FEBRUARY SPECIAL
love is in the air ~ february is for lovers. sneak away to our cozy hotel, enjoy our beautiful island and each other. get 20% off any room if you stay 2 nights or more.
(2 night minimum, not valid with any other specials, use password LOVE, subject to availability, offer ends 02/29/2012).
want a little more? ~ book a body or face treatment at the spa at earthbox, our sister property, (55min or longer) and get a 30% discount on your room.
(2 night minimum, not valid with any other specials, room and spa treatment must be booked over the phone at the same time, subject to availability, offer ends 02/29/2012)
RECYCLING
Here is what I found out, RE recycling:
batteries – ACE hardware
light bulbs – OPALCO
bigger batteries – contact manufacturer and inquire about their recycling program.
So please make sure to never throw batteries or light bulbs in the trash. The squiggly light bulbs have mercury in them and our soil & water don’t need that. Put them aside for Seth to collect. The batteries just run down to Ace real quick. It’s not easy being green, but we do it anyways!
PARKING
I contacted the owners of the parking lot across from our hotel. They had a spot available, but their insurance doesn’t allow transient parking (i.e. guests). So we won’t rent a parking spot from them. Back to 2 hour parking around the hotel, 8 hour parking up by the courthouse and free off street parking at EB.
NEW SPECIAL NEW SPECIAL
Stay one night in December and save 20% by entering the password: dazzle20. Staying 2 nights or more, save 30% by entering the password: dazzle30. Or call 1-800-352-2632 and mention this offer when booking your stay.
Valid December 2 through December 31, 2011. Not valid with any other special.
Remember: when a guest doesn’t know about the special by all means promote it, but choose the regular rate when making the booking and manually adjust the price.
Let’s get some folks staying with us. Happy room selling!
FOOD ORDER
Tory, will you order food for next Wednesday delivery after 1PM, please? List is on fridge.
OPENING HOTEL AFTER IT WAS CLOSED
If you are the hotel opener, please print out the “Open hotel after weekly closure” check list from the desktop and make sure you do all what’s on there, like a walk through, open all doors, turn lights on, turn heat up if it was turned down (which it shouldn’t but then there it is, every week). Thank you!
FYI, the WSF will be running an extra trip from Anacortes to Friday Harbor on Wednesday, November 23 at 1:30 p.m. in order to move traffic earlier and reduce backups – if needed.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
I changed the front desk clock already. Please ask housekeeping to move all room clocks one hour back tomorrow. Darkness here we come! Yeah!
CUISINE ART
Is broken. Seth will look at it on Monday. I’ll keep you posted. Until then, mix scone mix by hand (it’s not hard, I just did it). Thank God it’s not August!
FRUIT AND FOOD ORDER
All our fruit went bad during the week we were closed. Let’s not stock up on fruit this time of the year. Myah, will you order food for next Thursday (list on white board) and just a small amount of fruit, 2 breakfasts worth?
We got another excellent trip advisor. Thank you so much you guys, you are the very bestest!
Love,s
LOBBY SMOKE DETECTOR
Beeped and blinked at me all morning. Seth replaced it. The new one beeped once, no blinking. Keep an eye out. We don’t know what that is, means, wants. Tell Seth if it happens to you!
SCHEDULE
Again, please check it again, final version, we promise!
POWDERED CREAMER
We get those from Sysco (Brad: 317-6300) or FSA (Neil: 317-6446). Go with Sysco whenever you can.
INNLINK RESERVATIONS
Whenever you process an Innlink reservation (those with confirmation numbers starting with F), please select “Innlink” as the source code. It is super important to us to know where our bookings come from, so we know where to spend our ad bucks!
Please check the schedule that is posted, there have been some changes to it.. Thank you everyone for your patience..
(I will have the BR revised copy down in the afternoon on Wednesday)
STAFF MEETING
Yeah! We will have an all front desk staff meeting on Monday 10/24 at noon at Earthbox. Please all come to discuss how this season went for us, what will happen next and how we can make things good. See you then!
FABULOUS FALL ~ NEW SPECIAL
Join us in November to experience our favorite season in the San Juans. Have the beaches to yourself, get a massage at Lavendera Day Spa or enjoy the island ‘s harvest in one of the lovely restaurants serving local and organic food.
Book a Friday night and get Saturday night half off on any of our rooms. Valid November 1 through November 30, 2011. Not valid with any other special.
If you take a phone reservation and the guest didn’t know about the special, you may still sell it, but please use the regular room rate and adjust to the special price, rather than booking the special. This way LL (lovely Laura) can tell if our marketing works or not. Any questions? Ask the Boss ladies!
cory came in from vanderyacht propane to check on the gas fireplace in the bainbridge. the alarm went off earlier this a.m. he said there was nothing to worry about according to his equipment and that we probably need to purchase a new sensor. they tend to get fussy as they age.
BR CLOSURE
We have no bookings next Monday through Thursday. We decided to close the big white lady after breakfast on Monday 10/10 and re-open on Friday 10/14. Please go over the “closing the hotel midweek” procedures (all on desk top, plus the door signs).
Pleased order food on Monday and have To deliver on Friday after 9AM.
And don’t forget to send all inquiring guests up to EB!
Ach, off season, there you are, so fast!
Love you!
If a lady named Jamie from a company called Archstone calls here is some info you need to know. She is looking to book out the hotel for a company retreat in December. It would be an early weekday stay so we would probably open the hotel just for them. Cindy has also authorized a 10% discount for her group. If I or Cindy are available, please direct her to us. If not, all you need to do is release the rooms on the given day(s) and book the rooms as a group. If you do not feel comfortable with this, just get all the contact information you can, find out how they prefer to pay, (pre-pay on CC will require a CC auth form, CC at check-in, Checks are acceptable but receiving them prior to arrival to give clearance time is preferable.) Then write all that info down and get it to one of us. Thank you!!!
We are out of Sucia keys. Where do we keep the originals so that copies can be made? I had to secretly give a guest checking in one of the spare master keys. Help!!
Just FYI on the missing Expedia reservations. This is a problem I have run into several times before at EB and a couple times here. WHat happens is that the information is sent from Expedia/Hotels.com/etc to Innlink’s system and then gets hung up in transit between Innlink and Webrez. Innlink says it usually happens due to a “timed out connection.” They say that if we have our property information and password we can log into our page on their website and check all incoming reservations. If one is on their site but not on ours we have a button to have them “resend” the information. That usually kicks it over. According to the person I talked to at Innlink, the bosses should have that info.
We do NOT accept 3rd party gift cards or gift certificates. The only gift certificates we accept are our own.
INNLINK RESERVATIONS WITH DECLINED CREDIT CARD
If we get an innlink reservation and the guest’s credit is declined, please call innlink at 800-525-5864 and ask which travel agent made the reservation, then call the travel agent and ask them to get a hold of the guest with a working cc number.
Just got a call from Myah she thanks everyone for their healing thoughts for Lloyd He is doing well and she is by his side day & Night. They will be home in a few days.
SCHEDULE
The new schedule is up and it’s all over the place for every single one of us, so please look closely, don’t assume things, go with the flow and have fun!
ok once it was me and the second time it was just some sort of miscommunication. but in the last week we have taken cash and charged the card on file on two seperate res. the hotel has had to pay the overdraft charges and the big girls are not happy!
Probably me huh Morgan? So sorry, really. You are so good at fixing these blunders, but I will try harder to catch stuff like this. You are so great to work with, always going above and beyond the call of duty. xoxoxox
Mysterious water leak. There appears to be water flowing out of the floor beneath the Speiden bathroom. It is visible when you go out the back door and head towards Seth’s apartment. He happened to stop by and through listening to it we figure there is a pipe loose in the jet portion of the tub causing water to flow out while it’s running. Unfortunately due to upcoming reservations he can not get in there until Tuesday. If an opportunity arises to block it out sooner please do so and inform Seth. Thank you!
Folks, I kid you not, every week I come down here I am constantly having to deal with rooms that should have been canceled and weren’t. Either it’s a no show who I end up calling or a guest who checks in with two reservations on the books. Several times it has been rooms that were booked a year ago by mistake, guest showed up, we made them a new reservation, then the mistake one was never canceled. Please please PLEASE follow through on a room cancellation. I just had another one who said she spoke with a woman here several weeks ago to cancel the extra room. Now I only work one maybe two shifts a week down here, I can’t be the only one who gets these.
POWER OUTAGE
Opalco scheduled another of those planned power outages for Thursday, 9/15, from 11:00PM to 6:00AM. Please call all guests staying with us on that night (don’t forget stayovers) and give them the option to reschedule. Make sure we have plenty of flashlights and batteries. make a nice little sign for the front desk explaining the situation and put it up on Tuesday night.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you! Good luck!
WHAT’S GONNA HAPPEN NEXT?
We’ll talk to all of you individually, but I wanted to give you a heads up about our Winter scheduling plans:
EB will be open 9:00AM to 9:00PM starting in November & December. The hotel stays open in January (office hours (9:00AM to 5:00PM). Cindy and I will staff it in January.
BR will be open Fri & Sat November & December & some Holidays, closed in January.
This means all of you will go down to part time in November. Please let me know ASAP if you would rather not be on the schedule at all rather than being part time. Let me know your plans. Thank you so much for a terrific season. I love you all!
Okay. It’s time to have a serious talk here folks. We got another Trip Advisor review today. And… It ROCKED! Thanks so much for keeping it together for our guests all season long. You guys are truly amazing. I love you all. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
AND THIS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, CONCLUDES OUR SEASON!!!
Great job, everybody. You totally rocked this year. Thank you soooo much!
INNLINK
Now we will get innlink reservations again where the guest paid a travel agent directly and we charge the travel agent’s cc after the guest checks out.
Remember:
1) Check EVERY innlink reservation and see if the guest’s name is on the credit card or something completely different.
2) If guest’s name on cc: take 10%, charge guest upon check-in, the usual.
3) If name is completely different (like Orbitz for example), suppress pricing (that’s the most important thing!!!), write note in guest remarks like that:
Pricing suppressed, charge travel agent’s cc after guest checks out, put guest’s cc in remark section for incidentals.
4)Upon check in, put the guest cc in remark section, don’t erase travel agent’s cc. Double check pricing is suppressed.
5) Upon check out, charge travel agent’s cc.
Questions? Ask C, L or S.
INNLINK CANCELLATION
Guys, please remember that we CAN’T cancel INNLINK reservations. The guest needs to cancel directly with their travel agent. This is important because the travel agents will charge us commission if we don’t cancel with them. Thank you!
And thank goodness for the cool water in the garden hose! The patio planters are not getting watered for some reason even though they are on a timer, so they were looking a little droopy. Torey was here to help me water, which turned into a bit of a summer time water fun adventure between guest check ins. I love summer, and I love working here, we have the best crew.
People are so dang over the moon to be here, I tell them they add to the good vibeyness of the hotel, that it is a symbiotic relationship. Finally cooler now…almost time to close up for the day. Thank you Torey, for remembering how to play in the sprinkler!
I reorganized the tea drawers because they were getting a little crazy. Tea is now in the two drawers at the left end of the counter. Simply use the box in the front first then scoot things forward. Easy smeasy. Thanks!
KT
Hey, gotta make sure we check the expiration dates on the food here. I served bad half and half this morning at breakfast. yikes.
If we are really short on food, it would be awesome if the evening person could grab some breakfast stuff for the next morning. It’s kind of hard to get to the store at 7:30 am when we need to have breakfast out at 8:00am. Thanks so much.
KT
Hey-o!
- Tom will not be able to get us more yogurt until Saturday. Thankfully Kings had some on sale. I bought a bunch of assorted flavors and it should be enough to last until Saturday.
- Just for FYI sake, coffee filters are ordered from SJ Coffee. They service our coffee maker too.
- Also, just a reminder, if someone wants to change their room type make sure you recalculate the room rate when changing things in the system. If you are keeping the rate as a special for the guest please write a note about it in the res. That way we won’t be confused when we check someone in who has a superior room for the cost of a simple. kay?
Well the fire alarm went off today because a 2 year old pulled it in the Speiden Room. I followed the directions on the panel and tried to call the number on the wall for “false alarms” but I got a machine that said they were closed for the weekends. So I waited for the call from the fire department like the note says but I got no call. Instead I got a call from Khaili at Earthbox asking why the alarm was going off. The firetruck showed up and the firemen came in and couldn’t put the pullswitch back in place because they didn’t have a key…..so I called around until I got to Seth and he said that it might be in the safe with ALL the other keys. So the firemen and I played scavenger hunt with the keys trying to figure out which one worked. All the while, guests were asking what was wrong and one particular guest was upset and complaining….
We found the key and I think that it needs to go next to the alarm panel or I wish someone had told me where the “special key” was. I couldn’t find a procedure for the fire alarm in the manual and I wish that had been more organized and less embarrassing. I’m glad the summer is almost over.
Hey all, I spoke to Kevin over at San Juan Outfitters and they requested that we let guests know that for the Sunset Tour there is NO RETURN TRIP ON THE VAN. It is after-hours for them and there is no one left to drive the vans so they’ve been calling people taxis and paying for it. Thanks!
KT
What Caitlin says, yeah! Oh, you guys are doing a great job. Thank you so much.
FYI: if we need a little kitchen gadget for under $20, just run over to the Gourmet Galley and get it.
Thanks for all you hard work:)
Soooo I have taken it upon myself to print out some morning and evening checklists for us here! (I know, SO EXCITING!!!) I am constantly forgetting to do little things here and there around the place, and maybe I’m not the only one?? Hopefully these can help keep us as clean and on top of our game as humanly possible and we can finish off the summer with a big, organized BANG!
I know I’m only here a few times a week and some of you guys work your little tushies off, pour your hearts and souls into this place. I just wanna make sure it looks good and runs as smooth as possible. Let me know what you think!
Sincerely
Miss I need a box to check off every completed aspect of my life, Caitlin
Hey guys. I just got an e-mail from a Watson Blair who stayed with us on the 29th of July and they said they took on of our Bainbridge keys so they have mailed it back to us – woohoo!
The little scooper that we use to make butters and cookies has broken. We have ordered a new on but it may not be here until the end of the week. Until then just cut up the butter into nice cubes or triangles or equilateral octagons, whatever you think looks nice. As for the cookies. I made a huge batch and put it in a sealed container in the fridge. It’s on the lowest shelf. You will just have to spoon out dough as you need it. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Hey everyone, this post is for Earthbox (the Earthbox blog site has been deleted and just goes straight to the Welcome page) Anyways, I am suggesting that we get a couple of kiddie bikes out here because we have had a zillion guests ask if we do and then when we say no, the family gets sad, and its heart breaking to see the face on the kids. Anyways, just a suggestion, let me know what you think!
Have a wonderful day people! Smiley smiley smiley!
We are out of ink for the dell printer. I have called all over to see if I can find some, to no avail. If anyone knows someone with an extra cartridge, we need to borrow it asap!!
Hi there,
The pricing in the computer for when guest want to add a kayak or a whale watch trip, is priced for San Juan Island Outfitters and San Juan Safaris. Make sure that you use them for those specific reservations and again they are our 1st tear of booking company’s for those adventures..
Thanks,
Cindy
I thought about that often or a bird bath. We’ll have to maintain it, though. Laura, can we have a bird feeder or a bird bath? We promise we’ll take care of it!
Hey I was just thinking, could we possibly get some humming bird feeders, a bird bath, and a bird feeder for the courtyard here at BR? I think it would be totally adorable and appropriate. I LOVE birds!
we have a custom made canvas cover for the bikes now that we put on at night and remove in the am. Bikes are now aimed with the bars out…and try and angle the bars the same way you wont believe how nice they look this way. And lets store the canvas nicely folded in the far left gardening closet.
HISTORY OF HOTEL
Katie, we have a laminated sheet of BR when it was the tourist hotel and first built in 1892 (I believe?). There is some history on there as well. It’s on the left of the computer in the inbox basket there. What questions were you unable to answer?
DISCOUNTS
Please please please no discounts this time of the year. Charge for every futon, every crib and most importantly for every extra person ($20 for everybody over 4). This is it, guys, we just have those 2 months. Let’s rock it!
EXCITING NEW THINGS:::
Roma Ogle is going to begin some Basic Boot Camp training classes in our conference room, If you are interested in starting the boot camp work out sessions, the following dates are mandatory to learn the beginning moves:
August 9, 2011 at 5:30pm and August 13, 2011 at 10:00am.. These classes will be held in the conference center at EB…
(I think you are only asked to attend one to get the information, but you can attend both, Roma will bring me a flyer and I will post here at EB)
Once these classes get up and going, we will have a sign up sheet for guest that want to drop in to the ongoing classes..
BIKE COVERS
Everyone working the closing shift has to make sure to cover the bikes with our new fancy and spendy bike covers.. I would like the bike covers put on at night RAIN OR SHINE…these nice covers will keep our cute little bikes from getting so rusty so quick.
Opening shift may take the covers off in the morning, unless it is pouring down rain, then you may keep them on until the rain has subsided..Please store them in the bins that Seth has picked up.
Thanks ALL… I look forward to seeing you at Basic Training BOOT CAMP….:)
Oh….my….god…talk about breakfast rush. People ate like they were dying of starvation this morning. I had one person eat half the entire bowl of berries! Literally tilted the bowl and poured them out. O.o I think I made scones 4 times, NOT counting the two batches Morgan made me last night (which I highly appreciate!) I completely ran out of bowls and came very close to running out of coffee mugs. Phone was ringing off the hook and guests were asking me all sorts of questions on the history of the building and Friday Harbor I didn’t really know the answers to which REALLY disappointed them. Crazy morning but I think it’s over now. whew!
Katie,
Thank you for your post on the cancellation policy, I missed your blog and just saw it.. I really appreciate you blogging about it..
Myah~
I loved your blog, also a nice reminder that we should always be preparing things for the next shift, it is SO nice to come onto your shift and have things so organized, and YES Tory does just fluff the world around him.. Tory I need you at my house.
You are all awesome and we have a really COOL crew this year..
Thanks ALL…. <3
All vendors for kayaking and whale watching have a cancellation policy, IF you make a reservation and cancel it after the cancellation time (PLEASE SEE SPECIFICS BELOW) WE WILL BE CHARGED……
So make sure your guests know what the policy is before booking a trip for them..
Cancellation Policy:
1-4 People 48 hrs
5-9 People 14 days
10 or more, please inquire
If you cancel within the above times and do not charge the guest accordingly you may be responsible for the fee we are charged.
Please let me know if you have any questions..
Thanks,
Cindy
Ah summer! so many happy guests, full of compliments and ease. (I wish they would tell trip adviser like they say they are going to). Ah summer.
We are such a good and supportive team this season, all trying to out-pimp the next guy on shift with per made scone dough, eggs in the bowl, love notes, flowers…god, get a room! No, really it’s great!
I made cookies again, and I know you guys don’t think my cookies are very predictable, so I don’t know why you let the dough run out on my shift, sillies! I did pimp out all the containers, and filled them all up with sugar and flour, chips, and oats!
I love it when Tory comes in for a visit on my shift, because he is a tornado of fussiness, fluffing the flower arrangements, buffing surfaces, organizing, reorganizing and basically putting the world all right again! (((hug)))
I love the new special, mid week madness or something like that! This is such a great marketing strategy, because there is nothing a potential guest wants to hear other than, ” oh guess what? You are in luck, there is a special for your dates!” Oh the happiness exudes!
Good on ya!
The work that Seth and Dylan are doing around here really makes a huge difference. The Hotel is just shining in it’s new paint and refurbished railings and decking. A really proud, and regal building this oll Bird!
Just a quickie here.
The cancellation policy for San Juan Outfitters is:
less than 4 people = 48 hours
more than 4 people = 2 weeks
If the customer tries to cancel within those times, they still get charged for the tour. Which I’m sure means that we charge them (if they made the reservation through us) and then SJ Outfitters charges us. weeeeeee!
We have a few holes in our availability in the middle of the week in July, so I’ve posted a new very limited special. Check it out on our specials page, but here’s the nuts and bolts: It’s called a Midweek Getaway and we’re offering 10% off any available room Sunday through Thursday nights through July. People (including you) have to enter GETAWAY in the password/access code area to have it show up.
Just wanted to let everyone know I survived my first breakfast just fine!! Thank you soooo much Morgan for setting everything up for me so nicely! We almost ran out of fruit, but it was just enough!
Also Katie,
Dont take all the blame for the internet mishap,I also was telling people the wrong number (I was giving them the number on the sacio cards as well…) and it very well could have been my fault too!
I’m really really sorry about the internet lady. I accidentally gave her a Bird Rock Laura Saccio card which was in with the other Bird Rock cards. I circled the phone number and even said “with no dashes or 1″ but it was the Earthbox phone number instead. I just did it out of habit and didn’t fully read the number. Sorry you had to deal with that Tory. Is there more that I can do or something that I am totally missing? I’ve been trying really hard to get all the jobs done. I know I’ve been behind on wiping out the fridge and making cookie dough in the morning. I’ve been trying really hard to do lots of prep work for the morning person so it’s easier for them. If I’m slacking off somewhere PLEASE somebody tell me so I can fix it immediately. Sorry everyone.
DAILY CHECK LIST
Guys, even though you do rock, some things seem to fall through the cracks. I know it’s a lot once the season is on. Especially for our new Goddesses. So please use the daily check lists and make sure you don’t forget anything. Thank you!
Please Please Please when checking a guest in let them know that there is complimentary wireless available throughout the hotel and the right password- OUR local tele number right on the business cards without the one or the dashes. We had a lady staying here that was given the wrong password and she was warm. She has been trying for 2 days to do her work!
Whew, I’m glad the coffee maker is not broken. This weather is absolutely amazing! I’m loving it! Steffi, we are out of money down here so I borrowed $60.00 from Earthbox to buy breakfast stuff. Enjoy the sun everyone!
COFFEE MAKER KITCHEN
Steve from SJ Coffee came by to check on our coffee maker. It’s just fine. Maybe we still had some coffee in the pot and ran another batch or pushed the start button twice?
Myah, that is so sweet that you rescued the snails.. I did some saving myself the other day, we have a little water hole that was getting all dried up and all the tally pogs where turning into little frogs so I drug my long water hose across the way and filled back up their water hole.. there were very happy little creatures..
I swear I’m not TRYING to find things to complain about…but the coffee maker keeps overflowing all over the counter for some reason. I don’t know what’s wrong! I didn’t do anything different from what I normally do.
So…the internet is crazy slow and now the stereo speakers aren’t working. I don’t know what’s wrong. I’ve checked all the connections in the back and have turned it off and on. Also, may I please have a new key so I don’t have to keep climbing over the counter and breaking into the safe room every time I open? My key hasn’t worked since the day I got it. Thanks.
STATE PARK PASS
From now on when you park your car at a state park (lime kiln) you’ll need a pass, $10 per day, $30 per season. Passes are available at Ace and Kings. Please let our guests know.
It is me.. I am finally blogging at Bird Rock.. Sorry for the delay. You are all doing a super job down there.. Thank you for all your hard work.. Do you need anything? Have any suggestions? Please don’t hesitate to let me know..
Keep your beautiful smiles on
The CUTEST couple came in today from Texas. They are so active and inspiring! They ran Pear Point, then biked to the track for a post-dinner walk. They said that Austin is like the Seattle of Texas and that it’s the only “blue dot in a red state”. haha it’s always wonderful to meet really friendly people. That’s why I like this job; you get to meet interesting people from EVERYWHERE!
Just so we know in case a guest raves about the towels as well as the bedding, the art work, the lotion,shampoo, scones, mattresses, wall color, etc. let them the towels are by Coyuchi as well as the linens. Yummy! Remember to F3 to find any of this information. Later!
EYES & EARS
You guys, it looks so great in here. Thank you for keeping it together so well.
Will you please blog a little more? I’m only down here once a week now and I want my stories. Pretty please?
PHOTO CONTEST
We just sent out our newsletter and asked folks to send us their gorgeous pictures of our big white lady. When our guests send us such photos, please forward them to laura@earthboxmotel.com.
Thank you!
FLOWERS
In addition to getting flowers from Rolf on Thursdays (pick 2 or 3 bouquets, we have an account), we’ll also get 2 bouquets from Susan Wampler every Monday. We have an account. So just display and enjoy.
Everyone loves the hotel and hates the bed frames, maybe Seth could saw them down this winter?
EARPLUGS
A guest gave us a tip on really good ear plugs called Moldex. They don’t collapse.
NAPKINS
Raquel brought us some new colorful napkins for scones. ****PLEASE PLACE A PAPER NAPKIN UNDER SCONES BEFORE SERVING to save the oil stains on the fabric napkins. tanks
INNLINK SOME MORE
Innlink reservations where we don’t charge the guest but rather a travel agent credit card upon check out, we need to suppress the pricing on those. Very important!
Woooo!!! It sure was getting windy down here at B-Rock so I went ahead and closed the umbrellas so they wouldn’t break or fly away. No problem Khaili!
KT
One more thing:
The black ink is running low, but isn’t quite out. There are two black ink cartridges that Steffi brought down in the brochure drawer when it does run out. Thanks Steffi!
WHALE WATCHING DELIGHT! Read all about it on the specials page, but here’s the scoop: Guests who call and say WHALE or book online using that code and stay with us for at least two nights in June arriving on Sunday through Thursday nights will get one free whale watching trip. That’s only one person per reservation. If you have any questions, ask me or Steffi.
CHOCOLATES
From now on we don’t order chocolates from San Juan Florist or Robin’s Nest anymore. We order them directly from SJ Coffee Co 1-800-624-4119. Ask for the romance package chocolate assortment. They may be able to deliver sometimes, but mostly we will have to pick them up. They made us a nice packages which looks good and consists of high quality chocolates.
CAFE ZIA AT EARTHBOX
Will open on June 15 and will be open daily through Labor Day from 6:30AM to 11:30AM.
Stevie, Khaili and Tory: there is a training with Cafe Del Arte scheduled for you guys on Monday, June 13. We don’t have a time yet. Laura or Cindy will let you know when that is. Please come!
We think what we’ll do this season is have the coffee shop person check out beach cruisers during their open hours. So we’ll need beach Cruiser release forms, paper clips and a couple of folders out there, and the bike lock and helmets. And you’ll need to let the guests know that they can pick up their credit cards at the front desk after the coffee shop closes.
Sound good? Make it so!!!!
For us Bird Rockers: refer folks up here for cool smoothies and excellent coffee drinks. We’ll have snacks too.
SCHEDULE
Please email schedule requests to me or put them in my box. Thank you.
INN LINK
Grrrrr. So: if we get an innlink reservation, please check the guest name against the name on the credit card. If it’s the same, take 10% deposit and confirm reservation. charge guest’s card upon check in, just as always.
If the guest’s credit card doesn’t match the name on the reservation, check on the innlink website (see Laura’s blog below)if it’s a travelocity booking. They have this deal where they charge the guest, then play with their money until the reservation is, then we charge their (travelocity’s) credit card when the guest checks out.
For those:
confirm reservation without taking any money, write superbig “TRAVELOCITY” in the remark section of WRP. Then, when the guest checks in, take the guest’s cc number and put it in the remark section as well (not in the credit card section). DON’T erase the travelocity cc on file.
Charge travelocity cc upon guest check out.
We just need to make extra sure to NOT charge the guest cc, because they have paid already and that just wouldn’t be good.
Questions? Ask one of your lovely boss ladies.
Have a great week everybody. Thank you for all your hard work.
I love it when I come to work and everything is so so so sosososoososo set up! Morgan, thank you, you make me look so dang good!
MARATHON
We have runners here who will miss breaky, so I have left some goodies in the lobby fridge for them. Let them know it’s there, the fildalgo knows, but tell the marrowstone and patos.
DISH TOWELS
Raquel bought new ones, and boy are they nice and thirsty and clean. Yay and thank you Laura.
TV
Olga figured out that one of the receptacles in the marrowstone wasn’t working, so she used the one above and vwala…TV! Yay Olgee!
The kiwis are finally starting to ripen, so make sure to use them up while they are so delisiousioso.There are some in the fridge, which are still hard, but remember to fondle the ones in the bags, as they are ripening randomly.
If the other fruit appears to have hurt feelings from your kiwi fondling, please feel free to pat the grapes, or hug the melon as well.
Just another friendly reminder that we need to make sure we are charging for extra persons in rooms, especially down at Bird Rock. Children are anyone under 4 at BR, under 13 at EB. And remember it’s $20 per night for extra people at BR and $10 at EB. Also please be aware of what rooms you can let folks pack extra people in. Water Places are for 2 adults and *maybe* in a pinch, a small child. We also don’t usually allow roll-aways or futons in those rooms either. They are just too small. This goes for the Cypress, Matia, Patos, Shaw, Skipjack, & Succia as well. So always keep in mind room occupancy limits when booking folks. Always try to get the number of people that will be in the room before you quote them prices. Thank You!!!
Guys, I’m sick and will take tomorrow off. Thank you so much Tory and Myah for helping me out (0×0×0×0x0x). Please call me at home if you need help with anything.
What a great weekend, sunny, busy and we have such a great team. Yeah!!!!!
Best crew ever! ( except I miss Deb), but seriously, It feels really good around here. Top notch support and back-up. Thank you people.
INSTA-SCONES
When there is a huge crowd for breakfast, it is so helpful if we can get the scones out early. Tory and I did an experiment, which I think really was great. He made scone dough, the night before and placed a cookie sheet full of ready to pop in the oven, scones! They were perfect and the guests were very chilled. Thank you Tory!
INSTA-FRUIT
Morgan has been leaving pre-cut fruit on plates in the fridge too and that is really helpful on those busy weekend mornings too…Thank you Morgan!
I know we can’t always do this kind of exceptional back-up work, but it sure is great while it lasts!
I’ve now set it up so that you guys can take a look at the Innlink website and see the upcoming reservations. Sometimes you’ll be able to see which webiste (i.e. Travelocity, Orbitz, etc.) so that you can get some idea how to process it. Steffi or I will show you how to go online to check these and will get you a cheat sheet so that you will know how to process them. Stay tuned…
Today is my last day here at the hotel and I just wanted to say goodbye to you all. I just simply don’t have it in me to do another summer of opening one job at 8am and then closing another til 11pm. I’ve grown so fond of all of you here and will miss seeing you on a more regular basis, but you can count on me popping in now and again to say hello! Much love to you all!
BOOZE
San Juan Island Distillery (Westcott Bay cider) is having their grand opening next weekend. Us hotel folks are invited next Friday from 3:00PM to 5:00PM out on Westcott Bay. Who wants to go?
We got some rack cards for them, distillery and cidery tours every Saturday 3:00PM to 5:00PM. This is a cool tourist attraction. Make sure to include it in your island tour spiel.
Left a message with San Juan Roasting Co. for 2 bags of Reg. Went ahead and put the gift bag for the Fidalgo guests checking in Fri from the lavender gift shop.
Schedule:
Just letting everyone know to please check the newly revised schedule that will be posted tomorrow(fri)
Res #3207618:
Not sure what exactly happened but it is crucial especially here that we are positive on the room style that the guest is interested in and that there is no confusion.
Revised Guestbooks:
According to the log on the stereo in the back there are still 2 rooms left that need the revised guestbook info replaced I believe the Bainbridge and the Matia.
Myah’s Plantation:
Please Please Please if you have time take a moment and fill up a pitcher walk around the hotel and give them a drink if they need it. She worked really hard on them and they aren’t getting the attention they need.
So just got back from the Food Handlers Seminar and it wasn’t all that bad. Let’s all try and surprise Steffi and have our cards before she returns from her days off on Friday! Come on I think she might be tired of asking:0)
Well new inserts anyway. If you look on the backroom desk you will find a stack of insert pages and a list. I replaced the inserts in all of the non-occupied rooms today so all that’s left are the folks who are already in. Please try to replace the pages in the rooms I wasn’t able to get to. You will see on the list which ones remain. Thank you!
The NExes Lexes group are checking in Tuesday, but will be on the island early and want to have a meeting in the saltspring, so I closed that room so they can check in early Tuesday.
They will want to take breakfast into their room on Wednesday morning, so STEVIE, this is where you come in. There are 7 people in the group, so please make sure you make enough food for them to take in to their room PLUS enough for the regular guests. Maybe offer to help carry a tray down for them. Thanks Stevie.
What Tory said! Please. I calculated our cost for breakfast, it’s about $15 per person, so if you don’t charge the extra person charge we loose money. It’s o.k. to not charge for a kid every once in a while.
Also: don’t put too many folks in one room. It says on our rate sheet how many people each rooms sleeps. Please adhere to those numbers.
Please please mention to guest at time of booking that there is an additional charge for extra guests over 2 people staying in room of $20 per adult and children over four years old. Re: conf # 3182955 Thank You!
WOMAN WHO FELL OFF BIKE
She called today and wanted to profusely thank us, especially Myah, Myah in particular and Myah some more for being so sweet and helpful and wonderful. They had a splendid time and will definitely be back. Thank you, Myah Goddess for handling this so well. You rock!!!!!!!!!
FOOD HANDLER’S CARDS
Donde estas? Myah, I know you took the class. I think Tory did as well. I need those cards (or a copy of them) on the corkboard in the kitchen ASAP. If you haven’t taken the class yet, please do so in the next week. The health department is due for a visit and I’m kind of tired of begging you. So please!
HANDLING FOOD
One of the utterly fascinating things you learn at the class is that you aren’t allowed to store food on the floor. Needs to be six inches above floor. I put the box of apples on a milk crate. That should work.
THURSDAY 5/26 PLANNED POWER OUTAGE
Opalco is having a planned power outage on Thursday 5/26 from 11:45PM to 4:00AM. Morgan, will you please call the guests staying with us that night, explain the situation and offer to move their reservation?
If you make a reservation for anybody staying that night, please mention the power outage. Nobody should have any issue with that if they know up front and why.
Upside: Herb’s will be quiet, he, he.
Other than that, keep on rocking. You guys are doing a great job!
DUCK SOUP
Is now also on our voucher program, so for Romance package dining vouchers we can offer COHO, The Place and Duck Soup Inn.
ROOM SERVICE
We will not provide room service anymore. All references to it have been taken from the website and guest directories. For now if somebody inquires about it, please say we are phasing that out, but please accommodate the guest and do room service if they read it someplace before and had their heart set on it.
GUEST INJURY
If a guest gets injured on our property or on our bikes we NEED to have an incident report filled out by the guest.
Always be passionate, never admit to any fault on our part (as in:”Yeah, those stairs, we all trip over them all the time”), offer to call a doctor.
The incident reports are in the file cabinet in the back room. If you can’t find them, call up to EB and have one faxed to you.
And: never give out drugs. We are legally not allowed to dispense any drugs, not even Tylenol or Aspirin.
MELONS
We serve them without the rind, please!
I know it’s getting busy. Nothing we can’t handle. Just make sure you communicate well at shift change, write a little love note for the person after you, don’t forget to answer and file emails, blog (for example that bike incident, we need to blog about stuff like that, just say: read (confirmation number) in WRP), use your daily check list and call me if you have any questions. Party on!
HOT TUB
Do not give the temp knob to guests, adjust the temp and take the knob away.
DEAD BOLT
No need to use the dead bolt in the kitchen, in case we have to get in with our key. Thanks.
NIGHT MANAGER
Remember to tell gusts, especially on Wednesday nights about our night managers phone number in case of ruckus from the bar. It’s the last line on the invoice, highlight it for the guests.
I have uploaded another special into WRP. This requires a password for the guest to access (and remember if you are given the password, you can just enter it into the booking form and you should just see that price).
HARBORS: This entitles people who are members of the Harbors Travel Club to get 10% off, regular rate only, subject to availability, i.e. not on holidays, not combinable with other discounts or specials. They must show their Harbors Travel Club card on check in to get this rate.
THURSDAY 11:30 AM FIRE ALARM TESTING
Our annual fire alarm test is coming up. We have 2 stay-overs, Marrowstone & Saltspring. Please inform our guests upon check in on Wednesday that the fire alarm will go off on Thursday 11:30AM. Thank you!
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Please don’t sell any more Saturday night only stays for memorial day weekend. We instituted a 2 night minimum stay. Can’t put in in WRP today though, because WRP is down. Grrrrrrrr.
TWO NIGHT MINIMUM STAY
Just a reminder: in July and August we require a two night minimum stay on the weekends. On the day of, if you have a walk-in you may sell a room for just one night.
HAGGLING
You are not only allowed, but also encouraged to cut deals with people in order to get them to stay here, especially midweek or when we aren’t sold out, BUT be very careful how you present the price. ALWAYS start with our rack rate, then if you get resistance offer a 10% discount for example, BUT make sure you say something along the line of:” We don’t officially have a military discount, but if you make the reservation with me right now, I’ll give you a 10 % discount.” Then if the guest needs to discuss it with their travel partner and says he will call us back, please tell him your name, how long you will be there and when you will be back and that they should call YOU back. This way we can avoid scenes like: “That will be $227 per night.” “Well, the other girl told me it was $149.” And please remember: no discounts at BR in the summer (mid June to September). You may go down a little for a walk-in.
COFFEE MAKERS
We have new ones, yeahhhhhh!!!!! Just simple, sleek coffee makers. We will serve Tully’s coffee. The packages have the filter already around the coffee, so things will be easier and no more broken espresso machines, oh good!
FOOD ORDER
Whoever ordered food last week, did you order granola, raisin bran and cheerios? Are they maybe on back order? Please blog and let me know. Thank you!
We may want to order some food on Monday (yoghurt, toast) and then again on Wednesday (fruit, milk, other things).
POST SAN JUAN
Please drop off the coat in the back room at Post San Juan tomorrow. Form all filled out. Ready to go.
Thank you all for your hard work. Have a great week!
It’s been a busy day and tomorrow’s party should be a lot of FUN! Laura wants us to all where our blue work shirts and our black fleeces (whether we are working or not). See everyone tomorrow at 4pm.
BUTTER & JAM DISHES
Are on the way. Should be here Monday (Thank you, Laura:)
MARROWSTONE HOT TUB
Was 108 degrees, ouch. Guest couldn’t use it. I turned it down. Please check the temp before checking somebody in. Should be around 103. Please don’t ever turn it up all the way.
FAXES
Most faxes we get are spam, but I do get commission requests from travel agents through the fax (pegasus for example). Please don’t throw them out. Put them in the second drawer of the safe.
MYAH, TORY, STEVIE, KATHY, HALLEY, ANGELA, MORGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I need you to provide me with your food handler’s cards. Please hang them up by the white board within the next 2 weeks. Just go to the health department on a weekday between 9:00AM and 4:00PM and take the test on their computer. Takes about 45 min. We’ll pay for it. If I don’t have your cards by then, I will have to take you off the schedule:(
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Reconciled money today and have again $20 missing, just like last time. Please please please count till every day, initial receipts, make sure receipts go back in the till.
SHAW
Is doing it’s summer thing already. Guest left a day early, couldn’t stand the heat in the room. Anybody have any ideas how we could tackle this?
WHIDBEY
Looks like somebody checked a guest into the Whidbey and then upgraded the guest. That is wonderful, but the room was dirty, bathroom used, etc. If you change guest rooms after they checked in, please check the room, block out if necessary and leave a note for our wonderful housekeepers to tidy the room.
FOOD ORDER
Myah, you did such a great job ordering last week, just perfect, thank you. I sliced the last strawberry when the order came in. Wow.
Stevie, you will need to put in the next food order on Wednesday. Call Tom and read him the list on the white board and look through the fridge if we need anything else (check the dairy). Call me at home if you have any questions.
COOKIES
Whoever made the last batch: they are EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you.
EGGS
We got 6 doz duck eggs from Chris. A real treat. When we serve them, make sure to tell our guests that they are eating local duck eggs, yummy!
INNLINK PHONE #
800-525-5864
TRAVELNOW #
800-568-1972, just so we have them.
Thank you all for your hard work. Oh Man, Tory is a hard act to follow. Every guest is just like Tory this, Tory that. Hey, we others are nice too!
Love you all!
Hey Everyone!
I got a call over here at EarthBox from a guest who accidentally took his room key for the Lopez. He is mailing it back today and we should get it soon!
Hi guys, we live in a really strange age where there is less and less separation between our personal lives and our work lives. This is especially true on our little island where we all are friends with each other in addition to being coworkers–a fact that I actually adore. It does, however, has its complications.
I can’t and don’t want to control what you post on Facebook or Twitter, etc., even if you post something about not liking your job or tourists or whatever. I certainly hope that you don’t make posts like this because I want all of you to LOVE your job and all of the visitors who come to this island and help us to be able to live here ourselves.
BUT, you have to be VERY CAREFUL about making sure that you don’t post anything relating to Guest Privacy or the inner workings of the properties. So please, before you post ANYTHING related to work, think twice.
Email Newsletter!
Bird Rock Hotel just sent out it’s first ever email newsletter! Woo Hoo! We mailed it to over 3,000 people that have stayed with us over the past two years. We will likely receive some happy responses to this email as well as some unhappy ones. Please deal with the happy ones like you always do, and deal with the unhappy ones also like you always do, with cheer and understanding. Most of these will come in the form of people asking for their names to be removed from our email list. Please just go into their WRP profile and remove their emial address and send them a reply email saying that they have been removed and we were sorry to have disturbed them.
FLOWER POWER
Oh Myah, the new plants look fabulicious! Thank you so much!
Any plans for the Whidbey bedroom window?
SHUTTLE
I know you guys just want to give outstanding customer service (and you are), but please don’t promise guests shuttle rides here at Bird Rock. When we get just a tad busier than now, we won’t be able to coordinate that.
Remember to clean, dust so visible in the gorgeous sun. Can you say “deep cleaning schedule” hint hint?
And don’t forget to kiss a tulip on your way out. Ahhh, I love this time of the year!
If you have a problem with an InnLink reservation and need to contact the guest directly, you are going to first have to call InnLink at 800-525-5864 to find out who the travel agency is they booked through and get their telephone number.
I have found InnLink customer service to be very friendly and they are open 24 hours a day. Please let me know if you have any problems contacting them.
Just some more FYI about InnLink reservation procedures.
1) Make sure the the referral code is set to “InnLink”
2) Sometimes when a InnLink res comes through it doesn’t actually hold the room for them and it will say “Room U” in a guest’s res U = Unassigned. Usually all you have to do to fix this is hit the “Edit” button to open the guest info screen then save it. That should do the trick.
3) Another thing to look out for is the system sometimes allowing guests to book too many people in a room. If it looks wrong we may have to call the guest to let them know they can’t put a family of 5 in the Patos.
MEMO
On front desk, please read, sigh and initial. Put in safe after everybody read it.
CLEAN
Clean, clean, clean, clean. Check out the fabulous deep cleaning schedule on the fridge. Fun, fun, fun!
Uh, I can’t wait to see our new plant babies. Thank you so much for doing that Myah! I’ll bring by some plant babies who love the shade. They might be happy here.
Thank you for all your hard work. Great Trip Advisor reviews, place looks wonderful, you rock!
Myah, Love, please call me at home if you have any questions about opening or closing our big white lady.
The opening and closing lists are on the desktop. Just make sure you unforward (*73)and forward (*72) the phones to Earthbox.
Thank you, thank you!
VOUCHER BOOK & MENU GUIDE
Guys, while we still have a little breathing time every once in a while I would like to make sure our menu guides and voucher books are up to date. I know some of you have been working on it, but I don’t know where we are at.
Please blog and let me know where we are at and what else needs to be done (which restaurants are missing, which provider’s rate sheet needs to be renewed). And then do it. Pretty please.
Thank you.
INN-LINK
We quit Unirez by Pegasus and switched to InnLink for our third party reservations like Priceline, Orbitz, Expedia, etc.
All should work smoother from now on and the procedure is the same: take 10% deposit, confirm reservation.
IMPORTANT: don’t ever cancel InnLink reservations. Guests who wish to cancel or alter their third party reservation need to do so with the company they booked with (i.e. call Travelocity directly).
Please ask Cindy, Laura or I if you have any questions.
WHALE WATCH TOURS & KAYAK TRIPS
Looks like most providers are changing their prices a bit this year. So it doesn’t get too confusing for us, I changed all prices in WRP as follows:
Whale Watch: $79 pp, $52 for kids under 12
Kayak Trip: 3 hour – $79 pp, 5-6 hour – $99pp
Let’s see once we get all the new info from everybody if we need to adjust that.
If a guest notices or complains about the price difference (for example SJS kept their prices at $75)go ahead and adjust, but in general it won’t be necessary to adjust for every single provider. Too much info for us to keep track of.
But note: the zodiac trip at Western Prince ($99, $76 for kids under 6-12) and the price for kids with Capt Maya ($65) need to be manually adjusted.
If you are confused, please take a second and check out the provider you chose on the web. They all list their prices there.
Thank you.
The guests who checked out of the Marrowstone left the cover off the hot tub all night so the water was ~60 degrees this morning when they left. I put the lid back on but it has a tiny little heater and it’s taking a while to warm up. Just FYI in case you book the M’Stone in the next day or two.
You make coming to work after you a joy to anticipate with verve and awe. The hotel looks beautiful, and ready for the people. I agree about the fruit looking better just cut up. I have some ideas for the busy busy summer, let’s talk.
COMPUTER VIRUS
Just a reminder: to avoid another virus attack, please don’t download software, don’t click on attachments from unknown sources in emails, don’t ever click on pop up windows. There is a virus which starts with a pop up window which tells you that you have 43 viruses and click here to fix that. That IS the virus. Never ever click on that. Don’t play online games (emotional games are o.k.:). Just limit your online activities to work related things and we’ll be golden. Thank you!
SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL
We are running our current special through May 26. It is: get 2 nights for the price of 1, not valid on a Saturday night, excludes simple rooms, bainbridge and san juan suite.
Now: when you take a phone reservation, advertise those specials, but don’t select the special when making a phone reservation. Select regular rate and adjust room rate accordingly (unless guest says he was on website and saw special there). This way we’ll know who is actually reading our website.
STEFF BUSINESS CARDS
I have my own business cards, yeah! Morgan brought some down to you. They should be under the front desk. Please hand them to people if they have group booking questions or need to speak to a manager.
Thank you!
As you see we have a shiny new phone at the front desk. We will still have to change the message every morning and night but it automatically will go to “night setting where it won’t ring and calls will be sent straight to the machine. Changing the message is pretty easy.
1) Hit the button for “Menu”
2) Use the arrow keys to move to “Set Answering” the press the button for “Select”
3) Then “Select” “Record Greeting”
4)”Select” “Line1&Line2″
5)It will prompt you to leave the message. Press the button for “Stop” when you have finished.
6) All good!
You will also notice that we have a nice new wireless head set. We don’t have an automatic handset lifter yet so if you want to use it you have to pick up the handset manually then press the button on the headset to talk. If you have any questions the instruction manual is on the safe or you can call me.
COMMUNICATION
So, when I came to shift change yesterday Morgan told me that Olga saw that the guests in the Saltspring had taken two bathrobes from the Bainbridge. When I saw the guests, I asked them about it. They were rather taken aback and said Kathy had given them bathrobes upon request. When I just saw Olga, she said she had informed Morgan that two bathrobes were missing from the Bainbridge and that she saw two bathrobes in the Saltspring when she did the tidy. Kathy said she did give them the two bathrobes from the Bainbridge.
What does it all mean?
Us front deskers need to grab extra supplies from the housekeeping closets, never from other rooms.
We front deskers need to write in the guest comments if we supply guests with expensive items like bathrobes, so we can account for them.
All of us need to be extremely careful about accusing others (guests and co-workers alike) of anything. Olga didn’t see them take any items, but that was the information I was going by.
I kind of back tracked and I think the guests didn’t feel too bad in the end, but I don’t want a situation like that in the future.
Let’s work on that.
COOKIES
Please make cookie dough on Sunday, latest on Monday. Thank you!
HOUSE PLANTS
I have noticed that the plants in the rooms are looking very…tired. Can we have them replaced with some thing fresh, fun and hip?
I would be happy to shop for and transplant the little darlings.
Hi everyone, mama is back in the house, and I’m mama.
It is great to be here this fine morning, catching up on all the new touches here and there.
I just want to say that I will do my best to set the morning person up when I am the night shift…cuz it gets waaaay to busy to let the morning person have to scramble. Fresh and tidy little jams in the fridge, fresh cream for coffee, Ceerios and her friends, climbing up to the very tippy-top in the containers, and lot’s of delicious fruit just waiting to be served up.
This is my Bird Rock promise, here’s to a really great season!
Love mama-myah
FRONT DESK STAFF MEETING
Just a reminder: we’ll have a mandatory all front desk staff meeting this Friday, 3/25 at noon at Earthbox. Myah will come at 12:30, so we can start with EB only stuff first and don’t bore her to death. Stevie will be out of town.
Everybody else: see you there!
Thank you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLGA!
I got Olga a cake from all of us. But she had left already when I got back. It’s in the fridge. Please give it to her when she gets in.
MENU GUIDE
We have to update our menu guide. I bought new sleeves for the menus to go in. Tory and Morgan, can you please start working on it over the weekend? Let me know where you are at.
COMPUTER
We have some computer issues. The guest computer’s screen doesn’t turn on. Morgan, can you check that out for us on Sunday and let me know what you found out, please?
Our front desk computer has intermittent internet issues. Mack fixed it for now. Yeah! Thank you so much. If you guys have issues, please call Laura.
DEEP CLEANING
Please don’t forget the deep cleaning schedule (on the fridge and in the front desk resource book).Keep our big white lady sparkling clean.
GARBAGE/RECYCLING
Please bring the recycling out to the curb on Sunday nights. And two garbage cans on Mondays and Thursdays.
HARBOR MAGAZINE
Check out the new issue of Harbor magazine. There is a really cool, long article about us in it. With a room picture of the Wind Place, but hey. Looking great!
Thank you all for your hard work. See you latest on Friday for the staff meeting (3/25, noon, EB).
SPECIAL REMINDER
When selling a special over the phone, please don’t select the special as the room rate in WRP, rather choose the rack rate and manually adjust the price.
ALARM 101
When a guest books an ad-on on an online reservation, please make an alarm and keep contacting the guest until whatever the guest requested is booked, fee added, confirmed, voucher made.
When a guest merely wants to be called about an ad-on (i.e. massage – I’m thinking, call me), we make an alarm to call, then we call the guest once, then we turn the alarm off. We don’t want to seem pushy or upselly.
Thank you, guys. Also: please don’t forget our front desk staff meeting on Friday, 3/25 at noon in the Earthbox lobby.
And remember:
F3 is your friend.
pressing the “F3″ button opens a search window and you can search the blog for key words, like “cancellation”. Neat stuff!
I’m going through reservations and noticed a couple of things:
ADD-ONS
When adding a massage, ww, kayak tour, etc. the three magic words I would like to see in the guest remarks are:
fee added
confirmed
voucher made
(alright it’s five words:)
And variations on that: so if a guest added a massage to their reservation online and you called and left a message asking when she would like to have it, the magic words would be:
fee added
left msg with guest
voucher needed
…and an alarm to follow up on this.
Once you got a hold of the guest and know the time and date, talked to the spa and made the reservation, and let the guest know when the massage is and the cancellation policy, the magic words are:
fee added
confirmed
voucher needed
…and an alarm for the voucher. Like that. Does that make sense?
CANCELLATIONS
To properly cancel a reservation (say 10 days before the arrival, when we just keep the 10%deposit) please
1)cancel the reservation in WRP
2)cancel all add-ons and take charges off bill
3)apply cancellation fee by dividing 10% deposit by 1.078 (that’s the B4 tax total)
4)send cancellation email to guest
ALARMS
Please write only in the subject line of alarms. All alarms should start with the arrival date of the reservation it pertains to.
Thank you guys. It was wonderful to have you all in one room the other day, my team! What a treat. We’ll have a great season and you rock!
PHONES
We are not using the front line call center anymore. That means we will have to make sure to check our messages and respond promptly. That also means we will have to change the phone message in the morning and at night. It’s really easy. Just press the “rec” button, press it again and start talking. Hit “check” if you want to hear how your message sounds.
Very very important: respond to messages as soon as possible and delete them once you have dealt with them.
Here are our day and night messages. You will find a copy of those in our front desk resource book as well.
Daytime message
Thanks for calling Bird Rock Hotel, sorry we missed your call, we must be in a ferry rush or on the other line, but if you leave us your name, number and message we will call you back as soon as possible.
Have a great day..
Night time (for when we are closed)
Thank you for calling Bird Rock Hotel, our office is closed and will reopen at 7:30am. For immediate hotel information, check out our website: http://www.birdrockhotel.com.. If this is an emergency please call 911, or you can reach our night manager at 360.317.6488. Otherwise, leave us a message, with your name and phone number and we will call you back when we get in.
At this point, guests wanting to stay on a Friday or Saturday night in July, August or the first weekend in September, need to stay at least two nights. You can make an exception on the Friday nights at this point, but please don’t make exceptions on the Saturdays. If you have any questions, ask me.
HEAT
Please remember to leave all thermostats around 65/70 when you close the hotel for the week (except Saltspring & Whidbey).
OPENING HOTEL 3/11
Morgan, when you make the closing sign for the week and call guests, will you please say that we will open at 2:00PM on Friday, 3/11.
SAFE
So safe is firmly locked. I have an appointment with Kyle next Friday. Morgan, can you try one more time to open it? I tried for hours last night and nothing. Call me and I’ll tell you where the code is and all that good stuff.
Our new special: get 2 nights for the price of 1, not valid on a Saturday night, excludes simple rooms, bainbridge and san juan suite.
Now: when you take a phone reservation, advertise those specials, but don’t select the special when making a phone reservation. Select regular rate and adjust room rate accordingly (unless guest says he was on website and saw special there). This way we’ll know who is actually reading our website.
REPEAT GUESTS
When making a phone reservation please always ask the guest if he stayed with us before and if he has, please select “repeat guest” as market code.
We are really trying to figure out where our guests heard from us and how we spend our advertising budget. Help us do it right!
SAFE
Our safe doesn’t open. I have a call in to Kyle.
PHONE LOG
Please mark all calls taken in the phone log on the desk. We won’t count personal calls, but all other calls will need to be logged. This way we can better plan for staffing.
Thank you all for your hard work. This is going to be a great year. You should see the reservations we have on the books already. Uiiihhhh!
CANCELLATIONS
Just a reminder: if you cancel a reservation, make sure you cancel all their add-ons as well (massages, whale watch, flowers, etc.), because we will have to pay for those.
You can’t cancel a UNIREZ reservation. The guest needs to cancel with whoever he booked directly, otherwise we will have to pay commission.
After canceling a reservation, apply a cancellation fee in the amount already paid: guest payment, divided by 1.078 (that’s the B4 tax amount) and send the guest a cancellation email.
TANNER-MCLEAN WEDDING 7/29/11
Hi all!
We have a big wedding party here on July 29. At Bird Rock 6 rooms are reserved under the respective guest names. Those folks will call in in February to pay deposit. Please put cc on file and get address, phone number etc. When they call, just go to check-ins on 7/29 and find them.
FEBRUARY SPECIAL
We’ll have a Friday special in February: get 20% off any room on any Friday night. Guests can stay longer, but the 20% off is only good for the Friday night. Special is in WRP. It comes up as 3 specials: Fantastic Fridays in February, Fantastic Fridays in February 2 night minimum, Fantastic Fridays in February 3 night minimum. Please select the first if somebody just stays Fridays, the second if Fri & Sat, the 3rd if Fri, Sat & Su. Also: it comes up everyday, regardless of it being Friday. Please only select it on Friday stays. Sorry about that. WRP didn’t let us do it any other way. But if a guest makes a reservation online, they only see one option and all is good.
AARP/AAA/Military discounts
As you know we officially don’t have them, but we do kind of. If a guest calls asking for any of those discounts, say:”We would love to give you a 10% discount for that.” BUT only on regular rates, NOT in addition to any special. Come Summer, make it more like 5%, please.
Thank you all for the fun party last night. I had a blast. Love you.
Seth just let me know where the Christmas lights will be plugged in so we can unplug them in the mornings and plug them back in at night. There will be some plugged in just inside the Marrowstone gate in the corner to the right, some outside the kitchen door on the right, some by the guest computer inside, and some in the San Juan Suite.
Okay, I did a little market research and found out that customers don’t like looking through lots of specials, so I’ve changed our December special to read:
Dazzling December ~
give yourself the gift of calm. celebrate the island light festival with us, do your holiday shopping away from the malls, have one of our beautiful beaches all for yourself. stay any two nights in december in either a standard or deluxe room and get the second night free. only have one night? no problem, come anyway and get select deluxe rooms for just $129 per night. Valid thru december 31, 2010 (not valid on simple rooms or with any other special).
In WRP, there are two specials, so that people can book online easier, there is the Dazzling December-Multiple Nights, and the Dazzling December-One Night. It will be difficult for a guest who is staying for more than two nights to figure out how to book online, so they will hopefully call. Here’s the deal on that: If someone is staying for three nights…they would get the first night at full price, the second night for free and the third night for $129. If they are staying for four nights, they’d get the two night special two times. Make sense?
Remember to double check and see which rooms are available for these specials…
SCHEDULE
The new schedule will be up on Thursday. I have some calls in to people with reservations at BR trying to talk them into staying up at EB, so we can close BR midweek. If one of those guests call, please have Cindy move the reservation.
MID WEEK CLOSURE
If you are the one closing the hotel midweek, please deadbolt the front door from inside and leave through the kitchen. If you don’t have a kitchen deadbolt key, come to me (hey, that rhymes). If you open the hotel, open kitchen door with master key, kitchen deadbolt with kitchen deadbolt key and go from there.
FIRE ALARM
Seth fixed it, yeah! In the future please call Seth right away with any fire alarm issues (he made it clear he doesn’t want to be called if you have personal issues, why, Seth, why?). And please don’t schedule a repair man before Seth has talked to Guardian Security.
BIRD ROCK HOTEL ST. KITTS
Laura got a call from a guest wanting to stay with us and wanting the $60 rate advertised on Expedia. After some research and scratching her head she figured out that the guest was looking at an ad for a Bird Rock Hotel in St. Kitts, Bahamas. Just so you know. Our rooms start at $97. And we are, as you probably noticed, sitting there in your sweater with cold feet, not in the Bahamas.
It was beeping Friday night, and it went off again this morning. No fire, reset alarm box and it finally stopped. Seth called Guardian, and they said they will call on Mon. to make an appointment to fix it on Tues.
SMASHED UP JAG
Lovely couple in the cypress woke up this morning to their beautiful car with the whole right side smashed in! Offered a complimentary night with us. They will be back.
COFFEE POT
bit the dust. Use the smaller one for now, until we get a new one.
MORGAN MONDAY SHOES
Morgan, please bring the shoes in the back to Post San Juan on Monday. It’s urgent. They have been here for a week and a half. Thank you!
RESTAURANTS OPEN ON THANKSGIVING
Bluff – set menu, $50 per person
Downriggers – regular menu plus Thanksgiving specials
COHO – fully booked, only take reservations for waiting list
That’s it. Back Door, Place and Mc Millens are closed. Waiting to hear from Vinny’s.
hi guys. two new specials are up for december. get your holiday spirit on!
dazzling december ~
give yourself the gift of calm. celebrate the island light festival with us, do your holiday shopping away from the malls, have one of our beautiful beaches all for yourself. stay any two nights in december and get the second night free. Valid thru december 31, 2010 (not valid on simple rooms or with any other special).
last minute getaway ~
wanna give yourself the gift of calm but can only get away for one night? come anyway and get select deluxe rooms for just $129 per night. valid thru december 31, 2010 (select rooms only, not valid with any other special).
TIDY SPIEDEN
We won’t have HK tomorrow. Will you please tidy the Spieden, Halley? Call Raquel if you have any questions. Tomorrow we will be a bit busier. Please open up the rooms, turn lights on in rooms where folks check in, etc.
SHOES IN BACK
Hey Halley, can you contact the guest regarding the Doc Martens in the back room again and send them back, please? I left msg, we just need to make sure we have the correct address and cc info.
Thank you.
Have I told you lately how much I appreciate our guests? A lot!
Our guests in the Orcas are making a point of coming down separately every time they go out, so I feel like there are more guests here. I love it.
FIDALGO 11/16 to 11/19
Seth will fix the Fidalgo bathroom wall on Tuesday, 11/16. Then we’ll be closed for 2 days and can rent the room again on Friday, 11/19.
Just so you all know why it’s closed out.
Thank you!
Not so consistent this time of year. If we have to get it from kings, it’s a good idea to go through the boxes of berries, and pick out the hidden moldy ones, BEFORE we buy them.
The rind needs to be cut from the melon for a fresh appearance on the plate, don’t you agree?
Even if we have just a few guests, we still want to make the breakfast presentation beautiful!
TIDY’S?
Since we will have to do some house keeping in the slow season, it’s a good idea to learn from the experts on how to do it. Raquel says to let gusts know there is no HK and they will often tell you what they need. Change towels if they ask, and make up the bed, take garbage out.
For a total room clean, work with one of the fab four to see what to do.
SPIEDEN & SKIPJACK TIDY
Myah, you’ll have no HK tomorrow (Tuesday). Can you please do tiedies in the Spieden and the Skipjack? Call Raquel if you have questions or issues.
Happy shift!
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
Don’t forget to turn your clock back an hour tonight.
Myah, will you make sure that HK turns all the guest clocks an hours back as well?
Thank you!
ZIP LINE TOURS
Yeah, now we are just like Costa Rica, only colder!
A new company in town is offering zip line tours behind Lakedale off Egg Lake Rd. Pick up is at Roys. Tours are 2 1/2 hours long, all year round, $75 per person, $65 for kids 8-14. For reservations call 378-5947 or check out their website http://www.zipsanjuan.com. They just started today and will let us know if they will to the voucher thing with us and if they may be some comp tours for hotel staff in it. Sounds cool, doesn’t it?
HOLIDAY REQUESTS
Hey wonderful ones. Please let me know your scheduling wishes for the holiday season: who is out of town, who is celebrating what and why, you know. Please email me.
Wow, the sun came out today! Seth has spent the morning pressure washing the building, and it looks really great! He did all the cedar shingles and they look like new! Yay Seth!
Socco has been the white tornado, cleaning all kinds of surfaces, including the entire fridge, and floor! It is so white it’s blinding. Yay Socco!
If you get a chance to say something complimentary to Seth and Socco, do so!
Island gardens is doing their magic on the patio, and planters. It looks so clean and colorful. Yay, Shannon and Mary.
What a great squad!
Hopefully everything is running smoothly in our Steffi’s absence. We miss you Steffi!
If we only have the one guest here Sunday night, will you please do the tidy in the Fidalgo on Monday. If we have more check-ins, call Raquel to schedule help.
thanks xxxxxx
The fax line here at Birdrock keeps saying it’s disconnected but Myah and I looked and don’t see anything. Morgan, you are techy, help!!! Also, the bikes over here need some TLC. Bike #6 is the worst off because it has a very broken seat.
Other than that, we have pumpkins in the courtyard and fall bouquets in the lobby, ready for HALLOWEEN!!!
FRANKENSTEIN IPOD
This morning, our dear iPod froze on Michael Jackson’s “Dont Stop Till You Get Enough” (ironic?), seemingly unresponsive. I figured that it had finally run out of mileage, but then I remembered a possible solution Apple suggests: if you hold down the Menu and the middle buttons on the iPod simultaneously for about 6 seconds, it will hopefully turn off and reboot, and be back to normal. Alas, it worked! Much like the Frankenstein cookie dough that Myah brought back to life, our Frankenstein iPod appears to have some miles left after all.
NIGHT DUTY
I made myself a reservation for the Whidbey for the next couple of nights while I am on night duty. Pretty excited to experience these famously comfortable beds!
Woops, today (and yesterday too) there was some confusion for Soco about cleaning the Matia. We didn’t leave a message for Soco on the housekeeping report to clean the Matia, so she didn’t plan for it. Just remember to write a little note for the housekeepers next time
Thanks, Myah, for the reminder about checking the OJ and expiration dates. Was thinking of that the other day.
While we’re on the subject of deep cleaning, we must be very sure to always check the freshness of the OJ which turns to mimosa’s easily. Maybe we can make less juice for the slower season.
Check the freshness of the milk, and especially make sure the cream pitcher in the lobby fridge is brand new EVERY NIGHT, as it tends to accumulate a rim of cream on the inside, which is not bad but it doesn’t look so good. FRESHY-FRESH, that’s what we want here. ( Now if I can just put myself in the fridge, maybe it will keep me freshy fresh)
Love the cool slower days, and all the guests are content and mellow be here. Love you guys!
Myah
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Please remember to let our guests know about potential noise issues especially on Wednesday nights. Make sure to point out the night manager’s number on the bottom of the invoice. Offer to move them to the other side of the building, an option we have in the Winter. Seth had to move some folks at 1:30AM due to noise. He will call the police in the future.
SPA
Please know that Lavendera Day Spa no longer offers manicures and pedicures. Refer guests to Spa’dBune for those.
DEEP CLEANING
Remember the deep cleaning schedule on the fridge. This is the time! Let’s all do our part and have a sparkling clean Bird Rocking Hotel at all times.
Happy happy Fall. Thank you so much for all your hard work!
I moved the Orcas guests to the San Juan for their second night here – the tub wasn’t producing bubbles. I wrote a maintenance report for Seth. Please let Martha know that Orcas needs a clean
Western Prince will be shutting down for the next 3 days and re-opening Friday for tours. They’ll tour at least through the end of the month daily at noon.
Many suggestions from guests on how to improve today. A woman renting a bike mentioned how handy having a basket would be, maybe we could get a couple that easily attach and detach for those who would like them? Also, the guest in the Marrowstone didn’t like how high the wall-mounted bedside lamps are. He had to get up from laying down to turn them off which is inconvenient when you’re already tucked in. I have noticed this in some of the other rooms and the guy has a point, it’s nice to be able to roll over and flip a switch instead of getting out of bed. Also, he was confused about our automatic checkout and called Seth at 7:30am to get someone up here to help him checkout, so maybe we should try to be more clear that they really don’t need to come to us to check out.
Well, hello, long time no see. I just got a nice tip on a handy website to copy 100 things to do in FH. under that same title. I copied 10 to hand out.
Be nice to Olga, she is having a surgery on Wednesday. xoxoxoxo
I just ordered a new coffee table from Crate and Barrel to replace the broken one in the Marrowstone. It should arrive some time the week of October 11th. Will one of you wonderful birds let me know when it arrives??
LAPTOP IN BACK
Needs to be shipped via Post San Juan on Monday. It’s important that we get this done before 2:00PM. Please send express and insure.
Thank you:)
OMG keep forgetting:
Laura and Cindy: you rock! What a wonderful thing to do for us. Dinner at the Place. Wow! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t wait.
Love, s
Morning Brynn,
you’ll have an exciting day today. The folks checking out of the Marrowstone will do a radio interview with Deborah from the visitor’s bureau here. Probably in the lobby. If we have a room with a sitting area open, feel free to offer that as well.
Then, the guests checking into the Marrowstone have a huge thingy planned (check WRP). They’ll arrive early. Please let HK know to clean the Marrowstone first. Flowers are on back porch.
1. The STAFF meeting is changed from October 14, 2010 to MONDAY OCTOBER 11, 2010 from 11:30am to 2:00pm…
Also, we are having a fun staff dinner at THE PLACE on October 5, 2010 at 6PM… You may all bring 1 friend with you, but no kids allowed..(sorry kids)…
If you are on the front desk schedule we will be closed during that time and will take the front desk phone.. Please make sure to let all check in ’s know our schedule and make arrangements for them if they are checking in after that time..
GUEST INVOICES
I added a line to the bottom of our invoice: in case of a building emergency or a noise complaint, please call our night manager (number).
When our guests sign their invoice, please circle the night manager number on their copy and say something along the lines: “And if anything happens after our office closes, here is the number for the night manager.”
If anybody has ideas for expressing that more elegantly, please let me know.
STAFF MEETING
We will have a mandatory all front desk staff meeting on Thursday, 10/14 from 11:30AM to 2:00PM in the Earthbox lobby. Please make yourself available. It’s important for all of us to be there and talk about the future.
Cindy, Laura and I are planning something fantastic for you guys, because you rock!
Thanks, Regino, for putting a mat in front of the lobby door! Should reduce tracking and slipping.
The guest computer isn’t connecting to the internet. It says a cable isn’t plugged in but I can’t figure out which one that might be. I called Chris and left a message. Also, Thunderbird appears to have a looong delay. I haven’t gotten any new e-mails all day since I checked them first thing in the morning :S Chris to the rescue?
All is good otherwise. I see some blue peeking out right now! I guess I got enough vitamin D on vacation to get me through this rainy weather. Vit D supplements for the rest of us
TRIP ADVISOR SPECIAL PART II
Forgot: when giving the 10% off Trip Advisor discount, please use as the market code (the “how did you hear about us” thingy): trip advisor.
Sell away!
SPECIAL SPECIALS
We extended our Festive Fall special of 2 nights in selected Deluxe Rooms (Fidalgo, Orcas, Saltspring) for $99 midweek from right now through November.
TRIP ADVISOR SPECIAL
We have a promotion going on on the Trip Advisor website: 10% off any room midweek.
This special is not in WRP. If a guest makes a phone reservation and mentions the 10% off Trip Advisor special, then please take 10% of his nightly room rate.
STARTING MONDAY 9/13
our night shift starts at 2:00PM and ends at 10:00PM. Please let our night managers know.
Morgan, I will be there a little early tomorrow so you can visit your friends. Hang in there, Strong One. I’m so sorry you had a sh*& day today. Please please please, when the girls are back, take some time for yourself. You more than deserve it. Uuuiiiieee, season of 2010!
MYAH
You are the best.
How you handled this morning was amazing (I don’t know how you do it? Choose love?).
You went above and beyond with your prep work.
And your new cookie dough got compliments all the way around.
Thank you so much, Sweetie!
OUR GUESTS ROCK!!!!!!
I was so bummed about the noise complaints last night. And then our guests from the Whidbey came in. They had asked me about the Farmer’s Market yesterday. And I had joked “Will you get me some tomatoes while you are there?”
And sure enough, they brought me back a bag of the biggest, juiciest, most colorful heirlooms I have seen. Totally made my day. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Hey Gorgeous,
we need dough, the cookie kind, today. Will you set out a butter? If you don’t have time to start it, let’s do it together. Cookie party!
Has booked rooms for travel writers on Tues. the 14th. Robin will come by Friday the 10th to look at the rooms to decide which she will keep as she has to cxl one room. The rooms have not been charged yet, so Morgan, I think this is all you baby.
THE STORY OF THE MICROWAVE
So when a microwave and a food love each other very much, they get together and one goes “ding” and the other goes “splat”. And the end is: you got to clean it up. Please do so on a regular basis;)
UPGRADES
T’is that time of the year. If we aren’t sold out and guests check in afternoonish during the week, eveningish on the weekend, please upgrade them into a nicer room at no charge. Above and beyond, especially in the slow season.
ADD-ON CALL POLICY
I went through upcoming reservations (please do that when you have a minute) and found several reservations where one of our guests had booked something (massage, kayak) and we had called once, then turned the alarm off.
Here is our add-on policy as a reminder:
if a guest selects “can’t decide, please call” we call once and leave a message, then we turn the alarm off. We don’t want to annoy folks.
BUT if a guest actually books something and therefore adding it to their invoice, we call, leave alarm on, call again a couple of days later, leave alarm on, until we reach the guest and book the add-on or alternately take the charges off their invoice. Does that make sense?
Welcome back to the Rock, Morgan, guest starring as “the guy” for the next two weeks, together with lovely Ms. Papaya, the ultimate guest whisperer, and myself. Go team!
1. folks in sucia and skippy are storing dive suits in the back bathroom which they will pick up Sunday for a 9:00 dive.
2. These same folks are requesting an early mini breakfast for Monday Am as they are leaving early.
ALOHA
Safe travels to the “smarty girls”. May the wind blow warmly upon your cheeks, may the sunset be spectacular, the drinks stay cold.
See you on the flip side, I will miss you cutting up the grapes into little bunchies etc. xoxoxoxo
Awww you guys are the sweetest! You have such kind, encouraging words and are so helpful and appreciative, it really makes working here all that much more enjoyable and rewarding. Thank you, THANK YOU!!!
Oh Halley,
you wonderful spreader of team spirit, guest and dog whisperer and all around amazing person, thank you so much for your post (about the toaster, ha, ha). You are the bestest!
…and you are right, you guys are amazing. I haven’t been here in 2 weeks and everything is in top shape. The place looks flawless, things labeled, put away, organized, food ordered, guests taken care of, not 20 000 guest complaints in my inbox. Without you, Halley, Myah and Brynn, we wouldn’t have had the incredible season we did have. Thank you so much.
Have a fantastic time in Hawaii, girls, sip a drink with an umbrella for all of us and when you come back, we’ll have a staff meeting and figure out the Winter and all that.
Love you.
Okay, now I remember this happened last upgrade. So for now, all existing reservations that were made before August 31, 2010 may have a 1 cent overage or shortage. If this happens please post the difference to payment selection “voucher”
This should not happen to reservations that were made after the upgrade.
**I just noticed the blog clock is off, it is actually only 10:38 am.. That threw me for a minute..
Thanks to Khai we now have our new SJ Health Club vouchers.. Check them out and offer them up… $15.00 for a day at the fitness club 17 yrs old and up, children the age of 6 yrs to 16 are $10.00, children under the age of 5 are free.
Please treat them as you would any other voucher.
Enjoy the sunny day… It is perfect back to school weather..:)
We have a new toaster, WOOT WOOT! We’re keeping the old one as a back-up, FYI.
Also, the new system is messing with me. When I check people out it often leaves a balance of $0.01, which I then have to manually take off their bill. Why does this happen and how do I prevent it, anyone?
Hi all,
We just updated our WRP, you may not even notice much, but please check it out. One thing I noticed was that now it shows which guest are in, when you view the main calendar page.
The other thing is that now when an online reservation comes in it does not show the details of the extra’s they are interested in on their main customer page, you have to see if there are additional costs and then go into their profile and see what they have selected. I have an email into WRP, and am requesting this to be changed back to the old way, so I will let you know if they can.
Under miscellaneous on the left hand side of the WRP page, click on New Features to see what they have added. You can also look at the training videos there also. Just to refresh of course
What do you think of this weather, it tells me it is time for school…:)
Have a good Tuesday..
Brynn!!! You wonderful, industrious little creature!!! You left the hotel looking great as always, and not only did you do your chores, you did most of the closing chores too! Thanks for making my night smooth and relaxing as can be. We are not worthy!!!
Myah!!! No guest can ever say enough great things about you. You are just so dang lovable. They always seem slightly disappointed when they realize it’s me here and not you, asking, “When will Myah be here next?” lol.
Steffi!!! You are the best boss, willing to work with us to make sure we get the most out of not just our jobs but life outside the jobs. Thanks for rolling with the nutty schedules and being so chill and fun.
Cheers to the Birdrock crew!
BREAKFAST PREP
Last night I decided to get extra prepped for breakfast this morning. I cut up lots of fruit and prepared a plate ahead of time. I know we can’t do this with all fruit, but with strawberries, grapes, melon, and blueberries it seems to be fine and it’s sooo nice for the morning person to just reach in the fridge and set out a fruit plate. So my thought is, is if the night person has some time on hand or is feeling extremely helpful, maybe we could prepare fruit as much as possible for the next morning? Like de-stem strawberries, get the grapes washed and in little bunches/de-stemmed for the plate, for example. It really felt like it made a world of difference this morning. Just a thought.
SMELL
The smell is GONE (thanks to SJPC), and we are back to the regular wonderful scent of Bird Rock (fresh flowers and delicious coffee, or so I think).
SCHEDULE WEEK OF 9/6
We needed to make some changes to the schedule. Affected are Kathy, Angela, Khaili, Brynn & Morgan. Please look closely. Thanks for hanging in there for the final sprint to the end of the season. You all rock!!!!!!
TOASTER
Yeah, it has been messing with me too. I’ll ask BL (beautiful Laura) to get us a new one.
Something really smells of propane or methane here in the lobby. I called Vander Yacht and they checked it out this morning but didn’t find anything. I called San Juan Pest control in case it’s…something else. It is really strong in the stair landing. Pest control is coming at 1:00 Friday, the 27th. Maybe it’s sewer, or gas from the marrowstone? Good luck.
I just made my very first call to the Sheriff’s office about noise and they were very accommodating. A guest complained of drunks yelling in the street so I called in and made sure to emphasize that it was street noise, not bar noise. The dispatcher said she’d send a deputy down right away. Hopefully this means we’ll have a night of quiet streets…
Our little toaster is fighting me!!! I plug it in, the lights are on. I walk away, come back and the lights are off! I wiggle the cord, lights on, leave and come back, lights off. Does this happen to you? What do you do?
Also, we are nearly out of granola so if the food order doesn’t come Thursday please buy more at King’s.
RESERVATION #242944142542
This is an overbooking. I called Priceline to get this fixed and they are working on it. We should be getting a cancellation notification from them soon. I wonder how these things happen…odd.
What a busy morning, the fruit plate was wiped clean at 8:05! But I had plenty of fruit on hand to replenish. It’s a beautiful day and that makes us all happy.
Health Department here today to inspect hot tub . We are in Compliance , He did ask where the shut off valve is located,I assumed it was underneath.I will check with Seth.
That hot tub is 104 today I think it is messing with us. Lost 2 guest to the EB today because some guy at Herbs was crying for help all night, no one called the police though.
Please remember Sunday nights recycling goes out and Monday Is Garbage night.Gets pretty backed up out back if we forget.
We have 3 bikes out of riding order. Chains & tires. Hard riding this summer !!
COLD TUB
Or should I say warm tub? Anyway the guests in the M.S. say the tub is not up to temp. and would like some kind of compensation as they are on their honeymoon and looking forward to a tub tonight. I gave them the knob to turn up the heat, but as far as I know, it’s up all the way. They are super nice folks, I hope it heats up for them. They are here for a few days.
LEETLE DISHES
I forgot to to mention my two cents about the leetle dishes. Where did they go? We don’t have enough new ones, and the old ones are M.I.A. So I loaded up some cute leetle egg cups with jelly so there is enough for the morning. Now it the egg cups go missing I suppose we could use tea pots.
Hi ya’ll, there is an email from a guest about lost phone charger and yoga mat. The mat is in the luggage room, but does anyone know where the charger is? If you do, please check the email and reply to the guests as requested. thanks.
$$$$$
I went through our cash box again and consolidated the change to make it easier to count it.
Hot tub guy was here yesterday its all good. We have had some complaints about truck deliveries at 5:00 a.m. cant be helped and wont back off until September 26th spoke w/ Wes at Kings.
Rolph’s flowers are stunning hotel is shinning.Happy Fair week to all.
FOOD ORDERS
Uh oh, looks like we’ve been forgetting to do these! We are desperately low on granola, been out of dried cranberries for awhile apparently. It doesn’t make much sense running to the store every night to resupply. Made a food order today, should get here tomorrow, some of it may not come until Saturday.
Also, does anyone know who we order our paper napkins from?
The guests in the Skipjack said their room smelled like B.O. so I bought some febreeze stuff for their room. They seem happy. Also, our new little dishes are very cute but we only have 13 of them and 6 of the old ones. 19 dishes isn’t enough for breakfast when we’re so busy, especially since we have to split them in half for butter and jam. Can we get about 10 more?
Woops–The bikes were unlocked when I got here this morning and a few guests took them out after breakfast without filling out a waiver…
Also–We really need to make sure there is enough fruit for breakfast, while I had plenty of bananas, grapes and bluberries, I only had half of a pack of strawberries, which are always the biggest hit! Please remember this next time and it will make the breakfast shift a lot easier, thank you
Thirsty plants and guests, broke out the hose and gave the garden a nice drink. We are going through ice and Lemonade, not complaining I love this weather.
Breaker got tripped in Whidbey but Seth is Johnny on the spot and figured it out, I need him at my house….
OUTDOOR ODYSSEY
Clark from Outdoor odyssey checked in with me today. We had a little glitch with #2456413. They didn’t have that couple on the books at all, the couple didn’t know anything about the tour, etc.
Whenever you book an adventure, just write in the guest remarks with whom you made the booking (has kayak with OO on 9/14, 10AM, fee added, confirmed 9booking made with Clark), voucher made).
Clark will also bring by a flier we will attach to OO vouchers which explains what to bring, wear, expect, etc. Those fliers will be kept with the vouchers in the voucher logs.
LEETLE DISHES
I love them. Let’s use them exclusively for both, butter & jam.
I went through our dishes and put all the chipped ones aside. Please take them home or, if no takers, throw them out next week after everybody had a chance to look.
LUGGAGE ROOM
Please don’t let our guests go in or use our luggage room. Besides security (safe, our purses), I just don’t want anybody to see how it is back there;)
Just let them use the upstairs bathrooms instead, nice and stylish!
SETH
Our incredible Seth broke his arm. He is so hurt. In a cast for 8 weeks. He works but can sometimes only do half days because of the pain.
Please bring the garbage and the recycling to the curb, so he doesn’t have to deal with this. Help him if you can. And, I don’t know, if you cook something tasty, why not bring him a portion to wave up, he can’t do dishes, has to eat out:(
*TOASTER*
Our dear little toaster seems to be on the fritz. I’ve had trouble getting the lights that indicate it’s on to light up the past 3 nights. If I unplug it and try plugging it in again or wiggle the cord it seems to help but I think it may be on its way out.
EMAILS are VERY important to check regularly. Many people try to book with us or ask questions that their bookings depend on via email. Today when I got to work I went to check emails and they hadn’t been checked since yesterday morning. It’s a major pain to sort through a buildup of 38 emails. Please help a sister out and check em while you’re here.
FIDALGO HEAT
Finally think we’ve got it right. The temperature box is the opposite of what it says: 50 means 90, 90 means 50. I put it on 90, labeled it ‘hot’ and ‘cold’, so it should be clear now. And hopefully cooler.
FOOD
Ordered a bunch today but it won’t be here until Thursday, so we need to make a store run to supply ourselves with fruit for the next couple of mornings.
Dishwasher is great but please run the load through before you close,This sure helps the morning rush.It is 2:30 and 2 loads down one to go.
nice for the sun to be back everything looks good.
We are leaking!! I put a vase up on the top shelf to catch the drips…we had water all over the shelves and counter earlier…from the rain I assume. Hopefully it will dry out!
Please let housekeeping know that the blanket in the back needs to be cleaned, a woman in the Bainbridge cut her finger on her suitcase and didn’t notice and got some blood on the blanket.
Pretty slow night…thanks Morgan for helping me unclog the toilet…yikes.
UNIREZ
Hey Brynn. Unirez guests read: European Style bathroom (I guess we could make that a little bit clearer, ideas?). We changed the occupancy on those rooms, so one can only book those tiny guys for 2 adults. The only way they could show up with more than 2 adults is if they put in the wrong number of people staying. Let me look into it. Thanks for pointing it out.
I have to say I longed for this rain. I can finally breath. Ahhh!
UNIREZ RESERVATIONS
Is there anything we can do about the fact that people who book through expedia, travelocity, etc. often don’t get the right kind of information about their room? Today I had yet another check-in surprised to be in a room that was too small with a shared bath. Fortunately the third person (who was going to be in the Skipjack) stayed home last minute, otherwise we would have had to send them to Earthbox. Is this beyond our control?
NEW DISHWASHER
Works like a gem. Putting it on the 1-hour cycle seems to work just as well as the “normal” cycle, which takes two or three times as long.
BAR NOISE
So glad we may be making progress with our noise issue! You guys have been coming up with some great ideas on how to nix (or at least diminish) this problem.
Please read email about Orcas room, noise, progress. Our guests may want to leave early. Please let them.
FIDALGO
Please read up on it in alarm section. IMPORTANT: Please have housekeeping check the heater in there. The panel is backwards, so if the guest turned the heat all the way off, he may have turned it all the way up by accident.
I’m at EB at 12:30. Call me and check in with me, please.
Marrowstone suite sign is now up and looks great,Should help .. Busy day here thanks for the fresh batch of cookie dough Mayah.
Good to see the sunshine this afternoon. Now if we could crank up the temp by 10degrees it would be perfect. Our beds are Serta do we know which style ? Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks
I just checked folks into the wrong room. Ooops. Please apologize for me to the guests in the Salt spring. I should have known when there were no keys for the room! The guests are safely in the Lopez and they got a chuckle, just hope the Salt spring guests are as easily amused.
The cuties in the Marrowstone bought us a deck of cards! Thank you. We really need to get a sign on that room that says it’s private! We had another looy-loo in there today.
I bought a bunch of fruit for the morning, but I hope there is a delivery soon.
BR FRONT DESK STAFF MEETING
I’m calling a long overdue staff meeting at Bird Rock this Monday, 8/2 at 2:30PM. Let’s sit down and talk about how things are going, find ways to improve our systems and alleviate our summer stress.
Please be there.
Until then: thank you all so much for steering the big white lady through her summer. I know I don’t say this enough, but all of you are rocking my world.
HEALTH INSPECTION
We had one today and Myah aced it (great job!!!!) Only thing wrong with us: some our food handler’s cards are expired. So Myah, Deb and Halley, go get yours within the next 2 weeks please.
LOST & FOUND
Camera mystery solved. Excellent job Brynn and Halley.
From now on: if a guest requests the return of an item, please fill out a lost & found request (by safe). Leave on the back desk for Olga and the girls, and also write in the guest’s WRP file what is missing, if it was found, if it was shipped and if the guest has been contacted. Use the alarms in WRP if a follow up is necessary.
BUTTER
Been stowing the extra in the mini fridge, a bunch is there.
GRANOLA & SUGAR
Was going to call Tom to order more of both granola and sugar (white and brown) but forgot and now it’s kind of late. Want to call him Myah? Thanks!
SKIPJACK
I really think we should get a screen for the door, the guests can get really warm in there. Maybe we can find an aesthetically-pleasing one.
Hey, thought we were supposed to get the new dishwasher by now? I’m super excited for it.
Never had a day like this before.The 8:00 Ferry Broken down, unhappy guest from the Lopez and a beautiful gal from Orcas had her car parked in front of herbs last night you guessed it, someone hit it and left no note.
Please remember when closing to restock everything on closing lists. This helps the morning girl when things go haywire. I need a massage really bad.
Debb
We are nearly out of butter and half and half, wrote it on the white board in the kitchen. Also, the guests in the Lopez had me move their coffee table into our back room because they want to be able to leave the sofa bed out for their son. I had no idea where else to put it.
Well, now we have more fruit than ever (10 bags of grapes!) so our fruit plates are going to be nice and bountiful for a while. I’ve stuck fruit in all the fridge drawers, don’t forget about them. Love when we have lots in our fridge! Still in desperate need of concentrate (oj and lemonade) but that should be here Thursday.
FRUIT
We had kind of a low supply this morning for being fully booked. Same with milk. Only strawberries, a small pack of blueberries, some (mostly unripe) kiwi, and oranges. I think we should always try to have a supply of melon and grapes, because they are popular and fill up the plate more. Had to send Olga to the store in the middle of breakfast (thanks Olga)! But a big order of fruit is coming in tomorrow.
SHEETS and F3
If guests want to know what the sheets are here, they are called Coyuchi and they are organic. You remember Laura’s little trick of hitting the F3 key and typing in any word you are looking for in the blog, like “sheets” and it will highlight it, and you can answer questions about stuf like that.
GREAT ATTITUDE
Not one complaint about the bar last night and I know it was loud. Attitude is everything! We have three time return guests here, who have experienced the fire alarm and Herb’s and LOVE it here!
EGG TRICK
I set a small plate inside the bowl to off-set the eggs from melting ice and it works really well, and looks good too. When it’s hot and the ice melts quickly, the eggs won’t be continually swimming, instead they are lounging deliciously on the plate, with the water below. Trick huh?
Hi there
I wanted to let you all know that I have ordered new I Home clock radio’s for the rooms that do not have them, they should be here in the next few weeks.
If the hose is leaking can you please call Island Garden’s and let them know 378-5161
I agree with Myah, let’s not put so much jam in the dish.. You can always refill
Are you locking up the bikes during the day, you should always have them locked so that your guests need to come in to get them unlocked and that way you can get a liability form. We can’t have those bikes cruising around unknown…
You are all doing a great job..
Thanks
There seems to be a leak in one of the black hoses. It’s the one on the left if you’re walking to the sidewalk from here along the main path. Other than that, everything’s good.
Steffi made some new Shaw keys, and new masters. They are in the safe. The shaw keys are hanging up on their hook. The guests who were here 7/16 in the shaw may have taken them home. I called to leave msg with them, but phone mail box is full. Maybe try again?
JAM
Do you guys throw away a copious amount of jam every day? I wonder if we could make the jam dishes with less of the sweet sticky stuff, like a tablespoon full.
BACK DOOR KITCHEN
Deb and I put the new Back Door Kitchen menus in almost all rooms. Missing: Whidbey & Matia. The menus are by the calculator. Please put in guest directories and take Spring menu out.
Thank you.
SUMMER
There is so much going on this weekend: Shakespeare Festival on World Road, Lavender Festival at the lavender farm, summer street fair on Court St, Farmer’s Market from 10-1 on Saturday in the court parking lot. Fun, fun, fun. Let our lovely guests know!
Important changes guys. And when I say important, I mean it! This is super critical stuff for us to be able to track how people hear about us so that we can know where we need to advertise.
I have changed the market codes so that there are only 7 codes now. Please STUDY THEM CAREFULLY. If you have any questions ASK, ASK, ASK. I would much rather that you ask me about this stuff than just fill something in that is not correct.
When you study this list, you will see two NEW entries. One is X-direct online booking. Do not use this code…ever. This is automatically entered when people book directly online.
Guest, last name Matus, stayed here 7/9-7/12 has lost a pearl bracelet and a phone charger USB cable. If it turns up please call her so we can sed it back.
Hi guys, I hope you’re all having a great summer. You are working so hard and I really appreciate it. Our computers are also working hard, and as you know, they are sometimes “freezing up”.
It has become clear that several of you are using the computers for personal use. I need to reiterate that this is absolutely NOT okay. When you use these computers for personal use, you are opening up our ENTIRE system to viruses. This costs us lots of money and can wreak havoc.
Please do NOT use the computers for personal use and do NOT erase the “history” in Firefox or Explorer. We absolutely need to see what websites have been visited so that we can track down where these viruses are coming from.
So, in summary, PLEASE treat these computers with the utmost respect and TLC. If you need to use a computer for any personal reasons, use the lobby computer (or the upstairs one at Bird Rock) during your breaks.
Cookie Recipe is back on the front of the fridge.Butter is thawing for next batch, we are going through everything with being sold out.
Many happy guests.
Olga did a super scrub on the kitchen floor,put on your sun glasses. She rocks.Nice to have the trade winds keeping us cool.
Garden is beautiful, deadheaded a few plants and watered everything including Spieden.
Good to go on Cookies also.
Bird Rock is looking pretty spiffy. Looks like there aren’t too many vacancies in town , Hope everyone has a great weekend.
That was AWESOME!!!!!!
My private violin concert turned into a concert for half the hotel. Her daughter did Irish dance to her songs, barefoot and in supertight pants. THANK YOU Herrault family. You made our day!
PETTY
Was off today. Thankfully I got a hold of Myah and figured out why. I need you guys to count the till every day, please.
LOBBY FRIDGE
Everything in there froze. I turned it up a bit. Please check tomorrow and adjust accordingly.
SHAW
Our lovely guests in the Shaw are sooooo warm. Laura, Cindy, didn’t we think about putting an air conditioner in that room?
COOKIES
We need some.
Thank you so much, Deb, for getting us some paper cups from EB. I ordered some more.
We have wonderful people staying here this weekend. Most are from hotter climates and find our heat wave refreshing. Wow.
Later tonight our guest in the Lopez, a professional musician, will give me a violin concert in the lobby. Can’t wait.
BUTTER
There is lot’s and lot’s of butter in the little black fridge by the luggage room door.
REVIEW
Lilly, I know you put out an amazing breakfast. I didn’t hear back from the guest. And another guest posted a really nice review on Trip Advisor for the same weekend.
Well, maybe we should just make it very clear that we are there for our guests, in good and in bad times. Come tell us if something is wrong. Don’t leave angry.
You guys are amazing. Thank you all for your hard work.
The guests in the Skipjack had an interesting idea and wanted me to pass it on. It’s a very warm night and their room has a door to the balcony but no window. They want to cool off the room and have the fan going but they also wanted to be able to open the door. I told them I thought this was fairly safe and would sleep with the door open if it were me but they felt weird about not having anything over the doorway to prevent peeping toms when the door is open. They suggest we get curtains overthe doorways…
Also, I can’t find any paper coffee cups.
Hey Steffi–so I read the guest comment about the lack of breakfast, etc. I am very confused by this though….I was working the morning of the 4th and had everything out…a HUGE plate of fruit, cereal, eggs, toast, yogurt, juice, milk, and a ton of scones! (I made a ton extra of everything because I knew it would be busy!) I am very surprised that they would be complaining about the breakfast, it was definitely one of the nicest looking breakfasts I have made all year! Also, they never brought up any issues about noise or the jets not working in the tub. I’m kind of surprised by the comment they left..I wish that they could have brought up some of these issues with me as I felt I was available but unfortunately this is the first of their complaints I am hearing.
Aloha everyone, good to be back at the Bird Rock, thank you for all the kind words and support. Summer may have finally arrived this afternoon. Had the front door open unit it got dark.
