future holds good surprises for you. I always believe that all will work out in the end! You've had a ton to deal with after the elections that held so much hope!
Take care of yourself Eli <3
“What a beautiful story, @lizelle! I was so moved to read about your home and the changes you are experiencing.
It is true that a home is more than a building. It is a place where memories are built, moments are shared and emotional bonds are forged. Your home has witnessed so many chapters of your life: the joy of raising a family, the challenges you faced and the moments of happiness.
When I bought my apartment, my boss gave me this as a gift, which I have always appreciated.
It is written in Spanish
But it says, a house is built with wood and nails, a home with love and dreams.
That's a lovely thoughtful gift. Thank you for the valued feedback, I do appreciate it!
Happy new year to you @lanzjoseg!
Oh yes...big decisions and miving can be very daunting, mixed with different feelings and emotions, but...in the end you'll feel much better once settled in, it takes a while to settle into your new routine, both challenging and rewarding.
My thoughts with you my friend.
Thanjs for sharing.
Thank you for the encouragement my friend! You've survived big changes as well and in a short spaceof time. At least I will have time to get used to the idea, hopefully all works out in the end.
Happy new year to you, Pete and the kids🥰
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You're absolutely right @lizelle on how you defined a house from a home. 😊
Thank you @diamondinthesky :)
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Staying in the same home right from the start, memories tie us to this place where we found comfort through happy or sad times all together.
Knowing your plan is a good start, hanging on for 'what if' does not work as we find it tiring to face challenges alone.
Closing one chapter in a book, look forward to the next which will never be the same. Will keep contact and thinking of you!
@lizelle, you're rewarding 8 replies from this discussion thread.