Surprise Guest

[Samster]

I was planning to go see our son today and then decided we needed to try and get some things done around the house. Our rooms were blocked out. Got a call from a neighbor asking if we had a room for someone that arrived a day early to start a new job. Soooooooooo, we got an unexpected booking. My dh wouldn't have been able to handle it by himself. I guess things work out for the best.

But bummer....no other other bookings for a long, long time

 

[gillumhouse]

I had a call at 11:30 Thursday night for a room and I actually turned him away. At 11:30 pm, he was at least 30 to 45 minutes away and I was not guest ready. Decided he was obviously NOT a B & B person.
Tonight I had a call from a military family going from Maryland to Washington State - 2 adults, 3 children, and 4 horses. I offered the whole house for the price of the 2 w/shared after the military discount, no escort fee, and cut the price of the horses fee by $10 per horse - and they have to think it over! I cannot give the store away! They have tents - OK but where do they expect to put the horses. Oh well, I did the best I could for them.

 

[user 26]

i am sorry it is so slow for you!

 

[Samster]

i am sorry it is so slow for you!.

Thanks for that. I am hoping that this is just my "January", but I know that January will be slow too...hopefully not this slow. We all know that it's tough when you're just starting out. The electricity for the A/C is the killer this time of year for us. Thankfully, this one night guest picked a guest room in the main house so I don't have to cool the whole 2nd house down. Of course, my dh thought I was an idiot to offer a choice of the rooms over there! But this is a referral from a neighbor who also happens to be a department head at our university. I like to treat those folks well since they're a good source of recurring guests any time of the year

I did deeply discount the room (and told the guest that this was a special rate for the university), but this guest told us that this would be a great place for the parents when they come to visit so that will bring more business too. Yay!
Every little bit helps.......

 

[gillumhouse]

i am sorry it is so slow for you!.

Thanks for that. I am hoping that this is just my "January", but I know that January will be slow too...hopefully not this slow. We all know that it's tough when you're just starting out. The electricity for the A/C is the killer this time of year for us. Thankfully, this one night guest picked a guest room in the main house so I don't have to cool the whole 2nd house down. Of course, my dh thought I was an idiot to offer a choice of the rooms over there! But this is a referral from a neighbor who also happens to be a department head at our university. I like to treat those folks well since they're a good source of recurring guests any time of the year

I did deeply discount the room (and told the guest that this was a special rate for the university), but this guest told us that this would be a great place for the parents when they come to visit so that will bring more business too. Yay!
Every little bit helps.......
.

He just called back and took my offer. When I asked about dietary - we are good. Me: So no one has any food dislikes or allergies? Well my one son can't have wheat but we bring his food... Then he decides to tell me there is a dog. Bowser will have to stay in the horse trailer.
In the morning I will make a loaf of bread for the kid. They actually picked themselves a good deal, because I will be sending the rest of the loaf of bread with them. Now to look for a recipe for gluten-free peanut butter muffins (I have some of the organic Smuckers left).

 

[GeorgiaGirl]

i am sorry it is so slow for you!.

Thanks for that. I am hoping that this is just my "January", but I know that January will be slow too...hopefully not this slow. We all know that it's tough when you're just starting out. The electricity for the A/C is the killer this time of year for us. Thankfully, this one night guest picked a guest room in the main house so I don't have to cool the whole 2nd house down. Of course, my dh thought I was an idiot to offer a choice of the rooms over there! But this is a referral from a neighbor who also happens to be a department head at our university. I like to treat those folks well since they're a good source of recurring guests any time of the year

I did deeply discount the room (and told the guest that this was a special rate for the university), but this guest told us that this would be a great place for the parents when they come to visit so that will bring more business too. Yay!
Every little bit helps.......
.

He just called back and took my offer. When I asked about dietary - we are good. Me: So no one has any food dislikes or allergies? Well my one son can't have wheat but we bring his food... Then he decides to tell me there is a dog. Bowser will have to stay in the horse trailer.
In the morning I will make a loaf of bread for the kid. They actually picked themselves a good deal, because I will be sending the rest of the loaf of bread with them. Now to look for a recipe for gluten-free peanut butter muffins (I have some of the organic Smuckers left).
.