Hey Bird Rocking ladies,
please read review and my response in guest comment blog on this site. Can anybody tell me a little more about this? Why was the breakfast cereal and eggs only? Did the guest let you know about the jets? Did you have other noise complaints that morning (morning of 7/4 I think)?
Well, a bad review is a learning experience to do better next time. Let’s make sure we let folks know that we have carafes available to take filtered water up to the rooms. And continue with your fabulous customer service.
Also: Cindy and Laura will be out of town for the rest of the week. If you need something or have an issue, please call me at home.
DISHWASHER
Can’t wait for the new one! I’ve been finding a lot of not-so-clean looking dishes and having to rewash them, so just a friendly reminder to make sure they look clean before putting them through a wash.
Thanks MAYA and LAURA for your sweet words of encouragement! Though we’re fully booked this weekend, it hasn’t felt too crazy here, probably because everyone is out enjoying the festivities. Happy Fourth to you all!
This is just a little love note to tell you how amazing each and every one of you are and how much I appreciate everything you do every single day. Thank you.
Before I get too busy to blog, again, I just wanted to say how nice it is to work with this crew, this summer.
The new smart girls are so on top of it, and the guests just love you all, Halley, Brynn and Lilly!
The housekeeping staff is fast and friendly, and the guests often comment on how helpful they are, I just need to say it here before some minor crisis arises and takes presidence.
I miss Debbie like crazy, but she is back so let the fun begin. Trip advise-on!
Every crew need the boys, and we don’t want to know what we’d do with out Super Seth and brilliant and patient Morgan, who answers questions even if I asked him the same one a week ago. Love the boys.
None of this would work with out the amazing managerial scheduling skilled leadership of our dear Steffi. Steffi, thank you for all you do, it does not go unnoticed, just unpublished perhaps.
Now I feel like I’m saying my bedtime prayers and I don’t want to forget anyone, so god bless Laura and Cindy, and Raquel and everyone!
All this just before one of the busiest weekends of the summer. Exe’s & Oh’s
I refunded the Marrowstone guests 50% because of the hot-tub problem and all of the distress it seemed to cause them…
If we sell the Bainbridge, Patos, Speiden, or Sucia for tonight and tomorrow night please email Cindy to let her know. We had a big cancellation #2238479 and we won’t charge the guy the full amount if we can resell some of the rooms.
The guests in the Marrowstone came in to complain at 10:45pm that the hot tub wouldn’t get hotter than 99 degrees. We tried the key and Seth even looked at it. It all looks fine and it is usually 100-102 degrees so it really isn’t very low but they aren’t happy. Seth did some tweeking which may work or not. If not, I have a feeling they’ll want some kind of refund.
Yeah cookies. Thank you so much, Brynn.
I’ll bring the new schedule down in a little bit here. You will have some time with your sweety! Love, Love, Love!
Also: Maloulas Restaurant is now serving every day except of Wednesday. Oh yummy!
Good idea, Steffi, to get some delicious cherries (and grapes and blueberries). Good fruit is pricey but it sure does make people happy about breakfast!
RED LEGACY OREGON PLATES
A guest asked me upon check in if it was o.k. to park right outside the hotel by the bench. I assumed they meant in a parking lot. But I just saw they are parked right on the street, which is not o.k. I don’t remember who it was, knocked on some doors to no avail.
Brynn, can you ask our breakfast guests who that might be? They will get a ticket. Make an announcement? It was a couple, in their 50ties?
BIKES
We do not, under no circumstances, no exceptions, allow bikes in our rooms. One of us told our guests in the Fidalgo that it would be o.k. to bring them in the room. I will let them know that we will charge them if any damage occurs. But in the future, please make sure we are all on the same page on this.
FOOD
As Halley said, let’s order Monday and Wednesday from now on.
HALLEY, thank you oh so much for getting me going on breakfast prep, you doll, you. And for leaving everything so clean and organized and being on top of it. AND for doing a big ole store run. You definitely possess goddess skillz
FIDALGO GUESTS
They are super nice, here for 5 nights. They brought a bike and I guess they were told that it is fine to keep it in the room, though I know it’s not. They said they chose the fidalgo because of the extra space for the bike, which is their “baby”. I told them that you would be working tomorrow afternoon, Steffi, and that you would be the one to talk to about it. For tonight I let them keep the bike in their room, as they were misinformed it seemed the best thing to do!
Myah- Tom said he didn’t get either of our messages until late last night and was able to order everything but yogurt. WE ARE OUT OF YOGURT and he won’t be able to get it to us til next Saturday. I’m going to try and buy a case (or 3) from King’s. Also, Tom wants you to call him because he thinks we should place our orders no later than Wednesday in order to have them on time. As someone who hits the grocery store for something almost every mid-week closing shift, I agree
SHIPPING LOST ITEMS
We had a guest, who had forgotten a shirt. One of us shipped it back FedEx for $21. He wanted just regular mail for like $3. He was very angry. I refunded him the shipping cost. In the future please clarify how a guest wants their stuff sent back, cheap, fast, etc.
Thank you!
The guests in the Shaw were originally booked for the skipjack. Their booking was made by a travel agent who didn’t realize there were 3 people, one of whom is handicapped, so I moved them to the best thing we had available. I couldn’t find our futon so I think it must be in another room. I ran up to Earthbox and borrowed one, so the one in the Shaw has to go back there. Also, the plastic chair that is usually in the shower downstairs is in the Shaw shower because it’s easier for their handicapped party member to shower sitting down. I also shanghaied some paper from Earthbox, though not much.
BRYNN! You are a GODDESS. I worship you. The hotel was spotless and the cookie dough was already made when I came in, even though I was sure you wouldn’t have time to do it (I was planning on spending my afternoon making cookies, but I’m glad I didn’t have to . How do you manage all that during the crazy breakfast shift? Must be your goddess skillz.
So, the paper towel dispenser in the kitchen is jammed and I can’t find the key to open it. It’s not where it used to be (in the drawer of keys in the safe) or hanging on any of the housekeeping key rings in back. Any ideas about where it may be, anyone? Also, the printer ran out of paper. I looked in both desks as well as the back room. The only paper I can find is the thick paper or the Birdrock letterhead paper, no regular printer paper. Is it just my eyes deceiving me or are we out?
DESK CHAIR
The bolts keeping the arm rests in place seem to have popped out. I have sort of lodged the nail in there to keep it from jiggling around. I wrote a maintenance report for Seth.
MARROWSTONE GUESTS
Didn’t show up at closing, and had no number for me to reach them at. They got married today at Lakedale and were also having their reception, so I am assuming they will come late after all of the festivities. Organized a late check in.
Goddesses!
Please see: 2275467. Whale watch tour booked for wrong month. We have to pay for this in full, no way around it. Please please pay attention, so we can spend our money on finer things than this.
Brain on, please!
COOKIE DOUGH
Is made. Hopefully no frankenstein cookies this time! I painstakingly made sure I was doing everything right, so that shouldn’t be the case (hopefully)
SAN JUAN SUITE FLOWERS
They are STILL alive. How amazing. They are from nearly two weeks ago!
What a busy morning this was. Lots of happy people. Enjoy the sun everyone!
COOKIE DOUGH
Brynn, can you please start a cookie dough as soon as you can tomorrow? We are all out, Frankenstein and everything. I left 4 uncooked eggs for project cookies!
SPA CONFIRMATIONS
From now on, the spa will call us to confirm our upcoming spa bookings the day before. I think that’s a great idea.
INK
needs to be ordered from Dell. We have 3 more cartridges in the upper right drawer of the back desk. If we run low on those, let one of the boss ladies know and we’ll order it.
COFFEE MATE
2 full boxes on shelf above egg cooker
RECYCLING
Needs to go to the curb on Sunday nights. If we forget or have too much, please call Seth.
Thank you all so much for your hard work, feeding hungry guests, rescuing cookies, cleaning the wine shelf. You are making this place what it is.
Much love, s
We are almost out of black printer ink. Do we order that from anyone special or just buy it at the office supply store?
Lilly-
The hotel looked great this afternoon! It was really nice to come into work after you were here. I’m glad everything went so well this morning. You rock!
So tonight’s shift has been really calm and pleasant. Only a few things of note. Firstly, I was stocking the coffee and tea area when I noticed I couldn’t find anymore Coffee Mate packets. Are they hidden in back somewhere or do we need to order more? Also, our recycling is overflowing. I’m not sure who we notify about this but I could take it to the dump if no one else can, just let me know.
Lastly, good luck on your first breakfast shift back solo Lilly! Everything’s ready and I think it will go just fine.
Sooo, tonight we had some poor souls turn up looking for a room around 10:30pm. They had just gotten in from Colorado and hadn’t eaten dinner and everything was closed… so I fed them yogurt and cereal and toast. Which would be why there’s a few bowls missing from the breakfast line-up, but I added some of the guest use ones to the ones we usually use, cuz I don’t want to run the dishwasher for 5 measly bowls. If you need more in the morning just steal them from the cupboard in the lobby. Also, I had one of the Frankenstein cookies and it was DELICIOUS!!!
My cookie magicians, you guys are amazing.
Myah, you should write a Trip Advisor about your Morel 6 experience. How was the customer service? Did they have magic fingers?
FRANKENSTEIN COOKIES
During the heat of the day, on this particular phase of the moon, at precisely the right balance of higher energies, the cookie dough was revitalized, with bits and pieces of this and that, to become what is is today, a much self actualized version of it’s former self. This was a collaboration of creative juices flowing from the all mighty cookie diva in the sky. Brynn, you and Halley are still the cookie goddesses!
Brynn, thank you for covering for me while I grooved out to Crosby Stills and Nash last night. We stayed in a Motel 6, which was a humorous but kind of grodey experience. Meth dealers, the sound of the highway, and really terrible coffee could make up for the bad service. Definitely not the Bird Rock or the Earth Box!
INTERNET
Ok, so it’s working now. For some reason, a program called Linksys Wireless Network Monitor popped up when I turned the computer on and it was asking me to update or reconnect or something, I don’t really remember but I clicked on something. Anyway, the internet wasn’t connecting. After unplugging and replugging cords and restarting the computer, I still couldn’t figure it out. Then I clicked on the icon for the Linksys program in the dock next to the wireless internet icon and it asked if I wanted to reconfigure something (I know, I’m really good with details, huh) so I just clicked yes, and lo and behold, the internet worked again! So that’s my exciting story. If this happens to anyone else, maybe you can do what I did.
COOKIE PROBLEM
Ummm…hmmm. I think I screwed up a little with this last batch of cookies (ok a lot), and I’m pretty sure it’s because I didn’t put enough flour in them. Though I’m not sure how since I don’t remember being distracted. Sigh. Anyway, they turn out flat and greasy and weird. I don’t know if the dough can be rescued. ARRGGHH!
Oh well, other than these little dilemmas, it’s been a good day. Hope everyone is having a good weekend!
SUCIA GUESTS
Can’t stop raving about Bird Rock! So I asked them to write about us on trip advisor (of course)..The guy is a photographer and he said the pictures on our website don’t do us justice. They were “very pleasantly surprised”. Hmmm, maybe we should think about getting some more shots?
UPSTAIRS PATIO LOCKS
It appears at least the second floor patio lock is not working, as I’m sure you have all noticed. I know Halley wrote a maintenance report for Seth but thought I would mention it on here again. I know it says not to deadbolt those doors, but I guess we have to?
COOKIE DOUGH
Made a big batch today, talk about a project! Mainly it’s scooping all the dough into little balls. Wouldn’t want to start that project too late in my shift.
Well, it’s been an amazingly beautiful day. Guests are out on the patio right now at 8:30 enjoying some wine.
Hey Ladies of the Rock,
I’m just going through upcoming reservations and there are a bunch with questions and it’s not clear if those questions have been answered. Made alarms. Please call guests.
If you answered a guest question from the guest remark section, please note so in WRP. Thank you.
Continue to rock!
P.S. I reconciled $$$$ last night and it was perfecto (ooops, no Spanish at work:). Thank you!
WHIDBEY
Was a no-show at closing. Please ask Regino if they came on the last ferry. f not, call guest and see what’s up, then call spa immediately and cancel massage. Guest is charged.
1/2 & 1/2 THERMOSES
Both tops are broken. Maybe we can get a new one next time we go shopping?
Thank you for the flawless shift change today, Brynn. It is such a pleasure working after you:)
We have some exhausted guests tonight. Getting here was not half the fun for them, ferries….
Be kind and loving and feed them well.
DISHWASHER
BL (beautiful Laura) ordered us a new one, yeah!!!! It will be delivered and installed, the old one taken away by the good people of Sears on Monday, June 28. Hopefully not right during breakfast.
LILLY
Brynn, Lilly will stop by on Tuesday at 7:30 AM to get a visual on the breakfast prep, Halley and I (me not so much today, sorry) walked her through. Just so you know. Show her the chops!
HALLEY
That was an excellent job how you worked out the kayak tour date mix up and offered room service and everything. Great great job, happy happy guests. You are awesome.
MYAH
I can not believe you took the cheerios dust out of the bin. That is above and beyond, girl. Thanks also for cleaning the front desk. It needed it.
So I just tried to post and somehow it disappeared so I’m re-writing this, UGH! Anyways, got the dishwasher thing figured out, it’s not that the door’s seal is off, it’s just that you have to really muscle it shut. It worked just fine today.
Also, the guests in the San Juan mentioned that it would be nice to have a small table or island to eat at since they have their own kitchen to cook in. I think they’re on to something…
Lastly, I know we use as much eco-friendly, organic, green stuff as we can and I wondered if we advertised this on our website? I think it’s a really attractive feature of ours and we should put it out there. Guests love that kind of thing, I know I do. Anyways, you guys rock. Keep on keepin on! (You can tell it’s late…)
Brynn- The guests in the San Juan don’t want a housekeeping tidy on 6/8/10.
Steffi- The dishwasher leak just keeps getting worse and worse. I slipped and almost dropped a bunch of glasses today while it was running because I was looking at the shelf and not my feet. It took me 4 towels to dry the floor and while it saved me mopping later I am worried that someone else will get hurt because of it. I wrote another maintenance slip but think it may be beyond Seth’s powers to fix.
Other than that, all’s well! Our courtyard is looking especially beautiful lately and we’re finally getting some beautiful sunny weather! Looking forward to summer.
SHAW TV
No trick. The coaxial cable was defective. Seth exchanged it. The second cable I thought was loose may be defective as well. If it is, then call Seth, he has a spare.
STEFFI
Awe, Steffi, thanks for the encouragement! Yes, yesterday had it’s share of adventures, but really it turned out fine in the end, and the guests were really cool about everything.
TRIP ADVISER
Yay, what a nice review we just got! I still need to work on remembering to slip in the whole go-on-trip-adviser spiel.
SHAW TV
So it works now? What’s the secret?
BLOG
Obviously I have now just caught on to the practicality of separating every idea with it’s own heading…makes it much easier to read. Smart people at Bird Rock/Earthbox
STEFFI
Awe, Steffi, thanks for the encouragement! Yes, yesterday had it’s share of adventures, but really it turned out fine in the end, and the guests were really cool about everything.
TRIP ADVISER
Yay, what a nice review we just got! I still need to work on remembering to slip in the whole go-on-trip-adviser spiel.
SHAW TV
So it works now? What’s the secret?
BLOG
Obviously I have now just caught on to the practicality of separating every idea with it’s own heading…makes it much easier to read. Smart people at Bird Rock/Earthbox
BRYNN
Was a Rockstar last night. You, gorgeous woman, had your trial by fire: TV not working, fire place not working, locked yourself out. There will be one more test: the fire alarm going off, but once you get through this nothing, and I mean nothing can mess with your cool:)
MYAH, HALLEY, BRYNN
Thank you so much for your hard work. You are holding the ship down just as we want you to. Your excellent customer service, meticulous attention to detail and your ‘just get it done’ attitude is what makes this the fabulous hotel it is. Thank you!
SHAW
The TV is acting funny, cuts out, etc. I think the 2nd cable is loose. Blocked room out until Friday. You may rent it at a discount without TV privileges for $99 per night.
Brynn moved current guests to different room, please make sure Shaw gets cleaned. Please make sure to call Seth and tell him about TV problem.
Morning all! This is your friendly neighborhood shift coverer.
Just a couple of things.
- I hope Tom is scheduled to drop of food tomorrow otherwise you will need to go shopping for Sunday. I am sure you will be fine for Saturday breakfast.
- The Matia was supposed to have two twin beds but it wasn’t set up. Not knowing how to do that nor where the twin sheets are, I gave on of the gentlemen the Sucia for the night. He knows he will have to move back on Sat. Please tell housekeeping about the change.
Welp that’s about it. I hope Steffi is feeling better. Take it easy!
Myah!
Thanks for your sweet words. Me likey positive reinforcement. I hope tomorrow it looks good too. Your words inspired me to extra-tidy.
Another slow and peaceful night here at Birdrock. I’ll see you all next week.
Halley: You Rock the Rock! The hotel was shining clean and well stocked this morning. What a treat to wake up the this! You are a doll-face!
The co-op order has been picked up, thanks to Seth the wonder-guy!! What a great team!
I am enjoying the new play list here, I wonder if Zoe is adding her favs. That girl is into music too.
I solved a mystery today. You know how these new high-end bikes have the hardest looking seats ever? I always wonder how people put up with that, especially long distance. Well, I noticed today that they wear pants “with pads built in!!!!” (not that i was looking) Isn’t that amazing? Butt pants! Who knew?
The new girl in housekeeping is sweet and focused. I hope she makes friends here this summer. She told me she is studying accounting at University…yea girl.
Enough for now, I will keep you reprized if I notice any new mysteries solved. There are so many.
It’s been smooth sailing this afternoon so I’ve been doing some stocking and cleaning. I noticed that our dishwasher leaks and creates a puddle under it and the counter whenever we run it. The door may not seal properly. I wrote a slip for Seth. Also, we have only 1 can of rolled oats left. Do we order more from FSA or Tom? Same with white sugar. I poured the last 25 lb bag into the sugar bucket, so we no longer have an extra stock back there. Other than that, nothing of note. You guys are super cool. Rock on!
-Halley
DAILY CHECK LIST
Ladies of the Rock, please continue to use the daily check lists. Sign, date and put in my box after your shift. I printed some more (also in my box).
BED & BREAKFAST.COM
We DO NOT participate in any bed & breakfast.com promotion. The only gift certificates we take are the ones issued by us. This is important. We don’t get our money otherwise.
WEDNESDAY MYAH COOP BODY CARE
Myah, will you please pick up a very large body care product order from the food coop on Wednesday. call Seth and have him help you with the truck or the van. Anna from the coop will call you when the order arrives (between 11 and 2). If you don’t here from her by shift end, will you go over there anyway and look for the order, please?
It’s prepaid, so you don’t have to worry about the $$$$$.
Thank you so much.
CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS
Keep our gorgeous Bird Rock lady clean. Not that you aren’t, but I’m picky:)
Wipe down the front of the cabinets (kitchen and lobby), dust the glass shelf, clean fridges and microwave, wipe down coffee pots and granola bins and please please double check dishes before you put them away. Dishes need to be pre-washed before they go in the dishwasher.
Check out the deep cleaning schedule on the fridge and go at it, uiiiiee!
WHEN RAQUEL CALLS
to ask how many check outs and stay-overs we have the next day, go to tomorrow’s date, go to check-outs and read that number to her, go to check-ins with stays and read her the number of stay-overs. This is really important, she schedules according to what we tell her and when we (and we do) give her the wrong info, she schedules either not enough or too many housekeepers.
WRP
Please go through upcoming reservations when you have a second. Make sure we didn’t miss a massage add-on or a request for something special. Found a bunch today again.
EMAILS
Please file emails after you dealt with them.
PHONE MESSAGES
Please erase phone messages after you dealt with them.
I think that’s all I had to nag about:)
Summer Season 2010 here we come! I love my crew! Together we are strong!
Also, we’ve got a bunch more island maps, including some Orcas maps.
Western Prince called to let us know that they are all booked up for their noon trips this weekend, but they are offering 4pm trips just for this weekend and there are many spaces still available.
The couple in the San Juan really enjoyed their stay (and plan to write on Trip Advisor, yay!). They said their meal at Coho is one of the best they have ever had. They had just a few small suggestions: that the top window in the San Juan get some sort of window treatment because a lot of light comes in in the morning. They also thought the fridge was noisy, but understood there may not be much we can do about it. They were really nice.
Myah- I made a bunch of cookie dough last week, so you might be referring to my batch (I hope!). I followed the recipe except I didn’t put in any granola and about half as many oats. The dough seemed quite buttery and sticky to me, but I put in the amount of butter and flour, etc. that it called for, so who knows? Maybe the fact that they were more dough-y is the secret to their plumpy-ness
The HoneyMooners in Marrowstone are the cutest couple ever. They went to Duck Soup for their last night, Lucky devils.
The peonies from Rolph even are fragrant. I need to get some pink ones in my garden.
Just want to say what a pleasure it is to work with everyone here at the Bird Rock, Seth never complains and the laughter around here is totally contagious.
Good night ,see you Saturday.
There seems to be a delay on our email. I’ve been receiving emails hours after they’re send time the last 2 evenings. I don’t know how to fix this. Has anyone else noticed this delay? Also, the guests in the Marrowstone were having trouble with their wifi. Other than that, all is well.
-halley
Uh oh, I had taken the schedule to copy it last week and found it in the copier today, sorry.
Thanks for all the helpful hints from you all, stuff like unirez and other octopuses are easier to deal with when there is a good map to follow.
WED or THURS the 2nd or 3rd?
Does anyone want one of these days? I have a big fat final due on Friday and I could use one of the days to study. let me know, 379 3668 or skydog@rockisland.com,
muchos gracias
Whoever it is that is making cookies, is doing a really great job, they turn out so perfectly round and plumpy! What is the secret? Thank you little cookie elf, who ever you are.
We have a big family here who is so happy to be here at the BR, they just love it.
You guys crack me up. Well, better 2 wonderful women showing up to work than none, right?
KEYS
Morgan (the Rock!) brought us a gazillion new magnetic keys. I redid all our keys except the ones which are in our guest’s hands. Myah Papaya, tomorrow, when guests give their keys back, slide them in the front door. If they blink green they are functioning. Hang them up. If they blink red or not at all, take one of the keys Morgan made out of the safe, slap a room label on it and throw the old magnetic card out.
SCHEDULE
Next week’s schedule was missing. NOT o.k. If you take it down to make a copy, please hang it back up. Morgan brought us a copy, so all is good now.
REGINO
I made his bed, now he has to lay in it. Ha. Can you please remind the girls to change the sheets on Friday morning, so R has a clean bed to sleep in? He can’t do things like that right now with his arm.
Busy busy day at the Brrrrrr. Don’t forget to order food next Monday and Thursday. I started lists on the white board.
Must of been some fun in the hotel last night a beautiful pair of high heels in next to the couch…Another beautiful day here here comes Brynne I think I read the schedule wrong. oops.
When processing a UNIREZ reservation MAKE SURE you go into the EDIT screen to lock the room type. If you notice, when a reservation comes in you will see in the room section it says “Room: U.” That means unassigned. UNIREZ reservations have this NASTY PROBLEM of making a reservation for a room but not actually taking the room out of availability. You fix that by going into the reservation’s EDIT screen and simply saving it. Easy as pie. Everything falls into place properly. If you fail to do this there is a possibility that the room could be overbooked by another reservation.
PS Please make sure you are checking the “New Section” for any alarms that might need to be taken care of. Clear out any old ones and old UNIREZ reservation alerts.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!!
Everything is fine and dandy here, Morgan just brought us Champagne, ordered gallon baggies and napkins from Gerard.
Sun is back with us and the door is open. Vegas sure sounds like fun.
Hello my beautiful Birdrocking Ladies and our rock Morgan,
Checking in to let you know that Cindy and Laura are out of town all this week. Give me a call if you have any issues.
The new schedule is made and is up here at EB. I asked Morgan and Stephanie to bring it down tomorrow. Look closely at the opening hours: starting on May 28 we close at 11PM. Summer, here we come!
No problem! It’s great that we’re busy. And thanks so much for coming in so I could take a break…and for doing breakfast prep, making cookies, and your beautiful lemonade (seriously, it’s so beautiful).
People in the Marrowstone complained that their tv over the gas stove has a strange coloring and the volume was really low, even though all the buttons on the controller work. Any tips?
Brynn, my double shift rockstar, have a great shift! Thank you so much for your help.
Call me when you need a break. The lady in the NEW section never called back. I canceled the reservation.
Just thought it was about time I get in the habit of blogging, so here is my first post
I’ve been having a lot of fun working here at Bird Rock so far, such nice people coming through all the time. I love to hear their effusive compliments about the hotel and the island.
Thanks again Myah for sharpening the knives, they have really helped with speeding along breakfast in the morning.
I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone here and at Earthbox. You are all so nice.
We have almost filled every one of the trash bins out back. Morgan told me to put 1 out on Monday for pick up and that someone else would take care of the rest? Whoever that is, we need their help stat! Other than that, you are all wonderful. Have fun!
MAPS
Call chamber of commerce this friday to see if they have maps yet. We may be able to get some from one of the real estate offices.
Raquel came in and showed me how to touch up the chairs and tables to fix any scratches. She is very clever. They also got a good dusting while I was down there.
KNIVES
I sharpened the big ones so be careful. I’m going to get us a paring knife soon, hopefully today.
Thank you for covering for me lately, I really appreciate you. I hope I can return the favor soon. Remember, any of you can always call me in a pinch and I will be here to help anyway I can.
CASH BOX
As of today we will count our cash box twice per day. Once in the morning, once in the evening. Cash reconciliation sheet is in cash box. Please add this to your daily duties.
Thank you.
SCHEDULE
Sweet Deb needs to leave. I changed the schedule. Please all have a look and make sure you know when you work.
FOOD ORDER
Here is how we will do it:
1) when you notice we are out of something, you write it on the white board.
2) When you order food, write next to the ordered item when it will be here, then circle the entire order and write: ordered, today’s date, your initials
CASH PAYMENTS
Brynn, when you have a cash payment, got to
1) credit card symbol
2) other form of payment
3) hit cash
4) hit process payement
MATIA
Please make extra double triple sure to write the bed constellation in the house keeping notes every time we got or you make a reservation for the Matia.
CHECK IN RECEIPTS
Go in the little folder behind you on the back desk, not in the safe.
LOST & FOUND
There are little lost and found forms above the stereo, fill one out, if a guest inquires about a lost item, and give it to Olga or Socco in the morning.
EMAILS & PHONE MESSAGES
Please file emails and delete phone messages once you have dealt with them.
TOMORROW
Halley, if you have time, please go to Post San Juan and bring the lost sweater back and mail the gift certificate on the desk.
MOTHER’S DAY
Downriggers, Place, Back Door Kitchen are open for dinner.
Bluff is doing a brunch, so is Duck Soup.
If the internet connection goes down, unplug a bunch of stuff in the router. Chris ever so lovingly labeled all the wirey thingys, so we know where to plug them back in. Anyway, wait for a few minutes before you reconnect the plugs, and then it should come back on.
Hey,
I learned yesterday from an educated man that “tony”, as in the Sunset Article “Tony Bird Rock Hotel” means something like “marvelous” in British. Mhm.
Deb, can I ask you a weird favor: can you bring a handful of coffee filters (for the big coffee maker) up to Earthbox when you come to the party, please? We are totally out.
Tell everybody about our Fiesta Mexicana, from 3-6, authentic Mexican cuisine (whole pig boiled in oil over open flame, oh yeah), folk dance, free massages, grand opening of Johnny’s Organic Juice Bar at the Earthbox pool patio.
Myah, come up for a bite to eat, yes?
CONFIRM ADD-ONS
Please confirm whale watch tours, massages etc. with guests. Twice today somebody called wanting to make sure that they can still get a massage or a whale watch and it was all booked already, but the guest didn’t know.
SUMMER PRICES
We here at Bird Rock are not as generous with discounts during the high season as we are at Earthbox. We have 15 rooms and we usually sell them all. So if a guest really would like a room a little cheaper, send em up to Earthbox, but please don’t undersell our rooms in the summer.
Here is what you can do to spoil our guests:
- Upgrade the guest to a nicer room upon arrival.
- Throw in an extra person at no charge.
- Be nice and friendly and go out of your way to make their stay memorable.
HOT TUB
Dwight says all systems go. Tell guests to please not adjust the temp. It is preset to the right temp.The cover will need to be replaced soon as it is looking shabby, also the eventually the thermostat unit will need to be replaced as well as the buttons are sticking.
GOOD TO BE HOME
yes it is. My friends were on the plane that was landed for a bomb threat you may have heard about on CNN, lucky ducks, they get all the excitement!
UNIREZ RESERVATIONS
I updated our unirez listings so guests can’t book the simple rooms for more than 2 adults/children. Please let me know if we get another overbooking for those rooms.
ROOM RATES MAY
I will adjust the pricing for May to have off season rates through May Mo-Su (some rooms had the weekend prices at the summer rates already).
MARROWSTONE HOT TUB
Is good to go. Please check temperature every morning and notify Seth immediately if the temperature drops again. You can unblock the room.
MARROWSTONE HOT TUB
Stopped working last night. Dwight from Spa Pro walked me through resetting it. I will check it later today. Seth will check it tomorrow and then we’ll go from there. The room is blocked out until Wednesday.
MORGAN
If you and Halley have time will you please create a sheet with all the current adventure provider’s prices (Maya’s prices went up, for example). Also: will you two update the restaurant folder. Thank you.
INTERNET
Firefox keeps crashing. Explorer works o.k., but slow (doesn’t update WRP). Chris T. will be in early next week and wipe our computer. Please blog when he does that and then we should be back in business.
INK
We are running low on printer ink. I ordered it weeks ago, but it’s on back order. So please only print when it’s necessary (don’t stock us up on forms and vouchers etc.)
SCHEDULE
Next week’s schedule looks like a piece or art, with all the changes and everything. Brynn will train with Deb and Morgan and will work Halley’s first shift together with her (I figure between the 2 of them, they can figure out anything). Good luck, girls!
Also: please order food on Monday and again on Thursday.
Don’t forget to bring 2 garbage cans to the curb on Monday and Thursday night.
WELCOME BRYNN
We have a new front desk staff: Brynn. Welcome to the team! We’ll train Brynn at BR and later cross train her.
Deb, Brynn will be your breakfast helper on Sunday. Show her the chops!
Oh, the new email works sweet. Thank you for prepping so well for me today, Morgan.
Computer Updates:
- Thunderbird is now our email program of choice. It has a “learning spam filter” built in. It tends to catch most everything but if you get an email that you know is spam, just hit the spam button at the top and it will get rid of it. Otherwise it pretty much acts just the same as Outlook Express just with a slightly different “look.”
- A pretty gnarly virus was causing most of our internet problems. The virus pretty much attacks Firefox only. Chris thinks he has it all under control but time will tell. Continue to use Firefox as normally but let Chris know if it does anything wonky. If you ever have problems with Firefox, switch to Internet Explorer. It is strangely not affected by this virus.
- For the time being we will continue to use the wifi so please remember not to unplug the antenna.
Thank you to Raquel, Our floors are beautiful. That was the first thing I noticed this morning. Sounds like Airports may be opening back up in England and Germany by Wednesday.
Computer hasn’t given me any problems yet today. I knocking on wood.
Debbie
INTERNET
Is weird. Chris T. will stop by tomorrow morning and fix it. Deb, will you please let him know that in addition to the issues discussed, Morgan thinks that our ethernet card died (see “I make the internet” contraption).
We have a wonderful family from England staying with us. They are stranded here because of the volcano in Iceland, wow. I hope Miss Myah Papaya gets to come back….
Mornin!
Guest #2219877 has a spa voucher in the folder waiting for her. She should be by to get it in the morning.
Guest #2209453 was a no show at closing. The room is paid for by the card on file. They are moving to #2136232 on Sunday. Please let housekeeping know. Guests know that they may not be able to get into the room immediately.
Steffi, Sent you some folks from Germany tonight, Seems you offer a special up there on weekends ? Any ways you will get a kick out of them. I teased them cuz they said they would come here for breaky I said no deal you must stay here he he.
I am bummed it is raining cuz I washed my car. Rain Rain go away…Good Night.
Almost got us 2 small boys today. I asked our guests why not stay a little longer and they said they have to get back, but we could have their kids. But then they decided to take them home after all. Ha,ha.
Another guest hadn’t been on a bike since a bad accident 20 years ago. And she did Pear Point Loop on our bikes! Yeah! I’m so proud of her.
Soco’s English is getting so good. We talked about the economic situation in El Salvador today. Is that cool or what?
Mornin all
The Ethernet card built into the computer may have died. The internet stopped working and the computer would occasionally crash. We have currently set up a wireless adapter to connect to the internet. You shouldn’t have to worry about anything. It should automatically connect when you start up the computer. Chris will be back from his trip near the end of the week. He will come take a look at our problem after that.
Let me know if you have any problems before then. I can try and do what I can until he returns.
Good Day, We have guests from France, Sweden and Canada. Wow lovely to meet all these folks..
Kitchen is in tip top shape, Miss Olga gave Morgan a Hand.
Must say it sure is nice to have Seth on the property , very happy and friendly….
Miss Maya is on her way to Spain, we will miss her.Ok enough gabbing for today.
Aloha
MARROWSTONE
Heating element is ordered. As soon as it gets here Dwight will install it. Hopefully before our Friday check in. Room is blocked out until then.
MARROWSTONE
You guys, the hot tub is out of order in there and will be for another week according to Seth and nobody told me. I checked in guests, have guests tomorrow. The room wasn’t blocked out. Please make sure we communicate better in the future. Luckily our guests were understanding, but what if it was summer and we wouldn’t have another room?
MONDAY
Please bring the forgotten items in the back room to Post San Juan on Monday.
EMAIL
Please file emails you have taken care of.
UPCOMING RESERVATIONS
Please go through upcoming reservations and make sure we didn’t overlook a massage or whale watch request. I found a bunch.
KITCHEN
Morgan and Deb, will you spend some extra time in the kitchen next week and deep clean, so we are ready for Spring? I did underneath the counter with the kitchen aid on it. Can you clean the shelves above please?
Jeepers it is Bloody cold, Pretty mellow evening here at the Bird, even have left over cookies.
I think instead of Lemonade we should be serving hot cider.
Hello, Hot Tub is down for a short while.Seth is handling it. Poor folks only had water up to their ankles last night.
Man oh live it is crazy weather today…Very busy day hard to believe it is 3:30 already. Rolp called and no flower delivery tomorrow as the weather is too rough, next week for sure.
And that’s all for now folks.
Just a reminder. Please only take a 10% deposit on UNIREZ reservation. Not the full amount like it wants you to. Just manually delete the last number and move the decimal place over one. ok? That way when people cancel, like they are wont to do, we aren’t seeing these huge refunds happening on the books. Plus if you look at the UNIREZ gobbledygook at the bottom of reservations it will actually say we only take the 10% at reservation and 100% if they cancel within 10 days of the arrival date. THANKS!!!
DEBBIE WEDNESDAY FOOD COOP
Hey Deb, I ordered 3 gallons of hair conditioner and 3 gallons of shower gel from the food coop. They will call you when the delivery gets there on Wednesday. Could you go up to Earthbox, grab a check from Cindy and go to the coop and pick it up, please? Thank you.
VIRUS
Uh, we had a virus on the computer. Chris T. fixed it and all is good. Our data is (and was) save, but it seriously messed with our ability to go on the web. So for the future: if a window pops up and tells you that the computer is in trouble, that we contracted a virus, that our firewall is down, click the red X of the pop up window and close it, DON’T click on anything else (like: remove virus, etc.). That IS the virus and it gets going if you click on anything else. Our real anti virus software never ever pops up a window.
Had a lovely Easter morning here at the Rock. The weather calmed down, our guests were wonderful, good day.
Looks like snow in the courtyard, what a hail storm we had. Pretty quiet but we have plenty of groceries to hold us over no matter what happens, Maya made cookies too. Wanted to dye some eggs today but not enough time.
Hope everyone had a nice cozy Easter Weekend.
To change room rate, for say, 3 days of a special and the web site will not adjust it automatically, this is what you do… call Morgan. No, do this instead:
1. go to the edit screen
2. go to section 5 rate change
3. go to the rate change box, and add the year, the month and the day divided by a slash and add the rate per day you want..
Example: 2010/04/06, 78.50
2010/04/07, 99.00
This will give you the power to tell the system what to do! I guess it must be in this format with the slashes and commas for it to work.
…or call Morgan.
Good Morning, 2 bowls we had for yogurt and eggs where dropped by me last week, they were replaced the 2 large ones,.They are too big though Sorry.
The wind is calming down thankfully.That’s it for now my scones are done.
Thank you, Myah, for preparing everything so wonderfully for me this morning. And thank you for providing me with a steady stream of reading material. I’m reading “The spirit catches you and you fall down” right now. Fabulous.
Morning Debbie,
will you please make a pot of decaf for our guests in the Lopez?
If my note to my German student is still on the desk tomorrow (I don’t know if she got my message) can you please put the note and the German comic in the luggage room?
Thank you for picking up the pieces on the schedule, you rock my world!
And last but not least, thank you so much, Laura, for giving me a ride to work today. I wouldn’t have known what to do without you.
I noticed the amazing dish disappearance myself. Mhm.
Have a great day, everybody. I hope they don’t mean it with the coming storm.
BUTTER DISHES?
We seem to missing an array of dishes, bowls, plates and little dishes for butter and jam. We could also use some regular size carafs for water if they are available.
TAXI
San Juan Taxi and tour came by with info on good deals for ride to the west side for 20.00 per van load, and they will take bike sand kayaks for an additional fee.
MAPS
Chamber of commerce says we should be getting the 2010 maps soon, but we can pick up some 2009 to tide us over from them.
COMPUTER
Chris T. came by to speedy up the ‘puter. Seems better.
WHEW!
Well it’s the slower part of a busy morning with a wedding, late check out, early check ins, and guests who were too happy to say goodbye. I had to run them out or they would have missed the ferry. We also got a visit from Laura, which is always a welcome surprise.
Hulluu!
There is an email in our inbox without name or content. If you click on it it crashes the email. Chris T. knows about. Don’t touch it.
Does anybody know what happened to our bowls? The 2 we always use for eggs and yogurt disappeared and 4 huge ones appeared, we can’t really use. Raquel doesn’t know, neither does Myah or I, anybody?
I’m also missing printer ink. Ordered 3, can’t find them.
Ordered coffee and scone mix.
I’m gonna miss Jackie and her family. We had a blast over the last 3 days. Morgan, she will be the one who will try to give you a glass of wine even though you are at work:)
We had wonderful guests this weekend, thank you so much for visiting us. Your joy of being here is contagious.
This is the best hotel for girlfriends to gather we have 5 gals that are having a blast,celebrating their friends up coming wedding.The conversation was so great in the lobby that they hung out from 8:00- 11:30.Barely got the floors done for Ms. Steffi. Lots of great energy, Until next time ….
Much Aloha
Debbie
It is so warm I had the front door open this afternoon. Yipeee. One late check in,Elana’s husband is aware .
Going to See Cisco Morris at the High School tonight he is a hoot and a very good gardener.Until Saturday Aloha
Wow what a day !!! Very busy, 2 Batches of Cookies I will try to make some more tomorrow. I’m not even eating any.
Maya I love the key arrangement thank you so much.We have one late check in and I let Elaina’s husband know.
I love this Hotel, and am proud to be a part of it.
Thanks to all the Gals.
Debbie
Great Morning crowd, Everyone is so pleased to be here.Groceries are put away everything is humming here.Say Sunday I put some cash underneath the keyboard it was a tip for the housekeepers ? It is for Socca and Olga.
Picked up some more maps they also are low but expecting the new ones soon. That’s about all for now.
FIRE ALARM
Today we got a new panel for our fire alarm. The fire chief came over, did a walk through and explained how to handle the situation when the alarm goes off:
1) look on panel where the fire alarm originated
2) go to that area and check if there is a fire
3) if there is a fire, evacuate the building and wait for the fire department
4) if there isn’t, press “acknowledge” then “silence” on the panel and wait for the fire department
5) the fire department will re-set the alarm if it was false
Gorgeous day, we are sold out, even though I was almost an hour early Deb left the place spotless and well stocked, what a pleasure. Thanks, Deb!
GLUTEN FREE
Thank you so much, Morgan, for baking a delicious cake for our gluten intolerant guest. She loved it. Our guest who aren’t gluten intolerant loved it too. You rock!
SAN JUAN
Orosco and I cleaned the San Juan today. Boy, she is a harsh teacher. Had me put those pillow cases on right over and over again. Thanks Orosco, for showing me the ropes. That was great fun.
Lovely day here, phones are ringing, flowers are blooming, guests are smiling. That’s all we need.
How does one get a smiley face on her note Steffi ?
Hotel is sparkling clean, ready for the folks to arrive.
Kept myself moving today because it is Chilly….Dancing up a storm just kidding. Ok guys see you next Sunday.
BUSINESS CARDS
We have more business cards on the shelf above the safe. Please have a look.
ROOM TIDY
Morgan, on Mo and Tue would you please tidy the San Juan (make bed, replace towels if applicable, replace coffee, soaps, etc.)? Please give Raquel a call if you have 700 walk-ins and need housekeeping help.
Happy week, everybody. Make the sun come back out!
Good Evening, Just used the last Bird Rock Business cards. Might need to reorder.
Everyone is out for the evening , Back door sounds good to me right now and its great to offer the room service.
Had a few call in for reservations tonight,great specials.
Thats all for tonight!!!!
We got a big load of juice and butter fruit etc. And it’s mostly all put away.
The fruit is all washed and the grapes are already cut into small bunchies. I turned all the berries upside down to keep them fresher.(upside down in their packages, not individually).
Everything is sparkly and fresh and ready for people!
It’s gonna be a great season! You guys make me want to come to work.
ROOM SERVICE
I put Back Door Kitchen menus in almost all our guest directories in the rooms. Myah or Deb, can you please put a menu in the directories of the San Juan, Marrowstone, Bainbridge, Saltspring and Whidbey tomorrow, please?
So as of right this minute we offer room service from their Back Door Kitchen during their regular business hours: Thursdays through Sundays 5PM to 9PM.
Here is how it works:
1) Guest calls back Door Kitchen and orders food.
2) Back Door calls us and asks for a pick up.
3) We go to Back Door and pick up the food.
4) We add the food bill plus 15% to our guest’s invoice.
5) We put food on tray with plates, napkins, silverware and invoice and bring it to guest’s door.
6) We have guest sign invoice and wish him a happy meal.
7) We charge guest’s card or make change if they paid cash. Write guest confirmation number on Back Door invoice and put in safe with other invoices.
PEACE
We give $10 to Habitat for Humanity when you book a room at regular rate…will continue through May, 31, 2010.
LOVE
Book a room at regular rate and we’ll take $20 off any Lavendera spa treatment… will continue through May 31, 2010. Remember: you have to manually adjust the spa treatment rate.
HAPPINESS
Book a Superior or Standard room for one night, get the second night free…continues every day through March 31, 2010. And continues Sundays through Thursdays through May 31, 2010.
Hello All, Just to let you know I did write a long blog last sunday detailing events of Myah’s adventures and mine regarding the fire alarm issues and others but I am not sure what happened to it. I thought I saw it posted but maybe got lost. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I did not slack off on my blog duties. Looks like all has been sorted out and no alarms going off this morning. Touch wood! Lots of young and hip couples in this weekend (lots of piercings!) all very nice and saying they had a great time, that happiness special is well named Steffi!
TIME CLOCK
Chris T. fixed the time clock, so please clock in and out again BUT also fill out a time card for this pay period until we are extra double super sure everything works correctly.
FIRE ALARM
is fixed, yeah. Guardian needs to put a new control panel in. Please blog if that happens during your shift. I want to know. Thank you.
SOY MILK
I put some soy milk in the lobby fridge. Our guests in the San Juan are vegan. They know it’s there. It’s for all guests. Just to let you know.
Welcome to July weather. And sold out Sat night, feels like July there too. Myah had a rather busy morning here so I am blogging for her and me. Such power!
First off, she said many comments regarding how warm the hotel is. What a nice change in the middle of winter. Maybe I will turn the thermostats down to 65 rather than 70. Girls are opening doors and putting on fans during the day. Yep, thats right, it is february. Myah came in this morning to the firealarm going off and guests in the lobby. What a welcome! Elena had come up and was disabling the alarm, then all the fire guys came and did the sweep through. It was on the main floor and ended up in the Speiden. No fire. The lady in the Spieden said the bed was the most comfortable she had ever slept in and she did not budge throughout the three checks they did in that room, she was just too cozy!. Fire chief instructed us NOT to disarm alarm until we had checked all the rooms. OY VEY!
Maya kept breakfast hopping through all this and everyone OK with it. What a woman!
Bikes, getting plenty of issues. Brakes on #5 in bad shape and others looking a little worn out. I think they need some shelter! A little worse for weather wear.
Cleaning girls all doing a sterling job here as usual. There was a check out out of the Whidbey but no reservation on the books for them. Am I confused?
Sold out at the Bird Rock Hotel. Happy guests and a few have gone to dinner at the Back Door Kitchen it re opened Friday night.
Can’t believe what beautiful weather we are having I think it is here to stay. See you guys in March.Going to the coast for gooey ducks.
RATES
Chris and Deb asked when our room rates change:
Starting May 1 we will have summer rates on Fri & Sat and off season rates mid week.
Starting on May 28 our summer rates will be in effect every day until October 1.
EMAIL
Please file emails you dealt with, so the person working after you is not wondering.
WHIDBEY
Our guests, who checked out of the Whidbey today think they forgot something. See note for Olga in back. Will you call them either way, Myah? They are still on the island and only brought the one…
What a fantastic day. I can’t believe this weather. I was sitting on my porch this morning, in a sweatshirt, in February and I was too WARM!
Happy weekend.
WONDERFUL BOSS LADIES
Cindy will be back next Thursday. Laura will be back the week of March 1. Please let people know and ask if I can help them with anything. If you need me call me, no matter where you are, no matter how far, just call my name …… well, it probably works better if you call my phone.
FOOD
Hey ladies. I ordered fruit for Saturday. If there is anything we need before Sat or other than fruit, please run to the store. Or walk leisurely.
HAPPINESS
I had some questions from guests about booking the happiness special online. The online rates for the happiness special are a nightly average rate. As in: the Bainbridge Suite costs $257 plus tax per night. That’s the regular rate. If you book the happiness special, it costs $257 the first night and $0 the second, making the nightly average rate $128.50. One of our guests thought is costs $128.50 the first night and the second is free. Please make sure to explain this correctly and quote the correct price. Ask me if you have questions.
Just spoke to BL (beautiful Laura). Please check the hot water in the Lopez tomorrow and blog about temperature. Check it again on Monday and blog about how hot (or not) it was. Laura will then determine what to do next.
Pfffhhh, what a night. O.K. so this is going to be long, bear with me.
Bad news first:
LOPEZ
Around 6PM we ran out of hot water. It seemed like the entire hotel. I called Seth, yanked him away from his dinner (thank you, Seth, you are such a Sweety) and he determined that all the water heaters are working just fine. I asked our guests in the Lopez to wait a little. After a while the hot water came back (probably the entire hotel was taking tubs at the same time). But the Lopez Suite remained without hot water. Our guests were really upset (understandably so). They came here for the tub, they wanted a nice room and I had nowhere to put them. I called around the island, but all the nicer rooms were booked. Finally they just wanted to leave. I felt so bad.
In the middle of all this, Miss Myah called and all I could say was: “We don’t have hot water, I gotta go.” Myah then called Deb and asked if her husband could come check it out. Oh sweet Myah, thank you. Anyway, I called Myah back, she told me that Pete is on his way. I asked her to please call him and cancel. I hope she reached him.
So, we seem to have a problem in the Lopez. I blocked out the room for the next 4 days and asked Laura to call a plumber on Monday.
Have you guys ever had an issue with the Lopez water before? I haven’t.
Deb, please make sure, that Olga and Socco clean the Lopez tomorrow.
MARROWSTONE
Our guests checking into the Marrowstone tomorrow ordered some flowers from SJ Florist. Please put in room, before they arrive. They paid the florist directly.
RACK CARDS
I printed rack cards with the correct rates, so no more guessing. They have 3 rates: spring, summer & fall. I also added how many persons each room sleeps.
RECYCLING
Myah, can you please put the recycling on the curb tomorrow night? Welcome back to work, gorgeous.
CROWS
I counted 64 crows on top of the whale museum today. Those garden destroying rascals.
Other than the poor folks in the Lopez everybody is super sweet and happy. Please forgive us, Lopez guests. Happy VD everybody:)
GUEST DIRECTORIES
Yes, we did! We finally have our super cool looking guest directories in our rooms. Please check them out, so you know what our guests see and can refer to the directory if somebody has questions.
Note: it mentions room service from the Back Door Kitchen. Back Door will be closed until 2/19/10. Then, if somebody wants room service, they will call Back Door and order.
Back Door will call us and we’ll pick it up.
We will charge the amount plus 15% to the guest’s invoice, put the food on a tray with plates, silverware, etc. and bring it to their door. Yeah!
F3
Please know that we don’t expect you to remember everything we blog about, you just have to know how to find it: press F3 to search the blog for keywords. Having said that:
We have new and exciting Spring specials (2/15 -3/31/10).
PEACE
Book a room at regular rate and we’ll donate $10 to Habitat for Humanity to build shelter for our fellow islanders in Haiti.
All you need to do is select that special if a guest wishes to. The boss ladies will tally and donate. IMPORTANT: do not select that special if you give a guest a discount.
LOVE
$20 off any Lavendera Day Spa treatment if you book a room at regular rate.
Book room, book spa treatment of guest’s choice as you would in any other case. IMPORTANT: manually take $20 off spa charge, NOT room charge. We will pay spa their regular
rate.
HAPPINESS
Book a superior or standard room at regular rate, get the 2nd night free. Yes, free.
IMPORTANT: in WRP the room price is simply half off the regular rate. This price is ONLY good if a guest books 2 nights (or more).
Top of the morning, Steffi, Gillian just left and wanted to say good bye to you . Nice entry back into the Hotel, Lots of nice folks and yummy fruit for this time of year.
Everyone is checked out…Closing up the Sweet Bird Rock…See you on the February 12th.
Deb D.
Morning Debbie!
Welcome back. On the desk please find today’s closing and next week’s opening list and the signs for the door, that we are closed. Call me at EB if you have any questions.
What a gorgeous day to open our precious. The sun shining, the flowers blooming, the crows digging the freshly planted flowers out of the planters and throwing them on the sidewalk. What?
Yeah, yesterday, when I brought groceries, all the new flowers laid sadly on the patio. I called Island Garden. They came promptly and said it looked to them like deer. Deer? On First Street? Well, then I was sitting here and about 8 crows flew in and started undoing Island Garden’s work. I’m not sure what they are looking for. They don’t eat the flowers, they just throw them out of the planter and then dig. Mhm. Island Garden will look up what repels crows (Mr. Esspike?). Until then, run out and clap your hands.
RATE SHEET
Our rate sheet (the white guys) are from last year. Our prices went up $10 once the summer rate starts. Please make sure you quote the correct price. The boss ladies are working on the correct rate sheet.
BIKES
Our guests in the Spieden have their bikes looked up with ours. Please unlock them when they want to go on their rides.
FOOD HANDLER’S CARDS
The county has a new system set up where you can just take the test on a computer. Info on pinboard in the back. Make sure your food handler’s card is current. If it isn’t, please update. We pay for it.
TIME CARDS
I will bring more time cards when I get to work tomorrow.
COFFEE
Did you know that San Juan Coffee, which we serve in both of our hotel lobby’s is fair trade and organically grown by small family farms. They are so small that they can’t afford the organic certification, but it’s ethically, environmentally and taste bud wise excellent coffee.
VALENTINE’S
Is just around the corner. Remember last year when there was not a seat in any restaurant to be had? Let our guests know to make dinner reservations early. Here’s what’s open:
Vinnie’s – special menu
COHO – set menu, $35 per person
BLUFF – special menu
McMillan’s – regular menu + set menu for $45 per person
Downriggers – set menu
PILLOWS
After extensive research, Cindy found out who we get our pillows from: Down Inc 800.552.9231
The pillow is the Upside of Down pillow~ 80% White Duck Feathers and 20% down. Next time a guest asks, we’ll know. Thanks, Cindy.
CHRISTMAS TERMINATORS
Myah, Seth, Regino and I were the Christmas terminators today, all gone! Thanks for your help, guys.
MORGAN
Morning! I printed out the closing sign and list for you. Please see second page of closing list for extra special duties. Call me if you have questions or issues.
GARBAGE
Laura and Cindy, what shall we do with the remaining garbage and recycling down here? Maybe we should not have it sitting here for a month?
Happy time off everybody. I will make the February schedule in the last week of January. Call me at home if you have special scheduling requests for the first 2 weeks. I’ll call all of you and let you know when you are back on.
Thanks for a fabulous season and all your hard work. Love you all.
All is well here again. We had a ton of fun with the two, 2 year olds for breakfast this morning. I was thinking about how much fun it would be to run a kid only hotel!!! Kids and pets, no grown ups.
I will get back to you on that idea.
So, our time is coming to an end for a bit of a respite, and I want to let you all know how much fun I have had here at the BR. You all are really wonderful to work with/for, and I hope I can do it again.
so, love many
trust a few,
but learn to paddle your own canoe,
peace, Myah
Good Morning Myah!
Myah?
Are you awake?
Myah? Hello?
Just kidding:)
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
Flowers and champagne are in luggage room for tomorrow’s check-in.
Please remember to file emails away once you have taken care of them. We don’t want to miss anything, but we also don’t want to answer the same question twice.
Hi guys and gals, Pretty quiet here today, even called Morgan to have a chat. Took down the garland around the front desk and door as it was very dry.Hope everyone has a good New Year Celebration and I look forward to 2010. CHEERS !!!!
STEALING CHRISTMAS
Alright, it’s official. On Saturday 1/2/10 we will take the Christmas decoration down in the lobby. Please put everything neatly away in the boxes in the back. Seth will remove the tree that day as well.
ICE ICE BABY
Please make sure to salt our patio and the sidewalk around our building. Salt is in the storage shed on the patio where the hot tub chemicals are as well.
SAN JUAN
I chatted with our guest today about visiting Orcas Island and I think she thinks she is checking out Tuesday. We only have her on the books until tomorrow. Will you clarify with her, Chris?
GARBAGE
Please make sure to bring 2 garbage cans to the street on Monday and on Thursday.
NEW YEARS
Here is the action to be had in FH: The Bluff and COHO are serving dinner, The Bluff has live music after 9PM, the Front Street Ale House is serving dinner until 10PM, then it’s a party with games, live music and even, wait for it…. noise makers, oh yeah!
CALLS
I got 3 inquiries for January reservations today. I told them to please come back some other time:(
Boy, that is chilly tonight. Drive slow everybody.
The roads were really icy this morning, but who can complain it is so beautiful,just drive slow. Say I will get our pan back It was loaned out to our guest in the San Juan.
Everyone is sleeping in this morning and my scones are getting cold…Butter is thawing and cookies will be made.
PRICE CHECK
Just a reminder: our Romance Package is $175 ($75 dining credit,$30 champagne, $55 flowers, $15 chocolates).
Whale Watching with Capt. Maya is $79 per person.
Please remember those. When we bill our guests for a third party add-on we’ll lose money if you quote an incorrect price.
EGG POT
Where is our egg cooking pot? There is a tiny pot with no lid, which doesn’t really do the job. Anybody?
DEB-COOKIE DOUGH
Debbie, can you start a cookie dough tomorrow or if you are too busy, please put a butter out, so it’s room temp when I get there. Great idea on the egg nog. Our guests are loving it.
CINDY – LAURA – CHRISTMAS DECO
When would you like us to take the decorations down? Our tree and greenery is getting dry and I would like to have the hotel all ready in case we open for that group in January.
Last week, everybody. I won’t order any more food. Please run to the store if you need something. Don’t over purchase.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, Awesome day here at the Bird Rock. Although not too much selection for dinner tonight on the island. Coho one cancellation at 7:00 and Port Vino said she would take folks just in case they didnt get a meal. Anyways I have a date with Santa so Love to all and Have a good night.
Check notes today, there is a romance pkg for the 25th.
some remote check ins, and I gotta go, call me if you need anything…zxooxoxoxox love you all
Myah
CHECK-INS CHRISTMAS
Myah and Morgan, will you please call all our check-ins for 12/24 and 12/25 and let them know our opening hours? Please write in the guest comment section that you called and what our guests said. Thank you.
SETH
Will be leaving for Alaska tomorrow and will be gone for a week. Please call Cindy or I for maintenance issues. If it’s something minor, call Regino or DIY.
Happy beginning of Winter, everybody. Shortest day – check, and onward.
Cheers,It so smells like Christmas @ The Bird Rock Hotel and I love it. Say I didn’t know we were open on January 01,I am scheduled 2;00-9;30 but had made plans to go skiing anyone need a shift ? Please let me know ASAP. Thanks Debbie
SAN JUAN
Myah’s friend in the San Juan put some gifts in the back room. She will wrap them tomorrow. Have her do that in an open room on the ground floor if possible.
FOOD
I will order food on Sunday for Tuesday. Please run to the store if we need something until then.
PAYCHECKS
Oh lovely boss ladies. Thank you so much for the lovely handcrafted paychecks, cards, candy and everything. You are the very bestest there is.
Steffi and Daniel are my new superheros. What is their special power you may ask… Carrying wood. Yes, they saved this soon-to-be fire-starved woman. The dynamic duo brought and stacked an entire load of beautiful rounds under my deck yesterday. What a wonderful treat to come home to. Thank you for saving my back side!
TOMORROW PARTEEEEEEEEEEE
Yeah! Bring a dish and a gift and your jolly spirit. I’m so looking forward to hanging out with all of you all at once.
Thanks, Deb, for making cookie dough. It got raving reviews by our guests. Call Morgan if you have any problems with closing.
DINING CREDITS
Just a reminder: we currently only give dining credits to the following restaurants: Back Door Kitchen (closes on 12/19 for the season), Duck Soup Inn (currently closed until Spring), COHO, The Place & The Bluff.
Very pleasant night here at the Bird Rock, wonderful people, good conversation, even my feet are warm.
Hi all, Happy all-the-days, if you say that with a bit of an English accent is sounds like “holidays”.
The hotel was a cold maiden today, it took awhile for her to heat up. The San Juan was very fridged and the heaters I put up there kept tripping the breaker. Also, I understand that some our thermostats read backwards, but we still must push the little do-hicky thing up regardless of the numbers, right?
I made an impromtu wine and flower welcome gift from a mom of a guest. I used our cash and have her card number just don’t know how to charge her for it. It was for the folks staying in the spieden room on 12/11, but it’s a surprise so don’t charge the guests. We’ll talk.
Shannon came by to tend the dead flowers pots today. It looks so empty compared to the summer. Maybe we can decorate it up somehow.
Happy Birthday Debbie on Monday! I hope all your wishes come true.
See you later,
Myah
RAQUEL
Is off tomorrow. Please call Regino or I if you have any issues.
FIGGY PUDDING
Oh man, you guys need to hit up Myah for some of her figgy pudding she made. I’m not into Christmassy caky things, but that was so tasty, I just gobbled down the whole thing. Thanks M.
I just wanted to give you guys a heads up for the busy season. I know, at this point, you’re wondering what busy season, that seems like so far away. But it will come again and when it does, we will need to refer to other properties.
Among the other great properties to whom we refer, I would like you to consider referring our guests to the Friday Harbor Suites when we are sold out. They will be referring back to us as well. Their units are quite lovely and they have water views. They are located above the Golden Triangle. Check out their website at http://www.sanjuanislandsuites.com and if you have time call them to see them up close and personal. Their telephone number is 317-6423.
These folks will be coming by to take a closer look at our properties as well. Please be your normal gracious selves.
Ladies,
we got ourselves a decorated Christmas tree! Uh, it smells so good in here. I asked several guests to tell me the bitter truth, does it look tasteful or not. They said it did. But ultimately we need the eyes of BL (Beautiful Laura) to determine if it’s Bird Rock worthy.
Please remember to water the tree and unplug all indoor Christmas deco before you leave for the night.
MAYA’S CHARTERS
Capt. Maya asked to please ask our guests if they have a car. He took 2 of our guests out today, picked them up and drove them back here(for free, because we didn’t let them know he would charge $20) and it turned out they had their car with them and could have driven out to Snug Harbor.
Wind is picking up again, but the sun will stay for another week, yeah!
INVALID CREDIT CARD
WRP has a new trick or tick, rather. Whenever you edit a reservation and save, it gives you the “invalid cc” error. It’s lying. The credit cards aren’t invalid. All you need to do is select what credit card type you got (visa, master, amex) and it lets you save.
Hi Everyone, Tis really good to be home and delightful to be at Windermere last night and see Bird Rock all lite up with Christmas lights. Good job.
Guest will be arriving some time today and Maya and I will have a few more decorations up, Tree tomorrow
Yipee….
SCHEDULE
We made some changes to next week’s schedule. I will put them up on Saturday. Debbie, make sure to have me show you the opening and closing lists, because you are it next week. Welcome back. We missed you.
LIGHTS
Elena will turn off the Christmas lights at night during her nightly walk-through. All we need to do is to turn them on around 4PM every day. San Juan only if the room is empty.
LIDS
There is a whole box of lids on top of the fridge.
HEAT
Raquel will bring us space heaters on Thursday, for the front desk and in case one of our guests is not snuggely enough.
DO NOT DISTURB
We all agree that those little signs are useful for guests needing privacy and to insure safety and dignity of the housekeepers. Do we have some?
Stickers
Housekeeping needs “lotion” stickers. This may be something Laura has in her computer?
Lids
for coffee to go? We are out of them unless there is a secret stash.
Heater?
It’s is pretty cold here at the front desk, is there a little heater we can run so our hands don’t freeze? Maybe some heaters for guest rooms?
Steffi
Welcome back! I hope you had a relaxing get away. I missed you!
Hope everyone had a great turkey day. All quiet and calm here. The guys set up the outside Christmas lights and there are four locations where we need to unplug in the mid morning and turn back on around 4PM. Outside the kitchen door, by the guest computer, outside the marrtowstone suite and inside the San juan. This will not work very well tho unless the room is empty as the balcony door needs to remain cracked and cord run into the kitchen, not doable with a guest checked in, OK if it is empty. Do these lights want to remain on the whole time we are closed midweek? Please have the powers that be let us know. Maya, guest moved from Lopez to Fidalgo, see notes in res, so the lopez needs to be cleaned on Friday for the new booking that is now coming in on FRiday. Plenty of fruit for Fri and prob sat, maybe not sunday. I guess just buy enough to get through since we will be closed next week. Also coffee order tomorrow (were closed today) Late check in to San Juan last night came after I left so have not spoken with them in person, but room was prepaid as a gift.
MORGAN SUNDAY 11/29
We will be closing the hotel on Sunday, 11/29. Dani will make breakfast for our guests and wish them farewell. Morgan, would you go down to Bird Rock and help Dani close the hotel that day, please? Alternately if you can’t get away, walk her through it, then go down there at shift change and do a final walk through. Thank you so much.
BED & BREAKFAST.COM
This is really important: we do NOT participate in their promotions. We do NOT accept their gift cards. As a matter of fact the only gift certificates we accept are issued by us. The only specials we have are created by Adam and listed on our website.
So if somebody asks us to honor a special from the B&B.com site, we don’t participate. If a guests makes a reservation with a gift certificate, make sure it was issued by us.
Thank you.
Uh, what a storm last night. Thank you, Chris, for preparing flash lights and communicating with our guests who were stranded on the mainland. You are the best.
BAINBRIDGE
Is dirty for tomorrow. Please let HK know.
SALTSPRING
Had 2 inches of water in entrance way when Chris opened today. It’s gone now, but we should keep an eye on water pooling there.
MARROWSTONE
Fire place stopped working. I called Vanderyacht and they fixed it just in time for our guests to snuggle up in front while the winds are picking up again.
ROOF SHINGLES
We lost some last night. Lets keep our eyes out for leaks the next time it pours (ah, in 20 minutes?).
KEYS
We are low on some room keys. Please let’s write again in the guest comment section how many keys we give each party upon check-in and let our guests know that a lost key will incur a $50 surcharge.
Also, Chris, the labeler is right behind you on the back desk, the little Brother thingy.
THE LAST OF SUMMER
Picked the last rose from our patio today, which is filling the lobby with its lovely smell . Ate the last of Chris’ delicious, firm Roma tomatoes (thank you for sharing your bounty). Had the last sip of Laura’s homemade apple cider (never tasted anything sweeter). Today was the last day the food co-op door will open with the old code, so if you haven’t renewed yet, do it soon.
And that concludes officially our summer.
Don’t forget to upgrade our lovely guests whenever possible. Nothing nicer than to snuggle up in a two person jetted tub and a cup of hot coco when the winds howl outside, your belly is full of a lovingly prepared island grown meal from Back Door Kitchen or COHO and all your worries are, for the moment at least, an ocean away.
Alls swell here, everyone tucked in and cozy and happy so far. Maya or Steffi, the family in bainbridge need to turn in their voucher or GC or whatever, really nice folks who came in a little late. Bike #10 has a bent rear wheel so don’t give it out. I left a maintenance request. Couple in Fidalgo here for the weekend have signed their waiver and will probably bike again tomorrow. Left the GC on desk for steffi to mail, need a little sticker for the certificate. Speiden keys really low, was going to attach a card to the last one but unable to find the lable maker. Had to dump all the half and half unfortunately, but it was on sale next door tonight. Clear out fruit over the weekend and I can restock next week when I open on Wednesday if you like!
Morning Chris,
I have the coffee and hot water air pot here at Earthbox. We needed it for a meeting in the conference center. I’ll bring them back down tomorrow, shortly after you open.
The dishes in the dishwasher are clean. I judged my time incorrectly and the machine wasn’t yet done washing by closing. Sorry about making you unload them. Pretty slow night even though there were a fair amount of phone calls.
WEDNESDAY CLOSURE
Hey Deb & Morgan. Will you two go over the hotel closing procedures on Tuesday, so Debbie feels comfortable doing it on Wednesday, please? Print out the closing list and the sign for the front door. And please go over the blocking & locking of the door. There are blocking cards in the safe (have a B on them). Please call Cindy if you guys have any questions. Raquel will do a final walk through after HK is finished cleaning the rooms on Wednesday.
20 YEARS
20 years ago today the wall came down. I was having dinner at a friend’s place not even a half a mile from the wall. We didn’t hear until the next morning when we walked outside. The entire city was pulsing. Everybody was laughing or crying or both, mostly both. The famously unfriendly Berliners all hugging each other and sharing their liquor. One of the most amazing days of my life.
Morning Chris,
Please tidy the Marrowstone today. Don’t worry about the check outs, I blocked out the rooms and Olga will clean them on Tuesday.
Have a fabulous day!
Hello wonderful Bird Rocking Ladies!
Next week: guest starring MORGAN as: the guy!
ROOM STAYOVERS – OFF SEASON
The boss ladies decided when there is only one room staying over not to call in Housekeepers. Instead us, the front desk, will tidy the room. Here is how this works: Raquel will call the night before to see how many rooms we have. If it’s only one, she will instruct the night person to blog about that one room needing a tidy by a front desk person.
In the next week Raquel will show each of us how it’s done. Questions? Ask Raquel and I.
POWER OUTAGE
If we ever have a power outage and therefore can’t use the computer, we won’t know in which rooms to check in guests. So during the stormy season, please print today’s check in receipts in the morning (go to Check ins, on the upper right corner of the page is a button saying “Print Day’s PDF Receipts”. Hit it.
Also in case of no internet or power outage: call Laura. Between her lap top and her phone she most likely can access our reservation system.
WHEN RAQUEL CALLS AT NIGHT
What she wants to know is how many rooms are checking out and staying over the following day. She is not getting the correct info from us, which is frustrating for her. So, when she calls, please do the following in WRP:
1) go to tomorrows date
2) go to “check outs”, scroll to the bottom of the page, let her know how many there are
3) go to “check ins”, scroll to the bottom of the page and let her know how many “stay throughs” there are
4) Double check that you are really on tomorrow’s date, not today, not some other date, only tomorrow’s date.
BACK DOOR KITCHEN
Will serve their last supper of the season on December 19 and will re-open in mid February.
Hello, Jeepers feel like a long time since Ive been here. Stormy evening but cozy inside. Waiting for my people to arrive..
FYI Very important meeting 11/09/09 at Mullis Center , Common Sense Alliance at 5;30.Try to make it.www.commonsensealliance.net check this out.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
Starts tonight. Spring ahead, fall back. I turned all lobby and kitchen clocks back an hour. I also changed the room clocks of unsold rooms. I left little post-it notes (yes, I did, I used post-it notes, it was hard, but I did, for the cause)on the clocks I changed, so we don’t get confused. Myah, will you please let Olga know and remind her to change all room clocks today before leaving? Thank you.
The Gods shined on the American Camp wedding today, sunshine, beautiful ceremony, I’m so glad. I was worried last night when I drove home in 40 miles per hour winds. One guest drove one of our beach cruisers to the wedding and back. I have to say, I’m very impressed.
Thank you so much, Deb, for saving us this morning. You are the Best.
Have a grandiose morning, Myah. I’ll see you in a bit.
SUNDAY
We will close the hotel on Sunday instead of Monday. I will come in around noon and Myah and I will lock her up. This will affect Morgan and Khai and they know.
I made blocking cards (remember, staff meeting: something something keys). They are in the top shelf of the safe, labeled “B”. Please all take
one.
BEEP BEEP
Around 4 it started beeping. I traced the beep to the third floor and called Sergeant Seth, who located the culprit and eliminated him.
STORMWATER
I had a meeting with a very nice man from the county, who had a little presentation for all businesses about water pollution and what we can do to help. I hung his flyer above the fire alarm. Please read. The issue is that our storm water floods unmitigated into our bay. And some people don’t act accordingly. For example washing your car in the street sends soap suds into the water and kills fish, so does of course motor oil, anti freeze, etc.
We as a hotel don’t contribute to this kind of pollution. But still, I was glad to see that our county and city is raising awareness.
Happy, upgraded guests all going to a wedding on South Beach tomorrow. That will be a windy affair, I’ll bet.
Happy weekend, everybody.
Please, please call me (Dani)! I would love to work for anyone who needs it! My schedule at the dock is very flexible now days, so I’m open to cover whatever you need! Just give me a call 472-0673!
SWITCHING SHIFTS
Sweethearts, I need to know who is working. Switching shifts is perfectly fine with me, but give us a call here at Earthbox, so we can update our schedules as well.
EMERGENCY
Hope, everything is good now, Myah. In case of, you know what, call Cindy in the mornings and on Tue & Wed, call me in the evenings and on weekends. If we aren’t there, call Laura and/or one of your co-workers to get covered what needs to be covered.
Hello everyone! I’m just dropping in at the EB & BR to say goodbye. To all I haven’t had a chance to say goodbye to: It really has been a pleasure working with you. I’ll miss you all and I’ll be sending warm thoughts your way! Take Care!
I’m a little off my game today, I had a home emergency which is resolved now but Darling Morgan came to my rescue at 7:30 this morning. I need to have a list of people to call in case of….
SADIE
It’s Sadie’s last day on Wednesday. Bye, bye, Sweety. Good luck with everything. We’ll send you strong “finding work & housing” thoughts. Please send us some warm weather from Hawai. It was great meeting you. Don’t be a stranger.
Also: will you please leave your all access key and the EB office keys in the BR safe?
Oh, the book: T.C. Boyle, A Friend of the Earth. have fun.
Hello,It was so nice to see the sun make an appearance after all that rain.Cookies are in the oven and it smells terrific. Send me some guest we are ready!!!!
$$
I reconciled money today and we are $20 short exactly. Sounds like one of us went shopping and forgot to bring the receipt and the change back. Can you all go through your purses and help me solve the mystery, please?
EGGS
Deb, I forgot to order eggs today. Can you go get some from the store, please?
MARROWSTONE
The hot tub is a little luke warmish. I turned it up. Will you please ask our guests if it’s warm enough? Also, will all of you check it daily, please?
FORMS/SIGNS/SIGNS/FORMS
I made a mid-week closing sign for the door and check lists to open and close the hotel mid-week. Check them out, they are on the desktop. I also put a hard copy in our front desk resource book.
I would like you all to print out the correct check list, use, sign and date and put in my box once we start closing mid-week. Please ask me if you have any questions.
Uh, the autumn is here, no denying it now. 6PM and it’s dark. But the guest we do have are happy as clams.
Happy week everybody.
Thank you, Dani, for getting the expired keys to EB and making the existing keys all pretty.
Thank you, Morgan, for initializing the expired keys and bringing them back to us. You guys rock!
#1888879
Please read notes and do your Myah magic.
LOPEZ
Chocolates, champagne and card all ready to go into the Lopez tomorrow.
SWITCHEROO
Halley can’t work tomorrow. I will work her shift at EB, Dani will work my shift here from 5-10. Myah, let me know if you can’t be here until 5. Morgan and I will figure something out.
DANI
Will stay around probably until the end of January. So, if you need a shift covered, call Chris or her.
It’s supposed to be nicish tomorrow. Western Prince has plenty of availability for their noon trip. Have a great weekend everybody.
-The ladies staying in The Salt Spring checked-out last night (the 22nd). They moved to EB.
-The man staying in The Orcas (1912262, please read note)is a walk-in from last night. He originally was staying for just the night, but decided later to stay another night, checking out the 24th. He will pay in the morning, use your judgment when deciding how much to charge him for his 2nd night. Also, please make sure he knows that The Orcas isn’t available tomorrow night, he’ll be switching to The Fidalgo.
-I tried calling Lavendera to make sure they reserved Robert Nicol’s massages with no luck. I decided to wait to add the fees and make vouchers until we get their confirmation.
To all BR ladies…
-There was a message left from what sounded like a David Frasier?? His message was very difficult to understand so I’m not sure if I even got the correct name. All I could understand was that he was wanting to cancel his reservation for Friday. He didn’t specify which, so I’m assuming this Friday. He left a phone number, which sounded like 509.6308, I tried, but I don’t think it was correct. Anyway, I could not find his reservation. Please look out for this, I want to make sure we don’t charge him for no-showing…
MARROWSTONE
Seth installed a new CO1 detector. The old one was obviously faulty. Let’s keep an eye out. If the new one is acting up as well, we night have to think about installing it a little further away from the fireplace. It is behind the couch. In case it makes a sound, look at it, it will display what the issue is. Call Seth and tell him. But hopefully, all is good.
Good day here @ the Bird Rock Hotel. Our lobby is sparkling clean with Olga and Socco doing their thing and I helped. Dani is here early so I am off to Windermere. Have a great evening.
Here’s a good one, our guest in the Bainbridge asked me for a fan this morning, so i asked was the room too hot ? No it is just so quiet we need some noise….Go figure!!!!!Have a great Sunday.
Here a good one that I haven’t heard yet. Some folks that are staying in the Bainbridge would like a fan, I ask if the room is too hot? No but it is so quiet we need it for the noise. You gotta love it!!!!!
MARROWSTONE
Our guests were bothered again by the beeping sound. Olga determined it was the carbon monoxide detector. It must be faulty. We’ll have Seth check it out on Monday. Moved guests. Deb, please let Olga know that the room needs to be cleaned.
SERVING PLATTERS
Beautiful Laura got us new serving platters. Oh, check them out. Very nice. Let’s use the oval bowl for eggs and the rectangular platters for fruit and what not.
YOGURT
I organized our yogurt abundance by date. Please use the Tillamok brand first and then serve by expiration date.
KITCHEN CEILING
Have a look by sink. If this gets worse, call Seth.
So foggy and rainy out. The perfect day to snuggle up in a 2 person jetted tub with some cookies and bubbli, oh yeah!
Thursday evening, Our last guests arrived..Thanks for the help on the rooms Steffi. The computer is very tired. Attached to my night shift duties is a report Disk Defragmenter this helped a bit.
There is no room in our fridge….we are packed with goodies.
ALARM?
a guest told me an alarm went off in the marrowstone in the middle of the night last night. I have not been able to get any info from the night manager on what happened. Just a heads up.
Jeans and a Sweater, were last seen together in the san juan suite, mingling and co-mingling.Their owner would like them home if sighted. Her rez # is 1878409, and her address and # are on file.
FOOD
we just got in a lot of it, so I didn’t place an order today.
HOT
Cute-hot-tub-guy was here and said the tub looks fabulous!
Yippee Skippy, Bruce the appliance guy just left we should have our first batch of ice shortly.It is close to 5:00 where is my relief woman.Hope she is here soon.
Tuesday afternoon, Called Appliance Repair and left message earlier today , haven’t heard from them yet.
Pretty mellow around the hotel today. One more check in this afternoon. We have enough Yogurt and Milk to last us awhile.Specially since there are fewer quests.
Our guest in the Fidalgo has a great suggestion for our bed frames the small lights in the clear tubes he thinks this would help for bruised knees, He is so sweet.
He has recently lost his wife after 51 years and has come to our island for some comfort.
ICE MACHINE
Please blog when the Bruce’s Appliance Repair guy shows up.
A WORD ABOUT HEAT
T’is that time of the year. So we have in-floor heating. Coils poured into the concrete. If you turn the heat up or down in our rooms, you won’t feel any difference for 6 or so hours. When you do your daily walk-throughs, make sure all heaters are around 65/70. As a special challenge we have a couple of thermostats, which are backwards (Succia is one of them, I’m sure we will remember the others soon). It’s best just to leave the heat right there in the middle. And once we close midweek, the heat stays on, otherwise we’ll have frosty guests all Thursdays. Give our guests a little space heater if they are cold (there are a couple in the luggage room, Raquel will bring us some more).
LOBBY: it gets chilly in here, but we can’t turn the heat higher than 70, our beautiful floor won’t take it. So if you are chilly, put a little space heater behind the front desk.
SPIEDEN BATHROOM: doesn’t have heat. If you have chilly guests, please supply a space heater.
And I think these are all the tricks.
RESTAURANTS
Make sure to call ahead when sending guests to dinner. Everybody is changing their opening hours now. Vinnie’s is closed on Sundays again, so is the Bluff. Back Door serves Thurs through Sunday for a little while longer. If you are bored, call them all and make us a list.
Uh, I’m all cold now. Deb graduated from fire place school today. Of course she aced it. More fruit and coffee tomorrow.
Have a great week everybody.
ICE MACHINE
Is out of order. After Seth cleaned it, it didn’t make any ice. Then after resetting it several times it started to make scary noises and still no ice. I turned it off and called Bruce’s appliance repair. I assume we won’t hear from them until Monday. When they come, the manual is in the upper file cabinet in the way back. Please get ice from King’s until then.
SHARED BATHROOMS
Regino and I stocked the shared bathroom shelves with rolled hand-towels. The new hampers look fabulous. I made tasteful signs to distinguish them from garbage receptacles.
It was summer busy today. Yeah, middle of October and being sold out!
Good evening , It is all good here tonight and I appreciate the notes on the fireplace, Thank you Steffi. Our flowers from Rolph are beautiful, and the lobby is sparkling, we need some pumpkins around. Maybe some little ones.
Thats all for tonight. Sleep tight!!!
ALL FRONT DESK STAFF MEETING
Please join us on Thursday 10/22/09 at 3PM in the Earthbox Lobby for an all front desk staff meeting. This is a mandatory meeting. Sadie and Dani may join us, but don’t have to (maybe you can woman the front desks during the meeting).
MASSAGE TREATMENTS
Ladies, please make sure when you book a massage to adjust the treatment price if applicable. As in: guest chose “massage” on website, $85 was charged to his invoice. When talking to the guest, she decides on a deep tissue massage. We need to adjust massage price to $95. Thank you.
PILOT LIGHT SCHOOL
Hey Deb, let’s do a little lesson at shift change on Sunday. Also: when you open the fire place panel, to your right is a little metal tag with a description on how to put on the pilot. And here is an easy 1-2-3-4-5
1) Turn right button to “pilot light” and hold for 30 seconds.
2) while holding pilot light button press ignator button on your left until pilot light is lit. Hold pilot light button for another 30 seconds.
4) gently release pilot light button and turn to “on”
5) press middle button (off-auto-on) to on and the fire goes on, yeah!
FOOD
I ordered from Tom, he said the order will be here Monday except for the milk which will be here Saturday. We might have to patch in some things over the weekend, like yogurt and milk and fruit.
ICE ICE BABY
We don’t have any. The ice machine is down. Seth was cleaning it but I don’t know whats going on with it now, except it’s not making little cubes of frozen water.
It is absolutely gorgeous today! What a week.
That’s it for now.
Hello, Can someone give me a lesson on how to ignite the pilot light in our rooms and to make them work , Winter is here and folks want them lite.They had it on last eve but somehow turned off the pilot, shoot I need a manual.Other than that we are having a good evening and pink skies are gorgeous.
Guest in Sucia LOVES THE ESPRESSO MAKER! He even came down to tell me and to get more coffee pods! That’s one for the espresso maker.
He also was able to peel one of the really fresh eggs without a flaw. I was really impressed by that.And…. he said he went to see Mona the camel and she let him pet her, does she do that? His name is Jeremy and he has some skills!
SETH the DOLL
Lit the pilot in the Bainbridge and he cleaned out the ice maker and needs more “product” if anyone knows what that means.
I am making apple sauce with the long-time-apple- -residents of the Bird Rock Hotel. It smells delicious.
Thanks Dani for cleaning the coffee pots, I didn’t even know you could get them that clean.
FRUIT
We could use some red or purple fruit for the morning, it is looking a little monochromatic in my opinion. Maybe raspberries?
Hello all.
Just a few things I was thinking about:
LOST-Has anyone seen the lid to the other plastic juice pitcher? I can’t find it anywhere.
COFFEE- This is the second night in a row I have thrown away a full pot(small silver pitcher) of coffee. So in the future I think we should only make pots when the pump-pot is empty. Because after about 4pm, no one really drinks much coffee, and I hate to waste it. So only brew coffee if we are totally out! Please please and thank you Thank you!!
and speaking of coffee…I puro-cafed all of the silver pots and the large pump pots. They really needed it! Maybe we should add that to the chore list?
Ladies, please remember to take out the recycling on Sunday as well as the garbage on Mondays and Thursdays. Seth has been saving us lately from garbage world… Thank you!
Hello, any body know where the fall ferry schedules are? I thought we had a box of them here.We are ready for our next round of guest, Hotel looking good.
Good morning, the folks at the Bird Rock are inspiring we only have to bikes left in our rack.
Makes me want to hop on one.
lots of stay overs today, going to be busy for Housekeeping.
WOW! I love cool computer tricks, I just searched for the words “eggs”, “for”, “happy”, “sunny”… hit high-light all, and BINGO! Thanks for that Laura.
There is nothing like the sight of a Booking page that says all are checked IN!! Lovely.
Good morning Dardinelli, watch for the folks in the BB and the Lopez….funny people, they might get you with a joke early in the morning, stay on your toes. lol, myah
Maya called and has the phone no worries. 2 Early check ins!!! thank fully , only 2 guest for breaky as the Honeymooners aren’t coming out much , wow the sun is blazing I am opening the doors.Deb
Hey, did you guys know that you can search this blog to find the answers to frequently asked questions? Yes, all you have to do is click your cursor on the page and then hit F3. At the bottom left in your screen will appear a box where you can search for things like:
PAINT
where you will find this helpful posting by Kaitlyn way back when: “the wall color in the hotel is Baja Dunes benjamin moore paint and trim is glaciar white”
Good morning Debbie—- Here is the news for the night. I cannot find the phone for Elena. I called and left a message with Myah to see if she has it. Elena told me to put her cell # on a note for the sign. Please call Myah again and see if she has the phone, I have looked everywhere! Thanks and have a super, duper day!
Hey guys! Very slow, quiet night. I am feeling “under the weather” tonight. Survived the evening so that is good. Just a couple of things to know:
A. The spa called again regarding their change of hours (scroll down to Cindy’s message if you missed it).
B. I cannot find anymore coffee, so Debbie will need to order more tomorrow.
C. This is my last night here at the rock for the season. Thank you to everyone ! What a great staff we have here and at the EB! You guys are all rock stars and I have loved working here! Have a super winter…see you around…..
SADIE- make sure you open and confirm the milk/cream is bad. Because the date printed on the side is the sell by date, not the go bad date. Milk is normally good at least a week or so after that date. So make sure you check so we don’t waste perfectly delicious goods!:)
STEFFI- my parents have chickens that are laying eggs like crazy! They are small brown eggs, but are organic and all that good stuff. Let me know if your interested! Also I’ve gotten a few requests for honey to go with the tea. Is that something we might consider getting?
ANYONE and EVERYONE!- I would love to pick up any extra shifts anyone needs covered! My schedule is pretty open and flexible these days so, with a few days notice, I am able to take any shift you need covered. Let me know!!
Getting the hang of things again! Good to be back!
CO OP
I did pick up the order of shampoos and goo.
PAINT
I have people asking all the time for the make and color of paint here, I just have been making names up like, “bamboo-latte” and “organic mocha-whip, shaken, not stirred” ..but what is the real color and brand?
GRAPES
We have 4023 individual grapes, that’s a lot. Maybe we can make grape pie? Yummm I wonder why no one has ever thought of that before.
LIGHT
Seth fixed the one outside.
Hi everyone..
The spa called today, they have new hours..
Monday thru Thursday they will be open from 12:00pm to 6:15pm, the last appointment being 5:15pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be normal business hours. Of course if you have a guest that would like appointments at times that they are not open you may call the spa and they will try to get a therapist in for the appointment.
Happy September 30th….
Here it is 8:00 AM and NO ONE is here for breakfast!
We have hot delicious scones, in perfect little shapes,
Red ripe strawberries practically begging to be savored,
Plump dusky blueberries, so rich and ripe they look as if they will just get up and start dancing,
Kiwis,
Apples lightly sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar,
Hot dark and moody coffee, to lift even the grumpiest of gray clouds,
The Yogurt is standing proud and ready, the silverware is sparkling clean and in neat rows of shiny utilitarian splendar,
Where are all the People???
I’m ready for some people, asking questions, excited for an adventure in the gorgeous san juan islands……
Bruce appliance guy came by ran rinse cycle seems to be working alright, he mentioned to be careful not to use wrong dish soap or over use soap .
Pretty good night but very quiet. We still need light bulb changed out front door.
Sunday I am scheduled here and Windermere I can open here 7;30- 10:00 can anyone help me out ?
Coffee maker was picked up by San Juan Coffee he will be in touch.
Guess what?? Debbie and I have found the Bird Cookie Recipe! Yipee! You can find it in the Recipe folder on the 2nd shelf next to the fridge.
Also, is it necessary to stock up on food so much food now that things have slowed down quite a bit? I had to throw out 2 half gallons of half & half that had expired. One of them hadn’t even been opened yet. We also have enough eggs to last a life time. They’ll go quickly once we make more cookies, though…
Cooling down, wow the front door is still open but it is starting to feel chilly at night. Guest are all checked in and everyone is out for dinner. Kind of quiet at the moment. Bikes still need some attention.Thanks Debbie
1803755 & 1803752
still owe money. The host of the memorial party will pay for the room. I saw her, but all her guests had just arrived and I felt it was not the right time. Sadie, will you please make sure the balances will be taken care of before check out? Thank you.
DISHWASHER
Is doing that thing again where dishes don’t get spanking clean. Do a good hand-washing before putting them in. I’ll call the repair man on Monday.
$$
I keep coming up short. Please make sure to submit every receipt and initial it.
COOKIE RECIPE
Where did that go? Anybody seen it?
WHAT DIED IN THE FREEZER?
Is a question we here at Bird Rock do not want to ask ourselves. So now where we are starting to slow down, I would like us all to adhere to the deep cleaning schedule (on the fridge). Let’s be on it this week. And don’t forget to put those garbage cans out.
SUNDAY – recycling (sorry, Deb, you got all the hauling shifts this week), MONDAY – 2 garbage cans, THURSDAY – 2 garbage cans.
WEDNESDAY – MYAH
Can you please get a check from Cindy and go over to the food co-op to pick up 5 gallons of shampoo and 2 gallons of shower gel. They’ll call you when the delivery comes. Thank you.
Thank you so much for all your help with the medical emergency today. You are the best.
Morning Myah!
Happy Day to you. Photos of the lobby and the outside will be taken on Saturday morning. Make sure, everything looks good. Thank you.
CYPRESS
The bathroom sink doesn’t drain. Please have a look. If we can’t fix it, call Seth. We’ll have new guests checking in.
ESPRESSO MAKERS
Steve from SJ Coffee Co will stop by next week and pick up the espresso maker in the luggage room. Please give it to him. He may be able to help us with our espresso maker issues. Yippiieeh!
Gorgeous day, lovely people, love the flowers, indoor and out, aaahhh.
Thank you, Ladies!
Tomorrow, please no early check-ins, so the photographer can take pictures between 1PM and 3PM. Thank you. Can’t wait to see your magic garden.
Hi all, Another Bike blew a tire, if any of the guys have time to look through our fleet that would be neat. Mainly men’s seem worst for the wear. Maya and I totally spruced up the gardens wow if we say so our selves.Check it out. Don’t know if we have been missing our garbage pick ups but my back hurts from all the stuff I took out tonight.I am off to Twisp for a few days and we will see you all on Sunday. Aloha
Wow! Great to be back. Glad to see Dani is back on board as well. Dani, we have a check off sheet for the AM and PM shifts to keep up on what to do. It seems to work well.
I just got a lot of flowers for the lobby, but I am not much of an arranger so if you want to jump in be my guest. We do have Sunset magazine here for the next couple of days right?
The Goodalls are staying with us and they have extended an invitation to share their rented mini van for a share of the cost, for tomorrow(9/25) at 10:00 AM for and hour or 2 to tour the island. They have room for 6 more people and their # is 760 518 7860. I think he said the whole van was 60.00, so a share will be a good deal.
I ordered food for Sat. with Tom except for Oats which only come in 50 lb. bags, so I held off, due to the season.Can we get some at the market?
The dish washer is full of standing water, I’m scared to run it. More on that later, or no news is good news.
I am off to Browne’s to get fresh flowers for our boxes here. I am totally dressed for gardening….velvet pants and a white blouse, ha.
So, that’s it from me…. Oh yeh, everyone is happy here, and one guest raved about our website (Adam) and said she planned her entire trip from google earth and bird rock website. Love it.
TTFN Myah PApaya
Hello everyone! Its good to be back!.. but I am a little rusty on things, so if I miss anything or there is something I should know please, please write me a little note or something to fill me in.;)
Very quiet here tonight…but just a few things..
1) Steffi- what should we do about reservation 1841933? she was a no-show, we called her but have not heard back???
2)also, no need to make cookie dough for at least a few days! we should wait until we get a little low (like one/two bags) before we keep making more, so it stays fresh..
That’s all for me! Good night!
(I miss you Myah! Hope I get to see you at a shift change soon! love love)
Everyone’s in for the night and all is quiet. 1841933 was supposed to have checked-in yesterday into the Patos. I noticed she hadn’t ever check-in when I looked at all the check-outs for today and noticed she still had an owing balance. I’m not sure if someone had forgotten to check her in or if just never really did arrive. Debbie has left a message for her, so hopefully we’ll hear back tomorrow. I’ve just left the remaining balance until we sort things out.
Sadie, please put the individual coffee packages in the right lower drawer of the lobby counter (put where the decaf individual coffee packages are). Please let Olga know I got them.
I brought you guys a gallon of lobby floor cleaner. Don’t say I never get you anything;)
It’s a pretty mellow day at Bird Rock. I’ve made plenty of cookie dough, which should last us quite a few days. Our coffee was delivered today. 1 bag of decaf, 1 of regular. There was also a paper bag of small coffee packets, I’m assuming they’re for the rooms but wasn’t sure to put them. Steffi, do these go in the cabinet along with the espresso pods?? For now, they are sitting in the back on the table. It’s a good day, all guests seem to be very pleased with BR…
Morning Sadie,
have a fabulicious shift!
Oh you got to make sure our guests in the Whidbey get some cookies today. They tried 3 times and always were just one cookie too late. Maybe bake them a small plate and bring it to them?
Please read notes on 1837963 and 1856557.
If the photography director from Sunset contacts you via phone or email, please let me know (read email in inbox).
Please show Dani the night shift check list and ask if she has any questions.
Welcome back, Dani! I’m up at EB, call me with issues. If you have a chance, please read up on the blog and the emails (new specials!).
Welcome back Myah Papaya, traveling queen! Please don’t forget to order food on Thursday. Call me if you have questions. Please also read up on everything.
Brought your “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” back (it’s in the back), thank you, that was just what I needed. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Turkey procreation. Wow. I laughed so hard at their first attempts and I actually cried when they hatched.
Now I’m starting “The Women” by TC Boyle, about architect Frank Loyd Wright. Did you guys know we have a genuine Wright house on Bailer Hill. When you come from town and the hill gets real steep and then flattens out, look to your right. Very cool.
Sunday in the afternoon, This job is so much fun, especially meeting folks from all over the planet.I took a spin on our bike and it seems they all need a bit of air, cooler weather and busy season has their tires low. Ready to go to the beach after work. See you next week.
Morning Deb,
Woah, thanks for having the bathrooms fixed. Socco reenacted the event for me.
