This February marks my parents’ 48th wedding anniversary and my 20th and suddenly we realise that we must be grown up and middle aged. Add to this shock is the realisation that we have had the same jobs for almost 19 years! That’s so stable and boring and, so last year… we are not the fast movers, game changers of the future. Might we just be a bunch of boring in the hills?
Well, the only way to keep boring at bay is to keep learning and doing. Thankfully our established Cavern needs constant upgrading. It’s been a busy week and busier is yet to come. Replacing carpets now and then we’ll zhuzh up a few interiors and we will continue to tackle the dreaded job of resurfacing the driveway. We don’t really have too much time to ponder the alternatives to this Drakensberg life.
But, keeping interesting and interested is important. Having a purpose is a must. This past month we had the privilege of working with our Royal Drakensberg teachers to identify our individual strengths. And, we were able to make some firm commitments about the future. A great team effort in pledging to helping with a broader vision of improving education more effectively in our area.
It is also important to look back and join the dots. This Cavern began with a vision of leaving the world better. That was Bill Carte’s hope when he married Ruth. This month we’ve reflected on his love letter and while we might not be movers and shakers, it’s heartening to know that his 1940 vision is still playing out in our mountain home. It’s expanded and grown and it has relied on many people to prop it up, but it’s through pragmatism and steadfastness rather than flightiness and adventure that we too can achieve much.
Here’s to wrapping up the season of love and appreciation in Feb!
Hi Megan
Our association with The Cavern goes back to the mid- 70’s when Ruth Carte was still alive and Peter was managing with assistance from Ant.
We’ve enjoyed your special weekends….one that we remember well was a Photographic weekend with the Pearmans.
What we’ve always enjoyed is the ‘old fashioned’ homely, friendly family hotel that you’ve maintained. Please don’t ever change that.
When all this has passed, we look forward to returning for a few days….perhaps on one of your pensioner specials.
Until then…keep up the photos and chat…seeing the beautiful foothills, valleys, streams of the little Berg keeps us going in this lockdown period….and gives us hope and looking forward to a brighter future.
Yes…I think we are all growing through this experience…and hopefully becoming more caring, more appreciative, more giving, more aware of the plight facing so many in this journey through life, more aware of life and the gift of each new day….better people, stronger, kinder and more tolerant and loving towards our fellow beings.
Blessings
Andy and Sue Hillman
232, Amber Valley
Howick
Dear Andy & Sue
Thank you so much for your message. I think one of the things we are most proud of is that The Cavern’s ethos and values remain the same. This is as important to us as it is to the many returning guests so we will certainly do our best to hold on to these.
And,definitely, we believe we will come out of this lockdown with a greater appreciation for what is. A greater awareness of the most important things that bind us together as a community. It is a gift really… and we will keep up the daily posts. We have loved the interactions and all the encouragement we have received.
Take care. Be safe.
Best wishes always,
Megan