If you happen to find a recipe that turns out good for those gluten free peanut butter muffins, do you mind passing it along? My Mother In Law is Gluten Free and I always try to make her new and interesting things when she visits.

 

[gillumhouse]

i am sorry it is so slow for you!.

Thanks for that. I am hoping that this is just my "January", but I know that January will be slow too...hopefully not this slow. We all know that it's tough when you're just starting out. The electricity for the A/C is the killer this time of year for us. Thankfully, this one night guest picked a guest room in the main house so I don't have to cool the whole 2nd house down. Of course, my dh thought I was an idiot to offer a choice of the rooms over there! But this is a referral from a neighbor who also happens to be a department head at our university. I like to treat those folks well since they're a good source of recurring guests any time of the year

I did deeply discount the room (and told the guest that this was a special rate for the university), but this guest told us that this would be a great place for the parents when they come to visit so that will bring more business too. Yay!
Every little bit helps.......
.

He just called back and took my offer. When I asked about dietary - we are good. Me: So no one has any food dislikes or allergies? Well my one son can't have wheat but we bring his food... Then he decides to tell me there is a dog. Bowser will have to stay in the horse trailer.
In the morning I will make a loaf of bread for the kid. They actually picked themselves a good deal, because I will be sending the rest of the loaf of bread with them. Now to look for a recipe for gluten-free peanut butter muffins (I have some of the organic Smuckers left).
.

If you happen to find a recipe that turns out good for those gluten free peanut butter muffins, do you mind passing it along? My Mother In Law is Gluten Free and I always try to make her new and interesting things when she visits.

.

I did a Google on gluten-free peanut butter muffins. Got several interesting recipes.
http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/celiac/bananamuffins.html
http://simplygluten-free.blogspot.com/2008/04/gluten-free-grain-free-peanut-butter.html
[SIZE= 12pt]http://www.peanutbutterboy.com/2008/04/worlds-best-fat-free-pancakes.html - I would check the ingredients to verufy they are gluten-free.[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 12pt]www.celiac.com has a wealth of gluten-free recipes.[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 12pt]Gotta love that Google! I will try to post the recipes tomorrow.[/SIZE]

 

[GeorgiaGirl]

i am sorry it is so slow for you!.

Thanks for that. I am hoping that this is just my "January", but I know that January will be slow too...hopefully not this slow. We all know that it's tough when you're just starting out. The electricity for the A/C is the killer this time of year for us. Thankfully, this one night guest picked a guest room in the main house so I don't have to cool the whole 2nd house down. Of course, my dh thought I was an idiot to offer a choice of the rooms over there! But this is a referral from a neighbor who also happens to be a department head at our university. I like to treat those folks well since they're a good source of recurring guests any time of the year

I did deeply discount the room (and told the guest that this was a special rate for the university), but this guest told us that this would be a great place for the parents when they come to visit so that will bring more business too. Yay!
Every little bit helps.......
.

He just called back and took my offer. When I asked about dietary - we are good. Me: So no one has any food dislikes or allergies? Well my one son can't have wheat but we bring his food... Then he decides to tell me there is a dog. Bowser will have to stay in the horse trailer.
In the morning I will make a loaf of bread for the kid. They actually picked themselves a good deal, because I will be sending the rest of the loaf of bread with them. Now to look for a recipe for gluten-free peanut butter muffins (I have some of the organic Smuckers left).
.

If you happen to find a recipe that turns out good for those gluten free peanut butter muffins, do you mind passing it along? My Mother In Law is Gluten Free and I always try to make her new and interesting things when she visits.

.

I did a Google on gluten-free peanut butter muffins. Got several interesting recipes.
http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/celiac/bananamuffins.html
http://simplygluten-free.blogspot.com/2008/04/gluten-free-grain-free-peanut-butter.html
[SIZE= 12pt]http://www.peanutbutterboy.com/2008/04/worlds-best-fat-free-pancakes.html - I would check the ingredients to verufy they are gluten-free.[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 12pt]www.celiac.com has a wealth of gluten-free recipes.[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 12pt]Gotta love that Google! I will try to post the recipes tomorrow.[/SIZE]
.

