28 of 365 of What it is Like to Run a Resort

Our resort is Pine Forest Lodge. I wasn't sure up until this point if I should put the name down because I was afraid of what feedback I would be getting. So far all the feedback has been positive, so now you know.

This morning I got up later than usual. I didn't sleep so good because it was so hot and humid. In the morning I let out our shepherd immediately because when he wakes up, he has to go right away. Then I got dressed and went up to the dumpster. I opened the anti-bear device and propped the lid open so people could put their trash in. Tomorrow the garbage truck comes and the dumpster is very full. So we lock it every night to make sure bear don't get in it anymore. We captured a bear 28 days ago, at the beginning of this blog. We have had another one causing trouble, so we have to be careful.

I had to give someone a map and someone else a menu this morning but otherwise it was a light work day. At 11 a.m. the temp was already 82 degrees, sunny and humid. I thought we were in for a scorcher but later the clouds rolled in. The humidity went away a bit and the lake looked like glass. Some of our customers were out fishing and others went water skiing. I floated in a submerged net/seat. I sit on a net and the air filled tubes go around my back and under each arm. Its very comfortable and keeps me cool since I am at least halfway submerged. Ahhhh.

I hardly had any telephone calls today compared to the last few days. Since my husband's dad died, the telephone has been ringing off the hook. My sister-in-law did call and ask if I could send them some pictures for a collage they are making for Bud's memorial service. I spent about an hour looking through old albums and sent them out in the afternoon priority mail. Before I left for the post office, I asked a customer to watch in case a UPS or FEDEX truck would arrive. When I got back only about 20 minutes later, they were surprised to see me. "Are you back already? Well, the pressure's off then. Back to relaxing." Apparently they had no difficulties running the resort while I was away.

I checked e-mails and answered a few. There are still no new inquiries for our fall quilt retreat. I am really getting worried that we will not have enough people for the retreat to be a success. So far there are only 4. The lady who talked me into having the retreat is still confident we will fill the spots. I sent her some fliers today for her to put into people's bags at her quilt store. Hopefully that will help. So far I have sent out fliers to every quilt store in southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois and western Wisconsin. Then I e-mailed quilt guilds that I found on-line. I contacted two local quilt shops personally. I put our retreat on-line on a free activity page for the northwoods. I have done everything but advertise in the paper. I will check on that soon.

We had some customers arrive again today to rent our boats to go fishing. One of their sons caught their first legal musky - 38 inches long. He was very excited I guess. Hopefully I will get a picture from them so I can post it.

The loons were out on the lake squawking today again. I saw one flapping its wings. They sound so amazing but weird. I can't help but think their sound is sort of prehistoric. I love the way they communicate with their wide range of tones and sounds.

Tonight I went to a writer's group. I really enjoyed it and hopefully I will be able to continue to go. Group participation is the most important thing with new groups, and already 2 ladies didn't show up since the first meeting. But we did have a new writer so that's good. It was fun.

When I got back, 2 customers/kids came out to see why Buddy, our shepherd, was barking. They kids knew I was gone and they were concerned for our old dog. He was just barking to say he saw me. I thought it was very cute that the kids were worried about Buddy and that they ran out to see if he was okay. Sometimes the people at the resort become an extended family. Everyone watches out for each other and helps each other. I love that when that happens. The fact that people still reach out to each other in times of need, reaffirms my hope that inside we all really do care about each other.