I exchanged the printer cartridges (last one for the black). Will order more soon.
You are low on milk, you’ll probably be fine through breakfast.
Happy, pleasant day here. Lot’s of people looking for rooms. But we didn’t have any
Sent them to EB though
See you at 2.
Wow what an awesome day. A bit Breezy but SUNNY, Stephi our quest from Sunset will be arriving around 6:00 leaving Lopez at 4:30,The restrooms have been fixed up with CLOBBER, the local plumber came to our rescue this morning.
Morning Deb!
What are you wearing?
Please read alarms(2 to deal with today:) and email I wrote.
I o.k.ed a noon check out for the folks in the Whidbey, who will switch into the Speiden. Please have the housekeepers work on the Speiden first, so we can get those honeymooners into their room soon.
Lovely night here at the Rock. See you tomorrow.
Hi all, Colin Williams called this morning to see if we had sent his credit card that he left behind, I checked in the safe , If someone has sent it please call him @ 206-499-8335. Thanks so much, he will call if it arrives.Very busy day haven’t even cleaned up yet.Better get going.
Hello fellow employees! This part of the message is mainly for Deb, since she is opening in the morning. I checked and doubled checked my list and I think everything is ready for you in the morning. I am nervous, it has been awhile since I have worked down here.
The lobby is all sparkly…except…
We are out of “floor cleaner”. I cleaned it with a damp cloth, but we do need to get some cleaner. I have no idea where you get it, Sadie did write it on the board.
As far as the garbage goes, it was an interesting night. There are some shingles? on a dolly by the back gate where the garbage is. It is blocking the gate, and the dolly is so heavy I could not budge it! I had to take the garbage cans out through the lobby. I could not lift the heaviest one, but at least I got two cans to the road. Phew!
All is calm tonight, everyone has come back from dinner and given me wonderful reviews, it is making me hungry.
I’ve ordered a huge amount of food today from Tom. Hard to believe how quickly everything goes! We are practically out of all fruit so Carla is going to run to the store so that Debbie will be prepared for tomorrow morning.
Mya-
Colby from CBS asked that you call him back at 866.768.0804
SADIE
Morning gorgeous. Please don’t forget to order coffee and bring the postcards and old printer cartridges to the post office.
Also during shift change on Thursday will you please show Carla our side duty list and ask her if she has any questions. It has been a while since she worked a night shift.
….and for the next three nights, guest starring MORGAN as the night shift. Yeah! Please bring 2 garbage cans to the street tomorrow night.
Check out our new specials by reading Adam’s emails and also look at the websites, so you know what our guests see.
Uh, the newlyweds in the San Juan are so cute. They came here married less than 24 hours ago and were just beaming. All they need is love, dumpti dumpti dum…
#1786003, #1844508, #1843838
All one guest checking out today. I printed out his invoices and wrote little explanations next to the charges. Please give to him at check out (I’ll leave it on the desk)
#1739796
These poor guys. They came from the Sydney ferry. The ferry workers ushered them into the wrong lane and didn’t let them off in FH. They had to go to Anacortes, are currently sitting at the Mc Donalds there and will arrive at 2AM. They will switch rooms tomorrow, but we will let them sleep in, please.
I’m waiting for another party (Bainbridge). I hope they check in with me before I leave.
Oh my we had the best morning, The Brainbridge suite with the door open with the girls getting ready for a wedding.She looked amazing and the photographer took pictures next our beautiful roses.Our guest really enjoyed the whole thing.
TECHNICAL AND OTHER DIFFICULTIES
Please read #1844508 and #1841058. I also couldn’t print most of my shift (mainly because I just didn’t have the time to crawl under the desk and check it out). So some people might ask for their invoices. It’s working now.
ADVENTURE & MASSAGE CANCELLATIONS
Please remember that the spa and other adventure providers have a similar cancellation policy to ours. If you cancel within 10 days and they can’t resell the add-on, the guest will be charged in full. Make sure you let all our guests know when you book an add-on.
EXTRA FRONT DOOR KEYS
Super Morgan kindly brought us (on a Susie’s Moped no less) some extra front door keys. They are in the upper shelf of the safe.
ORANGE SWEATER
Deb, can you ask the housekeepers if they found an orange sweater, please (see email)?
Hello, Only one room left tonight, I sure would be tempted to check it out. Lots of great folks enjoying the lobby tonight, We could use some bleach for coffee mugs.
Maya call me @ Windermere tomorrow if you have any questions. Have a Great one.
Hello, Very nice evening here @ The Bird…This new schedule is very nice. Only one cup of tea to keep me alert.Everyone loves this hotel and it is a pleasure to work here.Cheers…
FOOD
We have everything on the order!!! We have enough strawberry yogurt for a year.
PIE
I made one tonight out of the outdated apples.I used a bottle of champagne to roll out the dough. I haven’t made a pie since last winter, it was theraputic.
Next WEEK
I found a ride to No. Cal to see my girls next week,(so happy to see them I could cry)and I need to fill in the days that I’m on the schedule. I hope it’s not too late to tweak it to work for everyone.
PEOPLE
We have some characters here tonight, I mean funny people. Everyone loves the Hotel Bird Rock. they ooo and awe over everything. I’m gonna ooo and awe over that pie when it’s done.
QUESTION
If a hen and a half, could lay an egg and a half, in a day and a half,
How long would it take a monkey with a wooden leg to kick the seeds out of a dill pickle?
Anyone?
~myah~ =^^= ( kitty face )
Well, today officially ends our summer season. Not so for Bird Rock Hotel. We keep packing them in for at least another 2 weeks. Keep making those bookings, ladies! Great job.
NIGHT SHIFT
The PM shift, starting today, goes now from 2:00PM to 10:00PM, with the AM person leaving at 2:30PM. Except on Fridays and Saturdays, when the PM shift remains 3:00PM to 11:00PM, with the AM person leaving at 3:30PM (through September).
ALARMS
Don’t forget to follow up on those alarms.
GARBAGE
Thank you Seth, for saving us from garbage hell today.
Don’t forget to bring those 2 cans to the curb on Mondays and Thursdays (see deep cleaning schedule).
All is good. I’m gonna have myself a day off in my lovely new house, snacking on my own apples and blackberries, trying to psych out the bats hanging from the porch (they are so totally underimpressed by my presence). Peace out.
OUR LOVELY GUESTS
are such good sports with the rain and all. We had a line tonight, because people where eating in their rooms and wanted to do their dishes in the lobby. WANTED is the important word here. I finally had to just grab them and explain that doing dishes is not allowed on vacation. Great folks here tonight, loving it.
SADIE
Will stay with us until the end of September, yeah! If anybody needs a day off on the current schedule, give her a ring.
LOPEZ
The Lopez couch, when folded out into a bed, doesn’t fold back in. No problem for the current guests, who stay until Tuesday (and have the cutest tiny baby girl). Wrote maintenance report.
ESPRESSO PODS
We are getting low. I ordered some more.
Wow. Maybe I should take time off more often. The place looks great. Front desk, luggage room and kitchen organized, lobby sparkling clean, vouchers made. You guys are so good. Thank you.
Sadie, I got enough granola for sat. but you will need to get more for Sun. if our food order doesn’t come in, mm-kay?
Please check e-mail for request for a long massage apt. for guest. It’s too late for me to call.
have a great weekend ya’ll, think of me camping with my mom in her hippy bus at Lake Dale in the rain ….Kum-by-ya,
Myah
Yeah, Sadie! Thank you. Well, let’s move on to berries. Blueberries sound good?
Have a great Labor Day weekend, everybody. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
Sadie did make a food order, it is on the white board, but we are out of granola, I got enough for the morning as well as some fruit. Strawberries are on their way out of season. They sure were good while they lasted.
Everyone is happy here at the Bird Rock! I am rockin here at the Happy.
FOOD
Sadie did order food. She wrote the order on the white board. We do need granola, and strawberries are so out of season, it might be time to re think that particular juicy fruit.
XXXXXXXOOOOXXX
Debbie you got a phone call from a thankful guest tonight. He was very happy to be here and appreciated you sending his clothes back so quickly.
We are still taking reservations pretty steadily. I better find out how late our season goes in to the next season.
Shiney-Happy-People!
Peace,Out.
FOOD
Debbie, I don’t know if Sadie ordered some food today. She may not have since I didn’t explicitly say it. Can you give Tom a call and see if he can hook us up for Saturday, please? I have no idea what we need, fruit, milk, yogurt, Myah says granola. See if he can do something for us. If not, let’s call each other around 1 (I’m at EB at 12:30)and one of us can go to MP and do a big weekend shopping fest. Yippieh!
High pitched beeping found. The Marrowstone’s fire alarm in the living room was making an annoying constant beeping sound. The alarm panel didn’t say anything was happening but the red light on the alarm was blinking too. I don’t know if that means anything though. The beeping would randomly start, go for a while and then turn off. The start up a bit later. The only thing I could think of doing was to take down the smoke alarm. It is currently sitting on the back table. Please give Seth a call in the morning to inform him. Thank you.
Okay here we go:
- Cookie dough made
- Sea Quest vouchers created and printed out.
- Lavendera vouchers printed
- Bainbridge guests decided not to have a fire so the pilot light is not lit.
- I hope there is a food order coming tomorrow because otherwise you have just enough of the staples to make it through breakfast.
- There is this high pitched beeping that happens every now and then. I can’t figure out where it’s coming from.
Shannon wants to check the flower boxes in the San Juan when it is convenient, her cell is 472-1162.The guests are staying till the 4th.
A couple of Assessors came by today with clip boards and curious(smiley) expressions. Just thought you’d want to know.
The guests staying in the Bainbridge would like the fire place on for tomorrow. It needs the pilot light to be lit. Please call Seth or someone who knows how to do it, thanks.
Our cute little butter dishes seem to be scarce these days. Anyone know where they are hiding?
everyone is here and happily ticked in to bed for the night. All is well.
Myah
Very quiet night… Good morning Elena! The dishes in the dishwasher are clean. I started to make cookie dough, but had to stop when I realized we were out of eggs. So you’ll probably need to make a store run at some point tomorrow. Just a reminder, we will need to place a food order on Tuesday since today’s wasn’t placed in time.
The cookies seem to be a hit even though it is the brown flour, That is good because we have a lot of it. Vacuumed Dani’s room and it is a lot fresher. We have some guest that inquired as to the where abouts of Ms Maya Papaya. You’ve got some new friends.
No sign of our orange kitten,well that’s all for tonight.Debbie
Yeah! Thanks Deb, for doing the scone thing. I’m glad everything is fine with the hot tub. Thank you all for not dropping the ball. I send you warmth, Debbie!
Took Scone Boxes to UPS today Tracking invoice is with invoices.
Hot tub was emptied and refilled on the 08/27/09. Sorry I Forgot to blog about it last evening.
Lots of groovy folks here tonight.
What happened to the hot weather though ? I am in a dress.Brr. Debbie
We have lots of scone mix not sure where to put it all it is a project.Made cookies but not with white flour, we will see how they measure up.
Very Busy stocking and trying to organize, put out 3 trash cans because we needed too.
Very nice and warm here but a nice trade wind coming through the front door. I’m feeling very Hawaiian. ALOHA Debbie
FRONT DOOR
All of our all access keys can permanently open or close the front door. So if it doesn’t stay open, put in your all access key and “double dip” until it blinks green and stays open.
KEYS
Please remember to write in the guest remark section how many keys you give to a guest. I will send Morgan down there this weekend to remake guest room keys.
SCONE MIX
Please place the return labels on the “wrong” scone mix and call fedex or UPS (don’t know which one delivered) for a pick up. Blog about it, so I know it’s done.
Correct scone mix was delivered today!! I also placed a food order with Tom for fruit, eggs and yogurt to be delivered Saturday. I stored a couple freshly caught salmon (tightly wrapped) in the freezer for the couple staying in the Saltspring. They will pick it up before departing tomorrow.
Before I forget:
Connifer called today to say, they are shipping the correct shipment to us today. The return call tags will be inside the new shipment to return the other order.
myah
Nothing extremely important to pass on tonight. I’ve had two walk-ins tonight, both very sweet couples who were very pleased that we had openings. 1 room away from being completely booked for the night! Have a fantastic morning, Elena!
SCONE MIX
ISSUE SOLVED! phew! Conifer Inc called today and we sorted the whole thing out. They will issue call tags for the two boxes that were incorrectly delivered. They will send immediately 5- 25 pound boxes of the bulk scone mix and re-do all of the paperwork. In the meantime there is another case of the wrong size scone mix on the way and we will need to refuse the delivery so that it is automatically sent back to them. YAY!
BROKEN LAMP
One of our guest’s bathrobes got caught on the light fixture right outside the Skipjack. Lot’s of broken glass. Our guest is o.k. I cleaned it up good. Please apologize to our guests if I annoyed them with vacuuming so late, but I wanted to make sure nobody cuts their feet. Wrote maintenance request to replace light fixture.
SKIPJACK, LOPEZ, SUCIA
All leave early and have a little breakfast sack in their room already.
WEDNESDAY
Myah or Elena, please pick up 4 gallons of hand soap from the food co-op. They will call when the truck comes. All paid, just go there and get it.
THURSDAY
Sadie, please be the ordering queen again.
SUNDAY
Elena, please put in a food order.
I won’t be here all next week. Remember: ears, eyes, blog, call, email. The big white lady is in your hands. Treat her and her occupants like the apple of your eye.
SPEIDEN
Elena, can you ask the housekeepers if they found shampoo from a guest in the room, please (see email).
SCONE MIX
Wrong wrong wrong. Let’s use the pitifully small packages, send the 2 boxes under the Cuisinart back and I’ll re-order the bulk stuff on Monday.
CHEERIOS
Also totally wrong. The box is in the luggage room. Tom knows. Please send back with Tuesday’s order.
SJ coffee delivered the decaf. I put the little individual pks in the drawer with all the others, and the big bag is next to the regular coffee in the usual spot.
It’s blustery tonight. Perfect San Juan August.
Oh yeh, I freshened up our apple monument: still life with Granny-Smith tonight. It’s back to it’s shiney greeney self.
We are out of luggage tickets here, will someone please bring some down here?
We received two boxes of scone mix, and one box of individual size boxes of mix. I won’t un pack it in case we need to send it back. It’s next to the fridge.
I filled in with a fruit shopping at the market, but we are low on eggs, some fruit, milk and OJ.
Another peaceful night here at he Bird Rock, rock-a-bye-bye-baby.
Our green apple statue is missing some pizazz, It’s looking kind of low. I think we are out of apples to prop it up.
Hey, you know the beautiful little butter buds we serve in the morning? Well it turns out we need the mini ice cream scoop to make those little cuties look good. You should see what I made out of butter and a spoon. sad. Can we get another scoop?
We also need some colored chalk for our all important chalk board, our chalks are so small, we are getting the dreaded finger nail thing going…eeewwww you know the sound!
OK, I better post this before I get timed out.
It’s all what we think it is.
Myah
YEAH!
Thank you all for keeping me posted. I’m loving it!
Co-op: The hand soap is on back-order. I’ll re-order next week and we simply paid for it already.
Check out our new Trip Advisor review. Keep up the excellent work, Bird Rocking ladies!
CO-OP
I picked up the things from the Co-op today but it seems not everything was delivered, I gave them the check for the amount it was written for and they will issue us a credit on the next order. They also said they would e-mail Steffi but just a heads up.
You do what you do, until you get where your going. All is well here nice and quiet with happy guests, who I have warned of the dreaded Karaoke and the location of earplugs. I also offered to a couple of them that if the noise was horrible we could give them a noon check-out. Hope you are having a great morning Sadie.
Top of the morning, I have a favor to ask, I am scheduled for Friday Aug 21rst 7;30 -3:00 I had made plans for being at the Woodstock fest that weekend, Carla said she could work 7:30 – 11:00 would anyone be able to do 11:00 – 3:00. So greatly appreciated. Please call me ….Debbie
Gee, I had just written a bunch of interesting stuff in here, but I got timed out or something and now it’s too late for me to remember what it was I had to say other than the Cheerios just exploded all over the floor and I need to clean them up, even though they do sound good when they are stepped on. I’ll be home tomorrow if there is a question, maybe I’ll remember then.
xoxoxo myah
Marrowstone has a shower valve that needs to be replaced.The Honeymooners are great and we gifted them with a bottle of Champagne. Seth is aware of the problem.
Having problems with the codes for the T.V. in the Whidbey, took the troubleshooting book with me but the codes seem to be the hang up.
It would be helpful to have guides to coffee makers in every room. Shaw now has one, not sure about all the rooms.
We have a wee little orange kitten that has been out back crying,if we can catch him I would give him a great home.Debb
The Marrowstone shower valve needs to be replaced, it is running pretty good, I gave the couple a bottle of Champagne for their patience plus it is their Honeymoon, they are great.
It would be nice to make some more helpful brochurs on our coffee makers,Also a guide to the T.V. channels.
We had a walk in and they took the Matia for a night maybe 2.That’s it for now.
COFFEE
Hasn’t been delivered yet today, If we don’t get any by 4:00pm we should go down there and get at least a small bag to tide us over, and confirm that they have an order for us while there.
BAINBRIDGE
The window in the King bedroom is not working someone will stop by tomorrow to fix it.
SCONE MIX
Someone left a message with the call center, but the number they gave is not working I also called the 800 number but had no luck.
TVs
2 TV’s were delivered today One is a backup but I don’t know what the other one is for.
MONDAY
Elena, please confirm the scone order I phoned in. Use 800-588-9160 (their local number isn’t working).
TUESDAY
Seth and I determined that the Skipjack’s TV receiver is defect, no remote does the trick. Until then, let Skipjack guests know how to manually change channels, the remote still does volume.
Called Brian from our friends at Direct TV. He will send a new box. It will be here Tuesday. Elena, Myah, please call Seth when it gets here.
WEDNESDAY
Debbie, please get a check from Cindy and pick up body care products from the food co-op (Surina business park). If an Earthbox employee is available, you might want to drag him or her along, it’s quite a few items (4x shower gel, 4x conditioner, 4x hand soap).
THURSDAY
Sadie, please put in a food order with Tom. I started a list on the white board. Don’t order hole cases of fruit, we don’t have to and don’t really have enough room to store fruit in this weather.
BLOG
Please blog about above items so I know they have been taken care of. Remember, you are my eyes and ears during the week. Speaking of it: when did the health department come and inspect the hot tub? I need to know those things.
Thank you all for your hard work. It’s the middle of the high season and I know it’s hard sometimes. But remember, our guests now deserve the same attention, smile, helpfulness and compassion we gave our guests back in June. This is their vacation and we will make it memorable and smooth. Go BR!!!
WHIDBEY
I spoke with the lady this morning and filled out an incident report. I don’t know if this was done last night or not, but I thought I should just to be safe. I was very apologetic, and offered that if she wanted to go to the Medical Center we would be happy to take care of the costs. She said she was fine and just wanted some ice and for us to make a sign or put something on the step for future guests. I will make a sign (bright Red?) and put it on the step.
#1692087
Has kayak tour with San Juan Excursions in the morning. Elena, can you double check that, pick up spot, etc. I wasn’t really aware SJE does Kayak trips, apparently they do. And let guest know.
WHIDBEY
Our lovely guest in the Whidbey tripped over the little step going into the living room area and fell. Please ask her how she is and if there is anything we can do.
SKIPJACK
TV remote doesn’t respond (sound does, nothing else moves it). I called our good friends at Direct TV, exchanged remotes, but failed to successfully reprogram the remote. Can you do that, Elena?
PATOS
The guests checking into the Patos thought they had 2 beds (Travelocity). I moved them to EB, sold the room for tonight, but we have it for the next 3 nights. Sell away!
KEYS
Please write in the guest remarks how many keys you gave to a guest.
DAILY CHECK LISTS
Please continue to use the daily check lists. And don’t forget the deep cleaning!
Deb, Myah, Elena
I have time cards for you in the back. Please correct and put in safe.
EL ALARMO DEL FIRE
Some more. Soooo, if it goes off again this weekend:
1) Make sure it there is no fire
2) Silence
3) call dispatcher at 378-4151 to let them know it’s a false alarm and the fire department doesn’t have to show up
4) Call Seth to help with resetting, disarming etc.
Good evening, New hot plate wrote the date of purchase on receipt. Morgan did not have time to make cookie dough but butter is thawing.Very busy evening lots of folks looking for lodging, Town is hopping.
8/11
James from Guardian security was here and gave us instructions for checking the smoke detectors. There is a zone-map in the panel.James really seems to know what he is doing.
Our upstairs computer has viruses and can be removed by someone with administrative powers.
We got a load of groceries yesterday and I put them away according to dates. The yogurt on the top left is dated 09/09 and the yogurt on the left is dated 10/ 09. The melons don’t fit in the fridge.
We have a sweet couple getting married at circle park today, the bride walked out of the hotel in her white dress along a path of rose petals, from our very own rose bush.
I couldn’t check the hot tub because we had a stay over till thurs.
till next time, Myah
TV
The Patos TV is going out:( so we will need to get it replaced, in the meantime, we have moved the 2nd TV from the Fidalgo into the Patos. Mr. Seth is doing this today:) Laura please ask me about the TV replacement for the Patos.
Window washers
The window washers will be arriving on Friday August 21, they will be cleaning windows between 11:00am and 2:00pm. They will on being doing the outside.
Fire Alarm
Hurray, Guardian is back at it again today and trying to fix out little hassle, hopefully by tomorrow it will all be quiet around there.
Have fun at the fair this week..
HI I am having problems with the TV took the manual up to skipjack and patos. Can’t get the entire code in, any suggestions ? We have a full house tonight.
I know it’s difficult to believe, but at about 5:55 this evening the fire alarm went off. A couple guys from the fire department immediately came over and checked out each room on the 3rd floor with me. They had come to the conclusion that it was set off by steam coming from the Cypress shower. The alarm was turned off and all went back to normal until 10 minutes later when it went off once again. I went through the same deal with the fire department, who decided to disable the alarm. Everything is fine now, I’ve left messages with Guardian Security letting them know of our false alarms and Seth instructed me over the phone how to turn off the alarm system completely. He will be in tomorrow to work on it.
I allowed Kevin Beach to switch from the Patos to the Shaw since he wanted a private bathroom. For some reason the computer wouldn’t allow me to change his room so I created a new reservation under his name. I deducted what he had already paid for the Patos from the total of the Shaw.
Elena, have a fantastic morning! …with no surprising alarms! Steffi, Your welcome! I’m so glad everything turned out smoothly. And thank you for helping me out. Goodnight, Bird Rock!!
SADIE
You rocked my world tonight. Thank you so much for dealing with the alarm issue so calmly and competently. I really truly appreciate it. You are the best:)
Hey all. I left my sunglasses here at the desk on Friday and was wondering if anyone has seen them. Please let me know. They are aviator style with amber/brown lenses. Thanks!
FIRE ALARM
here we went again. Twice tonight, 3rd floor. The fire department shut it off. We’ll have to do walk throughs every half hour. Sadie put more walk through sheets out. Cindy, Laura and I will decide on a course of action tomorrow.
Hang in there, guys, this too shall pass.
COMPUTER
Something really weird just happened. Our computer shut down, while I was working on it. I turned it back on and it said I should switch to an outlet immediately since my battery is low. Mhm. I checked all the connections. We are plugged in, surge suppressor works fine. I guess if you can read this, you won’t have an issue. I’ll leave a message with Chris, hoping this is not some indication that the computer is on its way out.
ELENA
Will you call Tom tomorrow and order the things on the white board for Tuesday, please? Feel free to add if you see fit. Please blog about it so I know it’s done. Thank you.
TRAP
We caught some, we caught some. It’s working. There is a new herb shop at the Surina Park. I’ll try to get some rue from there.
HOLE PUNCHER
Can’t find it. Anybody?
THE SPIEL
We had several guests getting parking tickets today and yesterday, as well as somebody who had no idea about the pool and hot tub use at Earthbox.
Please make sure to mention the following things to EVERY guest upon check in:
KEYS (for room, for front door, for pool at EB)
BREAKFAST (from 8-10 in the lobby)
PARKING (2 hour street parking around the hotel, 8 hour at the court house, limitless at Earthbox)
CHECK OUT (is at 11AM)
REMOTES (one for TV, one for fan & lights)
ESPRESSO MAKER (little description by cups)
EARPLUGS (and why)
…and please don’t forget to write in the guest comments how many keys you gave to each guest.
It’s the wedding weekend. All the pretty people. It’s still not sure if it wants to rain or not. I wouldn’t mind. It’s so cold at night, but we can’t make a fire because everything is so bone dry.
THE REMEDY (not just an awesome song by Jason Mraz)
but I finally found one for our fruit flies, Steffi will try and track down some Rue (herb) for us. Fruit flies hate the stuff. For now though all fruit should stay off the counter so that the fruit flies will fall into my ingeniously devised trap( cue evil laugh) Melons and oranges are in the small black fridge.
CHOCOLATE CHIPS
We are down to the last few cups of the little yummies, unless there is a stash I don’t know about.
HOT TUB GUY
Mr. cute hot tub guy gave me the low down on how to keep it sparkling clean. I love chemistry projects.
ORCAS ORCAS EVERYWHERE
Guests are thrilled to see so many whales today on their kayak trips. I heard there was a calf on one side of the boats, and the mother dove under them and popped up on the other side. It was a thrill and a half.
THANK YOU
…Sadie and Debbie, you know what for. xoxox
Hey gals and guys, I took an extra day this week, and would love it if one of you would want to work for me this Thurs 3-11.(8/6)
Let me know. 378 3668. Fanks.
Myah Papaya
Whew wee, Very Very Busy, Thanks to Olga who continued to help with everything, we are getting caught up. Elena we need to get a lot of Vouchers made up please, Need one for A kayak trip for today.Cypress had a noisy night with trucks.#1744738.Fire Alarms seem to be working just fine thanks Seth.
HOT TUB
Debbie and I have not gotten the 411 on the hot tub yet. While we are on the subject, I think it would be a spiffy idea to have a big-oll umbrella over the hot tub, for…ur, privacy. If not an umbrella maybe some vines, or a couple dozen balloons. Just a thought.
CAMODE
Being a person who lives on property with a low yeild well, I have become very water conscious. I have noticed that when the lobby toilet flushes(and it has been a bit dicey lately) it gobbles up a lot of water. Where is all that water going? Anyway….
So many happy and interesting guests here at the Bird Rock Hotel.
SHINE
Debbie, it looks so good in here, it really shines! Bueno.
All is well, all is right.August full moon tomorrow…awooooooo!!!
KEYS
Let’s go back to writing in the guest remark section how many keys we checked out. Let’s start tomorrow.
Elena, thanks for working on a key inventory. Let me know when to call the locksmith.
Everybody was so happy today. Just a house full of happy, glowing, lovely people, a real joy to be around and rather contagious. Thank you, Bird Rock guests.
NEVERMIND
Ooops Sadie you can disregard my earlier blog about coming in early on Friday, I meant it to be for Steffi on Saturday. Can you come in early please? We have a big wedding party and I have to be down there by 3:30
HOT TUB
Elena will you set some time aside on Monday & Tuesday during shift change, to go over the hot tub chemicals with Deb & Myah, please? Please blog about it, so I’ll know. Thank you.
FIRE ALARM
Please use the property walk through log on the front desk and initial every half hour when you do a walk through.
MONDAY
Please bring the outgoing mail to the post office on Monday.
SADIE
Please call me at 1 on Thursday and we’ll do a fun fun food order.
Thanks Myah for holding the rooms for the Legion, you did the right thing. I actually tried to call you right back yesterday, but the phone kept going to the call center.
I hope you Bird Rockstars are having a great day…enjoying the cooler weather.
SPA
Was horrible today is everyone remembering to check it? I had to empty half the water and redo all the chemicals. If the guests ask why it is still a little cloudy just let them know that the majority of the water is new and all the chemicals should be on point.
KEYS
I have started a project for the keys basically because I am very tired of making keys on the spot while guests are checking in. But we need to be really, really sure that we are monitoring the keys. Is the log not working? Does anyone have some suggestions on how it might work better?
SCHEDULE
Can anyone trade with me to work Tuesday night? I would really appreciate it. Also SADIE can you come in a little early on Friday? We are hosting a private party at the place and I will need to be there by 3:30. Thanks
I left msgs for Laura with regards to the Legion’s room reservations, but I went ahead and booked Shannon the 3 rooms he wanted and put them on his card. He will want to eventually put the rest of the cost on the Legion’s card.The rooms are: Marrowstone,Spiden and Orcas, for the 10th of Aug.
KEYS
I called Kyle, the locksmith and left a message to please stop by and make some more Saltspring keys and 5 more masters. Raquel said some Housekeeper’s masters don’t open all doors.
FIRE ALARM
Elena, can you please print out your walk-through log. All, please initial the log every half hour when you do your walk through. This too shall pass.
ALARM AGAIN
This time they had the fire trucks revved up and ready to roll! After much investigation and loud screaming alarm checks, Chief Vern decided to dis-arm the alarm, so now we must go on fire patrol every half hour and fill out a log. hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
BATH CHAIR
Is here in a box, I’ll let Seth know
BATH MAT
The one in the tub for the shared bathroom looks like it needs to be retired.Really.
Good Evening, There is a note here to Laura & Adam from some folks that stayed w/ us sometime ago. They use to get email from the hotel.And would like to again, note is in the receipt file. Very busy afternoon. More cookies in the freezer, and everything fully stocked.The Saltspring is having a key issue,But have 2 working back ups.Looks like it is an amazing sunset.
ADA BATHTUB CHAIR
is also on the way. We got it for an upcoming reservation in the Bainbridge. Our guest has a little trouble walking and I promised we would provide it. Please blog when it comes, call Seth if it needs assembling and keep in our bathroom, so we all know where it is when she comes.
FIRE ALARM
Our troubles are almost over. Hang in there.
Thank you all for your hard work. Our reviews on Trip Advisor are terrific thanks to you, you, you!
FIRE ALARM
Yet AGAIN, a false alarm at 7:33pm,I went to the third floor checked around all okay, silenced, reset and called the monitoring station. They were no help. I am hoping it doesn’t go off agian tonight
Another false fire alarm, turned off pretty quickly.Frank from The Fire house thinks it is maybe coming from an outside source. Maybe a fan or something up there to keep the air moving. Guest are hot but seemingly happy.Gave the garden plants an extra dose of water. I am going swimming in my pool as soon as I get home.
Espresso pods
The housekeepers are down to only one box of regular coffee for all three floors. Laura can you please order some? Raquel says to please not order this item from Gerard.
Hey Steffi, the cash drawer is short $100 because I paid “The Place” for the gift voucher. I was planning on putting it in the blog, but the fire alarm kept going off and it was a crazy on Wednesday. Sorry.
$$
I just reconciled our cash and we are $100 short, even. Anybody? There is a gift certificate for the Place, issues by Elena from the Bird Rock Staff, for $100 in the cash drawer. Does that have something to do with it? Please let me know.
NO SHOW
When you close and you have a now show:
1) call the guest
2) If you can’t reach them, let night manager know you have a now show
3) Print out receipt of no show (don’t charge card) and leave on desk, writing NO SHOW real big on it.
If you come in in the morning and see the invoice saying NO SHOW, check the room, see if it was indeed a no show. If yes and we haven’t heard anything, email me (or Cindy on my weekend) and we’ll figure out what’s going on.
COMPLAINTS
If you have a guest complaint and the need for a manager response, email me (or Cindy on my weekend) with details about the complaint. We will get back to the guest within 48 hours.
PATIO FURNITURE
Does not come inside the lobby. It scratches the floor.
FRUIT
If there is a little blemish on a whole fruit, cut blemish out, wrap fruit in plastic, put back in fridge. We are throwing out fruit which doesn’t need to go.
Eggs?
If we have a full house please make sure that there is at least one egg per person 2 dozen eggs is not enough on a very full day we should have at least 4 dozen HB eggs
WHAT?
something very confusing happened today. I tried to deal with it the best I could but at this point am just waiting (its all I can do) Rez’s 1578407 & 1578427 (same person) were made and canceled for the wrong dates. The worst part about this is that… Although the woman did not stay with us this past Thursday, she is marked as checked-in/Out and her credit card was charged with no notes or indication that she was a no-show ????? While her reservation which should have been for Today was canceled on April 23rd, though she never called to cancel it. The possible solution is that there was absolutely no luggage left in the Lopez today (which was a stay-over) I had housekeeping clean it as if it were a check-out and called and left a message at the phone number on file, I am hoping to hear back from her so that we can possible give them the room.
SMOKE
I received a heads up about the aroma of some curious smoke from the salt spring. I needed to go down there to have the guest sign the invoice anyway,so I put an end to the problem while I was visiting.
Fun Fun Fun…
The guests in the Lopez and ….other rooms are totally having a blast here. They are really enjoying the patio and each other. love it.
ME ME ME
heads up: I injured my back (again). So I won’t be the mopping and deep cleaning queen this weekend. Would you help me out, Elena?
See you tomorrow:)
Kira called regarding our smoke detector’s She is sending a replacement . Seth told her we have someone who will install it. Lots of fun folks here and using the beautiful garden for good times until dinner.
WOW! What a crazy morning. The fire alarm has been going off all morning. The firefighters have been here 3 times. Each time it would go off, it would say “3rd story smokes” All is well though, we are in the process of fixing the problem. Talked with a tech from Guardian Security, we are going to clean out the alarm (Seth is on his way down here.)
BATHROOM SIGN
Elena, I love your yoga lady sign in the bathroom, you are so talented making our cute little signs all over. Oh, and a big thank you for helping me silence the alarm this morning, yikes.
ORCAS GUESTS
They will be leaving on the redeye, I made them cute little bags of yogurt and eggs to take on the ferry with them, they are very grateful, they know to grab them out of the lobby refrigerator in the morning.
SPA GUY
He was here today and said all is well.
FOOD ORDERED
Hooray for me, I just placed my first food order! Wahoo! I wrote down everything that I ordered on the whiteboard in the kitchen. We are rockstars!
Hello, Pretty mellow evening. Very busy with the phones the first 3 hours..The folks from the Marrowstone were delighted and chose to have dinner at the Place. Lots of Happy Campers….
Hi all, I am making a new policy, you need to take out the bathroom garbage at the end of each shift, so if you are the am person, you take the bathroom garbage out before you leave and if you are the pm person you take the bathroom garbage out before you leave. This is a nice curtsy for the next person.
Thanks so much…
MARROWSTONE
Well I am now seriously thinking about quitting and starting up my own crime scene cleaning business. Just kidding. One of the guests in the Marrowstone had a bit of an accident. I am going to leave it all in an email so I don’t have to go into the gristly details here. Either way the folks in the Marrowstone are really nice so please be nice to them as well. The email explains why their rug is out on the back porch drying.
PATOS
The guest in the Patos didn’t want all the extra pillows and bathrobes to clutter up her small space. I put three pillows, two bathrobes, and the comforter from the Patos on the table just inside the housekeeping room on the second floor. She was also concerned that she couldn’t tun on the outdoor light by her porch door. The only light switch I am aware of is the one by the guest computer. I changed the light bulb but that didn’t do anything. The light outside the Skipjack was off as well. Anyone have any clue as to where you turn those other two lights on? Incidentally the light in the “emergency stairway” was off as well.
COOKIES
I have to agree with Carla. I am not too hot on this new cookie recipe. They come out flat and crumbly. Even after letting them cool completely they just fall apart. Why couldn’t we continue using Elena’s tried and true recipe. If it’s something she is proud of then personally I don’t think we should be giving the recipe out to guests. We could just coyly refer to it as a closely guarded house secret. I’ve told guests this in the past and they smile and take it in a good nature. Plus for some returning guests it’s like a special treat to look forward to. Their favorite cookie they just can’t get anywhere else. Just my two cents.
COOKIES
I know this is going to sound silly, but I am a little confused on the cookie recipe issue. Is the recipe on the refrigerator the one we are using now? It is different from the old one and it is hard to read at the bottom. The batch came out really creamy and not as thick, it is hard to get into balls. Why are we not using the regular recipe? Also, I cannot find the orange peel grater, so the batch I just made is without orange peel…..
Just one little thing. A guest left a tan fleece jacket in their room. I couldn’t find any Post San Juan forms while I was talking to her so I wrote it all down on a sticky note. We need to take it up to PSJ tomorrow.
….then the fire chief came, woke everybody up again, inspected all 3rd floor rooms and determined that it was indeed a false alarm….
….Nothing like a 6’5″ guy in uniform barking “did anybody smoke in here?” to enforce the non-smoking policy, wow.
CANCELLATION POLICY
I added “packages, adventures and massages you may have booked through us…” to the cancellation policy on our confirmation letter. And, as Elena said, please make sure to point out that add-ons have the same cancellation policy as the room reservation. I took care of the unhappy guests.
SCONE MIX
Will be here tomorrow. I got some from King’s to tied us over.
SHAW
MYSTERY SOLVED
they guests were sure they were booked for three nights. I moved and upgraded them to the Lopez at the same rate, since it was our mistake. Please repeat the dates back to the guests when making a reservation so that everyone is on the same page.
REZ # 1597244 & 1597245
LOTS-O-SNAFUS with these two reservations First they are upset that they were charged for the kayak tour they canceled last night, mostly because no one explained the cancellation SJO’s cancellation policy to them, and then they thought they were only staying two nights and were actually booked for 3, but they showed me a confirmation letter where they were originally booked for only 2 nights but our change log doesn’t show and date changes for this rez? In any case they said if we don’t refund them they are going to contest the charges with their credit card. Steffi can you call them, please?
MAX OCCUPANCY
REZ # 1696797 has 3 adults booked into the SHAW with “Rollaway” EEEEeeek. I know the note says they are okay with having three adults, but this is not the major issue the most important thing to remember is that we have maximum occupancy for fire code and becuase wear and tear is really increased when you are putting extra people into these rooms.
SCONE MIX
We are 100% OUT, should we do a grocery run for this?
BREAD
someone dropped off bread today but no invoice? was this supposed to be brought yesterday?
SHAW
Eeek it is 1:00 an no sign of these guests that were supposed to check-out today. I called then number on file and left a message. Please let people know at check-in that check-out is at 11:00 (Bainbridge was also out and didn’t come back until 12:45 to check-out)
PRINTER
For now there is an option call A-Print that you can select when printing so that it will use the color cartridge. Use this until we can get more black ink.
POLICIES (NOT ONLY OURS)
Please remember to communicate to our guests not only our cancellation policies but those of kayak, whale watch charters and the spa. Otherwise we end up with unhappy guests like today.
PRINTER
You guys, we are completely out of ink. It’s the weekend, no way to get any. I need you to be my eyes and ears during the week. What you don’t blog or email, I don’t know. Please end each shift with WSNTK (what Steffi needs to know).
ADVERTISEMENT
We don’t display advertisement in the lobby or the front desk counter. We keep some information behind the front desk upon request. Please let advertisers know when they bring in flyers.
MONDAY
Sadie, will you please peel away on Monday before the post office closes and mail the yellow big envelope on the back desk. It’s time sensitive. Thank you.
Morgan, I wanted you to play pay per view, but we are sold out. When you come in and have room which isn’t occupied yet, please go ahead and order a movie. Email Laura, Cindy and I what happened. Thank you.
WEDNESDAY
Elena, will you please get a check from Cindy and pick up shower gel from the food co-op. The order should be in around 1. Thank you.
THURSDAY
Carla, please call me at EB around 1 and we put together an order for Tom (needs to happen before 2).
Please continue to use the daily lists. Thanks for your hard work.
COOKIES
Yes, I made that note. WHY? (response to my note) Because it is not the original recipe we used to use, I have tweaked, and changed it over the years little by little and I have a lot of pride in this being my little secret, I posted the original recipe which you are welcome to give out, but Please don’t give out mine. Sorry if this sounds greedy, just a little pride of ownership I guess. Thanks
Hello, Sadie will work for me on Monday I will be here at 1:00 until 3:30, Thanks Sadie. Pretty swell evening all in all. Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Debb
Cookie recipe, is this not to be given out when the guest ask for the recipe, I just noticed a note on the fridge I had made some copies.Just checking.I am still hoping someone can cover for me Monday morning. Good Night all.
Hi guys , We have a gal Donna who is staying in Saltspring on her 25th wedding anniversary.Her girlfriend died while she was here she is very sad and to boot she lost a favorite earring.Silver square and 1/2 inch tall.I went through the vacuume no cigars…If anyone finds it that would be awesome.
Bruce came by earlier and put in the new part to our dishwasher.It is working just fine.Ok enough for now.
Debbie
ADA BATH TUB CHAIR
I also ordered an ADA plastic chair to put in a bath tub. We have a guest staying with us in the Bainbridge in late August, she will need it. Please blog when it comes, so I have Seth assemble it.
Good Evening, Need someone to trade a shift on Monday the 20th I am scheduled at Windermere 8:30 – 1:00. Thanks. Cleaning like a crazy woman, we will need more scone mix . Left a message for more coffee.Beautiful evening and great tunes.Aloha
Good afternoon Bird Rockers! Just a couple of things to note….
VOUCHERS
I have searched this computer high and low, and cannot find any Bird Rock Vouchers to print more for our binder. We are low on Western Prince, and San Juan Outfitters…
SAN JUAN OUTFITTERS
Brian from SJO called today. We had a guest cancel at the last minute. He was ok with it, but he does normally need 48 hours notice or he will charge the hotel. Good for us all to know to let guests know.
#532614022035
Guest had to cancel at the last minute. I explained that he could get charged if we did not fill the room. If we have to charge him, just call and let him know.
On a lighter note…..I love this hotel, I love the rooms, the colors, the art, the atmosphere! The Bird Rock “rocks!”
Yes, thank you Carla, for staying the Bird Rocking queen until 4. Myah, I think we mis-communicated, not biggy, we’ll do better next time. Thanks for showing up the night before your finals (good luck, we know you will do great).
Carla,
down at BRrrrr you don’t have to take credit cards from folks when they check out bikes, because we are right there, seeing them when they come back and all. Just to let you know.
Peace out!
Dearest, Carla, Morgan and Steffi,(anyone I missed)
Thanks sooo sosoosososososoo much for covering me today, I didn’t know I was on the schedule.
You are so understanding and I owe you the favor.
After all that, it’s totally quiet now.
Figures.
I’m gonna go make cookie dough.
Myah
Today has been a very, busy, busy, busy, busy day…whew!
DISHWASHER
All is working A-OK, no leaks and sparkling clean dishes! Wahoo!
IPOD
Thanks again to Morgan who has officially saved my day, he fixed the frozen Ipod, and I now have music back in the lobby. I was going insane with all the silence. In the future, here is the trick. You lay the Ipod down flat, make sure the hold button is on, use two pens to hold down the middle button and the menu button at the same time until the screen turns black, it will reboot itself.
FOOD
Went to Kings today and bought some eggs and bread to get us through until Wednesday.
JETTED TUBS
What I did learn from Seth today is that our jetted tubs have a cleaning cycle after someone uses it. It will make noises about 15 minutes after someone uses it. I guess that we have a sign posted in the rooms, but I never noticed it.
DISHWASHER
Makes dishes sparkling clean, but leaked a little today. Will you all keep an eye on that and blog if it happens again, please?
INVOICES
For some reason we can’t print invoices from WRP. When you click on the PDF nothing happens. WRP works fine otherwise, other things print just fine. Mhm. I wrote tech support from our front desk email. Please let me know what they say.
SHAW
Is so hot. I tried a new trick (well, it ain’t that new, really): box fan in window. Will you ask the guests if that helped a little?
COOKIE DOUGH
We’ll need some tomorrow. Carla, Myah, who will do us the honors?
We are also low on toast and may need some more eggs. Don’t forget to pull the jam out of the freezer before we run out (needs a day at least to defrost).
OUR FABULOUS GUESTS
Two of our guests went to the Duck Soup in tonight for dinner ON OUR BEACH CRUISERS!! I was so impressed. They say it was hard, but worth it. Yeah, guests!
FOOD
Please use the small yogurts in the big fridge first, then the bigger yogurts in the small fridge(that’s like a poem, isn’t it?).
Also, please use the granola in the white bucket under the cuisine art first, before opening new bags.
Got a thermometer for the lobby fridge.
FAXES
We get faxes from travel agents asking for their commission payments. I need to reconcile those. I find them all over the place, in the garbage, under the luggage room shelf, laying on top of the printer. Please put those in my box. Thank you!
SHAW 8/25/09
There is an email in our in-box from a guest who canceled (done), asking for a confirmation for her friend for the Shaw on 8/25. There is no reservation for the friend. I left a message with the canceled guest. Just to let you know.
What a day. So warm and wonderful and a house full of happy guests, yeah!
Oh, check out Trip Advisor, we got 3 new ones in July, all fabulous. Bird Rocking staff, you rock! Thank you so much.
CANCELLATION
1583690 canceled a four night stay he will be coming to the island but broke up with GF and will now stay with his sister on the island, I told him any portion we could re-rent he wouldn’t be responsible for, please call him if we do or don’t re-rent the room and charge accordingly.
It’s been a busy, busy day. Always something to do. Steffi, I talked to Linda Turner on the phone today about her interest in booking 6 different rooms in August. She was wanting to talk about her options and possible discounts for booking several rooms. I suggested she speak with you, since I wasn’t able to answer some of her questions. Would you please give her a call when you have a chance? She can be reached at 505.988.2131 Thank you!
YEAH SADIE!
Sadie rocked the house today. Everything was so sparkling clean, filled, scrubbed, prepared. We got inspected by the Health Department and we got, oh yes, 100%. Thank you so much. You made my day.
HEALTH INSPECTION
Everybody please check if their food handler’s card is expired or expiring soon.
The inspector suggested to serve melons on ice in the morning, since they can go bad fast.
We need a thermometer for the lobby fridge. I’ll buy that over the weekend. And that’s all.
SCHEDULE
I’m sorry, guys. That was supposed to go up on Monday. If it’s still not here tomorrow, please call me at EB and I bring one down.
MATIA
Was a Unirez and the guests didn’t expect the shared bath. Sadie, will you send the housekeepers up to tidy, the guests weren’t in there long. I upgraded them.
SAN JUAN BALCONY FLOWERS
Sadie, can you please let the house keepers know to water the flowers on the San Juan balcony regularly. Our gardener came by today and said they look thirsty.
MYAH
There is an envelope for you on the front desk:)
HOUSE
Guys, I need a place to live. Will you keep your eyes and ears open for me, please? We (as if you didn’t know) have a dog and are looking for something small and old outside of town.
Thanks Earth Box for your help in Splitting the bill on the Bainbridge. Really I am getting it. slowly…No split folio’s….Nice evening all in all. Only 2 rooms left to sell tonight.Have a good one and see you all next week.
All is well here on this rainy day!
DISHWASHER
Morgan, you are a rockstar! Thanks for all the info on the dishwasher. The place looked great this morning even though you had that pounding migraine! I tried using 3/4 of the soap when running the morning dishes. All came out sparkling clean, I think we should try 1/2 the soap next time.
SCHEDULE
Can we get a new schedule down here for the next two weeks, thanks!
DISHWASHER
Bruce came in a took a look at the dishwasher. The inlet for the water pump was clogged with all sorts of detritus. Lots of toothpicks, paper, egg shells, broken glass, and other gunk. The blade that was supposed to chop all this stuff up was broken. Probably the glass snapped it. He said that while we don’t need to pre-wash the dishes before we put them in, we do need to try and scrape off as much of the big stuff as possible. If we want he thinks we should pick-up a bottle of “Dishwasher Magic” from the store and run it with it in. It’ll dissolve some of the mineral build-up we have. Along those lines he also mentioned that since town water is so “soft” we probably only need to be using half a measure of soap in the dispensers. Bruce will order us a new blade, he says it should be pretty cheap. I put a very small load in to test but it will be done after I close. Carla could you assess the cleanliness of the dishes to determine it’s all good? Thanks.
SAN JUAN
The TV in the San Juan all of a sudden stopped outputting sound and the screen took on a seriously purple tint. Thanks to help from Elena, pressing the reset button on the receiver fixed everything. Gotta love the magic little red button.
ETC
-I have a had gnarly migraine that started a few hours ago. I took meds and drank water. However, I also downed some caffeine to see if it would help. In that regard, whomever left an unopened Diet Coke on the kitchen counter, I owe you a replacement. Just let me know.
-Sorry I didn’t make any cookie dough. We have enough to get us through a day or two but it needs to be made.
PS. I am blaming that gods-awful stargazer lilly for my migraine.
San Juan and Spiden have regular coffee makers in them.
The dishwasher is still a topic of conversation, but has not been repaired as far as I know.
rain, rain, welcome rain!
Monday evening, Guest arrived for the Matia had requested twins beds but it wasn’t made up. Called Raquel she came in Thank goodness.We also need remote switch for the fan & light over the computer.Pretty Chilly one gal even had her fireplace turned on. thanks Raquel’s husband for getting it turned on.
SHAW
Needs to be cleaned, please let HK know. Guest was so hot, she really wanted to move.
SALTSPRING
Please all read #1648820. The Saltspring is like a studio apartment, no separate bedroom. Please make sure to make that very clear when renting to more than a 2 adults or folks with kids.
LABELER
Found.
HOT PLATE
Found the second one. Debbie, please try to cook eggs with the old one first. If it doesn’t heat up for you either, use the new one and throw the old one out. Thank you.
DISHWASHER
Ohhhh boy. I did dishes by hand today. Seemed to take less time than washing them, putting them in the dishwasher and then washing them again. If you decide to do this, don’t forget to sanitize: fill buss tub with cold water and a cap of bleach. Put washed dishes in there before you let them air dry. Cindy wrote that a new dishwasher is on the way. Yeah! Thank you.
CHECK OUTS
Please don’t forget to check folks out in WRP.
AAA DISCOUNT
Just a reminder, we do not have AAA discounts here at BR.
SADIE – FOOD ORDER – THURSDAY
Sadie, please order food from Tom on Thursday before 2. I started you a list on the white board. Just do like we did last week. Call me at home if you have questions. Thank you.
MORGAN
Debbie will be here at 2PM tomorrow, so you can do a decent shift change and be on time for our fabulous, long awaited, exciting EB front desk staff meeting.
Have a great week everybody and thank you so much for your fabulous work over this busy holiday.
ORCAS TUB
Guest says bubbles don’t come on. Elena, can you check at check-out, please? We have another check in tomorrow. Wrote maintenance slip just in case.
HOTPLATE
Seems to be on the fritz. I was able to boil enough eggs for tomorrow. Elena, can you ask your mom where the second hotplate is, please? Laura bought two way back when.
GUARD SUNDSTROM SAVED THE DAY
So today the bees left by the garbage can started to hive again and became really aggressive. It freaked people out. I called the sheriff again and he made it very clear that today was not the day he is going to be dealing with bees. Not knowing what to do I left a message with Guard. He is a beekeeper and sheep farmer, you all know him from the framer’s market. Last week I was out at his farm to watch the slaughter and he showed me a renegade bee hive of his own. I left a message not expecting to hear from him. 10 minutes later he was here to assess the situation. He said since the queen was gone those poor bee boys remaining will die, no other hive will take them in. They were freaked out. It hurt both of our hearts to kill honey bees, but it was their destiny at this point. He killed most of them with a magazine. The rest of them are disbursing. This is sad, but the hive is safe, the queen lives. Thank you, Guard!
DISHWASHER
is going. Hang in there. I’ll email Cindy and Laura for advice.
LIGHTS
Make sure when you do your nightly walk through that all the stairwell lights remain on, so nobody stumbles in the dark.
OPENING/CLOSING CHECK LISTS
This worked well. Let’s continue doing this. I printed out some more forms (in my box).
The bees have either gone to sleep or gone to Herb’s.
# 9 bike has a bad back axle.
Parking, will they enforce the law on the 4th? Curious guests want to know.
Stemware is looking a little cloudy, the dish washer is not good at getting orange juice of glass.I buffed some with a paper towel and they shined up like a new penny.
BEES
We had a lost bee hive in the tree outside BR. The sheriff, firefighters and a beekeeper came and moved the majority away. The area is taped off and lot’s of bees are remaining in and around the garbage can.I called the sheriff, he says there is not much he can do since nobody from the town will be around this weekend. So, inform our guests. If somebody is scared or allergic and concerned, offer them to move to EB, we have 1 room left for tomorrow (Earth).
ADD-ONS
Hey wonderful ones. See #1698002. When booking an add-on, please write all pertinent info in the guest remark section (under “edit”), don’t use the alarm for that info. Use only the subject line in alarm to alert us if something needs to be done. All other info goes in the guest remark section.
Thank you. Have a great 4th of July weekend. Call me if you need me.
We are completely booked for the 4th of July weekend. Been referring to Earthbox a lot. Nice weather great for our parade and The University of Washington band will be here.
Not much to report. Lots of folks here who are changing rooms tomorrow or the next. Looks like the back room will be nice and full of luggage.
I fixed the iPod. We haz muzik.
Food order came in a day early. Using my massive and sturdy spacial awareness skills I managed to find a good place for everything. The new yogurt is in the little fridge. As per Elena-oujo-chan’s warning I turned up the thermostat a bit so you won’t have frozen yogurt in the morning. I cleaned out the big freezer so you have a lot more space in there now for whatever. Stock has been rotated in the fridge so the newer stuff is in the back. New grapes are in the drawer and the older ones are on the door.
Hopefully everything is right. Have a good one all!
Thanks Steffi for facilitating and adding to our meeting.Thanks Elena for raising the bar so high, I agree, it was a positive mingling of the minds and if you guys are doing another one, with or with out bloody marys, I want to come too.
On another note, the espresso maker in the SJS is leaking water.The guest was in the Cypress last night and liked the espresso maker, so I may do some switching around tomorrow. I’ll leave a note.
I got two cans out to the curb for pick up Tue. but the others are too heavy to drag, need some muscle down here or another person.
I am having trouble with the music here, is the i-pod on the blink?
MEETING(S)(SES)
Thank you Bird Rocking Goddesses for the meetings today. I found them productive and honest and I love you all. Deb, Elena & I will have a make up meeting soon (shall we do Gin & Tonic or Bloody Mary’s?).
FOOD
Starting this week I would like the Thursday morning person (Sadie this week) to order food for the weekend (needs to be done before 2). Sadie, give me a call at EB around 1 and we’ll determine together what we’ll need. I will make a ordering list next weekend and soon we all will get a feel for what we’ll need.
Thanks Elena for training me this morning. Breakfast was fun, it was even better because you are a professional baker like Martha Stewart! Hee! Hee! Can’t wait to go to the co-op on Wednesday!
ELENA – WEDNESDAY – SHAMPOO
Elena, will you and Carla go over to the food co-op on Wednesday, 7/1 at 1:30 and pick up 4 gallons of shampoo. Bring exact cash. The total is $89.72. Muchas Gracias.
#1516403
I have a call in to her, regarding which of her 2 reservations is correct. We need to follow up on that.
HOTELS.COM
There are no, zero reviews of us on that website, also none under the old name. The guest must have been mistaken.
THE BRITISH
are all here. I don’t think there is anybody left in England. I love love love the accent. Keep talking to me, lovely guests!
Also: didn’t find the debit card one of our British guests is missing.
RACK CARDS/ RATE SHEETS
Made new rate sheets, can’t find any rack cards. Maybe we are out?
Delightful day here on the rock. Sold out solid over 4th of July weekend as of tonight, yeah!
Cooling off big time, So I feel like a real nummy nut getting locked out the back, might be a good idea to leave back door unlock during business hours.Thanks for rescuing me Morgan.Been a steady busy evening one room left for the taking. Aloha
VOUCHER FOLDER
Had some minor work done, seems it was not happy with all the “sagging” and “tearing”… it was feeling old and outdated, basically it had let itself go a little. seriously though I printed some more vouchers, changed the vouchers from Friday Harbor house to The Bluff and added a file for it with log, all sorts of good things. Now she feels like new! Check her out!
PLUS FOUR FOR BREAKFAST
we had another confusion through a unirez booking where a guest was able to book four into the Skipjack. Laura offered to still have them for breakfast here so count on an extra four for breakfast.
BABY REFRIGERATOR
some OJ exploded in there, its all cleaned up now but I did turn it down (colder). ideally the OJ and Lemonade should be frozen otherwise it won’t keep as long.
THE FOURTH OF JULY
I made a sign that we an post up for the day before and of the 4th with all the major activities of the day, it is in my box ready to go!
MMMM COOKIE DOUGH!!!
I made some more last night, we go through it so fast. I just left the balls to freeze overnight. Please bag it in the AM if you have time.
THANKS DEBBIE
Thanks for all the great notes today at shift change!
Good Morning, We will need a crib for Sunday July 6th ,Not sure if we have them here. Lots to do this morning and looking forward to wonderful sunny day.
SCHEDULE
I had to change the schedule a little. Morgan will bring it down tomorrow. Please all have a look, I switched some shifts, but no days around.
THE LISTS
Thank you, Bird Rocking Goddesses for indulging me in my list behavior. I appreciate it.
RESERVATIONS ABC, 123
Please remember that no reservation should be confirmed without the 10% being charged first. I found a few reservations that had been confirmed and never charged the 10%.
Top of the morning, On King 5 news last eve they mentioned we are losing one of our large boats for 1 week . Thought everyone might want to have a heads up .
THE LISTS
It’s getting busier, almost no difference between weekdays and weekends anymore. It can be a bit much at times to remember everything. So here is what we will do:
I created a check list (off Elena’s excellent side duties list) and for the next 2 weeks I would like us all to sign, date and check the list each shift (there is a morning and a night shift check list). Please put the signed, dated lists in the safe for me to review each week. The lists are in my box. Please go over them, ask questions.
But wait, you say that’s not enough? There is more. I also created a deep cleaning schedule, oh yeah, Baby! It’s on the kitchen fridge and assigns a deep cleaning task to each shift each week. If we stick to it, everything will be spanking clean and none of the tasks will take up too much time. Let me know if you think I forgot an important task or I’m totally utterly unfair to certain shifts.
SHIFT CHANGE
Every shift change I would like us all to take a moment, go over our check lists, deep cleaning lists, communicate about reservations, things the next person needs to know. Each discussion shall end with: “Steffi is the best manager ever” (I will check on that, don’t make me create another list). No kidding aside, shift change communication is important. Please don’t just run away as soon as your co-worker gets here.
MORE LISTS
Last night a heinous crime was committed on Cady Mountain. Between 5AM and 9AM a deer ate all my kale, most of my peas and one of my potatoes. Not a peep out of Mr. Esspike. So I created a list for him as well, which he needs to check and initial every day or there will be a kibble crisis soon:
1) sleep (between 18 and 20 hours)
2) eat (twice per day)
3) pee (600 time per day)
4) get ball (once or twice per day)
5) CHASE DEER OUT OF YARD WHENEVER THEY EAT MY GARDEN
FERRY SCHEDULE
Will change tomorrow. There was not a single new ferry schedule to be had down at the terminal. I printed out a couple in convenient 4 point type. Make sure our lovely guests know.
COOKIE DOUGH
Elena, I didn’t get to that. If you have time, will you start it for me? If not, will you put a butter on the counter, so I can get to it right away? Thank you.
Hi Bird ROCKERS..
The computer in the back room is going to be moved to EB Housekeeping office. Chris Teren will be doing this, he may already have, please let me know if it is missing:)
Happy Thursday.. Keep your smiles..
What Elena said. Remember, this is our guests’ cherished vacation time. When they book something with us, they are counting on it and we simply cannot fail them in this. Please, please, please, take care of our guests the way that you would want to be taken care of on your vacation.
THE BALL…DON’T DROP IT
Its really important that we don’t drop the ball this time of year. Please be sure and communicate things like where a broken espresso machine is from, if its been replaced and, and what exactly is wrong with it.
Also be sure and open the e-mail. When I got in it hadn’t been checked all day and there were tons of things that needed following up on. Remember the call center communicates with us through e-mail.
There was also a message on the answering machine that hadn’t bee taken care of from early in the day.
When processing online reservations it is really important to follow up on adventure and massage requests, the folks that checked into the Lopez today had requested both and nothing had been done, I was luckily able to book everything today.
ORDER OF OPERATIONS
When you are following up on a kayak or massage request please do not make vouchers until everything is done, an alarm from today already had a massage voucher made for something that was not confirmed with the guest. Please remember that commissions go to the person that books everything regardless of who makes the voucher.
Spa voucher on the front desk is for the gentleman in the Saltspring his wife may also want to book something.
RATES
Remember when you are “copying” a reservation to double check rates are correct. I almost charged someone $217 for the Sucia, because this was not done.
That’s all for now, Have a great morning
LABEL MAKER
We need tape refills for the label maker
KEY CHECK-IN/ OUT
I realized that editing and writing in the number of keys is a hassle with Web Rez Pro so I made a laminated key check out that we can use a dry erase pen on. Lets use this from now on.
COMPUTER IN BACK ROOM
The screen doesn’t turn on. Cindy, can you let Chris know, please? Maybe he can play his techie magic on it.
KEYS
I don’t have time to remake the front door keys this week. Bring them up to Earthbox when Morgan works, he can fix those. Thanks.
PAY PER VIEW
We are still trying to get the kinks out of the system (as in: getting Direct TV to rent us a movie once successfully). So, the service isn’t quite available yet. Once it is, all the info you’ll need to rent a movie is in our log book. Let me show you the next time we work together.
PATOS
Patos guests have signed beach cruiser release forms already. Not necessary again if they want to ride tomorrow.
MATIA
Has large bags with golf clubs and a carton full of glassware in our luggage room, no luggage tag.
THE BLUFF
The new restaurant in the Friday Harbor House opens tomorrow. Check it out, it’s a real nice place with a gorgeous view, local, organic, sustainably grown food, not too spendy. They will be open from 7AM to 11PM daily.
I was in the kitchen mopping the floor and a guest came in when I greeted her she announced we had a guy picking flowers in our garden and he ran down the street, Look out for white male in his 50′s with brown bag possibly at Herbs.
Wow unbelievable, the Friday Harbor House has reopened its called the Bluff and its smashing, It will be a hit, prices are reasonable and exciting.Even has Cheviche….The Manager is Mike he is eager to meet everyone.We needed something like this .
What a lovely surprise I had seeing Sweet Laura and the adorable Mia-Tortilla for a little breakfast here at the Bird Rock. The scones were hot and just out of the oven. Mia is such a grown up girley now, much bigger than when she was my little preschool student. I hope to see them again, maybe next time I will see Miss Zoe too!
Bird Rock-On!
Myah
Herbs is a bit noisy tonight the folks in Lopez aren’t too happy. I will call in the a.m. to see if we can move them up to the quieter side of town.Good night..
So would anyone like to help me with a huge favor by either working/switching my morning shift at BRock this Saturday morning?? I would really appreciate it and would be happy to work a shift in return! Thank you! My cellphone number 378.7554
POST SAN JUAN
Sadie, will you please go (or ride a bike?) to Post San Juan on Monday and send our guest his cell phone charger? Charger & form all filled out on front desk, just needs to be dropped off.
CHANGING RESERVATION DATES & ROOM STYLES
When moving a guest to a different room style or date, please hit the “recalculate” button, so we charge the guest the correct amount.
FIDALGO TV
Still out of order. Seth will come by tomorrow.
BIKE KEY
Came home to me and is now asleep in the safe.
NEW ESPRESSO INSTRUCTIONS
Are in almost all rooms.
Have a great beginning of the week, everybody. Enjoy the sunshine.
WOW 27 MILES!!!
The Marathoners are incredible, we set up the bathrooms with nice rolled towels for them and some of the Judith J. bar soaps along with a little sign asking them to take just one towel. Then when they got back they looked to exhausted I put out some Iced Tea.
REZ # 1649106 Still not out at 1:30pm. There is a note on file that they might want to pay more to stay after noon but I’m not sure what to charge them. Housekeeping may not be here when they get back so we might have to block it out for today.
KITCHEN FLOOR
Was so spanking clean when I got to work today, that I just poured my rice on there, laid down and ate off the floor. Wow. Thanks, Elena!
MARATHON PARTICIPANTS
I said to several marathon participants that they are welcome to take showers in the common bathrooms after the run. 26 miles, makes my legs cramp up just to think about it. Respect!
COOKIE ZIP LOCKS
Let’s re-use the zip locks we use for our frozen cookie balls. When empty, just leave empty in freezer and fill back up the next time we make a batch of cookies. No need to throw more barely used plastic into our landfill than necessary.
BEACH CRUISER BIKE KEY
Donde estas? Can’t find it. Please make sure all the keys are in the place they should be (safe key in safe key place, all others in first drawer of safe). It’s so difficult to start looking for a key in front of waiting guests.
KEYS
I had Morgan make new front door keys for the Lopez and have some spares in the first drawer of the safe (sic).
FIDALGO FRONT ROOM TV
Is giving me problems. Seth will stop by in a bit and have a look (go Seth!)
WRP DOUBLE CHARGES
Please pay extra special attention when processing reservations or checking guests in. I looked over 3 reservations processed today and they all had been double charged. I fixed them. I know it’s easy to do, especially with the WRP update and all, but we can’t do that.
BELLINGHAM FERRY
Debbie and I did some sleuthing and found out that the Bellingham ferry departs at 9:30am on weekends and starting June 12th they will run trips daily.
SCHEDULE
the new schedule is up. A couple of things: please remember once the schedule is up it is your responsibility to find somebody to work for you if you can’t work a shift (unless you get sick).
WESTERN PRINCE
This is true for all adventure providers: we don’t give any AAA or AARP discounts when booking an adventure. If a guest makes a reservation directly with the provider they have that option, but not through us. One of us o.k.ed a AAA discount with WP and now we have to “eat” the difference (Earthbox #1581944). So please don’t do this.
Also: Western Prince now has 2 boats, the small zippy Zodiac and the big Western Prince. They have different prices. WP – $75 per adult, Zodiac – $89 per adult. So, when booking people on the zodiac, you need to let them know that it’s more expensive aand…that’s right, charge them the correct amount. Please pay attention to this. Otherwise we will have to pay for that as well.
Also: Ivan, the Western Prince dude, really wants to take us out on the zodiac for free. If you want to go, call him. Or we can go out as a group. Who is with me?
One more thing, when you process a payment, under the 2nd option called “TRANSACTION STATUS” section you need to make sure you select process payment, otherwise the payment will not take, after you select that, under the 3rd option “GUEST STATUS” you will need to select process payment again, you will know if you did not select it right under section 2 because 1. when you hit process payment (under section 3)it will take you to a screen that only has an arrow and no detail of the payment 2.a payment will not show on the guests main screen. Please ask me if you have any questions…
Happy Friday…
Shaw
Seth will be coming down to check on the floor heat in the Shaw.
Thank you Elena for your blog about being a super cleaner.. We should all have Mr. Clean stickers:) As with the post it addiction (which I have) we could all be cleaning addicts..
Paychecks
They are up at Earthbox, by the time cards.
A/C
Remember to tell every person calling from now until September, that we do not have A/C in the rooms, this will prevent guests from assuming we have AC and then arrive and find out we do not, leaving us open to refunding $$$..
It is a busy weekend, LOTS going on… Enjoy the guests, get some sunshine, and put on a happy face:) (which you all do anyway)
The new espresso makers are in and Olga and the girls set them up in the rooms. Thank you for the reminders about Bird Rock aesthetics. I will try to woo you with amazing cleaning tricks. Today I cleaned the little feet of all the chairs, yes I did…you know that is a “woo”.
It is so gorgeous outside with all the flowers and sun shine.
Have a great weekend all,
Myah
Thanks, Elena, for staying on the ball about cleanliness.
On a similar but different note: please don’t have your friends hang out on the lobby during your shifts. It is fine to take a 10 min break with somebody off property every once in a while, but please don’t have visitors. It looks bad and it distracts from our work. Thank you.
DIRTY SHAW
I moved the Shaw to the Cypress last night because their room was just too hot and wouldn’t cool down despite messing with the heat. Please let housekeeping know in the morning, since it won’t show up on the HK report.
CLEANLINESS
SORRY TO BE REPETITIVE but it IS REALLY IMPORTANT. I dusted the front desk area today and did a little re-organizing, please make sure that the desk is as clear as possible during your shift otherwise it can reflect really badly on us if it looks like a bomb went off on the desk, and if you have a minute it would be great if we could dust at least once a week.
Please also be sure and give the hot water and coffee carafes a good wipe down before you put them out and after breakfast, they get spotty really easily.
THE KITCHEN is also another area that it is really important to keep clean even through breakfast when it feels like there are a million things to do. We have never had any bad citations from the health department, lets keep up our good record.
FOLLOW THROUGH
when you make a call to any charter or restaurant please be sure and leave a reservation number rather than a name, it is easier to track in the system, also be sure and make a note in the blog that you are waiting for a call back, otherwise it can be confusing to know which of the 5 “SMITHS” needed dinner reservations.
EGG CRATES
They pile up quickly and we don’t really need to keep as many as we have piled to the ceiling of the kitchen, please open them, stack them and then recycle, keeping only as many as we need.
WIRELESS PASSWORD CARDS
I printed out some new little cards to hand out to guests that want the wifi password, they are one the desk.
WHEWWW!!! I’ll give my fingers a rest now. And please know that I am only being seemingly nit picky because (it’s in my nature, sad but true) but also because I realize we have a lot of new people and there is some stuff you just aren’t aware of yet, and I want to make sure we are all on the same page, so we can have a happy and smooth summer.
Good morning, We have some guests that just checked out and will be on a 3 day kayak trip, we have their luggage here that needs to come to the Earth box for the rest of their stay.Someone w/ a car as the luggage is huge.Thank you.
The espresso maker went belly-up in the SJS so I swapped it for the one in the Spiden.
Walkie-talkies sound like fun to me, can’t wait. Everyone is tucked soundly into their beddies for the night and I am closing the front door. It’s my first late shift and I found it as much fun as the early shift.
Shhhhhh, the green apples are sleeping on the coffee table here and they look so peaceful we don’t want to disturb them.
Seems like our dish washer is not doing a very good job, the dish powder is in the bottom of the dishwasher, not disappearing..I need Seth tomorrow.
thanks and good night.
Hey my Bird Rocking Goddesses!
Que paso? Nothing to blog about at all?
WALKIE TALKIE’S
Raquel would like us to use the walkie talkie’s (spelling?) as a tool to see if a room is ready. They are on our back desk. Give one to Olga in the morning, keep one at the desk, call Olga to see if a room is ready, so we don’t have to run up and down the stairs while our guests are waiting.
FOOD
Ordered lot’s of food for Wednesday, see white board.
ESPRESSO MAKERS
Sadie & Myah, did you get around to laminating the new espresso instructions? Where did you put them? In the next couple of days we will get a shipment of 5 repaired espresso makers via FedEx. Please blog when that happens.
PAY PER VIEW
We would like to offer pay per view to our guests, something which is potentially possible with Direct TV. However, whenever we try to order a movie for one of our guests it doesn’t work out. Morgan and I will make a “play to rent pay per view movies” date soon and then we’ll go from there. Until then, if a guest inquires, please let them know that right now we aren’t set up for that service.
Nice Evening @ The Bird, I was wondering if we could get some plants for the spiedens’s planter box some grasses and a splash of color would be great.The courtyard is beautiful.Thanks Debbie
Myah and I talked about the thermos problem. I will bring down a thermos from Earthbox. And Myah is going to write a note for Gerard to see if he can order a replacement gasket.
Morning Myah!
Our guests in the San Juan will move to the Saltspring on Friday. Please help them with their luggage. They just need keys, room is ready, all paid.
Oh, and thanks for cleaning the lobby so well (aligning the wine glasses with a ruler, that is what I call “above & beyond”, yeah!)
FOOD
I didn’t order food for Saturday. We have lot’s. Next order will be Wednesday. If we run out, go get it from the store, please.
VINNY’S RISTORANTE
is now one of our restaurant choices for our dining vouchers. Elena, will you please design us a Vinny’s voucher & a Maya’s Charters voucher the next time you are here?
It’s going to be new girl weekend at Bird Rock. Elena and I are working at Earthbox, she in the morning, I at night. Call us if you need help with anything. We can walk you through anything…
CHAMPAGNE
We have brand new beautiful Nicholas Fuiellate champagne in 1/4 bottle sizes. Please do not use these quite yet, but DO take a look they are in the back room
I’m going a little crazy with the bleach today, cleaning surfaces door knobs and computer keyboards. Want to keep us all healthy.
I never did say thank you to Elena, the breakfast goddess for showing me the beautiful way to serve breakfast, so thank you Elena.
I agree with Sadie about liking to work here at the BR. There is never a dull moment. Thanks for all your patience in getting us new gals trained.
peace-out,myah
Hi my name is myah and I am addicted to sticky-notes.
It has been 4 days since my last “peel-off”.
I can see how this has hurt me and the people I love. With the help of the great SPIRAL NOTEBOOK, I know I can overcome my addiction.
peace-out,myah
VOUCHER FOLDER
I made us a new voucher folder. Have a look. It’s pretty, updated and informative.
Elena, if you have time tomorrow, could you design us a Maya’s Charters voucher, please? We ain’t got one. Also: where on the computer is the cool channel line up for our guest’s TV’s you made? I think we should print some out and laminate them. So we can hand them to guests upon request.
KEYS
What Elena said. When checking in guests, write in comment section how many keys you gave them and initial. When they check out, write how many keys you got back and initial. I added on the guest invoice: “A $50 fee will be applied for each key not returned at checkout”.
PHONE MESSAGES
Please erase phone messages after you have processed them. Today I had 9 messages, not knowing from which day or if the guests had been called.
POST ITS
I said it before and I say it again: post its seem like they are your friend, but they aren’t. They fly away, they don’t make sense, the person working after you doesn’t know if they can throw them away or if they are important. Manage the post its before they manage us. Ahhhh, ahhh, invasion of the KILLER POST ITS. No, seriously, get yourself a ring book and write your lists in it. We pay for it. Pretty please.
CHECKING OUT GUESTS
Please don’t forget to check out guests around noon. In WRP if you check a guest into a room when the previous guest is still checked in, you can’t write notes into the comment section of the new guest.
Thanks for all your hard work. We mainly use the blog to point out what didn’t go right, but there are all those things which do. So thank you for making our guests happy and going out of your way to make somebody’s day. Uh, I rhymed:)
LOST AND FOUND
Please have Olga look for a pair of brown flats that were left behind by a guest last week in the Bainbridge, Her phone number is on a sticky note on the desk. Please contact her if we find the shoes or not- Thanks
KEYS
Please note in peoples res’s how many keys we give out, so we can make sure we are getting them back at check-out. It stinks having to make so many keys.
I love working here… Everyone is so appreciative and happy! Makes working much more enjoyable. The phone has been quiet, but guests have been giving me a few things to do. Have a good morning, Elena!
Also the folks from the Patos moved rooms right before I closed so housekeeping will need to tidy that room tomorrow. They wanted their own bathroom at the last minute.
Guest #1614417 called and said they missed a flight so they wouldn’t make it tonight but would be here for tomorrow. I tried to resell their room but was ultimately unable. It’s your call if you want to charge them for the night or not. I left it as a charge on their room.
I prepped as much jam as I could. I made about 12 of them. We ran out and had to pull the spare out of the freezer. It was solid as a rock. Hopefully it will have thawed by morning if you need more. It seemed like several people will be leaving early so you might not have a full load for breakfast.
Hello everyone, I am on the road to recovery! IJust a few things to note:
The beach cruiser folder behind the desk is for blank forms, not to file after guest signs it, those can go into the “signed invoice” folder. I printed out some more forms and filed them in the right folder.
Myah, can you please mail off the small ink cartridge package on the back desk…it is going off to be recycled…go earth! The package that needs to go to Post San Juan is right next to it as well.
Steffi, thank you so much for saving me with the ink cartridge, you are a rockstar and the best manager ever!
Morning Myah!
Reservation #1491232 came late last night. Please make sure you charge them when you see them at breakfast.
Reservation # 1441726, see alarm
FOOD
More food on Saturday. Please buy fruit and eggs if we need them. Also: take the largest bill you can find when you go shopping, every time, so we have small bills when we need to make change.
COFFEE MAKER
Just so you all know, there is a spare regular coffee maker on the shelf above the bed, as well as coffee and filters. If you an espresso maker gives you grief, use that instead and blog about it.
The clock radio in the Spiden was replaced by the spare, which has an i-pod dock. The old radio is now the spare. Raquel wants to get a separate dock for it for the future.
CHANGE
Can we please keep enough change on hand in the cash box, we never seem to have any 1′s or 5′s for when guests pay in cash.
KEYS
We still don’t seem to have enough keys, can we please get at least three for each room and make sure that we are getting them back maybe start keeping track? It is a problem making keys at the last minute in front of guests.
FREEZER
There is something wrong with our freezer. The ice cube tray fills up with cubes, then they melt to one big ice block. Elena & I turned the ice cube maker off. It seems to keep temperature though. Any idea what that could be?
I-POD DOCKING RADIO
Our guests in the Speiden don’t have an i-pod docking radio (they have one with the nature noises). So I lent them our spare i-pod docking radio. They will be here for 3 days. Please make sure to put the spare back in it’s box and up on the shelf in the luggage room when they check out.
LUGGAGE RACK FROM BAINBRIDGE
I lent one of the luggage racks from the Bainbridge to our guests in the Orcas. They’ll also be here for 3 days.
FOOD
Ordered food for Wednesday (see white board). Please buy eggs and milk if we run out.
KEYS
Remade all the Bird Rock keys.
CELL PHONE
Guest cell phone picked up from Haley’s. Morgan will send it back tomorrow.
ISLAND MAPS
Got us some more island maps.
Thank you for training Sadie & Myah over the weekend, Elena.
Ahh, today was the first day our guests could comfortably sit in the courtyard and on the balconies. Some discovered that our strawberry lemonade goes very well with Grey Goose. Yumm.
Info on desk is for a woman who left her Cell phone at Hayleys during her stay and wants us to get it back, call us when we have it and then mail it to her.
SAN JUAN TRANSIT
Is almost up and running. Laminated schedule is in our box to the left of you. Hand out paper schedules are behind you in the second drawer. Please suggest taking the transit bus to guests who didn’t bring their car.
This warm weather is waking me up, and I want to play flower gardener on the patio here. I understand there is a gardener that takes care of all that, but I want to see some flowers, maybe I can run to Ace and fill the planters for the weekend. It is going to be gorgeous!!!
One of the bikes(#9) needs it’s handle bars tightened.
Wow what a Morning, The phone should be fixed. Centurytel believes the phone on the desk was off the hook because they could hear voices.Pretty mellow here now..
It works. Or at least, when it goes off, you can hear it. Right Debbie??
Today there was a false alarm and Guardian Securities is coming out tomorrow at 11 am to check it out. In the meantime, I have a repair call in to CenturyTel because there may be an issue with the phone line 378-0834 which is the secondary line that the alarm system uses. It is not ringing through and is busy. I can’t seem to track it down.
If any of you hear from Guardian or CenturyTel, please let me know.
Ohhh okay, I feel very silly about the fan lights heheh. Thank you, Steffi, I figured it out… Not much happening at Bird Rock today, it’s been extremely quiet. Where is the sunshine??
Hi Guys,
I just want to make a little personal plea to all you wonderful front-deskers to please not use your cell phones while at work unless on break. Also, please keep the phone on vibrate so as to not disturb our guests.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
LEARNING FROM THE BREAKFAST QUEEN
Hey Sadie, Debbie & Myah. I would like all three of you to work a busy breakfast with Elena (see above) once. Will you please check in with her and schedule that, if you see her before you see me? Please don’t double up on this. It’s hard to train and cook and reserve rooms all at once.
DETAILS DETAILS DETAILS
When filling the green apple display in the lobby, please take the little stickers off the apples.
When making cookie dough, please freeze the balls first on a tray before bagging them. Easier to get them out afterwards.
Oh, by the way, Sadie, those cookies are delicious, great job!
BEACH CRUISER
One of our guests at BR, the people staying in the Shaw, checked out a beach cruiser with me here at EB. I have his license. Please remind him tomorrow to bring the bike back and get his license from us at EB. Thank you!
BREAD
Please, once we are low on bread make sure and pull a bag each of wheat and white from the freezer to let it defrost in the refrigerator. It is really hard to defrost last minute in the morning.
OJ
Please make sure there is a full pitcher of OJ for the front and back as part of your breakfast prep.
Boy-oh-boy, I’m the chatty one today. Well I have to say I have really enjoyed my first week here, I love people and the guests here at the Bird Rock have been a pleasure to serve. Everyone loves the decor and the beds and it’s nice to see happy morning faces enjoying the slowed down tempo of Friday Harbor.
Have a nice weekend.
Happy Friday:)
Ivan from Western Prince would like to take us all on a excursion in the next few weeks on their new boat. Here is the description:
WESTERN EXPLORER
New for 2009, the “Western Explorer” is a 27′ Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, similar to the boats the Coast Guard uses for search and rescue. It is the only US Coast Guard certified Rigid Hull Inflatable in Washington State. The “Western Explorer” seats 15 guests and cruises at up to 30 knots, getting us where we need to go quickly. To ensure your comfort, every guest receives a full length Coast Guard approved anti-exposure suit.
Can any of you employees make it for a trip on the afternoon of the 27th? If note let me know which date that week would work for you.
PARTY PARTY
Don’t forget tomorrow is our annual party.. YUMMY.. 4-7pm… see you all there.
I just got a call from Kathy from “the Place” inviting guests to join them for live music this Friday at 8:00. They are also featuring an anniversary special for dinner this month, for 19.69, your choice of four different entre’s.
Hello wonderful ones!
Great job Debbie & Myah! Please write down your questions and issues you run into (if they can wait) and we’ll discuss them during our ongoing training.
Thank you so much, Elena, for updating the side-duties list and making beautiful signs and all. P.S. we do have another box of scone mix on the shelf, so we should be good for another couple of weeks.
EGGS
Please poke little holes in the eggs when you cook them (egg hole puncher on shelf above toaster). This way they won’t explode and crack. More eggs tomorrow.
NEWSPAPER
Una mas: please buy a daily paper in the morning for our guests.
TOMORROW
Homeport will come by around 10AM and have a look at our lobby floor. Right in front of the front desk it sags. Please call Laura or Cindy and let them know what’s going on.
Well here it is my first day here at the lovely Bird Rock Hotel. It was really fun to talk with the guests this morning. They were so happy with their accommodations and were excited to explore the island. I love you Olga, you are very kind and patient. To the rest of you, I am feeling so much better, thanks for your nice thoughts.
=^^= (kitty face) myah papaya
Got the front doors open waiting for the huge arrival of people. Not much turnout for my amazing scones. Steffi we have an address for the fella who left some cords in his room. Happy Cinco de Mayo is it time for a Margarita ?
OJ
I tried a little of our OJ for the first time in a very long time. It had an off taste, not very good at all? Thoughts? Maybe we can try a different brand?
ICE BUCKET POLISH
YAYYY! Raquel brought us some liquid to polish all of our nice ice buckets and trays with. It virtually no smell and a little goes a long way
OUTSIDE LIGHTS
I think we need to change the bulbs to the lights right outside the lobby none of them turn on.
Congrats Debbie on your first solo Breakfast. It will get easier once you get your groove, Believe me.
Just a few quick notes for everyone.
KEEPING THE SCONES WARM
We have little hot stones in the bottom oven, if you wrap one of them neatly in a napkin and set it in the scone basket, they will stay nice and warm for you.
Raquel brought us nice new Napkins for the scone basket they are in the little door to the right of the dishwasher.
FLOUR
The cake flour should be just fine but wouldn’t suggest mixing it with any other flours, remember baking is a fine science.
TONGS
I was at Market Chef today (YUM) and bought us three new set of the mini tongs for our breakfast and cookies in the evening. Please put a set out with the Scones, eggs, and Fruit.
BUTTER AND JAM
For our newbies we should always have enough individually portioned out and COVERED butter and Jam in the mini fridge in the lobby. I also made us a new sign to put next to the scones and toast and laminated it. Please us the small card holder to display it.
Hi Steffi, First Time Blogging. It is 8;55 everyone is sleeping in and my scones are losing there heat. going well so far. Don’t mind doing 4 days but do need to ask for the weekend of Memorial off.
Thanks
Debbie
Morning Debbie! First shift, yeah! Good luck and of course you will be brilliant:)
FOOD
Let’s try to bake with the cake flour. It’s just finer and has less gluten, should be good for cookies.
SUCCIA
Our guests in the Succia filled out beach cruiser release forms already. So when they would like to check out bikes, no need for more forms.
THURSDAY FIRE ALARM
On Thursday morning 11:30 Guardian Security will come by and conduct an annual fire alarm test. They will need to go in every room. Please let our guests know at breakfast and give Guardian access.
THURSDAY HOUSE KEEPING
Raquel won’t schedule any housekeeping for Thursday. She will however send somebody from Earthbox down to clean our rooms.
No problem Steffi. But just to let you know. The egg checking trick is the other way around. A hard-boiled egg will spin easily. A raw egg will wobble.
Hey all!
Thank you so much Elena, Morgan & Sadie to cover our shift this morning. How many Bird Rock employees does it take to cover a 6 hour shift? Ha, Ha. We hope you feel better soon, Myah.
COOKED EGGS
Please make sure to keep cooked and raw eggs separately. Mark cooked egg container clearly. If you can’t figure out if an egg is cooked, here is a cool trick: spin egg on counter. If it stops spinning as soon as you let it go: cooked. If it continues to spin: raw.
FOOD ORDER
Please blog when a food order comes in, so I know. I ordered toast, fruit, flour & granola for Saturday. We’ll get more eggs tomorrow afternoon.
Have a great night.
SCHEDULE
I had to re-do the schedule some, please have a look. Especially Debbie & Myah (I have you on 4 days during a week where some of us are out of town, won’t happen regularly).
LOBBY FLOOR
Repair has to be rescheduled. We’ll keep you posted.
Does anyone know what happened to the white scoop that was in the scone mix? I can’t find it anywhere.
also,
STEFFI… I bought two papers and a carton of strawberries the last time I worked, and I forgot to put the receipt in the box. I think the total was like $4.65 or something like that. I used a 5 and had coin change. Sorry! I’ll remember next time.
Myah and Debbie were great! Good Job today girl! keep up the good work! (gold star)
Just a reminder to you: tomorrow morning around 11, Jerry at Homeport flooring will be coming over to do some work on the floor behind the couch. This will make a mess which I kindly ask you now to clean up after.
TRAVELER’S CHECKS
We do accept traveler’s checks as payment. However, the guest needs to sign the check, then we need to compare the signatures (traveler’s checks are signed by the guest when they get them, then they need to sign in front of you a second time) and check ID.
MONEY
Please make sure to keep all receipts when going to the store. I keep coming up short.
GARBAGE
Please don’t forget to bring the garbage to the curb:
SUNDAY for Monday recycling pick up
MONDAY for Tuesday garbage pick up (2 cans)
THURSDAY for Friday garbage pick up (2 cans).
LEMONADE
We got a different lemonade concentrate. The ratio is 5:1, not 3:1. Please mix accordingly.
RATES
Starting next weekend our current specials expire and on Friday & Saturday nights our rates go up to the summer rates.
Thank you, Debbie, for being there with me during breakfast. It was busy and fun. See you all next week:)
MAINTENANCE
Please have Seth check the fan in the Matia and the TV in the Speiden on Monday. Please upgrade guests checking into the Speiden over the next couple of days (we got room).
FOOD
I ordered more food for Wednesday (see white board). If we run low, please go to the store.
Tomorrow morning: Debbie & Steffi as the breakfast queens!
Welcome to the team Myah & Debbie!
With a crew like this, may the summer come full force, yeah!
Myah & Debbie will be training next Tuesday & Wednesday morning with Dani & Sadie, respectively. Show ‘em the chops, girls! Myah’s first shift will be Thursday, 4/30 AM. So Dani, you are off the schedule after your Tuesday 4/28 shift (sniff…).
INK
I ran out today just at shift change and Fed Ex brought new cartridges 15 minutes later. That is what I call good timing. Thank you, Laura!
REMOTE CHECK IN
We have 3 remote check ins for tonight. It’s just mayhem at the ferry terminal today. One of our guests still needs to pay. See alarm.
Also: starting next weekend our PM shifts on Friday & Saturday will end at 10PM.
Almost a full house tonight. Good luck at your first “morning alone” shift, Sadie. I know you can do it! See you at noon.
Hello Friends…
Res#1579058 made reservations for him and his friends(res# 1579061,1579063) for the weekend of may 2nd. They have WW tour with SJ Safaris for 5/2 and may have another couple joining them. He will call tomorrow to confirm. If that other couple comes, they want the cypress. And will also want to go whale watching with their friends, so you’ll need to call SJ Safaris to add another two people to the roster for 5/2.
Thanks, sorry if that was long.
I made the food order with Tom today. Should be here on Saturday.
also…I am holding the Whidbey suit under res#1578516 for the guy listed. He said he would call back with the rest of the info later today. If he doesn’t call by the time you leave tonight Carla, just cancel it. ( I told him thats what we would do)
Thanks!
I met with Homeport flooring today and they are going to need to do some work on the lobby floor next Wednesday, April 29th from 11-12 am. Dani, I think you are on the schedule for that time, so call me if you have any questions. I think all they have to do is to move the couch away from the wall and do a little work. There may be a little mess to clean up when they are done. Thanks for your patience!
The Backdoor Kitchen will be calling us back in regards to a Sunday reservation I tried to make for res#1575124. They want to have dinner at BDK May 24th at 6:00pm(6adults,2babies), but BDK is not sure if they will be open Sundays yet. So when they figure it out they will call us back.
When they do call back, please confirm reservation with them and then email the guest and let them know whats going on(either yes or no).
Thanks so much! people love the Backdoor Kitchen, That’s the 4th reservation I have made there this week! Wahooooo!!
CARLA…
Did you cancel/change the reservation at Backdoor that I made for reservation 1406148 on June 6th? Since they are coming on a different day now I just wanted to make sure we had all the dates and everything correct for them.
let me know, and I can call backdoor if need be.
Thanks Carla!! your the best! Thanks for taking care of the reservation for me!
Hello everyone! I have survived my first night here closing! Yahoo! Dani, I apologize already if I forget to do something, please put in the blog if I have missed anything so I can try again on Thursday! Reservation #1406148 is taken care of so no worries. Have a great day!
Sorry Elena I can’t work for you I have to work from 8-12 at the fuel dock and then 12to5 at Daisy Bloom. I might be able to come in and set up breakfast at 7:30 if that helps at all. Let me know. Sorry!
I spoke with a man today who is possibly going to book 6 different rooms (all ground level & top floor) for 1 night on May 2. I was a little confused on our pricing and quoted him the off-season prices for 1 person and on-season prices for 2 people. Steffi says to honor this due to the amount of rooms he is booking. Thank you!
INK
Laura will order us some more ink for our printer tomorrow. In the meantime please don’t conduct frivolous printing. What? Well, we are pretty low, is all.
MENU GUIDE
Sadie and I started updating the menu guide. If you guys are slow tomorrow, run around and get us menus. Sadie has the list of menus we need.
I’m sitting here blogging, while amazing Carla and beautiful Sadie are setting up for breakfast. Ahhh, the upside of training. Love you guys.
I’m desperate…
I need someone to work for me on Sunday the 26th because we will be in Seattle ON Saturday and it would be impossible for me to get back by Sunday. Anyone willing to work for me/ trade? I could work on Wednesday night for Dani? My Sunday shift would only be from 7:30-12. Please let me know anyone.
Welcome Sadie!
I, too, have noticed the open, vacant rooms being untidyed. I have come in many mornings with the doors to the vacant rooms still open with all the lights on. so please make sure you close the rooms and turn the lights off before you leave so we don’t make extra work for the lovely housekeepers.
Thanks!
DISHWASHER DETERGENT
Gerard will bring us 7th Generation dish washing detergent next week. Wow, that was one foamy dishwasher, but all is good now.
GARBAGE
We have too much. I’ll call Regino tomorrow and ask if he can do a dump run. Please don’t forget to bring the garbage to the street:
MONDAY for Tuesday pick-up
THURSDAY for Friday pick up
SUNDAY for recycling pick up on Monday
FOOD NEXT WEEK
I won’t be able to order food next week. Dani, please call Tom on Thursday and put in a food order for Saturday.
DISHWASHER DETERGENT
OOoops
I put the Seventh Generation soap that was under the sink in the dishwasher and… That soap is not intended for the dishwasher and there was foam everywhere. I marked it but I would agree that we the seventh generation was the best.
SPOONS
We are really low on spoons. I took a dozen from our extra and put them out and we still have another dozen for back-up but, we will probably need to order more before we get really busy.
SLEEPY
I don’t know if it is a problem or not I’m just pointing it out. The bed in the back looks like it is being slept in can we please just make sure that it gets made neatly?
Also…
This is a little unusual but housekeeping says that they have been finding the bed in the Patos unmade lately. WEIRD and doubly important that we close up the rooms at night.
GUESTS ALLERGIC TO GOOSE DOWN
In the future, when we have guests requesting hypoallergenic bedding, please write it in the Housekeeping section of the reservation AND let Housekeeping know one day ahead.
BAINBRIDGE FIRE PLACE
The pilot went out. I couldn’t get it back on. Regino (thank you for coming from home!) got it after a long time trying. Maybe we need a new pilot light ignitor? Shall I give the propane people a call?
I think that’s all. Got newspaper for tomorrow already. Almost sold out tonight, yippieh!
