One of the best perks about living in a warmer climate during the winter months is having friends and family come visit. We are fortunate to have a guest bedroom (and a queen-size blow-up bed), which limits the amount of company we can have at one time so we get to really enjoy our guests.
Shortly after we arrived last fall, Stacey spent a weekend with us as she was on her way to San Diego for work. Her arrival coincided with my birthday celebration and she even offered to paint our bedroom while she was here. The offer was tempting but I didn’t want to take advantage of her generosity at the risk of limiting future visits! Besides, I hadn’t yet picked out the paint color.
Then in December our friends Ron and Barb called our B&B (that’s “bed and booze” – you can fix your own breakfast around here!) for a 3-night stay as they were trekking from Springfield to San Diego in their RV. They graciously offered to stay in the RV in front of our house but we wouldn’t let them! Burl and Ron got to play golf, Barb and I lunched and shopped and the four of us shared some yummy margaritas and plenty of laughs.
Since then the reservation desk has been in high gear as we ramp up for our busy season. Ron and Barb (and their grandson Zach) will return this coming Sunday for 2-3 nights which means more golf, lunches, margaritas and probably some Mexican Train.
Then later in the week Gary and Susan from Bolivar will stop in for a couple of nights on their way to Tucson to visit other friends. They took us up on our Christmas letter that said, “If you’re heading our way, let us know as we’d love to see you.” Good thing we meant it! Susan and I have laughed that despite living 30 miles from each other, we all have to travel about 1300 miles just to get together! For about 3 years she and I have been trying to find time for lunch but have discovered we are busier as retirees than when we were gainfully employed. We were all on a tour of Ireland together several years ago and shared some great times so I have no doubt more memories are waiting to be made.
No sooner will I have the bedding changed than Burl’s brother Ed and his wife Agnes will be here for a few days on their way to Costa Rica. Considering they live in Chicago, we’re not exactly on their way but it worked out well with their travel plans to add us to their itinerary. Agnes and I are veterans at listening to the sibling rivalry of 6+ decades so will sit back and listen to the guys!
The guest room will stay empty for a couple of weeks until mid-February when Larry and Nancy from Springfield are taking advantage of great Allegiant rates to spend a few days with us. Since Nancy and I never have sufficient time to talk (or knit), we can’t wait to share new patterns along with photos of our grandkids. It helps that Larry and Burl are never at a loss for words with each other since Nancy and I generally get in our own little world and ignore them.
More guests are on tap for March and so far we haven’t had to post a sign that says “Fish and Guests Stink After 3 Days” because no one is staying too long.
But just in case, I have the porcelain tray that always sat on the dresser in the guest room of my parents’ home. It conveys the perfect message – “If we get to drinking on Sunday and insist you stay until Tuesday, please remember we don’t mean it.”
Gotta run and answer the reservation phone………..
Hi Anne, Theresa here.
Sounds like you are very blessed to have many friends and family. And I’m sure that you and Burl are wonderful hosts. One day we’ll come too!