With our wedding chapels, rivers and glorious hill country views, folks are flocking in for a visit.  Yes, living in God's country means being a favorite destination for friends and niňitos, and I love it. However, with busy schedules all around, planning ahead for a good time to visit can be challenging.  And as much as we may revere old fashioned hosting ways, and enjoy romping around this blessed countryside, the prospect of inserting 2-3 days of entertaining into the calendar can be overwhelming.  From their perspective, friends and kids often find a few days open, but hate to "impose on short notice".   Ah, a dilemma!  Perhaps it is time to move away from the traditional vision of what having house guests means.  Rather than looking at the prospect of guests from an antiquated perspective- which means that we should clear our schedules completely in order to spend every minute entertaining and squiring our guests- why not adopt a more user friendly attitude?  Why not put everyone at ease?  Think about your own comfort zone, and plan accordingly. 

Rather than miss a chance to visit, I have issued a standing invitation to my own crew. All they have to do is call, and if I have a free bed, it is theirs.  If this sounds like a bed and breakfast, it sort of is. It works very well for me, and sets the tone for the visit itself, saying- relax, take it easy, and welcome to a self-serve little piece of heaven. If this approach sounds appealing to you, then as the scouts say- be prepared: 

• Stock as many staples as you can, including bottled water, and other beverages.  We have an extra fridge in the garage for this purpose.
• Freeze caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees and some great bread or rolls, just in case as breakfast is likely to be your first meal together.
• Keep guest rooms, baths and daybeds ready, with clean sheets towels soap etc. Doing this just after the space is vacated works best for me.
• Make time for the Grocery or farmers' market right before arrival.
• Keep directions handy to restaurants, shopping destinations, golf courses and scenic hill country venues.  Send them off on a fun adventure- they will have many tales to tell over dinner.

And last but not least, be sure to keep a table on the porch clear of debris and ready for company.  Relax, and enjoy your visit!

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