VISITOR’S SURVEY
Please hand a visitor’s survey (next to computer) to all guest checking in the next few weeks. Place the filled out forms in the safe. Let our guests know, they will be entered into a raffle for a free night on San Juan.
COFFEE PODS
Laura ordered us new coffee pods. They are under the sink in the lobby.
BAINBRIDGE ESPRESSO MAKER
I assembled one working espresso maker from the 2 broken ones (or so I hope) and placed it in the Bainbridge. Please let me know if we continue to have issues with it.
WHIDBEY COFFEE
The Whidbey is currently the only room without espresso maker. Regino got us a drip coffee maker (Thank you!). I will get us coffee for it and place it in the room.
Makes me all jittery, all that coffee talk. Is that gorgeous out there or what? Almost sold out for tonight, yeah!
FREE TICKETS
We have some great tickets to give a way to our guest that will be with us on Sunday evening. Please ask the EB front desk if you have a guest that is interested. The showing is a tribute to Roy Orbison, there are 2 showings one at 4pm and one at 7pm, both showings are at the SJC Theatre. Be sure to offer them to guests who will be here. Thanks everyone have a good weekend.
Hi Bird Rock staff. I want to let you know that Duck Soup Inn is open for business and we are starting a Friday Happy Hour for the spring. It’s 4:30 to 6:00 with 1/2 price drinks and $2 discounts on appetizers.
See you soon.
Cheers,
Gretchen
SADIE
Please welcome our newest staff member Sadie. Welcome to the team!
SKIPJACK TV
The HD box of the Skipjack is broken. Seth ordered a new one and wired the Skipjack TV so it works for now, but is not HD.
PATHOS REMOTE
Seth programmed a new remote for the Pathos until we’ll get the old one in the mail.
WHIDBEY & BAINBRIDGE ESPRESSO MAKER
They need fixing. I’m trying to track down who could help us with that (company got sold). I have a call in to the old/new company and to Steve from SJ Coffee. Please let me know if I get calls regarding those issues. Until then I asked Raquel to supply those rooms with a regular coffee maker.
FOOD
Will come on Saturday. Sadie & I will stock us up for Saturday morning breakfast.
#532613652737
Dani, please ask me about this reservation.
OJ
Our beautiful Laura, guest starring as breakfast queen this morning (thank you so much, you rock my little under-staffed world) suggested to blend a whole orange and some ice in with the morning orange juice, to make it frothy and delicious. Let’s do that. It will need to be done in the morning. The blender is behind the coffee maker.
NEWSPAPER
Please don’t forget to buy a daily newspaper in the morning.
Thank you so much, Dani, for working for me last night. I’m much better today.
The T.V in the Skipjack is perpetually broken. we need to find a way for this to not happen all the time!! Maybe move the satellite box, or something. But after every guest the T.V needs a fixin…
poor Seth!
A woman called today and said she packed the remote control from Patos in her suitcase and she had no use for it so she is going to mail it back to us.
I said thank you.
Espresso
I couldn’t find the number anywhere for the Soltazzo people we bought the machines from. Laura do you have it? If you e-mail it I can call tomorrow afternoon
Patos
The remote control is missing, Olga couldn’t find it anywhere in the room.
Elena, don’t forget to close all the vacant rooms at night. Those little kids from the Bainbridge were playing in the open rooms and messing up the beds…naughty, but cute.
I didn’t buy any melon since the cantaloupe should be fine and there is still half of the other melon. I can run to the store at shift change tomorrow.
THE FUTURE
I updated the event calendar on the Earthbox website through June. Check it out, lot’s of stuff going on for the centennial celebration, cool tours and lectures. Be informed and let our guests know.
DISH SOAP
Morgan, our rock, thank you so much for working this shift for us on your regular day off. And thanks for polishing, yeah! And no, you are not the only one who has issues with the dishwasher soap. We are still looking for the perfect product: well cleaning and yet environmentally friendly. I liked the 7th generation gel. Girls?
FLOWERS
Ralph, the flower guy, will stop by every Thursday. Please pick one (or 2 if 1 is too small) bouquet for the lobby. We have an account with him.
Not much to report. Hope I made the regular employees happy by polishing the Lobby and kitchen floors. I also polished the tables and chairs and the front of the buffet counter. The only real thing I want to say is that I don’t think I like that new powdered dishwasher soap. I followed the directions on the label but a good deal of the dishes came out with a thin white powdery film on the tops of them. I had to basically re-wash about a quarter of a load by hand. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this or was it an isolated incident? curious curious.
FOOD
We got our first order from Tom today. Did I mention his fantastic prices? Wow. I ordered yogurt, fruit, jam, granola & toast for the weekend from him and put up an ordering schedule in the kitchen. He doesn’t have a minimum order and often has a small inventory in his large cooler on the island. I will do the ordering for now, but please call him if I’m not here and we are out of something, he might just have it.
SPEIDEN
Our lovely guests in the Speiden got woken up at 1AM from King’s noise (sounded like restocking to them). I upgraded them and they are happy as clams, vowed not to leave their room for the rest of their stay:)
HOMEPORT
Left another message. Please let me know when they call back.
The cherry trees down by the water are blooming. Popeye splashed us with water yesterday, while we were buying fish at the dock (she looks like she is getting enough to eat). It’s Spring!
I swept and mopped, and wiped/dusted everything in the lobby. I also swept and mopped the kitchen and behind the desk as well as vacuumed the backroom. Everything is shiny and beautiful, just like the weather.
BAINBRIDGE & WHIDBEY
Lock in the Bainbridge is fixed. New keys for Whidbey are made.
LUGGAGE TAGS
We have them, under the desk on your right. Please use them when guests store their luggage with us. More in a labeled box in the back room.
OSHA
There is a new folder in the file cabinet, labeled “Osha”. In it incident reports in case one of us injures herself on the job. Please fill one out in case of injury and let Cindy or I know immediatly.
INVOICES
Please put invoices, agent payment requests, etc. in the safe.
… wait, there is more.
BAINBRIDGE
The lock mechanism for the entrance door broke, i.e. once you lock the door, you can’t open it again with a regular key (my master does the job). I called Kyle, the locksmith, he will swing by tomorrow and fix that (he knew exactly what I was talking about). Yeah!
WHIDBEY
Kyle, the locksmith, will stop by Monday and will make us 4 more Whidbey keys.
FOOD
I ordered some dairy from Tom for Tuesday delivery, but please go to the store if we run low.
PAPERCUTTER
Donde estas? Does anybody know? It used to live under the back desk. I brought some more rack cards, they just need to be cut. The spa will bring more flyers as soon as they have them.
LOBBY FLOOR
Elena, did Homeport ever call back?
What a gorgeous day. Lot’s of walk-ins, phones very busy, nice.
I procaf-ed the coffee pump pot/pitchers. They are beautifully clean.
Elena sorry you feel your the only one cleaning. I’m still learning the ropes and what needs to be done, so bear with me…I’m trying. Let me know if there is anything I should be doing of if you need something done. I would love to help!
Nice day here on the Rock. Quiet. 5:00 and none of the 5 check-in are here yet. I guess I would be outside too if I had the option!
THE LOBBY
PLEASE… the lobby needs to be properly swept and mopped when needed (2-3 times per week with the liquid in the back), the counters need to be wiped down, tables wiped down, glasses shelf dusted, cabinet fronts wiped down (they get really sticky) microwave cleaned inside and out, carafes for coffee and hot water should always be wiped down before getting put out, etc there are endless things to clean and do and they just don’t seem to be getting done, I came back after two days off to a horrible floor with loads of footprints at the entrance and throughout and a huge round sticky spot by the garbage can, it didn’t look like it had been cleaned since Monday. Please I hate to feel like I’m the only one doing these things, especially because the busy season is upon us and we will need to work together to make sure that things look good and go smoothly.
FLOORING
I didn’t see the guys from Home Port flooring in today so I called them and left a message to see if they will get back to us.
COOKIE DOUGH
I didn’t realize how late it was when I started making it, I did manage to get it balled up. It just needs to get put in baggies.
Well, looks like the weather gods misunderstood our prayers. We didn’t really mean more snow and torrential rains. But our guests are troopers, all wrapped up in rain gear, going whale watching, hiking, even biking.
CELL PHONE
We found our front desk phone. Yeah, Edgar!
FOOD
I ordered FSA for Friday and more eggs. Next week, we’ll try something new. I’ll order food from Tom Ashcraft. He uses local (as in Oregon, Washington, BC) purveyors and has his eye on sustainable, organic food to affordable prices (gallon of hormone free milk from Bow, Wa – $2.50, amazing innit?) and he delivers. Who says we can’t have it all?
BAINBRIDGE TV
Seth came by and fixed the tv in the master bedroom temporarily by making it just a regular tv, not HD. Thank you so much! Wrote maintenance slip.
SPEIDEN HEAT
I emailed Cindy to please send electrical Dave over to have a look.
NEWSPAPER
Morning girls, please don’t forget to get a Seattle Times for our guests in the morning.
$$
Please make sure to keep all receipts when you go shopping. We are consistently off by $3 to $10 every time I reconcile cash.
INVOICES
Please put invoices, paid & due, in the safe.
Wow, what a gorgeous day. We had 4 walk-ins, had the doors open all day and couldn’t keep up with making more strawberry lemonade.
SPIEDEN BATHROOM FLOOR
THE heat does not work… that is my understanding and Olga says that it is always, always cold in there no matter how much you adjust the heat.
INTERNET
The internet was really sluggish this morning, and then not working at all for a while, it is fine now.
WESTERN PRINCE
I talked for a long time with Ivan last night about the oddity that everybody charges $75 per person for a whale watch trip this season, but Western Prince charges $76, why, why, why?
Western Prince gives 4% of their profits to salmon restoration organizations. No salmon – no whales – no whale watch tours – no visitors, get it? He said, he thinks he owes that to our environment. I loved him for that.
So, having said all that, he doesn’t want us to go through the trouble of manually changing the whale watch price every time we book with him. We can just leave it at $75.
Western Prince goes out daily at noon.
ISLAND PAPER
When Gerard comes on Monday for the Island Paper order, the filled out form is on the white board in the kitchen. More order forms are behind you on the back desk.
BAINBRIDGE TV SOME MORE
The master bedroom TV is not working again. I got phone counsel from Seth to no avail. He will stop by tomorrow and have a look. The guest thinks it’s the cable from the TV to the box. I think it’s the coaxial cable. Seth?
FOOD’N'THINGS
I’ll order FSA for next Friday (including teas) and will bring some luggage tags from E next week. Until then please go to the store if you need something.
CLEANLINESS
We are getting busier. Please don’t forget to put the garbage & recycling out. Have a look at our side duty list (on white board). Mop the floors, wipe things down, especially the fridges and everything in the lobby. Let’s keep our big white beauty sparkling clean.
Thank you all for your hard work.
LUGGAGE TAGS
I think we will need to order some luggage tags for down here at BR, the season is slowly starting but people are requesting more and more to leave their bags with us.
GROCERIES
Enough for the weekend, we may nee to order some yogurt, grapes etc by this coming Wednesday.
MOVING
Please remember that if you have to move someone from one room to another to make a note somewhere so that housekeeping can do a tidy on the room. This is really important as we are coming up on the busy season.
TONGS
We used to have two sets of small tongs and I can only find one right now. Has anyone spotted the second pair?
The T.V/satellite in the Speiden is not working. It says “no signal” and I have no idea how to fix it. I called Seth and put in a maintenance request.
Hopefully he can fix it.
Thanks!
YOGA VOUCHER
Adam is creating a new and exciting special soon, involving yoga class add-ons to reservations. New yoga vouchers are in the voucher file with the other current adventure vouchers. Stay tuned for more info!
WESTERN PRINCE
Will have a sailing this Saturday at 1PM and will start to go out on the weekends at noon.
ISLAND CULINARY TOURS
Naoni from Hillside B&B is offering culinary tours this season. There is a 2 hour walking tour for $35 touring local restaurants, bakeries, delis and specialty food shops. And also a 3 hour shuttle bus tour for $50 visiting local farms. She offers a free shuttle tour to farms on 4/3 from 1-4 and a walking tour on 4/4 from 10-noon for us tourist industry professionals. Call her to sign up: 378-4730
I went through all the new reservations from today (3.25.09) to the end of December 2009 and did the edit and save thing to fix the wierd $.20 tax thing.
I hope that fixes it.
-Dani
Just an FYI~
When you are booking a whale watch, the price that is in the system is good for all operators except for Western Prince they are $76.00 per person instead of $75.00. So if you choose to book with them remember to increase the rate in the reservation you are making.. Please leave the default rate as it is though.
Thanks,
Jerry with Homeport flooring is going to come by on Wednesday to check the “wavy” floor by the front entry. It may be that we just have to live with it because the underlying floor is so uneven (the building is over 100 years old). But, they will still take a look at it. They wanted to stress again about keeping the temperature not above 70. The deal is that to keep the whole lobby at 70 (which is what the thermostat is trying to do) the floor has to be close to 100 in the colder months. I’m thinking that next winter, we may want to get a space heater by the front desk to keep your sweet little feet warm…
Happy Birthday Steffi….I hope you have a great birthday…
Happy Monday to everyone else…
Remember not to just blog maintenance requests but to write them out for Seth also…
Thanks,
Cindy
BAINBRIDGE TV
Wrote maintenance request. Guest is fine with “only” 2 working TV’s.
FOOD’N THINGS
Elena, will you let Dani know about our jam & butter serving innovations, please?
Got eggs, ordered coffee, made cookie dough.
Can you guys do FSA on Thursday, maybe do it together, so Dani can learn it?
Thank you, Soco, for singing the longest and most beautiful, but very long Mexican birthday song for me today. I loved it!
BAINBRIDGE REMOTE
The TV and remote in the king bedroom are not working when I turn the TV on a big white screen appears with a big black block to the bottom right of the screen. It looks like the guests tried to fix it themselves and had taken the card out of the front of the console. I will keep trying to figure it out.
LOBBY FLOOR
Laura & Cindy will tackle the issues with the lobby floor on Monday.
LOBBY SOME MORE
Let’s keep her clean! Please wipe counter, tables & sweep/mop floor, especially after breakfast and at the end of the day. Dust the shelves, make sure the glassware is polished, don’t forget the fridge & the microwave. It’s the first impression our guests have, let’s make it an immaculate one!
BODY CARE LABELS
Please let Raquel know, that Laura printed out some more labels for our body care products. I put them in Raquel’s box next to the safe.
NEWSPAPER
Beautiful Laura would like us to get 2 copies of the Seattle Times every morning. Subscriptions are not available here, unfortunately. So please run over to Kings as soon as you can in the morning or pick them up on your way to work. Thank you.
ROOM SERVICE
We had our first room service here at BR today. I didn’t charge the guest the 15% delivery fee, since we don’t have this written down anywhere yet.
So here is how it works:
1) The Back Door kitchen staff will call us and tell us that one of our guests ordered room service. Make sure you ask which room & what items where ordered.
2) Set up a tray with plates, silverware, wine glasses if applicable, etc.
3) Pick up the food at the Back Door Kitchen and two copies of the invoice.
4) Bring food (in boxes, don’t plate it) on tray, invoices and pen to guest room.
5) Have guest sign one of the invoices, give him the other one.
6)Apply charges to room and charge guest’s credit card (unless they paid cash).
Adam is working on our guest room directories. Once we have them, all guests will find a menu and a “how to order room service” sheet in their room. Once that is in place, charge the guest for the food plus 15% delivery charge.
7) Write confirmation number on signed guest invoice, put in an envelope, write “Back Door Kitchen” on it and put in safe.
Ask me if you have any questions. There might be times when it gets a little hectic, picking up food, checking people in etc. Make sure you let all guests know what’s going on, give the food a bit of priority, since it’s perishable.
Can we do this? Yes, we can!
GROCERIES (FSA)
I placed an order via phone with Jerry today. I ordered what I think will get us through another week or so based on the bookings we have for now. The list of what I ordered is in your box Steffi.
HOT WATER.
This is my second blog (I think) about the hot water troubles. A lot of guests have been complaining about not being able to get hot water even when we are not busy and no one else is using hot tubs or showers. Can we please, please get this looked at by Rob maybe, or Seth? It is urgent since last night the people in the Lopez could only get barely warm water to fill their tub with.
FOOD
Elena will put in a FSA order for Friday and will ask the rep to check in with us on Thursdays for a Friday delivery for now. Let’s keep our white board current with things we need and blog about what we ordered.
EGGS
I got a whole bunch of eggs from Chris (they went like hot cakes this weekend). Please use (cook) in order (next cook box 2, then box 3, then box 4) etc.
Also please keep the egg cartons for Chris (on top of fridge)
CHRIS
It’s all about her. She is fantastic and we love her! She is gardening up a storm this summer and is in need of cardboard and newspaper to prepare her beds. Give her a ring, when we get in a food order or large appliances or so, she will pick up recyclables.
But wait, that’s not all. Chris will guest star with us this Thursday. Dani, will you show her at shift change how we set up the breakfast buffet, please? That’s new from the last time Chris worked.
NATURE
When driving to work this morning I saw a couple of bald eagles taking apart a medium sized mammal (yum), like 3 feet from my car. Every time I see eagles so close I’m amazed by these majestic creatures. They are huge and gorgeous. We are so blessed being able to live here.
MOST THOUGHTFUL GUEST OF THE WEEKEND
The most thoughtful guest of the weekend award goes to Andre, who left me not one but two “Der Spiegel” magazines, kind of a German version of the New Yorker. Thank you so much, you made my week!
THIEF!
Just a heads up to everyone, we recently learned from the police that there are some very determined thieves currently on the loose. It seems they have managed to break into a couple of cars and houses already. SO… everybody lock your cars and please make sure that the back kitchen door (it was unlocked this morning) and all balcony doors are well locked. Also check that any ground floor windows are also locked.
ISLAND PAPER
dropped off an easy order form for us. It hangs on the pin board in the kitchen. Please indicate on the form what we might need (for us front deskers: office supplies). Their Rep comes Tuesdays.
GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Now that we are open all week again, please bring the garbage and recycling to the curb (West Street).
SUNDAY: recycling for Monday pick up.
MONDAY & THURSDAY: garbage (not more than 2 cans) for Tuesday & Friday pick up, respectively.
INTERNET
went down island wide right in the middle of a ferry rush. Thank you, super patient and wonderful guests for your understanding. Thank you, Morgan, for grabbing your lap top, connecting it to the back up internet up at E and helping me out. Let’s all get in the habit of printing out today’s check-ins in the morning, when we print the housekeeping reports!
BIG BANG
shock the house when the wind picked up. One of the rope lights on top of the roof came loose and slammed against the building. Amazing Seth came by and took it down. We should take all of them down. Seth, thank you so much for all you do, especially coming by Saturday nights for emergency calls. You rock!
We are almost sold out and once again blessed with the nicest vacationers. Yeah!
Well the guest in the Fidalgo canceled after being here for 30min. Apparently worked called him away. He said he liked the room though. I checked the room and everything is fine. He said all he did was set his bag down and then leave. So that’s why it’s not on the housekeeping report. That’s about it. Just the Marrowstone and the Orcas for breakfast. I hope I set everything up right for you Danni. Have a good one.
SCHEDULE
Just to keep us all on our toes I remade the current schedule. Dani will put it up tomorrow. Please have a look, thank you all so much for your flexibility.
Hey Elena,
I see you point, with the jam & butter, but don’t like the idea of the garbage the individually wrapped items would entail. How about utilizing our little individual bowls and displaying them in an ice bowl? Let’s try that and see how that goes!
Thanks for all your hard work. Your chocolate covered strawberries were such a hit. Your reorganizing of the kitchen is excellent. Thank you.
**Spring Forward!**
I changed the times on all the clocks in the rooms.
Jam and Butter
I had a guest make a very valid point today that I have been considering for some time now. The way that our jam and butter are set out right now are not very sanitary. You have on any given busy morning as many as 30 or more people dipping their spoons and knives into the same bowl of Jam and butter dish. It is always messy with plenty of crumbs making their way into both containers. Could we consider getting individually packaged butter and jam?
We lent the spare ipod radio/clock to the nice couple in the Marrowstone. Make sure to put it back in the back room after they check out.
Don’t forget….
DAY LIGHT SAVINGS…SPRING AHEAD!!
Steffi already changed the clock behind the desk and on the oven.
Please Make sure before you lock the hotel tomorrow that you change the clocks in all the rooms. Thank you! D and S
The art in the Skipjack and in the San Juan is fixed and back up.
Jerry with FSA is coming on Monday after 1 with yogurt.
HI everyone my name is Dani and I’m new.
THE KITCHEN
It is all re-organized with labels were things should go, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE lets try to keep it this nice as long as possible. I moved all the things that we won’t be using any more to the top shelves and moved trays and ice buckets, bowls, dishes to the shelves above the mini fridge for easy access during busy breakfasts.
Romance package buckets and trays need to be polished I will ask Raquel if she can get us something to polish them with.
LOBBY FLOORING
As I was cleaning the floor today I noticed that the wood boards are coming apart and there is a big crack down the center off the lobby floor and you can see splitting in other parts as well.
SAN JUAN BATHROOM
Will need to be cleaned tomorrow. Our guests in the Matia wanted to take a bath, but there is no drain stopper in the common bathroom, so I let them use the San Juan tub.
MARROWSTONE I-POD RADIO
The Marrowstone guests wanted an i-pod docking radio. I gave them our spare. Please make sure to put the spare back into the box when they check out.
FRIDGE
Seems to be working fine. Thank you, Elena, for defrosting that.
SUCCIA HEAT
3 days on high, 3 days in the off position and 2 days in the middle didn’t make any difference in temperature. I left it in the middle. Waiting for Dave for further instructions.
SKIPJACK ART
Cindy, Laura & I are working on a way to fix that. Stay tuned.
Hello there:)
Dave will be down later today to check on the Sucia. But remember the best thing to do when a room is not getting warm is not to turn it down but to call Dave. He is pretty presistent about not ever turning the heat off, because when he comes to check it now, it will have been off and blah blah, so for the future just fyi.. Thanks….
Black Hair, Please save these details for an email. It would be better served emailing Laura and I directly right away.. THANKS…..
Elena, I will check with Laura on the Via Motif order, I think those all sound like great choices.
Dani Rand is our newest employee she is Dave the sign company guys daughter. Welcome Dani….
Please email me the update on the refrigerator as soon as possible in case we need to replace it, by chance is this the new one we got a about a year ago? If so then it may be on warranty..
Have a great Friday..
**REFRIGERATOR**
I took everything out that I could to let it defrost while we are closed but…I noticed this morning that there is water leaking out of the bottom I put a rag there top soak it up for now but if we could get someone to take a look at it before we open that would be great.
**Little Black Hairs**
As I was walking through the hotel opening up rooms today I noticed that one of the beds had a few little black hairs I picked them off but I asked the girls if they had noticed them, and asked that they be more careful. They then showed me something very unnerving the upstairs laundry room has little black hair that has made its was into the carpet and the machines. Despite their best efforts the hairs are stuck in the rubber surrounds of the washing machines and the lint screens of the dryers. The have run the machine with just water, cleaned it out with rags even vacuumed it and still no luck. They say that they are having to pick the hairs off the sheets, pillow cases, towels and bathrobes as they fold and iron them. The issue seems to only be upstairs which is even stranger. Does anyone know where these little black hairs could be coming from? The girls said they will do their very best to make sure the hairs don’t make it into any beds but, I shutter to think what would happen if a guest slipped into a bed with hair.
BREAKFAST BUFFET STYLE
OK so everything went pretty well though there are some things which need to be fine tuned and some items which if it is at all possible could be purchased… Don’t worry its not a lot.
1… Some sort of Bamboo table runner for the counter so it looks more cohesive Via motif has a great Palm wood one that is 13″x60″ perfect for our counter
2… A smaller coffee tray? Again Via Motif has a great one that is only 16″x16″
3… this is the last one… Via Motif has a couple of great baskets (for scones and toast) and a stand that would really help us get the most out of the counter space we have.and a silverware holder that doesn’t take up so much space.
Other than that the pitchers we have are fine, the big bowls we used for yogurt before are great, the big white platters we have will work for fruit.
RANDOM OTHER THOUGHTS (WORK RELATED)
We won’t stock soy milk and plain yogurt on a regular basis anymore. We will buy soy milk as a special request. We will buy plain yogurt when we order large amounts of food, but won’t buy it retail if we are out for a couple of days.
Our freezer needs defrosting. I think we have to do the entire fridge. Elena, can you move everything into the little fridge on Sunday and defrost the guy, please?
BREAKFAST BUFFET
Today is the day we go back to serving breakfast buffet style. I put stuff (cereals, butter, jam, milk, OJ, plates, buss tray, etc.) together tonight. Elena, let me know how that worked, what we need to fine tune.
Also: very important: if our guests saw on Trip Advisor or our Rack cards that we serve breakfast in the room and they had their heart set on it, by all means: YES, WE CAN. Have them fill out a breakfast form (they are behind you by the beach cruiser release forms) and let the morning person know via blog.
SCHEDULE
New schedule is up.
SUCIA
I’m experimenting with the Sucia heat (it is still ice cold in there). So I turned it to 90, don’t touch, let’s see how that feels tomorrow.
I let Seth know about the Speiden blinds. Don’t know how to deal with the art next to the Skipjack. I took it down. Laura, bring it to a framer?
Alright Morgan I forgive you (it was the puppy eyes)… really it wasn’t a big deal, we managed.
R.I.P
The art work to the left of the skipjack door had one of the corners cracked in a very noticeable way. I left it for now but is there something we can replace it with?
Maintenance request***
The chords on the blinds in the Spieden somehow came out of the little slot.
Ah crud on a stick. Sorry Elena I totally spaced the silverware thing. So many folks were coming and going and needing things. I feel bad. Can you forgive me? *puppy eyes* Drop it off up here and I’ll roll it during my shift at EB.
Yes, everything was fine this morning except that the silverware wasn’t rolled. Sorry for not coming up last night but I was in horrible pain with a thumb about three times it normal size after having slammed my car door on it. I’m much better today.
MATIA ESPRESSO MACHINE: I was able to fix it and put it back in the room
Well hello strange new blog. Well for one of my rare cover shifts I hope I did ok. Had a few walk-ins. I prepped what I was told and with Elena’s over-the-phone guidance, I made an early departure brekkie for a guest. I hope the after-hours check-in got in ok and didn’t have to wake up Elena. How’s your thumb by the way? Well that’s about it. Hope I didn’t screw up too badly.
P.S. Elena, don’t forget to turn up the phone ringer. Thanks!
ESPRESSO MAKER
The espresso maker from the Matia broke. Elena, can you try to play your magic on it and if that doesn’t work, can you send it back on Tuesday? Please blog about. For now there is a drip coffee maker in the room.
SUCIA
Couldn’t get that room warm. Gave guest a space heater.
And that was really all the bad stuff. Tons of super nice happy guests. Ahh, the love… or was it Elena’s amazing cookie dough?
Happy rest of the weekend everybody. Call me at home if you need something.
Hey Elena,
I hope you feel better today, or excellent actually!
SHAW
We had a bit of a mishap (ask Olga or I). The Shaw will be an early check in. Please go up and tidy the room first thing tomorrow.
ROMANCE
We have 2 Romance packages, see WRP.
COOKIES
Can you please start a cookie dough for me? My cookies are just never as tasty as yours and tomorrow they should be super good:)
RESTAURANTS
All restaurants in town are sold out. Vinny’s agreed to cook take-out for our guests. I will hop over and get it for them. Offer that to guests who don’t have reservations.
Morning Elena:)
SAN JUAN DIRTY
Please clean the San Juan Suite for today’s arrival (as per your Mama).
FOOD
Don’t forget we’ll get a big food order on Friday.
Only buy food for the next couple of days. You have $20 in petty, if you need more, please get check from Cindy.
MAINTENANCE
Seth will have look at the shower in bath 1 and the bainbridge TV. Can you ask him to please bring the cushions for the outdoor furniture from storage and put them out before the weekend?
BREAKFAST
Orosco will be your fellow breakfast warrior this Sunday. After that we’ll go back to serving breakfast buffet style. Let’s talk about this on Saturday.
ALARMS
We are starting to get reservations and adventure/massage requests for the summer (yippieh ya ye). I would like us to start including the arrival date when we create an alarm, as in: book massage for 7/31/09 arrival. We would set an alarm like that for the beginning of July, but then, when we glance at the alarms in a hurry, we know, we don’t have to deal with booking this right this moment. Does this make sense?
The shared bath number 1 is leaking worse than ever we can’t get it to stop at all and the shower has a white ring all around because of the constant dripping, Olga says that it is also leaking out of the handles (Hmmmm… sounds familiar) Can we please look into this?
TV’s
Seth fixed the Cypress TV. I checked on the Bainbridge bedroom TV today and it needs some kind of programming. I’ll make sure we deal with that before next week.
EMPLOYEE SHOWER
Olga and I moved all the boxes out of the shower and ran some water and a hint of bleach through there. Smells fabulous now. We need to do that every week or so.
GARBAGE
Seth took all the garbage and built a roof over the bins, nice! Thank you.
FSA
I placed an order for Friday 2/13 for our big love & presidents weekend. It’ll come before I get here at 1. I’ll make sure somebody (Olga?) will be here to receive the order.
Lot’s of phone reservations today. Got some inquiries for this weekend and had them all stay at EB.
SCHEDULE
We had to make some schedule changes and the schedule for Valentine’s week is up. Thank you all for your flexibility these days, we appreciate it!
WHALE WATCHING
Whale watch tour prices will go up to $75 (SJS)/$76 (WP) per adult this summer. I switched the prices in WRP.
Bainbridge bedroom TV
Doesn’t work, Elena & I tried it all. Seth knows.
Marrowstone Gate
Scott will have the new hinges in next week…
Blown over fence
Seth and Regino will have the Fence and gate down below finished Friday..
Great job..
DOOR SOME MORE
One of us made a new key for the front door, instead of making a copy, thereby voiding all other keys. Please pay extra special super attention to that, always copy, never new! And I don’t mean that in any kind of philosophical sense.
THE DOOR…AGAIN
Peoples keys still are not letting them in the front door. all the keys I tested for all the rooms don’t work. Can we please re-program them?
Moved the Cypress people to the San Juan, I know huge upgrade but their TV wasn’t working and they wanted to move only if it was close, and since it was late and we had the availability I just moved them over, so please remember to let housekeeping know next time they come that the Cypress is also dirty.
Yuchu Elena! Happy shift!
>
> FRONT DOOR
> is fixed for good. Thank you Seth, the amazing.
>
> PRINTER INK
> is in the bag of Bird Rock things I put together in E’s luggage room.
> Can you please put it in the printer and store the extra in the lower
> file cabinet in the back?
>
> EGG SITUATION
> Beautiful Laura bought us hot plates and pots. Please poke hole in
> eggs, put in cold water, bring to boil and let boil for 10 min (uncovered).
> ALSO: let’s ALWAYS unplug the hot plates after use.
>
> Thanks for all the things you do. See you Saturday.
>
I received an all time high number of calls last night from guests whose keys would not let them back in the building. We need to get them re-programmed ASAP.
EGG COOKER
Our egg cooker is no more. We’ll cook eggs at Elena’s or in the San Juan if we don’t have guests and buy something soon.
HEAT
Please don’t forget to leave the heat at 65 in all rooms and please let the Housekeeping Goddesses know.
FERRY SCHEDULES
Morgan brought us some current ferry schedules. Thank you!
NEW BOOKING
There is a reservation in the new booking section. Please don’t process, I’ll deal with it.
And I think that’s it. It’s nice here tonight. The place looks great (thank you, Olga, Raquel & Regino), our guests are lovely and giddy to catch some sun and slack; a brave couple even took the beach cruisers for a spin.
WOW, the 2 weeks have gone by FAST… Welcome back everyone… Here are a few things to get you started..
2. Rack Cards and Business Cards for Earthbox: Business cards will be here by the end of the month, and the rack cards should be done in 30 -45 days (hopefully sooner, I will know more on Wednesday) If someone needs paper information please see Steffi or I.
4. Seth will be in on Monday 1-19-08
5. Tory will be back on the island around the 29th of Jan.
Have a great weekend, and welcome back everyone..
Cindy
Jan 5, 2000
It is so quite in here Laura and Adam and I are like quiet little mice.. Working away.. Happy 2009 everyone.. I miss you all and we will see some of you on the 16th of Jan..
CONGRATULATIONS
We have a very sweet couple staying in the Marrowstone and he proposed to her today at the Cattle Point Light House. Oh, so cute. She said it was so windy, that she didn’t know if the tears came from the wind or from the feelings. The Best from all of us here at Bird Rock!
SAN JUAN – DAVE’S VERDICT
According to Dave everything works fine. But we can not keep turning the temperature up and down in this building and we should not, under no circumstances, ever (he meant it) turn the heat in any room under 65, even if we are closed. I will turn the heat in all rooms to 65 tonight (HK turned the heat off for the season) and we should get locked covers for the thermostats as soon as we can.
$$
Cindy will put out the paychecks on Thursday, 1/1/09. I will be in the Earthbox office 9AM to noon. Come and get ‘em! Please don’t deposit before Friday.
SAN JUAN
I have been experimenting with the San Juan heat over the last 3 days, turned it to 80, left it for a day, came back, it was coolish. Turned it to 60, left it for a day, came back, still coolish (feels like 55 in there, no matter what you do). I turned it to 65 (which if the thermo is backwards should be rather warm). Let’s leave it there for the day and see. Also, the San Juan is a very exposed room all the way on the top there. Maybe that’s the entire problem? And yes, Cindy, I think we should cover those up. More on this fascinating topic tomorrow:)
SAN JUAN
Elena can you please see if the floor heat thermo was shut down in the SAN JUAN, Dave says if the floor heat thermo is turned down at all, it will take a while for the heat to warm back up in the room. I think we will need to put some sort of cover on these thermostats so that this does not happen.
Ah, what a great day. It’s like some kind of ban was lifted. The phone rang a lot, mostly inquiries for March/April/May, made some reservations, had very nice (and very soaked)check-ins. Felt good.
When the rain came down in buckets I had a couple of leaks in the lobby, but only for the duration of the rain.
Elena, do we have some more ink for our printer? We are very low.
Happy Sunday everybody!
SAN JUAN HEAT
I got a call from the guests last night saying that the room just wasn’t heating. So I had to move them to the Bainbridge which I knew would heat up the fastest with the fireplace. It looks like the San Juan is one of the rooms that has the numbers on the thermostat backwards. They are fine and happy now and will stay in the Bainbridge.
ICE MACHINE
Seth Ran the cleaning liquid through it and got the machine nice and clean. It had yucky green stuff in the tubes. Maybe we should set some sort of alarm to do this on a regular basis.
SAN JUAN
Very, very nice couple who have met Adam before, I will put some champagne in the room tomorrow from him.
GROCERIES
Bought enough to get us through the rest of the week. And baked some white chocolate chip, cranberry, granola cookies, just a little experimentation, they turned out good but next time I will put some orange zest and add more cranberries.
Will have one breakfast tomorrow since the Bainbridge rescheduled again due to the weather.
LEAKS…
We had none… can you believe it? Even now that all the snow is melted we haven’t had any leaks and no burst pipes. YAY!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I’m so sorry that we had to cancel the Christmas party. I was looking forward to some holiday cheer with all my crazy cohorts. In the absence of that, Adam and I have given you each a little card which is in your box up at Earthbox.
Lots of Love….
Champagne
We are out. I’ll bring some down from E. I don’t think we need to overstock things right now.
Food
I let the food order ride another week. Brought more petty cash, please go shopping if you need to (doesn’t look like it).
Fidalgo
Breakers keep popping from having a space heater. The breaker for the sink is in the luggage room (thank you Regino, for always being there when we need you, you rock!)
Decalcifying action at BR
Tory did the second floor, so what’s left is: Marrowstone, Whidbey, Saltspring and 3rd floor. Thank you, Tory.
I did my first tidy today. About time after 2 years! Thanks again, Tory, for showing me the chops.
ELENA – Marrowstone guests arrived early. Regino was on the property so he gave them their keys. I talked to the guest and told him I thought you’d have the romance items in the room around 1′ish. I hope that works!
It was a very nice morning, especially with the smell of my experimental brown sugar and cinnamon scones filling the lobby. They were very tasty just 1 tbls to 21/2 cups of scone mix plus about 1/4 of a tsp cinnamon.
CLOSING…
Everything is secure. I will be coming up throughout the week to turn the Christmas lights on and off, I also cleaned out the kitchen fridge, which we should probably start to do every time we close so that the next time someone opens they don’t have to open a refrigerator full of bad fruit, yogurts, milk, etc.
CITRUS
Remember that there are lots of satsumas, oranges, and delicious juicy grapefruits up at Earth box.
Elena,
2 check outs tomorrow and Raquel won’t send in the troops. So if you feel like it, clean them, if not, block them out. Either way, please let your mama know.
Thank you!
Decalcifying Espresso Makers
I want to get this done before we close for the season. It is time consuming, but time we got. So: put a 1/4 teaspoon of decalcifyer (under kitchen sink)in water container of espresso maker. Let run until empty, fill back up, repeat, fill back up, repeat, until water runs clear and you can’t detect any detergent in either, water container or hot water coming out of machine. Blog which rooms are done. I did:
LOPEZ, BAINBRIDGE, SPEIDEN
Manual CC Machine
I got us a new one, it is in lower file cabinet, together with cc paper, in case the power goes out.
Ice Machine
Needs service. I’ll let Seth know.
More Romance
Elena, please don’t forget to pick up chocolate for Friday’s Romance package.
Quiet tonight, had one walk-in though.
Happy Nikolaus everybody (tonight the German St Claus either fills your shoes with sweets or beats you with scotch broom, depending on how good you were, ahh, gotta love the Germans)
Christmas Lights
Regino fixed the lights, thank you! The icicle lights turn on by plugging in the cord right outside the kitchen door. The balcony lights turn on by plugging in the cord by the guest computer.
The tree looks great. Thanks, Elena!
Hey Tory, again!
Jerry will drop off 3 doz eggs Friday afternoon. One of them is for me me me! Please pay him out of petty ($4.50 per doz), I’ll pay petty when I get down there later.
Chris did some serious egg research: the little air sack, which makes the egg easy to peel, only develops after 7 or 8 days after the egg has been laid. So when eggs are too fresh (there is such a thing?) they may be difficult to peel. That’s why I bought a little more, so they can age and we can bake seasonal things with them.
I set up everything in the lobby for when the Christmas tree get delivered. This means I didn’t clean the floors very well just swept and they will probably need to be properly cleaned when we re-open.
Outside wreaths
The wreaths are setup so we don’t even have to go outside to turn them on. There are switches inside on the second floor.
I will be in if I get a chance before we re-open to decorate the tree, otherwise it can be left until I work on Saturday morning.
Had a little problem with some of the TV’s not getting reception, I checked all of them and about 5 in all not receiving. Seth managed to reset and fix most of them after talking with the tech but the Whidbey and Marrowstone bedrooms only are still not receiving signal, sitting rooms OK though. TV still not back from repairs for Fidalgo sitting room just a reminder when selling it.
Could not find #2 keys, any ideas? I made up a new one for the guests walking in today.
Remember to remind guests about the art and craft fair at the elementary school today and tomorrow, it is really good. Till 5 today and 10-4 tomorrow (SAT)
CHRIS
Never mind about the planter trays. Laura found something perfect, tiles with rubber bottoms. They will be delivered to E and should come shortly.
TORY
Please make something fantastic for Thanksgiving, like a pumpkin pie or pumpkin cookies. Also: if you like, start decorating the lobby Christmassy. I’ll bring decorations down there on Tuesday.
CHRIS
Laura bought some tiles for under the planters. I’ll put them in the luggage room. Can you play around with putting something scratch proof under them, please?
ELENA
Will you be the Christmas decorating queen for us down there, please? You are so good at that.
FUN WRP FACT
If you ever have to look up an older reservation and the system says: not found. Go to the reservation desk – search – set time to be searched (i.E. May 2008 – November 2008), then punch in the name or reservation number, and you’ll find it. Yeah!
Adam’s parents are in the San Juan, so can you please make sure Raquel knows that it will need to be cleaned on Friday am, we have an arrival on Friday.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone…
FOOD
I ordered from the food coop and will pick it up on Tuesday. So, Elena, don’t hit me with your big stick when I enter the hotel. And Tory, please make sure there is enough fruit to get through the weekend when you open on Thursday.
Thank you all for your hard work and your flexibility.
Much Love
Friday Morning here. Just reading the blog and there is a website pebblez.com that has natural stone trivets in 6×6 or 12×12 sizes that would look nice under the plants, as long as we choose something smooth and level so they will not rock at all (I am sure similar to the sandstone coasters we have.
I peeled an egg and it actually went pretty easy but I find some difficult at home too. I am wondering if they are so fresh that they cling to the shell. The next time eggs are cooked here next week they will be a week old so may notice a difference. Most eggs are weeks old by the time you get them. They sure are yummy though. And the girls are just so cute and happy to lay them for us!
I think it is a great idea to just sell the room Steffi with one TV, hopefully it won’t take to long to have the TV sent back to us, Seth is going to ship it out today.
I am not sure where the manual cc machine is, BUT you could probable go to Wells Fargo and ask for another one, it is good to have one for when the power goes out..
Laura, my posting went all the way to the bottom when I clicked on POST, thank you so much for fixing that.
Steffi, Laura is working on getting some tile for the bottom of the flower boxes to help with the leaking, LAURA where are you at with that?
Thursday, Tere is leaving, those of you that would like to join Raquel,Tere and friends at Downriggers on Wednesday night at 6PM they would love to have you, it will be dutch treat..
Happy Monday.
Happy Monday,
EGGS – CHRIS
The new eggs are really hard to peel. Did you have the same experience when you did a test egg? Maybe we can experiment with cooking techniques?
PLANTS – LAURA
What do you think we should do with the gorgeous planters leaking onto the furniture?
CC MASHINE – ANYBODY/EVERYBODY
Does anybody know where are manual cc machine is?
FIDALGO TV – SETH
Seth will take the front room Fidalgo TV tomorrow and send it back. I think we should just go with one TV in there until we get a replacement and call upcoming reservations about it. Laura, Cindy?
MARROWSTONE GATE
It’s swollen and doesn’t close. Guests can’t lock it for privacy. I’ll ask Seth for ideas.
I think that’s all. Happy upcoming week everybody!
The Flat Screen in the Spieden is working again. Spa guy just stopped by and took care of a few things. Chlorine way low and filter clogged. Also the gate to the Marrowstone is in need of some attention. I don’t really know what the problem is. But I did fill out a maintenance slip for Seth.
TORY
Please pick up the food coop order on Wednesday, pretty much right when you get there (get order list from fridge, get check from Cindy). Also, please go fruit shopping for the weekend at MP, don’t forget green apples. Thank you. See you Thursday.
ROTATE
We had a whole bunch of yogurts and a milk expire today, because when we stocked, we didn’t rotate the dairy. When you put away a food order, please always move the old stuff to the front and the new stuff in the back. Otherwise it’s waste we don’t believe in!
I-POD RADIO
I lend our spare i-pod radio to our guests in the Marrowstone (they have a CD player as a clock). Please make sure you’ll get it back and put it back in the box. Very important are the 3 different size i-pod adapters. Make sure you got them.
MANUAL CC MACHINE
Done estas? Anybody?
Lot’s of walk-ins tonight, got only 3 rooms left, yiepiehh!
ELENA
Happy Birthday, Sweety! Have a grand time in the big city and party your pants off!
OPENING
When opening the hotel after our midweek closure, please be there at 10:30, so we can check in guests coming from the 10:40 ferry. Also: I will call guests checking in on those days with our office hours (like next Wednesday, Tory will open at 1, guests have been called).
REVIEWS
Please read email regarding reviews over the next couple of weeks. Be afraid, be very afraid. No, I’m just kidding. We love you!
Schedule
I have had to make some schedule changes with the upcoming weeks so please everyone make sure you check the schedules. Tory will you please check with me about something new for next week.:)
I will be sending out a updated schedule later today for next week, so stand by…
Happy Thursday
the Pitter patter of a burglar?
You may not believe this but I can hear just about everything that goes on upstairs from my apartment especially when we are closed.So if you are going to be stopping by for an after hours visit an advanced warning wouldn’t be a bad idea otherwise I get worried and I’m forced to arm myself with a stick and go upstairs to check out whats going on. (Steffi has first hand experience with this ha ha)Joking but seriously I get sort of worried that we are being robbed sometimes.
Just a note…
A lot of guests lately are confused or don’t know what our check-out time is, it happened again today at 11am one of our guests came down and wanted to know what time check-out was. When I told him, he asked to check-out at 1:00 I had to say no but they weren’t too happy, so I had to give them till noon.
DOOR BLOCKING
Elena agreed to take on the blocking and unblocking of the door, so when Chris reopens the hotel, she doesn’t have to crawl over the gate, dig a tunnel under the hotel and enter through the sewer. Simply use your key card and get in. Thank you, Elena.
TORY
Please don’t forget to turn all the clocks back an hour tonight. We get to sleep an extra hour, yeah!
Outsourced
Is the movie we saw last night. Really quaint little independent movie from a Seattle film maker. So this guy in Seattle works as a phone salesman for kitschi Americana items (porcelain eagles and such). His job gets outsourced to India. Before getting laid off he needs to go to India to train his replacement. The guy he is training hands him his card, reading: future call center manager and there is a cow in the half built office. It’s a really touching movie about the global economic situation, being a stranger and that we are all just people. It got Bollywood music, a love story and I laughed out loud a bunch.
last one for today…
the construction schedule is “supposed to be” mon-thurs. starting sometime around 7am. i have made the phone calls for this week to guests.
don’t forget to clean out the egg cooker RIGHT after your done. the brown stuff comes right off if you do it while its fresh. (there was yucky on it when i tried to cook eggs today….ewwwie.)
also…looks like we are having some issues with the mini fridge. (the door not closing and the base is off kilter…so the cooked eggs are in the big fridge marked COOKED EGGS on the carton.
PHONE FORWARDING
Tory and I had a phone forwarding test party and here is what we found out: if you forward BR’s phones to the 5800 number and E doesn’t pick up, it goes to E’s voice mail. Utterly useless for our guests. But: if you forward BR’s phones to the 4000 number the call center picks it up. So on Mondays, please forward the phones to the 4000.
FRONT DOOR
Also on Mondays we’ll need to block the front door, not just lock it. Cindy made us labeled blocking & unblocking cards, which are in the top drawer of the safe. So when we close: block the door, put blocking key back in safe, leave through front door. When we reopen: either enter through the kitchen with your master key or pick up a unblocking card from E. Ask me if this is confusing. I think it is.
PEER REVIEWS
Please don’t forget to submit your peer reviews & employee surveys by tomorrow (put in sealed envelope in E’s safe with Laura’s name on it). We will conduct employee reviews starting in a couple of weeks, yeah.
Also: VOTE!
I am Steffi, and I approve this message.
Dishes
The dishes in the back room, were dishes that Raquel and I thought may work for the breakfast service, after we received them Laura and I think they look to cheap, the bowls look like plastic. I will talk to Gerard today.
Elena, thanks for taking care of everything down there. I would like for you to turn the outside lights on at night and turn them off in the morning. That would be great! Thank you.
WALK INS
Here is what beautiful Laura says about walk ins on Sundays or Mondays: if a guest stays on a night we won’t be open the following morning, we will leave a light breakfast in the lobby fridge, inform the guest that there will be no counter service in the morning and give a $15 discount for the inconvenience. Then we’ll call Elena to lock the building after the guest checks out and leave a note for Olga to clean the room when we reopen. Makes sense?
PHONES
Elegant Elena forwarded the phones to E for the next 3 days. So when the 5800 number rings, please answer: “All kind of hotels with various names, this is…, how can I help you” Kidding, of course:)
CLOSED
We are officially closed all the doors are locked lights are all off for now, I will come up before I go down to the restaurant and turn on just the hall lights and maybe a couple of the lobby lights just so it doesn’t look so dead,
Laura do you want some of the outside lights on at night? I can come up in the morning and turn them off. I did a nice deep clean on everything swept behind the refrigerators and in the lobby to make it less enticing for mice or rats in the winter days we are closed.
I Put up a sign on the door saying we are closed and will re-open on Thursday, left the front desk cell on it too in case of emergencies, referred them up to Earth box while we are closed etc.
All heaters are off and the phones are forwarded to Earth box for now.
FIDALGO
The bedroom TV is doing the flickering again, microwave is not in use. I really think there is something wrong with the unit. I will confer with Seth tomorrow. Maybe we should send the unit back, what do you all think?
KEYS
Morgan & I remade all the keys with the new E cards. Elena, can you please switch the 4 which are out tomorrow? I’ll leave them on the desk.
DISHES IN LUGGAGE ROOM
What are they for? Where are they from? What do they want?
DEADBOLT BETWEEN LOPEZ & BAINBRIDGE
Our deadbolt key doesn’t open that door. Does anybody know how to open that?
MID WEEK CLOSING
Don’t forget the new office hours starting tomorrow. Please forward the phones (to Front Line or E, Cindy, Laura?), make sure the food (i.e. nothing on the counter) and the building is secured.
WALK INS
One thing we haven’t discussed at our meeting: if I had a walk-in tonight, wanting to stay 2 nights, at what point would we remain open, one deluxe room, 2 rooms?
PARKING
One of our guests got 3, I kid you not, 3 parking tickets today. He was so upset and rightfully so. I offered to split the cost with him, but he would prefer if we bought a sign for the front desk.
This is another one of those things we need to explain at check-in: the espresso makers, the earplugs, the remotes, the beds and the parking, every time. It is no fun to come back from a day out and about on our beautiful island and then see all those tickets on your car.
FLOWERS
Just a reminder: A bouquet of flowers costs $55 to our guests. Please charge accordingly and quote the correct price. I won’t charge the difference to our guests in the San Juan, just for the future.
PATOS
I don’t have a breakfast form for them (stay-over), was there one this morning?
CYPRESS
Has no I-pod radio and was hoping for one. Do we have spares? Can we order another one?
Gorgeous day out there. I love our red leaf maple and the weeping willow. It’s like autumn in pot.
BIKES
We had more usage this morning than normal which is why I realized we should probably be checking them more often for issues, we had a loose set of handle bars, flat tires etc. this morning. In fact one of our guests was nice enough that they bought something to tighten the handlebars with and left it for us to use in the future.
OUR STUFF
Our guest in the Orcas said she has really been enjoying our towels, linens, shampoos, etc. and wanted to know if they are for sale. I told her Steffi would be here later and that she could make up a list of what we carry and let her know if we could sell any of the products.
Rez. #1340345
Stayed with us and thinks she may have left something behind I have her number and am just waiting to hear back from housekeeping.
Thank you all for coming to the meeting. Your participation in these meetings is so vital to our organization. I really appreciate it. Not to mention what you do every single day…
I have a special thanks to Steffi and Cindy for holding down the fort this summer. You guys are champs!
Just a heads up to all.
I got a call from the call center last night that a lady had called in concerned for her friend (in the Lopez). Apparently she and her husband are having some very big marital problems and she had not answered her phone all day. Anyways I came up and knocked on their door and got no answer twice, so I ended up calling the friend back and she told me that the husband had left her here and that she had just talked to her friend, why did I write this long winded story? I had two breakfasts…slow and just in case she may want to leave a day early we all know why and can maybe not make this harder than it probably already is for her.
attention attention…the gardeners said that the flowers from the san juan balcony could use some water about every three or four days…while we still have stuff planted up there. and also there are some plants in the speiden on the little deck that are under the eve that do not get water as well. thanks!
LOTION STICKERS: I ordered new stickers and they will be a arriving in a week or so.
BLOG: I think why some comments are awaiting moderation is that whenever a new name is used, the system requires me to moderate the comment. So, an example would be how Elena wrote her name differently and Steffi put Esteffi. Just something to keep in mind… If you use the same name that you have always been using, it should work just fine. If not, please let me know.
seth came by and thinks that perhaps the tv flickers in the fidalgo when the microwave is on at the same time as the tv. also….no idea why the water did the thing it did. because….if there is no hot water in one room on the ground floor…there would be no hot water in all the rooms on the ground floor. they all feed off the same tank. the sink and the shower feed off the same tank (same pipes) as well.
FIDALGO FRONT ROOM TV
Several guests noticed flickering. Seth checked it out a week ago, no flickering. I checked it out today, no flickering. Does anybody have any idea what that could be?
WATER ISSUES & FIRE ALARM
Seth is informed and will get with Cindy tomorrow to discuss where we go from here.
AUTO LOG OUT WRP
I took off the auto log out feature for all of us. As Cindy mentioned to me, this is a great feature in the summer when we have lot’s of people working at the same time, but when you are the only one, it’s just annoying. Please make sure you log in as you at shift change.
NAPKIN RING PAPER THINGELY DINGELIES
I ordered some from Gerard, so our rolled silverware stops falling apart. Maybe next season we can get them imprinted with our logo.
FRUIT
I will not order any more cases of fruit. Please keep your eyes out for what we need and do a MP run towards each weekend.
FOOD COOP
Elena & Chris, don’t forget to pick up our food on Wednesday.
SALT & PEPPER
I washed the glass s+p shakers, please refill in the morning.
I just used the new Seventh Generation furniture polish, yummy, it smells so good I want to eat it!
Marrowstone:
Well sorry to say that the couple in the Marrowstone was not too thrilled with their stay. Not only because of the fire alarm situation, but they weren’t able to get hot water in their shower, they could hear people talking at the bar across the street etc. I told them that I would talk to the manager and see if we couldn’t figure out something nice to make up for their rotten stay with us.
ON a similar note the folks in the Speiden said that they couldn’t get hot water out of the shower but they could get it out of the sink, I have had people mention this before but primarily on the 1st floor maybe something we need to have checked out?
Cleaning Supplies
I am having Tory remove all non eco friendly cleaning products from the property. Please do not use anything UNLESS it is an organic product.
THANKS, THANKS, THANKS…
Well, that was my check in last night and I did spend a lot of time with them, they were a very sweet couple, but obviously not enough instruction. Tonight I have taken two walk ins and have given all the check ins the techno-poop for every little thing they may want to work. Should be fine. It does go to show that the one you don’t clearly orientate will of course have dificulties. And I know that there really is nothing more frustrating than not being able to work something that really should be simple but you are just missing the one important step, like, make sure to turn on the light/fan at the wall first.
Kaitlin picked up the co-op order so the fridge and freezer are loaded to the gills.
hi….so i just wanted to report a guest comment that i think could be helpful to us all. we had a guest check into the shaw and all was good. but in the morning they were very dissapointed because they did not get to use any of our ammenties. they said there was no signal on the tv( this happens a lot but perhaps we should have housekeeping turn on the tv to make sure no settings were changed.) the ceiling fan did not respond to remote. and the coffee maker didn’t work. and there were no mugs or glasses in room for coffee/water. unfortunately these are all things we talk about when we check guests in.
so….make sure you don’t leave anything out. however small it is….there are still a lot of quirky things about our hotel.
I wrote about the lights in the Whidbey about a week ago. The lights are back on and the backup bulbs are in the top drawer of the safe. They are really small and delicate so I figured that was the best place for them.
fyi
i think that steffi does not want us to use electrosol in the dishwasher. we have some echo-bio soap beads that we use now. they are in the white containers under the sink.
Hi guys,
It looks like we might be having blog “issues” again. I will try to catch all of the blog postings quickly so that you guys can continue to communicate while we get the situation worked out.
Thanks for your patience!
P.S. Kaitlyn, I would love some pictures of the girls. That would be wonderful if you wouldn’t mind! Thanks.
That was weird, let me try this again, if you need small items like baking soda, don’t hesitate to run to Kings and pick it up.
Seth is going to try and fix the grout without having to do a whole new tile session. He will let Elena know today what he can do.
Apples/Fruit
Just out of curiosity, can you tell me how much fruit goes to waste during this time of the year?
Light Bulbs
Did you ever receive the new light bulbs that were suppose to come from Lamps Plus? Did they work in the vanity?
Thanks for the info:)
hi, i tried to make cookie dough and couldnt find the baking soda. we have loads of powder but no soda. i thought there was a box half full back there…anyway…all the other dry ingredients are mixed. just needs the soda. the wet part is in the fridge.
i heard that if the soda is not in there they won’t bake up right. so i did not continue.
HOT TUB LOCK
Kaitlyn and I had a moment of stress today when the hot tub was locked and none of us knew where the key was. I think it’s a great idea to lock everything now whith the slow season is starting. Let’s just make sure that all pertinent keys (hot tub, bikes, treasure chest containing emergency chocolate) are in the top drawer of the safe and labeled. Thank you!
UH OH…
There was water leaking into my apartment downstairs today from under that big window seat, There was also something beeping under there. The last time that this happened we had to order a special part as I remember because there is a pump down there.
UPCOMING RESERVATIONS
Please look through upcoming reservations whenever you have a moment. I found several guests interested in add-ons and we hadn’t followed up.
Also: we do not participate in any IloveInns promotions. We do have a guest arriving next week with a coupon and we will honor it, since one of us accepted it, but for the future, we are not part of IloveInns promotions.
GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Please don’t forget to put garbage and recycling out:
Garbage pick up: Tuesday & Friday, cans need to be put out in the street: MONDAY & THURSDAY
Recycling pick up: Monday, can needs to be out out: SUNDAY
Thank you all for your hard work, things look fabulous, guests are happy. I had at least 6 people tell me how gorgeous our little hotel is today, yeah!
WEDNESDAY 10/15 FOOD COOP
Alright, this is the week where I switch my weekend back to Tuesday & Wednesday. Whoever is working on Wednesdays needs to pick up the food coop order. This Wednesday it will be Kaitlyn and/or Chris. Here is how it works:
1) Cloud from the coop will call the hotel when the order arrives, usually between noon and 2.
2) Take this week’s order sheet (it’s hanging on the fridge)
3) Get check from Cindy and drive over to the coop (in the Surina business park, first door on your right). Feel free to take the E van.
4) Cloud will add up the order and add 10%, make sure everything we ordered is actually there.
5) Put check stub, stapled to order sheet in safe, let me know if something didn’t come.
Thank you guys, let me know if you have any questions.
ELENA
Can you please go to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday between 10:00 and 1:00 and pick up 30lb of apples from Blue Moon Produce. Rebecca is expecting you. Please pay her out of petty ($45). Thank you. I’ll go shopping before work, call me on my cell if you need something other than apples:)
SPA
The Spa also has a Savor The San Juans Special: $10 off any treatment through October (SBS massages count as one treatment). We may pass those savings on to our guests, but we need to make sure to write “Savor the San Juans” on the voucher, or we create a book keeping nightmare. Thank you!
FOOD
Our apples are from Waldron Island this week, very tasty. Also got some decent looking strawberries. Ordered scone mix, sugar and Andes from FSA, please blog when it comes so I know.
CLEANLINESS
Please don’t forget to walk through the hotel with “Laura eyes”. Clean the lobby fridge, dust the lobby, especially the shelf with the wine glasses, mop the kitchen floor, wipe sticky surfaces down, walk through the rooms and if there is only one coffee cup, get another one, ditto with the ear plugs, you know…
LA MUSICA
Our i-pod froze up. How do I fix this? I tried talking softly to it, that didn’t help.
the propane fellow came and said everything looked good with the fire place in the marrowstone. well, as good as a no vent old school fire place could be. there is a co detector behind the couch plugged in. so we are set.
set drained the bathroom shower on the second floor. also replaced the light over the bar in the lobby.
the grout from the bainbridge needs to be re-tiled. a conference with laura is needed.
penant light is burnt out. looks very complicated to change out so i put a maintenance slip on the front desk to remind us to ask seth to fix it when he comes in.
also the lobby fridge moves around and the door doesn’t get closed sometimes. keep an eye on it.
went to october fest with tim. we had a very good time and it was a small crowd unfortunately. next year we are going to dress up and win the costume contest.
THE PAST, THE PRESENCE & THE FUTURE
Guys, we had a snafu. I need you all to read 1336773 & 1331737. Be extra special super careful when processing a walk-in reservation. Make sure you are on today’s date. It is so easy with WRP to make a reservation for the wrong date and it really bit us today and cost us a lot of money. Nuf said, could have happened to all of us, we’ll do better next time.
Much love, don’t get blown away by the storm tonight. 30 miles per hour winds, oh my. The house began to twitch…..
Bikes
Next week the beach cruisers will delete in size.. We will move all but 4 bikes from Bird Rock to the off site storage where they will stay dry and warm for the winter. IF you see an upcoming sunny break and we are busy with reservations, please give me the heads up so we can move some bikes back to the property.
You all are doing such a wonderful job down there. Thank you for all your hard work. Welcome back Chris, I am so exciting you are back with us…
Happy Saturday..
Cindy
great night, everyone really nice, all the rooms look great and are a pleasure to check guests in to,
Cypress was a very late check in and I left door ajar and note on desk, hope all went well Elena.
Made some more cookie dough. Could NOT set alarm clock in Matia so switched it out with one in Cypress. Can anyone see if we were just 3 dufus’s or if there is indeed sumtin wrong wit it! (now in Cypress room) Matia room getting on early ferry so will be gone before 6AM
Happy Tag der deutschen Einheit.
It used to be June 17, to honor the East German uprising in 1953, which was crushed by the Russians. Then after the wall fell, the East Germans got to vote on either being reunited to West Germany or to try to be their own country. On 10/3/1990 they voted to be reunited. The West Germans didn’t get to vote and got slapped with a huge tax to help rebuild the East. Yadda, yadda, hate, racism, accusations of trying to make Easterners second class citizens. Anyway, German Reunification day was then moved to 10/3.
And that’s your history lesson for the day:)
A little FYI the lights above the sink in the Whidbey are back on and a new set of backups arrived today I put them in the bottom drawer black file cabinet. Also a small fan and motor arrived today is on the back desk open. Is anyone expecting this it is from NUtone?
The end of night number two alone and unsupervised and nothing bad has happened. It is 9.45, hope I am not jumping the gun here.
Guests arrived late coz of fog but folks at Lavandera waited for them and they said the hot rocks were delicious. (I am going to have to try that one day. Where do they put them?) The spa charged them direct as they went straight there without their vouchers from us. Steps venting system broke today and they had to cancel dinner service. That was our anniversary guests again! Referred them to Back Door and they loved it. Cancelled all vouchers. Their bill is getting smaller and smaller. Last thing remaining is the room charge. I hope we dont have a reason to have to take that off. (hope herb is quiet tonight!)
Prepped everything I could think of for breakfast for Kaitlyn and I tomorrow.
Hope you are well if reading this miss Laura. I love and miss you!!!
Elena, please follow up with the alarm from res #1316024 regarding changing of massage time.
Also I could not light the pilot in the Marrowstone. I feel like I remembered how to do it but did not work, even with matches nicked from Herbs to help. Can you have maintenace have a look tomorrow, or try your own skill on it,. I think they would like a fire tomorrow night. Otherwise all good and quiet and lots of exploring of rooms and computers for me. Here are my rambling thoughts of no importance…
Well my first night all alone working back here in this seemingly new hotel and I have to say that, well, after thinking it was a bit sad that all the cool old funky stuff was gone and that it may be a little sterile now that it is all contempo and sleek, that after a complete thorough exploration of every room top to bottom, opening every drawer and cupboard and turning on every light and lamp and fan and tv and touching every new piece of linen and furniture, well, what can I really say now except WOW. I actually really love it!!
Lets see, where shall I start….those TV’s that make me want to have one in my house, and they are in every sitting room and every sleeping space! Pieces of modern art in themselves! Then my next fave, those delicious bedheads, lucious chocolate suede you HAVE to touch, I want one of them too. Next, the lamps. Now you may think lamps are lamps but no, there are several unusual styles and honestly, all are so…what, cool! The bedside mod flexi ones, the classy little swing arms with those great little shades, those huge and beautiful floor stands….Who picked all those..Laura? What great taste!
Next up, the furniture rearrangement. Some rooms still have the lay out that worked great as it was and they they still look great but so much more spacious somehow with the new furniture, the eye runs around the room easier, and the ones that have been tweaked work so much better. I always loved the Sucia and Shaw, but the bed placement really makes those rooms rock now. And the fidalgo, ..much more spacious. And the San Juan, and the orca, I think all of them work so much better. Oh and I didnt even mention all those beautiful sofas and easy chairs, look and are inviting and handsome. What else, cappucino machines that even I can manage to work, and a place to play your own music just by bringing your little IPOD along for the ride. And the deck furniture, and the new deck on the San Juan, so sad before, looks great now! Yeah, I guess I am impressed after my fearful hesitance in embracing the new. It looks sharp, but comfy, sleek but plenty of texture, crisp and new but inviting you to touch. Great job.
What are my small and insignificant suggestions for staff?? Leave those lovely overhead lights set “ON” on the remote and turn them off from the wall, that way when you walk into a dark room you can turn on the light from the wall switch without having to find the lamps or the remote.
Check the silverware in the rooms with little kitchens and maybe some basic dishes in the drawer if guests want to warm something in the microwave?
And watch those lovely platform bed legs, a good thing to point out to guests. Once you know, I think you remember.
I think thats it! It all looks great. Looking forward to working for the first time with the lovely steffi and the crazy Tori and back again with adorable Kaitlyn and the older and wiser and even more beautiful than before Elena.
Chris
i emailed and called guests arriving the 6th of oct thru the 10th to let them know that there may be some road construction noise during the day. we should be letting people know for future stays in october. we are going to see how it progresses and may need to call people for the next week.
late early check in worked out. they didn’t arrive when they said they would….so yea. also…i can see them tearing up the street in front of the hotel….from where we sit at the desk….uhhh ohhh…
just a note: today we had an early check in request in the alarm notes. (kid usually takes a noon nap…can we check in early…so on so on.) i took a look at the people who were checking out and it looks like they were given a late check out….so this is a learning example for everyone to take a look at your check ins for the next day before allowing late check outs.
KEYS
I renewed all magnetic keys I had available. Kaitlyn, can you please double check the keys you get tomorrow at check out and bring bad ones to Morgan? After that we should be good for a while and Elena will get a full night’s rest:)
PET PEEVE
Can everybody please polish the silverware before rolling it? Just take a moist towel and wipe the water spots off it, so we don’t look like a failing diner. Also: please roll the silverware tight. I ordered more stickers. Gracias.
FRUIT
Kaitlyn or Tory, can you please rotate the fruit in the back. It is so warm during the day that I’m concerned it could get moldy.
Happy 76 degree day tomorrow. Have fun and thanks for all your hard work.
Espresso
I ordered espresso, will be shipped UPS directly to the hotel next week.
Fidalgo
I changed the occupancy from 3 to 2 on WRP. We had a party of 3 upset that they were able to book the room for 3 people, but then we couldn’t accommodate them.
Pay per View
Working on it, some more. If Brian, our dish dealer, calls for me, please give him my cell number.
king from the county called this morning and said that the road construction should be moving down first street in about 2 to 3 weeks depending on what kind of rock they have to drill through. did not have a time line on how long they would be in the process. kj
FRUIT
I ordered fruit for Saturday pick up. Let me know if there is anything else we need from La Groceria. I had cherry tomatoes from Lacrover farm today. I know it’s super nerdy to get all excited about tomatoes, but they were so good, so good, grateful to be alive good. We are so lucky to live here and eat like that.
Much love.
had another 2009 reservation. they were upset but got a refund and left. went through the rest of 2009 sept. oct. nov. dec. reservations to see if there were mistakes. calender empty so far. if we get any 2009 reservations for those months…please double check and call the guest to make sure its 2009 and NOT 2008.
FIDALGO HEATER
Is just fine. Our heating system is built into the floor and takes a long time to respond. We’ll talk more about this and possible solutions at the meeting.
EMAIL
Works. Guys, please keep an eye on stuff like that (Thanks Tory, for noticing this), We can not afford to miss guest emails for days and days.
BIRD ROCK FRONT DESK STAFF MEETING
on Wednesday, 9/24, at 3.30 at Bird Rock. Khaili will you please staff the front desk at E for an hour?. Elena, Kaitlyn, Tory & Chris, please be there. Thank you.
FIDALGO HEAT
The thermostat in the Fidalgo seems to be stuck, it’s hot in there. I have a call in to Dave to please check it out. Please let me know when he stops by.
EMAIL
I have a call in to Rockisland tech support. Please let me know when they call back and what they said.
Yes, the fire alarm in the Bainbridge has been fixed.
TOASTER
Can we please get a new one for some strange reason the one we have now does nothing more than burn the outside of the toast and leaves the centers untoasted.
EMAIL
Tory just let me know that it seems we haven’t gotten emails for the last 2 days. Our test emails didn’t get through. I left a message with Chris to please come and check that. Also, I told him to please take the email off the back computer. I find it confusing to have emails at 2 places, we can’t see what has been dealt with.
FIRE ALARM – ELENA
Did the alarm company stop by on Tuesday. Were they able to fix the Bainbridge alarm?
LILLY & LINA
On Friday, 9/19, will be our Lilly’s last day (sniff). I allowed her to leave as early at 10AM, right after breakfast. So Lina, please let her go. I know you can mind the store by yourself until Tory gets there. Call up to E if you need help. Thank you!
There are a couple of items that need to be shipped back to previous guests. They are all set to go on the back desk. Can someone run them up the Post San Juan in the morning otherwise I can do it when I get here at 2. Thanks
i turned the bikes to be back/front back/front so that they fit on the rack better and we don’t have to struggle with handle bars anymore.
also guardian alarm will be here tuesday around “lunch time” to do some work with the bainbridge alarm. if guests arrive early and he is still here…just let them know whats up.
HOT TUB part XXXXXIIIII
Please keep an eye on the temperature. The heater is teeny tiny and as soon as the lid is off, it looses heat. So please blog hot tub temp every day. If it keeps dropping, we’ll need to call tech support.
hot tub was turned up all the way but only read 91 degrees. does anyone know if there was a heating issue resolved from when the tub was drained last week?
#1197454..so they had no noise problems with their room last night and they were very happy, yay! Just wanted to update you all
#1064743 we were supposed to shorten their stay for only one night but we accidentally did it for two nights, so we had to move them up to Elements for tonight because the room was sold for the night, lucky for us they were very pleasant and understanding about the whole thing.
1197454 reservation…notes in edit screen. they may decide to stay with us for the rest of their stay. i gave them the option to upgrade on their final night since they had such a hard time in the spieden. we have san juan avail right now. told them they could move up their on their last night with no additional charges if available.
FLOWERS
We just got flowers from Susie and will again next week. Then her season is over. Laura, Cindy & I will decide what we’ll do after that and let you know.
MEETING
I want to have a Bird Rocking meeting with all of you, talk about breakfast in the winter, customer service, getting food, how our season went and all that good stuff. How is Wednesday, 9/24, 3.30 PM for everybody? Please let me know. Happy sunny weekend, everybody. Have fun in the big city, Tory!
SCHEDULE
I had to remake the current schedule. Please everybody look closely. Also: I have no problem with our current crew if you switch shifts, but I do want to know about it. Please give me a ring, so we can mark the changes on our schedule at E as well and we all now who is supposed to be where and when. Thank you all for your flexibility and your hard work.
#1275478 & #1275471
Elena, what happened and what did you negotiate with the guest, please write in the guest remarks.
HOT TUB
Did everything go o.k. with the tub draining today?
ELENA
Please call me regarding the future (days off and all) on Sunday.
HOT TUB
Spa Pro will come tomorrow right at 11 and drain the tub and refill. It will then take about 8 hours to fully heat. Please tell the guests checking in that day, that all will be hot around 7 PM.
Spa Pro comes every Thursday. Give them a ring if we have a major problem, so they can plan to spend more time here or “do” us first thing in the morning.
FOOD
Ordered produce for Friday. How many eggs are we going through per week right now? 10 doz? The hens at Synergy are laying again and I’m wondering if I should grab some in between Lacrover eggs on Saturdays?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY REGINO
I haven’t written in to long down here at Bird Rock. You all are doing such a GREAT job.
ELENA~can you please do the follow up with the hot tub? Let’s get it under raps..
Enjoy the sun everyone, keep on your smiles..
HOT TUB: Hi guys. I think I’m missing something on the recurring hot tub issues. Can’t you just drain the hot tub and start over whenever it looks cloudy or gross? And then, what about SpaPro, aren’t they coming regularly to maintain it? I just don’t ever remember having hot tub issues like this before.
MARROWSTONE HOT TUB
The temperature is up to 102 but the water is still Very cloudy and oily feeling it seems like someone got in with tons of lotion or oil on, YUCK! I made and laminated a sign to put on the cover asking guests to rinse off before going in.
had a guest inquire about our linens and i asked laura to e-mail her with info. here is what she said….
We buy them from Coyuchi (www.coyuchi.com). They are fair trade, organic
linens which they purchase directly from a coop in India. Coyuchi is a
fairly small company, if you just tell them that you are interested in the
sheets purchased by Bird Rock, they will tell you all about the thread
count, etc.
elena: can you call the spa guy today and ask him to stop by. i think we may have one of the filiments burnt out and the spa is not heating. right now its been covered and turned up and the temp reads 97 degrees. (the guests said its been covered all day) the water also looks cloudy. thanks…
BRAND NEW Strawberries were delivered today:)12boxes. Today I actually threw out ~2boxes of these,the local ones. They all were moldy. Probably we shouldn’t order as many as before. We’re not as busy m-f, we don’t have as many breakfasts to use them for. What do you think?
ORDERED
I ordered champagne, printer paper, ink cartridges & teas (and everything else on the Food Coop list). I will stop by with emergency printer paper, breakfasts forms, local strawberries (use first) and blueberries in a moment.
Happy sunny fall days, have fun and be kind:)
EMAIL
Please, everybody, make sure you open the hotel email every morning and check it periodically throughout the day. The call center emails messages which need attention on the same day, so do our guests.
I know, it’s busy and we all worked so hard all summer, but our guests deserve our attention, smiles, help and service all the same. Be there for them: in person, via phone and email.
EARLY B-FAST
We missed the 7:30 Breakfast this morning When I got here the people were waiting and ended up being a little upset, we gave them some yogurt to go since they didn’t want to wait. The form was under all the rest and the time was written under the Special requests. It would be awesome if we could write that on the board in the future, just to be safe.
Everyone else was very happy and we hod lots of great compliments this morning on the scones (yay Olesea!) and everything in general. The two gentlemen in the Matia even said that our website doesn’t do this place justice. I love mornings like this!
Yeah, personal care products from the Food Co-op!
Kaitlyn, do you know if our guests used the hair care products from Giovanni or Nature’s Gate? We currently carry both. I’m leaning towards Giovanni. Any other guest comments on this?
FRUIT
I ordered fruit from MP, will pick it up tomorrow. Give me a ring if there is anything else we might need to get through the weekend (eggs will come on Saturday).
UH OH…
It turns out that Robin’s nest is now closed on Tuesdays and a floral arrangement for today’s romance package was ordered from there so we were without flowers, I put in a desperate call to San Juan florist and left a very pathetic sounding message. Just a heads up so this doesn’t happen again NO ROBIN’S NEST ON TUESDAYS
steffi: kudos to you. we have gotten a lot of really great compliments on the shampoo, conditioner and lotion. i had a gal from the san juan come down and say that her husband travels all over the world and this is the best stuff they have found. they loved all the bath products including the soap. she also said….don’t change the brand. what you got is really good. (i mentioned we were going to try another product line out) this is not the first compliment. i have given the brand name out a couple of times already and what is so nice about this stuff is…you can actually find it in super markets!!!
bird rock binders
de-calcifying espresso machines
pay per view
also: fyi front line gave some info to a guest who wanted some info on rooms that was incorrect. gave a rate of 114$ plus tax and didn’t mention anything about shared bathrooms. guests were walk-ins but felt badly about the mis-info.
wierd guy: this stranger from town darted into our garden and started to cut our roses off. i asked if i could help him and he said he was pruning our roses and then said he had a daughter whose birthday was tomorrow and wanted to give her something nice. i think i acted strange enough that he will not come back. (i started jumping and screaming and yelling “hoot-hoot-billy bob train station kit kaboodle!!”) (not really) what i really should have said is that we already have someone who prunes our roses and to please not cut them off. but of course i couldn’t think of that till now.
i didn’t bring out the recycling because tomorrow is a holiday and didn’t think there would be a pick up. so our can is full…and we would love it if some of that recycling could fit in the bin at elements.
thanks steffi on the follow up on housekeeping snafoos.
kaitlyn
Well done, team! Great Labor Day weekend. Great party, Lina. Good bye and thanks for all your hard work Emilia, Marina & Diana. Have a great life and write us!
HK REPORT
Please write HK comments in the “housekeeping notes” section of each individual reservation, meaning: in a reservation go to “edit”, scroll down to “housekeeping notes”, write what you need.
Let’s not use the housekeeping notes in the housekeeping report, it’s not necessary for our small property and can be, as Kaitlyn noticed, quite confusing. Thank you.
keep in mind that under reports and in the housekeeping where we mark rooms clean and dirty…if you type something into the comments field it will stay there for days and days and days unless you manually erase it and update the housekeeping report. while handy for our matia room to type in the kind of bed…it can also be dangerous. today we had a reservation that guests requested 2 twins over their internet reservation and special requests but in the housekeeping report there was still king bed typed in from yesterday. so there was a king bed up there with a twin bed request.
plan of action: what would be best??? manually erasing all the comments each evening from the housekeeping report or hand writing on the report each morning when housekeeping picks it up. i know there is an option to put a note in the edit field of the actual reservation but does this translate to the report we give out??? any ideas? comments and what we should do?
Where are my fellow worker bees? No blogs from you? But why?
We got delicious local blueberries & strawberries again. Ah, what a treat.
SPA
When making an appointment with the spa, please take the the name of the person you talked with. We had an incident today, where we booked a massage but the spa didn’t have anything in their books. Very frustrating for our guests.
INCIDENT FORMS
I will bring some incident forms down and put them in the file cabinet. Just a reminder: always fill out an incident form in case of an accident.
FIRE ALARM
I think we all need to brush up on what to do when the alarm goes off, since our “clear thinking” abilities will be compromised due to the noise (mine were quite compromised last night).
So:
The system panel reads: “System normal” at all times. In case it goes off, open the panel door and push: “silence” aaahhh
The panel will read: “alarm zone…” and a number. On the panel door is a list of zone numbers (lobby is zone 5, for example).
You then grab the keys from the panel door and will go to the floor which set the system off and find the pull down alarm or smoke detector which did. If a pull down alarm was triggered, open the red box with one of the keys you have in your hand and put the little level back to the normal position. If it was a smoke detector, the little light will be on steady red. Press that red light to reset.
Look around, if it was a false alarm, you will stroll back to the alarm box and press: “reset”. Done.
If there is a fire, go home and have a beer, work is over. No, the system will automatically call the fire department. Start knocking on people’s doors and meet the fire department when they come.
If there was a false alarm, you have reset the system and it goes off again, check the zone again. If you are 100% sure that everything is fine, call the 24 hour number for Guardian on the inside of the panel door.
FIRE ALARM
So, we tested the fire alarm today. Ahem. An extra special Thank you! to all our very patient guests, our wonderful staff, especially Seth, for enduring an hour and a half of alarm sounds. Thank you Fire department for stopping by. Thank you for this being over. So: we have a defective smoke alarm in the smaller bedroom (queen bed) of the Bainbridge Suite. Seth disconnected it for now and I scheduled a repair with Sheryl from Guardian. They will be by on 9/10 (if not, they’ll let us know). Please steer the technician into the right bedroom when he stops by. Give me a ring if you have any questions.
We reorganized all the keys in the back and began labeling the key rack with room names and numbers but the label maker ran out of tape and we couldn’t find more (please order). Please try to keep them in order.
I ordered 3-25lb boxes of scone mix from Conifer INC. it will bi shipped tues or Wed.
GROCERIES
I will pick up milk, bread, butter, green apples, yogurts etc tomorrow also from MP.
TRIP ADVISOR
WE have two new comments on trip advisor both Excellent!!!
We also got a written comment from the guest which stayed in the Patos Last night. it says;
“Thank you for the wonderful accomodations and the great first experience on San juan Island! The bedding is wonderful the decor is great, the breakfast was so pretty and delicious. I kept tripping over the bed, it sticks out a bit. The breakfast choices were great, the tv’s are very nice and the bathrooms were very nice, thank you for the complimentary bicycles and helmets. We would love to come again!”
ELENA
Thank you for being the fruit queen. I didn’t order butter for Wednesday, please pick some up (enough for a week) when you go to MP.
SCHEDULE
New schedule is up. Have a look. We’ll have lovely Lina on the weekends now, yeah! Raquel will schedule amazing breakfast help from her crew for Wednesdays and Thursdays.
TORY
Thank you for lending me “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”. What a cool movie. Even my totally horror movie opposed husband enjoyed it.
1233937 called and cancelled, Kenmore Air canceled all flights to FH due to heavy fog and some other issues…I only charged him to 10%..sorry I didn’t put this in the reso notes, I accidentally canceled it before I wrote any notes.
FRUIT
Will need to be ordered tomorrow and picked up on Tuesday by ME.
2 more…
espresso machines which are out of service so for now the machine for the Patos will be put in there, if someone wants to rent the Patos just let them know it will be without the espresso or coffee machine.
I just got a call from one lady. She wanted to confirm her reservation and.. she said that she called so many times, but our number on the confirmations was wrong – she said it’s 18003523652, it’s supposed to be 18003522632.
Tory & Steffi’s adventure with light:
WHIDBEY
Please call Seth tomorrow and have him replace the light bulb in the Whidbey bathroom. They are tricky little things, nowhere to be found (I learned all kind of things about our hotel while looking for them) and the guests really can’t see well with only one light in there. Light savvy Tory put the lamp from next to the guest computer in the Whidbey bathroom for now. please tackle that situation tomorrow and blog about it.
LITTLE SPOT LIGHTS
Tory noticed while crawling under some bed for one reason or the other that the plugs for the spot lights (like we have in the Skipjack, etc.) are very hot. Is that o.k.? Dave? Seth?
COMPUTER
So we are still working off the “new” computer on the front desk, without programs like word or excel, our files, or a credit card swiper. If you need a form, let me know, I have most of them on my computer at E. Looks like our old front desk computer passed away. Guest computer is fine for now. Awaiting more details from Chris.
HOT TUB
is at 99. When current guests check out, get the knob and turn it up a tiny eenie weeny bit, please.
That’s it. Money was good today. You got petty cash and I got lot’s of receipts with initials on them. Thank you guys.
Great job on the good review on Trip Advisor, you are our Bird Rocking shining stars!
Also I think if anyone comments on how hot their room is offer them that tall skinny fan it does wonders. I gave it to the Spieden guests. They are happy with the temp now.
Thank you Elena & Lina for being the shopping queens. Thank you Lilly for helping me schlepp today (cool car, girl). My shoulder is killing me (Colbert’s Wriststrong bracelet doesn’t seem to help for shoulders).
HOT TUB
Was at 88 degrees today. I turned it up an hour ago, it’s at 91 now, so it’s doing something. Please keep checking that. If it stays low an element might be burned out, if I turned it to far, we may hurt someone.
DISH WASHING DETERGENT
I got 2 different dish washing powders today from Compost It. Please check them out, let me know if you like them. I don’t want to keep using the scented, phosphor laden stuff, which isn’t biodegradable.
NAPKINS
Will come on Monday, until then we’ll need to get by with running to the store.
PAYDAY CANDY
Who ordered that? I gave it to cafe zia for sale.
PETTY CASH
Initial your receipts, please. I keep saying that because I really would like you to do it. Also: when you buy something for a guest, please write the confirmation number on the receipt, next to your INITIALS:)More petty tomorrow.
I’m office girl all week, I can help, cover, put out fires, everything but lift. Call me, call me!
We have a possible availability for tomorrow (Thursday) night. The people in the Spieden feel “very uncomortable” here and I trying to leave a day early if they can get into their other hotel a day early, they will let us know if they are going to be leaving early for sure sometime this afternoon (so don’t sell the room unless we have gotten the go ahead from them but know that we do probably have a room for tomorrow night) I did tell her also that if they leave early and we can’t resell the room that we do have to charge her. I have her cell phone number at the front desk just in case someone wants to book the room…
Groceries
They are here and put away we do need some yogurt and maybe some milk.
Don’t forget that some guests will be coming in here on Friday Looking for their bags please let them know that they are waiting for them up at ELEMENTS.
Here is some stuff that is well past due but useful all the same; In case the hot tub gets murky like it did this last time Paul suggested that we take the filters out and either hose them off or change them out with spares in the outside shed by doing this the water will filter out more quickly. We also need to get some more Bromine powder maybe ask Dwight to order some for us or check Brown’s, Ace? This last time I had to change the tub from Bromine to chlorine with some help from Morgan but its not easy. I also bought some clear blue stuff from Ace and while it does help to make the water nice and clear it also causes the impurities to come to the surface in the form of slimy brownish tan goop. so be prepared should this happen. Paul also suggested that we make a sign that can be put on top of the spa cover asking guests to take rinse off before getting in, suntan lotion, makeup, etc. all use up a lot of the free bromine in the tub.
FLOWERS: I agree with Steffi. Every time I have seen the flowers that Susie has delivered, I have liked them. It may be because I’m not too crazy about “traditional” flowers. I’m sure that it is true that they don’t last as long, but that is just something that we have to contend with as long as we are committed to doing the whole organic thing. This is a pretty important issue for me, so unless the locally grown flowers really suck, let’s just keep working with them. Don’t be shy about asking for the best from Susie, though.
$$
I reconciled cash today (uff). You guys have petty cash again. Two things though: please initial the receipts after going shopping. I want to know who you are:) Also: money was $30 short. Maybe a forgotten receipt? Please pay attention to this. I hate this feeling: “is somebody taking things?”
FOOD – ELENA & LINA
Please order fruit on Monday from MP: box of organic apples, oranges, melons, grapes, strawberries. Get check from Cindy on Tuesday and while there please get organic lemons, bananas & Laura’s green apples. Please blog about the status of this. Gracias!
FOOD – FSA
I phoned in a FSA order: scone mix, sugar (brown & white) & mints. Please blog when it comes, so I know.
FLOWERS
I looked at them today and I think they are fine. You know Lina, the flowers we get from SJ Florist are probably from Brazil or some other far away place, sprayed with pesticides so they don’t wilt, picked by underpaid children and what not. They look better, but that is all they do. They are wrong in all other ways. So I think we should stay with our local flowers. Laura, what do you think?
AMAZING SETH
Is gone next week for a long deserved vacation. Please contact Cindy and I if something breaks.
Thank you so much for all you hard work. The place looks great, our guests are happy, you are wonderful.
Hey is this the wrong blog? I guess I should have made that right turn at Albuquerque…
Well Steffi asked me to blog about your temporary emailing situation. The program you will be using is Outlook Express. It is buried a little bit in the start menu but you should be able to find it. I asked Lilly to make a shortcut for it on the desktop. The back computer used to be your front desk computer. Unless Chris has fished working on it, it was moved to the back because it was having technical difficulties. If you have any questions you can let me know. Talk to you later all.
COMPUTER
Last I spoke with Chris, he said he set up Outlook on the “new” front desk computer. I have a call in to him and when Morgan gets here I may send him down to play with it. The back computer doesn’t have internet. Chris will work on getting the old front desk computer up and running again on Monday. He will also look at the guest computer and it’s unwillingness to work for us.
PASSPORT
Thank you, K for tackling that. Any luck to ship it off island on a Saturday?
FLOWERS
Well, it seems the flowers aren’t really working out for us. I’ll look at them today and then we’ll make an informed decision about the flower future.
the passport guy called. he wants us to overnight his passport to his hotel in seattle. i will be taking this with me to see if i can get it done first thing in the morning. if post san juan is not open…i will call him and arrange a different address. he knows this…
computer in the back apparently does not have internet. i assume chris t. is working on this.
computer in the front is not set up for outlook so we are not getting any e-mails at this point. perhaps adam knows what all the passwords and settings should be.
second floor computer is also not connecting to the internet.
I would like to say what I think about the flowers for the breakfast trays.
So.. I don’t know if it’s either because Susie was supposed to bring the flowers on Friday.. or something else, but the flowers don’t look good..not like fresh beautiful flowers as they’re supposed to be. She brought them yesterday, but they are like they’ll be dead in a few days.
I noticed that when I and Elena bought 1 or 2 times flowers from the SJ florist, we used them like 2 weeks.
Thank you all for staying on top of things so well, you beautiful Bird Rockstars!
I will spend half days with you guys again, starting tomorrow (be afraid, be very afraid, just kidding).
Please let me know about scheduling wishes for the next 2 weeks.
So I decided to make a waiting list because so many people are calling or emailing about being put on a wait list, so I made a document in word…it is on the desktop and called “wait list” please refer to this when we have cancellations! Thanks!
What happened today?..many forgotten things
1096593-lenses and solution in the Marrowstone
1096591-an earring in the Lopez
1181730-clothes in the Cypress
I called for the Lopez and Marrowstone-actually this is one and the same person.
For the Cypress it was not working number or something.
The flowers for the breakfast trays looked really dead..so I and Lilly decided to throw them away. I called Susie and asked her to bring us flowers today instead of Friday and she was ok with that.
Good Morning
The shipping charges have been charged to the ladies who set boxes home, please see their reservations for notes if you have any questions.
Seth is off today, he will also be leaving on Friday for 6 days. Depending on the maintenance request will depend on who gets it, SO please let Steffi or I know if something needs dealt with.
Welcome back Laura and Steffi
Laura told Raquel where the new clothes hangars go. I am hoping Seth will install them tomorrow.
The guy from the spa pro called and I told him everything what Elena tried, I took a look one more time at the jacuzzi and it still has the little white things on the top, looks really bad… So, he will be here tomorrow at 8:30am and hopefully will fix the problem. I’ll tell Lilly to let the people know about the early visit tomorrow.
MARROWSTONE
The hot tub is still not looking so good, not as foggy as yesterday but the clear blue that I added made all the grimy stuff come to the surface so I spent quite a bit of time just skimming the surface, let the gentleman know we did our best and that tomorrow or as soon as Seth gets back to me and Morgan can come do the chemicals we will empty and re-fill the whole thing for them.
Rez# 1086626 Left their cell phone in the Matia it is all set with a shipping slip and just needs to be dropped off at post San Juan on Monday.
The folks in the cypress may or may not want breakfast for tomorrow their breakfast form is on the front desk they said they would stop by and let us know.
SKIPJACK
They will be leaving early and will need a 7am breakfast you can make it and leave it in the back when I get here I will set it out.
MATIA BEDS
It seems that there are rarely ever notes about how the beds need to be set up and when housekeeping asks I always have to guess or call the guest same day. Please call guests when it is booked online and then make a note or if over the phone please be sure to ask. thanks
FOOD FUTURE
Elena will order produce tomorrow, which we need to pick up on Friday. Kaitlyn or Tory, can one of you get a check from Cindy and head on up to MP for pick up, please? Buy some bananas and anything else we might need to get through the weekend.
Lilly will pick up the Food Coop order next Wednesday.
I’m in the woods. Please buy food as needed (there is some cash in the safe in an envelope with my name on it, write down what you take). Please contact Cindy if something big happens. Have a great week:)
I just wrote my whole blog and it dumped it, it told me I was blogging to fast?? Has that happened to anyone else?
Okay here we go again:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hangars
The new hangars came in that Laura ordered, only about 8 months late.. None of us are exactly sure where she would like them hung in the specific rooms so next week she will let Seth know. Until then please keep the boxes in the back room where they are at easy access, AND make sure that the box that is open gets taped up so no parts fall out.
Evening Magazine
Thank you so much Lina and Elena for all your preparation yesterday, I am sorry that the photographer did no have time to come inside, they took an outside shot. I know you were ready for your big debut, But remember you are both already stars in my eyes..
Frontline
I sent you a email regarding the Frontline Call Center, if any of you have any questions please let me know.
Reviews
Starting NOW, Bird Rock employee’s are eligible for a reward for any positive reviews the property receives, please see Elena, Steffi or I for any questions
Bathroom Lights
Seth fixed the lights with help via telephone from Mr. Dave. Great job you two…
in the bathroom upstairs on the right (shared bathroom) the lights do not turn on. raquel called cindy and left her a message to have dave come down. we might need to follow up on this in the morning if we don’t hear from either of them. we put the lobby standing lamp in there and the small table lamp from laura’s desk in there. (which by the way looks to have a broken shade on it.)
the two espresso machines on the counter in the back are ready to be sent back. we just need to call aeronautical services before 9:30 am and let them know to pick them up.
i couldn’t get the second floor computer to log on to the internet. can you call techi chris to see if he can fix. i unplugged the thingys a couple of times and rebooted both times and it still didn’t work. thanks
ESPRESSO MACHINES
we got the replacements espresso makers today and they are in the back office above Tory’s bed. They also sent an extra return slip in case we have another machine break or malfunction, Kaitlyn put it in the key drawer of the safe.
Cancellations
we have had a few cancellations for very relevant reasons heart attacks, one lady’s water broke 10 weeks early (so sad) so we have some availability I think we should start a waiting list for down here I know that some of these rooms.
HEADS UP!!!
