The Innkeepers' Getaway

For years innkeepers touting the merits of "getting away" while
staying where you are have assured us in books and innkeeper advice
columns that staying in one's own bed and breakfast provides bountiful
opportunities to see everything as a guest sees it.

As I considered how to achieve this long postponed goal I talked to my
sister, Joan. She assured me that she had all kinds of new gourmet
ideas and wanted to fix our breakfast. I decided to surprise my
husband, and told him to pack our bags for a one night getaway.

Among the benefits of taking in the experience of "Westview" is
getting to know the character of the rooms in a way one can't know
them when you're preoccupied with readying the inn for the next
guests. It might just help in getting to know the character you're in
partnership with too!

After running some errands I told Jim we needed to stop "at home"
before embarking on our "get away". Entering the Sunset Suite to
"check" on something "I'd forgotten", we turned toward the welcome
board and beheld the words WELCOME JIM AND COLLEEN. The first
surprise was a batch of homemade oatmeal raisin walnut cookies
lovingly prepared and waiting for us as we entered the suite! Jim's
only problem with these cookies is trying to figure out which should
be the main ingredient!

I was amazed at how quickly and easily he accepted the role of guest.
As we cuddled up to watch some TV he retired shortly to the kitchen,
and returned with freshly popped popcorn. About an hour and three
cookies later he raided the freezer in the suite's kitchen and
presented frozen ice cream treats to share!
The evening was a wonderful time to slow down and reflect on things
(including a cobweb we'd been missing!)

Next morning sister Joan presented us with a beautiful gourmet
breakfast which Jim has vowed to incorporate into his guests'
breakfasts. The rest of the morning was soaked up in the Jacuzzi, a
device designed to warp and eventually evaporate time. As reality
started to settle in, I knew the experience had been worthwhile when I
heard him say "When's checkout? Do you think they'd care if we stayed
all day?"