So who was your BEST guest?

[Chrissie]

After the discussions in "Guest Repellent", surely we have all had a few good guests/friends stay with us?  Who was yours?  (I exclude Val2's ma-in-law as we are all jealous already.)

I had a friend come for 2 weeks a few years ago.  Her husband lazed around and didn't do much, but she, apparently accustomed to getting up about 6am every day, ritually and silently, boiled the kettle, emptied the dishwasher, fed the cat, opened the doors and terrace shutters, and cleaned out the fireplace, before settling down with a good book and a cup of tea to await the rest of us.  She can come back any time!

Chrissie (81)

[Tresco]

You are right of course Chrissie.

We had loads of wonderful guests last year, and only one who really, really took advantage. My son was also a bit tricky. He really had not 'got' just how deep the countryside is here, but he got over it and is looking forward to coming again.

Both mothers were ace in different ways, and various other friends and family, well, we had a ball with everyone really.

For me the key is to pace myself as far as guests are concerned. If someone is here for a week or so, I certainly need three or four days to recover and gear up for the next set.

tresco (Charente Maritime, 17)

EDIT/ forgot to say, if there has to be a rating, the best from outside France were joint first, our dear friend Kevin, who shopped and shopped, then cooked and cooked and cooked, all with MOH. If the 'boys' are happy, generally I am too, especially with the amazing food and conversation.

Also, my wonderful sister, my niece, and two great-nephews. We played and played, while the mum and grandmother rested. It was wonderful. When these visitors left, we were sorry to see tham go.

[Val_2]

Chrissie, my mother in law died long before we bought our house in France. I think you have mistaken me for someone else.

[Chrissie]

Apologies Val2 - it ws LesBatees who had the brilliant ma-in-law.  (The message was signed "Val" and as usual the leetle grey cells short-circuited!)

Chrissie (81)

[Lesbatees]

Hiya Chrissie,

Yes, it was me with brilliant ma-in-law. I use Lesbatees as there are a couple of Vals already, and I didn't want to cause confusion - although I seem to have done so anyway!

If I have to exclude ma-in-law because I've mentioned her already, I'll have to nominate pa-in-law instead. He came here last spring and wallpapered four rooms in ten days - at the age of 76. Then he trimmed the hedge and mulched up all the cuttings in his "spare time". They're both brilliant.

Val

[Patf]

I think our best guest was a man-friend that our unmarried daughter brought over last summer. He was so easy to please foodwise and helped with chores outside including cutting the long grass in the field. And he obviously doted on our daughter. They are still friends but nothing more in spite of my advice " any port in a storm" - a bit unkind I suppose. She replies " who says there's a storm?" I hope she brings him again. Pat.

[Richard-R]

The one that fails to arrive, or the one loaded up with goodies.