Cindy called this morning to let us know that Evening Magazine will be doing some filming here at Bird Rock between 11-3 Lina and I will make sure and have everything as spiffied as possible, cookies out lobby sparkling, the housekeepers will also be wearing their new uniforms (well at least Socco and Olga)
KEYS
It looks like there are some car keys on the back desk that need to be dropped off at post San Juan on Monday.
MATIA & SAN JUAN
The rooms are booked under the same name Rez # 1219240. They have stayed here before when it was Friday’s so when I explained the breakfast form the response was surprisingly “if you have a complaints sheet this is something I’d like to write about” ??? She was challenging me the whole time about EVERYTHING. to top it all off the Matia was on the list of clean rooms and actually wasn’t when we got up there the room was dirty!!! eeek! I apologized and offered to hold their luggage but nope they didn’t want that. Oh and before showing them up to the room I nicely offered to give her a comments sheet and she just said “We’ll see” anyways just a heads up that they are a little testy( well mostly just the lady) They also said something about noise being horrible the last times they said and thought the Matia would less noisy which I informed her was not true saying “you will get noise from all sides of the building” Just trying to cover my bases here. I have a bad feeling about them.
KEYS
the Bainbridge keys are switched out.
LOST & FOUND
I added an item to the lost and found today. A pair of white shoes from rez # 1168067 in case they call about them.
SCHEDULE
New schedule is up, guest starring Amazing Elena & Extraordinary Tory in “night shifts” at ELEMENTS & Lovely Lilly in a special appearance as “breakfasts queen” at Bird Rock. RE: Seattle girl getaway: Tue 8/19 & Wed 8/20 would work better schedule wise.
Great job everybody, each and every one of you rocks my world.
Just to let everyone know the found ipod from the Lopez Suite is in the bottom of the safe in the money box. I asked the last guests that checked out but it was not theirs. All swipe keys were traded out for shiny new ones except the Bainbridge I have not seen them all day. Bye my lovelies I’m going on my days off. Heart, T
FRONT DOOR KEYS
Today was the day. Kaitlyn found that over 10 keys aren’t working and we redid them all (thank you Kaitlyn, for organizing the switch). Please remember, if you ever make keys for BR’s front door, always make a copy, never a new key.
PAY PER VIEW
So the pay per view is not working. Our account isn’t set up and we can’t order “free” movies anymore. Laura will continue the battle with the TV people when she gets back. Thank you, K, for letting us know.
cancellation 216877539 called. this is the overbook that was blogged. i tried to be as helpful as possible in explaining the situation and called elements that he would be in touch. wanted to extend stay.
noise complaint:1162582 in speiden. see notes if complains again. cindy spoke with guest and kings about the loading dock in the morning. kings said there wasn’t much they could do but would speak to drivers about yelling in the morning.
kings noise: cindy says we should tell people when they book the speiden and the cypress they are on the side of building with store loading dock. may or may not be some noise in the morning. possibly book these rooms last.
Res# 1144947 is a no show. I went ahead and charged her and printed out invoices. I am spending the night tonight so if she shows up I will check her in. The contact number that we have for her is a home number. The lady that answered the phone said she is out of town so I suspect she will arrive I hope the dates are correct.
THE LITTLE FRIDGE THAT COULD
I discovered that the little fridge in the back has been defrosting itself because the door is not closing properly. The iceberg emerging from the freezer wont let the door close all the way. It’s on the back porch now but I will bring it back in and get it set back up when I get up in the morning.
SEA & SKY SPECIAL
Hey guys, I was just going through upcoming reservations and noticed that several guests had booked the sea & sky, but their total due was only the room rate (but their rate said: sea&sky). I don’t know why that is, maybe WRP defaults back to the room rate. I will look at it when I have more time. For now: if you notice this upon check-in or when going through future reservation, simply add on a $75 dining credit and a kayak trip for $89 per person. Gracias!
Overbooking
The shaw was overbooked for the 26th, Steffi will take one of the emergency rooms from ELEMENTS and set it aside for them. when the guests check-in please explain to them what happened and be very accommodating maybe even have the Elements shuttle come and pick them up.
INCIDENT
Today, while the folks in the San Juan were out I went ahead a made them a little hand written note apologizing for what happened last night and thanking them for their patience and understanding with a split of champagne and set it in their room.
#216877539
UNIREZ overbooking: I was able to put the guest in an Earth Place at E. This is a mistake on the travel agent’s end and they claim they don’t have any guest information, so all this will be news for the guest upon arrival. Be very kind and understanding, when sending them to E, give them the option to check with other hotels.
For now: whenever you have a second, go to the availability calendar and make sure we aren’t overbooked. If we are, try to contact guest right away, if you can’t, make a reservation at E or another place for the guest. Thank you guys.
The sheriffs department stopped by to ask about the San Juan Suite guests. They were under the impression that there was someone on the balcony shooting a pellet gun at cars parked at Herb’s. I informed them that they had just returned from dinner an do not seem like the type of people that shoot things while on holiday. They investigated a little more and asked to be shown to the room so they could question the guest. The police left and said that it must not be them and I agreed. A while later the guest came downstairs and I apologized for the inconvenience he laughed and said “oh it’s no big deal”. Now that’s a Friday Harbor you don’t get to see on postcards!
RECONCILIATION REPORT
As of today, you don’t have to print a reconciliation report anymore. Cindy prints them daily up at E.
#5006
Left message with Terrence regarding refund (our system doesn’t let you refund after 120, so he’ll get a check). Please confirm mailing address on file.
gal with cc: called and we got things squared. she would like to have matia all three nights if it becomes available from cancellation. res #1229342
matia: bed was made up wrong. king was reserved and two twins were made up. i gave them a split of champagne to apologize. roman and i put bed together after guests checked in.
skipjack: was priceline night before and travelocity tonight. i kept a copy of confirmation letter so adam, steffi, or cindy can take a look. its in the safe with the paperwork. was booked for four guests and program booked them into skipjack. guests checking in were two adults and two children. 8 and 12. moved them to elements.
porta crib: was missed to be put in room. perhaps our new housekeepers do not know what this is?? or where they are??
morning message: was from yesterday. i recored a generic message without a date. i think steffi or cindy mentioned this. if you want to change…ok with me. i tried to sound chipper. but my voice goes up an octive so it might be squeeky.
whale watch booking option: sorry elena. i didn’t really understand the notes. so i left it in the alarms.
reservation 215480850 came with three adults. the reservation was made over priceline. guest quoted two adults on reservation and arrived with three. room too small. so i moved them up to elements in an earth room.
bike lock: is not getting unlocked in the morning.
matia bed: was not set up for two twins. olecia and i changed it after the guest checked in. we might all want to train on how to set that up and where sheets are just in case this happens by mistake.
post san juan alarms:
i was under the impression cindy would take care of these when we got our bill from post san juan.
guess no one could take my shift on monday. thanks for thinking about it. i may ask for the same thing next month. they only do drill on monday nights.
THIS MORNING
Went very well, Olga and I were here bright and early at 7:00am. Martha followed at 7:40 or so but I actually sent her away since Olga and I had everything well under control.
SAN JUAN & MARROWSTONE
I asked them this morning if everything had worked out okay for them and they seemed very happy said that they had, had a wonderful time. They just mentioned that the clothes rack we had given them was a little unstable.
POST SAN JUAN BILL
What is up with these alarms? they have been there for a long time have they been taken care of? I’d like to turn them off.
would it be possible to make the office door to the lobby a hindged swinging door?? it gets left open all the time because housekeeping needs to go in and out to the laundry so much. plus it would be so much easier in the morning for breakfast too.
as a morning person a measly two days a week, i was wondering why we don’t have diana and olesia helping with breakfast anymore. they were very fast and efficient at this. i am still training housekeepers?? this isn’t working when i am scheduled to come in at 7:30 am and they are getting here at 7 and not knowing 1. how to enter the building and 2. what to do.
please help and give us back our experienced breakfast crew. (at lease until the busy season is over.) please????? if this will not work…then we need to change the schedule for the front desk to come in at 7 instead.
i am ok with not serving apples. there are plenty of other fruits to fill a small plate. what if we just had that sack full for the lobby. the granny smith apples stocked. we don’t need a case of those…
it sounds like the apple biz is boomin’ should we change our professions??
STEFFI WENT TO APPLE SCHOOL
We just payed $100 for a case of organic Fuji apples from New Zealand. The produce dude, who used to be an apple broker (I’m such a sucker for stories like that) explained it to me: the combo of fuel prices and the weak dollar make things like foreign fruit out of season extraordinarily expensive. And once our apples will be in season, it won’t help us a bit because the Washington growers make such a high profit on selling overseas (weak dollar again). I also learned about internal apple pressure (14lb is optimal), storing temperatures and when to buy which size apple.
So, what does this mean for us? Don’t waste apples, don’t eat them yourself, every apple is precious and special.
I would like to hear your opinion Bird Rockers: shall we not serve apples right now, shall we serve non-organic, smaller servings?
That’s my apple story.
can anyone work my monday evening shift at bird rock on the 21st? i was hoping to participate in a heavy rescue drill at the fire department. it only happens once a month and is required credit for my emt certification. it is a 3-11 shift monday the 21st. please help me out???
INPUT FROM BL (beautiful Laura) PLEASE
Laura, Seth put up the bike rack, kind of diagonal, I think it looks very nice. We might want to ask the gardeners to move one of the planters and one of the hanging thingely dingies. When you are back, will you have a look and let me know what you think? Also: where would you like the second bike rack? Also: do you still want us to change the message every night and day, even though we have the nights covered by the call center now? Maybe we could just have a short, strong day message which stays?
We miss you!
FIRE ALARM / TELEPHONE
Centurytel installed the dedicated fire alarm line 1183 (after consulting with Guardian). The 0834 will be the back-up line (we can still use it as a phone line). According to Matt from Guardian, an alarm technician will come by on Tuesday and connect the system to the newly installed phone lines.
KEYS
Locksmith Kyle will be by Monday at noon to make back-up keys. Please have him make 4 Marrowstone, 4 Bainbridge and whatever else you see we are low on.
BATHROOM WINDOW
I had Seth frost the window in the guest bathroom.
FOOD
I will go to MP tomorrow for fruit. K, please let me know if there is anything else we need.
FLOWERS
Talked to Susie, she will be mindful of the pollen and fragility issues the next time she brings flowers. If the flowers we have from SJ Florist are still nice, don’t throw them away. Keep me posted, keep supplementing with SJ Florist flowers if Susie’s die or try to reproduce in the jam (only Elena will get this, he, he, peludo!)
UNDERSTAFFED
Sweeties, over the next couple of weeks we are skeleton staffed. Please be on time, work hard, think ahead and make it easy on the person working after you. Especially at Bird Rock, do as much as you possibly can for the following shift. I won’t be around much, working the desk at ELEMENTS, but call me if there are issues. I can always do a store run, etc.
A couple of other random things: if you promise something to a guest (like an early check in), write a note in that guest’s file. Please don’t give out room numbers before check-in time, things can change.
This is it, this is what we are working towards all year. Be focused, keep your spirits high and be kind.
Much love.
CHECK FOR REZ # 1034392
I called and left a second message regarding the unsigned check that we received and left the alarm on because I will try her once again tomorrow otherwise we will need to ask Cindy what to do if we don’t hear back.
REZ # 1101561 “THE MESS”
I called her back once again to confirm that all of her activities as well as her stay were correct before we go moving kayaking and dinner reservations around. Hopefully she will call back. otherwise I will try her back again tomorrow. Cindy also said that because she has sooo many activities and she has moved things around so many times we will have to charge her an additional %10 deposit for our trouble.
LUGGGAGE FOR 1146049
They will be back again on Friday and will need us to put their luggage back in their room for them. The luggage is in the second floor luggage room.
I SEE YOU…
In the shared bath shower on the second floor there is a window and when there are people on the roof of kings they can look right in. It happened to a lady this morning, she was not upset or anything she just thought we should maybe frost that glass or something. Laura what do you think?
GC FOR GRACE CONSTRUCTION
The gentleman called back with the mailing information for the GC. CINDY should we just go ahead and mail it or is there something special that you wanted to send with it since it was a large purchase?
ALARMS
I just left them on for now for myself to follow up on tomorrow.
reservation 1101561 called around 8:30 9:00 tonight to change reservation dates. this is a HUGE mess of a reservation. they changed their dates three times and had booking options each time. in the meantime…stuff was canceled or scheduled by guests themselves. this last call put us in charge of everything again. it was the friend that called…so could someone please call the reservation holder and confirm the newest dates and booking options with her. we need to confirm dates of kayak tour, dinner and massages if there were any. then we need to call all of our vendors to reschedule. new vouchers need to be made for everything. sorry to heap this on you but i go on three days off. if you have questions, you can call me. essentially just treat it like you are re-confirming with the original party the changes that were made to the reservation.
elena: the fellow that had the package sent to him that is arriving soon…just called to reconfirm that it came and we know what to do with it.
the clothes hangers that we got for the marrowstone and san juan…beware of putting too much stuff or making them too tall. the guest said that when they got to their room all the clothes had fallen off and rack was on the floor. for future reference…
PLEASE HELP??!!!:
i was really hoping to participate in a heavy rescue drill at the fire department for my EMS education credit this monday the 21st. CAN ANYONE COVER MY PM SHIFT AT BIRD ROCK FROM 3-11PM ON MONDAY THE 21ST?
LET ME KNOW. STEFFI TOO. SHE HAS TO APPROVE. THANKS
kayak mixup: res. 1168891 didn’t make it to san juan outfitter 5 hour tour. guest was under impression they were going out with outdoor odysseys because whoever they talked to over the phone said outdoor odysseys. (which makes me think we should no longer use abbr. when making our notes.)
odysseys had room so they took them. the room charge is still there. one charge was to room the other was paid POS. odysseys will be billing us without vouchers received and san juan outfitters was able to cancel with no penalty.
reservation 1221975 arriving doesn’t want down or feather pillows of any kind in their room. raquel is going to bring 4 pillows to us tomorrow tuesday for their stay.
i think there was some confusion reservation 1168891 and their kayak trip. they missed their five hour tour today and i think they assumed they were heading out with outdoor oddysseys and they had a van pick up down town….well, mostly its my fault for not double checking the voucher i gave them…but they were scheduled to go out with san juan outfitters and never made it out there. so…i have learned a valuable lesson to look at the voucher i hand over and make sure the guest has transport or correct info on transport.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TORY AND PRISCILLA :):):) I AM SORRY I AM NOT THERE TO GIVE YOU BOTH BIG HUGS THIS AFTERNOON.. MY NECK DECIDED IT NEEDED AN IMMEDIATE BREAK, SO I AM AT HOME WITH THE HEATING PAD.. HAVE THE MOST WONDERFUL DAY EVER, YOU BOTH DESERVE IT..
LUGGAGE
We have quite a bit of luggage in the second floor storage next to the Fidalgo. 1 box which was delivered for rez # 1117988 arriving on July 24th.
There are also 3 red suitcases which will be picked up on Friday, I will be here so no problem.
PROBLEM SOLVED
Miss Raquel “The Queen” solved the problem with the folks in the San Juan & Marrowstone, she got them clothing racks for their stay afterwards they should be stored in the second floor storage next to the Fidalgo and offered to guests with long stays.
GROCERIES. There are plenty of groceries for now. I will place an order with MP on Wednesday or Friday we’ll see how things look.
FLOWERS
San Juan florists daisy bunches are about $10. We usually get two bunches and they last almost 2 weeks. What do you think Steffi? The flowers we get now seem to barely make it through one week.
might i add…that it looks like i have talked a couple of time with these guests before they arrived. it is so frustrating to look forward to a guest coming because you have established a relationship and then have them be so upset when they get here. relationship shattered and fear inserted. man…that really sucks.
flowers: were replaced because suzie dropped off fresh ones. thats the reason the others disappeared.
i rolled as many silverware as we usually do. i don’t know what happened there…
guests in san juan were very upset when they checked in (reservation number is under daughter) because there was not a closet to hang clothes. situation got stickier the more i tried to help. and guest said she would not stay if there was no place to hang clothes. so in a panic i tried to get steffi and couldn’t and called cindy. cindy tried to help and called raquel to see if we could think of anyway to hang their clothes. so i thought perhaps they could hang clothes on curtain rod and they thought to hang clothes on towel rack. raquel said cindy would try to get ahold of seth to come tomorrow morning to work a contraption out for them. last report is that they are ok and thank you for trying to help.
(but at the time it was very scary because guest was not quite so nice and threatening to leave.)
THIS MORNING
Was horrible…
dishes still in the machine
not enough butter and jam prepared
not enough silverware rolled
etc etc
FLOWERS
what happened to the really cute bud vases that Lina and I put together they have been replaced it seems by some wilted (and sorry) but very ugly yellow flowers that look like they are from outside. The bud vases that Lina and I made we got from San Juan florist so please do not replace them unless they are horribly wilted, they cost money. It was honestly really upsetting to see what they had been replaced with.
So I am not mad or anything and most definitely not trying to be rude. But please consider that this next week I will be without Lina. I will have A housekeeper from only 7-9am and I really need things to be ready otherwise every morning will be absolute insanity. Please, please consider this. thank you
Called San Juan Taxi and they had the sunglasses. She was ecstatic! Res# 201196072 would also like to stay with us another night if we have any cancellations for Sunday. Diana has bike #10.
sunglasses from the san juan: guest thought she left sunglasses at the duck soup last night (friday night). restaurant called and said they didn’t find them. i let guest know. she may need some more help tracking other places down to see if they are there.
breakfast forms: don’t forget to double check the forms in the pm before you close. there were two saltspring tickets and in the rush this morning…we didn’t notice. so the saltspring got yesterdays guests breakfast about an hour and a half earlier than they wanted. oops. just make sure we don’t have any doubles up.
fruit: there were 5 cartons of moldy strawberries in the small refridgerator. i don’t know how to solve this. they get moldy or they get dehydrated. should we just go get berries every 2 or three days so we don’t have them go bad? i just look at them and think…i wouldn’t eat that. why would i give it to a guest? and end up tossing them. open to any and all suggestions…and pass it on to the breakfast ladies. they are not as in tune to checking the status of things in the fridge. so it may be a front desk duty to double check stuff daily.
cancellations: i have noticed a couple of times when we get these that there are other rooms arriving that would have liked to extend or stay in the same room if possible. when we get a cancellation can we start looking at the reservations before and after the arrival by a day to see if a guest wanted that room who is still coming. we missed an excellent opportunity to do that for a guest who wanted to stay an extra day in the marrowstone when we had a cancellation. its super easy to check if you go to the availability screen and just run the mouse over the days before and after the cancellation. the guest remarks come up with the name and sometimes you can tell if they wanted an extention.
THURSDAY, JULY 17th – a Century Tel technician will come to do two things related to our fire panel:
1) Install a new “dedicated” phone line directly to the panel. This line’s telephone number will be 378-1183.
2) Tie into our existing line 378-0834 (the new line we just got put in) and hook this up to the fire panel as a “back up” or secondary line to the panel. This line should NOT be dedicated solely to the fire panel.
Whoever is working on that day will you please, please, please make sure this gets done correctly??
espresso machines: there will be two replacements sent to hotel that have shipping slips for the two additional machines under the desk in the back room. do not throw these away. we need to tape them to the boxes and call aeronautical services to pick them up. they will be with dhl and aeronautical can do this. but they must get the call to come get them.
then we should be receiving two additional units to replace the two that are in the back.
steffi and i both think that it is best to not open the machines up to try to fix them even if the tech tells you too. just because you never know about warranty and if one person in their company says yes and another says no.
(i figure the warranty is almost out anyway? do we know how long this lasts? one year two years??)
Tory: don’t forget to leave the hall lights ON when you close up.
Hey guys, sorry about the Shaw, that was my fault. The guy walked in and said it would only be him and his wife with their very young daughter (I didn’t know about the extra person charge…I thought kids were free if they were younger.) However when they arrived and I checked them in, I saw that they clearly had two daughters who were nowhere near “little”….so I kinda panicked and didn’t really know what to say to them because the guy was kind of testy with me. I’m really sorry I promise I didn’t do this intentionally.
well…and it kinda seems like A LOT of our rooms can only fit comfortably 2 people. really. mostly because of our “fire code” don’t feel bashfull to tell people that and secretly…if we get too many people in a small room…the noise from that room goes up too. so surrounding guests get a little “put off”
i experienced this first hand. and a neighbor guest was not happy to see so many people going into a room. don’t forget…we have a lovely sister property that has rooms not one but TWO fabulous beds. which would be best in most cases with families.
Morning Kaitlyn!
Will you please call Aeronautical Services and have them pick up our 2 broken espresso makers today? Thank you, thank you.
MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY & EXTRA PERSON CHARGES
Elena is right. All our rooms are priced for 2 people except of the Bainbridge Suite (4), any extra persons (kids under 4 are free) cost $20 per night. Please charge accordingly.
I wrote the maximum occupancy of each room on our front desk rack card, please have a look.
I will go to MP tomorrow, will check in for things needed before I go.
REZ. #1213756 for the Shaw had 4 people! 2 adults a 15 year old and a 7 year old. This is NOT okay. And on top of that it looks like they were a walk-in and weren’t even charged extra person fees.
Refrigerator.
Anaco appliance is delivering a refrigerator for me tomorrow please call me when they come in so that I can let them into my apartment.
The bikes are now in numerical order please try and keep them like this.
I exchanged our last backup coffee pot in the Whidbey Suite. The full cup button is not working and water is coming out of the bottom. I placed it back in the box and put it with the other machine to go back to manufacturer.
THANK YOU STEFAN!
For coming down and helping the guest in the whidbey hook up their WII. Their son is really happy now that he gets to play his games now while on vacation.
Laura got us spiffy new glass carafes. Tory and I washed 16 each and stored some of the old style and the spares above the safe in the luggage room. Use those for OJ, please.
Also: please let Raquel know that I brought 50lb of earth friendly laundry detergent into the upstairs laundry room (it’s mighty warm in there).
If somebody has time & car tomorrow, please get green apples and other organic apples from MP.
ELEMENTS rate sheets are in the front desk in-box & resource.
The Key to perfect cookies is…..
**Pre-heat the oven to slightly below 350.
**Once the oven is up to temp.
**Place very cold cookies straight from the freezer is best and put them in the oven right away.
**Bake for 15-20 minutes
** Remember don’t let them get too brown in the oven since they will continue to brown after you pull them out.
Why I’m blogging from ELEMENTS? Its slow, why not.
The guest who has the Shaw booked for the 9-11 of july called wanting to cancel, I called her back and left her a message letting her know that we would have to charge her if we can’t rebook because she is canceling within t10 days of her rez. I didn’t actually cancel the rez. until we hear back from her.
GROCERIES
I ordered groceries and I will pick them up tomorrow.
DO NOT DISTURB: Kaitlyn, thanks for mentioning that we don’t have those. I just assumed that we still had the old ones. I will see what I can find out.
378-0834
Elena installed our third line phone today. It sits sleek and black on your left when staffing the front desk. Front Line will forward calls only we can deal with to that line (I hope, Cindy?)and we can call each other on that line when we really need to talk to somebody immediately (as in: “How long have you felt that way? Drink 2 glasses of water and take 2 aspirin and call me in the morning.” or: “He said what? No, he didn’t! Eat 2 boxes of chocolate and watch ‘Steel Magnolias’ and call me in the morning.”)
I took 2 mini tongs, an old baking sheet, the large cooling tray, and the mini muffin forms and brought them to Gio, who is creating the most amazing baked concoctions for sale at Cafe Zia.
fyi: it smells awfully musty in the saltspring. should we be looking for a leak??? i have noticed it before but not every time i go in there to check someone in. does not smell that way in the whidbey.
laura: thanks for the new napkin stickers. it is much better with the bigger sticker. and…do you plan on getting “do not disturb” and “service please” tags for the room doors?
Hey guys, so the Patos cell phone…sorry I totally forgot to put the rez number, it is 1154673. I have called her and left a message telling her that we have her cell, but I also sent her an email in case the number we had on file is belonging to the phone that we have. So hopefully we will hear back from her soon! Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th
P.S. The $20 was Soco’s! She came downstairs asking if we found 20 bucks laying around. Also I have to apologize the camera lady called on Wednesday and said that she found her camera when she was unpacking. I just didn’t put it in the blog. I noticed Kaitlyn asking about it this morning in the blog…my bad!!!
elena: i haven’t heard anything about the camera. but what do i know…i have been off for three days. so i guess…probably….they called the sheriffs office directly.
lilly: the post san juan bill is a reminder for us when cindy gets the account bill from post san juan for us to charge the appropriate amount of postage for this gals box. there is another lady Res# 14790 to get billed as well. we sent their luggage to them and didn’t have the three number security code on the credit card that hamid requires of us.
also FYI: tory didn’t set the garbage out today because he was pretty sure there wouldn’t be a pick up being that it is the 4th of July. so….we will probably need regino or seth to come and help us out tomorrow or sunday if the transfer station is open. we will have A LOT of garbage by then.
also: i put all the spare keys we had up on the peg board behind the actual room names. we have plenty for the whidbey and a couple of other rooms. but if we get a pro in to make spares…we should do that for all the other rooms too.
JUICE DECANTERS: Okay. I blew it. I ordered some beautiful new juice decanters and they came and they are beautiful, but they are plastic…yuck. So, I ordered glass ones which will be coming the end of next week. In the meantime, feel free to use the plastic ones as needed and they will make good back ups for later.
IPOD: Is it working now? I went by this morning to pick it up and fix it, but it was working. The battery was almost dead so Lilly put it on the charger this morning and I’m wondering if it is still working. Let me know.
So I found $20 just lying next to the door by the front desk…did anyone lose 20 bucks? Or could it maybe be a guests money? I have left it on the front desk for someone to hopefully claim it….
I created an alarm and a maintenance request but will someone please make sure Seth takes a look at the toilet handle in the Marrowstone Suite.
Also the Ipod is frozen we have been using the two little ones in the meantime and charging them when the die. No biggie.
And the Shaw coffee maker sucked the pod rest into the top chamber. I removed it and it is in the luggage room. AKA my room! Guest didn’t want to bother with getting another one. Said they do not drink coffee…hum. I don’t understand it either.
See you in the afternoon Lilly!
LOPEZ
I have reopened the Lopez on the 25th, I think it is a better idea to leave the floor the way it is until we are slower. Dave has unplugged the cables, and nobody will no any different except for that they will not have an extremly hot floor to walk on. Dave does not need a whole day to fix this, he will only at lease 3 hours to fix it, but there will be no need to close the room off for the entire night. Steffi, let’s give Dave a call (like the night prior)when we see a day that does not have anybody staying in it.
Thanks,
Cindy
FOOD
I’ll go to MP tomorrow to get us through the 4th (granola, fruit, etc.) and will pick up a big fruit order on Saturday.
PHONE 1
Elena just brought by a simple phone (with cord) for our emergency line.
PHONE 2
Cindy will email instructions about how to forward the phone lines to Front Line in the evening and how to cancel it in the morning. Very Very important, so our phone lines will never go to voice mail. I’ll print out instructions and put reminders everywhere. And I mean everywhere:)
KEYS
I have a call in to Kyle, the locksmith. Please have him make duplicates (4 each) of the Skipjack, Saltspring & Whidbey keys. He will be here within the next week.
LOPEZ HEAT
It being summer and all, why don’t we wait until the shoulder season to have that repaired and leave the bathroom heat turned off? Adam? Laura?
Gosh I am just blogging away today…one last thing, our ipod in the back seems to be broken! The screen is frozen and it won’t do anything. So we’ve been enjoying all the interesting music on the blue little shuffle.
There is an alarm in the New Bookings section about a guest who was having some boxes shipped, does anyone know how much we are supposed to charge her? Rez # 1040663
I have closed off the Lopez for 7/25 (the only day it is open from now) so that Dave can work on repairing the heated bathroom floor. We will need to call him the morning of 7/23 just as a reminder…however if we start getting really busy for that date, or sold out, please release the room to be sold and call Dave to let him know. Thank you!!
Hopefully there will be no complaints, Dave just shut off the heat altogether in the Lopez bathroom. So if people are worried that it isn’t working this is why!
Adam, I just checked it and it was already set to the lowest temp. But I will go back in a few hours and see if the floor has cooled off at all. Thanks for the tip!
LOPEZ HEAT: If the heat is turned off in the bathroom and the heat is still on, there is a problem. Lilly, can you please make sure that the heat in the bathroom is set to it’s coolest, 50, and then test it 2 hours later. If the heat is still on, please call me. I do have a call in to Dave already to see if he can swing by and take a look.
A guest just made a really good point, our honeymooners staying in the Lopez pointed out that the heated bathroom floors were a little uncomfortably warm this weekend with the hot weather that we had…is there any way that we can turn them off?
Patos…left their cell phone in the room! I called and emailed them so hopefully we will hear back soon!
Can someone bring down some more time cards for the boys and girls who do not have a swipe card. Also I think it makes more sense to print off alot of breakfast cards up at Elements in Cindy’s really fancy laser printer and then bring them down here for us to slice in half. We seem to be burning through about 1 ink cartridge every two weeks. Also I had a guest check into the Whidbey suite tonight and there were no keys. I went ahead and improvised.But noticed we are getting low on our back up key cards.
Also res# 1126239 wanted to cancel the last night of his stay. July 3rd. So there it is ripe for the taking. I reminded him of cancellation policy. He would like to stay if we do not resell the room and need to charge him.
SPIEDEN LEEK
So this morning Olga noticed that there was a pretty substantial leek coming from the tubes under the Spieden. I called Seth to Have a look at it and it appears the tubing was disconnected at one of the joints, elbows whatever its called. But that was not the only problem… the caulking around the Spieden bath tub was in pretty bad shape so he re-caulked and this should relieve the issue but this may happen on a smaller scale again if the bath tub is overflown or the shower heads are pointed too far onto the shower wall.
KEYS
Kaitlyn left some keys that have not been working on the rooms and it looks like they are some of the newer ones. This sounds like a job for Steffi and maybe a locksmith.
SILVERWARE
were are all out of the little stickers we use on our silverware rolls so miss Raquel
EMPLOYEES ONLY
Lina and I have been experiencing a lot of very snoopy guests barging in on our breakfast prep to see if they can have their breakfast 5 minutes early. Or to see if they can just get something out of their luggage. So we made a tasteful little “employees only” sign to try and prevent this.
THE CAMERA
Have we heard back from the lady about the camera? updates… anything?
FLOWERS & CHOCOLATES
Rez #1120560 had a request for flowers and chocolates on the 4th of July but Robin’s Nest will be closed so the flowers will be delivered on the 3rd around noon. if there is any refrigerator space they should be refrigerated so that they look nice and fresh. Chocolates are ordered and we will need to pick them up around noon tomorrow.
Well folks, we didn’t make our June forecast. I’m sure that we’re all pretty bummed about that. I have been very carefully analyzing why we didn’t make it and I think it has mainly to do with the poor weather. Which, despite my wishes, remains out of my control. Both Elements and Bird Rock came in under expectations even though our advanced bookings were really high. What does this mean? Unfortunately for you it means no June bonus. For us, it just means we still can’t afford to pay all those darned bill collectors. BUT, it doesn’t mean we need to give up hope. Quite the contrary. I really do think that it was the weather and not the ecomony (which depsite my children’s wishes, also remains out of my control). So, let’s just all keep those beautiful smiles flashing and dazzle our guests, future, current and past, with our wonderful hospitality. Any questions, comments, ideas or dreams, just let me know. Happy July!
whoops.
keys: there is a key in seth’s box for the saltspring that does not open the saltspring. we will probably need another copy. i don’t believe there is one in the spare bag. and the skipjack had 2 new keys made that do not work either. we will need two more of those made as well. so far…i believe we only have one of each of those rooms.
speiden: the window in the speiden is broken (not the glass) the two rods in the side of the window that keep it up have come loose or are broken and the window is loose in its frame and won’t stay up. i managed to prop it open for the guests in there (it is very warm) and will still close. they were concerned. i didn’t act concerned so… i think they are not as concerned now.
screens: we are missing two screens for the lobby. one for the desk window and one for a window above the couch. would be great to have so the buggies don’t come in after we close down for the night.
Oh Elena, you are SO brave and athletic and agile and helpful and and and…. Good job. I can’t tell you how many times I hopped the back fence by King’s back in the days before you could walk through by the propane tanks. Yes, I would lock myself out of the kitchen, inevitably on one of the rare days I would be wearing a skirt. You can picture it, can’t you? I’d plop over the fence with some poor King’s worker looking at me like I was a crazy nut job.
CYPRESS TV: I’m imagining that Seth will be there tomorrow and he can put the new tv in. When that gets done, will you let me know, pretty please??
FENCE HOPPING
Yes, thats right FENCE HOPPING! Little old me jumped the fence in the Marrowstone in a heroic attempt to rescue the ladies who could not get the gate open. They actually got it open though just as I was coming down the other side, hey its still heroic isn’t? And if you don’t believe me ask Lina she was witness to the whole thing. Now that is called going above and beyond (the fence) for our guests. The ladies were real good sports about the whole thing and we had a good laugh afterwards.
Cypress T.V.
Its here and in the kitchen just waiting for Seth! I also called Laura and left a message.
STICKERS.
We are all out of the round stickers that we use on our silverware rolls. I put a call in to Laura since I think that it is all on her computer.
LOST CAMERA
The lady Rez #1159623 Lost a Sony Camera while on the Island. She thinks she probably left it behind in one of the shops. I put a call into the sheriff’s office and they do have a Sony camera that was turned in but need a better description than just the Sony in order to get it back, model number, the pictures on it. I called the guest and left a message to either call the sheriff’s department directly or us.
Check out Steffi’s FRESH MOUTH EMPORIUM for the front desk staff. Enjoy luscious organic gum and assorted organic mints and have breath fresh as a dewy Spring morning in a meadow. Not only those of us who still pray to the tobacco gods (you know Laura’s heart hurts every time you smoke!), now everybody can enjoy fresh breath when talking to our guests. And remember: you can “hear” on the phone not only when you smile but also that you have fresh breath. Eat ‘em up!
TV: the dead tv has a metal bracket screwed to the back of it for mounting it on the wall. will someone please remove that bracket and the screws and put them someplace safe for the next tv before sending the dead one back? thanks…
JUICE CARAFES: I just ordered 20 new 1/4 liter and 20 new 1/2 liter carafes for juice. Hopefully they’ll work well for us. They should be here in a week.
SCHEDULE
I put up the schedule for 7-7 to 7-20. Due to day-off requests we are all working all kind of shifts on all kind of days, yeah, summer! So please look closely. You guys rock, keep up the good work!
Kaitlyn:
What information to we need from the guest who wants the driftwood mailed?
Thanks for being on top of the coffee machines.
To print out a reconciliation report from any other day, just go to the date you want to print out, click on reconciliation and print (don’t worry about it, I’ll print it when I reconcile the entire week). Does the printer work o.k. today?
cindy sent us an email with the hideaway pictures. i made a file called Hideaway Pictures in MY DOCUMENTS that has these. the e-mail is also saved in cindy’s folder in the inbox in outlook.
the tv that is broken is going to be shipped back. i assume we will put it in the box that the new one will come in so save the box and put the broken tv in it and label it so we don’t get confused.
i called soltazza today and they are going to replace ANOTHER machine. its a black one that prays water on the counter and into the basin below. when we get the slip for dhl…we need to tape it to the box and give it to aeronautical when they come. if they don’t come…we need to take it to the office at the airport. there is ONE spare black machine on the top shelf that works. it has a sticky on the box that says “this machine works!”
elena: can you call the company and get the part for the machine that you took apart so we can get it back in circulation? thanks
tory: the second ipod is plugged into the back of the computer tower to charge. maybe it could stay there so we know its charged up if someone wants it?
steffi: did you ever find out what you needed to know about those two big boxes that we sent our guests. (the kayak gals?) i have one more box for one of them. (she knew it would arrive later. it is a stick she picked up on the beach and is a weird size.)
Reconciliation report failed to fully print out 3 times. The last 3 pages printed out all screwy on one page. I logged out and in and still nothing. I know we need this report for our records so can someone please try to reprint this in the am maybe the computer needs a little break.
KAITLYN
Morning. I’ll bring by a produce order around 3.30 on Friday, call up to E if there is anything else you need. On Saturday when Katie comes with eggs, would you please give her the empty cartons we collected on top of the fridge.
Have a great shift:)
BAD
One of us made a reservation for a guest, but for the wrong month (#1178028). We are able to host her tonight, but not tomorrow. I’m holding a sky place for her. Guys, please, pay attention to the dates, always, always, always.
Ok so I talked to the Nexus TV guy today and they accidentally sent us the wrong TV …so it came via UPS today but the package is now being sent back and they will have the correct TV in the mail asap
Pretty quiet day…only two check-ins for the evening, wow.
I am excited for our second computer though! That will be so nice to have that when we are super busy. I agree with Laura about putting it in the back office, there is a good amount of space and it would be a nice place to be on the phone taking reservations when there is someone else in the lobby checking guests in.
We are almost out of strawberries too…props to Lina on doing such a great job every morning with breakfast, you’re awesome Lina
Cypress TV
Lilly sent the 26″ TV (they sent us by mistake) back right away and the company will send us the right size 32″ ASAP, probably by Monday. Thanks Lilly.
Lavendera Spa is closed on the 4th of July, For those guests that would like spa services please call spa d bune at 370-5027, they are going to be open to us only. spa d bune does not need our vouchers with it, they will charge the guests there and we will facilitate in making the appointment and directing our guests where they are located. If someone inquires about spa services on day of the 4th we will have an on call number to call. I will post that next week. But for spa reservations prior to the 4th for the day of the 4th call spa d bune directly.
Thanks so much.
FIRE INSPECTION: Yeah!! Thanks for taking care of this Steffi & Cindy.
NEW COMPUTER: Yeah!! Again. I think it should be set up by the safe. That way it can feel a little more like a back office which I think could be really good in some situations (e.g. at check-in/out, etc. if someone’s helping a guest in person and the other person is helping a guest on the phone, the front desk won’t be so chaotic.
NEW PHONE LINE: Perhaps this should be the number that we call in on ONLY when it is really important to talk to the front desk staff right away?? Kind of like the 5800 number at Elements?? That way our front desk staff can have a hotline phone for very urgent matters AND the front desk staff would know to interrupt what they were doing to answer that line. What do you think?
FIRE ALARM
We passed our L&I inspection. Guardian will call the fire marshall and set up a date with him. Dave from Guerdian will contact us soon regarding the status of our system (we wanted monitored, but it is currently not monitored). If you hear from him, give Laura, Cindy or I a holler.
SECOND WORK STATION
Cindy ordered us a new computer, yeah! I want to set it up by the safe but it is small enough to be set up at the front desk. What do you guys think?
THIRD PHONE LINE
We will have a local phone line on or about 6/27/08 (Qwest will show up and install a third jack, let LCS (Laura, Cindy, Steffi) know if that happens. Since our phones only have 2 lines, we’ll probably get a completely separate phone for that line. The number will be: 378-0834.
FOOD
Wednesdays the food coop order comes (everything but produce).
Thursdays: eggs from Synergy Farm
Saturday: eggs from Lacrover Farm
On Friday we will need to pick up a produce order from MP (I ordered kiwi, melon, strawberries & blueberries, I will go there today to get us through Friday).
COFFEE
We are out. Steve from the San Juan Coffee Co will bring by 2 small bags tonight and will bring 2 big bags tomorrow. When you see the coffee getting low, please call San Juan Coffee at 378-4443 and order more.
Steffi or someone, who will buy groceries…
We need:
granola/out/
yogurt/we have just 1 plain/
grape/out/
bananas/out/
orange juice/we have just 4 left. I don’t know whether they’ll be enough for the breakfast tomorrow/
strawberries/just 1 small box/
Thank you
Breakfast was really, really busy and we are tired.
BUT…
We got a lot of stuff done today,
we made eggs, lots of dishes, Lina swept, we bought flowers from the SJ Florist and made new vases since the old ones were… dead:(. I called Susie Wampler and let her know that we don’t need any delivered.
We got the spa checked today and added a few things everything else looked good.
There was a reservation that came in online (1190640)that had a note saying “Our friends all booked for the same nights 4 rooms and received 10% discount, what do I need to do to get that?” I called and left a message asking that she call us back becuase there aren’t 4 rooms staying on that date, and none that have notes about discounts. Her reservation is still in the new section for now until we hear back from her.
WOW The kitchen floor is sparkling clean (thanks to Lina) We mixed up a bottle of floor cleaner and labeled it to keep just for the kitchen.
guest comment: from lopez
shower heads (there are two) they don’t spray into one spot if you try to make them. you really only get one showerhead spraying on you at one time. perhaps a different nozzle that can twist farther?
laura: the tv place called today and got the number off the back of the tv. and there is no thermometer in the oven. fyi
elena: i called the cab for those folks…wouldn’t you know…it cost 9$ to get from here to the ferry landing???!!!! i tipped him 1$
kudos on your cookies from everyone. btw
i sold the whidbey to a very nice group of ladies tonight. all related. stayed here last year and loved it.
i will go to store and buy yogurt, strawberries and granola. we are almost out. wouldn’t you know people always want to eat what you don’t have. and when you overload on it…they don’t want it anymore. grass is greener hugh?
oh and check in was hilarious. i have not had that happen yet. it was very weird. everyone walking in the door at once. ha ha. 6 rooms.
ESPRESSO PODS:
I ordered 4 boxes of regular espresso pods and 2 boxes of decaf espresso pods today. Should be here no later than next week. Please let me know when they come so I can cross it off my list.
COOKIES:
Lilly, one thing if you didn’t do this already is to make sure that the oven is pre-heated well before you start to bake. Also, is there a thermometer in there so that you can check to make sure that the oven is heating properly?
CARAFES:
I scoured Fred Meyer, Pier 1, and Bed, Bath & Beyond today for juice carafes. No luck. I will now try looking on line. If anyone else has any luck, please let me know.
TV:
Just another reminder that when the replacement tv comes in, please let me know, so that I can pick it up.
elena says that she called reservation 1113359 to let them know we do not have availability they wanted. they wanted to changed the dates of their stay from the 2nd to the 1st of august. we are awaiting their reply.
lilly: don’t worry about the cookies. i get them wrong every time too. but you know…some people like them crunchy and some like them soggy. so…if you wanted to, you could put all your crunchies on one plate and soggies on the other.
i would also invite you (i’m sure laura would as well) to make an espresso to try out the machine so you can find all the “problems” a guest might encounter and then you will know how to fix it. this will help with the red flashing lights. trivia: can you name the three different ways to make the lights flash red when the espresso machine is “on” in your next blog from here??? steffi knows. may be she can give you some hints.
steffi and i couldn’t find the “broken” espresso machine in the kitchen…so we don’t know if there is one missing from a room. any ideas? anyone?
there is a spare machine on the top shelf in the back room. keep in mind these are different from the black ones and may need a little extra explanation to guests. (steam button on the top of the machine needs to be OFF at all times. it looks like a steam picture or a cup picture. needs to be flipped to the cup picture)
there is one breakfast for 7:45 or 8. its in the lobby fridge and out on the lobby counter. the orcas is going to pass on breakfast. i am three plain yogurts short. so sorry. they can be found at kings on the top shelf of the yogurt section on the far left. you may have to get on your tippi toes to look in the back. also the strawberries look a little bad with black spots on them and a little dehydrated. perhaps we should get a couple cartons of those as well. i didn’t realize they looked so iffy until i was prepping that early breakfast around 9:20. so sorry.
i did some upgrading to make people fit a little better. everyone is very happy.
i just wanted to let front desk know…that laura blogged and sent us a front desk message for opening and closing daily. it sounds like i am the only one recording daily messages. the script is in the employee resource book and in the bird rock templates file and in lauras e-mail folder on outlook. (if you can’t find it)
Well I am back from my days off and it I came in sooo ready to just bust into gear at breakfast only to find that Olesea and Diana had everything more than under control, coffee was out, scones were made,etc. NICE!!! I actually had time to read the blog first thing this morning for once. I even read the ELEMENTS BLOG, too bad about that window. It really stinks when those types of things happen, good thing they don’t happen that often.
Those espresso machines…OH MY! What a hassle…two of them weren’t working, but neither of the guests really even cared. One guest brought his down here and we tried to fix it together…but we couldn’t figure it out. After some serious investigation I figured it out and got it to work!! But the pod chamber was jammed and it took me forever to get it all fixed, but I did it and that is what matters! Anyway….there’s really no point to this but I just had to let it out haha and I just wanted to let you know that the espresso machine on the back counter DOES work…but I’m not sure which room it came from?
Anyway, pretty quiet tonight. Had about 3 people come in looking for vacancy so I referred them to Elements. All of the guests with us right now are so friendly! They was like four couples who were all complete strangers to each other in the lobby a few hours ago just all chatting like they were old friends, it was a pretty cool thing to see.
Ok…so that’s pretty much it. Goodnight!!
Ps…I was looking through the Bird Rock play list on the i pod, and their is a song called “Lilly”… pretty cool I’ve been jammin’ to it all night hehe
So…good thing I am not striving to become a chef. All I have to do is put the cookies in the oven and they seem to be coming out terrible! They are either rock hard, or doughy and mushy in the middle. Any one wanna let me in on your secrets to making the cookies perfect??
BR business cards and letter head with correct phone number arrived. Laura, what shall we do with the ones with the incorrect phone number?
FOOD
OJ is not organic right now & we are out of plain yogurt until Wednesday. Please let guests know.
Lacrover farm will deliver 6 doz eggs every Saturday starting next week. They will bill us.
DISHWASHER
For now use very little soap and don’t overfill it. We need to use the sani cycle, sorry.
Thank you, Kaitlyn for following up on the earrings. Have a super first night shift, Lilly. Everybody: yes, we can! There is no “I” in Team Bird Rock. Uumm, there is?
Much Love.
fyi i think there is something wrong with the dishwasher. there is ALWAYS some soap left and not all the dishes are getting clean. there is a soapy film on the silverware and some glasses. elena thinks it might be the timing of the soap release. perhaps its out of wack and needs some maintenance so that it doesn’t release soap so late in the cycle.
sanitizing cycle…honestly…on booked breakfast…even if we start a load at 9 am with sanitizing cycle…i don’t know if there is time enough in the day to wash all the dishes. what do you think? (we will still be doing dishes durning pm breakfast prep and i believe we would need some of the dishes for that) egg holders, butter holders, jam holders, carafs et.
soooo…i followed up on the earrings…and she found them and was glad to have us call back. this kinda goes with all lost things. if housekeeping brings down stuff from rooms…we have every possibility of returning those left items. we have the room name…and contact info from the person that checked out. let me remind us (me too) that customer service does not end when the guest leaves. they will think all the more of our fabulous service if we continue with returning items the have left in their rooms. please please…lets follow up on stuff houskeeping brings down and not wait for someone to call us.
thats my schpeal.
thanks
kaitlyn
the spa was fine today. breakfast went swell…nothing terribly important.
It was a real pleasure having Steffi by my side this evening! Everything seemed to go so well. When I was showing a guest to their room she was here at the front desk checking in another. It was busy but in that cool sort of way that makes you just love your job and realize why you are here and what your mission is. You know like what we were talking about at the end of the meeting. It feels good to please a guest and go beyond the call of duty and make their trip here even more enjoyable. Thank you Lilly for taking my shift Saturday night. Iou!
EGGS
I have a feeling that our egg cookers may be going. I was here when Tory made eggs (enough as well) and I can’t really imagine how that could have happened. For now, all cooked eggs go in the little fridge (we need more egg holders as well, only have 13), all raw eggs stay in the big fridge. And egg cookers: pay extra special attention. If this happens again, we may have to look into other boiling options. Those cookers aren’t meant to cook 20 eggs every day.
It is so busy here tonight, good busy.
Morning goddesses: please go down the side duty list tomorrow. Especially: preparing breakfast for the following morning, fill salt & peppers, keep fridges clean, etc. Tomorrow’s night person will be all alone here. I know you are busy in the morning as well. Let’s all just think: YES, WE CAN!!!
CYPRESS
That is so selfless and wonderful, to bring your own tv, Laura, you are the best. We sold the room 2 minutes after you left.
SALTSPRING
The guest sprinted after me in the street, hugged me (and I didn’t even do anything) and thanked us for taking care of her complaints. I was so touched. She also told me that the water-on-plants-noise which kept her up came from a leaky gutter on the San Juan balcony. Let’s have Seth check that out.
Saltspring leaky shower head: Not fixed. The water to the whole building has to be shut off for this to be repaired. Seth will coordinate this next week.
Saltspring stepstool: Seth picked up a plastic one with rubber feet today. Laura is trying to find a more aesthetically pleasing one.
Cypress tv: Laura is bringing her home one in. When new one comes, please let her (me) know!
Outdoor plants: If they look droopy, please take the time to go around and fill up all of the reservoirs in the boxes. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, ask me.
Old art: Laura has removed it from the property, thanks Kaitlyn, for letting me know.
seth said that they are going to send us a new tv.
the room is marked out but we can sell at discounted rate.
what shall we do about our reservation for tomorrow?
i just read an alarm that raises a lot of questions in my mind. res. 1157787. when you type this stuff out…be very specific. it needs to raise no questions for someone who knows nothing about it. if it does…write a little more explanation. if it is something a specific employee is going to deal with…write your name and that you will do it. thanks.
there is a print out from cindy regarding the new call center set up. it is posted by the time card machine and needs to be read and signed by all front desk.
the new pictures came for the lobby and are hung up.
laura…what would you like us to do with the old smaller photo and the light fixture. there is not a lot of storage here and i didn’t know if you wanted it stored where you knew where it was.
Salt Spring Bed
Seth is going to fix it today
TV in Cypress
Seth is calling Digital Direct and if they can’t figure it out today, we will have a new one sent
Soapy Scum in jets
It happens, the housekeepers will start immediately by making sure when they clean the jet tubs they clean out jets, this should resolve the issue
I love it when guests tell us their opinions, it helps make our property get and stay in tip top shape…
guardian fire company came and tested some more of our fire alarms. he said it was working and he would call the inspection company to come and check it out. he said he may be back one more time.
we had an espresso machine stop working in the orcas. as far as i could tell…i think tori had some trouble last night. the screen got sucked into the top part and he had to pry it out(like we usually do) when the gal went to make coffee this morning…it doesn’t brew the coffee. its like the suction does not work anymore. the handle for the top comes up on its own… and the water sits in the screen and then drips out the sides. i am not sure what to do about this. we still have not had our two other broken espresso machines picked up and there is one other that has a part that i think elena had ordered that has not come. we are down to one spare silver machine. the other is in the orcas. the broken black machine is in the luggage room on the floor under the counter.
reservation 1150146 had a lot of problems this morning. they are a stay over so it would be great to do a little extra for them to try to salvage their trip. I will just list it all.
there was noise from the water dripping off the san juan balcony onto the deck furniture and plants during the night.
the bed was saggy in the middle. (seth is going to put a block of wood under the bed to help the sag)
the bathtub plug cover came off. (hopefully seth can find a way to screw it on)
the shower head leaks when you run a bath. ( i don’t know if seth can fix this but he will try)
there was scum in the jetts. (i fixed this. i think she used the body gel as bubble bath and it got sucked into the jets last night. then when she used the tub this morning…it looked to her like “hair” but it was just scum)
both slipped when getting out of the tub because of its height. the gal scraped up her leg and i told her we would be happy to schedule an appt. at med. center if she wants it looked at. she said no thanks. (raquel is going to find a slip mat to put in the tub)
the tub is too high to get into. (seth is going to try to find a small step stool)
i think that is it.
***VERY IMPORTANT***
THERE IS AN ALAN WRENCH TOOL THAT IS RED IN THE TOOL BOX. THIS CAN BE USED TO ADJUST THE BIKE SEATS AND TO TURN OFF THE FIRE ALARM WALL SWITCH THAT IS IN THE KITCHEN. IT DOES NOT HAVE A KEY ENTRY. YOU HAVE TO OPEN IT WITH AN ALAN WRENCH TO DISENGAGE THE TRICKED WALL ALARM.
cindy: i think elena means the orange juice carafs. (they used to be water containers in rooms.)
the tape for the labeler came today. but i think its the wrong kind. or i can’t get it to fit. i was hoping that the old one would be left in there so we would know how to reload. (when i spoke with island paper on the phone…i tried to tell them the specific tape we needed…but they just said “yes yes yes. think kind you usually get.” perhaps since this is a new machine…its different. i called and left a message for island paper. or if someone knows how to load it…that would be great.
eggs:
we had another uncooked egg delivered to a guest. actually there were two. soooo don’t know what the egg procedure is…but perhaps we need to get into more detail so that we don’t give anyone else uncooked eggs. i had to make some more and it took about 15 min. may be we should always boil 2 or three extra…just in case this happens or one gets dropped or something?
i forgot to post the phone number for the lost earrings…did that get resolved? do you need the number?
the folks in the saltspring are having a terrible time. they had communicated with us about noise being an issue and i remember e-mailing about this. they don’t have any complaints about “noise” but when it rained…the roof over their patio had a leak and drained water onto the deck furniture making noise that they couldn’t sleep through. (who knows…its different for all of us)
also…they had the same comment about the bed that i blogged about on monday. saggy in the middle. i will make sure the slip is still up for seth. i thought he was coming here first on his shifts? the shower also drips when the bath water is running and the plug cover has come off. i will make new notes for this for seth.
the saltspring was also very upset that when they turned on their jets this morning that “human hair” came out of the tub. and…she said this right in front of the travel writer with the broken tv. yes…i know. so i went down and took a look. turns out they took a bath last night and used the shower gel for bubbles. the bubble scum got into the jets when they turned them on and then spewed out this morning when they tried to take another bath. so it was not hair…but scum. i tried to explain that the gel was not for bubbles…
fyi…this may happen to us again. just so you know….
well…i don’t know what it is about me. may be i should quit the biz and bad things will stop happening.
the fire alarm fellow just walked in the door. please don’t set off the alarm….please?
Good Morning!
I was wondering what was going on with the Cypress T.V. I know we talked about it in the meeting. VIP Res#1118101 was not aware of the T.V. issue but was relieved. She said, “now I won’t have any distractions!” I guess for now can we move guests to a different room depending on availability or offer a discount?
LABELER
There is a rumor that Kaitlyn ordered more label tape, true or false? If false, can you, K, please write it on Gerard’s shopping list? Thank you
BEACH CRUISER RELEASE
When a guest brings back the bike, please file the beach cruiser release form in the card board box under the safe with the signed guest invoices.
My first night as a floater (office day, 4 hours here, 4 hours there). This is really great to have a second person down here in the evening. Tory and I checked multiple people in without anybody having to wait. We answered the phone while one of us was helping a present guest. I really like it. It is also great to be able to boss Tory around again. I haven’t had that for a while.
EGGS
Synergy Farm asks if we could save the egg cartons for reuse. I will leave a paper bag by the safe with my name on it. Will you all be so kind and throw the empty egg cartons in there. I’ll bring them back to the farm. Are we sustainable or what?
One more thing: Good Evening ALL
Thanks everyone for attending the customer service staff meeting today, it is great to be able to talk with you all and express what we as managers feel are our strong points and weak points and to know that you all are able to take it and process it as needed. If you have any imput I would love to hear it.
ELENA
Do you mean the carafes I bought at Fred’s? If so, there wouldn’t be anymore ordered, but if someone goes off island before me, you can pick some up.
Hi Tory
Happy Birdrocking to you tonight, how are you friendly neighbors?
Fire Alarm
Friday is the day for the repair, please email me when it is complete.
FOOD FOOD FOOD
Lilly, let’s just order chocolates from SJ coffee when we need them.
UNFI did not deliver today (glitch in the Matrix, most powerful full moon of the year, me having birds?), so I got yogurt, milk, oj, raisins (to mix with the plain flakes), no plain yogurt to be found anywhere (glitch in the matrix, etc.?). Eggs tomorrow, please buy things as you need them. We will get the next delivery on Wednesday (including shampoos and such.
I put the romance package in the room…and we are now out of chocolate as the boxes of chocolate expire today! I believe Steffi will be ordering more chocolate for us soon.
Also…where is our cash drawer? In the safe…I don’t know the safe code…can someone tell me later!?
In the new booking there are two alarms…I looked at them nut wasn’t quite sure what to do with them so I have left them for whoever knows exactly what they are about.
Well it turns out that Jerry is going to bring us the boxes of scone mix so we will have 6 boxes total. OOPS… No biggie though because we won’t have to order the stuff in a while. In case we do though I added the conifer inc phone number to our phone list.
The ladies whose luggage we are fed-exing back for them. one of the cards was just fine the other got declined so they will be calling back
FIRE ALARM
Guardian security will send a tech this Friday. He will be here first thing in the morning, to fix the “fire trouble” screen and the dep of L.I. issues.
SCONE MIX
FSA has a minimum order of 10 items to deliver so we won’t be able to get it from them anymore. I called Conifer Inc. (out of Seattle) and got someone who found our old account. YAY!!! 3 large boxes of mix should arrive in about 3 days.
COFFEE
We ran out this morning durring breakfast so I got some from Elements, but also ordered a couple of bags that will be here later this evening.
EXTRA STOOLS
We had 2 extra bar stools delivered (just in case) they will be in the in-town storage and I will e-mail Cindy so she can add this to the inventory list.
CYPRESS T.V.
Seth looked at the cypress T.V. but I don’t think he had any luck because he didn’t say anything else about it. Laura gave me the number for the distributer and I will be calling them in just a bit.
hi there. we have two big boxes in the back that need to go to post san juan.sorry, i didn’t bring a car today and its close to 11pm. i think they are closed. ha ha. the forms are taped to each box. the only problem is that the 3 digit code is not on the form or in our files. (thats on the back of the card) hamid usually gets very angry with us if this is not on there. we may need to charge the postage to our account (or elements) and then apply new charges to the room. call cindy and ask if ok to do this so we don’t make hamid ANGRY. i have one more item that i will be shipping for these ladies. i took it home to see if i had a box it would fit and will return with it to elements or post san juan to be mailed on friday. (its a piece of driftwood)
elena…i think we need more coffee. i didn’t get a chance to order more. we probably need two bags. i think it is “estate” blend or something.
the front desk phone is missing. lilly? have you seen it? lina? so elena’s number is up tonight.
poor morgan. isn’t that some kind of fetish. sex in public places? i guess elements could be named the fetish capitol of the WORLD! drawing interesting folk from ALL COUNTRIES, nationalities and taboos.
we had a walk in for the bainbridge. large family. very nice and quiet. but there were a lot of them. 6. so…i gave them a heads up about their neighbors and asked very kindly for quiet voices.
CAUTION: the dish washer has not been getting out dishes totally clean. i noticed a lot of silverware with stuff on it still and sometimes plates. so…it looks like we should try not to load it so full to make sure stuff is getting clean. the plates do better stacked single as to double in the dividers and the silverware works best if you mix the forks and spoons up as opposed to all spoons and all forks. (they slide in together and “spoon” each other and the water can’t get in between.)
also…there are water spots on all the champagne and wine glasses. we may need to wipe these down before we set them out. i have noticed guests picking through them to find glasses without spots.
guest comment for the saltspring. would be great to have a step for the bathtub. it is very high to get in. the bed seems to be sagging in the middle. perhaps we are missing some of the pieces under there. i will make a maintenance note to check it out.
guest comment for san juan: bar of soap would be nice to have as well as body wash so they can pick. earplugs are not getting in rooms (have had two guests not get them on their first night here and WANTED THEM for sure by morning) should say on website that this is a historic building (not sure if it does) noise from room to room should be noted. (perhaps a gauge of noise or kind of noise from street. ferry traffic in the morning, big trucks) small two person table in san juan would be nice. (since there is a kitchen in there…where do they eat?) otherwise guests felt very at home, loved warm tile floor in bathroom, should be a sign for the cleansing cycle on aerated tubs, bed was wonderful, staff very accomadating, breakfast was great and on and on.
reservation 1099378 has a charger being returned to them from post san juan. i am off for three days and hamid at post san juan needs a confirmation on the credit card number. the number on file is correct. could you please please call him tomorrow and confirm the number. he knows the guest by name.
a guest called and said that they stayed on friday in the whidbey and may have forgotten them in the room. please check with socco or olga to see if they found them. look up the guest by date and room. also please call them back to let them know if they were found or lost. i called today to say that we would check and let them know. phone number can be found on the computer where you are sitting. they didn’t leave a name.
elena, i went into the lopez to replace the screen and there are screens in the sitting area and in the bedroom. perhaps i missed where it should go? or it got replaced by housekeeping already? the old screen i put back in the shower in the back room.
there are a couple of 7:30 breakfast. i have made some trays and will set them out before i leave. i will let the guests know they are in the lobby.
SOLTAZZA
I called back to follow up on the espresso machines that need to be sent back but Sandra was not in the office. I did speak to a Jonathan that said she would call us tomorrow, if not we need to call back.
REZ# 1157787
Asked me to book whale watching and kayaking, then called back and said she wanted to wait on it. I called and left a message to ask if I should go ahead and keep or cancel the rez. she then called back and said she will call us in a couple of days. Alarm is set to cancel in case she forgets or something.
LOPEZ
Screen is still off maybe we can wait till they leave for dinner and then replace it.
My first official day at Bird Rock!! It was a busy morning with breakfast and we’ve had a few minor glitches…but nothing major.
The fire alarm…has been beeping at us for the last hour or so, we cannot seem to get it to stop! Elena called the fire alarm system people and they will be calling us back to help fix it.
Also, the webrez system went down for about an hour but it is finally working again…
I spoke with a Mike McClean on the phone earlier and he was looking to book the Bainbridge, I called him and he will call back however the Bainbrdge is booked for the dates he wanted but I didn’t get to tell him that on the phone because our system was down. Hopefully he is not upset!
laura,
we are having some folks really concerned about our aerated tubs that turn on for the sanitizing cycle after the jets are on. they are re-pressing the button and then it just does it again and again. should we put some sort of note or sign in the room? or is it going to be check in procedure to tell guests this? what do you think?
kaitlyn
i just talked to elena about the cab thing (she called them around 1:30 pm) and it sounds like bobs taxi is not remembering their pick ups for us. i don’t know if this is going to be an issue in the future or if randomly they missed two of our reservations. so…heads up. and raven taxi is out of business fyi.
kaitlyn
ok. so twice this has happened to me and it feels terrible!!! i hope it doesn’t happen to YOU.
in the last two or three days i have had two different guests tell me that they had cab reservations and the front desk person made the call to schedule this. BOTH times there was no cab info in the blog or notes to tell me guests wanted cabs at specific times. this is so awkward and embarrassing because i don’t know what to tell them and i don’t want to double book with different cab companies cause that will tick them off. so PLEASE if a guest needs a cab and you are not going to be here to schedule it…leave a note on the front desk for the next person and write down what cab company you called.
the family in the bainbridge may be a problem tonight with their kids. we have some people staying in the lopez that are here for a special weekend and the kids are crying and yelling a lot. (i can hear them in the lobby too) there is not much to offer them. the cypress with the broken tv, the speiden which is right next to the bainbridge as well and the matia which is “out of the question” so…be on the look out for a room comp if these guests don’t get peace and quiet. they expected to get a “premium” room.
the guest that is staying in the sucia for three days would love it if that room became available on wed. for them to stay an extra night. FYI
heads up: the raisen bran we are stocking doesn’t actually have any RAISENS in it. so…should we change the cards to read “bran cereal” or get some raisens to put in with the mix. we have probably 15 boxes of this fab bran cereal.
do we need a special wrench to adjust these bike seats? i don’t think we have the tools down here. can someone show us how to do this from elements?
elena said the internet seemed to be doing fine on the second floor.
Just a few things from this morning…
Breakfast went well though we did have to clear the dish washer(no biggie I know Tory had a hard night). And there were also no napkins rolled. this is something that is really time consuming so it really does need to be done in the morning when possible. again no biggie since Olesea helped me out.
I was just reading through Cindy’s e-mail about our newbies, as well as Kaitlyn’s original e-mail, and yes a lot of the things she brought up are very valid and I have noticed the same but, when I see this type of thing I say hey guys since your not busy can you sweep the patio? or Hey why don’t we start tidying the lobby? or even do you want to run upstairs/ downstairs and see if there is any laundry left over to fold from yesterday? just things like that if they see that we can find things for them to do then eventually I think they will start to do them on their own. I also think that if we want them to have initiative we need to lead by example if we sit at the desk all day and do nothing they will think that this is ok and will do the same. I really like all the new girls they are lots of fun and Daniel and Roman (though I just met them) also seem very nice and if we just open up to them and form good work relationships with them it will be easier to say nicely hey I think you forgot this or, you can do this that way its all fun and casual, not like we are bossy and cold.
Yes it is draining to help in training all these new guys but attitude is everything and instead of thinking errr!!! Why are all these people here?! I just think great now I don’t have to rush around so much.
Also I find that if when you tell them to do something you just mention that it is something to do regularly they will eventually ask, should I do …?
Anyways that just my take on the situation, it’s hard but it is what it is so… Breathe
Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.-Demosthenes
Cypress:
Flat screen is from what I can tell totally dead. Contacted Laura. Moved res#1164550 to Fidalgo due to T.V. issue and resold it to a gentleman that was o.k. without a T.V. I don’t know if we should block out this room or continue to sell it for less and let the guest know that the flat screen is out of order. Could someone please contact Seth and see if he could come down and take a look at it. Maintenance request created.
Shaw guests:
Requested an early breakfast at 700am because they are getting on the 800am boat. I offered them a to go breakfast prepared and put in the lobby fridge. If for some reason they forget about it please check the fridge and make sure it gets taken out.
Wireless upstairs:
Out of service. Rebooted both wireless and computers, Chris told me to do this last time he was here, and still nothing.
Res#1040663 & Res#14790:
These ladies had the luggage that we were holding throughout the weekend until they returned. The luggage is in the outside closet next to the Fidalgo. Whoever helps the guests with their luggage may have to use a housekeeping key or ask Raquel I noticed none of my keys work in the door. Could someone please make sure that this gets handled before they checkin. I’ve noticed that Kaitlyn always places the checked luggage in the room before guest arrives. I would imagine it being a real pain if we were fumbling around for keys to get to it when the guests are trying to get checked in.
Well I’m going on my days off. Got an itch to go off island and add to my collection of chocolate pants and white wrinkle free button up shirts. And maybe a quick manie-peddie-botox as Samantha puts it. Well maybe not the Botox.
FOOD (1)
I ordered milk, soy, 1/2 & 1/2, cheerios (but really), yogurt, shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion & shower gel for Wednesday.
Elena, can you please do a produce order as needed? Gio wants to sell apples, oranges & bananas at cafe zia, just by way of saying that maybe our full cases nightmare is over.
FOOD (2)
Please don’t eat the food at Bird Rock. We are planning our food orders around check-ins and not hungry employees. We don’t have a problem with an employee eating a scone, leftover from breakfast, or the orange Elena used for orange zest. But you can’t take your meals here.
BREAKS
Raquel put a clothes cabinet, microwave & coffee maker in the upstairs laundry. She will provide a folding table and chairs shortly. Please let all the housekeepers know to store their personal belongings there, make a coffee up there and not drink the coffee provided for guests in the lobby, heat their meals there and not in the lobby microwave. We don’t have enough room in the luggage room as it is, so this will help us space wise.
Thank you.
we had a wonderful fire alarm today and this is what you do.
1open panel hit silence
2the screen should say what floor. the key is on the inside of the door of the box
3 go to that floor. if the wall alarms are not engaged (you know them, you wanted to see what would happen if you pulled them in high school. or maybe you did pull them in high school)
4 all the keys are on one key chain (alarm box and wall pulls) take these with you when you do your floor inspection.
5 unlock the wall box that is engaged open it and then close it. the device resets itself. then go down stairs to the box and hit reset.
6 this should solve your problems. steffi is working on getting us a tech support number for 24 hours and on weekends.
and laura said that we can take the small alarms out of the rooms. or if the fall down. do not put them back
cindy, we are still waiting for our day and night message script. laura gave us a call about this.
thanks
kaitlyn
tori, can you take a look at res. 1176210. there is a balance and i am not sure why. it is one of the walk ins. also…the spa thing for the pregnant gal is set. the only time avail. was for 9 am.
kaitlyn
i just sent steffi, cindy and laura an e-mail and forgot to sign it. sorry.
but…to move things along, there once was a little birdie who laid a little egg. the egg was so proud to be selected by steffi and brought to a little boutique hotel. the little egg waited patiently to get boiled and eaten like all good organic eggs do…but this little egg never got boiled. it ended up poked in the head by a sharp point and placed in a beautiful egg holder and placed on a tray. when the fellow tried to eat it…the egg exploded its runny uncooked egg insides all over leaving the guest disgusted. he didn’t even try to eat the other egg buddy that went with him on the tray.
the moral of the story is to…always be careful when preparing for breakfast. oh yes, mistakes happen for sure…but this was weird.
we also had a half eaten plain yogurt in the fridge that got placed on a tray as well. yes, i know what you are thinking, very weird as well. so…we learned that is very cool to label your unfinished food in the fridge and i will speak with the housekeepers during their break as well.
Flowers:
Suzie dropped off flowers and front desk arrangement.
Bikes:
Are now being secured in the evening with padlock and wire cord. Key is in safe labeled BIKE LOCK.
Been busier than I thought it would be. Three walk ins all looking for simple rooms. Went ahead and upgraded them all due to availability. Kaitlyn would you please follow up on res# 1175395 when the spa calls to confirm massage appt.
i e-mailed laura about fire alarm question. awaiting suggestions and answers. also called soltazza. they said they are going to call on monday to see why we have not had a pick up yet.
STAFF MEETING STAFF MEETING STAFF MEETING
Yeah! Wednesday, 6/18, 2 PM at ELEMENTS. This is a mandatory meeting. Khaili & Lilly will work our front desks. Gio, Stefan & Lina will be here already. Elena & Tory, please come an hour early to work. Priscilla & Morgan, please come. Kaitlyn is excused.
PRISCILLA
I’ll need a way to get a hold of you. Is your cell working again, do you have a home number?
TUESDAY 6/17
Morgan will take our newest exchange students off island. Lilly will work the front desk at E and will not be training at BR that day.
so, the espresso machines that need returned are still in the back and no follow up from my last blog. do I need to call them or did someone already do that? (now that i am here again)
i must say…that it is very wierd following up on my own blogs after i get back from my days off. it sorta feels like everything goes on freeze when i leave. i know this is not true…so whats going on?
i need some help with these fire alarms we had in our rooms before the system was up and running. the sky is raining alarms. they are falling from their sticky heights and landing on the floor and scaring people. are we ok to not put these back? or do we still need them? if so…any ideas to make them stay?
please help and advise.
kaitlyn
well. they key guy called early this morning and i had no idea what he was talking about because i didn’t see the keys and i didn’t get to read the blog. i couldn’t decipher the cell number so i called the home phone and left a message. these keys are in the TOP DRAWER OF THE SAFE IF HE CALLS BACK. so sorry for the misdirection.
steffi,
raquel needs some more shampoo, conditioner and body soap for the rooms.
there are two keys for the new folks i met this morning. daniel and natasha. these keys are in the top drawer of the safe with their name on it.
we have people calling that poor gal in georgia or whatever from our confirmation letters still. she said someone called and canceled a reservation. stefan e-mailed adam about this.
the spa is checked.
san juan vinyards dropped off a barrel tasting flyer. (i think per steffi) and it is 10$ per person this gets you wine script/glass
music
food
and one day wine specials. saturday, june 14th 4-8pm
seth took a look at the deadbolt and said it felt secure. so he didn’t do anything else to it. there is a screen that needs replaced. he is on it. as well as a cord cover in the lopez.
the luggage and boxes from the skipjack and the patos is in the back. there is packing tape by the safe for when they leave and need to box their stuff up again. they will be checking back in on monday. can we please return the luggage to their rooms after they are clean?
the bikes are going to arriving here soon. do we have the “paperwork” down here for that? protocols? to wear a helmet or not to wear? that is the question. and locks??? i heard these are flashy and with us being so close to herbs…and what happened to poor tori with his little truck…this worries me.i will e-mail elements for a template just in case.
and thats it so far.
oh, and i wanted to get monday night off. tori can not do it. is there an option for someone else to take that shift? i was hoping to go off island.
KEYS
One of our guests turned on a set of keys (airplane & padlock with white paper tag) around 6/1, which he found in the street. The rightful owner is looking for them, will be by tomorrow. Anybody know anything about this?
AMEX
I have several reservations (online and walk-in) wanting to pay with AMEX (was added as payment option today) but WRP doesn’t accept it. Cindy, I know you were working on that. Can you let us know where we are at? I’ll leave the booking in the new section for now.
HOUSEKEEPING
A guest found a bag of clothes in a drawer in the Skipjack, another found a note written by a previous guest in the Marrowstone. Both guests were super nice about it, but guys, this is embarrassing. I’ll talk to Raquel, but please, the next time you find yourself looking for something to do, walk through the rooms with your eyes open and open those drawers, look in those cupboards, see if the hair dryer works, etc.
CASH
I noticed a couple of things when reconciling cash:
1) when a guest cancels a reservation, please apply his deposit as a cancellation fee, so our books don’t look like we owe the guest money. Also always send a cancellation letter.
2) When printing out the nightly reconciliation make sure you print out the correct day. WRP prints out whatever day you looked at last.
3) Signed guest invoices go into the cardboard box under the safe, not in the safe.
4) when receiving cash as payment, print out invoice in question, put in envelope together with the cash owed (as in: when the guest gives you $400, but he only owes us $398, put $398 in the envelope, not $400)
EXTRA PERSON CHARGES
remember that each additional adult (after 2 adults, except for Bainbridge, which is priced for 4) and kid over 4 is $20 extra here at BR, because of our fabulous breakfast and all.
Great job, Elena & Stefan today, that kitchen is spanking clean, thank you. I messed up with the food order, ordered bran instead of cherios. I’ll get some from Kings and order the right thing next week.
Yup, that last blog was from Elena. And Tory, you are that cool!
2ND WORKSTATION
Laura & Cindy, what’s our time line for getting a second work station down here?
FIRE ALARM
I spoke with Sound Guard and they will contact Cindy regarding how to proceed from here within the next 15 days.
BREAKFAST PERSON
Stefan & Lina, I would like to add the following duties to the breakfast person’s shift:
1) clean the fridges
2) roll silverware
3) fill salt & pepper shakers
4) rotate food, check fruit boxes for rotten fruit
5) fill green apple tray with good looking apples, take stickers off
6) prepare butter, jam, oj & milk for the following day, boil eggs
7) empty garbage in kitchen & bathroom, break down recyclable boxes make cookie dough if we are low
9) go through little flower bouquets, take out dead flowers, change water
Thank you
FOOD COOP ORDER
Please don’t forget that Cloud will drop off the food coop order at 8AM tomorrow. Please help her carry things.
CHECK OUTS
Don’t forget to check out departing guests on WRP.
GROCERIES
We won’t be able to get groceries until tomorrow. The Co-Op called and said that the truck didn’t make it on the ferry.
WHITE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES?
Irene called yesterday from San Juan Coffee and left a message for Steffi regarding white chocolate truffles. please Call her back 378-4443
FIRE ALARM
An inspector with Department of Labor and Industries stopped by today to check out our fire alarm system and apparently it is NOT approved for service. He left a form regarding the issues that he found with the system and told us that we need to contact the company to let them know about the situation.
BAINBRIDGE
I put the part that fell off the door back on for now but it is not all that secure so please let Seth know that this needs to be fixed before this weekend.
WHALE WATCH
I left a message with Maya’s today for rez # 1172365 who wants to go out tomorrow for 2 adults.
All else was VERY AND I MEAN VERY SLOW.
I also read the blog from Cindy about customer service. Is there something specific I can do?
CUSTOMER SERVICE (i am putting this is upper case for IMPORTANCE~i want everyone working the front desk to come and talk to me about the following:)
PLEASE EVERYONE, THE GUEST IS YOUR FIRST PRIORITY, I CONTINUE TO WANT EVERYONE WALKING THROUGH THAT DOOR TO FEEL AS THOUGH THEY ARE YOUR LONG LOST FRIEND, THIS IS JOB SECURITY, SO PLEASE MAKE EVERY GUEST FEEL LIKE THIS.
Good Morning Elena!
Could you please follow up on res#1162503 & res#112506 I imagine she was not supposed to be here this evening and her actual dates are in July.
Bainbridge Deadbolt:
When the guests returned to their room they found the deadbolt handle on the floor. It must have came of when one of the kids slammed the door shut and wiggled loose. There is a maintenance slip filled out and the handle is on the desk.
GROCERIES
I picked up berries, grapes, bananas, milk, 1/2 & 1/2. The guys in the produce department said that we need to order our stuff on either monday, wednesday, of Friday and it needs to be done by at least 10am since they place their orders between noon and 1pm.
BOXES
Some of our guests with upcoming reservations sent some boxes of stuff via aeronautical services, they will be in the back for now. the res numbers are: 14789, 14790-1st person split res. 1040660, 1040663 2nd person, split res.
SAN JUAN: Tomorrow morning, Mike and Ally will come by to measure for carpet for the San Juan patio. If the San Juan gets booked tonight, please call me to let me know so that I can reschedule with them.
Thanks!
whale watch check in was fine. i called around to see what availability was and there was plenty…no prob.
quick question for tori: can you take a look at 1168099? did they get parking info? i saw your initials on the print out and thought i would double check. thanks!
the two pumps behind the desk need to make their way up to laura’s desk tomorrow. (tuesday) elena, can you do this while stefan is here if you have time later in the morning? thanks!
the espresso machines still have not been picked up. i think we should call the company and let them know. (we usually don’t get dhl pick up so they may have to work with fed ex. i am off the next three days so i can’t follow up.
seth is working on the shelves in the saltspring and the whidbey. the saltspring is blocked off so there are no internet bookings for tomorrow. he said they should be done tomorrow by check in. there just needs to be some painting and then housekeeping to do a tidy.
lots of calls for the 4th. almost sold out.
have fun!!
kaitlyn out
well, i got here at three today and was looking at my check ins and noticed that we had a guest arriving that had wanted a whale watch. and had even typed some notes with who they wanted to go with. there are no employee notes in this file for a whale watch confirmation or guest contacted. should be fine if i get them booked tonight when they check in. but…it is something we missed on their on-line booking. steffi, your worst fear has come true!!
Scone Mix
I ordered 3- 25 pound bags and they should be delivered soon.
ICE MACHINE
It should be working now but Bruce said to let it do a few batches and then throw them out since the filter is new. We also need to return the other pump to Anaco? as soon as possible.
INK
Our printer cartridges were delivered today, they are in the back.
ELENA
Would you be a Sweety and order some scone mix on Monday, as well as a case of strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, and grapes, all in organic, from Ron at MP. Can you also go pick that up on Tuesday with a check from Cindy? Thank you, thank you.
FOOD
On Wednesday we’ll get milk, yogurt, cherios, bread, jam & oj.
MOVIES
I liked “Lars & the real girl” as well, very touching and tender and weird. We just saw “Our Daily Bread and other films about the Great Depression”. I’m so into that time right now because of the parallels to our current recession. “Our Daily Bread” is a feature (the other’s are short documentaries, very very cool), personally financed by the director because the studios wouldn’t finance a film like that. It’s the story of a young couple, living in town, being kicked out of their house because of money problems (there are no jobs), the bill collectors hunt them, they escape to a dry farm of her uncle’s and try to make a living. They don’t know the very first about farming and ask other homeless and jobless people to help them. And voila, they build a commune…and then the sheriff comes to foreclose… tatata
olga reported that the i home docking radio was missing from the whidbey when she cleaned it yesterday. these were some guests from the wedding party that we had. reservation number 995125. from what i know all the contact info is from the bride. there is a cell and a home number in the notes from damages that may have happened when their baby got sick on the blankets and couch. raquel remembers seeing the clock near the bed when she moved the lamp shade…but today (sunday) it was not there on tidy. perhaps we can double check that it is there when our guests check out tomorrow. may be they moved it to another place. reservation number 5002. (olga moved the radio from the saltspring to the whidbey for tonight because the radio was missing. the radio from the whidbey will need to go back to the saltspring on monday during cleaning.
breakfast prep was great. thanks elena. olga had her first morning to help and she was such a pro. i didn’t have to tell her how to do anything.
i think there may have been a confusion with the matia booking. i know they booked on line themselves but they booked for the 7th and in their comments said they would be staying for the 10th. so i copied their reservation and made it for the 10th as well just in case they show up that day.
tim and i watched lars and the real girl. it was not a “hilarious” but very good.
It was a nice evening. I managed to keep busy and everyone was very happy to be here. I prepped breakfast as best as I could since the breakfasts are split most are at either 8am or 9:00am.
Matia was a no-show as of 10:59pm. Envelope is on the front desk with their name and key.
BREAKFAST
Oh Kaitlyn, I’m so sorry you got left alone. Way to go to pull it off anyway. Raquel had scehduled help, but the person forgot. Mhm.
I just had a meeting with Raquel and here is the scope for the future:
Mo-Fri either Lina or Stefan will work the breakfast with another front desk staff. There will be at least one other Housekeeper coming in at 7.30. That housekeeper will help with carrying trays, can start on cleaning the common bathrooms, sweep the patio, clean early check-out rooms, in short that other housekeeper leaves the kitchen if she is not needed.
On Saturday & Sunday two housekeepers will come in at 7, to help with breakfast. If one is not needed, see above. It will be the front desk staff’s call to send one housekeeper off to other duties.
EGGS
As of next week Katie from Lacrover farm will deliver 3 dozen eggs ($18) on Fridays. Please pay her out of petty and show her around. I just signed up for a CSA share with Lacrover, I think they still have spots, talk to Katie. Oh, in about 2 weeks we’ll also get strawberries and raspberries from them. Yummy!!
CHOCOLATES
Came on Wednesday, 6/4
SHIRTS
I jumped the gun here. Step away from the blouses! These were just for Lina & Stefan to pick one or two, (and Tory, if the boy shirts fit you skinny thing), we will keep the rest for later.
I-HOMES
Cindy & Laura, FYI, Raquel distributed the I-homes into the rooms which needed them at both properties.
quick reminder to label the chocolates from san juan coffee with the date. they will go moldy if we have them on the shelf for too long. there are a couple back there without dates. anyone know when we got them? if so…please let us know so we can slap and exp. on the box. thanks!
also…i blocked out the saltspring for a couple of hours because i have a sneaking suspicion that the gals checking into the lopez may be unhappy with the size of the room. we may need to split them up to make them happy. so, the saltspring is available. but then again…this will mess up their payment from when they checked in. (they all paid a portion of the room with check and cash) made it really difficult for everyone. even them. i tried talking them into one bill and squaring it up amongst themselves…nope. i think we could probably give them a discount on saltspring if they are unhappy. again…this is just a gut feeling.(like may be i have seen something like this before?)
we ran out of ink today. i called elements to see if they could print out invoices for us and bring them down. had to leave a message.
kaitlyn out! (and i wish my shift was over already) what else can happen? bring it on.
laura,
well, the fruit goddess steffi had blessed me so at least i didn’t find the need for additional food. the scones didn’t get burnt and i managed to cook “just the right amount” in one batch on two trays…but the toast god is pissed. he burnt about 6 pieces of toast. (i really don’t get that toaster. it either under cooks or over cooks and the bread doesn’t really fit in it with four pieces.) i hate to say it…but we may need a toaster that is a little more high tech. kitchen aid might have a good one.
anyway…like i said. its over so its ok. i just hope it doesn’t happen again {to me }
Oh Kaity, I am SO sorry! That sounds like a miserable morning. I’m just wondering who the god of breakfast prep is and what you did to offend him in a past life. Just think, you’re building back so much karma that there will be no problems in the next life…
Tory, I am jealous. I want to go to a hair show, too. I’ve always wanted to go to a hair show, it just seems like a lot of fun. I hope you’re on your way there right now and I hope you don’t get in TOO much trouble. I know you’ll get in to some…
well, breakfast WAS overwhelming because….NO ONE SHOWED UP TO HELP ME UNTIL 8:45
and by then i only had three more breakfast(of 13) but that was the least of my worries.
it would not have been really so bad but there were a lot of people mingling in the lobby and asking questions. which didn’t leave a lot of time to cut that blasted fruit or even look at the schedule to see who was going to come in. i kept hoping that they were just running late. but no one came.
i feel totally screwed with too much help and then no help. whats happening to me? i am in the twilight zone!!! but i’m over it. its done. no problem. i just hope it doesn’t happen again on a morning when we are sold out.
i wish tory could go to the hair show. i would LOVE to know what kind of trouble he would get into. and maybe bring some cool products to show us.
GOOD MORNING GIRLS!!!
Breakfast should not be as overwealming as it looks. I know it looks like everyone wants breakfast all at 800am but besides two of them they are all in the wedding party. They are really nice people and understand that it is 8ish and that we are Superhuman but not omnipotent. And I will see you in the am and probably will tell all of this to you before you read it. Also would you please make cookies with the girls if you have time. I really couldn’t get to it tonight and thought it might be nice to train the girls on cookies. Well I’m off for one whole day. Well I’m off Saturday. Might be going to a hair show with Connie. Now how much trouble do you think I could get in at a hair show in Seattle… but I’ll be back by Sunday.
HOT TUB
The spa guys will replenish empty chemicals automatically.
WHITE SHIRTS
Laura bought a bunch of shirts (boys & girls) for the front desk. Stefan took the bag and will bring it to Bird Rock after Lina and him have gotten first pick. Elena, Kaitlyn, Tory, pick what you like. Thank you Laura!
WHALES
SJ Outfitters will go out of Roche Harbor at 1PM tomorrow, they have plenty of space on the boat. Let the people know!
safeco insurance came today and did a walk through inspection. we noticed that we had two expired fire extinguishers.
be sure that when bill la porte comes on monday that he replaces the extinguisher outside the whidbey and the saltspring. there is also one that is due in the kitchen under the sink. i asked bill if he could fit us with a holder for the wall so we can hang it up.
the spa was good today. a little low on bromine from the test strip. i didn’t see any bromine powder. just the tablets.
steffi, do we order this from dwight or does he replace it when it runs out?
kaitlyn out
Kaitlyn,
can you make sure Housekeeping clears the night manager’s bed tomorrow, please? I put Tory in the Spieden tonight, but tomorrow he’ll need the bed.
Thank you!
Printer ink has been ordered:) it should be here by tomorrow or Monday..
Bikes
The bikes are here, they are just waiting to be put together, Adam, do you want to help with this?
i don’t know why i didn’t think of this earlier…but it would actually be very helpful to have training before a morning shift. (kinda like front desk and housekeeping did before we opened.)
that way…everyone can practice on a tray that doesn’t have to go to a room. then…maybe just two people training in the morning at a time. today i had 4. it was a little hard cause i thought i was only going to have one person. i felt sorta like a mother hen with little chicks (ha ha) following me to rooms. i didn’t have my brain on yet and let three of them come with me to deliver a breakfast. i think it weirded the guests out. sorry.
everything seems to be going swimmingly. glad to have the extra help here.
cheers everyone! see you at the meetin’
kaitlyn out!
KAITLYN: Don, from Safeco, (Bird Rock’s insurance company) will be coming by on Friday, June 6 around 11:30. Can you please give him a little tour of the property. If he has any specific questions, tell him to call me. I’m sorry that I won’t be available to help him myself that day.
from seth:
right now the irrigation is set for 15min. 2 times a day. laura…if it needs to be longer or shorter than that…let seth know. he also needs to know when/if there are going to be more flowers installed. (there are some drip wires hanging where there are no flowers) the timer is set for 6 am and 8pm.
and a special shout out to tori: thanks for putting up with me on sat. i have one day like that a month or so. it was a couple of months since i got so frustrated…the last time…tim made me go to bed early cause i was being really sassy. it sucked. its those cords man. like you said…I LOVE IT!!! silly things.
COUCH CLEANING: I looked at my customer info. about the couches and it says to use DISTILLED WATER & MILD DETERGENT. I think the distilled water is probably very important so that we don’t end up with the fabric being discolored. Also, when they use the detergent they should use a very small amount and blot not rub. They probably used a little too much detergent and that is why the material is stiff. In any case, I am going to see if I can get some replacement material in case we see more serious damage. The main thing is to address the spots right away so they don’t become stains.
#1126280
Arrival on Monday: flowers in lobby fridge, bottle of SJ Vineyard Syrah on top of fridge. Read alarm.
ELENA
Please order scone mix and produce today. The latter from MP 378-5228 ext. 3 (Ron is the manager): box of organic oranges, box of organic apples, box of organic strawberries. Please get a check from Cindy and pick it up on Tuesday, while there get:
bananas & green apples
Thank you so much for your help!
PRINTER INK
The printer seems to be working fine, but we are out of ink and Gerard can’t get the type we’ll need. We can order it online (and really need to on Monday). Please call Cindy and ask for a credit card number (Cindy, we love you, and not just for your money, you know that, right?).
STAINS
The stain in the Marrowstone came out, but the fabric is slightly discolored and stiff where it was. The Whidbey took a real beating yesterday, pee & puke and more (much more). Amazing Olga & Soco got it all clean except some stains on the couch cushions. Elena had the idea to call the couch manufacturer and ask for stain removing secrets. Let’s!
WIFI
Upstairs computer still not working, neither is the wifi. Chris, help us, help us!!! I’ll leave another message for him.
Lina & Stefan are catching on. It is a real pleasure working with my fellow Euros. Laura, eventually both will need a white shirt. Will you go blouse hunting again soon?
The flower arrangement arrived a 2 days early for our special guest. It is being stored in the cooler in the lobby. Also had a gentlemen from the Orcas Suite let me know that his tub kept turning back on after they were done using it. The motor is not actually turning back on. It is a special sanitizer cycle that the new aerated tubs are made for. It’s what makes them sooo unique. I also think that a simple Direct T.V. issue has been solved. If you are informed that the T.V. is not receiving a signal. First look to see if the usb cable is disconnected. That was the problem with both T.V. issues this evening. The cables are just long enough to reach the cable box. I love this about them because you don’t see any of those cords dangling. But if the box gets moved the usb can easily slip out of the box. Those naughty little cables! I’m going on my days off…and I wanted to spend a special thanks to Kaitlyn for staying late for me on Saturday so I could finish cleaning that darn vacation rental. THANK YOU KAITLYN!! Oh and good luck to all of our guests participating in the marathon tomorrow.
WATERING: I will have to check on the watering situation, but in the meantime, YES PLEASE MAKE SURE THE PLANTS GET WATERED. We certainly don’t want them to die!
MARROWSTONE STAIN: Apparently the couch in the Marrowstone got significantly stained today. Kaitlyn called me and I recommended they use Woolite. Whoever is on shift tomorrow (Sunday) will you please let me know if the stains got removed?
BUTTER: My parents stayed in Bird Rock last night and loved it. They did have a good suggestion, how about pulling the butter out of the fridge a little before serving so it softens up a bit. They said that by the time it was spreadable the scones were cold.
The computer upstairs is not connecting to the internet. I left a message with Chris T. and did some troubleshooting with Morgan but we were unsuccessful.
BEACH CRUISERS
I have ordered 10 new beach cruisers, 5 shiney black and 5 vanilla. They will be delivered up at Elements, we will assemble them and bring them down. FUN FOR EVERYONE…
PRINTER
How is the new printer working? If it is still giving you problems Kaitlyn or Elena will you please call Dell technical support? Let me know what you find out?
ICE MACHINE
I talked to the appliance people today, the reason the ice maker parts are not working is due to the machine needing ann aftermarket pump that is stronger, due to how we have it set up the normal one does not work. SO Bruce is trying to find the aftermarket pump. Laura talk to me about this on Monday.
Thanks and have a GREAT weekend.
just a friendly reminder that if you are going to do breakfast prep for the morning person… (sometimes there is not enough room in the fridge or breakfast is so small there really is no need to) …breakfast prep for the morning person, all the milk and juice containers need to be covered. there is a milk scum ring you can see when you pour out the milk if it is not covered. (we should probably cover butters and juice. jam for sure. it gets a hard top)
thanks steffi for the reminder to print stuff out.
i am hanging mirrors today in the fidalgo and the whidbey. seth is hanging a shelf in the whidbey and fixing the balcony doors to the speiden and the skipjack. (they were not latching and the only way to keep them closed was to roll the deadbolt. discovered when laura mentioned that we are not to be locking deadbolts for fire reasons.)
FIRE ALARM
is fixed! Yeah! Check out my blog from May 2 to remind yourself how it works or ask me. The alarm company will set up a meeting with the fire marshal for final inspection next week. Please let me know once that happened.
ONLINE RESERVATIONS
Please initial the hard copy when you process them and put in “daily follow up” on back desk. Another staff then needs to double check them, initial again and file them in the file cabinet.
AVS MISMATCH
We are having trouble when guests pay with a different card than the one they held the reservation with. I couldn’t process 4 reservations tonight. Cindy might have fixed the problem already because after leaving a message for her it all of a sudden worked. Cindy, did you do your voodoo on authorize.net?
FOOD
I’ll get bananas, oj, green apples & half & half tomorrow. I’ll call down before I go shopping in case you see something else we need for the weekend.
STAFF MEETING
Don’t forget our front desk staff meeting next Thursday, 6/5/08 at 2 PM.
I thought our open house went great. Everybody was raving about the rooms. How could they not, they are gorgeous. The fire alarm guy (Laura kept him here to get the job done) woke up without back pain for the first time in ages. Ahhh, what a pleasure to work in a place that nice.
