It's the Little Things that Count
One of the things I enjoy the most about running our BnB, is the guests who come and go.
As we're in a quiet suburb tucked away from tourism hotspots, our guests come from all walks of life; some for business, training, sport, special celebrations, illness, the death of a loved one, or for holidays. There's a myriad of other reasons, some stay longer, many are returning guests, and become part of our Lily's Cottage family.
They usually arrive looking tired, especially those who've done a long road trip, flown across the waters, and hit traffic snarls from the airport.
The best part is the day after, seeing them looking fresh and well-rested, and hearing just how our tranquil cottage with its unique layout has charmed them.
That's when the chatting starts.
I'm a real natterbox so it's a constant struggle to keep it short and sweet! When my hubby was still here, he used to keep me in check, so now I have to do it myself ;)
Some guests however outdo me, which is very difficult for someone like me, as I can hardly get a word in.
I do love hearing their stories though, and getting insight into how people work and play in different parts of our world.
We have always tried to go the extra mile with small touches, and that is what guests appreciate the most.
They in turn often surprise us with a little gift or special thank you cards.
Our one guest has been here for nearly a month, a super young guy doing his final trade test, very knowledgeable, and helpful.
He volunteered to help get the pool sparkling blue again, something we were having a problem with following a recent thunderstorm.
Pool chemicals used to be my hubby's department, but this kind and considerate young guest gave our gardener-cum-handyman a lesson in doing the checks for chemicals and general tips on pool care.
When our gate motor back-up battery started showing strain with all the load-shedding, he offered to check that as well.
This young man certainly loves sharing knowledge and helping people, ideal traits for an instructor/teacher/trainer, but he enjoys being hands-on and getting things that break down to work again!
Did I say that he also likes chatting?
Yep, he beats me at that game, but he's a real honey!
He arrived before my surgery and I advised him on which shopping centres to go to. The conversation steered to how difficult it is to find Anchovette paste in our supermarkets. A couple of days later he arrived with a big smile and a bottle of my favourite brand!
A small, but very kind gesture.
There have been many other instances where guests have shown kindness, intuitively knowing just what a big hole Arthur left in my life, and in that of everyone at Lily's Cottage.
It's little things like this that have kept me going during the most difficult period of my life, and that gives me hope for humanity.
A little kindness goes a long way to make the world a better place.
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Say to that young man, that we say kudos to him for helping you Lady Lizzie.
Kindness does indeed make one's world go around a little bit better.
We received a call this morning from a desperate lady, pleading for help to find a place to stay, as she has not recovered from her losses after the Covid lockdowns. She lost her house and her car, as she couldn't keep up with the payments, and now she is on the street.
Although we are not in Gauteng anymore, Marian has a list of homes that take in destitute souls in Gauteng, and she sent it to the lady. Let's hope that she will find one, and we will cover the costs.
Just goes to show how blessed we all are to still have homes.
!PIZZA and !LUV
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Another angel disguised as a human, he really came at the right time as I hit some real lows after the surgery. Sent by God for sure!
My heart goes out to that lady, Covid did enormous damage. I do hope she finds suitable accommodation. All of you working at Papillon are real angels!
We are blessed indeed to have survived the ramifications of Covid.
Absolutely and the Lord's hand has been with you since the hubby's passing.
We hope so too, as we are very far away, and not much that we can do from here. I don't see us as angels my dear friend. Merely empty vessels that allows the Spirit to flow through us and to work to God's glory.
Talking about Covid, a strange thing happened 2 weeks ago. We thought that we had picked up the famous Cape stomach bug. Both Marian and I had the same symptoms, severe stomach cramps, sore throats, and constant vomiting. So, a friend called to say that it sounds a lot like the new Covid. The next day I went in for Covid testing, and later in the day the result stated that, I am positive.
So. the day after this I also took Marian in for testing, and guess what? Her result was negative.
Now how does one explain that?
The good thing is that the new Covid doesn't last long as I asked the Sister how long I have to quarantine, and I told her that I had an important charity meeting in 5 days time.
No problem, she said as if the meeting is outside then all is good.
The symptoms did indeed go away within the 5 day period, but some little niggles remain till now.
Sorry for the long reply and what was the outcome of your check up?
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Covid really is weird, a friend had that first bad Covid, was sick for 2 weeks but his wife was fine. But now you both had the same symptoms but different results, really weird! Makes one wonder how accurate they are!
Stitches are out, each day is easier, a huge improvement from last week this time.
