So, Bryce has been taking Oliver fishing. It's been great. On his first try, he caught a 12" bass. This past week, they took the "boat" (I use the term loosly) out on the pond. We were sure it would sink, as it already held water. But it stayed true.
This is Oliver, showing his faith in the vessel he was about to board.
Note, how close the boat is to the water....
Oliver was asking Bryce how to spell something. What I love about him is that he will argue with you on how to spell. He is so strong-minded.
However, we did try to stay at a dive Motel right on the river, called Valley Court Riverside Motel. It turned out to be one of the WORST service experiences I have ever had. I was so shaken. We were pricing out these Motels, because there are a many along the river and came back to one that seemed to be the cheapest. Shirley, the hotel owner, showed me some rooms by the river when I went in alone to ask for pricing.
When we returned, I brought the boys in. She was amicable and friendly. However, when she gave us the key to the room, it was not by the river and had no outside seating as she had indicated before. I was just going to let it go, but she came to knock on the door to make sure we had fresh towels and toilet paper. When she came in, we were unloading and I asked her if we could get a room with a porch facing the river. She said that there were no double rooms in that area. I asked her if we could just get a King sized room if they are by the river, as we only needed one bed. She got a little weird and said, no, "you all can't stay over there". Persisting further, I asked if thosse rooms were available. She said "No, we can't have children over there...It's just for adults. Imagine if you were here for a quiet weekend and all you heard were kids" as she pointed to my boys.
Bear in mind, while she is talking, Oliver and Oskar are exploring the room. Getting up on a chair. Pulling opening the fridge. Exploring.
I said, "Well, we were really counting on some outside seating, because it's the only place we can sit and relax after they go to sleep.". She said, "well, you could go somewhere else". I jumped on that and said, "You know, I think we may need to if we can't be moved into one of your other rooms...I'm not sure." Bryce was weighing in as well and voicing that he didn't really want to move, since we've begun to unpack. She then got kind of belligerent and said to Oliver "Don't swing on that door" She was referring to the refrigerator door, which he was opening and closing..but not harshly and had only done it twice....nor is it her place to correct my children. She saw my reaction to her saying this and said, "Yes, maybe you SHOULD go somewhere else". I said "I agree, We'll pack up and I'll bring my card to your office for a refund". "Oh, that's right, you paid with a card." she said. I guess that meant somethign to her. She hemmed and hawed as we begun to get our things. Then she said, "well, now you've laid on teh bed adn been everywhere, this place has to be cleaned". All that had happened is Bryce had sad on the bed against the pillows. I know that these outer pieces do not get launderred everytime, so I know this was not an issue. I said "if you need me to leave you some cash for the cleaning, I'm happy to, but we are not staying here". Then she left.
We got our things. I was fuming. I can't really capture how she was looking at our boys with such disdain as she was in the room. I know...I'm a mama bear and all...but I have NEVER felt that unwelcome before. Bryce got the boys loaded in the truck and I went in with my card. I was polite and waited while she figured out how to use a credit card machine and issue my refund. As soon as she was done....i was done holding it in.
I calmly said...(go ahead and get ready to judge me here...I got a little belittling and mean): "Mam, I have worked in the hospitality industry for 11 years and helped run a hotel in Utah called Sundance Resort....you can look it up...and I'm here to tell you that you don't belong in this business. I have never been made to feel so unwelcome in my life and the way that you spoke to and treated my children and family was horrible and discriminatory." She listened and said "I'm sorry you feel that way, but those boys looked like they were going to tear that place apart". I almost jumped over the counter. I just said "I will make sure that this experience is recorded. I am a travel blogger and will also be on Trip Advisor the first chance I get" (the travel blogger part is a lie...but I couldn't resist). To which she replied, condescendingly "I'm sure you will". And I left her with "Just you wait, I promise, it's gonna sting"
Anyway....here are my criminals, at the cabin that DID welcome us:
Okay, this one is SAD. Oskar got all bit up by fire ants in our yard. It was so sad. I was inside and heard him crying a bit and realized, he was just standing on the hill, not knowing what to do....
1 comment:
Susan, GOOD FOR YOU!! That woman just sounds like one of those sad, mean souls who are nasty. I was cheering you on the whole time I was reading your post!
Now that you're so close to PA, maybe we can come visit you sometime! I've wanted Cora to meet your boys so badly! -Emily
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