JULY 4TH FERRY INFORMATION: Below is information from WSF regarding the FREE PARKING policy at the Anacortes Terminal over the dates of July 3-7. WSF is providing FREE PARKING over these dates since the smaller “Sealth” will be in service, which accommodates 50 less cars per sailing than usual. Please let our July 4 guests know about this FREE PARKING and encourage them to walk on the ferries. Also, please remind our guests that “Getting Here is Half the Fun” and ferry fares include a round trip. Thanks!
SPA SERVICES: Annette (who sometimes works at Lavendera) is available to do manicures & pedicures in peoples’ rooms. The cost is $85. for on site. Her # is 378-1084 or the spa can be called & we can arrange it.
1042313 reservation canceled this weekend in the marrowstone. i told him we could resell his room. (we are already sold out) could we please send him an e-mail letting him know when this sells. i did tell him that we would have to charge if it did not sell.
open house went well. there is some leftovers that steffi is going to use for the meetings tomorrow.
i tried to clean up the best i could. there is a lot of fuzz around.
there are some follow ups i didn’t get to because of the crowds but…can we follow up tomorrow? thanks (they are in follow up folder)
kaitlyn out!
MORE HIDEAWAY NEWS: Elena will call all of the guests we have booked for the Hideaway (not many) and let them know to check in at Elements. She will say something about how much more convenient it will be and that there is off-street parking, etc… Thank you, Elena!
HIDEAWAY: From now on, when you take a reservation for the Hideaway, you do not need to call Jessica. HOWEVER, you DO need to remember to tell the guests that they should check in up at Elements. Please be very kind with them because they will be very confused because they are booking with Bird Rock, staying at the Hideaway and checking in at Elements. Also, there will be a transition time where we need to keep some keys at Bird Rock because there will be some guests that may have old information and still want to check in with you. Again, be gentle.
Hello all your Bird Rockers…
Tomorrow is the Grand Opening party.. Please everyone that is working tomorrow wear a white shirt (request of Ms. Laura).. Brown, Black or Khaki bottoms are okay..
NOT CRAZY? WHAT? NO!
Yes its true breakfast was super smooth this morning lots of people left early and Dina & Olesea are a dream! There was one thing, two rooms that had breakfast ordered were gone probably before I got here but didn’t say anything so we didn’t know and made them both breakfasts, we were able to salvage a lot of stuff but the fruit was a loss. Can anyone think of a way to try and prevent this from happening again?
SPURS BEAT THE Lakers!!! It was about time! Of course I am probably the only one who cares but all the same I thought I’d blog it
FIRE ALARM STATUS: All functional except for the main floor. What does this mean? This means that we need to make sure that fire alarm in the Bainbridge gets put back up. It also means that the fire alarm guys are coming back on Wednesday and hopefully fixing it once and for all!!
Kaitlyn, step away from the blog, slowly, so that I can see your hands!
I assume the fire alarm is functional, but I don’t know 100%, Laura?
I think Adam meant the loaner i-pods to be docked in the fancy i-pod docking radios.
Yes, please villain in our midst cover the citrus fruit and take spoons out of containers.
We could offer toast to our early birds leaving the rock (ha, ha, get it?), so they have something to schmier some jam on? Just leave the toaster on the counter?
Have a good night, famous K.
uhhhohhh. kaitlyn is blogging again…
1. fire alarm? is it functioning? (a follow up on tori’s blog)
2. rack cards are cut and stored under the front desk near your right elbow. thanks steffi!
3.there are flower pots in our courtyard!!!hoooha! are there going to be pots on the second floor balcony as well????
4. ipods- are we supposed to be loaning these WITHOUT headphones? thats wierd. and very rare that someone would have their headphones and not their ipod with them. shall we get some? (not the ones that squeeze in your ear. gross)
5.there is a villain in our midst that is leaving scooping devices ie: spoons and measuring cups in the jam container and putting the lid back on and storing it in the fridge. (i thought we killed this person last season) please remember to take your scoopers out of the containers.
6.i think the spoon villain is friends with the lemon villain and leaving sliced lemon ends not covered in the fridge. i found one in the fruit drawer floating around with the fuzzy kiwi and one face down in the butter nook getting all kissy with the plastic surface in there. please cover cut fruit and citrus. thanks!
7. laura…are we going to spot light our signs. tori got a comment about this the other night. late arrivals having difficulty seeing us.
8. the second floor sign is up by the way…
9. we have a bunch of early check outs. this was when having milk oj and cereal out for buffet was great. and i miss it. i have had to arrange three different breakfast for folks who are leaving at 6am. weird. and i know we aim to please…but they were thinking they were going to get scones!! ha ha ha. how bout bacon and eggs at the blue dolphin?
okey dokey.
recycling is out. but…are they working tomorrow?
kaitlyn out!
ha ha ha. revenge of the ice machine. that will teach that appliance guy! and another sad sad fact that if you want something done right…you best do it yourself. (pessimistic…but sometimes very true.)
see you all at the end of the evening. and if you can avoid the store…its in your best interest to have your cereal without milk tomorrow. its a mad house.
Steffi made a very nice post on the Elements blog commenting about how it is nice to check in guests who are excited to be here, it IS contagious. AND the reverse of this is also true. Enthusiasm is contagious and it is OUR!! JOB!! to give that to our guests. In fact, Adam and I were talking about this remembering some of the wonderful feedback that we got about our great customer service last year. To be honest, a lot of that came from some of our youngest staff who have had such a delightfully warm and cheery demeanor. I’ve noticed that it’s easy for our more seasoned staff to slip into a kind of dourness that is, unfortunately, also contagious. Let this be a reminder to all of us to ALWAYS welcome our guests with enthusiasm. EVERY guest deserves this and is PAYING for it. So, regardless of their attitude as they first walk through the door, it is OUR JOB to do give enthusiasm.
Bainbridge guests returned to their room from dinner and found fire alarm on the floor. Maintenance request form created. I would have put it back up but it was not up there the correct way to begin with. I’m going on my days off and will not be able to follow up on this. Can someone please double check and make sure it does. Thanks!
Another espresso machine issue. The bottom of one of the water reservoirs fell out. Kaitlyn replaced it with the one from the back that we are already sending back…she is so smart. Also I just e-mailed Laura and thought it should be in the blog. The ice machine pump installation man came in and said that the newest pump that we have received is not the correct pump. He jotted down the serial and said he would try to get the correct pump himself. Until then and during the busy times I’ve been getting ice from Kings. Also Madonna’s new album Hard Candy just hit number one! Go Madge!
RATE SHEETS
Made lots and lots of rate sheets, just need to be cut.
FOOD
Elena, can you please order scone mix on Monday from the manufacturer directly, a lot, maybe put in a standing order? Please blog about it so I know. Thank you.
On Wednesday we’ll get: milk, yogurt, butter, oj, toast & jam.
There is some mustard in the fridge, please don’t touch, it’s for our open house.
MATIA GUESTS
With flawless teamwork K, M and I moved guests into an Earth place. I matched the price they were paying. After HK cleans the Matia, feel free to rent it. Let future guests know that the fan is a little loud and we’ll knock off $10 per night. Please write maintenance request for fan.
I had fun at the farmer’s market this morning. Guard had slaughtered lamb and was fully stocked and gave out free hugs. Pam from Demeter had loads and loads of pastries, chocolate croissants, oh goody. There was music and radishes of all colors and sizes. Ah, summer is coming.
1079272 guest had complaints about room and very unhappy. room was hot and ceiling fan made clicking noise when turned on hight. if open window, noise from store parking lot. said outlet was not working near the tv. (i tried them both and they seemed to be working…i will write a maintenance report just in case. also one for the fan ticking) their key card didn’t work as well. they requested to be moved down a floor but we are sold out tonight. i had morgan put an earth room on hold in case they decided to move. i also put a fan in their room and installed a mirror. (i had not done that yet.)
SHALL WE REMIND PEOPLE NOT TO STORE THEIR ROOM KEY NEXT TO THEIR ELECTRONICS ON CHECK IN?
i will double check ALL room keys right now and make sure they work. (seems like we have had a lot of trouble with them lately)
FYI- i have noticed in the morning that when the jelly is not covered in the little dishes it gets an icky filmy hard surface. and when the milks are in the individual containers, there is a scum ring around the edges. (if not covered)
i made extra vouchers for the folder and made the price corrections for the crystal seas and san juan outfitters. thanks steffi for forwarding those to me. they are all in the master folder for bird rock templates.
just a quickie.
laura…i don’t remember where else we had discussed putting extra mirrors. (i believe we have three or four. give me four locations just in case. and i can try to get that done today.)
thanks steffi for the fruit.
poor tori. i wish he had a delux suite to sleep in. it really is weird being uprooted twice a week.
yea binders!
oh, and cindy…i will e-mail you a shopping list for matboard and foam core. i think they are finishing my bathroom up and there shouldn’t be sinks and toilets in my framing area anymore. (not to mention dust and strange men) ick.
adam, i will be photographing the whidbey and the saltspring today as well. hooohaH.
FRONT DOOR KEYS
I reprogrammed a bunch of front door keys. Tory will drop them in the upper drawer of the safe. So all E keys in that drawer are working.
PRINTER
Is workingish. Kaitlyn, please let me know if it’s eating paper again, then we need to call the authorities (and by that I mean Cindy and Laura).
PRINTER
is not working at all anymore. After eating every other print out, now some tiny piece of paper is totally stuck. I’ll play with it some more, but the area where it’s stuck doesn’t open. Ideas? Please!
HIDEAWAY
will soon be part of ELEMENTS booking system. Once that is the case, we’ll need to call all future guests staying in there and let them know where to go for check-in. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, just a heads up.
ICE MACHINE PUMP
is in ice machine (not installed, just in there), so we find it when the repair guy comes.
CHAMPAGNE
Still, really and I kid you not, we have a full box of full sized champagne under our counter. I’ll make them more visible later today.
ESPRESSO DECALCIFICATION
I set an email alarm for the beginning of each months to remind us and the housekeepers. The first time the alarm pops up (June 2), lets grab one of our manuals and go over the proper procedures with the HK staff. Please blog about it.
FOOD
I’ll get assorted fruit, half & half and oj tomorrow.
OPEN HOUSE
Don’t forget our open house next Wednesday from 3-7. Adam & Laura will show our new beautiful rooms, we’ll have snacks and drinks and a good time. Mention it to our adventure providers when you book with them. Stop on by yourself.
ICE MACHINE: The pump part is in. (Elena will bring it by). I’ve left a message for Bruce to put it in. I don’t know when he’ll do this, but whoever is on shift when he comes, will you please post to the blog that it has been done!!
GARBAGE: Regino will check every Sunday evening for garbage/recycling, but will you Front Deskers please call him or Seth if you notice the garbage cans looking full. Remember that the Speiden deck looks directly out to this area.
hey, i put an e-mail in to elements for some vouchers for birdrock. there are a couple of price discrepancies for san juan island outfitters 3 hour kayak and crystal seas. they should be 69 on the voucher not 65. the owner of both have contacted us about this.
i have been having some trouble with our printer jamming. fyi
cindy suggests not putting a lot of paper in the loader to see if this solves the problem.
the spa guy came today and did his thing. (not dwight)
i also sent an e-mail about our room folders. any ideas on if we are going to have these in our rooms?
adam e-mailed me on how to charge the loaner i pods. the cable charger goes to the blue one and the white one gets plugged directly into the back of the computer tower to charge.
sorry, i forgot to change the name on the last blog. steffi: dhl package (in your box)has our name plate that goes to the other package from wells fargo that was here on the safe at the beginning of the week. (credit card paper slips)
BLOG HOLE: Kaitlyn has a very good point in that if you have posted to the blog about an issue that will happen while you are off and by the time you get back the issue will me moot, you can’t do much more than post it. All I’m really asking is that you follow up where necessary. Thanks, guys!
sorry steffi, i didn’t get to read the blog until around 12:30 today and had already run my errands. so the coffee guy does not have one of our coffee machines. (which are under the bench shelf in the back room. raquel brought two spares over this morning)
elena, could you write down how to fix the radio frequency remote thing in the front desk resource book? sometimes this is easier with our shift changes.
seth has been working on the leaking bathroom on the second floor. (one of the shared bathrooms)
we got a dhl for laura today.
also some new friday harbor maps. i had them leave 2 boxes. they are in the back room on the upper shelf. (friday harobr maps in red ink)
i believe i remember steffi ordering full bottles of champagne from a different vendor. i brought two down from elements to tide us over. laura says ok to put two splits in a room if need to.
there was a piece of plastic in the scone mix this morning and got baked in and given to a guest. laura would like us to check the mix as we are making scones in the morning to make sure there is no more. i will call the company to let them know.
i will be working at the time of the meeting so i guess i will be here.
the reason i told the hideaway folks about our breakfast is because they asked. i was under the impression we were doing “special requests” for that room as well since we sell it. i guess i am confused about what we can and can’t do. of course i am always nice and smiley if i say “no, i’m sorry” when guests ask…but how can you say no to such a simple request? especially when i am little mini adam and laura’s on my shoulders whispering in my ear.
the only problem with the blog follow up is if the event occurs while you are on your days off.
i saw the aviator last night. (and i am reading a biography on howard hughes) how facinating!!
PHONES
I like voice mail (it is sometimes odd to have somebody leave a message and all the guests you are checking in can hear it). Also: If Lina & Stefan are working out the way Cindy & I are dreaming about, we will have a fully front desk trained person preparing breakfast & able to answer the phones.
FOOD
We got shorted on OJ. I will get OJ and fruit from MP on Friday.
MONEY
There is no money in petty. I have $24 to buy eggs tomorrow and will replenish petty later on Thursday.
BREAKFAST FORMS
Check out the cool new breakfast forms Adam made us! If we need more there are in the BR forms & templates folder in “our documents”
COFFEE MACHINES: I will ask Raquel where the coffee machines are. She was supposed to have them there.
ANSWERING SERVICE: Cindy is in the process of getting us set up with Girl Friday to answer the second line at Bird Rock after the second ring. This will happen Monday-Friday 8-5. It will be similar to the setup we have at Elements. I am toying with the idea of switching to voice mail with the phone company rather than using our own answering machine. Either that or I need to buy a new phone system. That outgoing message is just too darned long. Another option, is to do what Adam and I used to do in the old days…change the message every morning and every night. That way the message stays fresh and short. Feedback on this??
I’m sorry I blog so much today: where are the drip coffee machines? The guy from SJ coffee co wanted to borrow one to ensure we get the best quality and the right grain. Kaitlyn, if you know where they are can you bring one to SJ coffee when you pick up the chocolate, please?
Kaitlyn
Please run to the coffee co tomorrow after 11 AM and pick up 2 6packs of truffles (ordered already, put on account). One is for a romance package this weekend, the other is a spare.
Thank you, happy shift!
HIDEAWAY: What Steffi says is correct, we don’t provide breakfast for the Hideaway so make sure to tell the guest this on the phone when they book, but as always, be nice and let them know that breakfast IS included, but as Steffi said, at the Rocky Bay Cafe (right across the street).
Earplugs
We got them from the Earplug Store, custom labeled, with the old logo. I can go ahead and order some more with a credit card. Or one of us can contact Tom and email him the Bird Rock art or questions at: tom@earplugstore.com or call him (custom imprint specialist) if you have questions or need assistance entering your order: 800-426-7959.
Front Desk Meeting
How about a front desk staff meeting on Thursday, 6/5 at 2 PM. Does that work for everybody?
Hideaway
We are not serving breakfast to guests of the Hideaway. Those guests have coupons for Rocky Bay Cafe provided by David (the owner) in the Hideaway. No biggy, but next time please let the guests know.
Fruit
Here is the deal: neither Marketplace nor FSA nor Sysco will break cases for us, so it’s a case of something or retail prices. Bananas will get iffy, just like they always did. Apples and Oranges will be fine if we all go through the cases and make sure we don’t have a rotten apple in there. As for the rest, even though it’s tedious I will simply post what I ordered and when it comes so everybody knows and nobody orders double. We have a manager meeting next week and a staff meeting the week after. Let’s bring those issues up and find solutions.
COFFEE
I ordered 30 packets of reg. and 15 decaf for when people request regular coffee makers. I have started working on the labels for the packets and hopefully have them ready tomorrow.
REMOTES
Seth showed me how to fix the problem that occurred with the remote in the Bainbridge master bedroom, so if this happens again just ask and I will show you how to fix it. (its pretty simple)
BLOG BLACK HOLE: We manager types have been noticing that the blog, while wonderful, has it’s drawbacks. Namely, lack of follow-through. You’ve all been doing a wonderful job at posting details that need to be followed up on. And, for the most part, you’ve been doing well at following up on these, but SOMETIMES, balls get dropped. So, NEW RULES: when YOU post something on the blog, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure that somebody followed up on it.
COFFEE MACHINES: Raquel brought some regular, drip coffee machines to have when guests prefer that over the espresso machines. When a guest asks for a coffee machine, do not remove the espresso machine (unless there is no room for it, such as in the Skipjack or Patos) simply place the new one in the room. And then, put a reminder in for the housekeepers to remove it when the guest checks out.
Along these lines, I have asked Elena to order some room coffee packets from San Juan Coffee Roasters (rather than bringing down Elements’ packets).
TVs: I mentioned the remote/tv problem in the Bainbridge and the Skipjack to Seth and he thinks that it’s possible that they were deprogrammed to not receive RF (radio frequency). He will take a look at that, but you folks should also know how to fix this problem (rather than having to pull the receiver out of the drawer). I think you just go into the menu option and find where it says to program the remote and it should be there. Please ask Seth if you have no idea what I am talking about.
Cigarette butts and other garbage: Please, as you walk in to work every day (and when you step outside) glance around the property to see if there are ickies that need to be picked up either in the courtyard or on the sidewalks. Yes, I know it’s gross, but you can always wash your hands and your guests and your boss will be very grateful. Also, can you make sure that there are never garbage cans just sitting outside and that the gate back to the garbage area is ALWAYS closed (I’ve noticed it open frequently).
Dave went ahead and disconnected the thermostat in the Bainbridge Suite. Also I was unaware there is a drip coffee machine in the San Juan Suite. Had already mentioned it to guest downstairs. So went ahead and switched it with the one in the Sucia. I hope this is o.k. They really wanted an espresso machine in their room.
BAINBRIDGE:
Heat issue in big bedroom-I’ve left a message with Dave. It’s possible that the guests unwittingly turned it to hot instead of cold. Alternatively, the thermostat has shorted out. In any case, I have asked Dave to replace the thermostat. I’ll let you know when I get an E.T.A. on that. In the meantime, please keep me posted because if the thermostat IS set to cold and the room is still hot, I need to know this to help Dave diagnose the problem correctly.
TV: Tory says that it’s working fine right now. Please keep me posted on this issue as well.
HOT & COLD taps in the bathroom. Yes, this is a bummer, but it is an old building that has been retrofitted and some things are kooky. This is one of them. There really isn’t anything that we can do about this or the Marrowstone (and there may be others) without tearing out the walls. So…for now, they’re just reversed of what is standard in the U.S. You can just tell the guests that we’re our own little country here and we do everything a little differently than they do on the mainland…
ICE MACHINE: I have been promised that I will have the new pump in my hands by Thursday. If that is so, it is possible that we may have it fixed before the weekend. But don’t hold your breath!
Super busy breakfast but dishes are working away in the washer.
THE BAINBRIDGE
these folks are so nice and say they are really enjoying their stay but there are a few things that really need to be fixed before the next guest checks in.
*Water in the bathroom is backwards hot and cold are switched
* The Master bedroom is super hot and I’m sure that it is the thermostat that needs replacing. since the face is falling off and won’t stay on, it looks like someone put a piece of scotch tape on it. Come on guys!
*the TV issue that Kaitlyn mentioned.
de-cal on the first works for me. we will probably need an alarm.
so…an interesting thing happened tonight. in the bainbridge master bed…the direct tv wasn’t receiving info from the remote….because it wouldn’t reach through the drawer. it read the volume but nothing else. any suggestions? i had to prop the machine pokin’ its head out of the drawer. thankfully the wires were long enough. (this can not be said about the skipjack wires) and more bruises.
i tried to print some more rack cards and couldn’t get them to line up for the double sided print. steffi: you had the magic touch once….can you wrangle some more rack cards for us?
i moved the surveys to the front of the desk again. they got put behind the desk in the folders. its hard to remember when they are not in our face. sorry laura.
phones were crazy today and tonight. there must not be anything good on tv.
HOUSEKEEPING CHECK LIST: Yes. Yes. Yes. In fact, there will be a housekeeping meeting on Thursday. I will be attending that meeting, sooo… if you each could write up a “housekeeping wish list” for me, I would be ever-so-grateful, and I will go over this with the housekeepers then!
ESPRESSO MACHINES AND H20: My plan for keeping the espresso machines was to use tap water and just have someone go through them at the first of each month and decalcify them. Does that work for yous guys?
so…the remote controls are being turned to TV on the top slider…which makes the 1. tv get NO SIGNAL or not change channels. i found two remotes like this tonight after guests had checked in and sat down to relax in front of the boob tube. (i think guests are flicking it to the wrong setting)
sooo…here is my idea. should we have a check list for housekeeping?
1. coffee pods out of machine (i found one of those in the whidbey and it had been there all day and was really hard to get out without ripping the filter and spilling the grounds inside the machine)
2.tv remote set to correct settings
3. fan remotes in the correct room. (bedroom and sitting area remotes getting mixed)
i filled out a maintenance sheet for the orcas. the drawer pulls on the dresser are loose. (if one of us gets a chance, this is something we don’t have to wait for seth to do. it takes an alan wrench. and we can do it when guests check out.)
i bought some more groceries. but we may need to go tomorrow. sorry. (hint for steffi–fsa had orders coming in twice a week which seemed to work well. this made it so fruit didn’t go rotten and always plenty of fruit and yogurt. it seems a hassle to shop twice a week…but it seemed like a sure thing.) and you are doing fab. by the way for not knowing what the old routine was.
we were out of light bulbs for the vanity mirrors in the bainbridge. (there were there burnt out) i had to run to kings really fast and get some more. sorry…otherwise i would have gone to ace. we probably need to have housekeeping do an inventory of light bulbs and restock. there didn’t seem to be much of a selection.
GUEST SURVEYS: I don’t know where they are at Bird Rock, but somewhere there should be a stack of guest surveys from/for the Visitors Bureau. Please, please, please, hand those out to guests when they check in and tell them that we would be so grateful if they could take a minute to fill it out and drop it back by the front desk some time. When they come in, just save them for me and I’ll send them to the Visitor’s Bureau.
HEALTH INSPECTOR: Good work with the health inspector, Kaitlyn. I was pretty sure that we were completely covered, but it’s nice to get that verification. It’s actually very difficult to score a zero, so GREAT work, everyone!
ICE MACHINE: I am STILL working on this. The guy at Anaco is not very responsive and I call him almost every day. Keep asking, though, so I make sure to keep it in my mind. Also, I am waiting from him for the lobby microwave, which I ordered 5! months ago..ugh…
ORCAS REFRIGERATOR: Kaitlyn, there isn’t a fridge in the Orcas and there won’t be. Yes, it is a superior room, but there’s just not enough room to try and shove a fridge in there. As far as I can tell, we don’t promise one anywhere. If any of you find reference to that on the web site or otherwise, let me know so that we can remove it. Thanks!
FOOD: Elena pointed out that we have lots of food in certain categories (bananas, oranges, apples) and not enough in other (cereal, yogurt). I asked her to go to Market Place today to make sure that we had enough food through Thursday morning. Steffi, I know you usually take care of this on Wednesday, but I thought it would be easier to just take care of it all at once. Let’s talk about the food situation more.
FRONT DESK MEETING: We need one soon. Steffi, sorry to load you up, but can you schedule one for us soon (even before all of the new staff arrives.) Thank you!
elena,
that reservation that canceled. i just sold their room. so all is good.
HEALTH INSPECTOR:
randomly i had expected the health department to come in the morning and to have already been here. but nope. i got them during my ferry rush and in the middle of laying out cookies, shoveling dishes away and storing forgotten groceries that i left on the floor. luckily, somehow, after having to leave her in the back alone while i did check ins, we scored a ZERO or “love” in tennis terms (i am learning the game) which is actually good in health department terms. so we passed and thank god that is over and i don’t have to wonder if they have been here or not.
so how about this one. ICE MACHINE???? ARE WE GOING TO GET IT FIXED?
ESPRESSO MACHINES
*apparently we are supposed to use bottled water with these otherwise we will need to do a calcification every week or month depending on how often it is being used.
* DO NOT open them up anymore otherwise the warranty is voided.
One machine we are waiting on a part for it is clearly labeled in the back.
* From now on whenever there is an issue with any of the machines we need to get as detailed about the problem as possible, any odd noises, where the water is coming out of, the date and time if possible too.
SCONE MIX
I had to order more from FSA becuase even though we got a 25lb box today I ordered another 3 we go through it incredibly fast.
REZ # 1138360 Cancelled one of the rooms they had for today, I did let them know they would be charged if we did not resell (they should be charged $95.77)
COFFEE
I ordered 2 5lb bags today
STEFFI
WE need some more earplugs and Laura says your the lady to ask about for that. do you remember where you ordered them?
I think that thats all but if I remember anything later I will blog from home (Goes to show just what an interesting life I have) See you tomorrow for a super busy breakfast!
FLOWERS: So, I know that the flowers we’ve been getting haven’t been Susie’s usual summer extravaganzas. I don’t think we need to worry too much, because, I suspect that as we get more into summer, she’ll have a greater supply. If you don’t see marked improvement over the weeks, please let me know and we can talk to her. Also, when she brings the lobby flowers, please make them look pretty. Sometimes, I think she just sticks them in a vase and they don’t always look too nice. So, pretty, pretty, pretty please work some magic on them because as you should all be well aware by now, IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS!!!
thanks steffi for the flat head and the de-squeeker. i de-squeeked the marrowstone door. it took a lot of de-squeeker juice. and the office door too.
the flower gal came and did up some plants for the speiden balcony. are those on timers? or do we need to have housekeeping water them?
i printed 2 housekeeping reports for the morning. one less thing to do.
perhaps a switcher (elena, tory or steffi) can grab some coffee packets from elements? do they have the filter in them already?
scone mix is on the board…do we have a designated orderer? or a phone number?
steffi: you really are doing great. and might i commend you on your calming skills. i’m sure you want to kill me. but i will die in time anyway. so its all good.
(i’m not nearly so much of a problem when i have less days. i get less “involved.” its much better)
i put an alarm for a spa cookie tomorrow. and the back alley is a little cardboard crowded. recycling is out for tomorrow so we will be able to stuff our can and clean some of that up once it comes back empty.
kaitlyn out!
I went to Browne’s today to get some pretty little plants to put in my planters. And I saw…EVERYONE at Browne’s. Apparently, I wasn’t the only islander lured to my garden by the warm weather. I even saw Ms. Cindy there.
Coffee. As opposed to espresso. Some guests may, for whatever reason, prefer to use a plain old coffee maker rather than making espresso or “regular-style” coffee using the espresso machines. No problem. I suggest we (meaning…I) get a few small coffee makers to keep at Bird Rock for those times. Also, let’s get a handful (or more) decaf and regular coffee bags from Elements for those instances. I wouldn’t suggest using the kitchen coffee from Bird Rock because the grind will be off and the coffee will taste icky (that’s a technical word, for unpalatable).
Alright, famous K, I’m on my way with a flathead and some WD40 (Regino and I had a fistfight over it, kidding of course). Regino says there are several Philips screwdrivers in the BR toolbox in luggage room. I trade you those precious items for the payroll records and a scrubby. See you in 5.
i would love to be able to fix these espresso machines when the screen gets stuck in the lid. but…we don’t have any tools down here to fix with. can we get a fillips screw driver and a flat head screw driver for our tool box??? anyone?
thanks
kaitlyn
ps. can you blog when there is one in there? and blog if seth gets the w-d 40 message?
thanks
please…someone could you call seth on monday and ask him if he can buy us a can of W-D40 for all our squeeky doors? (office door, marrowstone gate etc)
or when you see him? its sunday and i don’t want to call him on his day off and he would probably forget anyway cause he is not at work. thank you and may the gods bless you for doing so.
tory: i checked the tv on my walk through when i got here this afternoon. you are very correct that the box just needed to think a little before it turned on. all is good.
the spa is checked and may need that spa cookie that steffi and i talked about. i will read the blog again to see when we are supposed to do that. a guest just checked in but i can see if i can swing it. but i think we had decided on mondays. shall we post that in the alarms steffi?
sorry to hear about the saga up at elements. but that is what makes our jobs so interesting isn’t it. and fun. we get to know guests so much better. well, i think in the morning we get to know guests waaayy better up here. so far i have seen women in their underwear answer the door,men in boxers, men in bed under a single sheet…(uchhmmm)and martha got to see someone in the shower the other day when delivering to the orcas. (you know how romantic that room is with the shower in the bedroom. romantic for everyone)
tory: i am so sorry about what happened to your little red truck and all your things. let me know what you bought and i will tackle any man or young man who appears to be wearing it. seriously. i have never punched anyone before and i think it might be fun. once. by the way…you may need to bring a needle and thread to work….cause i went to the gym the other day and got ripped.
Tragically we lost another knob to the oven. We are now down to one. It just split in half when I was turning it off. Also the dead bolt on the Lopez Suite is not working. Maintenance form filled out. Also San Juan Suites Direct TV is locked in place. I reset the box and troubleshooted. I think it just needed a little time to think. Can someone check on it tomorrow after checkout. Bye
HIDEAWAY: I’m sorry I forgot to answer your question about the Hideaway before. Steffi got it right all except for the balcony part. There is a balcony on that building, but that belongs to an office (David Waldron’s). The studio is actually on the back side of the building.
HIDEAWAY
Has not had renovations and does not have wireless internet. Why don’t you stop by there sometimes, when you know nobody is in there? We all should, I have never been there either.
Here is what I say:”It’s a studio apartment in a quaint Victorian on the main street, with a little balcony facing the buzzling street. Breakfast is included in as much as there are vouchers for Rocky Bay Cafe provided on the coffee table. It’s very central, you can walk everywhere. Our sister hotel is right next door with an indoor heated pool, sauna & hot tub you are welcome to use. If you want to feel like you have your own apartment here in Friday Harbor, this is the place for you.”
Kaitlyn:
Customer Service Class: you’ll open and make breakfast on the 22nd, the LL (lovely Laura) will come at 8.30 and send you to school, then, when the class is over at 1, you’ll go back down to BR and relieve Laura. Make sense?
ELEMENTS room 337: we had a flooding and the picture got all wet. Can you replace the matting please as soon as possible. Thank you.
i had a question that kinda got lost in blog land…and anyone can answer it if you know…
the hideaway. has that had rennovations? how are we selling this room? it doesn’t look like anything we have on our website and i have never been there. how do i sell this room with enthusiasm? should elements do the rentals(check ins) for it? since it is listed under studios and cottages and is possibly closer to elements?
steffi:
Thanks for the grocery schedule. It is actually really helpful. Do you want a print out of the month so you can get an idea what our busy nights might be? we can kinda tell by now…for the rest of may, what things may look like with walk ins.
i really love the american version. i have never seen the british version. i don’t have cable…so i have to watch at the aid building. and i bought all the seasons last year when i was single…to get me through those lonely evenings.
breakfast went well. martha was here and helped a lot. ironically it was her first morning to actually help. hopefully all the housekeepers are have done it at least once by now. it really is so nice to have them.
we were low on a couple of fruits so i had martha go to the store for emergency back up.
laura: what do you mean you are not going to work my whole shift?
lots of compliments. and the first herb’s complaints. two rooms…sucia and orcas complained. go figure. lets keep the drunks inside and keep the music on the down low.
oh, and i just realized…its the season when they keep their doors open too.
I’m so proud of you guys for following up on your reservations and other details.
Yes, there is another spa in town, but I want to make sure that you guys know to refer to Lavendera first and to Spa D’Bune only if Lavendera is full or if a guest specially requests something that Lavendera doesn’t do (e.g. side-by-side pedicures, haircuts, etc.)
Kaitlyn, I just wanted to clarify that I will cover Bird Rock while you are at the customer service conference, but I won’t cover your whole shift. I will get to BR at about 8:30, right after I drop the kids off at school.
Kaitlyn: there is a customer service class put on by the SJVB in our conference center on Thursday, May 22, from 9 to 1. Laura will cover your front desk, there will be lunch, do I need to say more? Fun, fun, fun!
COFFEE MAKERS
Regino will bring down all the spare espresso makers (4 total), so we have something to swap with. Elena, please do espresso maker school with the housekeepers (please let them know that they have to be super careful with the machines), and with Kaitlyn (on Sunday) and Tory (on Tuesday). Thank you.
GROCERY SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAYS:
Food Coop (dairy, juice, body care, all bulk but scone mix)
Market Place: produce
THURSDAYS:
eggs from Synergy farm
SATURDAYS:
Farmers Market: eggs, produce comes Summer
Market Place: odds and ends
FSA when necessary
So, I’ll do shopping tomorrow, next Wednesday more. If you need something in between, run to the store yourself, but not too much. When we are rich and famous I would like a large fridge, maybe in the downstairs laundry, so we can stock up on things and not have to order so tight because of storage issues.
NEW SPA IN TOWN
Spa d bune, 669 Mullis St, Suite 101 (by thrift store), 360.370.5027
They pick guests up and have a manicure and pedicure person on staff, they do hair as well, so they will be a great addition to the services our spa offers (they have regular massages as well.
I’ll put their menu in our voucher folder.
ADD ON RESERVATION
Famous K, I thought you did a wonderful job with that reservation with all the add-ons. No loose ends, everything was taken care of or left so we could figure it out. Thank you so much.
At night I always look at the upcoming check-ins at both properties and I feel so warm and fuzzy, because almost never is there even a voucher to make. All of you guys, but especially Tory and Gio are on those vouchers like pittbulls on a dying deer. Great, now I have that image in my head.
Kaitlyn, are you watching the British or the American office? I loooove the British version
i had a guest special request some chocolate covered strawberries as a gift. i checked around. didn’t find anyone who does that. i put an e-mail into cindy and laura to see what they want to do. (laura just called and said this is something we need to be apologetic about and we can’t do this. suggest something else yummy)
i tried to find out what we are being charged for chocolates by san juan coffee. they didn’t know. perhaps we have an old invoice to tell us. (I thought they were a bit spendy for 6 chocolates. seemed odd)
i think laura explained to me about how to fix these espresso machines when the filter gets stuck up top. we are also going to store the extra machines at birdrock in case one stops working.
we just need to try to be more careful when we are moving them around. laura mentioned writing a blog to steffi so that she can talk to housekeeping.
the spa was checked today. (i noticed that the check sheet wasn’t being filled out.) steffi mentioned that we should go in there and test the water even if the room is occupied. (because they like to see that we are monitoring the water and taking care of our facilities)
big breakfast for tomorrow. i made all the flower arrangements and checked out the grocery situation and it looks like we need a bunch of fruit and possibly some yogurt. do we have designated grocery days? i’m sorry steffi. i think you told me but i do not remember. can we write it on the white board that way we know when its our responsibility to get back up groceries and to not bother you?
so we had another espresso machine do that thing where the pod chamber gets stuck in the lid. it came from the marrowstone. i took the spare from the saltspring. regino brought a spare from elements. so i think everyone has an espresso machine.
so…elena…i think it sounded like you knew how to fix the machines when they did stuff like this. is there a way to prevent this from happening so often or is it just something that we have to keep on top of?
most of the time i am finding broken machines when i am checking people in and showing them how to work the machine. is it broken before i show the room and the housekeepers don’t know its broken? or is it breaking when i open the pod chamber? (which gives no resistance when i open it)
sorry about the big rezo with all the add ons. i will mention now (after the fact):( anything thats “big” and requires a lot of phone calls and arrangements…i will have the alarms set and USUALLY a packet with e-mail print outs and updates on who has what and what time and when and how much money IN MY BOX NEAR THE FRONT DESK. feel free to look in there for anything else i might have put in there.
only had one good day of landscaping but got some aid calls in. (very good)
tori-i heard there are extra espresso machines at elements. i don’t know if they want to store them there or here.
(the black hole sucked my espresso machine storage question blog up steffi)
and…i am totally hooked on NBC’s The Office. i sorta wish we could joke around and play harmless pranks and have lots of meetings….but it is sorta lonely down here. may be we should make the front desk bigger so we can have two people here all the time. you know, keep the morale up.
(and i love watching people fall in love. even if it is on a tv sitcom.)
Below from Ryan, the guy who proposed to his fiancee last week (she said “yes” and the ring was gorgeous)
Hello!
I wanted to thank you guys for an absolutely wonderful experience! The hotel was great, the service was great, and the entire staff was fantastic! You made our engagement a fantastic experience. We’ll be back soon!
#1039804 (BIRD ROCK)
Tory, please stop by ELEMENTS on your way to work and get a check from Cindy for Market Chef, then go to Market Chef and pick up 3 vegetarian lunches for above reservation (around $15 each). Then put the lunches in the lobby fridge or better yet, give them to the super sweet family staying in the Bainbridge. They will go on a kayak trip on Saturday (but Market Chef closed on Saturday).
Then please add th cost of the lunch plus 15% to the guest’s room and charge the card on file.
Muchas Gracias.
FOLLOW UP
Is our fire alarm functional? Does anybody know about the ice machine status? Please, everybody, make sure to write those status reports in the log, otherwise the log just becomes this black hole were we throw questions in and never get an answer.
In that spirit:
WATER ISSUE LAUNDRY ROOM
According to Rob we have a new functional pump and all is good.
PAY PER VIEW
Our system is not set up yet. So still, if a guest wants to watch a movie, have them order it on their TV, we will not charge the guest.
We are sold out on Saturday, yeah, yiipeeehh, uhhu!
DIRECT TV
Had my first pay per view movie order today. Direct TV didn’t know what I was talking about. Laura told him what for, but our system is not yet set up correctly. Laura will tackle it on Friday. Until then tell the guest to try to order it on the screen. If it works it’s theirs for free.
WATER ISSUE IN LAUNDRY ROOM
I checked the pump several times and the water is rising, so I didn’t turn it off. Elena will check it later tonight and turn it off if the water level sinks.
FOLLOW UP
I’m sorry, too busy. Kaitlyn, there is a message for you from a future guest on the machine. Can you please tackle that? Elena, please make sure we have everything for tomorrow’s super add on reservation, can you write out an itinerary, please, and make reservations at Market Chef (see alarm)?
NEW SCHEDULE
is up. Elena, I know you want to work both places and you will. Kaitlyn, I know you want to work 4 or less shifts and you will. Just hand in there with me for another three weeks, will you?
CUSTOMER SERVICE CLASS
Tory will go, so will Elena and Kaitlyn.
Thanks for the Dos XX, Olga, I do really deserve that after this day.
Good night, Sweeties.
Drain issue
The new pumps will be here Thursday, until then, Elena will check the pump at night and in the am to make sure it is on when needed, if it is not needed we need to make sure it is unplugged so that it does not burn out. Seth is going to stop by tonight and show Steffi what the deal is.
Dimmer switch
It is here and in my office, I will have Dave install it tomorrow.
Customer Service Class
PLEASE everyone attend, Laura will cover the front desk at Bird Rock and Cindy will cover front desk at ELEMENTS, this is from 9:45am to 1:00pm, you will be paid and lunch is provided. The class is here in the conference center. Please confirm with Steffi.
side-by-side massages may differ in price depending on the type, for example today I got a call from the spa for a guest of ours with voucher for a deep tissue massage the price on the voucher said $170 but the price is actually $190, so from now on when you book a side-by-side confirm the type and the price.
WE NEED GROCERIES!!!
But I think steffi is taking care of that today, I hope
The drain issue basically means for now that we can not run the dishwasher and the girls can’t do laundry. It also means that if the pump is not fixed today, I will be checking the water every hour to make sure that the level is not getting too high. OH BOY! MORE UPDATES TO COME
ESPRESSO MACHINE
I fixed it!!! It appears that the suction created was strong enough to pull the small round part for the coffee pod up into the top. This is probably because the coffee pod holder was not properly seated.
OOPS… I spoke too soon after further testing of the machine another problem arose the water is not coming out of the top of the machine but draining directly to the bottom.
WOOHOO I am a genius after all! I called the Soltazza number and they had a tech on site who helped me out in figuring the problem, it seems that there is a small little lever under the top of the machine (you have to take the cover off to see it) if that lever is jarred it causes the water to drain out the bottom as apposed to the top. I will show you all what I mean durring shift changes.
Espresso machine(if you will) in Sucia has a problem. I noticed when I was doing a demo to the guest that there was not a screen to hold the coffee pod but after further investigation i saw it was completely jammed into the top component. Whoever did this had to really work it because you cannot get it off without damaging the machine. See visual aid in back office. Stole coffee pot from Patos.I am sure this is not procedure but needed a quick fix. Empty room coffee pot occupied room broken pot. Are there back ups?
CLOSING SHIFTS:
Please note, we should never be dead-bolting the common exterior doors, i.e. the 2nd floor lobby door, the 3rd floor landing door, the basement common door. For fire escape reasons, these doors must NEVER be dead-bolted. They may be locked, but by the handles only.
check out the whale update folder in outlook. we got an e-mail from maya that has some pictures of some dolphins that don’t come up here much. very cool.
the evening went smoothly. cookie dough. grocery store. and ….dishes. hooray.
have a good morning. i am off landscaping for a few days.
kitty birdrockin’ out!
there is a trouble shooting for the tv remote controls in the front desk resource book. this will help us when the remote stops responding to the receiver. the code that we need to put is on the cheat sheet and on the direct tv movie code list. there is also a website link to the tv manufacture in laura’s inbox in outlook.
we need a small hole punch for down here to re-punch key cards when the stop working. (or if anyone knows where there is one here….can you tell me?)
Please follow up on these few things, THANKS
* Please put the microwave that is in the back office in the Marrowstone (if the guests ever leave the room)I haven’t seen them come out all day so we may just have to wait till they check-out
* Please check the Marrowstone gate. A guest complained that it was squeaky and hard to latch, but it is a new gate, if this is the case make up a maintenance request for Seth.
*Island Air called about the flight booked for res #1039804. The flight times will need to be changed so that they can clear customs (which is only available at certain times) I gave them the guests number and they will contact them.
*If you catch the guests in the Lopez, have them give you their keys so you can change the front door key cards. They were not working this morning, but I didn’t have time to change them since it was during the breakfast rush.
BOY WHAT A CRAZY DAY AND ITS NOT EVEN SUMMER YET.
Please do a thorough breakfast prep it is going to be another busy morning.-Thank you
FIDALGO vanity light: Dave will be installing a dimmer switch on the light above the mirror so that guests can control the brightness…better for make-up application.
P.S. Remember to keep the front desk area EXTREMELY TIDY. This is our guests very first impression of us and it needs to be sparkling and well-organized. Please especially be mindful to keep payment information private and securely hidden, particularly when you are stepping away from the desk.
Happy Monday Morning. The sun is shining. Life is GOOD!
FERRY ARRIVALS: Today Elena will be talking with the housekeepers to make sure that they are available to help show guests to their rooms on check in. They should show guests the following:
1) How to use the coffee makers (both for espresso and “regular-style” coffee;
2) Where the earplugs are;
3) Where the fan remote is and that the light switch needs to be on for the remote to work;
4) Where the tv remote is and that if they want to order Pay-per-view movies, they just need to let the front desk know
5) On the way, they can show guests in the upper rooms where the phone & computer are and for those in the simple rooms, where the bathrooms are located (they can just point them out they don’t need to actually escort them to the rooms)
FOR the FRONT DESK: On check in: you need to remember to be helpful and yet discreet. If you are communicating with guests about their bill, do not state the amount they are paying (in fact, often since it may be a present, they don’t want their partner to know the amount), simply ask them if they would like to keep the balance on their card. If they ask what that is then you can tell them, but be mindful if there are other guests around.
When you ask guests to fill out their breakfast forms, just politely ask them to fill out the form before 7pm. (special requests are fine…see Adam’s note below).
I’m sure that I’ll come up with lots more to remind you to do, but above all, remember that OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE is what we’re all about. Like Adam said we shouldn’t be offended when guests offer criticism, we should be thankful. This is our opportunity to SHINE. It is not that a gate was squeeky or that the bar was noisy, that disgruntled a guest. Sure, that may have set them off, but if they feel like they are being respectfully and attentively responded to, they will be happy. I have seen this time and time again where an upset customer, when dealt with properly, can become the most loyal guest. Welcome these people and their issues as opportunities (yes challenging ones) for you to really become a truly HOSPITABLE person. If you need any help/ideas/suggestions with this, just let me know.
MARROWSTONE MICROWAVE
Please put the Matia microwave (by safe) into the Marrowstone when you tidy room tomorrow as per Laura. The guests were in and I didn’t want to disturb them.
AERREATED TUBS
in Orca and San Juan. Apparently the bubble feature keeps turning on. Please have Seth check how we can turn them off or if something is wrong with them. Wrote another maintenance request, this is the second time a guest complained about it.
BREAKFAST FORMS
Adam is working on updated ones, until then use the ones Tory saved on the desktop. I agree, have them filled out at check-in. I always have the waiting guests start on them, that way they have something to do while I’m checking other guests in.
MEETING
Once we have all our summer staff (beginning of June), we will have another FD staff meeting and streamline problems which we have observed so far (like bringing guests to their room when others want to check in, default breakfast if we don’t have a form, etc.)
SILVERWARE
Raquel ordered more silverware.
FOOD
We are low. Order comes on Wednesday, if we run out, buy small amounts of what we need. Please do a large fruit run to MP (obtaining fruit is still iffy). Oranges are not organic right now. We will need to use the bulk jam starting tomorrow, if we can’t find a way to get it out of it’s bag in a satisfactory way, put it all in a storage container and spoon it out (refrigerate!).
WEDNESDAY
A travel writer will stop by. If I’m not there, please show him/her around.
GARBAGE
Oh thank you, Regino, for cleaning that area up so nicely. No biggy Kaitlyn, I love you too.
MATRA, OROSCO, TERE, SOCO
Went above and beyond today, that kitchen is so sparkling clean, we should serve breakfast on the floor. Thank you so much. The entire place looks great. Thank you.
GUEST IN SAN JUAN
Is proposing right now, I brought the ring to “The Place”, oh, I hope she says “yes”. They are so cute. They will move into the Fidalgo tomorrow. Please make their move smooth and help with their luggage.
HOT TUB
K & I did an elaborate tub test today and a spa shock (we decided it’s like giving a cookie to the tub). Please check with a strip every day and record readings on clip board. E & T: we will do spa school Wednesday or Thursday, but do an uneventful test every day. I think good days for the elaborate test and spa shock are: Saturday, Monday & Wednesday.
Thank you all for your hard work. Yes, we have loose ends and yes, things break, and yes, we only notice what’s wrong and when a guest has a complaint, but let’s not forget how many things go right and how many guests are just happy. You rock. Have fun!
note: front desk. when someone wants a late check out…be sure to write a note for housekeeping so they know not to go into the room until guests are gone.
well…i suggest on the breakfast card we just put something to the effect of if the card is not turned in we will deliver a standard tray at 8:00, 8:30? whenever. As for the other things, I just want to make sure y’all remember that bird rock is all ABOUT special requests. there should be time in the day and systems we can create to make special requests something we really excel at. we are in the business of creating and facilitating truly unforgettable and excellent vacations for our guests, and that requires going out of our way from time to time. we should hear guest comments and experiences without being defensive and thinking instead of how might be able to solve that particular problem. i know this all sounds very easy to say from my little nest in our organization, but this is who we are, it’s what we do, and we can make it work….. See y’all soon….
quick guest comment. in fidalgo…lights are too bright above mirror. said the angle of lights or the bulbs make it too bright (for women to get ready for the day) (two gals said they were very bright)
also noise complaint from the saltspring and whidbey. from elena and guest. at 1 am parents returned and could not get in room. kids left alone and deadbolted door. parents had to knock on door about 10 min. to get kids up then kids were crying and parents yelling…i will try to let guests know if i see them today that we had some noise complaints. they are a stay over.
also first guest informed me that they were woken by bar patrons. didn’t find earplugs till this morning. would have liked them pointed out when showed to room.
a lot of problems with the espresso machines. guests not knowing how to use them. very important when we talk about machine to guest when checking in…hold power button down till lights flash green. if they flash red…turn the water container until it rests in the cradle. (lights will immediately turn green) this is very important for the morning shift. there is not a lot of time to go to guest rooms to fix espresso machine while making and delivering breakfast.
also…we had a full house last night. breakfast was really crazy. let me just say…that if elena wasn’t so kind as to come and help on her day off…we would have been SCREWED! remy came right at 7am (fabulous) and i got here then too. we had guests that didn’t put delivery times or places on their cards and we had guests that didn’t turn in their card until 8:30 or 9 in the morning. very bad. i am voting that we need to force guests to fill out their cards on check in (while we are printing invoices perhaps?) if no cards…i vote that we do not give them breakfast or as many breakfast items. the whole point for the pre turn in is to make sure we have enough groceries, staff and prepare the right amount of scone dough.
elena has some feed back on this as well. shall we have a front desk meeting? we have breakfast card suggestions too!!! (NO SPECIAL REQUESTS)
is it possible to order more tray holders (for kitchen only) and silverware. we ran out this morning.
where are our lovely flower boxes and patio planters? its mothers day. (i guess a reminder for laura that we didn’t get our courtyard flowers)
and….happy mothers day everyone. what a big deal to have a baby. i don’t think i could do it…so congrats on being a mom and doing your best of loving care. you rock.
sorry i didn’t make it to the fiesta. i had a trauma class all day (car extrication and critical care assesment) how fun!! i was pooped and tim was ill…so i just wanted to go home and make sure all was safe and sound.
sorry steffi. my bad on the boxes. i had them closed and they sprung open in the alley. never got around to breaking them down. will not happen again. (hopefully) i love you though. and i am so glad you have a good sense of humor.
Correction. It’s the Orcas Suite that is having the jetted tub issue not the San Juan. And the issue is that it keeps coming back on every 15 min.The gentlemen staying in the room said it has stopped for now but I still think it should be investigated. Maybe it really is midnight.
Good Morning Kaitlyn,
I prepped you up as much as I could. As you can see there are 14 rooms tonight. I am waiting on 3 breakfast orders to come back. Whidbey, Salt Spring and Cypress. I brought down the trays that were on the top shelf in the back room and rolled plenty of silverware. Jam and butter are in the little fridge, milk and juice are set up in the big one. A guest came down and let me know that the lock in bathroom #1 is not functioning. I filled out a maintenance slip for Seth about that. Also the gentleman in the San Juan Suite said that the jetted tub only stays on for about 15 min then shuts off. Is this a fixable thing? Also is the fire alarm totally on line? I haven’t noticed anything posted in the blog about it. It’s been really busy tonight. I love it when we are full! I’m off for the next couple of days…yeah!
Yay!!!
our file cabinet was just delivered, which is great except that it doesn’t fit were the old one used to be so for now it is just in the back room kind of in the way. I didn’t get to making any files for it today.
FLOWERS
flowers for the breakfast trays were delivered today but, they were not arranged they just came in little bunches for us to arrange.
iHome
Two were delivered for the Saltspring and Whidbey GO LAURA!
ON HOLD
Both the Spieden and the Orcas are on hold for Mon & Tuesd. For a gentleman from Elements who is having to be moved due to the plumbing issues. Morgan will call back today around 5PM and let us know if we can release them or if he will take one. In case he does decide to stay here put him in the Speiden and give him the option of moving if there is another room he likes better when he gets here.
The bainbridge is a 5 adult group so they took the breakfast form to fill out and I am still waiting for that back.
The Matia is all set to go we just need a splitter plug for the refrigerator, microwave, and espresso machine, which Raquel or Regino will bring by.
Things are coming together, yeah!
FILE CABINET
The office supply place will deliver our very own file cabinet tomorrow. Please put it where the old one was before and keep the keys in the lock. You may start files for:
processed online reservations
Unirez
manuals
GUEST INVOICE BOX
I started a white cardboard box under the safe for signed guest invoices. Please put the day’s invoices in there every night.
FLOWERS
Tomorrow Susie will deliver our tiny but tasteful breakfast tray flower bouquets. I ordered 30, to get us through the weekend and to see how long they last without fridgeration. I also ordered a bouquet for the front desk, where the mints used to be (I ordered mints from FSA, didn’t come?)
I-POD RADIO MANUAL
Donde estas? Anybody? Elena, can you ask Raquel, please?
GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Guys, I spent about an hour and a half separating garbage from recycling and breaking down boxes. I lifted a bag of garbage from the porch (why not put it in a garbage can, we have like 5000 back there?) which broke and rained broken glass all over me. And that p$#@#$ me off. So, we have very little space back there. When unpacking something, don’t throw the box with styrofoam and what not in it on top of a big pile, break it down, please. Separate garbage from recycling. Make it so it is actually possible to bring the garbage and the recycling to the street, come on!
Elena, can you please ask Regino to bring some garbage up to E, recycling as well if E’s isn’t too full, please. I put 3 cans on the curb and we have another 2 full ones.
O.K. I’m done venting.
HOT TUB
Do you all remember when Brenda used to go on and on and on and on and on and on and on about how cute the spa guy was? Well, I have to say she was right. Unfortunately I couldn’t concentrate on anything he was saying, so let’s just not check the hot tub and call him constantly instead.
No, but kidding aside, that’s fairly complicated stuff and I would like it very much if we could get Morgan to help with the weekly maintenance.
FACTS
We have a 200 gallon hot tub, sanitized by Bromine.
We should do a test with the Bromine strips daily, and a more elaborate test with the test kit, as well as a “Spa Shock” 3 times per week.
All tests need to be recorded on the clip board by the safe.
When we test, we test for Sanitizer (Bromine), PH level and Alkalinity. All other test are for pools and don’t interest us. As a matter of fact, Dwight took all test bottles we don’t need, with him to avoid confusion.
EVERY DAY
I need us to go out there, put a Bromine strip into the water and record what the strip says, and the water temperature on the clip board.
BROMINE LEVELS should be between 2 & 10 ppm, ALKALINITY should be between 80 and 100, PH level between 7.2 and 7.8, the water temperature should be 104 degrees.
3 TIMES PER WEEK
We will need to do the more complicated test (Kaitlyn and Tory, make sure Elena or I show you how you do that, the next time you work), then record the levels and do a “spa shock”.
There is a bucket with spa supplies in the storage shed. Find the “spa shock”, turn on the jets (every time you diddle with the chemicals, the jets should be on) and throw a cap full into the water.
IF THE LEVELS ARE TOO HIGH OR LOW
If the Bromine level is too low, throw in (jets on!) a teaspoon of Brominated Concentrate, too low: use a teaspoon of Bromine neutralizer.
PH level too high: teaspoon of PH decrease, too low: PH increaser.
Alkalinity too low: a teaspoon of Alkalinity increaser, too high: there is nothing to lower alkalinity levels but add less alkaline water. So if it’s really badly too high, call Dwight (298-0373).
Kailtyn, let’s go over this together on Sunday 5/11. Elena and Tory, let’s do a spa training on Wednesday 5/14.
for now, i have put the direct tv pay per view print out laura was speaking of in the front desk resource book. it is under the “in room” section. ( is this ok to say in the blog?) i may have just doomed us all.
we have spare light bulbs for the track lighting and small lights in the patos and skipjack. dave says: be careful and put these where they will not get lost. very expensive bulbs.
the coffee folks were here trying to rewire our machine. should be in working order.
techi chris fixed our time clock. so we should be able to clock in and out.
our new printer fax is here and we should be able to get it installed this afternoon or tomorrow. this will be a techi chris task.
the water gal dropped off three bottles.
a new tray for coffee and hot water is on counter. just look out for creamy drops soaking in.
the marrowstone would like the same breakfast for tomorrow. they are leaving early so would like it in the mini fridge in lobby (minus the scones and toast) and then they will pick it up this afternoon and put it in their fridge. (like yesterdays lopez room)
MATIA UPDATE:
Raquel found a king-sized frame for the Matia to tide us over. SO, I opened up the room on WRP so that people CAN book it online. However, you will need to check any reservations for this room to see how they want the bed set up. If the reservation is for an arrival in the next week and the guest wants it set up as two twins, you will need to call them back and try to help them find an alternative. If the reservation is for the summer, just find out the bed preference. And, since the bed is no longer “funky” there should be no reason to discount the rate.
Regarding Pay-Per-View movies for guests, when guests check-in, please let them know that if they would like to order a movie, just to come to the front desk and let you know what movie starting at what time (and if they have more than one tv in their room, you will need to know which tv they want it on.) Then…you will have to call DirecTV on the hot-line and give them our passcode and the
code for the individual receiver. I will send this information to you by email today and hopefully you all can agree on a good (SAFE) place to keep this information.
Regarding the accidental deprogramming of remotes, when this happens, note that the top of the remote should be selected for DirecTV and the TV Input should be selected as HDMI. It won’t matter what channel the TV is on because the receiver overrides the TV.
Regarding Tory’s question about the random powering down of the receiver in the Patos, the answer is that this is a Firmware update and normally should only happen in the middle of the night (were you watching scary midnight movies, Tory?) Anyhow, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
the over booked rooms got canceled by the guests. the travel agent was unable to be reached. so…its all done from our end. (but…if we get a commission notice from them…we should NOT PAY IT.) thanks Elena.
kitty out!
ICE MACHINE in lobby: We are waiting for a pump part from Anaco Appliance. If this comes in, please call me right away.
SHELVING: We will be getting shelves for under the televisions in the Salt Spring and Whidbey. Those should come in several weeks. In the meantime, I’m sorry for the messy cables.
MATIA: Raquel is going to make this room up without the bed frames (we’re still waiting…) It will be made up as a KING bed only. Please feel free to use it, but LET PEOPLE KNOW about the fact that the bed is just right on the floor. If you do sell it, give the guests a good rate because of the funky situation. To book the room, you will need to take it out of maintenance hold, but only for the night you sell it because we don’t want people to be able to book it online.
SKIPJACK: I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the dresser/bed proximity issue. I think that for now we’ll just leave it the way it is. It’s a small room. Please just point it out to guests (with a smile) reminding them to watch their shins.
OVERBOOKED ROOMS
kaitlyn,
if those ladies have not called back and the reservations are still there (as they should be) I would call back the paperwork is follow-up folder on the back desk and just tell them that we need to know what they want to do because we have not charged them deposits but will need to regardless of them canceling because we can not hold rooms without this deposit. They were supposed to call back early this week but it wouldn’t hurt to call them anyways.
hey, good morning guys!!
thanks for putting up with my panic yesterday. it just sorta seemed like one of those days. i forgot what they were like. and now i know again…so hopefully i can keep all the angst to myself and not bug everyone so much.
hate to be a problem employee. calling and calling and calling…yes. i am a big girl i guess.
so…thanks wonderful bosses, managers and co-workers. it really is such a pleasure to work with you.
(and cudos to seth!!) what a chill guy. i called him yesterday to help me…and he was like, “sure. i’ll go take care of it.” it was like magical words that made me feel like i was being silly about everything and instantly felt better. he’s like buda or something.
GLUTEN FREE
I bought a toast and a cereal which is gluten free. Please only use when guests request gluten free items.
TIME CLOCK
is still out of order. Chris is working on it, he’ll be back tomorrow.
COFFEE CABLE
same. SJ coffee guy came and it was the wrong cable. He will be back.
FIRE ALARM
same. Still not working properly, Ivan will be back with his boss and they will try to find the short.
KAITLYN
rocks! Cindy, can you put her on the ACE account so she can run to get materials for things like hang mirrors without having to bug Seth?
LEMONADE
I keep ordering lemonade and our supply doesn’t diminish. Are we all serving lemonade with our afternoon cookies, nice and cold with a couple of slices of lemon and strawberries? Yumm.
DOWNSTAIRS LAUNDRY
breaker blew today, probably since installing the chemicals, uhh solutions I mean, there is a lot to deal with for the breaker when everything is running. The breaker in question is in the box opposite from the washers, the smaller box. Just something to keep an eye on.
HOT TUB
I have yet another call in to Spa dude. Famous K, if he shows up tomorrow, chain him to the fence until I’m there.
hey guys: also from Clark, he’d love to take anyone in a position to sell kayak trips out for a comp kayak trip. if you want to do this ever, just call him and tell him who you are. he’ll hook you up.
here is an update on the package that is the kayak dining package (and all other tours booked with outdoor odysseys)
clark, the boss would like a phone call when a guest books with him. we need fill out voucher and charge guest same as with all other tours scheduled through us. clark would like guest contact info so that he can give guest specific information on the tour. let the guest know that the company will be contacting them shortly with details on their tour.
oh, we do have ONE fold out mattress pad for folks interested. (in certain rooms only of course)
i will print out a mini calander and when we book the pad we will have to write it down so that we don’t double book the pad.
per laura…if the matia bed get made up and the fridge and microwave plug drilled…we can rent the room without a bedframe.
(things that we have for seth to do but front desk can keep updated and double check that it is done)
cord cover installed in patos, saltspring and whidbey. hole drilled in wall so we can plug in mini fridge and microwave. rooms with blinds near door handles (mostly balcony doors) have seth cut the end of one blind near the door handle so that we (guests)don’t break them going in and out.
wine glasses in lobby: we need those all to be the same kind and stem height. if any don’t match (we could perhaps put those in rooms) in matching pairs of course. hopefully raquel will be able to order us some more that match the ones we have.
the green apples need to be stocked with about ten on the platter (fuller the better per: laura)
we also did some plant rearrangement in the lobby.
there is a great tool on the bookmark bar that laura told me about. it gives availability for the island hotels and b&b’s. if you click it, type in date for guest needing to find lodging (only if we are sold out or do not have what they want) and then click the san juan island button. it gives you a look at what “might” be available for the guest. just give them a couple of names to call. (part of our great concierge service)
steffi will be going to store today.
elena, could you double check our voucher reserves? thank you!! you did such a great job making them. (and an ipod check out thing like the bike check outs? i don’t even know what that looks like) and i’m blonde. so i can’t handle that kind of computer technicality stuff.
i think if we put milk in pitcher for breakfast prep. they should be covered up. Probably not a good idea for orange juice just cause it needs to be stirred and i’m not quite sure we have anything tall and skinny enough to do that. i have not had any trouble having that stuff read in the morning. its mostly that dang fruit. and we all know it gets scuzzy the night before.
i put tori in a new room tonight. he is going to have to report to all of us his favorite rooms. i think he may be the only one who will have stayed in almost all of them.
Kaitlyn,
Thanks for bringing up the three “overbooked” rooms. Elena took care of those and Morgan cleared out the alarms so we should be set. I believe Adam is working on the Pegasus system so that doesn’t happen again.
hey rockers: I dropped off three ipods today, preloaded with brh tunes. please keep them in the safe and use them to offer to folks who forgot or don’t have ipods for their rooms. please make a check-out sheet like the one for the bikes and check them out in the same way (so we have some collateral). for now just let folks know that ipod loaners are often available if they are interested. I’ll try to figure out a way to get this message across without you having to mention it to every check in.
as for beach cruisers: someone should go up to elements and collect two cruisers to bring down to brh, along with the requisite gear and check out sheet. that’s the best we can do for now, except that if people wnat more than two, call up to elements and see if there are more available up there. we’ll order some more when we make some $$.
does anyone know what we are doing with the three internet reservations that are overbooked. if they want to avoid being sold out for the dates they want…we better get them re-booked soon. anyone?anyone? Elena, Steffi???
there was supposed to be a DHL return slip in with the replacement espresso machine that came. (who knows. maybe it didn’t get put in there. )we need to save that packaging to return the machines that are not working. please, when the second replacement comes…save all packaging and papers in the box to return the two machines. i couldn’t find anything when the company called to see if we had all the info to return the broken machine.
(all good though, don’t worry about a thing) they are going to send new stuff with the second machine.
fire alarm folks are supposed to be here this morning.
seth will be bringing dressers from in town storage to return when the new bed parts come in.
thanks elena for going to the store and getting the krispies.
can we get the new master keys down here to check out?
no sign of health department yet.
do you know when we will be getting beach cruisers?
dave has ordered some replacement bulbs for all of our track lighting and the small lights in patos and skipjack.
the time card machine does not work right now. boo hoo. please use paper cards. i will put a call into chris t. today.
FURNITURE
The last parts of the bed for the Saltspring are arriving tomorrow from Crate and Barrel. Please let Laura or Raquel know right away so that the girls can finish putting the room together and we can have it open for this weekend. Crate and Barrel is also expecting that we will return 2 BLVD Dressers (which are in the in-town storage so please call Regino or Seth early as early as possible to have them bring those here for pick-up.
BREAKFAST PREP
Please remember that from now on all butter, Jam eggs, milk, and orange juice need to be prepared the night before and stored in the small black refrigerator. It is a huge help on busy mornings especially since most people seem to be requesting the early breakfast. 8:00am!
SILVERWARE
Since we have so many (where did they come from?) of the brown napkins lets use those for rolling up the silverware from now on.
I got 2 boxes of Rice krispies from the Orca storage at ELEMENTS. We still have a box of the mini cereals that used to go in rooms. they are in the back for the guest with the gluten free request.
Please call back Res. #1123768 who submitted an online reservation but the card was declined.
Sample script for 3rd message for booking options (see Kaitlyn’s post). Remember to have a SMILE in your tone of voice when you leave this (or any other) message.
“Hi, this is ____ from Bird Rock Hotel. We are following up on your request for ____. Please give us a call back at 1-800-352-2632 letting us know _______. This is our third attempt to contact you and we really don’t want to annoy you, so if we don’t hear back from you, we’ll assume that you’ve taken care of everything yourself or you no longer need the service. Have a great day.”
Happy Cino De Mayo
Surprise, you have a new printer (all in one) being sent to you from Dell, I had it shipped directly to 35 1st street. Please let me know when you receive it.
a quick update. the chocolates we get from san juan island coffee brewers only have a two week shelf life because they are hand made with no preservatives. we need to mark the date we get those in and stock them in the kitchen and give them away or eat them on the expiration date. i only ordered two…it seems like we don’t get much of a request for them here.
we are also going to try a new blend of coffee called the premium estate roast. it is a medium build coffee and one of their best sellers.
feliz cinco de mayo!
laura stopped by this morning. HOORAAAY! and here is the beef…we might mention that when we show guests to the skipjack to “watch your shins on the bedframe. its a tight fit!” that way we can TRY to avoid bruises and tears.
we are in the process of getting some mirrors in the rooms with shared bathrooms. (do you know where they are laura?) also thinking about getting some water decanters in those rooms due to the fact there is no sink in these.
working on getting some to go coffee cups. (do we want raquel to order these?)
i am e-mailing laura about the hot and cold water being reversed in the marrowstone shower. we can mention this to guests when they check in until we get it fixed.
we are getting a lot of run-a-round from guests when we are responding to booking options. (leaving a lot of messages spanning a couple of weeks) so i talked to laura and we can space the follow ups out. call back right when reservation comes in. (message 1) set alarm for 2 or 3 days out call again (message 2) set alarm for one week out (message 3 and final message) we are working on a script to say on message machine…we have tried three times and unfortunatly unable to reach you we won’t be calling again…la la la. who knows.
the wall color in the hotel is Baja Dunes benjamin moore paint. and trim is glaciar white. the artwork was purchased from artasap.com.
raquel is going to help us rearrange and brainstorm how to make the kitchen more functional for breakfast. if something seems out of place…leave it be for a couple of days and see if it works for you. suggestions very welcome!
nice work everyone. good job Tory on keeping everyone happy. the best bet with the ipod is to let it die, then plug it back in and off you go. sorry for the hassle. i’ll bring some back up ipods/ipod loaners in this week. laura is back, and nearly in full swing, so i’m sure you’ll all be seeing a lot of her this week. see you all soon….
So reservation # 1040049 & #1122187 had a slight problem upon arrival-and everything was going so well. The child listed in their reservation is a very nice 31 year old gentlemen hum…. So I came up with a plan. Mentioned the Lopez suite as an option for the first two nights and the Bainbridge suite for the third night due to an availability issue. The lady was really exited about the Lopez idea and actually ended up liking it even more than the Marrowstone. Pat Pat Pat…So I got them settled in with their bags asked them if they liked champagne polished up three glasses chilled a bottle and everyone is happy. Yeah!!
SHOULDER SEASON RATES
Just a reminder: t’is the shoulder season. It rains, snows, hails, is 30 degrees and then 65 and blasting sun, all in the course of one day. And Fridays and Saturdays we are charging summer rates from now on.
so i had tim bring my i pod down…its pink and has my name on the back and is very dirty. if you click under playlists there are a bunch of tracks called “casino1. casino2. casino3″ they are kinda like what adam had on before (not quite so many spanish songs…i don’t have his ear for finding cool world music) i was going to leave the white i pod unplugged until it runs completely out of juice (which might be until sometime tomorrow or the next day) and then plug it in again and see if it works.
if adam comes to help fix it…great. i would love to have my ipod back. could you put it in the safe if we don’t use it anymore? thanks!!!
(it was very dead in here without anything. i could tell there was a totally different vibe goin’ on. not quite so relaxed. i really hope you don’t mind adam)
can we have some kind of training with the direct tv in case we can’t get a tv turned on with the remote or if a button gets pressed and the settings get thrown out of wack?
so today was our first gigantic enormous breakfast and a new breakfast helper to boot. sooo i know when everyone has done this a bazillian times it will go so much easier…but here are some things to think about…the more consistant the morning crew…the easier and better it will be. And if we could do some kitchen rearrangements…so that everything is not in one corner…it would be easier to have two people doing two things.
(probably not a good idea to rearrange until we get sturdier shelves.)
we were one egg short and expired plain yogurts deceived us and we had to go get two this morning…luckily we had time to make more eggs and cool them down…but i learned that its a good idea to come early(probably 7am) so you can get your front desk open, read the blog (i have not had time these last couple of weeks in case there is something that pertains to breakfast.)then you can take quick inventory of your breakfast supplies and make anything that gets missed. (hey…it happens. its all good)
so that the skinny or the phatty on the breakfast nibs.
this morning the i pod was frozen and won’t turn off or play and tells me that it is plugged in when it is not. i think i heard adam say something about the device needing to drain occasionally? if this is so…shall we leave it plugged in office hours and unplug from power at night to drain a little? what do you say adam?
also guest comments on that there are no mirrors in the shared bathroom rooms and it would be lovely to have a decanter of water for drinking in those rooms too.
My name is Laura. I used to work here. You may remember me…you may not. I’ve been away for a while. I’m not back yet, but I will be soon. When I come back I’m going to give you all lots of hugs and kisses (ooh, yuck, Laura cooties) for taking such good care of Bird Rock. I missed you guys!
GREEN EGGS NO HAM
There is a half a dozen green eggs in the fridge. They are from a guy on Beaverton Valley, laid by South American chix. He says they aren’t so over bred and their eggs have more vitamins and less cholesterol than “normal eggs”. Brag about them!
Morning beautiful Kaitlyn, giver of amazing customer service, follower upper on the details!
I’ll stop by later with eggs and fancy fruit, call me at E around 12.30 if there is anything else you need (beach house in Hawaii?).
Please put on your list to call SJ coffee on Monday and ask for our coffee maker cable.
See you in a bit.
Afternoon super cute Tory, voucher technician of the first order, fast grasper of all things new, I put you in the Patos for the next two nights. Have fun, don’t wreck the marriage of the guests in the San Juan;)
PEGASUS
I contacted Adam and he will tackle the Pegasus issue. It will take maybe a couple of weeks, but he is on it. Thank you, Adam!
For now, leave those reservations in the new section until we hear back from the guest. Please contact them again on Monday, famous K.
FIRE ALARM
is installed, but we have a short in a wire on the lobby floor. That means the system works unless a fire breaks out on the lobby floor, then the system doesn’t have a way to detect it. Ivan from Sound Guard will be back next week, hopefully Tuesday and try to find that short. Until then we will have to continue our walk throughs every half hour, but just on the lobby floor.
And here is how it works:
The system panel reads: “System normal” at all times. In case it goes off (and boy, does it go off when it goes off), you run to the safe, grab the panel key (labeled: fire alarm) out of the first safe drawer, run to the panel, open the door and push: “silence” aaahhh
The panel will read: “alarm zone…” and a number. On the panel door is a list of zone numbers (lobby is zone 5, for example).
You then will go to the floor which set the system off and find the smoke detector which did it (the smoke detector in question will blink red).
Look around, if it was a false alarm, you will stroll back to the alarm box and press: “reset”. Done.
If there is a fire, go home and have a beer, work is over. No, call 911, knock on our guest’s rooms and start evacuating the building. This is important: we have (for now) an unmonitored system, nobody will come and put out the fire unless you call the fire department.
If there was a false alarm, you have reset the system and it goes off again, check the zone again. If you are 100% sure that everything is fine, call the 24 hour number for Sound Guard on the inside of the panel door. If there are ever issues with the system, the numbers on the top are the Bellingham office number. The one on the bottom is the 24 hour tech support.
We have a one year parts warranty on the system.
Something really odd happened today….
I received 3 reservations through Unirez for the same room for the same date. 2 overbooked alarms came up in our system but despite this the reservations were not rejected instead 2 additional Sucia units were added without numbers. Morgan called WRP and told them to see if they could prevent this from happening again. Unfortunately they can not so we just have to be very careful and at any rate the system creates a WARNING YOU ARE OVERBOOKED alarm when this happens.
I have contacted the guests and they were okay with moving at first until they found out that the rooms had shared bath arrangements, so the reservations under #’s 20975222-3-4 I have just left alone for now until we hear back from the guest as to what they would like to do.
Me again (this time I’ll try not to make any spelling mistakes:)
KYLE the KEY DUDE
Wow, what a competent young man. We are now in the proud possession of 10 master keys which work (including on the HK closet). He even took the dead bolt of the Fidalgo apart and got the broken key out of there. So everybody in need of a master, come to me. Cindy, he will send a bill to E.
1040049
Called one more time to reiterate her disappointment in our customer service. So just we are all on the same page: there are kayak companies which go out all year around: Discovery Sea Kayak & Crystal Seas, and pretty much everybody is going out right now.
No matter what time of the year it is, there is always kayaking (Discovery Sea Kayak) and always whale watching (Capt. Maya). And we are always helpful and try to go out of our way to make our guest vacation planning easy and fun.
FLOWERS
Susie will bring us flowers every Friday morning, starting next week, for us to put in our little vases and on our guest’s breakfast trays. There will be a minimum order of $18 (that’s about seven arrangements). We (I for now) will call her Thursdays and give her a heads up on how many guests we are expecting.
Susie also asks Laura if L wants an arrangement for the lobby every week for about $20?
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Betsy from the HD called. She will be checking in on us one of these mornings and afternoons. I’ll need everybody’s food handler’s card up (whee is Orosco’s?) on the board. I know we all do this and know this, but please be sure that
1)we have a bucket with fresh bleach water and rags next to the garbage can at any given time (change at shift change, empty at night)
2) make sure you ALWAYS wear gloves when preparing ready to eat food
3) don’t store food on the floor
4) don’t let food sit out
5) always use the sanitize cycle when running the dish washer
FOOD HANDLER’S CLASS
The next class is on May 15, at 9AM at the Mullis fire station. If more of our Spanish speaking goddesses attend, let’s call William ahead of time (378-4474) and he’ll bring a DVD of the class in Espanol.
HOT TUB
I keep playing phone tag with pool guy (Paul) to set up a class on how to care for the hot tub and fill out the health department form. For now, check temperature twice a day (wants to be 102) and check chlorine level (Elena taught me how, yeah chemistry! Have one of us show you K & T)
SHELVES
I talked to Seth and he is willing and able to stabilize the bathroom shelf with a third rail and the kitchen shelf with some L brackets. Cindy, which able person shall we out on the task?
MORE SHELVES
Shelves in Patos & Lopez have been installed today. Seth will pull the TV cables through. We need to stain and putty those shelves. Cindy, shall we call Terry Ogle for that? Seth says if we knew where the staining material is kept, he can probably do it cheaper. Would you call Terry ans ask him or give me his info?
NANNY SERVICE
I had several inquiries from future guests about nanny services. Does anybody know of one?
I think that’s it. Another gorgeous day in our gorgeous new hotel. I was reading on my porch this morning (short stories by David Sedaris, the brother of the “strangers with candy” lady, he is so funny) and got attacked by an army of hummingbirds flying by my head. I could feel the wind their tiny tiny wings were making. Their feeders were empty and I think they were singing the Internationale in bird and demanding more sugar water. Happy May Day!
Reservation 1040049 was given a bit of a go around when she called in.. It is VERY important that when our guests call, we make sure to read all notes on their file. Please remember we want all our guests to not have any hassle while they are vacationing with us. Smooth sailing that’s our job for every visit. Thanks. Cindy
Ice Maker
Okay, new news.. Kit does not want to install the ice maker due to the problem he was having, SO Scott Zehner (Happy Birthday May 1, to Scott) suggested I call Bruce, “Appliance by Bruce”. Bruce will be coming by Friday 5-2 in the am. Any questions have them give me a call..
I have left a message with Kit regarding the ice machine, he is to call Dave at Anaco Appliance at 360.293.5129. Please have Kit give me a call when he stops by there to fill me in on the progress.
Shelves
I talked to Scott Zehner, he is going to stop by on Thursday am to make sure that the shelves are strong enough to hold the load that is on them in the kitchen, due to the bathroom shelves almost falling on Kaitlyn..
Robin Jacobson of the SJI Visitor’s Bureau will be dropping by in the late afternoon of May 14 with a travel writer to take a peek at the place and any open rooms. Can you guys make a note of it, create an alarm, or whatever you do, so the person working that day is prepared… Technically you should always be prepared for something like this, and I bet you are, but thought I’d give the heads up anyway…
Fire System
Friday around 7:30am Guardian Security will be showing up to install the new fire panel
I have a call into Kit, to give him some information on the ice machine and how to get it going.
Housekeeping Key
Who knows what happened there Steffi, but for sure just give Kyle a call and have him re key it.
Orders??
Has anything showed up from UPS or Fedex down there in the last few days?
Yummy fruit…. Way to go on organizing all the Organic yummies Steffi..
Laura
I got an email from Laura, she is GREAT… Things are beautiful and she survived the bus trip…
ESPRESSO MACHINES
I don’t know about the broken one from the Fidalgo, but the spare ones are in their original package in the Cedar room up here, according to Elena.
KEYS
I’ll meet with Kyle, the key God, tomorrow and we’ll make master keys and re-key the HK closet.
FRUIT
We’ll be getting a case of (organic) apples and a case of (organic)oranges from Sysco tomorrow. I’ll need the invoice for that. I will sell half of the case to the Coop for credit. We’ll get more exciting fruit a little later in the season. Yeah!
BODY CARE
We got a gallon each of lotion, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in today. Please use to refill our bottles in guest room. Try a little and let me know if it’s o.k.
ok. steffi and kaitlyn’s brainstorm blog notes:
bathroom shelving fell down on me when i places some items on them…be carefull our dishes are on the same shelves. we are trying to work with seth and regino to find something sturdier.
the coffee cable has not shown up yet. fyi
the ice maker was not able to be fixed today. we are working on getting the information on the part. cindy knows whats going on.
we need to know who has housekeeping keys that open the second and third floor housekeeping doors. our girls do not have them and front desk master keys do not work.
and we are missing one black coffee machine. (fidalgo) and two silver machines. are they being stored somewhere here? or up at elements? we are getting one repaired by company but the others…? the repaired machine should go in the skipjack when it arrives.
Hot Tub
I agree Kaitlyn, the hot tub should be check EVERY am and pm. Steffi can you please make sure that ALL employees working at BR know that they should be doing this? Does everyone know how to test the water? Is there a procedure for when things are out of whack?
Fire Alarm
I talked with Guardian on Monday, they are waiting for the panel to arrive and will call me ASAP when it does. They said it should be this week but they would not commit to that to me.
Matia
The twin XL frames have been on order from Sealy for about 2 weeks, which means they should be here any day. Please let me know when they arrive.
Pictures
Kaitlyn, let me know when you have been able to hang the pictures downstairs.
ELEMENTS pictures
Kaitlyn, do you have time this week to take a new picture of the Water and Sun Places? We need to update our website.
Lights
Any sightings of lighting orders coming in?
i checked out adam and laura’s hotel recommendation in mexico…Verana. what an inspiration. and what a treat. how bout we go there for an employee retreat?
i put the hot tub keys in with the safe key. we are having some guests go hog wild with the dial already. our temp should stay at 102 and it would be a good idea to check it in the am and pm if there are not guests in there.
thats it for this morning.
kitty birdrockin’ out!!
The computer on the second floor still has that Blue screen issue even after talking to Chris Teren and doing what he suggested. Please call him in the morning and see if he and when he can come in.
Slow evening but plenty of online reservations to process.
we had numi teas come in today. out of lack of space in the kitchen and not really knowing where they should go…i put them in one (treasure hunt)of the lobby drawers. I also put some of the brown napkins in there too.
is the ice machine in the lobby fixed?
also a heads up…the lobby fridge does not like to close very well. we will have to make sure it closes tight until the unit does not move around. the black coffee machine in the kitchen does not like to have its lid screwed down all the way (about half way is good) when the pot is almost finished it starts to leak and then never finishes brewing. it works great if the lid is not all the way closed.
we had fsa drop stuff today….all here but where do we put the sugar? boy howdy!
i helped soco make the marrowstone bed today…mucho trabajo!!!
THE MATIA
The Matia is going to be out of service until Laura can get us 2 frames for the twin size mattresses that can be pushed together and a headboard, becuase for now everything is on the floor.
There is a baby cart/stroller in the back that belongs to the young couple in the Lopez they were worried about leaving it in their car becuase it is brand new and spendy.
Overall a slow night, I did talk to carrie from Crate and barrel and she is going to get us the missing parts for the BLVD Bed in the Whidbey delivered before May 7th Hopefully.
Soltazza (AKA) Thira Trade Corp will be sending us a replacement espresso machine. When it gets here there will be packaging and a return information slip included. We need to call Soltazza back and let them know we got the replacement and then they will schedule a pick up for the broken machine. Questions? Kaitlyn knows the skinny on the minni machinni.
does anyone know why the Matia is not done yet? Or when it will be done? The room blocking ran out today and could have been rented. I blocked it out again till friday cause I don’t know what the heck is goin’ on with it. Also the Orcas does not have bedside lamps. I will call Seth today.
Cindy just gave a ring and would like us to call her when we get a shipment of shades and things of that nature for the whidbey and saltspring.
One black espresso machine has stopped working. from the skipjack. will be calling company today to find out what to do.
Some guest comments on the Marrowstone and the Skipjack…
The hot tub was at 108 (way too hot) when guests checked in. We need to be checking that thing…I guess twice a day. Suggestions?
Also that the Skipjack bed frame might be a problem. It would work better if it had a bed frame that the mattress could be flush with at the end. Guests are complaining of hitting that soft spot on their shins and ankles. Yowza!! Ouch! Also to have some mirrors in the shared bathroom. The skip does not have one…
Breakfast was good. We are low on lots of stuff. E-mailing a list to Steffi in just a bit. Only two check ins for today. Had some walk ins already too.
Can we have a bird feeder in the garden? Tucked in a corner. Not a silly one. May be a pillar feeder with a wide tray? Would be nice to see the birdies. and would go with the “name”
hey elena: how did our margarita experiment go last night? any takers?
everyone else: I brought over a little margarita kit that included a cocktail shaker, a small bamboo cutting board, a knife for slicing limes, some margarita salt and some tequila and mixer. let’s keep all that stuff together in the kitchen somewhere so we can do that from time to time.
A lot of folks ask why Transient Orcas are different from our regular
Resident Orcas.
One way that we can tell the difference is when we see Pender, T14. If
you look at the front base of his big male dorsal fin, you’ll see some
bumps. These are old scars left from a time when he had a transmitter
bolted…yes, bolted…to the front of his dorsal fin. Somehow he or
another Orca ripped it away from his body. This all happened almost
thirty years ago.
That’s only one way that we know we are seeing Transient Orcas…
LITTLE BLACK FRIDGE
I cleaned the little fridge in the kitchen under the time clock. We will use it for portioned butter, jam, eggs. So look in there when assembling your breakfast trays.
FIRE PLACES
I tried to get the fire place to work in the Marrowstone, finally the guest figured out that the propane wasn’t on. Let’s have Seth or Regino test all the fireplaces on Monday.
TIME CLOCK
If you work more here than there, please bring your time card down here. To clock in without a time card:
1) press the transfer button
2)enter your badge number (2 digit number on back of your time card)
3)enter your department (front desk: 2002, HK: 2003) followed by #
Clocking out:
press 0, enter your batch number, press the # key
TORY
please keep a written record (i.e. time card) of your overnights. I put Tory in the Sucia for the next 2 nights (no bed space down here). I think this will be a good learning experience (how does the remote work? How loud is Herbs, really?).
Oh man, what a gorgeous day!
FSA
I ordered sugar (white & brown), napkins, organic teas and mints. Will be delivered Monday or Tuesday, please make sure everything on the invoice actually was delivered and put invoice in safe.
PRODUCE
I’m still having a hard time sourcing produce. Bear with me, while I streamline this and run to MP if we run out of something.
FERRIES ON JULY 4
Members,
As most of you are aware, the Sealth will be in service over the 4th of July
weekend, which carries approximately 50 cars less per sailing. Since this
is our busiest weekend of the year, the Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) has
been talking with WSF regarding a solution. WSF has agreed to provide free
parking for walk-ons at the Anacortes terminal over the dates of July 3-7.
Please let guests booking with you over those dates know this by encouraging
them to walk on the ferry for the weekend. You might also want to post this
info on your website, etc.
As you know, there’s shuttle service on San Juan and Orcas Islands during
that time, and the FAC is working on transportation options for Lopez
Island. I’ll keep you posted via e-mail.
Deborah Hopkins
Executive Director
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
PUMP
The pump for the ice maker was delivered today, and is in the back office (labeled)
The Marrowstone and Orcas are officially open and ready to rent as of today!!!
Morgan e-mailed us over all of the Bird rock Folders that were on the computer at ELEMENTS.
Pressure washing of the Patio should be happening soon I think and when that gets done I will probably try to see if I can bring over the outdoor umbrellas.
I made cookies and Raquel organized the back garbage area lets try to keep it like this.
Gentleman from Patos came down and asked kindly to be moved to another room. Due to the noise from neighbors in Skipjack. Upgraded him to Shaw. Res#1107691.
Kaitlyn could you please mail the class ring to the address in res# 1073268 San Juan Post will take care of this. They close at 4p.m. Just give them the c.c. info and they take care of the rest.Thank You!!!
If a guest wants to go on a 5 hour morning kayak trip with San Juan Outfitters from Roche Harbor and is without a car, they can take San Juan Transit from the ferry landing. They have a deal set up for a shuttle to Roche. The guest just has to mention that they have a kayak trip booked with S.J.O. to the driver and be there at either 9a.m. or 10 a.m. which ever they choose. Either bus will get them there on time.
Seth will put up a shower rod in the Marrowstone. Can you front desk people make sure that a shower curtain and liner gets put on the rod before a guest checks in??
Elena,
Do you know if we have any more side tables? The Marrowstone could use one by each side of the bed and one by the couch. If not, let’s consider putting a couple of those West Elm shelves up.
Thanks!
Water Filter: We now have filtered water available in the lobby…Yeah. Steffi, can you please put it in your calendar to change the filter in 3 months. The replacement filter cartridge is under the lobby sink. When you use that filter, order another one or two.
TORY
Please look at the schedule for the week of 5/5, I moved you all around, including your sleep overs. Also: please come a little early next Saturday on your first sleep over, so we can go over things.
BIRD ROCK FORMS & TEMPLATES
Kaitlyn & everybody: I created a folder with above title in “my documents” on our computer. Please put all forms in there so we can find them again (wireless code, opening/closing procedures, etc.) Thank you, famous K, for following up on all the little things, yeah!
For some reason, I’ve been fixated with TripAdvisor.com lately. Perhaps it’s because I’m going on a trip myself and have been using it to gather lodging information.
This morning I was looking at the old reviews for Friday’s Historic Inn. I want all of you to read those reviews and each come up with ways that you think we can help avoid the disappointments that guests had.
Some of these disappointments included noise issues from Herbs. Well, that’s easy to solve, just talk to the guests (especially summer guests staying in the Marrowstone, Lopez, and Orcas) when they make their reservations and remind them that it’s a bustling little town that sometimes people stay up pretty late. Most people when forewarned will not mind it, and you can joke that. If they are going to mind, then you have the option of moving them to a quieter room or referring them to another place to stay. I’ve often said “Yeah, Friday Harbor can be pretty noisy in the summer, Elements has some fairly quiet rooms, but if you’d like I suggest some lodging facilities out in the country.)
Other disappointments had to do with the price. Well, for one, I think Bird Rock hotel is one of the nicest places to stay in the county right now. And, I think our prices are very reasonable given that. So, then it comes down to YOU to make the service OVER THE TOP, and then they will LOVE us. YOU and your WELCOMING, CHEERY,
the coffee machine plug has been ordered through san juan coffee roasters after all. should be here by the end of next week. laura helped me set up the phones so they ring the right volume and line two has a greeting. as far as we know, the message will have to be a daily greeting and closing message. there is no way to store one on there…
we are getting a lot of phone calls…so this is great.
morning blog:
i forgot to mention that the key fellow came by and took a look at our “master situation” he will be in contact with steffi on thursday afternoon.
laura would love to have green apples available for guests in the lobby at all times. (when available) also to leave all the hallway lights on when closing if there are guests in the hotel. (outside of bainbridge and stairs)
the phones right now are kinda up in the air. i will try to make a phone operating thingy so its easy for us to know about greetings and line one line two mumbo jumbo.
the hideaway: i posted david and jessica’s number on the phone list. they need to be notified when the hideaway is rented by us for their books.
dave should be installing the lobby track lighting today. i had to move all the mugs and things over to the opposite wall. they can go back after light is installed and area cleaned up.
second floor computer froze up this morning. i will be putting a call into techi chris.
Night time lighting: Please leave the hallway lights on at night when you close up shop.
Shelves: At some point in the next week or so, Scott will be installing shelves in the Lopez and the Patos. Please make sure that the short shelf goes under the Lopez tv and the long shelf goes under the Patos tv. Also, when the shelf gets installed in the Patos, please remove the modular storage under units underneath the tv.
Blinds: The two remaining blinds should come for the Saltspring tomorrow. When they come, please call Seth and let him know.
For Raquel:
1) Kaitlyn alerted me to the fact that the area around the machines is getting damp and will ruin the varnish on the dressers. Can someone please follow up with Raquel to make sure that housekeepers put some plastic (I know, yuk) trays underneath them.
2) I ordered 4 more cases of caffeinated espresso and 2 more cases of decaf espresso. They should come in a week or so. Please let me know when they come so I can cross it off my list.
3) Are the housekeepers doing turn-down service? It would be really nice if they could…
4) I ordered 3 dozen white napkins from Williams Sonoma. You can use these for trays and champagne.
5) The front desk has extra labels for all of the amenity bottles if you need them.
Adios Amigos: As you all know, I will be gone from tomorrow through May 3rd. I will try to check my email while I am gone, but I don’t know what kind of internet access I will have. I know that I won’t have cell service for sure. In the meantime, I’m counting on all of you to take good care of our precious baby!
fyi
i have made some templates and stored them in my folder for lack of knowing where to put them and find them again later. (like wireless code cards, phone list, emergency exit only signs, fan master code master list) everyone is welcome to go into my folder (kaitlyn) and get stuff!!!
Wow, Bird Rock is amazing. Beautiful, well done. Of course with Laura in the helm, could we expect anything but
Just remember to keep up all that hard work that has been put into this beautiful property. Which I know you all will.
Remember to ask all guest, how was your stay?
Let’s suggest to all of our guests that they post any comments to our website or to Trip advisor.
Keep all you are doing. This couldn’t happen with out all of you..
hi there. just a blog for the morning things.
the bainbridge would like to skip breakfast tomorrow morning. they had lots of leftovers.
Fidalgo is here early. I checked the all the rooms for the correct espresso machines and they should be there. where should be put the others? no room!!
I made a master list of the fan remotes and put it in the front desk resource book under guest rooms. I also put one barista book and one direct tv channel user guide in there.
I tried to program stations that would come in to the radios in rooms and had trouble getting sound out of two or three of them. is it just me or should we have someone else double check. I have room specifics.
The phone company came today and fixed our second line. (as far as i know. he came, he did, he left. the end)
The water gal came and dropped off three bottles. where shall we store these?
i keep getting distracted so thats it for now.
kitty birdrockin’ out….
My first night here. Pretty cool. Getting the feel of everything. It is gorgeous and I am really proud to be working here. It’s so nice to be able to see how cool these rooms are now.
just a quick one in case i run out of time. the fidalgo keys on the desk need to be double checked on sunday when the guests check out. we also need to check these keys in the balcony door. remember…we had an issue with guests deadbolting their main door and exiting via balcony door and locking themselves out because the room key does not work on the balcony door.
note to self: call dave about fixture for the shaw bathroom.
Menu book needs to be made for lobby. Could we maybe have two? one for the second floor too??