WOW! I love those recipes! I can't make the first one though, I don't have a food processor....sold it at a garage sale years ago since I never used it! I can't wait to try the others. My MIL hasn't visited in awhile so I haven't searched for Gluten Free recipes. I know Celiac/wheat allergy is becoming more prominent and it's easier now to find recipes & mixes. I know when I go into Whole Foods they have those Gluten Free tags on tons of stuff.
THANKS for the links! Let me know which recipe you use and how the kid likes them!

 

[user 26]

i am sorry it is so slow for you!.

Thanks for that. I am hoping that this is just my "January", but I know that January will be slow too...hopefully not this slow. We all know that it's tough when you're just starting out. The electricity for the A/C is the killer this time of year for us. Thankfully, this one night guest picked a guest room in the main house so I don't have to cool the whole 2nd house down. Of course, my dh thought I was an idiot to offer a choice of the rooms over there! But this is a referral from a neighbor who also happens to be a department head at our university. I like to treat those folks well since they're a good source of recurring guests any time of the year

I did deeply discount the room (and told the guest that this was a special rate for the university), but this guest told us that this would be a great place for the parents when they come to visit so that will bring more business too. Yay!
Every little bit helps.......
.

it is very hard when you need SOME business just to pay the utilities. been there. so right now when i have days this is too much for me, in the back of my mind is the 'feast or famine' mantra ... because i know those days are looming.

 

[Samster]

i am sorry it is so slow for you!.

Thanks for that. I am hoping that this is just my "January", but I know that January will be slow too...hopefully not this slow. We all know that it's tough when you're just starting out. The electricity for the A/C is the killer this time of year for us. Thankfully, this one night guest picked a guest room in the main house so I don't have to cool the whole 2nd house down. Of course, my dh thought I was an idiot to offer a choice of the rooms over there! But this is a referral from a neighbor who also happens to be a department head at our university. I like to treat those folks well since they're a good source of recurring guests any time of the year

I did deeply discount the room (and told the guest that this was a special rate for the university), but this guest told us that this would be a great place for the parents when they come to visit so that will bring more business too. Yay!
Every little bit helps.......
.

He just called back and took my offer. When I asked about dietary - we are good. Me: So no one has any food dislikes or allergies? Well my one son can't have wheat but we bring his food... Then he decides to tell me there is a dog. Bowser will have to stay in the horse trailer.
In the morning I will make a loaf of bread for the kid. They actually picked themselves a good deal, because I will be sending the rest of the loaf of bread with them. Now to look for a recipe for gluten-free peanut butter muffins (I have some of the organic Smuckers left).
.

If you happen to find a recipe that turns out good for those gluten free peanut butter muffins, do you mind passing it along? My Mother In Law is Gluten Free and I always try to make her new and interesting things when she visits.

.

I did a Google on gluten-free peanut butter muffins. Got several interesting recipes.
http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/celiac/bananamuffins.html
http://simplygluten-free.blogspot.com/2008/04/gluten-free-grain-free-peanut-butter.html
[SIZE= 12pt]http://www.peanutbutterboy.com/2008/04/worlds-best-fat-free-pancakes.html - I would check the ingredients to verufy they are gluten-free.[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 12pt]www.celiac.com has a wealth of gluten-free recipes.[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 12pt]Gotta love that Google! I will try to post the recipes tomorrow.[/SIZE]
.

Y'all hijacked my thread about surprise guests!!

 

[Samster]

i am sorry it is so slow for you!.

Thanks for that. I am hoping that this is just my "January", but I know that January will be slow too...hopefully not this slow. We all know that it's tough when you're just starting out. The electricity for the A/C is the killer this time of year for us. Thankfully, this one night guest picked a guest room in the main house so I don't have to cool the whole 2nd house down. Of course, my dh thought I was an idiot to offer a choice of the rooms over there! But this is a referral from a neighbor who also happens to be a department head at our university. I like to treat those folks well since they're a good source of recurring guests any time of the year

I did deeply discount the room (and told the guest that this was a special rate for the university), but this guest told us that this would be a great place for the parents when they come to visit so that will bring more business too. Yay!
Every little bit helps.......
.

it is very hard when you need SOME business just to pay the utilities. been there. so right now when i have days this is too much for me, in the back of my mind is the 'feast or famine' mantra ... because i know those days are looming.
.

