First of all I want to send a HUGE thank you to Anne who posted a comment on my last post. I was definitely feeling overwhelmed as hostess to all of these wonderful families. I was so afraid of feeling lonely and isolated up here that I have a constant stream of people in and out of the cottage. Don’t get me wrong, it has been very fun but exhausting. On top of taking care of the kids and doing all of the cleaning, I felt like I was running a B&B! Although my friends offered to help, I had no plan so simply told them not to worry. I was SO tired! That is until I read Anne’s comment.
Now, I have a a white board with everyone’s name and jobs for the day. As Anne suggested, I mixed up the family groups to avoid conflict and mixed up the age groups so everyone participates. Before our new friends arrive I clean off the board and add the new names. It has been working like a charm and definitely making me more fun to be around!
Last night I scheduled myself so that I was free after 4pm. I wasn’t on food prep or dish duty. I spent my evening on the dock with a few friends enjoying the evening. After the babes were in bed we decided to give the Baileys Shiver a try after reading about it on the site. There were a few failed attempts (hint: grind the ice really well, like a slurpy) but we quickly perfected it. Ahhh yummy and…nice and cool.
My next challenge is going a whole 2 days with NO guests. The strangest thing is that I am looking forward to a break but…don’t laugh…I am petrified about being alone here at night! Any advice on talking yourself out of paranoia? Let me know.
Emily is an urban mom to a 10 month old daughter and 3 year old son. She’ll continue to Keep It Cool throughout the summer so check back soon and please share your comments below!
I LOVE being alone at the cottage.
Truth is though…I’m not alone.
I have a buddy…Ellie a 56 pound Airedale Terrier.
I grew up in the country so the quite and the animal noises are a comfort. I prefer them to the constent drone of the city.
Ellie is a great Alarm system and she never gets to sleep on the bed except when we are alone at the cottage. Nice to have a warm body to snuggle up to.
Good luck with the white board glad to help!
Hi Emily:
I know what you mean about being afraid when you’re alone at the cottage. As Sandra said; just do the rounds before bed to make sure everything’s locked. It’ll give you peace of mind 🙂 I also like to play music or have the TV – it kind of feels like company 🙂
Hey, Emily. I spent a week at my cottage with only my 2 year old. The days were blissful…the afternoon naps were the best! However, the nights were hard. So many strange noises. What realyy helped me was that I ended up bringing my son into bed with me. I know it sounds strange but I felt better having him next to me.
Also, I spent about 10 minutes every night checking to make sure everything was locked.
Try to enjoy it because before long chaos will reign once more!