There’s never a dull moment here at The Baer House Inn. Guests come and guests go, some quietly, some with gusto. On several occasions in the past I’ve posted about odd behavior from guests, but just about the time I think I’ve seen it all, something new comes along that makes me scratch my head and say, “Nope, I guess I haven’t seen it all.” Here are some examples of recent unusual happenings here at the inn.
About a week or so ago I had 2 couples check in at the same time. They were friends who often vacationed together. I took them to their rooms then proceeded to go about my business. An hour or so later I saw them again downstairs and I asked them if everything was okay in their rooms or if there was anything they needed. One lady said that she needed an extra set of towels but she’d just taken them from one of the other rooms. Um . . . what now?
I’m not sure why she didn’t ask me for extra towels upon check in, but she didn’t. She just helped herself. However, in doing so she shorted the other room 1 set of towels. Why? Why did she do that? At least I found out BEFORE the guests in the other room checked in so I could rectify the situation, but good grief, don’t just wander around all willy nilly taking things from other rooms. That’s just . . . well . . . wrong. Don’t do that people. Don’t be THAT lady.
Another couple was staying with us for 3 nights. On the third night they went out to their car and started unpacking camping gear. They proceeded to set up a cookstove right there in the parking lot. That’s right, they were tailgating . . . out of a rented sedan . . . in the parking lot of my inn. They cooked some shrimp and vegetables, sat on a couple of chairs we have in our pergola and ate their dinner while other guests were coming and going. Very odd. Not sure what the other guests thought, but it was definitely a first for The Baer House.
And one morning I had a guy get quite upset at breakfast because I didn’t offer him a Diet Coke. That’s the God’s honest truth. I offered orange juice, which is all I ever offer. Coffee and tea are available every morning, as is water. I have milk if someone wants it, but I don’t offer it. Even if I had Diet Coke on hand, I would NEVER offer it for breakfast. In my opinion, soda is not a breakfast beverage. Hey, my inn, my rules. Anyway, I guess this guest thought I was a restaurant with a hidden soda fountain somewhere on the property. Here’s a tip, if you require a specific beverage and you can’t LIVE without it, bring it yourself.
And then there was . . . piano lady. Now, piano lady was traveling with a group of women who were touring the Natchez Trace on bicycles. They were part of a tour and most of the ladies knew each other and had traveled together from the West Coast. We had about 8 women who stayed for a couple of nights. On the second night of their stay, they all congregated in the ballroom after dinner to relax and visit. Around 9:30 some of them started trickling upstairs to bed. (Yes, you can trickle up.) By 10:00 all but one had retired for the evening. Everyone had gone to bed except . . . piano lady.
Now, piano lady was quite proficient on the piano, however, her timing sucked. She decided, around 10:15 or so, that she was going to play the piano. Really? You choose now to play? Now, after everyone in the house has gone to bed and I’ve turned out most of the lights? By 10:45, I’d finally had enough and I went back out to the ballroom and asked her if she would please stop playing. She said, “Oh, is it too loud?” Um . . . well, yeah you dingbat, it’s too loud. 9 other people have gone to bed and are trying to sleep right now. There really is no way to play a real piano quietly enough that no one will hear you. For crying out lady, what are you thinking?
So there you have it folks, my most recent experiences from out of the ordinary guests. Innkeeping is nothing if not interesting that’s for sure. You definitely meet some unusual characters.
How about you guys, are you going to die without your breakfast soda? Would you take another set of towels from room other than yours? Is it crazy to think that playing the piano after all of your friends have gone to bed is a bit much? Or am I just a Grumpy Gus innkeeper?
Word of the day: Lysis
Fun fact about me: I’ve never liked Diet Coke. I like the real stuff.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, November 2018. Photos courtesy Google Images and Pexels.
On Common Ground is now available in fine retailers everywhere:
jansenschmidt 
I think of people like this as quasi-sociopaths. They’re not dangerous, but other than that, they think the world revolves around them. This country is full of them.
I think you need to add to your application form, “sociopaths need not apply!” He, he.
Let me express it in limerick form:
There once was a lady named Jan
Whom a beautiful guesthouse, ran
But some of the guests
Turned out to be pests
So she handles them best as she can.
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Ha ha ha ha ha, I love it Al. Your limerick is great! Some people just don’t seem to have a brain in their heads. It does make for good blog fodder though.
Thanks for stopping by and making me smile on this dreary Monday morning. Have a great week.
Patricia
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You’d never have to worry about my ordering any kind of carbonated drink at any time of day. I can’t stand them. Nor have I any interest in grilling shrimp in your front yard. Rude!
My wife and I almost always use more towels/washcloths than motels stock, but it wouldn’t have occurred to me to go rob another room. Of course, you’d need a key to get into another motel room. Maybe you need locked doors.
As for playing the piano at that hour of the night – her mother must not have been very good at raising children. I can’t imagine doing that.
You can tell we’re a nation of idiots when one party increases its seats in one house of Congress while the other party increases its seat in the other house.
I think P T Barnum said you can never underestimate the stupidity of the American public.
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Oh David, I can’t tell you how many times I have to bite my tongue because people tell me they’ve done something stupid. I only hope my facial expressions don’t give away what I’m really thinking on the inside. Sometimes it is so hard not to just say, “Are you an idiot?”
And I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks soda pop for breakfast is outrageous. I know there are quite a few folks who drink soda all day long, but don’t get upset when it’s not offered because it’s not something the average person would drink for breakfast. Sheesh.
As always, thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a lovely week.
Patricia
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LOL, definitely some weird ones! I guess Diet Coke is like coffee to some folks, but it’s not my thing, especially for breakfast. And I’m totally with you on that – if I’m going to drink something as bad for me as soda pop, I want all the sugar along with it!
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Now Jennette, if I know you’re coming to visit I’ll definitely make sure I have some Mountain Dew on hand, but I probably won’t offer it at breakfast.
When I was a kid I used to drink soda in the morning, but I had to buy it myself. My mother didn’t keep soft drinks in the house. As soon as I got my driver’s license I would stop at McDonald’s for a soda on my way to school. But, I also don’t drink coffee so I guess it was the caffeine that I needed.
Anyway, people are strange that’s for sure. Have a great week my friend.
Patricia
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Keep sharing these crazy stories, Patricia! You never know, one may end up in a book of mine … with your permission, of course! As promised, questions are coming this weekend for an interview with you on my blog. 🙂
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Fantastic Patricia. And, you’ll have to beat me to the crazy stories because – believe me – some of these oddballs are going to end up in my books as well.
I look forward to getting the interview questions. I’m honored to be a guest on your amazing blog.
Have a great rest of the weekend.
Patricia
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