Hang in there!! I hope that all your surprise guests are wonderful!!!

 

[gillumhouse]

i am sorry it is so slow for you!.

Thanks for that. I am hoping that this is just my "January", but I know that January will be slow too...hopefully not this slow. We all know that it's tough when you're just starting out. The electricity for the A/C is the killer this time of year for us. Thankfully, this one night guest picked a guest room in the main house so I don't have to cool the whole 2nd house down. Of course, my dh thought I was an idiot to offer a choice of the rooms over there! But this is a referral from a neighbor who also happens to be a department head at our university. I like to treat those folks well since they're a good source of recurring guests any time of the year

I did deeply discount the room (and told the guest that this was a special rate for the university), but this guest told us that this would be a great place for the parents when they come to visit so that will bring more business too. Yay!
Every little bit helps.......
.

He just called back and took my offer. When I asked about dietary - we are good. Me: So no one has any food dislikes or allergies? Well my one son can't have wheat but we bring his food... Then he decides to tell me there is a dog. Bowser will have to stay in the horse trailer.
In the morning I will make a loaf of bread for the kid. They actually picked themselves a good deal, because I will be sending the rest of the loaf of bread with them. Now to look for a recipe for gluten-free peanut butter muffins (I have some of the organic Smuckers left).
.

If you happen to find a recipe that turns out good for those gluten free peanut butter muffins, do you mind passing it along? My Mother In Law is Gluten Free and I always try to make her new and interesting things when she visits.

.

I did a Google on gluten-free peanut butter muffins. Got several interesting recipes.
http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/celiac/bananamuffins.html
http://simplygluten-free.blogspot.com/2008/04/gluten-free-grain-free-peanut-butter.html
[SIZE= 12pt]http://www.peanutbutterboy.com/2008/04/worlds-best-fat-free-pancakes.html - I would check the ingredients to verufy they are gluten-free.[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 12pt]www.celiac.com has a wealth of gluten-free recipes.[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 12pt]Gotta love that Google! I will try to post the recipes tomorrow.[/SIZE]
.

WOW! I love those recipes! I can't make the first one though, I don't have a food processor....sold it at a garage sale years ago since I never used it! I can't wait to try the others. My MIL hasn't visited in awhile so I haven't searched for Gluten Free recipes. I know Celiac/wheat allergy is becoming more prominent and it's easier now to find recipes & mixes. I know when I go into Whole Foods they have those Gluten Free tags on tons of stuff.
THANKS for the links! Let me know which recipe you use and how the kid likes them!
.

Just made the peanut butter, banana, choc chip muffins. They are in the oven now - and I did not use the food processor - did not want to have to mess with it. I mashed the bananas and then used the mixer on high. Will let you know how they turn out. It made 36 mini-muffins.

 

[gillumhouse]

Sorry, Samster. The booking was a surprise and then as an afterthought the gluten-free made it a double surprise. As soon as the muffins come out, I will put the bread in. Then just have to set up the cot and I am ready!

 

[Morticia]

i am sorry it is so slow for you!.

Thanks for that. I am hoping that this is just my "January", but I know that January will be slow too...hopefully not this slow. We all know that it's tough when you're just starting out. The electricity for the A/C is the killer this time of year for us. Thankfully, this one night guest picked a guest room in the main house so I don't have to cool the whole 2nd house down. Of course, my dh thought I was an idiot to offer a choice of the rooms over there! But this is a referral from a neighbor who also happens to be a department head at our university. I like to treat those folks well since they're a good source of recurring guests any time of the year

I did deeply discount the room (and told the guest that this was a special rate for the university), but this guest told us that this would be a great place for the parents when they come to visit so that will bring more business too. Yay!
Every little bit helps.......
.