I started a pile of maintenance forms. they will be on the front desk until we get a holder for them in the back.
cindy should have some office supply stuff for us. tape dispenser stapler etc.
alarms have been set for garbage and recycling in outlook.
waiting for the ok on buying one paper for the loby for sat. morning and again sunday paper. we do not have any maps. i put a call into Dave from Transit to see if he had a box we could have and to drop off his schedule.
we need some goo gone for lobby window. and the end for now.
Okay. Now I am officially confused by this blog. I signed on 15 minutes ago and my entries from last night weren’t on there. I just signed on again to check to see if my comments were posted and now ALL of them are there. I have a feeling this has to do with Adam being out of town and not accepting the blog comments on his end. Oh well. I ramble. What else is new.
We DID it! YOU did it! Thanks so much every one of you for helping to put it all together. All those crazy nights, all the planning, all of the last minute running around because despite all the planning, I still forgot stuff. Wow. You are now Bird Rocksters. Or is it Bird Rockstars??
I came home last night and posted a big long thank you on the blog and then a long list of things I forgot and then I accidentally deleted it. Yes, I was a little loopy. Thank goodness all of you managed to keep it better together than I did. You are wonderful.
Thank you from the deepest part of my heart. I love you all.
Here are some minor things that we need to take care of.
There are some papers of things that need following up on in the top back drawer of the storage cube.
Regino managed to get some blinds on both doors of back office.
The light of the bathroom in the shaw is not working at all, but someone is checking in tomorrow can we get someone to fix it?
The Fidalgo–
The TV that faces the bed is showing a NO SIGNAL error please call direct TV in the morning to have this fixed ASAP, I also adjusted her rate a little since we had two issues with her room, the key not working was the first. She was very nice and patient though.
I didn’t have a chance to make a closing procedure sheet for here so I will try to work on it tomorrow.
Everything is set for breakfast tomorrow.
LOBBY MUSIC
the ipod should be connected to the two white cables on the desk every morning until our real stereo system goes in the i pod is under the desk on the right for now
Things still running around my brain:
1) I will have a 4-piece toaster on Monday. In the meantime, can we please use yours, Elena?
2) Seth needs to drill the hole in the Cypress for the microwave a little bigger.
3) Can someone please buy some 3-prong extension cords (say 6 of them?) For now I know that we need one for the microwave in Cypress (when it gets moved up to the shelf and the coffee maker gets placed on the fridge) and one to connect the water machine in the lobby. Please ask Seth if he knows of any that need to be replaced.
4) Don’t forget to tell the guests on check-in a) Welcome; b) How to use remotes (remembering that Bainbridge living room fan/light works ONLY with remote and there is NO switch for that; c) Show them espresso machines and say that directions are there, if they have questions, just ask, if they want drip coffee it’s in the lobby; d) phones are available in the lobby and on the second floor lobby area, e) remember to do the rounds every 1/2 hour for the fire and write it in the log (Elena do you have the log you made?)
5) When Chris Teren comes back, please ask him about installing the guest computer and find out what the wireless access code is for guests.
6) Steffi, have you touched base with the spa guy to make sure the Marrowstone tub is up and running?
7) Please keep a running tally of things that I need to get fixed/replace/purchase, etc. Elena, did smaller hand soap containers get placed in bathrooms?
9) I’ll stop now because I’m sure that I’m driving you all nuts!
Please call me at home if you have any questions at all. I’ll have the phone with me all night and really don’t mind being called!
WE DID IT!
We are open and everything looks fabulous.
So there are many loose ends. We will figure it all out. Be flexible, patient and in good spirits. Thank you all for making this happen.
TIME CARDS
Chris needs to figure out how to hook up the time clock. For now write your hours down like in the olden days (time cards on top of fire alarm in the kitchen)
COFFEE
The power plug for the coffee maker is missing. I have a call in to SJ coffee. Morgan lend us his coffee maker. For the next couple of days, use his, I bought fitting filters.
MONEY
We need the papers explaining how to use the safe (still in storage). Until then we will not replenish petty cash, so there is no money. If a guest pays with cash, hope for correct change or call ELEMENTS for change.
LOBBY PHONE
In case a guest wants to get called here in the lobby, the number is 360.378.8338
TO DO
These things need to get done. If you accomplish one, please write it in the log, so all of us know:
1) Make a sign for the window, saying that we are closed for the night and the number for the night manager
2) Preset radio stations on the i-pod radios
3) Make a list of the little numbers in the battery compartment of the fan remotes for each room
4)Take the stickers off each remote and write the room number on the remote with a sharpie
5) Make a phone list of everybody who works here.
O.K. Hang in there, be creative, write everything down you notice missing or not functioning. We will get there.
Much love.
We did it! YOU did it! April 18th and our doors are open. Wow. I can’t possibly say thank you enough for all of those late nights, all the planning, all of the rushing around to get things at the last minute that we failed to plan for, it’s all just so amazing. YOU are all so amazing. Everyone chipped in and I’d like to offer a very special thanks to Elena, Raquel, and Regino. Without all of your hard work, it wouldn’t have happened.
Please note a new special on the bird rock and elements websites: Sea/Sky or Sea + Sky. This package is a value added deal where we are just packaging our rooms with regular priced Outdoor Odysseys full day kayaking trip and dining credit: there is no discount, it is a convenience factor and a way for us to thank Clark at Outdoor Odysseys because he has brought us lots of web traffic (and presumably bookings) over the years. We also do not collect commission on this package.
IMPORTANT NOTE: WRP is set up to scale this package automatically based on the number of nights and people in any given reservation. The trouble is that you and the guest MUST select the correct number of people or the pricing will be out of whack. I have tried to make this clear in the special description, but please be on the lookout for anything that looks funky (like, maybe a booking with package charges for just one person—that’s possible but less likely than two).
RECYCLING
We have recycling services, yeah! Starting on MONDAY, 4/21 (can on curb on Sunday nights!) SJ Sanitation will pick up our recycling on a weekly basis. Since they normally only deal with dumpsters, we will allocate one of our garbage cans and make a big sign: RECYCLING.
Yup,
April 18th at 10 AM, baby! Things are coming together. Thanks for the great staff meeting today, you guys, you ROCK.
GARBAGE
Just got off the phone with the town: 378-2810. Bird Rock’s garbage pick up is TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS, so the cans need to be brought out to the street Monday & Thursday PM. Garbage pick up supervisor is Dave at 378-3192.
RECYCLING
Called San Juan Sanitation at 376-4709, will call Cameron at 376-4717 tomorrow to figure out what size can we need.
Yea!! Number one blog. I can’t wait for Bird Rock to open its doors either. Training up here at Elements is great….but I miss our adventurers down at (formerly know as “Friday’s) Bird Rock. See you all in April!!
February 3rd, 2012 at 1:32 pm
FEBRUARY SPECIAL
love is in the air ~ february is for lovers. sneak away to our cozy hotel, enjoy our beautiful island and each other. get 20% off any room if you stay 2 nights or more.
(2 night minimum, not valid with any other specials, use password LOVE, subject to availability, offer ends 02/29/2012).
want a little more? ~ book a body or face treatment at the spa at earthbox, our sister property, (55min or longer) and get a 30% discount on your room.
(2 night minimum, not valid with any other specials, room and spa treatment must be booked over the phone at the same time, subject to availability, offer ends 02/29/2012)
February 3rd, 2012 at 12:34 pm
SPA
we are shooting to open on 3/1/12. Up until then all our treatments are available EXCEPT the nail care.
ALL spa clients are allowed to use the pool, sauna and hot tub for an hour before or after their treatment at no charge.
When booking any body treatment, please advise clients not to shave the day before.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:50 pm
RECYCLING
Here is what I found out, RE recycling:
batteries – ACE hardware
light bulbs – OPALCO
bigger batteries – contact manufacturer and inquire about their recycling program.
So please make sure to never throw batteries or light bulbs in the trash. The squiggly light bulbs have mercury in them and our soil & water don’t need that. Put them aside for Seth to collect. The batteries just run down to Ace real quick. It’s not easy being green, but we do it anyways!
January 23rd, 2012 at 4:06 pm
PARKING
I contacted the owners of the parking lot across from our hotel. They had a spot available, but their insurance doesn’t allow transient parking (i.e. guests). So we won’t rent a parking spot from them. Back to 2 hour parking around the hotel, 8 hour parking up by the courthouse and free off street parking at EB.
December 22nd, 2011 at 12:38 pm
X-MAS CHECK INS
Please call all check ins for 12/24 and 12/25 and let them know about open hours.
X-MAS TREE
Water, please
X-MAS FOOD
Please buy small amounts from Kings or MP. Know we are closing in a couple of weeks and aren’t that busy.
Have a great time!
December 5th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
NEW SPECIAL NEW SPECIAL
Stay one night in December and save 20% by entering the password: dazzle20. Staying 2 nights or more, save 30% by entering the password: dazzle30. Or call 1-800-352-2632 and mention this offer when booking your stay.
Valid December 2 through December 31, 2011. Not valid with any other special.
Remember: when a guest doesn’t know about the special by all means promote it, but choose the regular rate when making the booking and manually adjust the price.
Let’s get some folks staying with us. Happy room selling!
November 21st, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Beginning December 1st, all spa reservations are to be made directly through Rachel. She can be reached at 298.0556
November 19th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
FOOD ORDER
Tory, will you order food for next Wednesday delivery after 1PM, please? List is on fridge.
OPENING HOTEL AFTER IT WAS CLOSED
If you are the hotel opener, please print out the “Open hotel after weekly closure” check list from the desktop and make sure you do all what’s on there, like a walk through, open all doors, turn lights on, turn heat up if it was turned down (which it shouldn’t but then there it is, every week). Thank you!
November 18th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
BEEP……BEEP…….BEEP…..
I found the culprit. The carbon monoxide detector in the Bainbridge had a low battery. Battery is replaced, and the beeping is gone!
November 16th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
FYI, the WSF will be running an extra trip from Anacortes to Friday Harbor on Wednesday, November 23 at 1:30 p.m. in order to move traffic earlier and reduce backups – if needed.
November 5th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
I changed the front desk clock already. Please ask housekeeping to move all room clocks one hour back tomorrow. Darkness here we come! Yeah!
CUISINE ART
Is broken. Seth will look at it on Monday. I’ll keep you posted. Until then, mix scone mix by hand (it’s not hard, I just did it). Thank God it’s not August!
FRUIT AND FOOD ORDER
All our fruit went bad during the week we were closed. Let’s not stock up on fruit this time of the year. Myah, will you order food for next Thursday (list on white board) and just a small amount of fruit, 2 breakfasts worth?
We got another excellent trip advisor. Thank you so much you guys, you are the very bestest!
Love,s
November 4th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
LOBBY SMOKE DETECTOR
Beeped and blinked at me all morning. Seth replaced it. The new one beeped once, no blinking. Keep an eye out. We don’t know what that is, means, wants. Tell Seth if it happens to you!
October 22nd, 2011 at 6:35 pm
LOBBY COFFEE CUPS
Where did they all go? Anybody know?
October 20th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
SCHEDULE
Again, please check it again, final version, we promise!
POWDERED CREAMER
We get those from Sysco (Brad: 317-6300) or FSA (Neil: 317-6446). Go with Sysco whenever you can.
INNLINK RESERVATIONS
Whenever you process an Innlink reservation (those with confirmation numbers starting with F), please select “Innlink” as the source code. It is super important to us to know where our bookings come from, so we know where to spend our ad bucks!
October 19th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Please check the schedule that is posted, there have been some changes to it.. Thank you everyone for your patience..
(I will have the BR revised copy down in the afternoon on Wednesday)
October 17th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
STAFF MEETING
Yeah! We will have an all front desk staff meeting on Monday 10/24 at noon at Earthbox. Please all come to discuss how this season went for us, what will happen next and how we can make things good. See you then!
FABULOUS FALL ~ NEW SPECIAL
Join us in November to experience our favorite season in the San Juans. Have the beaches to yourself, get a massage at Lavendera Day Spa or enjoy the island ‘s harvest in one of the lovely restaurants serving local and organic food.
Book a Friday night and get Saturday night half off on any of our rooms. Valid November 1 through November 30, 2011. Not valid with any other special.
If you take a phone reservation and the guest didn’t know about the special, you may still sell it, but please use the regular room rate and adjust to the special price, rather than booking the special. This way LL (lovely Laura) can tell if our marketing works or not. Any questions? Ask the Boss ladies!
October 15th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
cory came in from vanderyacht propane to check on the gas fireplace in the bainbridge. the alarm went off earlier this a.m. he said there was nothing to worry about according to his equipment and that we probably need to purchase a new sensor. they tend to get fussy as they age.
October 6th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
BR CLOSURE
We have no bookings next Monday through Thursday. We decided to close the big white lady after breakfast on Monday 10/10 and re-open on Friday 10/14. Please go over the “closing the hotel midweek” procedures (all on desk top, plus the door signs).
Pleased order food on Monday and have To deliver on Friday after 9AM.
And don’t forget to send all inquiring guests up to EB!
Ach, off season, there you are, so fast!
Love you!
October 5th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
Hiya!
We now have Sucia and Orcas keys YAY!!!
October 4th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Hi all,
If a lady named Jamie from a company called Archstone calls here is some info you need to know. She is looking to book out the hotel for a company retreat in December. It would be an early weekday stay so we would probably open the hotel just for them. Cindy has also authorized a 10% discount for her group. If I or Cindy are available, please direct her to us. If not, all you need to do is release the rooms on the given day(s) and book the rooms as a group. If you do not feel comfortable with this, just get all the contact information you can, find out how they prefer to pay, (pre-pay on CC will require a CC auth form, CC at check-in, Checks are acceptable but receiving them prior to arrival to give clearance time is preferable.) Then write all that info down and get it to one of us. Thank you!!!
October 4th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Please follow up on lilly order from SJF for this friday, the 7th rez # 3438757.
Thanks
myah
October 3rd, 2011 at 10:32 am
Succia keys
Have call in to Kyle the locksmith to have some more keys made. he will call down there, please coordinate with him: 4 succia keys please.
Innlink
Laura is working on it. Wait for an update.
You rock and I love you!
October 1st, 2011 at 6:34 pm
We are out of Sucia keys. Where do we keep the originals so that copies can be made? I had to secretly give a guest checking in one of the spare master keys. Help!!
Just FYI on the missing Expedia reservations. This is a problem I have run into several times before at EB and a couple times here. WHat happens is that the information is sent from Expedia/Hotels.com/etc to Innlink’s system and then gets hung up in transit between Innlink and Webrez. Innlink says it usually happens due to a “timed out connection.” They say that if we have our property information and password we can log into our page on their website and check all incoming reservations. If one is on their site but not on ours we have a button to have them “resend” the information. That usually kicks it over. According to the person I talked to at Innlink, the bosses should have that info.
September 30th, 2011 at 9:59 am
GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM BED AND BREAKFAST.COM
We do NOT accept 3rd party gift cards or gift certificates. The only gift certificates we accept are our own.
INNLINK RESERVATIONS WITH DECLINED CREDIT CARD
If we get an innlink reservation and the guest’s credit is declined, please call innlink at 800-525-5864 and ask which travel agent made the reservation, then call the travel agent and ask them to get a hold of the guest with a working cc number.
September 24th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Just got a call from Myah she thanks everyone for their healing thoughts for Lloyd He is doing well and she is by his side day & Night. They will be home in a few days.
September 19th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
SCHEDULE
The new schedule is up and it’s all over the place for every single one of us, so please look closely, don’t assume things, go with the flow and have fun!
September 18th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
ok once it was me and the second time it was just some sort of miscommunication. but in the last week we have taken cash and charged the card on file on two seperate res. the hotel has had to pay the overdraft charges and the big girls are not happy!
September 14th, 2011 at 11:18 am
SOME WOMAN…
Probably me huh Morgan? So sorry, really. You are so good at fixing these blunders, but I will try harder to catch stuff like this. You are so great to work with, always going above and beyond the call of duty. xoxoxox
September 10th, 2011 at 10:22 pm
Mysterious water leak. There appears to be water flowing out of the floor beneath the Speiden bathroom. It is visible when you go out the back door and head towards Seth’s apartment. He happened to stop by and through listening to it we figure there is a pipe loose in the jet portion of the tub causing water to flow out while it’s running. Unfortunately due to upcoming reservations he can not get in there until Tuesday. If an opportunity arises to block it out sooner please do so and inform Seth. Thank you!
September 10th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
Cancellations.
Folks, I kid you not, every week I come down here I am constantly having to deal with rooms that should have been canceled and weren’t. Either it’s a no show who I end up calling or a guest who checks in with two reservations on the books. Several times it has been rooms that were booked a year ago by mistake, guest showed up, we made them a new reservation, then the mistake one was never canceled. Please please PLEASE follow through on a room cancellation. I just had another one who said she spoke with a woman here several weeks ago to cancel the extra room. Now I only work one maybe two shifts a week down here, I can’t be the only one who gets these.
September 9th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
POWER OUTAGE
Opalco scheduled another of those planned power outages for Thursday, 9/15, from 11:00PM to 6:00AM. Please call all guests staying with us on that night (don’t forget stayovers) and give them the option to reschedule. Make sure we have plenty of flashlights and batteries. make a nice little sign for the front desk explaining the situation and put it up on Tuesday night.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you! Good luck!
September 8th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
WHAT’S GONNA HAPPEN NEXT?
We’ll talk to all of you individually, but I wanted to give you a heads up about our Winter scheduling plans:
EB will be open 9:00AM to 9:00PM starting in November & December. The hotel stays open in January (office hours (9:00AM to 5:00PM). Cindy and I will staff it in January.
BR will be open Fri & Sat November & December & some Holidays, closed in January.
This means all of you will go down to part time in November. Please let me know ASAP if you would rather not be on the schedule at all rather than being part time. Let me know your plans. Thank you so much for a terrific season. I love you all!
September 7th, 2011 at 10:43 am
Okay. It’s time to have a serious talk here folks. We got another Trip Advisor review today. And… It ROCKED! Thanks so much for keeping it together for our guests all season long. You guys are truly amazing. I love you all. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
September 5th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
AND THIS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, CONCLUDES OUR SEASON!!!
Great job, everybody. You totally rocked this year. Thank you soooo much!
INNLINK
Now we will get innlink reservations again where the guest paid a travel agent directly and we charge the travel agent’s cc after the guest checks out.
Remember:
1) Check EVERY innlink reservation and see if the guest’s name is on the credit card or something completely different.
2) If guest’s name on cc: take 10%, charge guest upon check-in, the usual.
3) If name is completely different (like Orbitz for example), suppress pricing (that’s the most important thing!!!), write note in guest remarks like that:
Pricing suppressed, charge travel agent’s cc after guest checks out, put guest’s cc in remark section for incidentals.
4)Upon check in, put the guest cc in remark section, don’t erase travel agent’s cc. Double check pricing is suppressed.
5) Upon check out, charge travel agent’s cc.
Questions? Ask C, L or S.
Love you!!!!
September 4th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Tory got his fire alarm going off initiation today. You did good, Love!
September 2nd, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Hi Stevie,
I see you have a package to mail to a guest and wanted to make sure you remembered to do it. Just take it to post san juan and they will do the rest.
EL SINKO
Seth fixed our plugged up drain, and reminded us to not let any food stuff go down the sink or through the dishwasher. Thanks Seth.
August 25th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
INNLINK CANCELLATION
Guys, please remember that we CAN’T cancel INNLINK reservations. The guest needs to cancel directly with their travel agent. This is important because the travel agents will charge us commission if we don’t cancel with them. Thank you!
August 22nd, 2011 at 2:06 pm
SUPER FAST
Housekeeping is going above and beyond these days! The rooms are ready most days before noon, yay Soco, Carla, Teri and Marta! ( miss you Olga).
August 21st, 2011 at 12:54 am
HOT HOT WEATHER
And thank goodness for the cool water in the garden hose! The patio planters are not getting watered for some reason even though they are on a timer, so they were looking a little droopy. Torey was here to help me water, which turned into a bit of a summer time water fun adventure between guest check ins. I love summer, and I love working here, we have the best crew.
People are so dang over the moon to be here, I tell them they add to the good vibeyness of the hotel, that it is a symbiotic relationship. Finally cooler now…almost time to close up for the day. Thank you Torey, for remembering how to play in the sprinkler!
August 16th, 2011 at 12:42 am
Peace out Bird Rock, it’s been an experience.
August 15th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
beds:
just for F3 sake are: sealy reserve plush euro pillow top.
August 12th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
I reorganized the tea drawers because they were getting a little crazy. Tea is now in the two drawers at the left end of the counter. Simply use the box in the front first then scoot things forward. Easy smeasy. Thanks!
KT
August 12th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Hey, gotta make sure we check the expiration dates on the food here. I served bad half and half this morning at breakfast. yikes.
If we are really short on food, it would be awesome if the evening person could grab some breakfast stuff for the next morning. It’s kind of hard to get to the store at 7:30 am when we need to have breakfast out at 8:00am. Thanks so much.
KT
August 10th, 2011 at 12:36 am
Hey-o!
- Tom will not be able to get us more yogurt until Saturday. Thankfully Kings had some on sale. I bought a bunch of assorted flavors and it should be enough to last until Saturday.
- Just for FYI sake, coffee filters are ordered from SJ Coffee. They service our coffee maker too.
- Also, just a reminder, if someone wants to change their room type make sure you recalculate the room rate when changing things in the system. If you are keeping the rate as a special for the guest please write a note about it in the res. That way we won’t be confused when we check someone in who has a superior room for the cost of a simple. kay?
August 6th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Well the fire alarm went off today because a 2 year old pulled it in the Speiden Room. I followed the directions on the panel and tried to call the number on the wall for “false alarms” but I got a machine that said they were closed for the weekends. So I waited for the call from the fire department like the note says but I got no call. Instead I got a call from Khaili at Earthbox asking why the alarm was going off. The firetruck showed up and the firemen came in and couldn’t put the pullswitch back in place because they didn’t have a key…..so I called around until I got to Seth and he said that it might be in the safe with ALL the other keys. So the firemen and I played scavenger hunt with the keys trying to figure out which one worked. All the while, guests were asking what was wrong and one particular guest was upset and complaining….
We found the key and I think that it needs to go next to the alarm panel or I wish someone had told me where the “special key” was. I couldn’t find a procedure for the fire alarm in the manual and I wish that had been more organized and less embarrassing. I’m glad the summer is almost over.
August 5th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Hey all, I spoke to Kevin over at San Juan Outfitters and they requested that we let guests know that for the Sunset Tour there is NO RETURN TRIP ON THE VAN. It is after-hours for them and there is no one left to drive the vans so they’ve been calling people taxis and paying for it. Thanks!
KT
August 4th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
What Caitlin says, yeah! Oh, you guys are doing a great job. Thank you so much.
FYI: if we need a little kitchen gadget for under $20, just run over to the Gourmet Galley and get it.
Thanks for all you hard work:)
August 3rd, 2011 at 11:36 pm
Hellooo beautiful Bird Rock staff!
Soooo I have taken it upon myself to print out some morning and evening checklists for us here! (I know, SO EXCITING!!!) I am constantly forgetting to do little things here and there around the place, and maybe I’m not the only one?? Hopefully these can help keep us as clean and on top of our game as humanly possible and we can finish off the summer with a big, organized BANG!
I know I’m only here a few times a week and some of you guys work your little tushies off, pour your hearts and souls into this place. I just wanna make sure it looks good and runs as smooth as possible. Let me know what you think!
Sincerely
Miss I need a box to check off every completed aspect of my life, Caitlin
August 1st, 2011 at 11:24 pm
Hey guys. I just got an e-mail from a Watson Blair who stayed with us on the 29th of July and they said they took on of our Bainbridge keys so they have mailed it back to us – woohoo!
Have a beautiful night everyone!
August 1st, 2011 at 10:18 pm
Hi All!
The little scooper that we use to make butters and cookies has broken. We have ordered a new on but it may not be here until the end of the week. Until then just cut up the butter into nice cubes or triangles or equilateral octagons, whatever you think looks nice. As for the cookies. I made a huge batch and put it in a sealed container in the fridge. It’s on the lowest shelf. You will just have to spoon out dough as you need it. Sorry for the inconvenience.
July 31st, 2011 at 1:14 am
Tory, a lot of the guests here are really grateful to you for going out of your way to help them out. AWESOME WORK!
July 29th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Hi all,…happy happy wedding weekends, bells are ringing all over the island. Everyone is happy here at the Honeymoon Hotel!
BLACK STUFF
What is the black stuff in the stairs? We have to see about getting it removed. oh, no time to blog,,,guests checking in….
July 27th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
Hey everyone, this post is for Earthbox (the Earthbox blog site has been deleted and just goes straight to the Welcome page) Anyways, I am suggesting that we get a couple of kiddie bikes out here because we have had a zillion guests ask if we do and then when we say no, the family gets sad, and its heart breaking to see the face on the kids. Anyways, just a suggestion, let me know what you think!
Have a wonderful day people!
Smiley smiley smiley!
July 26th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
A guest lost his Sucia key
. I gave him the other key but now we only have one for that room and another is hanging around town somewhere….
July 25th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
INK
We are out of ink for the dell printer. I have called all over to see if I can find some, to no avail. If anyone knows someone with an extra cartridge, we need to borrow it asap!!
July 25th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Hi there,
The pricing in the computer for when guest want to add a kayak or a whale watch trip, is priced for San Juan Island Outfitters and San Juan Safaris. Make sure that you use them for those specific reservations and again they are our 1st tear of booking company’s for those adventures..
Thanks,
Cindy
July 24th, 2011 at 10:29 am
I thought about that often or a bird bath. We’ll have to maintain it, though. Laura, can we have a bird feeder or a bird bath? We promise we’ll take care of it!
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Hey I was just thinking, could we possibly get some humming bird feeders, a bird bath, and a bird feeder for the courtyard here at BR? I think it would be totally adorable and appropriate. I LOVE birds!
July 22nd, 2011 at 12:52 am
we have a custom made canvas cover for the bikes now that we put on at night and remove in the am. Bikes are now aimed with the bars out…and try and angle the bars the same way you wont believe how nice they look this way. And lets store the canvas nicely folded in the far left gardening closet.
July 21st, 2011 at 9:05 pm
HISTORY OF HOTEL
Katie, we have a laminated sheet of BR when it was the tourist hotel and first built in 1892 (I believe?). There is some history on there as well. It’s on the left of the computer in the inbox basket there. What questions were you unable to answer?
DISCOUNTS
Please please please no discounts this time of the year. Charge for every futon, every crib and most importantly for every extra person ($20 for everybody over 4). This is it, guys, we just have those 2 months. Let’s rock it!
Thank you all for your hard work. It shows!
July 21st, 2011 at 1:21 pm
EXCITING NEW THINGS:::
Roma Ogle is going to begin some Basic Boot Camp training classes in our conference room, If you are interested in starting the boot camp work out sessions, the following dates are mandatory to learn the beginning moves:
August 9, 2011 at 5:30pm and August 13, 2011 at 10:00am.. These classes will be held in the conference center at EB…
(I think you are only asked to attend one to get the information, but you can attend both, Roma will bring me a flyer and I will post here at EB)
Once these classes get up and going, we will have a sign up sheet for guest that want to drop in to the ongoing classes..
BIKE COVERS
Everyone working the closing shift has to make sure to cover the bikes with our new fancy and spendy bike covers.. I would like the bike covers put on at night RAIN OR SHINE…these nice covers will keep our cute little bikes from getting so rusty so quick.
Opening shift may take the covers off in the morning, unless it is pouring down rain, then you may keep them on until the rain has subsided..Please store them in the bins that Seth has picked up.
Thanks ALL… I look forward to seeing you at Basic Training BOOT CAMP….:)
Thank you for doing this everyone..
July 20th, 2011 at 12:06 am
San Juan Excursions just dropped off new brochures with changed prices. Does this change how much we charge guests for whale watch tours with them?
Also, I just made a buncha crunch of cookie dough!
July 19th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
Oh….my….god…talk about breakfast rush. People ate like they were dying of starvation this morning. I had one person eat half the entire bowl of berries! Literally tilted the bowl and poured them out. O.o I think I made scones 4 times, NOT counting the two batches Morgan made me last night (which I highly appreciate!) I completely ran out of bowls and came very close to running out of coffee mugs. Phone was ringing off the hook and guests were asking me all sorts of questions on the history of the building and Friday Harbor I didn’t really know the answers to which REALLY disappointed them. Crazy morning but I think it’s over now. whew!
July 15th, 2011 at 7:21 am
MY K-GIRLS:) KHAI AND KATIE
Can you please let me know when you will leave for the season. I vaguely know mid August, but when?
Thank you!
July 13th, 2011 at 8:14 am
Katie,
Thank you for your post on the cancellation policy, I missed your blog and just saw it.. I really appreciate you blogging about it..
Myah~
I loved your blog, also a nice reminder that we should always be preparing things for the next shift, it is SO nice to come onto your shift and have things so organized, and YES Tory does just fluff the world around him.. Tory I need you at my house.
You are all awesome and we have a really COOL crew this year..
Thanks ALL…. <3
July 13th, 2011 at 8:05 am
Reminder……………
Kayaking Trips
Whale Watch Trips
All vendors for kayaking and whale watching have a cancellation policy, IF you make a reservation and cancel it after the cancellation time (PLEASE SEE SPECIFICS BELOW) WE WILL BE CHARGED……
So make sure your guests know what the policy is before booking a trip for them..
Cancellation Policy:
1-4 People 48 hrs
5-9 People 14 days
10 or more, please inquire
If you cancel within the above times and do not charge the guest accordingly you may be responsible for the fee we are charged.
Please let me know if you have any questions..
Thanks,
Cindy
July 12th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Ah summer! so many happy guests, full of compliments and ease. (I wish they would tell trip adviser like they say they are going to). Ah summer.
We are such a good and supportive team this season, all trying to out-pimp the next guy on shift with per made scone dough, eggs in the bowl, love notes, flowers…god, get a room! No, really it’s great!
I made cookies again, and I know you guys don’t think my cookies are very predictable, so I don’t know why you let the dough run out on my shift, sillies! I did pimp out all the containers, and filled them all up with sugar and flour, chips, and oats!
I love it when Tory comes in for a visit on my shift, because he is a tornado of fussiness, fluffing the flower arrangements, buffing surfaces, organizing, reorganizing and basically putting the world all right again! (((hug)))
I love the new special, mid week madness or something like that! This is such a great marketing strategy, because there is nothing a potential guest wants to hear other than, ” oh guess what? You are in luck, there is a special for your dates!” Oh the happiness exudes!
Good on ya!
The work that Seth and Dylan are doing around here really makes a huge difference. The Hotel is just shining in it’s new paint and refurbished railings and decking. A really proud, and regal building this oll Bird!
All is well at the love hotel xoxoxo
July 12th, 2011 at 9:18 am
Just a quickie here.
The cancellation policy for San Juan Outfitters is:
less than 4 people = 48 hours
more than 4 people = 2 weeks
If the customer tries to cancel within those times, they still get charged for the tour. Which I’m sure means that we charge them (if they made the reservation through us) and then SJ Outfitters charges us. weeeeeee!
July 12th, 2011 at 6:32 am
We have a few holes in our availability in the middle of the week in July, so I’ve posted a new very limited special. Check it out on our specials page, but here’s the nuts and bolts: It’s called a Midweek Getaway and we’re offering 10% off any available room Sunday through Thursday nights through July. People (including you) have to enter GETAWAY in the password/access code area to have it show up.
Questions? Just ask!
July 12th, 2011 at 6:28 am
Hey Katie, No worries! We all just keep learning!
July 11th, 2011 at 9:06 am
Just wanted to let everyone know I survived my first breakfast just fine!! Thank you soooo much Morgan for setting everything up for me so nicely! We almost ran out of fruit, but it was just enough!
Also Katie,
Dont take all the blame for the internet mishap,I also was telling people the wrong number (I was giving them the number on the sacio cards as well…) and it very well could have been my fault too!
July 8th, 2011 at 6:23 am
I’m really really sorry about the internet lady. I accidentally gave her a Bird Rock Laura Saccio card which was in with the other Bird Rock cards. I circled the phone number and even said “with no dashes or 1″ but it was the Earthbox phone number instead. I just did it out of habit and didn’t fully read the number. Sorry you had to deal with that Tory.
Is there more that I can do or something that I am totally missing? I’ve been trying really hard to get all the jobs done. I know I’ve been behind on wiping out the fridge and making cookie dough in the morning. I’ve been trying really hard to do lots of prep work for the morning person so it’s easier for them. If I’m slacking off somewhere PLEASE somebody tell me so I can fix it immediately. Sorry everyone.
July 7th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
DAILY CHECK LIST
Guys, even though you do rock, some things seem to fall through the cracks. I know it’s a lot once the season is on. Especially for our new Goddesses. So please use the daily check lists and make sure you don’t forget anything. Thank you!
July 7th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Please Please Please when checking a guest in let them know that there is complimentary wireless available throughout the hotel and the right password- OUR local tele number right on the business cards without the one or the dashes. We had a lady staying here that was given the wrong password and she was warm. She has been trying for 2 days to do her work!
July 5th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Whew, I’m glad the coffee maker is not broken. This weather is absolutely amazing! I’m loving it! Steffi, we are out of money down here so I borrowed $60.00 from Earthbox to buy breakfast stuff. Enjoy the sun everyone!
July 4th, 2011 at 9:25 am
COFFEE MAKER KITCHEN
Steve from SJ Coffee came by to check on our coffee maker. It’s just fine. Maybe we still had some coffee in the pot and ran another batch or pushed the start button twice?
July 4th, 2011 at 5:45 am
Yuchu! What a breakfast rush!
Happy 4th of July! I think this is the first time it’s sunny on the 4th since I emigrated (ca. 2000 years ago).
Oh Morgan, Thank you so much for the super prep work. Breakfast was out and ready at 7:48AM.
And your voice on the night message, nice, you should make some money with that!
Have a great day, everybody!
June 29th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Myah, that is so sweet that you rescued the snails.. I did some saving myself the other day, we have a little water hole that was getting all dried up and all the tally pogs where turning into little frogs so I drug my long water hose across the way and filled back up their water hole.. there were very happy little creatures..
June 29th, 2011 at 8:15 am
I swear I’m not TRYING to find things to complain about…but the coffee maker keeps overflowing all over the counter for some reason. I don’t know what’s wrong! I didn’t do anything different from what I normally do.
June 29th, 2011 at 6:58 am
So…the internet is crazy slow and now the stereo speakers aren’t working. I don’t know what’s wrong. I’ve checked all the connections in the back and have turned it off and on. Also, may I please have a new key so I don’t have to keep climbing over the counter and breaking into the safe room every time I open? My key hasn’t worked since the day I got it. Thanks.
June 28th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
P.S. That guy who was going to propose to his girlfriend here…..SHE SAID YESSS!!! So adorable I squealed like a little girl when he told me.
June 28th, 2011 at 12:24 am
yes, computer flitzels for sure, but between Morgan and a very smart young guest, we finally have internet upstairs!!!
A kid guest and I captured 17 snails tonight and let them go accros the street. I hope they find something to eat at the FH house instead.
Everyone is happy, and it is fun to work with our new girls, Katie and Caitlyn
June 26th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
I’ll let Chris know. Thank you, Katie:)
June 25th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Hi guys, a customer told me that we have a virus on our upstairs computer here at Birdrock.
not cool. Should I ask Chris for help?
June 24th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
STATE PARK PASS
From now on when you park your car at a state park (lime kiln) you’ll need a pass, $10 per day, $30 per season. Passes are available at Ace and Kings. Please let our guests know.
Thank you, thank you!
June 22nd, 2011 at 11:20 am
It is me.. I am finally blogging at Bird Rock.. Sorry for the delay. You are all doing a super job down there.. Thank you for all your hard work.. Do you need anything? Have any suggestions? Please don’t hesitate to let me know..
Keep your beautiful smiles on
June 21st, 2011 at 10:56 pm
The CUTEST couple came in today from Texas. They are so active and inspiring! They ran Pear Point, then biked to the track for a post-dinner walk. They said that Austin is like the Seattle of Texas and that it’s the only “blue dot in a red state”. haha it’s always wonderful to meet really friendly people. That’s why I like this job; you get to meet interesting people from EVERYWHERE!
June 21st, 2011 at 1:23 pm
BATH TOWELS
Just so we know in case a guest raves about the towels as well as the bedding, the art work, the lotion,shampoo, scones, mattresses, wall color, etc. let them the towels are by Coyuchi as well as the linens. Yummy! Remember to F3 to find any of this information. Later!
June 20th, 2011 at 11:40 am
Hi Steffi,
I think it’s just you and me blogging right now. I’m feeling a little lonely, too.
Hint, hint to the rest of you….
xoxox
June 20th, 2011 at 10:20 am
EYES & EARS
You guys, it looks so great in here. Thank you for keeping it together so well.
Will you please blog a little more? I’m only down here once a week now and I want my stories. Pretty please?
PHOTO CONTEST
We just sent out our newsletter and asked folks to send us their gorgeous pictures of our big white lady. When our guests send us such photos, please forward them to laura@earthboxmotel.com.
Thank you!
FLOWERS
In addition to getting flowers from Rolf on Thursdays (pick 2 or 3 bouquets, we have an account), we’ll also get 2 bouquets from Susan Wampler every Monday. We have an account. So just display and enjoy.
June 18th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
BEDS AGAIN
Everyone loves the hotel and hates the bed frames, maybe Seth could saw them down this winter?
EARPLUGS
A guest gave us a tip on really good ear plugs called Moldex. They don’t collapse.
NAPKINS
Raquel brought us some new colorful napkins for scones. ****PLEASE PLACE A PAPER NAPKIN UNDER SCONES BEFORE SERVING to save the oil stains on the fabric napkins. tanks
LOVE
I love you guys!
June 17th, 2011 at 11:43 am
INNLINK SOME MORE
Innlink reservations where we don’t charge the guest but rather a travel agent credit card upon check out, we need to suppress the pricing on those. Very important!
June 13th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Woooo!!! It sure was getting windy down here at B-Rock so I went ahead and closed the umbrellas so they wouldn’t break or fly away. No problem Khaili!
KT
June 13th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
One more thing:
The black ink is running low, but isn’t quite out. There are two black ink cartridges that Steffi brought down in the brochure drawer when it does run out. Thanks Steffi!
June 13th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Morgan and Katie-
Thanks, you two, for preparing so much for breakfast! It made my morning
June 8th, 2011 at 11:09 am
WHALE WATCHING DELIGHT…modification…
I forgot to add that it’s only good on deluxe rooms!
June 7th, 2011 at 11:58 am
WHALE WATCHING DELIGHT! Read all about it on the specials page, but here’s the scoop: Guests who call and say WHALE or book online using that code and stay with us for at least two nights in June arriving on Sunday through Thursday nights will get one free whale watching trip. That’s only one person per reservation. If you have any questions, ask me or Steffi.
June 6th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
CHOCOLATES
From now on we don’t order chocolates from San Juan Florist or Robin’s Nest anymore. We order them directly from SJ Coffee Co 1-800-624-4119. Ask for the romance package chocolate assortment. They may be able to deliver sometimes, but mostly we will have to pick them up. They made us a nice packages which looks good and consists of high quality chocolates.
June 6th, 2011 at 11:26 am
CAFE ZIA AT EARTHBOX
Will open on June 15 and will be open daily through Labor Day from 6:30AM to 11:30AM.
Stevie, Khaili and Tory: there is a training with Cafe Del Arte scheduled for you guys on Monday, June 13. We don’t have a time yet. Laura or Cindy will let you know when that is. Please come!
We think what we’ll do this season is have the coffee shop person check out beach cruisers during their open hours. So we’ll need beach Cruiser release forms, paper clips and a couple of folders out there, and the bike lock and helmets. And you’ll need to let the guests know that they can pick up their credit cards at the front desk after the coffee shop closes.
Sound good? Make it so!!!!
For us Bird Rockers: refer folks up here for cool smoothies and excellent coffee drinks. We’ll have snacks too.
SCHEDULE
Please email schedule requests to me or put them in my box. Thank you.
INN LINK
Grrrrr. So: if we get an innlink reservation, please check the guest name against the name on the credit card. If it’s the same, take 10% deposit and confirm reservation. charge guest’s card upon check in, just as always.
If the guest’s credit card doesn’t match the name on the reservation, check on the innlink website (see Laura’s blog below)if it’s a travelocity booking. They have this deal where they charge the guest, then play with their money until the reservation is, then we charge their (travelocity’s) credit card when the guest checks out.
For those:
confirm reservation without taking any money, write superbig “TRAVELOCITY” in the remark section of WRP. Then, when the guest checks in, take the guest’s cc number and put it in the remark section as well (not in the credit card section). DON’T erase the travelocity cc on file.
Charge travelocity cc upon guest check out.
We just need to make extra sure to NOT charge the guest cc, because they have paid already and that just wouldn’t be good.
Questions? Ask one of your lovely boss ladies.
Have a great week everybody. Thank you for all your hard work.
June 4th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
LOVE
I love it when I come to work and everything is so so so sosososoososo set up! Morgan, thank you, you make me look so dang good!
MARATHON
We have runners here who will miss breaky, so I have left some goodies in the lobby fridge for them. Let them know it’s there, the fildalgo knows, but tell the marrowstone and patos.
DISH TOWELS
Raquel bought new ones, and boy are they nice and thirsty and clean. Yay and thank you Laura.
TV
Olga figured out that one of the receptacles in the marrowstone wasn’t working, so she used the one above and vwala…TV! Yay Olgee!
June 2nd, 2011 at 10:46 am
DISH TOWELS PLEASE
May we get some new dish towels and wash cloths for the Bird? Ours are falling apart and look weary.
I will call Raquel and ask her too.
May 29th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
KIWI BONANZA!
The kiwis are finally starting to ripen, so make sure to use them up while they are so delisiousioso.There are some in the fridge, which are still hard, but remember to fondle the ones in the bags, as they are ripening randomly.
If the other fruit appears to have hurt feelings from your kiwi fondling, please feel free to pat the grapes, or hug the melon as well.
May 29th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
HI ALL!!
Just another friendly reminder that we need to make sure we are charging for extra persons in rooms, especially down at Bird Rock. Children are anyone under 4 at BR, under 13 at EB. And remember it’s $20 per night for extra people at BR and $10 at EB. Also please be aware of what rooms you can let folks pack extra people in. Water Places are for 2 adults and *maybe* in a pinch, a small child. We also don’t usually allow roll-aways or futons in those rooms either. They are just too small. This goes for the Cypress, Matia, Patos, Shaw, Skipjack, & Succia as well. So always keep in mind room occupancy limits when booking folks. Always try to get the number of people that will be in the room before you quote them prices. Thank You!!!
May 28th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Guys, I’m sick and will take tomorrow off. Thank you so much Tory and Myah for helping me out (0×0×0×0x0x). Please call me at home if you need help with anything.
What a great weekend, sunny, busy and we have such a great team. Yeah!!!!!
May 28th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
AWESOME CO-WORKERS!
Best crew ever! ( except I miss Deb), but seriously, It feels really good around here. Top notch support and back-up. Thank you people.
INSTA-SCONES
When there is a huge crowd for breakfast, it is so helpful if we can get the scones out early. Tory and I did an experiment, which I think really was great. He made scone dough, the night before and placed a cookie sheet full of ready to pop in the oven, scones! They were perfect and the guests were very chilled. Thank you Tory!
INSTA-FRUIT
Morgan has been leaving pre-cut fruit on plates in the fridge too and that is really helpful on those busy weekend mornings too…Thank you Morgan!
I know we can’t always do this kind of exceptional back-up work, but it sure is great while it lasts!
May 25th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
INNLINK BOOKINGS:
I’ve now set it up so that you guys can take a look at the Innlink website and see the upcoming reservations. Sometimes you’ll be able to see which webiste (i.e. Travelocity, Orbitz, etc.) so that you can get some idea how to process it. Steffi or I will show you how to go online to check these and will get you a cheat sheet so that you will know how to process them. Stay tuned…
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:04 pm
Hi everyone-
Today is my last day here at the hotel and I just wanted to say goodbye to you all. I just simply don’t have it in me to do another summer of opening one job at 8am and then closing another til 11pm. I’ve grown so fond of all of you here and will miss seeing you on a more regular basis, but you can count on me popping in now and again to say hello! Much love to you all!
-Halley
May 22nd, 2011 at 4:39 pm
BOOZE
San Juan Island Distillery (Westcott Bay cider) is having their grand opening next weekend. Us hotel folks are invited next Friday from 3:00PM to 5:00PM out on Westcott Bay. Who wants to go?
We got some rack cards for them, distillery and cidery tours every Saturday 3:00PM to 5:00PM. This is a cool tourist attraction. Make sure to include it in your island tour spiel.
May 22nd, 2011 at 11:34 am
FOOD HANDLER’S CARD OR BUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously guys……..nuff said……..thank you Myah and Tory:)
May 19th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Left a message with San Juan Roasting Co. for 2 bags of Reg. Went ahead and put the gift bag for the Fidalgo guests checking in Fri from the lavender gift shop.
May 19th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
Schedule:
Just letting everyone know to please check the newly revised schedule that will be posted tomorrow(fri)
Res #3207618:
Not sure what exactly happened but it is crucial especially here that we are positive on the room style that the guest is interested in and that there is no confusion.
Revised Guestbooks:
According to the log on the stereo in the back there are still 2 rooms left that need the revised guestbook info replaced I believe the Bainbridge and the Matia.
Myah’s Plantation:
Please Please Please if you have time take a moment and fill up a pitcher walk around the hotel and give them a drink if they need it. She worked really hard on them and they aren’t getting the attention they need.
May 17th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
So just got back from the Food Handlers Seminar and it wasn’t all that bad. Let’s all try and surprise Steffi and have our cards before she returns from her days off on Friday! Come on I think she might be tired of asking:0)
May 17th, 2011 at 2:17 am
New Guest Info Folders!
Well new inserts anyway. If you look on the backroom desk you will find a stack of insert pages and a list. I replaced the inserts in all of the non-occupied rooms today so all that’s left are the folks who are already in. Please try to replace the pages in the rooms I wasn’t able to get to. You will see on the list which ones remain. Thank you!
May 16th, 2011 at 11:52 am
***HI STEVIE****
The NExes Lexes group are checking in Tuesday, but will be on the island early and want to have a meeting in the saltspring, so I closed that room so they can check in early Tuesday.
They will want to take breakfast into their room on Wednesday morning, so STEVIE, this is where you come in. There are 7 people in the group, so please make sure you make enough food for them to take in to their room PLUS enough for the regular guests. Maybe offer to help carry a tray down for them. Thanks Stevie.
May 15th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
What Tory said! Please. I calculated our cost for breakfast, it’s about $15 per person, so if you don’t charge the extra person charge we loose money. It’s o.k. to not charge for a kid every once in a while.
Also: don’t put too many folks in one room. It says on our rate sheet how many people each rooms sleeps. Please adhere to those numbers.
May 15th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
Please please mention to guest at time of booking that there is an additional charge for extra guests over 2 people staying in room of $20 per adult and children over four years old. Re: conf # 3182955 Thank You!
May 14th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
WOMAN WHO FELL OFF BIKE
She called today and wanted to profusely thank us, especially Myah, Myah in particular and Myah some more for being so sweet and helpful and wonderful. They had a splendid time and will definitely be back. Thank you, Myah Goddess for handling this so well. You rock!!!!!!!!!
FOOD HANDLER’S CARDS
Donde estas? Myah, I know you took the class. I think Tory did as well. I need those cards (or a copy of them) on the corkboard in the kitchen ASAP. If you haven’t taken the class yet, please do so in the next week. The health department is due for a visit and I’m kind of tired of begging you. So please!
HANDLING FOOD
One of the utterly fascinating things you learn at the class is that you aren’t allowed to store food on the floor. Needs to be six inches above floor. I put the box of apples on a milk crate. That should work.
THURSDAY 5/26 PLANNED POWER OUTAGE
Opalco is having a planned power outage on Thursday 5/26 from 11:45PM to 4:00AM. Morgan, will you please call the guests staying with us that night, explain the situation and offer to move their reservation?
If you make a reservation for anybody staying that night, please mention the power outage. Nobody should have any issue with that if they know up front and why.
Upside: Herb’s will be quiet, he, he.
Other than that, keep on rocking. You guys are doing a great job!
May 13th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
DUCK SOUP
Is now also on our voucher program, so for Romance package dining vouchers we can offer COHO, The Place and Duck Soup Inn.
ROOM SERVICE
We will not provide room service anymore. All references to it have been taken from the website and guest directories. For now if somebody inquires about it, please say we are phasing that out, but please accommodate the guest and do room service if they read it someplace before and had their heart set on it.
GUEST INJURY
If a guest gets injured on our property or on our bikes we NEED to have an incident report filled out by the guest.
Always be passionate, never admit to any fault on our part (as in:”Yeah, those stairs, we all trip over them all the time”), offer to call a doctor.
The incident reports are in the file cabinet in the back room. If you can’t find them, call up to EB and have one faxed to you.
And: never give out drugs. We are legally not allowed to dispense any drugs, not even Tylenol or Aspirin.
MELONS
We serve them without the rind, please!
I know it’s getting busy. Nothing we can’t handle. Just make sure you communicate well at shift change, write a little love note for the person after you, don’t forget to answer and file emails, blog (for example that bike incident, we need to blog about stuff like that, just say: read (confirmation number) in WRP), use your daily check list and call me if you have any questions. Party on!
May 12th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
DRIVE US CRAZY ANYTIME
It’s good to have specials!
HOT TUB
Do not give the temp knob to guests, adjust the temp and take the knob away.
DEAD BOLT
No need to use the dead bolt in the kitchen, in case we have to get in with our key. Thanks.
NIGHT MANAGER
Remember to tell gusts, especially on Wednesday nights about our night managers phone number in case of ruckus from the bar. It’s the last line on the invoice, highlight it for the guests.
That’s it for now,
myah
May 11th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
BECAUSE I’M TRYING TO DRIVE YOU CRAZY…
I have uploaded another special into WRP. This requires a password for the guest to access (and remember if you are given the password, you can just enter it into the booking form and you should just see that price).
HARBORS: This entitles people who are members of the Harbors Travel Club to get 10% off, regular rate only, subject to availability, i.e. not on holidays, not combinable with other discounts or specials. They must show their Harbors Travel Club card on check in to get this rate.
May 9th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
THURSDAY 11:30 AM FIRE ALARM TESTING
Our annual fire alarm test is coming up. We have 2 stay-overs, Marrowstone & Saltspring. Please inform our guests upon check in on Wednesday that the fire alarm will go off on Thursday 11:30AM. Thank you!
May 9th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Please don’t sell any more Saturday night only stays for memorial day weekend. We instituted a 2 night minimum stay. Can’t put in in WRP today though, because WRP is down. Grrrrrrrr.
May 9th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
CERIAL
Granola and Raisin-bran came in today, Cheerios should be here this week.
NEW BIKES
As we speak, Seth is moving the shiny new bikes on to the patio.
BALCONY
The lounge cushions are all set up on the balcony’s, time for a nap…”There’s a nap for that”
I ordered the yogurt and bread for wed.
All is well,
myah
May 8th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
TWO NIGHT MINIMUM STAY
Just a reminder: in July and August we require a two night minimum stay on the weekends. On the day of, if you have a walk-in you may sell a room for just one night.
HAGGLING
You are not only allowed, but also encouraged to cut deals with people in order to get them to stay here, especially midweek or when we aren’t sold out, BUT be very careful how you present the price. ALWAYS start with our rack rate, then if you get resistance offer a 10% discount for example, BUT make sure you say something along the line of:” We don’t officially have a military discount, but if you make the reservation with me right now, I’ll give you a 10 % discount.” Then if the guest needs to discuss it with their travel partner and says he will call us back, please tell him your name, how long you will be there and when you will be back and that they should call YOU back. This way we can avoid scenes like: “That will be $227 per night.” “Well, the other girl told me it was $149.” And please remember: no discounts at BR in the summer (mid June to September). You may go down a little for a walk-in.
COFFEE MAKERS
We have new ones, yeahhhhhh!!!!! Just simple, sleek coffee makers. We will serve Tully’s coffee. The packages have the filter already around the coffee, so things will be easier and no more broken espresso machines, oh good!
FOOD ORDER
Whoever ordered food last week, did you order granola, raisin bran and cheerios? Are they maybe on back order? Please blog and let me know. Thank you!
We may want to order some food on Monday (yoghurt, toast) and then again on Wednesday (fruit, milk, other things).
POST SAN JUAN
Please drop off the coat in the back room at Post San Juan tomorrow. Form all filled out. Ready to go.
Thank you all for your hard work. Have a great week!
May 6th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
It’s been a busy day and tomorrow’s party should be a lot of FUN! Laura wants us to all where our blue work shirts and our black fleeces (whether we are working or not). See everyone tomorrow at 4pm.
April 30th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
BUTTER & JAM DISHES
Are on the way. Should be here Monday (Thank you, Laura:)
MARROWSTONE HOT TUB
Was 108 degrees, ouch. Guest couldn’t use it. I turned it down. Please check the temp before checking somebody in. Should be around 103. Please don’t ever turn it up all the way.
FAXES
Most faxes we get are spam, but I do get commission requests from travel agents through the fax (pegasus for example). Please don’t throw them out. Put them in the second drawer of the safe.
MYAH, TORY, STEVIE, KATHY, HALLEY, ANGELA, MORGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I need you to provide me with your food handler’s cards. Please hang them up by the white board within the next 2 weeks. Just go to the health department on a weekday between 9:00AM and 4:00PM and take the test on their computer. Takes about 45 min. We’ll pay for it. If I don’t have your cards by then, I will have to take you off the schedule:(
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Reconciled money today and have again $20 missing, just like last time. Please please please count till every day, initial receipts, make sure receipts go back in the till.
SHAW
Is doing it’s summer thing already. Guest left a day early, couldn’t stand the heat in the room. Anybody have any ideas how we could tackle this?
WHIDBEY
Looks like somebody checked a guest into the Whidbey and then upgraded the guest. That is wonderful, but the room was dirty, bathroom used, etc. If you change guest rooms after they checked in, please check the room, block out if necessary and leave a note for our wonderful housekeepers to tidy the room.
FOOD ORDER
Myah, you did such a great job ordering last week, just perfect, thank you. I sliced the last strawberry when the order came in. Wow.
Stevie, you will need to put in the next food order on Wednesday. Call Tom and read him the list on the white board and look through the fridge if we need anything else (check the dairy). Call me at home if you have any questions.
COOKIES
Whoever made the last batch: they are EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you.
EGGS
We got 6 doz duck eggs from Chris. A real treat. When we serve them, make sure to tell our guests that they are eating local duck eggs, yummy!
INNLINK PHONE #
800-525-5864
TRAVELNOW #
800-568-1972, just so we have them.
Thank you all for your hard work. Oh Man, Tory is a hard act to follow. Every guest is just like Tory this, Tory that. Hey, we others are nice too!
Love you all!
April 26th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Hey Everyone!
I got a call over here at EarthBox from a guest who accidentally took his room key for the Lopez. He is mailing it back today and we should get it soon!
Stevie Mae
April 26th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Hi guys, we live in a really strange age where there is less and less separation between our personal lives and our work lives. This is especially true on our little island where we all are friends with each other in addition to being coworkers–a fact that I actually adore. It does, however, has its complications.
I can’t and don’t want to control what you post on Facebook or Twitter, etc., even if you post something about not liking your job or tourists or whatever. I certainly hope that you don’t make posts like this because I want all of you to LOVE your job and all of the visitors who come to this island and help us to be able to live here ourselves.
BUT, you have to be VERY CAREFUL about making sure that you don’t post anything relating to Guest Privacy or the inner workings of the properties. So please, before you post ANYTHING related to work, think twice.
Thanks for listening!
April 25th, 2011 at 11:25 pm
Email Newsletter!
Bird Rock Hotel just sent out it’s first ever email newsletter! Woo Hoo! We mailed it to over 3,000 people that have stayed with us over the past two years. We will likely receive some happy responses to this email as well as some unhappy ones. Please deal with the happy ones like you always do, and deal with the unhappy ones also like you always do, with cheer and understanding. Most of these will come in the form of people asking for their names to be removed from our email list. Please just go into their WRP profile and remove their emial address and send them a reply email saying that they have been removed and we were sorry to have disturbed them.
Any questions, just ask.
April 25th, 2011 at 10:04 am
re FLOWER POWER
Yes, I have some moss, and a wild fern for the whidbey bedroom. I just need to remember to bring my jeans and boots for gardening…keep watching!
Now I must go kiss a tulip xxxxxx
April 22nd, 2011 at 7:13 pm
FLOWER POWER
Oh Myah, the new plants look fabulicious! Thank you so much!
Any plans for the Whidbey bedroom window?
SHUTTLE
I know you guys just want to give outstanding customer service (and you are), but please don’t promise guests shuttle rides here at Bird Rock. When we get just a tad busier than now, we won’t be able to coordinate that.
Remember to clean, dust so visible in the gorgeous sun. Can you say “deep cleaning schedule” hint hint?
And don’t forget to kiss a tulip on your way out. Ahhh, I love this time of the year!
April 20th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
InnLink customer service:
If you have a problem with an InnLink reservation and need to contact the guest directly, you are going to first have to call InnLink at 800-525-5864 to find out who the travel agency is they booked through and get their telephone number.
I have found InnLink customer service to be very friendly and they are open 24 hours a day. Please let me know if you have any problems contacting them.
April 19th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Hi all!
Just some more FYI about InnLink reservation procedures.
1) Make sure the the referral code is set to “InnLink”
2) Sometimes when a InnLink res comes through it doesn’t actually hold the room for them and it will say “Room U” in a guest’s res U = Unassigned. Usually all you have to do to fix this is hit the “Edit” button to open the guest info screen then save it. That should do the trick.
3) Another thing to look out for is the system sometimes allowing guests to book too many people in a room. If it looks wrong we may have to call the guest to let them know they can’t put a family of 5 in the Patos.
April 19th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
COFFEE LIDS
They will be here this Friday, as well as a case of copy paper on order. Over and out.
Myah
April 19th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
INNLINK RESERVATIONS
Very Important: When you process Innlink Reservations, will you please select “Innlink Reservations” for the Market Code. Thanks!
April 18th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Tory, Olga said you could just leave the vacuum on the second floor, please.
Light Bulbs:
Raquel left little ones and big ones in the back room, they are marked on the box.
white choc-chips are in a box with the scone mix.
Food ordered for Thursday.
April 16th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
MEMO
On front desk, please read, sigh and initial. Put in safe after everybody read it.
CLEAN
Clean, clean, clean, clean. Check out the fabulous deep cleaning schedule on the fridge. Fun, fun, fun!
Uh, I can’t wait to see our new plant babies. Thank you so much for doing that Myah! I’ll bring by some plant babies who love the shade. They might be happy here.
Thank you for all your hard work. Great Trip Advisor reviews, place looks wonderful, you rock!
April 12th, 2011 at 10:25 pm
COOKIE DOUGH
I made some.
PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS
I cleaned some.
DAFFODILS
I ate some.
April 11th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Myah, Love, please call me at home if you have any questions about opening or closing our big white lady.
The opening and closing lists are on the desktop. Just make sure you unforward (*73)and forward (*72) the phones to Earthbox.
Thank you, thank you!
April 4th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
VOUCHER BOOK & MENU GUIDE
Guys, while we still have a little breathing time every once in a while I would like to make sure our menu guides and voucher books are up to date. I know some of you have been working on it, but I don’t know where we are at.
Please blog and let me know where we are at and what else needs to be done (which restaurants are missing, which provider’s rate sheet needs to be renewed). And then do it. Pretty please.
Thank you.
April 4th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
INN-LINK
We quit Unirez by Pegasus and switched to InnLink for our third party reservations like Priceline, Orbitz, Expedia, etc.
All should work smoother from now on and the procedure is the same: take 10% deposit, confirm reservation.
IMPORTANT: don’t ever cancel InnLink reservations. Guests who wish to cancel or alter their third party reservation need to do so with the company they booked with (i.e. call Travelocity directly).
Please ask Cindy, Laura or I if you have any questions.
April 3rd, 2011 at 8:20 pm
WHALE WATCH TOURS & KAYAK TRIPS
Looks like most providers are changing their prices a bit this year. So it doesn’t get too confusing for us, I changed all prices in WRP as follows:
Whale Watch: $79 pp, $52 for kids under 12
Kayak Trip: 3 hour – $79 pp, 5-6 hour – $99pp
Let’s see once we get all the new info from everybody if we need to adjust that.
If a guest notices or complains about the price difference (for example SJS kept their prices at $75)go ahead and adjust, but in general it won’t be necessary to adjust for every single provider. Too much info for us to keep track of.
But note: the zodiac trip at Western Prince ($99, $76 for kids under 6-12) and the price for kids with Capt Maya ($65) need to be manually adjusted.
If you are confused, please take a second and check out the provider you chose on the web. They all list their prices there.
Thank you.
April 3rd, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Marrowstone
The guests who checked out of the Marrowstone left the cover off the hot tub all night so the water was ~60 degrees this morning when they left. I put the lid back on but it has a tiny little heater and it’s taking a while to warm up. Just FYI in case you book the M’Stone in the next day or two.
March 31st, 2011 at 10:21 am
THANK YOU TORY
You make coming to work after you a joy to anticipate with verve and awe. The hotel looks beautiful, and ready for the people. I agree about the fruit looking better just cut up. I have some ideas for the busy busy summer, let’s talk.
Thank you, love.
Myah
March 29th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
COMPUTER VIRUS
Just a reminder: to avoid another virus attack, please don’t download software, don’t click on attachments from unknown sources in emails, don’t ever click on pop up windows. There is a virus which starts with a pop up window which tells you that you have 43 viruses and click here to fix that. That IS the virus. Never ever click on that. Don’t play online games (emotional games are o.k.:). Just limit your online activities to work related things and we’ll be golden. Thank you!
March 29th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL
We are running our current special through May 26. It is: get 2 nights for the price of 1, not valid on a Saturday night, excludes simple rooms, bainbridge and san juan suite.
Now: when you take a phone reservation, advertise those specials, but don’t select the special when making a phone reservation. Select regular rate and adjust room rate accordingly (unless guest says he was on website and saw special there). This way we’ll know who is actually reading our website.
March 28th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
STEFF BUSINESS CARDS
I have my own business cards, yeah! Morgan brought some down to you. They should be under the front desk. Please hand them to people if they have group booking questions or need to speak to a manager.
Thank you!
March 27th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
NEW PHONE!
As you see we have a shiny new phone at the front desk. We will still have to change the message every morning and night but it automatically will go to “night setting where it won’t ring and calls will be sent straight to the machine. Changing the message is pretty easy.
1) Hit the button for “Menu”
2) Use the arrow keys to move to “Set Answering” the press the button for “Select”
3) Then “Select” “Record Greeting”
4)”Select” “Line1&Line2″
5)It will prompt you to leave the message. Press the button for “Stop” when you have finished.
6) All good!
You will also notice that we have a nice new wireless head set. We don’t have an automatic handset lifter yet so if you want to use it you have to pick up the handset manually then press the button on the headset to talk. If you have any questions the instruction manual is on the safe or you can call me.
March 26th, 2011 at 11:15 am
COMMUNICATION
So, when I came to shift change yesterday Morgan told me that Olga saw that the guests in the Saltspring had taken two bathrobes from the Bainbridge. When I saw the guests, I asked them about it. They were rather taken aback and said Kathy had given them bathrobes upon request. When I just saw Olga, she said she had informed Morgan that two bathrobes were missing from the Bainbridge and that she saw two bathrobes in the Saltspring when she did the tidy. Kathy said she did give them the two bathrobes from the Bainbridge.
What does it all mean?
Us front deskers need to grab extra supplies from the housekeeping closets, never from other rooms.
We front deskers need to write in the guest comments if we supply guests with expensive items like bathrobes, so we can account for them.
All of us need to be extremely careful about accusing others (guests and co-workers alike) of anything. Olga didn’t see them take any items, but that was the information I was going by.
I kind of back tracked and I think the guests didn’t feel too bad in the end, but I don’t want a situation like that in the future.
Let’s work on that.
COOKIES
Please make cookie dough on Sunday, latest on Monday. Thank you!
March 24th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
HOUSE PLANTS
I have noticed that the plants in the rooms are looking very…tired. Can we have them replaced with some thing fresh, fun and hip?
I would be happy to shop for and transplant the little darlings.
March 24th, 2011 at 11:48 am
BEST EVER
Hi everyone, mama is back in the house, and I’m mama.
It is great to be here this fine morning, catching up on all the new touches here and there.
I just want to say that I will do my best to set the morning person up when I am the night shift…cuz it gets waaaay to busy to let the morning person have to scramble. Fresh and tidy little jams in the fridge, fresh cream for coffee, Ceerios and her friends, climbing up to the very tippy-top in the containers, and lot’s of delicious fruit just waiting to be served up.
This is my Bird Rock promise, here’s to a really great season!
Love mama-myah
March 21st, 2011 at 11:08 am
FRONT DESK STAFF MEETING
Just a reminder: we’ll have a mandatory all front desk staff meeting this Friday, 3/25 at noon at Earthbox. Myah will come at 12:30, so we can start with EB only stuff first and don’t bore her to death. Stevie will be out of town.
Everybody else: see you there!
Thank you!
March 19th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLGA!
I got Olga a cake from all of us. But she had left already when I got back. It’s in the fridge. Please give it to her when she gets in.
MENU GUIDE
We have to update our menu guide. I bought new sleeves for the menus to go in. Tory and Morgan, can you please start working on it over the weekend? Let me know where you are at.
COMPUTER
We have some computer issues. The guest computer’s screen doesn’t turn on. Morgan, can you check that out for us on Sunday and let me know what you found out, please?
Our front desk computer has intermittent internet issues. Mack fixed it for now. Yeah! Thank you so much. If you guys have issues, please call Laura.
DEEP CLEANING
Please don’t forget the deep cleaning schedule (on the fridge and in the front desk resource book).Keep our big white lady sparkling clean.
GARBAGE/RECYCLING
Please bring the recycling out to the curb on Sunday nights. And two garbage cans on Mondays and Thursdays.
HARBOR MAGAZINE
Check out the new issue of Harbor magazine. There is a really cool, long article about us in it. With a room picture of the Wind Place, but hey. Looking great!
Thank you all for your hard work. See you latest on Friday for the staff meeting (3/25, noon, EB).
March 18th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Oh Tory, Sweetie!
The badger cream was from you, wasn’t it? Thank you so much! I love that stuff. Yeah to soft hands!
March 18th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
SPECIAL REMINDER
When selling a special over the phone, please don’t select the special as the room rate in WRP, rather choose the rack rate and manually adjust the price.
ALARM 101
When a guest books an ad-on on an online reservation, please make an alarm and keep contacting the guest until whatever the guest requested is booked, fee added, confirmed, voucher made.
When a guest merely wants to be called about an ad-on (i.e. massage – I’m thinking, call me), we make an alarm to call, then we call the guest once, then we turn the alarm off. We don’t want to seem pushy or upselly.
Thank you, guys. Also: please don’t forget our front desk staff meeting on Friday, 3/25 at noon in the Earthbox lobby.
German lesson of the day: Atomkraft? Nein Danke!
March 13th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
And remember:
F3 is your friend.
pressing the “F3″ button opens a search window and you can search the blog for key words, like “cancellation”. Neat stuff!
March 13th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
I’m going through reservations and noticed a couple of things:
ADD-ONS
When adding a massage, ww, kayak tour, etc. the three magic words I would like to see in the guest remarks are:
fee added
confirmed
voucher made
(alright it’s five words:)
And variations on that: so if a guest added a massage to their reservation online and you called and left a message asking when she would like to have it, the magic words would be:
fee added
left msg with guest
voucher needed
…and an alarm to follow up on this.
Once you got a hold of the guest and know the time and date, talked to the spa and made the reservation, and let the guest know when the massage is and the cancellation policy, the magic words are:
fee added
confirmed
voucher needed
…and an alarm for the voucher. Like that. Does that make sense?
CANCELLATIONS
To properly cancel a reservation (say 10 days before the arrival, when we just keep the 10%deposit) please
1)cancel the reservation in WRP
2)cancel all add-ons and take charges off bill
3)apply cancellation fee by dividing 10% deposit by 1.078 (that’s the B4 tax total)
4)send cancellation email to guest
ALARMS
Please write only in the subject line of alarms. All alarms should start with the arrival date of the reservation it pertains to.
Thank you guys. It was wonderful to have you all in one room the other day, my team! What a treat. We’ll have a great season and you rock!
March 11th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
PHONES
We are not using the front line call center anymore. That means we will have to make sure to check our messages and respond promptly. That also means we will have to change the phone message in the morning and at night. It’s really easy. Just press the “rec” button, press it again and start talking. Hit “check” if you want to hear how your message sounds.
Very very important: respond to messages as soon as possible and delete them once you have dealt with them.
Here are our day and night messages. You will find a copy of those in our front desk resource book as well.
Daytime message
Thanks for calling Bird Rock Hotel, sorry we missed your call, we must be in a ferry rush or on the other line, but if you leave us your name, number and message we will call you back as soon as possible.
Have a great day..
Night time (for when we are closed)
Thank you for calling Bird Rock Hotel, our office is closed and will reopen at 7:30am. For immediate hotel information, check out our website: http://www.birdrockhotel.com.. If this is an emergency please call 911, or you can reach our night manager at 360.317.6488. Otherwise, leave us a message, with your name and phone number and we will call you back when we get in.
Thanks for calling and have a great night.
March 8th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS in the summer.
Hi guys,
At this point, guests wanting to stay on a Friday or Saturday night in July, August or the first weekend in September, need to stay at least two nights. You can make an exception on the Friday nights at this point, but please don’t make exceptions on the Saturdays. If you have any questions, ask me.
March 5th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
HEAT
Please remember to leave all thermostats around 65/70 when you close the hotel for the week (except Saltspring & Whidbey).
OPENING HOTEL 3/11
Morgan, when you make the closing sign for the week and call guests, will you please say that we will open at 2:00PM on Friday, 3/11.
SAFE
So safe is firmly locked. I have an appointment with Kyle next Friday. Morgan, can you try one more time to open it? I tried for hours last night and nothing. Call me and I’ll tell you where the code is and all that good stuff.
Have a great shift. Winter is almost over!
March 4th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
MARCH & APRIL SPECIALS
Our new special: get 2 nights for the price of 1, not valid on a Saturday night, excludes simple rooms, bainbridge and san juan suite.
Now: when you take a phone reservation, advertise those specials, but don’t select the special when making a phone reservation. Select regular rate and adjust room rate accordingly (unless guest says he was on website and saw special there). This way we’ll know who is actually reading our website.
REPEAT GUESTS
When making a phone reservation please always ask the guest if he stayed with us before and if he has, please select “repeat guest” as market code.
We are really trying to figure out where our guests heard from us and how we spend our advertising budget. Help us do it right!
SAFE
Our safe doesn’t open. I have a call in to Kyle.
February 27th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
ART IN LOBBY
Came from artASAP.com. Unfortunately the company doesn’t exist anymore. Just in case one of our guests asks.
February 19th, 2011 at 10:36 am
PHONE LOG
Please mark all calls taken in the phone log on the desk. We won’t count personal calls, but all other calls will need to be logged. This way we can better plan for staffing.
Thank you all for your hard work. This is going to be a great year. You should see the reservations we have on the books already. Uiiihhhh!
February 12th, 2011 at 9:22 pm
GUEST COMPUTER
Internet is not working. Tried to reboot, but noooooo. Left message with Chris to please have a look on Tuesday.
January 13th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
CANCELLATIONS
Just a reminder: if you cancel a reservation, make sure you cancel all their add-ons as well (massages, whale watch, flowers, etc.), because we will have to pay for those.
You can’t cancel a UNIREZ reservation. The guest needs to cancel with whoever he booked directly, otherwise we will have to pay commission.
After canceling a reservation, apply a cancellation fee in the amount already paid: guest payment, divided by 1.078 (that’s the B4 tax amount) and send the guest a cancellation email.
January 7th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
TANNER-MCLEAN WEDDING 7/29/11
Hi all!
We have a big wedding party here on July 29. At Bird Rock 6 rooms are reserved under the respective guest names. Those folks will call in in February to pay deposit. Please put cc on file and get address, phone number etc. When they call, just go to check-ins on 7/29 and find them.
FEBRUARY SPECIAL
We’ll have a Friday special in February: get 20% off any room on any Friday night. Guests can stay longer, but the 20% off is only good for the Friday night. Special is in WRP. It comes up as 3 specials: Fantastic Fridays in February, Fantastic Fridays in February 2 night minimum, Fantastic Fridays in February 3 night minimum. Please select the first if somebody just stays Fridays, the second if Fri & Sat, the 3rd if Fri, Sat & Su. Also: it comes up everyday, regardless of it being Friday. Please only select it on Friday stays. Sorry about that. WRP didn’t let us do it any other way. But if a guest makes a reservation online, they only see one option and all is good.
December 30th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
SUNDAY GRINCH DAY
Morgan, will you start taking down the X-mas decorations, please? Boxes are in luggage room. Thank you.
December 21st, 2010 at 6:38 pm
AARP/AAA/Military discounts
As you know we officially don’t have them, but we do kind of. If a guest calls asking for any of those discounts, say:”We would love to give you a 10% discount for that.” BUT only on regular rates, NOT in addition to any special. Come Summer, make it more like 5%, please.
Thank you all for the fun party last night. I had a blast. Love you.
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Hey everybody-
Seth just let me know where the Christmas lights will be plugged in so we can unplug them in the mornings and plug them back in at night. There will be some plugged in just inside the Marrowstone gate in the corner to the right, some outside the kitchen door on the right, some by the guest computer inside, and some in the San Juan Suite.
November 30th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Okay, I did a little market research and found out that customers don’t like looking through lots of specials, so I’ve changed our December special to read:
Dazzling December ~
give yourself the gift of calm. celebrate the island light festival with us, do your holiday shopping away from the malls, have one of our beautiful beaches all for yourself. stay any two nights in december in either a standard or deluxe room and get the second night free. only have one night? no problem, come anyway and get select deluxe rooms for just $129 per night. Valid thru december 31, 2010 (not valid on simple rooms or with any other special).
In WRP, there are two specials, so that people can book online easier, there is the Dazzling December-Multiple Nights, and the Dazzling December-One Night. It will be difficult for a guest who is staying for more than two nights to figure out how to book online, so they will hopefully call. Here’s the deal on that: If someone is staying for three nights…they would get the first night at full price, the second night for free and the third night for $129. If they are staying for four nights, they’d get the two night special two times. Make sense?
Remember to double check and see which rooms are available for these specials…
November 29th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
SCHEDULE
The new schedule will be up on Thursday. I have some calls in to people with reservations at BR trying to talk them into staying up at EB, so we can close BR midweek. If one of those guests call, please have Cindy move the reservation.
MID WEEK CLOSURE
If you are the one closing the hotel midweek, please deadbolt the front door from inside and leave through the kitchen. If you don’t have a kitchen deadbolt key, come to me (hey, that rhymes). If you open the hotel, open kitchen door with master key, kitchen deadbolt with kitchen deadbolt key and go from there.
FIRE ALARM
Seth fixed it, yeah! In the future please call Seth right away with any fire alarm issues (he made it clear he doesn’t want to be called if you have personal issues, why, Seth, why?). And please don’t schedule a repair man before Seth has talked to Guardian Security.
BIRD ROCK HOTEL ST. KITTS
Laura got a call from a guest wanting to stay with us and wanting the $60 rate advertised on Expedia. After some research and scratching her head she figured out that the guest was looking at an ad for a Bird Rock Hotel in St. Kitts, Bahamas. Just so you know. Our rooms start at $97. And we are, as you probably noticed, sitting there in your sweater with cold feet, not in the Bahamas.
November 27th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
FIRE ALARM BEEPING
It was beeping Friday night, and it went off again this morning. No fire, reset alarm box and it finally stopped. Seth called Guardian, and they said they will call on Mon. to make an appointment to fix it on Tues.
SMASHED UP JAG
Lovely couple in the cypress woke up this morning to their beautiful car with the whole right side smashed in! Offered a complimentary night with us. They will be back.
November 26th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
COFFEE POT
bit the dust. Use the smaller one for now, until we get a new one.
MORGAN MONDAY SHOES
Morgan, please bring the shoes in the back to Post San Juan on Monday. It’s urgent. They have been here for a week and a half. Thank you!
November 26th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
MAINTENANCE CLOSEOUT
Fidalgo is closed until Sunday the 28th for maintenance.
November 22nd, 2010 at 6:06 pm
RESTAURANTS OPEN ON THANKSGIVING
Bluff – set menu, $50 per person
Downriggers – regular menu plus Thanksgiving specials
COHO – fully booked, only take reservations for waiting list
That’s it. Back Door, Place and Mc Millens are closed. Waiting to hear from Vinny’s.
November 22nd, 2010 at 4:24 pm
hi guys. two new specials are up for december. get your holiday spirit on!
dazzling december ~
give yourself the gift of calm. celebrate the island light festival with us, do your holiday shopping away from the malls, have one of our beautiful beaches all for yourself. stay any two nights in december and get the second night free. Valid thru december 31, 2010 (not valid on simple rooms or with any other special).
last minute getaway ~
wanna give yourself the gift of calm but can only get away for one night? come anyway and get select deluxe rooms for just $129 per night. valid thru december 31, 2010 (select rooms only, not valid with any other special).
November 21st, 2010 at 10:25 pm
TIDY SPIEDEN
We won’t have HK tomorrow. Will you please tidy the Spieden, Halley? Call Raquel if you have any questions. Tomorrow we will be a bit busier. Please open up the rooms, turn lights on in rooms where folks check in, etc.
Stay warm!
November 21st, 2010 at 6:23 pm
SHOES IN BACK
Hey Halley, can you contact the guest regarding the Doc Martens in the back room again and send them back, please? I left msg, we just need to make sure we have the correct address and cc info.
Thank you.
Happy shift!
November 20th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Have I told you lately how much I appreciate our guests? A lot!
Our guests in the Orcas are making a point of coming down separately every time they go out, so I feel like there are more guests here. I love it.
November 19th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
BAINBRIDGE
We will have no HK tomorrow. Blocked out Bainbridge to be cleaned on Sunday. Please remind HK on Sunday morning. Thank you!
November 19th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
HEAT
Very important: when you close the hotel for a couple of days, please do not turn off the heat. Leave all thermostats at 65/70. Thank you.
Brrrr, cold enough for you?
Happy weekend everybody!
November 17th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
HOTEL CLOSED TILL SAT
I am closing the hotel today and Halley will open on Sat. I copied off the opening and closing duties and will leave them on the desk.
We should have enough coffee to last us till Irene gets home next week after thanksgiving.
All the rooms are clean and ready to go!
Seth is working on the Fidalgo so it should be back in service by Friday.
Happy Wind’s day!
November 16th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
ORDER COFFEE?
Irene from the coffee roasters says they will be out of town next week so if we need coffee we need to order this friday.
Our orchid is sporting it’s last bloom. Thank you orchid.
November 15th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
***** HOLIDAYS *****
Myah & Morgan: Please email me your plans for Christmas, your work availability and your preferences. Thank you.
November 14th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
PET PEEVE #576845930238948
Coffee cups need to be rinsed well before going in the dishwasher, pleeeeeaaaase?
Thank you, thank you.
November 11th, 2010 at 6:25 am
FIDALGO 11/16 to 11/19
Seth will fix the Fidalgo bathroom wall on Tuesday, 11/16. Then we’ll be closed for 2 days and can rent the room again on Friday, 11/19.
Just so you all know why it’s closed out.
Thank you!
November 9th, 2010 at 2:06 am
FRUIT
Not so consistent this time of year. If we have to get it from kings, it’s a good idea to go through the boxes of berries, and pick out the hidden moldy ones, BEFORE we buy them.
The rind needs to be cut from the melon for a fresh appearance on the plate, don’t you agree?
Even if we have just a few guests, we still want to make the breakfast presentation beautiful!
TIDY’S?
Since we will have to do some house keeping in the slow season, it’s a good idea to learn from the experts on how to do it. Raquel says to let gusts know there is no HK and they will often tell you what they need. Change towels if they ask, and make up the bed, take garbage out.
For a total room clean, work with one of the fab four to see what to do.
OK, I’m off to tidy.
November 8th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
SPIEDEN & SKIPJACK TIDY
Myah, you’ll have no HK tomorrow (Tuesday). Can you please do tiedies in the Spieden and the Skipjack? Call Raquel if you have questions or issues.
Happy shift!
November 6th, 2010 at 10:23 am
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
Don’t forget to turn your clock back an hour tonight.
Myah, will you make sure that HK turns all the guest clocks an hours back as well?
Thank you!
November 5th, 2010 at 10:19 am
ZIP LINE TOURS
Yeah, now we are just like Costa Rica, only colder!
A new company in town is offering zip line tours behind Lakedale off Egg Lake Rd. Pick up is at Roys. Tours are 2 1/2 hours long, all year round, $75 per person, $65 for kids 8-14. For reservations call 378-5947 or check out their website http://www.zipsanjuan.com. They just started today and will let us know if they will to the voucher thing with us and if they may be some comp tours for hotel staff in it. Sounds cool, doesn’t it?
November 4th, 2010 at 7:46 am
HOLIDAY REQUESTS
Hey wonderful ones. Please let me know your scheduling wishes for the holiday season: who is out of town, who is celebrating what and why, you know. Please email me.
November 2nd, 2010 at 5:22 am
SPARKLE AND SHINE!!
Wow, the sun came out today! Seth has spent the morning pressure washing the building, and it looks really great! He did all the cedar shingles and they look like new! Yay Seth!
Socco has been the white tornado, cleaning all kinds of surfaces, including the entire fridge, and floor! It is so white it’s blinding. Yay Socco!
If you get a chance to say something complimentary to Seth and Socco, do so!
Island gardens is doing their magic on the patio, and planters. It looks so clean and colorful. Yay, Shannon and Mary.
What a great squad!
Hopefully everything is running smoothly in our Steffi’s absence. We miss you Steffi!
October 31st, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Hi Brynnee,
If we only have the one guest here Sunday night, will you please do the tidy in the Fidalgo on Monday. If we have more check-ins, call Raquel to schedule help.
thanks xxxxxx
October 29th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Howdy Y’all-
The fax line here at Birdrock keeps saying it’s disconnected but Myah and I looked and don’t see anything. Morgan, you are techy, help!!! Also, the bikes over here need some TLC. Bike #6 is the worst off because it has a very broken seat.
Other than that, we have pumpkins in the courtyard and fall bouquets in the lobby, ready for HALLOWEEN!!!
October 27th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
FRANKENSTEIN IPOD
This morning, our dear iPod froze on Michael Jackson’s “Dont Stop Till You Get Enough” (ironic?), seemingly unresponsive. I figured that it had finally run out of mileage, but then I remembered a possible solution Apple suggests: if you hold down the Menu and the middle buttons on the iPod simultaneously for about 6 seconds, it will hopefully turn off and reboot, and be back to normal. Alas, it worked! Much like the Frankenstein cookie dough that Myah brought back to life, our Frankenstein iPod appears to have some miles left after all.
NIGHT DUTY
I made myself a reservation for the Whidbey for the next couple of nights while I am on night duty. Pretty excited to experience these famously comfortable beds!
October 24th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Thank you so much, Front Desk Goddesses and God, for covering my shifts. You rock.
October 23rd, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Woops, today (and yesterday too) there was some confusion for Soco about cleaning the Matia. We didn’t leave a message for Soco on the housekeeping report to clean the Matia, so she didn’t plan for it. Just remember to write a little note for the housekeepers next time
Thanks, Myah, for the reminder about checking the OJ and expiration dates. Was thinking of that the other day.
Thanks guys! Enjoy this unexpected sun!
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:38 pm
REALLY FRESH
While we’re on the subject of deep cleaning, we must be very sure to always check the freshness of the OJ which turns to mimosa’s easily. Maybe we can make less juice for the slower season.
Check the freshness of the milk, and especially make sure the cream pitcher in the lobby fridge is brand new EVERY NIGHT, as it tends to accumulate a rim of cream on the inside, which is not bad but it doesn’t look so good. FRESHY-FRESH, that’s what we want here. ( Now if I can just put myself in the fridge, maybe it will keep me freshy fresh)
Love the cool slower days, and all the guests are content and mellow be here. Love you guys!
Myah
October 21st, 2010 at 8:41 pm
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Please remember to let our guests know about potential noise issues especially on Wednesday nights. Make sure to point out the night manager’s number on the bottom of the invoice. Offer to move them to the other side of the building, an option we have in the Winter. Seth had to move some folks at 1:30AM due to noise. He will call the police in the future.
SPA
Please know that Lavendera Day Spa no longer offers manicures and pedicures. Refer guests to Spa’dBune for those.
DEEP CLEANING
Remember the deep cleaning schedule on the fridge. This is the time! Let’s all do our part and have a sparkling clean Bird Rocking Hotel at all times.
Happy happy Fall. Thank you so much for all your hard work!
October 18th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
I moved the Orcas guests to the San Juan for their second night here – the tub wasn’t producing bubbles. I wrote a maintenance report for Seth. Please let Martha know that Orcas needs a clean
October 18th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
FYI-
Western Prince will be shutting down for the next 3 days and re-opening Friday for tours. They’ll tour at least through the end of the month daily at noon.
October 18th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Hi Y’all-
Many suggestions from guests on how to improve today. A woman renting a bike mentioned how handy having a basket would be, maybe we could get a couple that easily attach and detach for those who would like them? Also, the guest in the Marrowstone didn’t like how high the wall-mounted bedside lamps are. He had to get up from laying down to turn them off which is inconvenient when you’re already tucked in. I have noticed this in some of the other rooms and the guy has a point, it’s nice to be able to roll over and flip a switch instead of getting out of bed. Also, he was confused about our automatic checkout and called Seth at 7:30am to get someone up here to help him checkout, so maybe we should try to be more clear that they really don’t need to come to us to check out.
October 11th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
I brought the jacket, etc. to Post San Juan today.
That’s the major news of the day! It’s pretty quiet on the blog these days, that’s probably not a bad thing. Happy guests, sunny weather.
I’m hurriedly slurping down my cup noodles before the staff meeting, see you all there
October 10th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Thank you so much, Brynn, for prepping for me today, yeah!
POST SAN JUAN
Please ship jacket, hoody and cell charger in back room back to guest today. All info on the bag. Thank you.
October 7th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
SCHEDULE
We made some last minute schedule changes, affecting Angela, Halley and Brynn. Please have a look and know when you work. Thank you.
October 5th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Well, hello, long time no see. I just got a nice tip on a handy website to copy 100 things to do in FH. under that same title. I copied 10 to hand out.
Be nice to Olga, she is having a surgery on Wednesday. xoxoxoxo
Happy shiny people as usual.
more later,
Myah
October 4th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Marrowstone coffee table:
I just ordered a new coffee table from Crate and Barrel to replace the broken one in the Marrowstone. It should arrive some time the week of October 11th. Will one of you wonderful birds let me know when it arrives??
Thanks!
October 3rd, 2010 at 6:48 pm
LAPTOP IN BACK
Needs to be shipped via Post San Juan on Monday. It’s important that we get this done before 2:00PM. Please send express and insure.
Thank you:)
September 26th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
OMG keep forgetting:
Laura and Cindy: you rock! What a wonderful thing to do for us. Dinner at the Place. Wow! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t wait.
Love, s
September 26th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Morning Brynn,
you’ll have an exciting day today. The folks checking out of the Marrowstone will do a radio interview with Deborah from the visitor’s bureau here. Probably in the lobby. If we have a room with a sitting area open, feel free to offer that as well.
Then, the guests checking into the Marrowstone have a huge thingy planned (check WRP). They’ll arrive early. Please let HK know to clean the Marrowstone first. Flowers are on back porch.
Wonderful folks here today. Loving it.
September 23rd, 2010 at 1:52 pm
IMPORTANT CHANGES ****
1. The STAFF meeting is changed from October 14, 2010 to MONDAY OCTOBER 11, 2010 from 11:30am to 2:00pm…
Also, we are having a fun staff dinner at THE PLACE on October 5, 2010 at 6PM… You may all bring 1 friend with you, but no kids allowed..(sorry kids)…
If you are on the front desk schedule we will be closed during that time and will take the front desk phone.. Please make sure to let all check in ’s know our schedule and make arrangements for them if they are checking in after that time..
Ask me if you have any questions..
Thanks,
Cindy
September 20th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
GUEST INVOICES
I added a line to the bottom of our invoice: in case of a building emergency or a noise complaint, please call our night manager (number).
When our guests sign their invoice, please circle the night manager number on their copy and say something along the lines: “And if anything happens after our office closes, here is the number for the night manager.”
If anybody has ideas for expressing that more elegantly, please let me know.
September 20th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
STAFF MEETING
We will have a mandatory all front desk staff meeting on Thursday, 10/14 from 11:30AM to 2:00PM in the Earthbox lobby. Please make yourself available. It’s important for all of us to be there and talk about the future.
Cindy, Laura and I are planning something fantastic for you guys, because you rock!
September 18th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Thanks, Regino, for putting a mat in front of the lobby door! Should reduce tracking and slipping.
The guest computer isn’t connecting to the internet. It says a cable isn’t plugged in but I can’t figure out which one that might be. I called Chris and left a message. Also, Thunderbird appears to have a looong delay. I haven’t gotten any new e-mails all day since I checked them first thing in the morning :S Chris to the rescue?
All is good otherwise. I see some blue peeking out right now! I guess I got enough vitamin D on vacation to get me through this rainy weather. Vit D supplements for the rest of us
September 17th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
TRIP ADVISOR SPECIAL PART II
Forgot: when giving the 10% off Trip Advisor discount, please use as the market code (the “how did you hear about us” thingy): trip advisor.
Sell away!
September 17th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
SPECIAL SPECIALS
We extended our Festive Fall special of 2 nights in selected Deluxe Rooms (Fidalgo, Orcas, Saltspring) for $99 midweek from right now through November.
TRIP ADVISOR SPECIAL
We have a promotion going on on the Trip Advisor website: 10% off any room midweek.
This special is not in WRP. If a guest makes a phone reservation and mentions the 10% off Trip Advisor special, then please take 10% of his nightly room rate.
Welcome home, Brynn! We missed you!
September 16th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Dineros counted, I added 5 to the till, because I borrowed some for soup last week.
THANK YOU MORGAN!
…You doll, you.
September 13th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
$$$$$
Please count the dineros every night.
Lovely lovely people here today and enough time to chat. Very pleasant.
September 12th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
STARTING MONDAY 9/13
our night shift starts at 2:00PM and ends at 10:00PM. Please let our night managers know.
Morgan, I will be there a little early tomorrow so you can visit your friends. Hang in there, Strong One. I’m so sorry you had a sh*& day today. Please please please, when the girls are back, take some time for yourself. You more than deserve it. Uuuiiiieee, season of 2010!
September 11th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
MYAH
You are the best.
How you handled this morning was amazing (I don’t know how you do it? Choose love?).
You went above and beyond with your prep work.
And your new cookie dough got compliments all the way around.
Thank you so much, Sweetie!
September 11th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
OUR GUESTS ROCK!!!!!!
I was so bummed about the noise complaints last night. And then our guests from the Whidbey came in. They had asked me about the Farmer’s Market yesterday. And I had joked “Will you get me some tomatoes while you are there?”
And sure enough, they brought me back a bag of the biggest, juiciest, most colorful heirlooms I have seen. Totally made my day. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
September 11th, 2010 at 11:45 am
Marta’s b-day is the 16th of this month! Happy birthday!
September 10th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Hey Gorgeous,
we need dough, the cookie kind, today. Will you set out a butter? If you don’t have time to start it, let’s do it together. Cookie party!
September 9th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
MICROWAVE STORY, LOVED IT!
Such a happy ending.
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau….
Has booked rooms for travel writers on Tues. the 14th. Robin will come by Friday the 10th to look at the rooms to decide which she will keep as she has to cxl one room. The rooms have not been charged yet, so Morgan, I think this is all you baby.
September 9th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
THE STORY OF THE MICROWAVE
So when a microwave and a food love each other very much, they get together and one goes “ding” and the other goes “splat”. And the end is: you got to clean it up. Please do so on a regular basis;)
UPGRADES
T’is that time of the year. If we aren’t sold out and guests check in afternoonish during the week, eveningish on the weekend, please upgrade them into a nicer room at no charge. Above and beyond, especially in the slow season.
ADD-ON CALL POLICY
I went through upcoming reservations (please do that when you have a minute) and found several reservations where one of our guests had booked something (massage, kayak) and we had called once, then turned the alarm off.
Here is our add-on policy as a reminder:
if a guest selects “can’t decide, please call” we call once and leave a message, then we turn the alarm off. We don’t want to annoy folks.
BUT if a guest actually books something and therefore adding it to their invoice, we call, leave alarm on, call again a couple of days later, leave alarm on, until we reach the guest and book the add-on or alternately take the charges off their invoice. Does that make sense?
Welcome back to the Rock, Morgan, guest starring as “the guy” for the next two weeks, together with lovely Ms. Papaya, the ultimate guest whisperer, and myself. Go team!
September 9th, 2010 at 12:41 am
The Cell Phone has been found! Wooo.
September 6th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
What do you all think of getting a nice mat to put by the lobby door for rainy days like these?
Aloha everyone! I will miss you.
