Gone are those crazy days of having to steal just five more minutes under the fluffy duvet before jumping out of the warm, cosy bed. Into the shower, grab a coffee, and a quick bite before heading out to work and dealing with those frustrating traffic snarls.

Money laundering, me, huh? We hear about it in the news: illegal dealings involving people in high places.Not guilty! I'm just a little old lady trying to suck out the last bit of joy from the best job I've ever had. I do not want it to stop, but it has to! Lily's Cottage will be ten in October, and I'm guessing I'll still be here. The sale of my property is taking a long time - too many properties on the market in my city, and too few buyers. But, as I keep on saying, I believe it's all for the good, as I cannot make up my mind where to go!

While I do like to support small local coffee shops, I still enjoy the diverse menu at Mugg & Bean, a successful coffee shop franchise. Delicious food - generous meal portions, freshly baked goods, and of course, the wide range of excellent coffees and coffee-based drinks - House Blend or Mocha Java. Serious and Easy Cappuccino. Something new on their menu is a Sticky Toffee Latte - a single shot Espresso with texturised milk and a mini pecan toffee pudding; super indulgent! And, on a hot day, I order a Chino Muggachino, the very best iced coffee!

'You live in paradise, why do you want to sell?'Those were the words of a departing guest who came all the way from Kansas City in the United States. What are his thoughts on South Africa? He loved it. Cape Town especially. Felt like he was in a dream - stunningly beautiful. M was invited by a SA friend who booked staggered periods in my Airbnb to use as their base, while visiting various parts of our country. When they came back after their final jaunt, M said it felt like being back at home. He loved our cottage; the green valley, seeing the tranquil pool and lush garden from his balcony, and hearing the birds at daybreak, had visitors on the roof: mischievous monkeys, Hadedas with their awful loud raucous sound, as well as Egyptian Geese with equally awful quacks at the top of their voices! M just revelled in the experience.

So it was my birthday yesterday, and I did not feel like celebrating. As corny as it sounds, I do believe age is but a number - except for the creaky bones!I usually do something special, but as said, I was not in a birthday mood at all. The second one without hubby.

Never judge a book by its cover. How many times do I say that to myself?Although I have many returning guests, some still book online. It's often like a lucky packet - some disappointing and some nice surprises. I trust my gut feel, but when I have the time, I do a little online research beforehand, searching for the person's name and where they're from. It's quite astounding that even when someone has an unusual name, you'll find many with the same name! I've even found some who work in the same field, and often live in the same city. Then it's hard to guess which is the right face. It's become like a game - when I recognise a face and already know a little about them but pretend I've never seen them. Well, truth be told, I've only seen them online!