Thanks for that. I am hoping that this is just my "January", but I know that January will be slow too...hopefully not this slow. We all know that it's tough when you're just starting out. The electricity for the A/C is the killer this time of year for us. Thankfully, this one night guest picked a guest room in the main house so I don't have to cool the whole 2nd house down. Of course, my dh thought I was an idiot to offer a choice of the rooms over there! But this is a referral from a neighbor who also happens to be a department head at our university. I like to treat those folks well since they're a good source of recurring guests any time of the year

I did deeply discount the room (and told the guest that this was a special rate for the university), but this guest told us that this would be a great place for the parents when they come to visit so that will bring more business too. Yay!
Every little bit helps.......

I was thinking about your situation with the 2 buildings and I know a LOT of places here close the second building in the off season, or close off certain rooms to save on fuel. You could do the same. Not sure if you would want to do that right now, but once you have a real sense of what your occ is like you might just block those rooms in the other house off for Aug. We have friends who have one room that is VERY hard to heat and it's their cheapest room. In the winter it is 'booked' all the time. They just don't want to bother for $100/night.
It does 2 things...it saves you the hassle and it makes it look like you are always busy. If there is one room in the second house that is easier to cool or take care of, leave that one open. But, because you have to cool the main house for youselves and those are beeyootiful rooms, you might want to consider that option.

 

[trishany]

I had a call at 11:30 Thursday night for a room and I actually turned him away. At 11:30 pm, he was at least 30 to 45 minutes away and I was not guest ready. Decided he was obviously NOT a B & B person.
Tonight I had a call from a military family going from Maryland to Washington State - 2 adults, 3 children, and 4 horses. I offered the whole house for the price of the 2 w/shared after the military discount, no escort fee, and cut the price of the horses fee by $10 per horse - and they have to think it over! I cannot give the store away! They have tents - OK but where do they expect to put the horses. Oh well, I did the best I could for them..

Horses?!! You have accomodations for horses?!
Who has accomodations for horses!? for almighty sake. I think you should stick to your price.

 

[Morticia]

I had a call at 11:30 Thursday night for a room and I actually turned him away. At 11:30 pm, he was at least 30 to 45 minutes away and I was not guest ready. Decided he was obviously NOT a B & B person.
Tonight I had a call from a military family going from Maryland to Washington State - 2 adults, 3 children, and 4 horses. I offered the whole house for the price of the 2 w/shared after the military discount, no escort fee, and cut the price of the horses fee by $10 per horse - and they have to think it over! I cannot give the store away! They have tents - OK but where do they expect to put the horses. Oh well, I did the best I could for them..

Horses?!! You have accomodations for horses?!
Who has accomodations for horses!? for almighty sake. I think you should stick to your price.
.

You haven't read that K goes in with a horse stable for all the folks traveling between shows and for those who are just buying a horse and need a place to stay? Not to mention the ones who travel with their horses because they hit the trails in different states?
This is a lucrative business. We've had a few large animal vets stay with us while they are visiting sick animals. If I had a place for the animals as well, what a business that would be!

 

[gillumhouse]

I had a call at 11:30 Thursday night for a room and I actually turned him away. At 11:30 pm, he was at least 30 to 45 minutes away and I was not guest ready. Decided he was obviously NOT a B & B person.
Tonight I had a call from a military family going from Maryland to Washington State - 2 adults, 3 children, and 4 horses. I offered the whole house for the price of the 2 w/shared after the military discount, no escort fee, and cut the price of the horses fee by $10 per horse - and they have to think it over! I cannot give the store away! They have tents - OK but where do they expect to put the horses. Oh well, I did the best I could for them..

Horses?!! You have accomodations for horses?!
Who has accomodations for horses!? for almighty sake. I think you should stick to your price.
.

