The news of lockdown was almost a relief. Decisions taken right out of our hands. Of course, we are now attempting to live a normal family life in a rather large space and there are a few little things which have been quite enlightening.
We have a house at The Cavern but mostly we live our lives within the resort. We have always eaten three meals a day in the dining room, we have showered and changed for drinks and dinner every night and we have socialised and entertained in the Cave Bar, always taking advantage of our wonderful cellar. So, the very first discovery is that our house is not really a lived-in home. The freezer is quite tiny, stocked mostly with frozen livers for the dogs, and we don’t really have containers to store left-overs after a meal. The mother is not much of a cook and cleaning is hard work! But, we have loved using our special Royal Dalton dinner service which was a wedding gift, 20 years ago! We have also taken out the crystal wedding glasses and moved the furniture around to fit us all in. We have loved our special family time in just these past few days.
We have had to consider all the chores around this large estate and manage who does what. The girls have been in-charge of getting the horses fed while Hilton & Noah are on patrols on the mountainside and keeping the pool from going green. Our lockdown team gets a meal a day thanks to Donald & Munya and the main areas are getting a sweep and a dust from time to time. Phila has been checking paths and routes and doing some important maintenance while Samson and Winnet provide support in the office. Dumi has swept the kitchen this afternoon, helped with cash-ups and we are all taking turns walking on different parts of this large mountain estate. We’re a bit isolated now and we need to be aware.
Lists of things we’d like to achieve keeps being added to. Check all the board games. Redo the outdated walk notices. Clean out the playroom cupboards. De-clutter the walk-in safe. Reorganise the pantry and the freezers. Check the shop. Get rid of expired stock….
But, perhaps the reward in this lockdown is the quiet. It is indeed a gift. In this space of quiet reflection comes great anxiety too. The what ifs? The what then? The how and the why? But, it is about stilling the fears and taking one day at time and for really being grateful for what is.
What is, is 3 teens helping out and then arguing the pants off each other. What is, is 2 grandparents who are solid and supportive and who continue to keep us on our toes. What is, is a small band of staff that have chosen to stay and help. What is, is a family that has everyone’s back. What is, is a pack of dogs which bring us enormous joy. What is, is a mountainside of astounding beauty which we can share remotely with those confined to small spaces. What is, is a time for introspection and growth.
Look for the light in the lockdown. Enjoy the quiet.
I am certain we will miss it when it’s done.
Take care. Stay safe. Stay home.
Love and blessings from the Drakensberg.