Only problem, now that I'm getting a little more active, the cramping pain on the opposite side is back. Doc has investigated it thoroughly, found nothing except a small fatty mass, so I have to monitor it for now!
Very weird and it was a first Covid experience for us Lady Lizzie.
Marian told me about your cramping pain, and it might be from one of the straps, or clamps that they use during the operation. Maybe not, but yes, the Doc is right, as you have to keep an eye on it. We hope and pray that it will go away soon, and we are happy that you are now up and about again. 🙏🙏🙏
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Hi my friend, I wish it was something like that but it started at the end of 2022 and slowly got worse. I'm just glad the hernia is fixed and healing so nicely.
Good morning Lady Lizzie, it is so strange that the doctor couldn't find the reason. Maybe at some time or another it will reveal itself, or we hope that it will simply go away.
Yeah, we are also glad that the hernia is now history. Soon you will not even remember it. !LOLZ
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That's right. A little kindness goes a very long way. The young man is truly knowledgeable and kind, too. I am glad you guys talked, and he even got you your fav!
This young man's kindness will never be forgotten. I'm really enjoying my daily crackers and fish paste😉
Yeah, that's right. Haha, you should.
Sometimes the right person shows up at the most trying time, and when they see something that needs doing have no hesitation to jump in and lend their knowledge and skill. This young man sounds like a much needed guest at the most opportune time. I suspect you draw many such people to you as you seem honest, open and welcoming. Good traits to have!
Yes, you are so right, it's really amazing how that happens time and time again. I'm very blessed indeed!
My late hubby and I always tried to look for the good in people, and often found it, as I'm still experiencing. We've always treated our guests like VIP's, no matter who they are, and that's what makes this job so very worthwhile.
Thank you for your kind words @tamaralovelace 🤗
The young man it nice and have good characters, you know there is a saying that character is like a flame that is difficult to hide. I love the way your cottage treat people with love and respect and am sure that is one of the major reason some of them decide to stay long. It is a good thing to share the knowledge we have and also show appreciation to others no matter how small it is.
I love that saying, it's really so true! It's great meeting and getting to know people like him, yes the goodness simply came through from day 1🤗
Most folks are born good, this young man sounds like he is prepared to go the extra mile to help others. Sharing knowledge helps in so many ways, he arrived at the right time to assist you.
Pecks Anchovette paste when I noticed it back in the stores I was overjoyed as this too is one of my go to breakfast treats, not as often when you see the price!
Small detail goes a long way, good to hear you still enjoy running your BnB meeting and having people who bring out the best through simple gestures, especially when we feel run down!
!LUV
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He really is a honey, hearing him talk so fondly of his family, was the first clue that he was a special young man.
The timing could not have been more perfect as I really went throuh a bad patch these past few days.
If only we had more people like him.
Remember how Anchovette on toast used to be served in coffee shops back in the day😉
Many very good youngsters trying to find direction in this crazy 'modern' world.
Coffee shops with side serving of toast and Pecks was common even in the 'well to do' spots like John Orr's, Greatermans, Stuttafords, the big three, when etiquette of shopping was at it's height.
Remember what a treat it was going to those big department stores! The city centre was beautiful and clean back then.
Cities were clean, lovely parks. Most visits when young were with Mom teaching what to buy and when, how to price, how to check quality, more learning, but most definitely clean, as I never enjoyed large shops, it was tolerable.
Those are really big little things, Lizelle. I can so identify with this!
I think of you every time something needs fixing Fiona, I have so many questions about where and *what!
What a delight to have as a guest, and I imagine it's nice to have someone around who likes chatting as well
It's been really nice, he leaves tomorrow but is leaving behind good memories
There are so many good people in the world! I can't imagine how interesting it is to meet people from all walks of life. The Airbnb we used to stay at in St. Thomas had a lot of spaces we shared with other guests and breakfasts were sometimes communal. We met several interesting people during our short stays, a few of which we're still connected with online.
Some day we might decide to become hosts ourselves but, ideally, I would want to be in a milder climate that we're in now. I can't imagine spending our retirement years in the Siberia of North America!
You and your wife would make perfect hosts, you should seriously consider it! Move to a warmer climate (Siberia!!!) before all the aches and pains start, and get a property with Airbnb potential😉 Maybe closer to your family?
I'm sorry we did not do this as soon as the kids fled the nest.
Nothing truer than that.
And what a lovely touch from your guest.
I hope your recovery goes smoothly, Lizzie. 🤗😘
He left early this morning to do his final trade test, and let me know that he passed! I'll miss him, was like having a son around.
I'm getting better each day❤
I'm glad you're getting better 😘