For "regular" people, I will not budge on my price. However, for military and police I have a special rate - my daughter is a cop and my grandson is Navy and his wife is Air Force.
This is not a pleasure trip. This is a move to a new duty station - they have a limited amount of money to make a coast to coast move WITH horses. By finding out the kids are all small (10 and under) I am saving them a bit of money by setting up a cot and putting them in 2 rooms that share a bathroom and saving me having to clean 2 bathrooms tomorrow.
Since I know one kid is gluten-free, I have already made a loaf of bread for him and some muffins for his breakfast (they will be given all gluten-free leftovers to take on their journey). Our military and police do not get enough appreciation (imnvho) but I can show it - without giving away the store, almost.

 

[trishany]

I had a call at 11:30 Thursday night for a room and I actually turned him away. At 11:30 pm, he was at least 30 to 45 minutes away and I was not guest ready. Decided he was obviously NOT a B & B person.
Tonight I had a call from a military family going from Maryland to Washington State - 2 adults, 3 children, and 4 horses. I offered the whole house for the price of the 2 w/shared after the military discount, no escort fee, and cut the price of the horses fee by $10 per horse - and they have to think it over! I cannot give the store away! They have tents - OK but where do they expect to put the horses. Oh well, I did the best I could for them..

Horses?!! You have accomodations for horses?!
Who has accomodations for horses!? for almighty sake. I think you should stick to your price.
.

For "regular" people, I will not budge on my price. However, for military and police I have a special rate - my daughter is a cop and my grandson is Navy and his wife is Air Force.
This is not a pleasure trip. This is a move to a new duty station - they have a limited amount of money to make a coast to coast move WITH horses. By finding out the kids are all small (10 and under) I am saving them a bit of money by setting up a cot and putting them in 2 rooms that share a bathroom and saving me having to clean 2 bathrooms tomorrow.
Since I know one kid is gluten-free, I have already made a loaf of bread for him and some muffins for his breakfast (they will be given all gluten-free leftovers to take on their journey). Our military and police do not get enough appreciation (imnvho) but I can show it - without giving away the store, almost.
.

Oh, my gosh, your daughter is a cop??! and here we are arguing with each other.
My Nephew AND my Neice are in the Navy. My cousin WAS in the Navy. Graduated as a Luitenant.
My other Neice's husband is Still in the Air Force and he's in Iraq right now.
My brother-in law is a General in the Air Force. He's now in Afganistan - that god forbidden place.

 

[Samster]

Sorry, Samster. The booking was a surprise and then as an afterthought the gluten-free made it a double surprise. As soon as the muffins come out, I will put the bread in. Then just have to set up the cot and I am ready!.

I was pulling your leg, K

It was all related. haha!! No worries....

 

[Samster]

I had a call at 11:30 Thursday night for a room and I actually turned him away. At 11:30 pm, he was at least 30 to 45 minutes away and I was not guest ready. Decided he was obviously NOT a B & B person.
Tonight I had a call from a military family going from Maryland to Washington State - 2 adults, 3 children, and 4 horses. I offered the whole house for the price of the 2 w/shared after the military discount, no escort fee, and cut the price of the horses fee by $10 per horse - and they have to think it over! I cannot give the store away! They have tents - OK but where do they expect to put the horses. Oh well, I did the best I could for them..

Horses?!! You have accomodations for horses?!
Who has accomodations for horses!? for almighty sake. I think you should stick to your price.
.

For "regular" people, I will not budge on my price. However, for military and police I have a special rate - my daughter is a cop and my grandson is Navy and his wife is Air Force.
This is not a pleasure trip. This is a move to a new duty station - they have a limited amount of money to make a coast to coast move WITH horses. By finding out the kids are all small (10 and under) I am saving them a bit of money by setting up a cot and putting them in 2 rooms that share a bathroom and saving me having to clean 2 bathrooms tomorrow.
Since I know one kid is gluten-free, I have already made a loaf of bread for him and some muffins for his breakfast (they will be given all gluten-free leftovers to take on their journey). Our military and police do not get enough appreciation (imnvho) but I can show it - without giving away the store, almost.
.

Thanks for taking care of our military folks! We do a 15% discount here and have quite a few military guests because of our location. As a retired Major & since dh was a surgical tech in the Air Force as a young whipper snapper during Vietnam, we are most appreciative of our service men & women. These young people are really having it tough with their rotations.
Let us know how this family enjoyed their stay with y'all.