The island

[lighter]

Realtor is waiting for paperwork from me. He'll take his boat to the island, maybe on the 14th and check the cottage out.

I have 7 renters lined up...... back to back.  With the weather, I wonder how this will work out, but I'm not worrying about it.

I've been trying to pay the water and phone bill for 2 weeks.  Nothin is easy on the island.

Lighter

[lighter]

Current guests having a reportedly good time.
I feel....out of control.  I want more control.

Lighter

[lighter]

The last 4 guests have had same day check in check outs....that gives amazing housekeeper only 4 hours to pull off housekeeping....with all that sand and wash and beds to make.  Only one bathroom to clean.  She keeps pulling it off, this time adding a fridge stocking service for family with young children.  Man, that would have been amazing when I was traveling there with little ones.

Very tired.  The guests leaving didn't return the key.  I suspect "caretaker" asked for it, bc he wants things to go back to him loving in the cottage with his sister acting as his maid.  Ummm..
.no.

Only 1 of the 3 bikes in working order ...grrr.

Going 2 p.

Lighter

[lighter]

Key missing.  Guests say they left it on counter.  I think "caretaker" took it.

Here we go.

Lighter

[Twoapenny]

Oh Lighter.  I hope you can get that sorted.  Key safe?  I know air bnbs use them here - little box by the door that you open with a pin number, which you get when you book up.  Would that keep the caretaker's mitts off it? I hope you can get something sorted out.  Another stress you don't need xx

[lighter]

Not sorted.  Yet.

[lighter]

I've been so very careful with the island keys.
So careful.
So much work color coding, making copies, taking pictures to document old and new locks.

This is the first cottage key I can't put my hands on.

An entire set, one of only 3, was stolen in Miami, but mailed back, whew.

So just this one key. And it's not just a key.  The person who booked the property paid a $50.00 lost key fee that's supposed to discourage loss.

It's the door opening up to plausible deniability creating this tightness in my chest.  The finger pointing possibilities weren't there before.

I trust the housekeeper completely.  Never a bobble from her.  I make sure she's taken care of. 

So.....nothing left but acceptance and an improved check in method.

Lighter





 

[lighter]

I'm on top of key return now.

I'll eventually replace entry lock with a lock with code.

Renters all seem happy.

Housekeeper doing stellar job.  Guests finding their way without problems....even at night, in the rain. 

It's rainy season....weather reports are always wet.  I worry, but the sun and clouds always take turns ime.  I can't control the weather, in any case.

Lighter

[Twoapenny]

I'm glad you got it all sorted out, Lighter.  Very difficult when you aren't actually there to sort things (especially as 'island time' seems to be different!).  I'm glad you found a way to make it easier next time xx

[lighter]

Guest checking out this morning was perfect guest.  Left big tip for amazing housekeeper.  Cottage very tidy and clean.  Key on counter, with text showing where.

One problem...a new roof leak.  And maybe a hurricane.

Lighter

[lighter]

The last guest rescheduled for September.

Tomorrow's guest is on schedule to arrive by plane.

I have 4 good reviews.  The guy I gave a free night, bc of water on the runway, to gave me 4 stars.  Hmmmm, no good deed. 

There's a new leak in the roof.  It's the wet season.  My go-to-guy, who fixes things, is off island till Sunday.  I try remaining calm.  I think about replacing my "caretaker" who struggles to keep the bikes greased and in any state if repair.  At least he seems to be on top of yard work....finally.  I'll take the win and choose gratitude.

:: Breathing deeply::.

I want to go in the winter....bring solar tiki torches.  New bedding.  More towels.  Better tv....the one I bought at the little cinder block grocery store has speakers not up to the challenge of crashing waves.

Roof and seawall....replacing rafters....next hills to climbed.

Lighter

[lighter]

The cottage has 5 really good, informative reviews now....soon to be 6, likely as current guest gives happy updates.

Lighter

[Twoapenny]

That's great news, Lighter.  I hope the roof leak is easy enough to sort out xx

[lighter]

Will see about the leak soon enough.  My brother going to the cottage this week. 

The one renter this month cancelled, then another booked.  It's very up and down.  I'm trying to stay level and not get tossed around emotionally over it.

Lighter

[lighter]

I notice I feel less at the mercy of the island, the customs agents, the termites, the waves the weather, etc.

My window of tolerance has widened.

Lighter