September 4th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
COUPLE O THINGS
1. folks in sucia and skippy are storing dive suits in the back bathroom which they will pick up Sunday for a 9:00 dive.
2. These same folks are requesting an early mini breakfast for Monday Am as they are leaving early.
ALOHA
Safe travels to the “smarty girls”. May the wind blow warmly upon your cheeks, may the sunset be spectacular, the drinks stay cold.
See you on the flip side, I will miss you cutting up the grapes into little bunchies etc. xoxoxoxo
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:33 pm
Awww you guys are the sweetest! You have such kind, encouraging words and are so helpful and appreciative, it really makes working here all that much more enjoyable and rewarding. Thank you, THANK YOU!!!
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:51 pm
Oh Halley,
you wonderful spreader of team spirit, guest and dog whisperer and all around amazing person, thank you so much for your post (about the toaster, ha, ha). You are the bestest!
…and you are right, you guys are amazing. I haven’t been here in 2 weeks and everything is in top shape. The place looks flawless, things labeled, put away, organized, food ordered, guests taken care of, not 20 000 guest complaints in my inbox. Without you, Halley, Myah and Brynn, we wouldn’t have had the incredible season we did have. Thank you so much.
Have a fantastic time in Hawaii, girls, sip a drink with an umbrella for all of us and when you come back, we’ll have a staff meeting and figure out the Winter and all that.
Love you.
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Hi all,
Okay, now I remember this happened last upgrade. So for now, all existing reservations that were made before August 31, 2010 may have a 1 cent overage or shortage. If this happens please post the difference to payment selection “voucher”
This should not happen to reservations that were made after the upgrade.
**I just noticed the blog clock is off, it is actually only 10:38 am.. That threw me for a minute..
Thanks,
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Thanks to Khai we now have our new SJ Health Club vouchers.. Check them out and offer them up… $15.00 for a day at the fitness club 17 yrs old and up, children the age of 6 yrs to 16 are $10.00, children under the age of 5 are free.
Please treat them as you would any other voucher.
Enjoy the sunny day… It is perfect back to school weather..:)
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:36 am
Hey guys, Guess what?!
We have a new toaster, WOOT WOOT! We’re keeping the old one as a back-up, FYI.
Also, the new system is messing with me. When I check people out it often leaves a balance of $0.01, which I then have to manually take off their bill. Why does this happen and how do I prevent it, anyone?
August 31st, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Okay the booking options are back to the way the use to be.. Yah…
August 31st, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Hi all,
We just updated our WRP, you may not even notice much, but please check it out. One thing I noticed was that now it shows which guest are in, when you view the main calendar page.
The other thing is that now when an online reservation comes in it does not show the details of the extra’s they are interested in on their main customer page, you have to see if there are additional costs and then go into their profile and see what they have selected. I have an email into WRP, and am requesting this to be changed back to the old way, so I will let you know if they can.
Under miscellaneous on the left hand side of the WRP page, click on New Features to see what they have added. You can also look at the training videos there also. Just to refresh of course
What do you think of this weather, it tells me it is time for school…:)
Have a good Tuesday..
August 31st, 2010 at 12:42 am
Brynn!!! You wonderful, industrious little creature!!! You left the hotel looking great as always, and not only did you do your chores, you did most of the closing chores too! Thanks for making my night smooth and relaxing as can be. We are not worthy!!!
Myah!!! No guest can ever say enough great things about you. You are just so dang lovable. They always seem slightly disappointed when they realize it’s me here and not you, asking, “When will Myah be here next?” lol.
Steffi!!! You are the best boss, willing to work with us to make sure we get the most out of not just our jobs but life outside the jobs. Thanks for rolling with the nutty schedules and being so chill and fun.
Cheers to the Birdrock crew!
August 30th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
BREAKFAST PREP
Last night I decided to get extra prepped for breakfast this morning. I cut up lots of fruit and prepared a plate ahead of time. I know we can’t do this with all fruit, but with strawberries, grapes, melon, and blueberries it seems to be fine and it’s sooo nice for the morning person to just reach in the fridge and set out a fruit plate. So my thought is, is if the night person has some time on hand or is feeling extremely helpful, maybe we could prepare fruit as much as possible for the next morning? Like de-stem strawberries, get the grapes washed and in little bunches/de-stemmed for the plate, for example. It really felt like it made a world of difference this morning. Just a thought.
August 29th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
DISHSOAP
We get it from Island paper. I ordered a case. Should be here next week.
August 29th, 2010 at 12:25 am
SMELL
The smell is GONE (thanks to SJPC), and we are back to the regular wonderful scent of Bird Rock (fresh flowers and delicious coffee, or so I think).
DISHWASHER SOAP
Where do we order it from?
August 28th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
SMELL
What was the outcome?
SCHEDULE WEEK OF 9/6
We needed to make some changes to the schedule. Affected are Kathy, Angela, Khaili, Brynn & Morgan. Please look closely. Thanks for hanging in there for the final sprint to the end of the season. You all rock!!!!!!
TOASTER
Yeah, it has been messing with me too. I’ll ask BL (beautiful Laura) to get us a new one.
August 26th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
PROPANE SMELL?
Something really smells of propane or methane here in the lobby. I called Vander Yacht and they checked it out this morning but didn’t find anything. I called San Juan Pest control in case it’s…something else. It is really strong in the stair landing. Pest control is coming at 1:00 Friday, the 27th. Maybe it’s sewer, or gas from the marrowstone? Good luck.
Raquel brought us more dishes for butter. yea.
That’s all for now.
August 26th, 2010 at 12:19 am
I just made my very first call to the Sheriff’s office about noise and they were very accommodating. A guest complained of drunks yelling in the street so I called in and made sure to emphasize that it was street noise, not bar noise. The dispatcher said she’d send a deputy down right away. Hopefully this means we’ll have a night of quiet streets…
August 25th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Hi Guys-
Our little toaster is fighting me!!! I plug it in, the lights are on. I walk away, come back and the lights are off! I wiggle the cord, lights on, leave and come back, lights off. Does this happen to you? What do you do?
Also, we are nearly out of granola so if the food order doesn’t come Thursday please buy more at King’s.
August 25th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
RESERVATION #242944142542
This is an overbooking. I called Priceline to get this fixed and they are working on it. We should be getting a cancellation notification from them soon. I wonder how these things happen…odd.
What a busy morning, the fruit plate was wiped clean at 8:05! But I had plenty of fruit on hand to replenish. It’s a beautiful day and that makes us all happy.
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Health Department here today to inspect hot tub . We are in Compliance , He did ask where the shut off valve is located,I assumed it was underneath.I will check with Seth.
August 23rd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
That hot tub is 104 today I think it is messing with us. Lost 2 guest to the EB today because some guy at Herbs was crying for help all night, no one called the police though.
Please remember Sunday nights recycling goes out and Monday Is Garbage night.Gets pretty backed up out back if we forget.
We have 3 bikes out of riding order. Chains & tires. Hard riding this summer !!
August 23rd, 2010 at 12:03 am
COLD TUB
Or should I say warm tub? Anyway the guests in the M.S. say the tub is not up to temp. and would like some kind of compensation as they are on their honeymoon and looking forward to a tub tonight. I gave them the knob to turn up the heat, but as far as I know, it’s up all the way. They are super nice folks, I hope it heats up for them. They are here for a few days.
LEETLE DISHES
I forgot to to mention my two cents about the leetle dishes. Where did they go? We don’t have enough new ones, and the old ones are M.I.A. So I loaded up some cute leetle egg cups with jelly so there is enough for the morning. Now it the egg cups go missing I suppose we could use tea pots.
August 22nd, 2010 at 11:51 pm
ITEMS
Hi ya’ll, there is an email from a guest about lost phone charger and yoga mat. The mat is in the luggage room, but does anyone know where the charger is? If you do, please check the email and reply to the guests as requested. thanks.
$$$$$
I went through our cash box again and consolidated the change to make it easier to count it.
All is well,
meeyah
August 21st, 2010 at 7:45 pm
DID YOU MISS ME? i MISSED YOU!
Bird rockin fun tonight, lots of happy wine tasters and happy guests hanging on the patio. Gorgeous evening.
NAPKINS
Gerard called to say the napkins Debbie ordered will be here Tuesday. Thanks Deb!
WASPS?
A dryer sheet on the tables outside will repel the wasps. Trick passed on by our guests tonight.
Now you know what I know. Mwaahhh, Myah
August 20th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
P.S. I ordered napkins from Island Paper.
August 20th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Hot tub guy was here yesterday its all good. We have had some complaints about truck deliveries at 5:00 a.m. cant be helped and wont back off until September 26th spoke w/ Wes at Kings.
Rolph’s flowers are stunning hotel is shinning.Happy Fair week to all.
August 18th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
FOOD ORDERS
Uh oh, looks like we’ve been forgetting to do these! We are desperately low on granola, been out of dried cranberries for awhile apparently. It doesn’t make much sense running to the store every night to resupply. Made a food order today, should get here tomorrow, some of it may not come until Saturday.
Also, does anyone know who we order our paper napkins from?
August 17th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Hi everyone-
The guests in the Skipjack said their room smelled like B.O. so I bought some febreeze stuff for their room. They seem happy. Also, our new little dishes are very cute but we only have 13 of them and 6 of the old ones. 19 dishes isn’t enough for breakfast when we’re so busy, especially since we have to split them in half for butter and jam. Can we get about 10 more?
August 16th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Off camping. Rattlesnakes and bears and beers, oh my.
Be good. Love you.
August 16th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Woops–The bikes were unlocked when I got here this morning and a few guests took them out after breakfast without filling out a waiver…
Also–We really need to make sure there is enough fruit for breakfast, while I had plenty of bananas, grapes and bluberries, I only had half of a pack of strawberries, which are always the biggest hit! Please remember this next time and it will make the breakfast shift a lot easier, thank you
August 15th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Thirsty plants and guests, broke out the hose and gave the garden a nice drink. We are going through ice and Lemonade, not complaining I love this weather.
Breaker got tripped in Whidbey but Seth is Johnny on the spot and figured it out, I need him at my house….
August 14th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
OUTDOOR ODYSSEY
Clark from Outdoor odyssey checked in with me today. We had a little glitch with #2456413. They didn’t have that couple on the books at all, the couple didn’t know anything about the tour, etc.
Whenever you book an adventure, just write in the guest remarks with whom you made the booking (has kayak with OO on 9/14, 10AM, fee added, confirmed 9booking made with Clark), voucher made).
Clark will also bring by a flier we will attach to OO vouchers which explains what to bring, wear, expect, etc. Those fliers will be kept with the vouchers in the voucher logs.
August 13th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
LEETLE DISHES
I love them. Let’s use them exclusively for both, butter & jam.
I went through our dishes and put all the chipped ones aside. Please take them home or, if no takers, throw them out next week after everybody had a chance to look.
LUGGAGE ROOM
Please don’t let our guests go in or use our luggage room. Besides security (safe, our purses), I just don’t want anybody to see how it is back there;)
Just let them use the upstairs bathrooms instead, nice and stylish!
SETH
Our incredible Seth broke his arm. He is so hurt. In a cast for 8 weeks. He works but can sometimes only do half days because of the pain.
Please bring the garbage and the recycling to the curb, so he doesn’t have to deal with this. Help him if you can. And, I don’t know, if you cook something tasty, why not bring him a portion to wave up, he can’t do dishes, has to eat out:(
August 13th, 2010 at 12:34 am
*TOASTER*
Our dear little toaster seems to be on the fritz. I’ve had trouble getting the lights that indicate it’s on to light up the past 3 nights. If I unplug it and try plugging it in again or wiggle the cord it seems to help but I think it may be on its way out.
August 11th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
NEW STUFF
Thanks to Raquel, we now have more key rings, a new egg dish, and about 15 new jam and/or butter servers. Yay!
EMAIL
I concur, Halley. It’s also important/helpful to file away/delete e-mails that have already been taken care of.
August 10th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Hi guys-
EMAILS are VERY important to check regularly. Many people try to book with us or ask questions that their bookings depend on via email. Today when I got to work I went to check emails and they hadn’t been checked since yesterday morning. It’s a major pain to sort through a buildup of 38 emails. Please help a sister out and check em while you’re here.
August 9th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
MORE STUFF
Ordered splenda, sugar (individual) and assorted teas from FSA, should be here by the end of the week.
Thanks for letting me know Deb!
August 9th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
FIDALGO HEAT
Finally think we’ve got it right. The temperature box is the opposite of what it says: 50 means 90, 90 means 50. I put it on 90, labeled it ‘hot’ and ‘cold’, so it should be clear now. And hopefully cooler.
FOOD
Ordered a bunch today but it won’t be here until Thursday, so we need to make a store run to supply ourselves with fruit for the next couple of mornings.
August 8th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Dishwasher is great but please run the load through before you close,This sure helps the morning rush.It is 2:30 and 2 loads down one to go.
nice for the sun to be back everything looks good.
August 8th, 2010 at 12:11 am
We are leaking!! I put a vase up on the top shelf to catch the drips…we had water all over the shelves and counter earlier…from the rain I assume. Hopefully it will dry out!
Please let housekeeping know that the blanket in the back needs to be cleaned, a woman in the Bainbridge cut her finger on her suitcase and didn’t notice and got some blood on the blanket.
Pretty slow night…thanks Morgan for helping me unclog the toilet…yikes.
August 7th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
STUFF
Cindy ordered printer ink. It’s here at EB if you run out. I’ll bring some down next Friday.
Ordered earplugs, will be here in a couple of weeks.
Ordered scone mix, will be here in a week.
Ordered body care products, will be here Wednesday.
Don’t say I never got you anything:)
August 7th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
UNIREZ
Hey Brynn. Unirez guests read: European Style bathroom (I guess we could make that a little bit clearer, ideas?). We changed the occupancy on those rooms, so one can only book those tiny guys for 2 adults. The only way they could show up with more than 2 adults is if they put in the wrong number of people staying. Let me look into it. Thanks for pointing it out.
I have to say I longed for this rain. I can finally breath. Ahhh!
August 7th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
UNIREZ RESERVATIONS
Is there anything we can do about the fact that people who book through expedia, travelocity, etc. often don’t get the right kind of information about their room? Today I had yet another check-in surprised to be in a room that was too small with a shared bath. Fortunately the third person (who was going to be in the Skipjack) stayed home last minute, otherwise we would have had to send them to Earthbox. Is this beyond our control?
NEW DISHWASHER
Works like a gem. Putting it on the 1-hour cycle seems to work just as well as the “normal” cycle, which takes two or three times as long.
BAR NOISE
So glad we may be making progress with our noise issue! You guys have been coming up with some great ideas on how to nix (or at least diminish) this problem.
Hope this rain leaves as fast as it came!
August 6th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Hi Bird Rockers…
I hope you all have a great weekend..
Thanks to you all for all your awesome work..
You guys are perfect…
August 5th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Hoh boy, what a day…..
Please read email about Orcas room, noise, progress. Our guests may want to leave early. Please let them.
FIDALGO
Please read up on it in alarm section. IMPORTANT: Please have housekeeping check the heater in there. The panel is backwards, so if the guest turned the heat all the way off, he may have turned it all the way up by accident.
I’m at EB at 12:30. Call me and check in with me, please.
Yeah, new dishwasher!
August 3rd, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Marrowstone suite sign is now up and looks great,Should help .. Busy day here thanks for the fresh batch of cookie dough Mayah.
Good to see the sunshine this afternoon. Now if we could crank up the temp by 10degrees it would be perfect. Our beds are Serta do we know which style ? Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:30 am
OMG
I just checked folks into the wrong room. Ooops. Please apologize for me to the guests in the Salt spring. I should have known when there were no keys for the room! The guests are safely in the Lopez and they got a chuckle, just hope the Salt spring guests are as easily amused.
The cuties in the Marrowstone bought us a deck of cards! Thank you. We really need to get a sign on that room that says it’s private! We had another looy-loo in there today.
I bought a bunch of fruit for the morning, but I hope there is a delivery soon.
TTFN Myah
July 30th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
BR FRONT DESK STAFF MEETING
I’m calling a long overdue staff meeting at Bird Rock this Monday, 8/2 at 2:30PM. Let’s sit down and talk about how things are going, find ways to improve our systems and alleviate our summer stress.
Please be there.
Until then: thank you all so much for steering the big white lady through her summer. I know I don’t say this enough, but all of you are rocking my world.
HEALTH INSPECTION
We had one today and Myah aced it (great job!!!!) Only thing wrong with us: some our food handler’s cards are expired. So Myah, Deb and Halley, go get yours within the next 2 weeks please.
LOST & FOUND
Camera mystery solved. Excellent job Brynn and Halley.
From now on: if a guest requests the return of an item, please fill out a lost & found request (by safe). Leave on the back desk for Olga and the girls, and also write in the guest’s WRP file what is missing, if it was found, if it was shipped and if the guest has been contacted. Use the alarms in WRP if a follow up is necessary.
Rock on!
July 30th, 2010 at 12:17 am
BUTTER
Been stowing the extra in the mini fridge, a bunch is there.
GRANOLA & SUGAR
Was going to call Tom to order more of both granola and sugar (white and brown) but forgot and now it’s kind of late. Want to call him Myah? Thanks!
SKIPJACK
I really think we should get a screen for the door, the guests can get really warm in there. Maybe we can find an aesthetically-pleasing one.
Hey, thought we were supposed to get the new dishwasher by now? I’m super excited for it.
July 29th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Never had a day like this before.The 8:00 Ferry Broken down, unhappy guest from the Lopez and a beautiful gal from Orcas had her car parked in front of herbs last night you guessed it, someone hit it and left no note.
Please remember when closing to restock everything on closing lists. This helps the morning girl when things go haywire. I need a massage really bad.
Debb
July 29th, 2010 at 12:11 am
Hey everybody!
We are nearly out of butter and half and half, wrote it on the white board in the kitchen. Also, the guests in the Lopez had me move their coffee table into our back room because they want to be able to leave the sofa bed out for their son. I had no idea where else to put it.
July 27th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Well, now we have more fruit than ever (10 bags of grapes!) so our fruit plates are going to be nice and bountiful for a while. I’ve stuck fruit in all the fridge drawers, don’t forget about them. Love when we have lots in our fridge! Still in desperate need of concentrate (oj and lemonade) but that should be here Thursday.
July 26th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
FRUIT
We had kind of a low supply this morning for being fully booked. Same with milk. Only strawberries, a small pack of blueberries, some (mostly unripe) kiwi, and oranges. I think we should always try to have a supply of melon and grapes, because they are popular and fill up the plate more. Had to send Olga to the store in the middle of breakfast (thanks Olga)! But a big order of fruit is coming in tomorrow.
Thanks all! Enjoy the beautiful days
July 25th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
DEBBIE, MYAH & HALLEY
Please read alarm in WRP regarding 2357624. Anybody know anything about this? Brynn, Lilly and I don’t. Please blog.
Thank you!
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
SHEETS and F3
If guests want to know what the sheets are here, they are called Coyuchi and they are organic. You remember Laura’s little trick of hitting the F3 key and typing in any word you are looking for in the blog, like “sheets” and it will highlight it, and you can answer questions about stuf like that.
GREAT ATTITUDE
Not one complaint about the bar last night and I know it was loud. Attitude is everything! We have three time return guests here, who have experienced the fire alarm and Herb’s and LOVE it here!
EGG TRICK
I set a small plate inside the bowl to off-set the eggs from melting ice and it works really well, and looks good too. When it’s hot and the ice melts quickly, the eggs won’t be continually swimming, instead they are lounging deliciously on the plate, with the water below. Trick huh?
July 21st, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Hi there
I wanted to let you all know that I have ordered new I Home clock radio’s for the rooms that do not have them, they should be here in the next few weeks.
If the hose is leaking can you please call Island Garden’s and let them know 378-5161
I agree with Myah, let’s not put so much jam in the dish.. You can always refill
Are you locking up the bikes during the day, you should always have them locked so that your guests need to come in to get them unlocked and that way you can get a liability form. We can’t have those bikes cruising around unknown…
You are all doing a great job..
Thanks
July 21st, 2010 at 12:01 am
There seems to be a leak in one of the black hoses. It’s the one on the left if you’re walking to the sidewalk from here along the main path. Other than that, everything’s good.
July 18th, 2010 at 12:06 am
KEYS
Steffi made some new Shaw keys, and new masters. They are in the safe. The shaw keys are hanging up on their hook. The guests who were here 7/16 in the shaw may have taken them home. I called to leave msg with them, but phone mail box is full. Maybe try again?
JAM
Do you guys throw away a copious amount of jam every day? I wonder if we could make the jam dishes with less of the sweet sticky stuff, like a tablespoon full.
That’s it for now,
Myah
July 16th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
BACK DOOR KITCHEN
Deb and I put the new Back Door Kitchen menus in almost all rooms. Missing: Whidbey & Matia. The menus are by the calculator. Please put in guest directories and take Spring menu out.
Thank you.
SUMMER
There is so much going on this weekend: Shakespeare Festival on World Road, Lavender Festival at the lavender farm, summer street fair on Court St, Farmer’s Market from 10-1 on Saturday in the court parking lot. Fun, fun, fun. Let our lovely guests know!
July 15th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
MARKET CODE CHANGES:
Important changes guys. And when I say important, I mean it! This is super critical stuff for us to be able to track how people hear about us so that we can know where we need to advertise.
I have changed the market codes so that there are only 7 codes now. Please STUDY THEM CAREFULLY. If you have any questions ASK, ASK, ASK. I would much rather that you ask me about this stuff than just fill something in that is not correct.
When you study this list, you will see two NEW entries. One is X-direct online booking. Do not use this code…ever. This is automatically entered when people book directly online.
QUESTIONS? ASK!
July 15th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Hi this may be a short note, busy busy…
Guest, last name Matus, stayed here 7/9-7/12 has lost a pearl bracelet and a phone charger USB cable. If it turns up please call her so we can sed it back.
All is well and getting weller,
myahpapaya
July 13th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Brynn- You are so great!!! I get here and it’s spic and span and most of my prep is done! Above and beyond. Thank you!!!
July 13th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
NO PERSONAL COMPUTER USE!
Hi guys, I hope you’re all having a great summer. You are working so hard and I really appreciate it. Our computers are also working hard, and as you know, they are sometimes “freezing up”.
It has become clear that several of you are using the computers for personal use. I need to reiterate that this is absolutely NOT okay. When you use these computers for personal use, you are opening up our ENTIRE system to viruses. This costs us lots of money and can wreak havoc.
Please do NOT use the computers for personal use and do NOT erase the “history” in Firefox or Explorer. We absolutely need to see what websites have been visited so that we can track down where these viruses are coming from.
So, in summary, PLEASE treat these computers with the utmost respect and TLC. If you need to use a computer for any personal reasons, use the lobby computer (or the upstairs one at Bird Rock) during your breaks.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Laura
July 12th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Juchu!
Going on my weekend now.
Don’t forget to bring the time cards up to Cindy and take the new schedule down to you guys.
Thank you, thank you!
July 12th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Cookie Recipe is back on the front of the fridge.Butter is thawing for next batch, we are going through everything with being sold out.
Many happy guests.
Olga did a super scrub on the kitchen floor,put on your sun glasses. She rocks.Nice to have the trade winds keeping us cool.
July 11th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
The cookie recipe has disappeared!! Anyone know where it ran off to?
July 11th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Hey Lilly,
we ran out of maps. Come up to EB or go to the visitor’s bureau and get some, please.
Happy day!
July 10th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Where do we keep extra SJI maps? We always seem to run out while I am working and I can never seem to find them!
July 10th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Garden is beautiful, deadheaded a few plants and watered everything including Spieden.
Good to go on Cookies also.
Bird Rock is looking pretty spiffy. Looks like there aren’t too many vacancies in town , Hope everyone has a great weekend.
July 9th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
That was AWESOME!!!!!!
My private violin concert turned into a concert for half the hotel. Her daughter did Irish dance to her songs, barefoot and in supertight pants. THANK YOU Herrault family. You made our day!
July 9th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
PETTY
Was off today. Thankfully I got a hold of Myah and figured out why. I need you guys to count the till every day, please.
LOBBY FRIDGE
Everything in there froze. I turned it up a bit. Please check tomorrow and adjust accordingly.
SHAW
Our lovely guests in the Shaw are sooooo warm. Laura, Cindy, didn’t we think about putting an air conditioner in that room?
COOKIES
We need some.
Thank you so much, Deb, for getting us some paper cups from EB. I ordered some more.
We have wonderful people staying here this weekend. Most are from hotter climates and find our heat wave refreshing. Wow.
Later tonight our guest in the Lopez, a professional musician, will give me a violin concert in the lobby. Can’t wait.
July 8th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
BUTTER
There is lot’s and lot’s of butter in the little black fridge by the luggage room door.
REVIEW
Lilly, I know you put out an amazing breakfast. I didn’t hear back from the guest. And another guest posted a really nice review on Trip Advisor for the same weekend.
Well, maybe we should just make it very clear that we are there for our guests, in good and in bad times. Come tell us if something is wrong. Don’t leave angry.
You guys are amazing. Thank you all for your hard work.
July 8th, 2010 at 12:03 am
Hi everyone!
The guests in the Skipjack had an interesting idea and wanted me to pass it on. It’s a very warm night and their room has a door to the balcony but no window. They want to cool off the room and have the fan going but they also wanted to be able to open the door. I told them I thought this was fairly safe and would sleep with the door open if it were me but they felt weird about not having anything over the doorway to prevent peeping toms when the door is open. They suggest we get curtains overthe doorways…
Also, I can’t find any paper coffee cups.
July 7th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Hey Steffi–so I read the guest comment about the lack of breakfast, etc. I am very confused by this though….I was working the morning of the 4th and had everything out…a HUGE plate of fruit, cereal, eggs, toast, yogurt, juice, milk, and a ton of scones! (I made a ton extra of everything because I knew it would be busy!) I am very surprised that they would be complaining about the breakfast, it was definitely one of the nicest looking breakfasts I have made all year! Also, they never brought up any issues about noise or the jets not working in the tub. I’m kind of surprised by the comment they left..I wish that they could have brought up some of these issues with me as I felt I was available but unfortunately this is the first of their complaints I am hearing.
July 7th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Hi, Lopez jets are fine and dandy, turns out they just needed a twist is all. Yeah Seth.
Pretty smooth day lots of sunshine and lots of happy people.
July 5th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Aloha everyone, good to be back at the Bird Rock, thank you for all the kind words and support. Summer may have finally arrived this afternoon. Had the front door open unit it got dark.
July 5th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Hey Bird Rocking ladies,
please read review and my response in guest comment blog on this site. Can anybody tell me a little more about this? Why was the breakfast cereal and eggs only? Did the guest let you know about the jets? Did you have other noise complaints that morning (morning of 7/4 I think)?
Well, a bad review is a learning experience to do better next time. Let’s make sure we let folks know that we have carafes available to take filtered water up to the rooms. And continue with your fabulous customer service.
Also: Cindy and Laura will be out of town for the rest of the week. If you need something or have an issue, please call me at home.
Rock on! Love you,
July 4th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
DISHWASHER
Can’t wait for the new one! I’ve been finding a lot of not-so-clean looking dishes and having to rewash them, so just a friendly reminder to make sure they look clean before putting them through a wash.
Thanks MAYA and LAURA for your sweet words of encouragement! Though we’re fully booked this weekend, it hasn’t felt too crazy here, probably because everyone is out enjoying the festivities. Happy Fourth to you all!
July 1st, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Happy July 1st to all you fabulous people.
This is just a little love note to tell you how amazing each and every one of you are and how much I appreciate everything you do every single day. Thank you.
Hang in there this weekend!
July 1st, 2010 at 10:18 am
LOVE YOU
Before I get too busy to blog, again, I just wanted to say how nice it is to work with this crew, this summer.
The new smart girls are so on top of it, and the guests just love you all, Halley, Brynn and Lilly!
The housekeeping staff is fast and friendly, and the guests often comment on how helpful they are, I just need to say it here before some minor crisis arises and takes presidence.
I miss Debbie like crazy, but she is back so let the fun begin. Trip advise-on!
Every crew need the boys, and we don’t want to know what we’d do with out Super Seth and brilliant and patient Morgan, who answers questions even if I asked him the same one a week ago. Love the boys.
None of this would work with out the amazing managerial scheduling skilled leadership of our dear Steffi. Steffi, thank you for all you do, it does not go unnoticed, just unpublished perhaps.
Now I feel like I’m saying my bedtime prayers and I don’t want to forget anyone, so god bless Laura and Cindy, and Raquel and everyone!
All this just before one of the busiest weekends of the summer. Exe’s & Oh’s
Myah papaya
June 29th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
I refunded the Marrowstone guests 50% because of the hot-tub problem and all of the distress it seemed to cause them…
If we sell the Bainbridge, Patos, Speiden, or Sucia for tonight and tomorrow night please email Cindy to let her know. We had a big cancellation #2238479 and we won’t charge the guy the full amount if we can resell some of the rooms.
June 29th, 2010 at 12:32 am
*MARROWSTONE JACUZZI*
The guests in the Marrowstone came in to complain at 10:45pm that the hot tub wouldn’t get hotter than 99 degrees. We tried the key and Seth even looked at it. It all looks fine and it is usually 100-102 degrees so it really isn’t very low but they aren’t happy. Seth did some tweeking which may work or not. If not, I have a feeling they’ll want some kind of refund.
June 28th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Yeah cookies. Thank you so much, Brynn.
I’ll bring the new schedule down in a little bit here. You will have some time with your sweety! Love, Love, Love!
Also: Maloulas Restaurant is now serving every day except of Wednesday. Oh yummy!
June 28th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Good idea, Steffi, to get some delicious cherries (and grapes and blueberries). Good fruit is pricey but it sure does make people happy about breakfast!
COOKIE DOUGH is made
June 27th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Thank God. Found the folks who had parked wrong, all is good:)
June 27th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
RED LEGACY OREGON PLATES
A guest asked me upon check in if it was o.k. to park right outside the hotel by the bench. I assumed they meant in a parking lot. But I just saw they are parked right on the street, which is not o.k. I don’t remember who it was, knocked on some doors to no avail.
Brynn, can you ask our breakfast guests who that might be? They will get a ticket. Make an announcement? It was a couple, in their 50ties?
COOKIE DOUGH
We need some. Please make some.
June 26th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
BIKES
We do not, under no circumstances, no exceptions, allow bikes in our rooms. One of us told our guests in the Fidalgo that it would be o.k. to bring them in the room. I will let them know that we will charge them if any damage occurs. But in the future, please make sure we are all on the same page on this.
FOOD
As Halley said, let’s order Monday and Wednesday from now on.
Thank you all for working so hard. Love ya.
June 25th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
HALLEY, thank you oh so much for getting me going on breakfast prep, you doll, you. And for leaving everything so clean and organized and being on top of it. AND for doing a big ole store run. You definitely possess goddess skillz
FIDALGO GUESTS
They are super nice, here for 5 nights. They brought a bike and I guess they were told that it is fine to keep it in the room, though I know it’s not. They said they chose the fidalgo because of the extra space for the bike, which is their “baby”. I told them that you would be working tomorrow afternoon, Steffi, and that you would be the one to talk to about it. For tonight I let them keep the bike in their room, as they were misinformed it seemed the best thing to do!
June 25th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
*FOOD*
Myah- Tom said he didn’t get either of our messages until late last night and was able to order everything but yogurt. WE ARE OUT OF YOGURT and he won’t be able to get it to us til next Saturday. I’m going to try and buy a case (or 3) from King’s. Also, Tom wants you to call him because he thinks we should place our orders no later than Wednesday in order to have them on time. As someone who hits the grocery store for something almost every mid-week closing shift, I agree
June 25th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
SHIPPING LOST ITEMS
We had a guest, who had forgotten a shirt. One of us shipped it back FedEx for $21. He wanted just regular mail for like $3. He was very angry. I refunded him the shipping cost. In the future please clarify how a guest wants their stuff sent back, cheap, fast, etc.
Thank you!
June 23rd, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Buenos Dias!
The guests in the Shaw were originally booked for the skipjack. Their booking was made by a travel agent who didn’t realize there were 3 people, one of whom is handicapped, so I moved them to the best thing we had available. I couldn’t find our futon so I think it must be in another room. I ran up to Earthbox and borrowed one, so the one in the Shaw has to go back there. Also, the plastic chair that is usually in the shower downstairs is in the Shaw shower because it’s easier for their handicapped party member to shower sitting down. I also shanghaied some paper from Earthbox, though not much.
BRYNN! You are a GODDESS. I worship you. The hotel was spotless and the cookie dough was already made when I came in, even though I was sure you wouldn’t have time to do it (I was planning on spending my afternoon making cookies, but I’m glad I didn’t have to
. How do you manage all that during the crazy breakfast shift? Must be your goddess skillz.
June 22nd, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Heya guys-
So, the paper towel dispenser in the kitchen is jammed and I can’t find the key to open it. It’s not where it used to be (in the drawer of keys in the safe) or hanging on any of the housekeeping key rings in back. Any ideas about where it may be, anyone? Also, the printer ran out of paper. I looked in both desks as well as the back room. The only paper I can find is the thick paper or the Birdrock letterhead paper, no regular printer paper. Is it just my eyes deceiving me or are we out?
June 20th, 2010 at 12:44 am
DESK CHAIR
The bolts keeping the arm rests in place seem to have popped out. I have sort of lodged the nail in there to keep it from jiggling around. I wrote a maintenance report for Seth.
MARROWSTONE GUESTS
Didn’t show up at closing, and had no number for me to reach them at. They got married today at Lakedale and were also having their reception, so I am assuming they will come late after all of the festivities. Organized a late check in.
June 19th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Goddesses!
Please see: 2275467. Whale watch tour booked for wrong month. We have to pay for this in full, no way around it. Please please pay attention, so we can spend our money on finer things than this.
Brain on, please!
June 18th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Also: surprise birthday cake in fridge is for folks in Whidbey. He will pick it up when he is ready to surprise her on Saturday.
June 18th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Excellent, excellent cookies, gorgeous day, lovely people, ahhh summer…..
June 18th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
COOKIE DOUGH
Is made. Hopefully no frankenstein cookies this time! I painstakingly made sure I was doing everything right, so that shouldn’t be the case (hopefully)
SAN JUAN SUITE FLOWERS
They are STILL alive. How amazing. They are from nearly two weeks ago!
What a busy morning this was. Lots of happy people. Enjoy the sun everyone!
June 17th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Hello Birdrocking ladies!
COOKIE DOUGH
Brynn, can you please start a cookie dough as soon as you can tomorrow? We are all out, Frankenstein and everything. I left 4 uncooked eggs for project cookies!
SPA CONFIRMATIONS
From now on, the spa will call us to confirm our upcoming spa bookings the day before. I think that’s a great idea.
INK
needs to be ordered from Dell. We have 3 more cartridges in the upper right drawer of the back desk. If we run low on those, let one of the boss ladies know and we’ll order it.
COFFEE MATE
2 full boxes on shelf above egg cooker
RECYCLING
Needs to go to the curb on Sunday nights. If we forget or have too much, please call Seth.
Thank you all so much for your hard work, feeding hungry guests, rescuing cookies, cleaning the wine shelf. You are making this place what it is.
Much love, s
June 16th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
MYAH! Thank you SO much for resurrecting the cookie dough, that is amazing!! I loved your frankenstein cookie story, that is too funny.
June 16th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Steffi-
We are almost out of black printer ink. Do we order that from anyone special or just buy it at the office supply store?
Lilly-
The hotel looked great this afternoon! It was really nice to come into work after you were here. I’m glad everything went so well this morning. You rock!
June 16th, 2010 at 12:42 am
Hello Everyone-
So tonight’s shift has been really calm and pleasant. Only a few things of note. Firstly, I was stocking the coffee and tea area when I noticed I couldn’t find anymore Coffee Mate packets. Are they hidden in back somewhere or do we need to order more? Also, our recycling is overflowing. I’m not sure who we notify about this but I could take it to the dump if no one else can, just let me know.
Lastly, good luck on your first breakfast shift back solo Lilly! Everything’s ready and I think it will go just fine.
June 15th, 2010 at 12:43 am
Brynny boo boo-
Sooo, tonight we had some poor souls turn up looking for a room around 10:30pm. They had just gotten in from Colorado and hadn’t eaten dinner and everything was closed… so I fed them yogurt and cereal and toast. Which would be why there’s a few bowls missing from the breakfast line-up, but I added some of the guest use ones to the ones we usually use, cuz I don’t want to run the dishwasher for 5 measly bowls. If you need more in the morning just steal them from the cupboard in the lobby. Also, I had one of the Frankenstein cookies and it was DELICIOUS!!!
June 14th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
My cookie magicians, you guys are amazing.
Myah, you should write a Trip Advisor about your Morel 6 experience. How was the customer service? Did they have magic fingers?
June 13th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
FRANKENSTEIN COOKIES
During the heat of the day, on this particular phase of the moon, at precisely the right balance of higher energies, the cookie dough was revitalized, with bits and pieces of this and that, to become what is is today, a much self actualized version of it’s former self. This was a collaboration of creative juices flowing from the all mighty cookie diva in the sky. Brynn, you and Halley are still the cookie goddesses!
Brynn, thank you for covering for me while I grooved out to Crosby Stills and Nash last night. We stayed in a Motel 6, which was a humorous but kind of grodey experience. Meth dealers, the sound of the highway, and really terrible coffee could make up for the bad service. Definitely not the Bird Rock or the Earth Box!
All is quiet here.
June 13th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Just saw your last post Steffi, “Cookie Queen”, hah! Oh the sad irony. Well my last batch turned out ok. You live and you learn.
June 13th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
INTERNET
Ok, so it’s working now. For some reason, a program called Linksys Wireless Network Monitor popped up when I turned the computer on and it was asking me to update or reconnect or something, I don’t really remember but I clicked on something. Anyway, the internet wasn’t connecting. After unplugging and replugging cords and restarting the computer, I still couldn’t figure it out. Then I clicked on the icon for the Linksys program in the dock next to the wireless internet icon and it asked if I wanted to reconfigure something (I know, I’m really good with details, huh) so I just clicked yes, and lo and behold, the internet worked again! So that’s my exciting story. If this happens to anyone else, maybe you can do what I did.
COOKIE PROBLEM
Ummm…hmmm. I think I screwed up a little with this last batch of cookies (ok a lot), and I’m pretty sure it’s because I didn’t put enough flour in them. Though I’m not sure how since I don’t remember being distracted. Sigh. Anyway, they turn out flat and greasy and weird. I don’t know if the dough can be rescued. ARRGGHH!
Oh well, other than these little dilemmas, it’s been a good day. Hope everyone is having a good weekend!
June 13th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Good Morning Cookie Queen (thank you!),
can you write another maintenance request regarding the patio doors for Seth please?
June 12th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
SUCIA GUESTS
Can’t stop raving about Bird Rock! So I asked them to write about us on trip advisor (of course)..The guy is a photographer and he said the pictures on our website don’t do us justice. They were “very pleasantly surprised”. Hmmm, maybe we should think about getting some more shots?
UPSTAIRS PATIO LOCKS
It appears at least the second floor patio lock is not working, as I’m sure you have all noticed. I know Halley wrote a maintenance report for Seth but thought I would mention it on here again. I know it says not to deadbolt those doors, but I guess we have to?
COOKIE DOUGH
Made a big batch today, talk about a project! Mainly it’s scooping all the dough into little balls. Wouldn’t want to start that project too late in my shift.
Well, it’s been an amazingly beautiful day. Guests are out on the patio right now at 8:30 enjoying some wine.
June 12th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Hey Ladies of the Rock,
I’m just going through upcoming reservations and there are a bunch with questions and it’s not clear if those questions have been answered. Made alarms. Please call guests.
If you answered a guest question from the guest remark section, please note so in WRP. Thank you.
Continue to rock!
P.S. I reconciled $$$$ last night and it was perfecto (ooops, no Spanish at work:). Thank you!
June 12th, 2010 at 12:38 am
WHIDBEY GUESTS
made it. All is good:)
June 12th, 2010 at 12:21 am
WHIDBEY
Was a no-show at closing. Please ask Regino if they came on the last ferry. f not, call guest and see what’s up, then call spa immediately and cancel massage. Guest is charged.
1/2 & 1/2 THERMOSES
Both tops are broken. Maybe we can get a new one next time we go shopping?
Thank you for the flawless shift change today, Brynn. It is such a pleasure working after you:)
We have some exhausted guests tonight. Getting here was not half the fun for them, ferries….
Be kind and loving and feed them well.
June 10th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
DISHWASHER
BL (beautiful Laura) ordered us a new one, yeah!!!! It will be delivered and installed, the old one taken away by the good people of Sears on Monday, June 28. Hopefully not right during breakfast.
LILLY
Brynn, Lilly will stop by on Tuesday at 7:30 AM to get a visual on the breakfast prep, Halley and I (me not so much today, sorry) walked her through. Just so you know. Show her the chops!
HALLEY
That was an excellent job how you worked out the kayak tour date mix up and offered room service and everything. Great great job, happy happy guests. You are awesome.
MYAH
I can not believe you took the cheerios dust out of the bin. That is above and beyond, girl. Thanks also for cleaning the front desk. It needed it.
All of you rock the Rock. Thank you so much.
June 10th, 2010 at 1:00 am
Hi Guys-
So I just tried to post and somehow it disappeared so I’m re-writing this, UGH! Anyways, got the dishwasher thing figured out, it’s not that the door’s seal is off, it’s just that you have to really muscle it shut. It worked just fine today.
Also, the guests in the San Juan mentioned that it would be nice to have a small table or island to eat at since they have their own kitchen to cook in. I think they’re on to something…
Lastly, I know we use as much eco-friendly, organic, green stuff as we can and I wondered if we advertised this on our website? I think it’s a really attractive feature of ours and we should put it out there. Guests love that kind of thing, I know I do. Anyways, you guys rock. Keep on keepin on! (You can tell it’s late…)
-Halley
June 7th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
I’m on it, the dishwasher. Thanks for not falling. We’ll find a better solution soon.
June 7th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Hello ladies!
Brynn- The guests in the San Juan don’t want a housekeeping tidy on 6/8/10.
Steffi- The dishwasher leak just keeps getting worse and worse. I slipped and almost dropped a bunch of glasses today while it was running because I was looking at the shelf and not my feet. It took me 4 towels to dry the floor and while it saved me mopping later I am worried that someone else will get hurt because of it. I wrote another maintenance slip but think it may be beyond Seth’s powers to fix.
Other than that, all’s well! Our courtyard is looking especially beautiful lately and we’re finally getting some beautiful sunny weather! Looking forward to summer.
Halley
June 7th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
SHAW TV
No trick. The coaxial cable was defective. Seth exchanged it. The second cable I thought was loose may be defective as well. If it is, then call Seth, he has a spare.
June 7th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
STEFFI
Awe, Steffi, thanks for the encouragement! Yes, yesterday had it’s share of adventures, but really it turned out fine in the end, and the guests were really cool about everything.
TRIP ADVISER
Yay, what a nice review we just got! I still need to work on remembering to slip in the whole go-on-trip-adviser spiel.
SHAW TV
So it works now? What’s the secret?
BLOG
Obviously I have now just caught on to the practicality of separating every idea with it’s own heading…makes it much easier to read. Smart people at Bird Rock/Earthbox
June 7th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
STEFFI
Awe, Steffi, thanks for the encouragement! Yes, yesterday had it’s share of adventures, but really it turned out fine in the end, and the guests were really cool about everything.
TRIP ADVISER
Yay, what a nice review we just got! I still need to work on remembering to slip in the whole go-on-trip-adviser spiel.
SHAW TV
So it works now? What’s the secret?
BLOG
Obviously I have now just caught on to the practicality of separating every idea with it’s own heading…makes it much easier to read. Smart people at Bird Rock/Earthbox
June 7th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
SHAW TV
Is fixed. If the TV cuts out again, call Seth, he says: “It’s a quick fix.”
June 7th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
BRYNN
Was a Rockstar last night. You, gorgeous woman, had your trial by fire: TV not working, fire place not working, locked yourself out. There will be one more test: the fire alarm going off, but once you get through this nothing, and I mean nothing can mess with your cool:)
MYAH, HALLEY, BRYNN
Thank you so much for your hard work. You are holding the ship down just as we want you to. Your excellent customer service, meticulous attention to detail and your ‘just get it done’ attitude is what makes this the fabulous hotel it is. Thank you!
June 6th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
SHAW
The TV is acting funny, cuts out, etc. I think the 2nd cable is loose. Blocked room out until Friday. You may rent it at a discount without TV privileges for $99 per night.
Brynn moved current guests to different room, please make sure Shaw gets cleaned. Please make sure to call Seth and tell him about TV problem.
June 5th, 2010 at 12:21 am
Morning all! This is your friendly neighborhood shift coverer.
Just a couple of things.
- I hope Tom is scheduled to drop of food tomorrow otherwise you will need to go shopping for Sunday. I am sure you will be fine for Saturday breakfast.
- The Matia was supposed to have two twin beds but it wasn’t set up. Not knowing how to do that nor where the twin sheets are, I gave on of the gentlemen the Sucia for the night. He knows he will have to move back on Sat. Please tell housekeeping about the change.
Welp that’s about it. I hope Steffi is feeling better. Take it easy!
June 3rd, 2010 at 12:49 am
Myah!
Thanks for your sweet words. Me likey positive reinforcement. I hope tomorrow it looks good too. Your words inspired me to extra-tidy.
Another slow and peaceful night here at Birdrock. I’ll see you all next week.
love,
Halley
June 2nd, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Halley: You Rock the Rock! The hotel was shining clean and well stocked this morning. What a treat to wake up the this! You are a doll-face!
The co-op order has been picked up, thanks to Seth the wonder-guy!! What a great team!
I am enjoying the new play list here, I wonder if Zoe is adding her favs. That girl is into music too.
I solved a mystery today. You know how these new high-end bikes have the hardest looking seats ever? I always wonder how people put up with that, especially long distance. Well, I noticed today that they wear pants “with pads built in!!!!” (not that i was looking) Isn’t that amazing? Butt pants! Who knew?
The new girl in housekeeping is sweet and focused. I hope she makes friends here this summer. She told me she is studying accounting at University…yea girl.
Enough for now, I will keep you reprized if I notice any new mysteries solved. There are so many.
Ya
June 1st, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Hi Morgan and all the lovely ladies at Birdrock!
It’s been smooth sailing this afternoon so I’ve been doing some stocking and cleaning. I noticed that our dishwasher leaks and creates a puddle under it and the counter whenever we run it. The door may not seal properly. I wrote a slip for Seth. Also, we have only 1 can of rolled oats left. Do we order more from FSA or Tom? Same with white sugar. I poured the last 25 lb bag into the sugar bucket, so we no longer have an extra stock back there. Other than that, nothing of note. You guys are super cool. Rock on!
-Halley
May 30th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
DAILY CHECK LIST
Ladies of the Rock, please continue to use the daily check lists. Sign, date and put in my box after your shift. I printed some more (also in my box).
BED & BREAKFAST.COM
We DO NOT participate in any bed & breakfast.com promotion. The only gift certificates we take are the ones issued by us. This is important. We don’t get our money otherwise.
May 29th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
WEDNESDAY MYAH COOP BODY CARE
Myah, will you please pick up a very large body care product order from the food coop on Wednesday. call Seth and have him help you with the truck or the van. Anna from the coop will call you when the order arrives (between 11 and 2). If you don’t here from her by shift end, will you go over there anyway and look for the order, please?
It’s prepaid, so you don’t have to worry about the $$$$$.
Thank you so much.
May 28th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS
Keep our gorgeous Bird Rock lady clean. Not that you aren’t, but I’m picky:)
Wipe down the front of the cabinets (kitchen and lobby), dust the glass shelf, clean fridges and microwave, wipe down coffee pots and granola bins and please please double check dishes before you put them away. Dishes need to be pre-washed before they go in the dishwasher.
Check out the deep cleaning schedule on the fridge and go at it, uiiiiee!
WHEN RAQUEL CALLS
to ask how many check outs and stay-overs we have the next day, go to tomorrow’s date, go to check-outs and read that number to her, go to check-ins with stays and read her the number of stay-overs. This is really important, she schedules according to what we tell her and when we (and we do) give her the wrong info, she schedules either not enough or too many housekeepers.
WRP
Please go through upcoming reservations when you have a second. Make sure we didn’t miss a massage add-on or a request for something special. Found a bunch today again.
EMAILS
Please file emails after you dealt with them.
PHONE MESSAGES
Please erase phone messages after you dealt with them.
I think that’s all I had to nag about:)
Summer Season 2010 here we come! I love my crew! Together we are strong!
May 28th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Also, we’ve got a bunch more island maps, including some Orcas maps.
Western Prince called to let us know that they are all booked up for their noon trips this weekend, but they are offering 4pm trips just for this weekend and there are many spaces still available.
May 28th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
The couple in the San Juan really enjoyed their stay (and plan to write on Trip Advisor, yay!). They said their meal at Coho is one of the best they have ever had. They had just a few small suggestions: that the top window in the San Juan get some sort of window treatment because a lot of light comes in in the morning. They also thought the fridge was noisy, but understood there may not be much we can do about it. They were really nice.
Myah- I made a bunch of cookie dough last week, so you might be referring to my batch (I hope!). I followed the recipe except I didn’t put in any granola and about half as many oats. The dough seemed quite buttery and sticky to me, but I put in the amount of butter and flour, etc. that it called for, so who knows? Maybe the fact that they were more dough-y is the secret to their plumpy-ness
May 27th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
The HoneyMooners in Marrowstone are the cutest couple ever. They went to Duck Soup for their last night, Lucky devils.
The peonies from Rolph even are fragrant. I need to get some pink ones in my garden.
Just want to say what a pleasure it is to work with everyone here at the Bird Rock, Seth never complains and the laughter around here is totally contagious.
Good night ,see you Saturday.
May 27th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
I have noticed the email delay as well. Have call in to Chris….
May 27th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
FOOD
Ordered food for Sat. We got cheerios, melon, cranberries coffee and grapes today. If we need more fruit call Tom on friday.
It’s all shiney here, and people are happy HAPPY to be here.
=^^= myah
May 26th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
HI guys-
There seems to be a delay on our email. I’ve been receiving emails hours after they’re send time the last 2 evenings. I don’t know how to fix this. Has anyone else noticed this delay? Also, the guests in the Marrowstone were having trouble with their wifi. Other than that, all is well.
-halley
May 24th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
A Bird Rock guest just stopped by here at Earthbox and told me the Marrowstone hot tub is broken? Really? Info please!
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Uh oh, I had taken the schedule to copy it last week and found it in the copier today, sorry.
Thanks for all the helpful hints from you all, stuff like unirez and other octopuses are easier to deal with when there is a good map to follow.
WED or THURS the 2nd or 3rd?
Does anyone want one of these days? I have a big fat final due on Friday and I could use one of the days to study. let me know, 379 3668 or skydog@rockisland.com,
muchos gracias
Whoever it is that is making cookies, is doing a really great job, they turn out so perfectly round and plumpy! What is the secret? Thank you little cookie elf, who ever you are.
We have a big family here who is so happy to be here at the BR, they just love it.
That’s all I know,
Myah
May 22nd, 2010 at 9:24 pm
You guys crack me up. Well, better 2 wonderful women showing up to work than none, right?
KEYS
Morgan (the Rock!) brought us a gazillion new magnetic keys. I redid all our keys except the ones which are in our guest’s hands. Myah Papaya, tomorrow, when guests give their keys back, slide them in the front door. If they blink green they are functioning. Hang them up. If they blink red or not at all, take one of the keys Morgan made out of the safe, slap a room label on it and throw the old magnetic card out.
SCHEDULE
Next week’s schedule was missing. NOT o.k. If you take it down to make a copy, please hang it back up. Morgan brought us a copy, so all is good now.
REGINO
I made his bed, now he has to lay in it. Ha. Can you please remind the girls to change the sheets on Friday morning, so R has a clean bed to sleep in? He can’t do things like that right now with his arm.
Busy busy day at the Brrrrrr. Don’t forget to order food next Monday and Thursday. I started lists on the white board.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:06 am
Haha, what a hilarious post. Sorry about the mix-up Deb (that was Deb posting, not Steffie…oh what a day it is already). Hey, the suns out!
No one’s claimed those strappy heels yet. I’m going to assume that they will be sleeping in today
Big food delivery coming today, we definitely need it.
May 22nd, 2010 at 9:15 am
Must of been some fun in the hotel last night a beautiful pair of high heels in next to the couch…Another beautiful day here here comes Brynne I think I read the schedule wrong. oops.
May 21st, 2010 at 11:47 pm
SAN JUAN TRANSIT
is up and running starting tomorrow. Please let our car-less guests know. Their schedule is by the maps.
GARBAGE
Seth took all our garbage away. Go Seth!
Thank you, Deb for the Walla Walla Sweet Onion babies. Together we Myah’s seeds I will be hopping! Thank you Thank you!
May 21st, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Oops, accidentally posted under Debbie’s name, that was me!
May 21st, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Lots of phone calls coming in, many trips being planned! Summer must be coming…though it doesn’t look much like it at the moment.
Here’s to hoping the sun makes it’s presence known on a more regular basis!
May 20th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Just a friendly reminder to you all,
When processing a UNIREZ reservation MAKE SURE you go into the EDIT screen to lock the room type. If you notice, when a reservation comes in you will see in the room section it says “Room: U.” That means unassigned. UNIREZ reservations have this NASTY PROBLEM of making a reservation for a room but not actually taking the room out of availability. You fix that by going into the reservation’s EDIT screen and simply saving it. Easy as pie. Everything falls into place properly. If you fail to do this there is a possibility that the room could be overbooked by another reservation.
PS Please make sure you are checking the “New Section” for any alarms that might need to be taken care of. Clear out any old ones and old UNIREZ reservation alerts.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!!
May 19th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Windy as heck and a bit chilly too. Steffi there are some walla walla sweets here for you. Need to be planted soon.
Good day to all. Good night….
May 18th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Everything is fine and dandy here, Morgan just brought us Champagne, ordered gallon baggies and napkins from Gerard.
Sun is back with us and the door is open. Vegas sure sounds like fun.
May 17th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Hello my beautiful Birdrocking Ladies and our rock Morgan,
Checking in to let you know that Cindy and Laura are out of town all this week. Give me a call if you have any issues.
The new schedule is made and is up here at EB. I asked Morgan and Stephanie to bring it down tomorrow. Look closely at the opening hours: starting on May 28 we close at 11PM. Summer, here we come!
May 16th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Wow what beautiful day. It is 8:00 and I still have the front door open,uhlala.Love it !! Lots of nice folks in and out all day.
May 15th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Hey and thanks to whoever got us more of those really good maps!
May 15th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Hey Steffi,
No problem! It’s great that we’re busy. And thanks so much for coming in so I could take a break…and for doing breakfast prep, making cookies, and your beautiful lemonade (seriously, it’s so beautiful).
People in the Marrowstone complained that their tv over the gas stove has a strange coloring and the volume was really low, even though all the buttons on the controller work. Any tips?
Have a great weekend everyone!
Brynn
May 14th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Busy, busy, busy, yeah!
Brynn, my double shift rockstar, have a great shift! Thank you so much for your help.
Call me when you need a break. The lady in the NEW section never called back. I canceled the reservation.
May 14th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Hi All!
Just thought it was about time I get in the habit of blogging, so here is my first post
I’ve been having a lot of fun working here at Bird Rock so far, such nice people coming through all the time. I love to hear their effusive compliments about the hotel and the island.
Thanks again Myah for sharpening the knives, they have really helped with speeding along breakfast in the morning.
I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone here and at Earthbox. You are all so nice.
Hope everyone is able to enjoy the sunshine!
Brynn
May 13th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
ALARM
Guardian was here today and checked all the alarms, and gave is the AOK.
Seth is putting in a new toilet in the Marrowstone in the next couple of days. This is good.
It is so dang gorgeous out today, and all the guests are happy.
Have a great weekend,
MYah
May 12th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Hello everyone-
We have almost filled every one of the trash bins out back. Morgan told me to put 1 out on Monday for pick up and that someone else would take care of the rest? Whoever that is, we need their help stat! Other than that, you are all wonderful. Have fun!
- Halley
May 12th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
MAPS
Call chamber of commerce this friday to see if they have maps yet. We may be able to get some from one of the real estate offices.
Raquel came in and showed me how to touch up the chairs and tables to fix any scratches. She is very clever. They also got a good dusting while I was down there.
KNIVES
I sharpened the big ones so be careful. I’m going to get us a paring knife soon, hopefully today.
All is well,
Myah
May 11th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Halley and Brynn,
Thank you for covering for me lately, I really appreciate you. I hope I can return the favor soon. Remember, any of you can always call me in a pinch and I will be here to help anyway I can.
Peace,
Myah
May 11th, 2010 at 11:55 am
What a great crew we have this summer, love the new girls!!!
Night shift remember to restock fruit and bread for the morning person as it is getting too busy to run to the store.
xoxox myah
May 8th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Lovely day at the Rock! Thank you, wonderful guests, for sharing your joy with us.
ORCAS
Complained about cold water when showering. I checked everything, looks fine to me. Please ask guest if the problem occurred again.
Have a great morning, Brynn. See you at 1.
May 7th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
CASH BOX
As of today we will count our cash box twice per day. Once in the morning, once in the evening. Cash reconciliation sheet is in cash box. Please add this to your daily duties.
Thank you.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Thank you so much, Halley, for being the prepping queen. The place looks great, we have lovely folks staying here and the sun makes everybody smile.
May 6th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
This will be long. Bear with me:)
SCHEDULE
Sweet Deb needs to leave. I changed the schedule. Please all have a look and make sure you know when you work.
FOOD ORDER
Here is how we will do it:
1) when you notice we are out of something, you write it on the white board.
2) When you order food, write next to the ordered item when it will be here, then circle the entire order and write: ordered, today’s date, your initials
CASH PAYMENTS
Brynn, when you have a cash payment, got to
1) credit card symbol
2) other form of payment
3) hit cash
4) hit process payement
MATIA
Please make extra double triple sure to write the bed constellation in the house keeping notes every time we got or you make a reservation for the Matia.
CHECK IN RECEIPTS
Go in the little folder behind you on the back desk, not in the safe.
LOST & FOUND
There are little lost and found forms above the stereo, fill one out, if a guest inquires about a lost item, and give it to Olga or Socco in the morning.
EMAILS & PHONE MESSAGES
Please file emails and delete phone messages once you have dealt with them.
TOMORROW
Halley, if you have time, please go to Post San Juan and bring the lost sweater back and mail the gift certificate on the desk.
MOTHER’S DAY
Downriggers, Place, Back Door Kitchen are open for dinner.
Bluff is doing a brunch, so is Duck Soup.
May 6th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
MARROWSTONE
The control nob was left in the hot tub and it was turned all the way off so the tub is cold. Dwight turned it back on so it should be fine by Friday.
The nob is in the super secret place…you know.shhhh
FOOD
We got part of the order, and the dairy is coming on Sat.
NEWSPAPERS
Our guests are loving the morning papers, especially the USA today.
May 5th, 2010 at 10:45 am
INTERNET
If the internet connection goes down, unplug a bunch of stuff in the router. Chris ever so lovingly labeled all the wirey thingys, so we know where to plug them back in. Anyway, wait for a few minutes before you reconnect the plugs, and then it should come back on.
All is well,
Myah
May 2nd, 2010 at 7:23 pm
If anybody wants an extra day of this week, give Brynn a call. She is fully trained at BR and not on the schedule yet.
Happy week, everybody!
May 1st, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Hey,
I learned yesterday from an educated man that “tony”, as in the Sunset Article “Tony Bird Rock Hotel” means something like “marvelous” in British. Mhm.
Deb, can I ask you a weird favor: can you bring a handful of coffee filters (for the big coffee maker) up to Earthbox when you come to the party, please? We are totally out.
Tell everybody about our Fiesta Mexicana, from 3-6, authentic Mexican cuisine (whole pig boiled in oil over open flame, oh yeah), folk dance, free massages, grand opening of Johnny’s Organic Juice Bar at the Earthbox pool patio.
Myah, come up for a bite to eat, yes?
April 30th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
MARROWSTONE HOT TUB
I turned it down a bit because our guests in there just found out they are pregnant, yeah!!!
Please turn it back up on Sunday.
See you all at the party tomorrow:)
April 29th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
CONFIRM ADD-ONS
Please confirm whale watch tours, massages etc. with guests. Twice today somebody called wanting to make sure that they can still get a massage or a whale watch and it was all booked already, but the guest didn’t know.
SUMMER PRICES
We here at Bird Rock are not as generous with discounts during the high season as we are at Earthbox. We have 15 rooms and we usually sell them all. So if a guest really would like a room a little cheaper, send em up to Earthbox, but please don’t undersell our rooms in the summer.
Here is what you can do to spoil our guests:
- Upgrade the guest to a nicer room upon arrival.
- Throw in an extra person at no charge.
- Be nice and friendly and go out of your way to make their stay memorable.
Thank you.
April 29th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
HOT TUB
Dwight says all systems go. Tell guests to please not adjust the temp. It is preset to the right temp.The cover will need to be replaced soon as it is looking shabby, also the eventually the thermostat unit will need to be replaced as well as the buttons are sticking.
GOOD TO BE HOME
yes it is. My friends were on the plane that was landed for a bomb threat you may have heard about on CNN, lucky ducks, they get all the excitement!
FLOORS
They are so shiny!
April 26th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Una mas:
I overnighted us some more printer ink (6 black, 2 color). Please blog when it comes so I can sleep.
Uhh, wind is picking up, it’s blowing all the blossoms of our pretty pink trees.
April 26th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
UNIREZ RESERVATIONS
I updated our unirez listings so guests can’t book the simple rooms for more than 2 adults/children. Please let me know if we get another overbooking for those rooms.
ROOM RATES MAY
I will adjust the pricing for May to have off season rates through May Mo-Su (some rooms had the weekend prices at the summer rates already).
MARROWSTONE HOT TUB
Is good to go. Please check temperature every morning and notify Seth immediately if the temperature drops again. You can unblock the room.
Have a great week everybody!
April 25th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
MARROWSTONE HOT TUB
Stopped working last night. Dwight from Spa Pro walked me through resetting it. I will check it later today. Seth will check it tomorrow and then we’ll go from there. The room is blocked out until Wednesday.
MORGAN
If you and Halley have time will you please create a sheet with all the current adventure provider’s prices (Maya’s prices went up, for example). Also: will you two update the restaurant folder. Thank you.
April 24th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
INTERNET
Firefox keeps crashing. Explorer works o.k., but slow (doesn’t update WRP). Chris T. will be in early next week and wipe our computer. Please blog when he does that and then we should be back in business.
INK
We are running low on printer ink. I ordered it weeks ago, but it’s on back order. So please only print when it’s necessary (don’t stock us up on forms and vouchers etc.)
SCHEDULE
Next week’s schedule looks like a piece or art, with all the changes and everything. Brynn will train with Deb and Morgan and will work Halley’s first shift together with her (I figure between the 2 of them, they can figure out anything). Good luck, girls!
Also: please order food on Monday and again on Thursday.
Don’t forget to bring 2 garbage cans to the curb on Monday and Thursday night.
Happy crisp but sunny weekend!
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:00 pm
WELCOME BRYNN
We have a new front desk staff: Brynn. Welcome to the team! We’ll train Brynn at BR and later cross train her.
Deb, Brynn will be your breakfast helper on Sunday. Show her the chops!
Oh, the new email works sweet. Thank you for prepping so well for me today, Morgan.
April 19th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Computer Updates:
- Thunderbird is now our email program of choice. It has a “learning spam filter” built in. It tends to catch most everything but if you get an email that you know is spam, just hit the spam button at the top and it will get rid of it. Otherwise it pretty much acts just the same as Outlook Express just with a slightly different “look.”
- A pretty gnarly virus was causing most of our internet problems. The virus pretty much attacks Firefox only. Chris thinks he has it all under control but time will tell. Continue to use Firefox as normally but let Chris know if it does anything wonky. If you ever have problems with Firefox, switch to Internet Explorer. It is strangely not affected by this virus.
- For the time being we will continue to use the wifi so please remember not to unplug the antenna.
April 19th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Thank you to Raquel, Our floors are beautiful. That was the first thing I noticed this morning. Sounds like Airports may be opening back up in England and Germany by Wednesday.
Computer hasn’t given me any problems yet today. I knocking on wood.
Debbie
April 18th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
INTERNET
Is weird. Chris T. will stop by tomorrow morning and fix it. Deb, will you please let him know that in addition to the issues discussed, Morgan thinks that our ethernet card died (see “I make the internet” contraption).
We have a wonderful family from England staying with us. They are stranded here because of the volcano in Iceland, wow. I hope Miss Myah Papaya gets to come back….
April 17th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
Mornin!
Guest #2219877 has a spa voucher in the folder waiting for her. She should be by to get it in the morning.
Guest #2209453 was a no show at closing. The room is paid for by the card on file. They are moving to #2136232 on Sunday. Please let housekeeping know. Guests know that they may not be able to get into the room immediately.
April 17th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Sorry guys, for taking the phone home. Silly me. Regino has it now.
Uh, Germans! I brought some Kinderschokolade from my aunt’s care package to EB. Check it out! It’s the best.
Happy day.
April 16th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Steffi, Sent you some folks from Germany tonight, Seems you offer a special up there on weekends ? Any ways you will get a kick out of them. I teased them cuz they said they would come here for breaky I said no deal you must stay here he he.
I am bummed it is raining cuz I washed my car. Rain Rain go away…Good Night.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Almost got us 2 small boys today. I asked our guests why not stay a little longer and they said they have to get back, but we could have their kids. But then they decided to take them home after all. Ha,ha.
Another guest hadn’t been on a bike since a bad accident 20 years ago. And she did Pear Point Loop on our bikes! Yeah! I’m so proud of her.
Soco’s English is getting so good. We talked about the economic situation in El Salvador today. Is that cool or what?
I love Spring.
April 15th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
MARROWSTONE
Dwight fixed the hot tub, yeah!
The Place looks great. Thanks Deb and Morgan (love the “I make the internet” sign). And smells great, ah, I love this time of the year, lilac time…
April 14th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Mornin all
The Ethernet card built into the computer may have died. The internet stopped working and the computer would occasionally crash. We have currently set up a wireless adapter to connect to the internet. You shouldn’t have to worry about anything. It should automatically connect when you start up the computer. Chris will be back from his trip near the end of the week. He will come take a look at our problem after that.
Let me know if you have any problems before then. I can try and do what I can until he returns.
April 13th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Good Day, We have guests from France, Sweden and Canada. Wow lovely to meet all these folks..
Kitchen is in tip top shape, Miss Olga gave Morgan a Hand.
Must say it sure is nice to have Seth on the property , very happy and friendly….
Miss Maya is on her way to Spain, we will miss her.Ok enough gabbing for today.
Aloha
April 12th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
MARROWSTONE
Heating element is ordered. As soon as it gets here Dwight will install it. Hopefully before our Friday check in. Room is blocked out until then.
April 10th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
MARROWSTONE
You guys, the hot tub is out of order in there and will be for another week according to Seth and nobody told me. I checked in guests, have guests tomorrow. The room wasn’t blocked out. Please make sure we communicate better in the future. Luckily our guests were understanding, but what if it was summer and we wouldn’t have another room?
MONDAY
Please bring the forgotten items in the back room to Post San Juan on Monday.
EMAIL
Please file emails you have taken care of.
UPCOMING RESERVATIONS
Please go through upcoming reservations and make sure we didn’t overlook a massage or whale watch request. I found a bunch.
KITCHEN
Morgan and Deb, will you spend some extra time in the kitchen next week and deep clean, so we are ready for Spring? I did underneath the counter with the kitchen aid on it. Can you clean the shelves above please?
Thank you for all your hard work.
April 8th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Jeepers it is Bloody cold, Pretty mellow evening here at the Bird, even have left over cookies.
I think instead of Lemonade we should be serving hot cider.
April 7th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Hello, Hot Tub is down for a short while.Seth is handling it. Poor folks only had water up to their ankles last night.
Man oh live it is crazy weather today…Very busy day hard to believe it is 3:30 already. Rolp called and no flower delivery tomorrow as the weather is too rough, next week for sure.
And that’s all for now folks.
Deb
April 5th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Hi all!
Just a reminder. Please only take a 10% deposit on UNIREZ reservation. Not the full amount like it wants you to. Just manually delete the last number and move the decimal place over one. ok?
That way when people cancel, like they are wont to do, we aren’t seeing these huge refunds happening on the books. Plus if you look at the UNIREZ gobbledygook at the bottom of reservations it will actually say we only take the 10% at reservation and 100% if they cancel within 10 days of the arrival date. THANKS!!!
April 4th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
DEBBIE WEDNESDAY FOOD COOP
Hey Deb, I ordered 3 gallons of hair conditioner and 3 gallons of shower gel from the food coop. They will call you when the delivery gets there on Wednesday. Could you go up to Earthbox, grab a check from Cindy and go to the coop and pick it up, please? Thank you.
April 4th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
VIRUS
Uh, we had a virus on the computer. Chris T. fixed it and all is good. Our data is (and was) save, but it seriously messed with our ability to go on the web. So for the future: if a window pops up and tells you that the computer is in trouble, that we contracted a virus, that our firewall is down, click the red X of the pop up window and close it, DON’T click on anything else (like: remove virus, etc.). That IS the virus and it gets going if you click on anything else. Our real anti virus software never ever pops up a window.
Had a lovely Easter morning here at the Rock. The weather calmed down, our guests were wonderful, good day.
April 3rd, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Looks like snow in the courtyard, what a hail storm we had. Pretty quiet but we have plenty of groceries to hold us over no matter what happens, Maya made cookies too. Wanted to dye some eggs today but not enough time.
Hope everyone had a nice cozy Easter Weekend.
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:15 pm
NEAT TRICK
To change room rate, for say, 3 days of a special and the web site will not adjust it automatically, this is what you do… call Morgan. No, do this instead:
1. go to the edit screen
2. go to section 5 rate change
3. go to the rate change box, and add the year, the month and the day divided by a slash and add the rate per day you want..
Example: 2010/04/06, 78.50
2010/04/07, 99.00
This will give you the power to tell the system what to do! I guess it must be in this format with the slashes and commas for it to work.
…or call Morgan.
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:34 am
Good Morning, 2 bowls we had for yogurt and eggs where dropped by me last week, they were replaced the 2 large ones,.They are too big though Sorry.
The wind is calming down thankfully.That’s it for now my scones are done.
April 1st, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Thank you, Myah, for preparing everything so wonderfully for me this morning. And thank you for providing me with a steady stream of reading material. I’m reading “The spirit catches you and you fall down” right now. Fabulous.
Morning Debbie,
will you please make a pot of decaf for our guests in the Lopez?
If my note to my German student is still on the desk tomorrow (I don’t know if she got my message) can you please put the note and the German comic in the luggage room?
Thank you for picking up the pieces on the schedule, you rock my world!
And last but not least, thank you so much, Laura, for giving me a ride to work today. I wouldn’t have known what to do without you.
I noticed the amazing dish disappearance myself. Mhm.
Have a great day, everybody. I hope they don’t mean it with the coming storm.
March 30th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
BUTTER DISHES?
We seem to missing an array of dishes, bowls, plates and little dishes for butter and jam. We could also use some regular size carafs for water if they are available.
TAXI
San Juan Taxi and tour came by with info on good deals for ride to the west side for 20.00 per van load, and they will take bike sand kayaks for an additional fee.
MAPS
Chamber of commerce says we should be getting the 2010 maps soon, but we can pick up some 2009 to tide us over from them.
COMPUTER
Chris T. came by to speedy up the ‘puter. Seems better.
WHEW!
Well it’s the slower part of a busy morning with a wedding, late check out, early check ins, and guests who were too happy to say goodbye. I had to run them out or they would have missed the ferry. We also got a visit from Laura, which is always a welcome surprise.
See you back here tomorrow,
Myah
March 30th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
I miss you guys already!!! I cant wait to see you guys again! You all really made the trip so much better and Maya….bird rock is on facebook!!
March 28th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Hulluu!
There is an email in our inbox without name or content. If you click on it it crashes the email. Chris T. knows about. Don’t touch it.
Does anybody know what happened to our bowls? The 2 we always use for eggs and yogurt disappeared and 4 huge ones appeared, we can’t really use. Raquel doesn’t know, neither does Myah or I, anybody?
I’m also missing printer ink. Ordered 3, can’t find them.
Ordered coffee and scone mix.
I’m gonna miss Jackie and her family. We had a blast over the last 3 days. Morgan, she will be the one who will try to give you a glass of wine even though you are at work:)
We had wonderful guests this weekend, thank you so much for visiting us. Your joy of being here is contagious.
March 27th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
This is the best hotel for girlfriends to gather we have 5 gals that are having a blast,celebrating their friends up coming wedding.The conversation was so great in the lobby that they hung out from 8:00- 11:30.Barely got the floors done for Ms. Steffi. Lots of great energy, Until next time ….
Much Aloha
Debbie
March 25th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
I copied the fire alarm info and taped it up by the alarm box.
Such good instructions! Seth was here checking everything fire-alarmy and it all looks good.
March 24th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
It is so warm I had the front door open this afternoon. Yipeee. One late check in,Elana’s husband is aware .
Going to See Cisco Morris at the High School tonight he is a hoot and a very good gardener.Until Saturday Aloha
Debbie
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Wow what a day !!! Very busy, 2 Batches of Cookies I will try to make some more tomorrow. I’m not even eating any.
Maya I love the key arrangement thank you so much.We have one late check in and I let Elaina’s husband know.
I love this Hotel, and am proud to be a part of it.
Thanks to all the Gals.
Debbie
March 21st, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Hey!
Monday is Chris’s birthday! Friday was Olga’s!
Pieces and Aries woman !!!
Happy birthday to ya!
March 21st, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Hey!!
Steffi’s birthday is Tuesday the 23rd!
Let’s dance,
sing,
prance…
hold out our arms to the sky goddesses,
throw back our heads
and give thanks for the blessing and wonder
of Steffi!
March 21st, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Today Myah and Salud organized the key holder. Today we put it alphabetical it was fun. Now the keys are easy to find.
By Salud
March 21st, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Today Myah and Salud organized the key holder. Today we put it alphbetical it was fun. Now the keys are easy to find.
By Salud
March 20th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Great Morning crowd, Everyone is so pleased to be here.Groceries are put away everything is humming here.Say Sunday I put some cash underneath the keyboard it was a tip for the housekeepers ? It is for Socca and Olga.
Picked up some more maps they also are low but expecting the new ones soon. That’s about all for now.
March 19th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
FIRE ALARM
Today we got a new panel for our fire alarm. The fire chief came over, did a walk through and explained how to handle the situation when the alarm goes off:
1) look on panel where the fire alarm originated
2) go to that area and check if there is a fire
3) if there is a fire, evacuate the building and wait for the fire department
4) if there isn’t, press “acknowledge” then “silence” on the panel and wait for the fire department
5) the fire department will re-set the alarm if it was false
Gorgeous day, we are sold out, even though I was almost an hour early Deb left the place spotless and well stocked, what a pleasure. Thanks, Deb!
March 10th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
GLUTEN FREE
Thank you so much, Morgan, for baking a delicious cake for our gluten intolerant guest. She loved it. Our guest who aren’t gluten intolerant loved it too. You rock!
SAN JUAN
Orosco and I cleaned the San Juan today. Boy, she is a harsh teacher. Had me put those pillow cases on right over and over again. Thanks Orosco, for showing me the ropes. That was great fun.
Lovely day here, phones are ringing, flowers are blooming, guests are smiling. That’s all we need.
March 7th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
How does one get a smiley face on her note Steffi ?
Hotel is sparkling clean, ready for the folks to arrive.
Kept myself moving today because it is Chilly….Dancing up a storm just kidding. Ok guys see you next Sunday.
March 7th, 2010 at 11:59 am
BUSINESS CARDS
We have more business cards on the shelf above the safe. Please have a look.
ROOM TIDY
Morgan, on Mo and Tue would you please tidy the San Juan (make bed, replace towels if applicable, replace coffee, soaps, etc.)? Please give Raquel a call if you have 700 walk-ins and need housekeeping help.
Happy week, everybody. Make the sun come back out!
March 6th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Good Evening, Just used the last Bird Rock Business cards. Might need to reorder.
Everyone is out for the evening , Back door sounds good to me right now and its great to offer the room service.
Had a few call in for reservations tonight,great specials.
Thats all for tonight!!!!
Debb
March 6th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
FOOD
We got a big load of juice and butter fruit etc. And it’s mostly all put away.
The fruit is all washed and the grapes are already cut into small bunchies. I turned all the berries upside down to keep them fresher.(upside down in their packages, not individually).
Everything is sparkly and fresh and ready for people!
It’s gonna be a great season! You guys make me want to come to work.
Till next time,
Myah
March 5th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
ROOM SERVICE
I put Back Door Kitchen menus in almost all our guest directories in the rooms. Myah or Deb, can you please put a menu in the directories of the San Juan, Marrowstone, Bainbridge, Saltspring and Whidbey tomorrow, please?
So as of right this minute we offer room service from their Back Door Kitchen during their regular business hours: Thursdays through Sundays 5PM to 9PM.
Here is how it works:
Write guest confirmation number on Back Door invoice and put in safe with other invoices.
1) Guest calls back Door Kitchen and orders food.
2) Back Door calls us and asks for a pick up.
3) We go to Back Door and pick up the food.
4) We add the food bill plus 15% to our guest’s invoice.
5) We put food on tray with plates, napkins, silverware and invoice and bring it to guest’s door.
6) We have guest sign invoice and wish him a happy meal.
7) We charge guest’s card or make change if they paid cash.
Ask me if you have any questions.
March 5th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
SPECIALS SPECIALS SPECIALS
Hey Sweeties,
I updated our specials as follows:
PEACE
We give $10 to Habitat for Humanity when you book a room at regular rate…will continue through May, 31, 2010.
LOVE
Book a room at regular rate and we’ll take $20 off any Lavendera spa treatment… will continue through May 31, 2010. Remember: you have to manually adjust the spa treatment rate.
HAPPINESS
Book a Superior or Standard room for one night, get the second night free…continues every day through March 31, 2010. And continues Sundays through Thursdays through May 31, 2010.
Ask me if you have any questions. Rock on!
February 28th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Hello All, Just to let you know I did write a long blog last sunday detailing events of Myah’s adventures and mine regarding the fire alarm issues and others but I am not sure what happened to it. I thought I saw it posted but maybe got lost. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I did not slack off on my blog duties. Looks like all has been sorted out and no alarms going off this morning. Touch wood! Lots of young and hip couples in this weekend (lots of piercings!) all very nice and saying they had a great time, that happiness special is well named Steffi!
February 26th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
TIME CLOCK
Chris T. fixed the time clock, so please clock in and out again BUT also fill out a time card for this pay period until we are extra double super sure everything works correctly.
FIRE ALARM
is fixed, yeah. Guardian needs to put a new control panel in. Please blog if that happens during your shift. I want to know. Thank you.
SOY MILK
I put some soy milk in the lobby fridge. Our guests in the San Juan are vegan. They know it’s there. It’s for all guests. Just to let you know.
Felix turno, Senora Myah!!!
February 21st, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Welcome to July weather. And sold out Sat night, feels like July there too. Myah had a rather busy morning here so I am blogging for her and me. Such power!
First off, she said many comments regarding how warm the hotel is. What a nice change in the middle of winter. Maybe I will turn the thermostats down to 65 rather than 70. Girls are opening doors and putting on fans during the day. Yep, thats right, it is february. Myah came in this morning to the firealarm going off and guests in the lobby. What a welcome! Elena had come up and was disabling the alarm, then all the fire guys came and did the sweep through. It was on the main floor and ended up in the Speiden. No fire. The lady in the Spieden said the bed was the most comfortable she had ever slept in and she did not budge throughout the three checks they did in that room, she was just too cozy!. Fire chief instructed us NOT to disarm alarm until we had checked all the rooms. OY VEY!
Maya kept breakfast hopping through all this and everyone OK with it. What a woman!
Bikes, getting plenty of issues. Brakes on #5 in bad shape and others looking a little worn out. I think they need some shelter! A little worse for weather wear.
Cleaning girls all doing a sterling job here as usual. There was a check out out of the Whidbey but no reservation on the books for them. Am I confused?
February 20th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Sold out at the Bird Rock Hotel. Happy guests and a few have gone to dinner at the Back Door Kitchen it re opened Friday night.
Can’t believe what beautiful weather we are having I think it is here to stay. See you guys in March.Going to the coast for gooey ducks.
February 19th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
RATES
Chris and Deb asked when our room rates change:
Starting May 1 we will have summer rates on Fri & Sat and off season rates mid week.
Starting on May 28 our summer rates will be in effect every day until October 1.
EMAIL
Please file emails you dealt with, so the person working after you is not wondering.
WHIDBEY
Our guests, who checked out of the Whidbey today think they forgot something. See note for Olga in back. Will you call them either way, Myah? They are still on the island and only brought the one…
What a fantastic day. I can’t believe this weather. I was sitting on my porch this morning, in a sweatshirt, in February and I was too WARM!
Happy weekend.
February 18th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
WONDERFUL BOSS LADIES
Cindy will be back next Thursday. Laura will be back the week of March 1. Please let people know and ask if I can help them with anything. If you need me call me, no matter where you are, no matter how far, just call my name …… well, it probably works better if you call my phone.
February 18th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
FOOD
Hey ladies. I ordered fruit for Saturday. If there is anything we need before Sat or other than fruit, please run to the store. Or walk leisurely.
February 16th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
HAPPINESS
I had some questions from guests about booking the happiness special online. The online rates for the happiness special are a nightly average rate. As in: the Bainbridge Suite costs $257 plus tax per night. That’s the regular rate. If you book the happiness special, it costs $257 the first night and $0 the second, making the nightly average rate $128.50. One of our guests thought is costs $128.50 the first night and the second is free. Please make sure to explain this correctly and quote the correct price. Ask me if you have questions.
February 14th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Hi,
I just checked the temp in the Lopez and it is hot and steamy in the shower and the sink! Hot Hot Hot
I will take the recycle out tonight.
It’s great to be here, it feels so good to be part of this place. I actually missed it, and especially the people and You.
Everyone is happy and out for the evening. Love is all around. hugs and kisses,
Myah
February 13th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Just spoke to BL (beautiful Laura). Please check the hot water in the Lopez tomorrow and blog about temperature. Check it again on Monday and blog about how hot (or not) it was. Laura will then determine what to do next.
February 13th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Pfffhhh, what a night. O.K. so this is going to be long, bear with me.
Bad news first:
LOPEZ
Around 6PM we ran out of hot water. It seemed like the entire hotel. I called Seth, yanked him away from his dinner (thank you, Seth, you are such a Sweety) and he determined that all the water heaters are working just fine. I asked our guests in the Lopez to wait a little. After a while the hot water came back (probably the entire hotel was taking tubs at the same time). But the Lopez Suite remained without hot water. Our guests were really upset (understandably so). They came here for the tub, they wanted a nice room and I had nowhere to put them. I called around the island, but all the nicer rooms were booked. Finally they just wanted to leave. I felt so bad.
In the middle of all this, Miss Myah called and all I could say was: “We don’t have hot water, I gotta go.” Myah then called Deb and asked if her husband could come check it out. Oh sweet Myah, thank you. Anyway, I called Myah back, she told me that Pete is on his way. I asked her to please call him and cancel. I hope she reached him.
So, we seem to have a problem in the Lopez. I blocked out the room for the next 4 days and asked Laura to call a plumber on Monday.
Have you guys ever had an issue with the Lopez water before? I haven’t.
Deb, please make sure, that Olga and Socco clean the Lopez tomorrow.
MARROWSTONE
Our guests checking into the Marrowstone tomorrow ordered some flowers from SJ Florist. Please put in room, before they arrive. They paid the florist directly.
RACK CARDS
I printed rack cards with the correct rates, so no more guessing. They have 3 rates: spring, summer & fall. I also added how many persons each room sleeps.
RECYCLING
Myah, can you please put the recycling on the curb tomorrow night? Welcome back to work, gorgeous.
CROWS
I counted 64 crows on top of the whale museum today. Those garden destroying rascals.
Other than the poor folks in the Lopez everybody is super sweet and happy. Please forgive us, Lopez guests. Happy VD everybody:)
February 13th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Great morning The love is in the air…
Vinny’s has a few reservations left for Valentines Day….378-1934…
February 12th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
GUEST DIRECTORIES
Yes, we did! We finally have our super cool looking guest directories in our rooms. Please check them out, so you know what our guests see and can refer to the directory if somebody has questions.
Note: it mentions room service from the Back Door Kitchen. Back Door will be closed until 2/19/10. Then, if somebody wants room service, they will call Back Door and order.
Back Door will call us and we’ll pick it up.
We will charge the amount plus 15% to the guest’s invoice, put the food on a tray with plates, silverware, etc. and bring it to their door. Yeah!
February 11th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
F3
Please know that we don’t expect you to remember everything we blog about, you just have to know how to find it: press F3 to search the blog for keywords. Having said that:
We have new and exciting Spring specials (2/15 -3/31/10).
PEACE
Book a room at regular rate and we’ll donate $10 to Habitat for Humanity to build shelter for our fellow islanders in Haiti.
All you need to do is select that special if a guest wishes to. The boss ladies will tally and donate. IMPORTANT: do not select that special if you give a guest a discount.
LOVE
$20 off any Lavendera Day Spa treatment if you book a room at regular rate.
Book room, book spa treatment of guest’s choice as you would in any other case. IMPORTANT: manually take $20 off spa charge, NOT room charge. We will pay spa their regular
rate.
HAPPINESS
Book a superior or standard room at regular rate, get the 2nd night free. Yes, free.
IMPORTANT: in WRP the room price is simply half off the regular rate. This price is ONLY good if a guest books 2 nights (or more).
Ask me if you have any questions.
February 9th, 2010 at 11:52 am
DEB – FRIDAY
Good afternoon! Can you please clean the lobby windows and the front door before our big weekend of love?
Thank you. Have a great shift.
February 7th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Top of the morning, Steffi, Gillian just left and wanted to say good bye to you . Nice entry back into the Hotel, Lots of nice folks and yummy fruit for this time of year.
Everyone is checked out…Closing up the Sweet Bird Rock…See you on the February 12th.
Deb D.
February 6th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Morning Debbie!
Welcome back. On the desk please find today’s closing and next week’s opening list and the signs for the door, that we are closed. Call me at EB if you have any questions.
FOOD
I ordered food for Friday 2/12 delivery.
Happy week everybody.
February 5th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
What a gorgeous day to open our precious. The sun shining, the flowers blooming, the crows digging the freshly planted flowers out of the planters and throwing them on the sidewalk. What?
Yeah, yesterday, when I brought groceries, all the new flowers laid sadly on the patio. I called Island Garden. They came promptly and said it looked to them like deer. Deer? On First Street? Well, then I was sitting here and about 8 crows flew in and started undoing Island Garden’s work. I’m not sure what they are looking for. They don’t eat the flowers, they just throw them out of the planter and then dig. Mhm. Island Garden will look up what repels crows (Mr. Esspike?). Until then, run out and clap your hands.
RATE SHEET
Our rate sheet (the white guys) are from last year. Our prices went up $10 once the summer rate starts. Please make sure you quote the correct price. The boss ladies are working on the correct rate sheet.
BIKES
Our guests in the Spieden have their bikes looked up with ours. Please unlock them when they want to go on their rides.
FOOD HANDLER’S CARDS
The county has a new system set up where you can just take the test on a computer. Info on pinboard in the back. Make sure your food handler’s card is current. If it isn’t, please update. We pay for it.
TIME CARDS
I will bring more time cards when I get to work tomorrow.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
COFFEE
Did you know that San Juan Coffee, which we serve in both of our hotel lobby’s is fair trade and organically grown by small family farms. They are so small that they can’t afford the organic certification, but it’s ethically, environmentally and taste bud wise excellent coffee.
VALENTINE’S
Is just around the corner. Remember last year when there was not a seat in any restaurant to be had? Let our guests know to make dinner reservations early. Here’s what’s open:
Vinnie’s – special menu
COHO – set menu, $35 per person
BLUFF – special menu
McMillan’s – regular menu + set menu for $45 per person
Downriggers – set menu
January 29th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
PILLOWS
After extensive research, Cindy found out who we get our pillows from: Down Inc 800.552.9231
The pillow is the Upside of Down pillow~ 80% White Duck Feathers and 20% down. Next time a guest asks, we’ll know. Thanks, Cindy.
January 2nd, 2010 at 8:58 pm
CHRISTMAS TERMINATORS
Myah, Seth, Regino and I were the Christmas terminators today, all gone! Thanks for your help, guys.
MORGAN
Morning! I printed out the closing sign and list for you. Please see second page of closing list for extra special duties. Call me if you have questions or issues.
GARBAGE
Laura and Cindy, what shall we do with the remaining garbage and recycling down here? Maybe we should not have it sitting here for a month?
Happy time off everybody. I will make the February schedule in the last week of January. Call me at home if you have special scheduling requests for the first 2 weeks. I’ll call all of you and let you know when you are back on.
Thanks for a fabulous season and all your hard work. Love you all.
January 1st, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Awake, I am Awake!( have not yet been to bed..)
All is well here again. We had a ton of fun with the two, 2 year olds for breakfast this morning. I was thinking about how much fun it would be to run a kid only hotel!!! Kids and pets, no grown ups.
I will get back to you on that idea.
So, our time is coming to an end for a bit of a respite, and I want to let you all know how much fun I have had here at the BR. You all are really wonderful to work with/for, and I hope I can do it again.
so, love many
trust a few,
but learn to paddle your own canoe,
peace, Myah
December 31st, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Good Morning Myah!
Myah?
Are you awake?
Myah? Hello?
Just kidding:)
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
Flowers and champagne are in luggage room for tomorrow’s check-in.
Please remember to file emails away once you have taken care of them. We don’t want to miss anything, but we also don’t want to answer the same question twice.
Have a fun blue moon night.
December 30th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Hi guys and gals, Pretty quiet here today, even called Morgan to have a chat. Took down the garland around the front desk and door as it was very dry.Hope everyone has a good New Year Celebration and I look forward to 2010. CHEERS !!!!
December 28th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
STEALING CHRISTMAS
Alright, it’s official. On Saturday 1/2/10 we will take the Christmas decoration down in the lobby. Please put everything neatly away in the boxes in the back. Seth will remove the tree that day as well.
December 27th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
ICE ICE BABY
Please make sure to salt our patio and the sidewalk around our building. Salt is in the storage shed on the patio where the hot tub chemicals are as well.
SAN JUAN
I chatted with our guest today about visiting Orcas Island and I think she thinks she is checking out Tuesday. We only have her on the books until tomorrow. Will you clarify with her, Chris?
GARBAGE
Please make sure to bring 2 garbage cans to the street on Monday and on Thursday.
NEW YEARS
Here is the action to be had in FH: The Bluff and COHO are serving dinner, The Bluff has live music after 9PM, the Front Street Ale House is serving dinner until 10PM, then it’s a party with games, live music and even, wait for it…. noise makers, oh yeah!
CALLS
I got 3 inquiries for January reservations today. I told them to please come back some other time:(
Boy, that is chilly tonight. Drive slow everybody.
December 27th, 2009 at 11:35 am
The roads were really icy this morning, but who can complain it is so beautiful,just drive slow. Say I will get our pan back It was loaned out to our guest in the San Juan.
Everyone is sleeping in this morning and my scones are getting cold…Butter is thawing and cookies will be made.
December 26th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
PRICE CHECK
Just a reminder: our Romance Package is $175 ($75 dining credit,$30 champagne, $55 flowers, $15 chocolates).
Whale Watching with Capt. Maya is $79 per person.
Please remember those. When we bill our guests for a third party add-on we’ll lose money if you quote an incorrect price.
EGG POT
Where is our egg cooking pot? There is a tiny pot with no lid, which doesn’t really do the job. Anybody?
DEB-COOKIE DOUGH
Debbie, can you start a cookie dough tomorrow or if you are too busy, please put a butter out, so it’s room temp when I get there. Great idea on the egg nog. Our guests are loving it.
CINDY – LAURA – CHRISTMAS DECO
When would you like us to take the decorations down? Our tree and greenery is getting dry and I would like to have the hotel all ready in case we open for that group in January.
Last week, everybody. I won’t order any more food. Please run to the store if you need something. Don’t over purchase.
Pleasant weekend everybody.
December 25th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
MERRY CHRISTMAS, Awesome day here at the Bird Rock. Although not too much selection for dinner tonight on the island. Coho one cancellation at 7:00 and Port Vino said she would take folks just in case they didnt get a meal. Anyways I have a date with Santa so Love to all and Have a good night.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Merry Christmas!!
Check notes today, there is a romance pkg for the 25th.
some remote check ins, and I gotta go, call me if you need anything…zxooxoxoxox love you all
Myah
December 21st, 2009 at 8:21 pm
CHECK-INS CHRISTMAS
Myah and Morgan, will you please call all our check-ins for 12/24 and 12/25 and let them know our opening hours? Please write in the guest comment section that you called and what our guests said. Thank you.
SETH
Will be leaving for Alaska tomorrow and will be gone for a week. Please call Cindy or I for maintenance issues. If it’s something minor, call Regino or DIY.
Happy beginning of Winter, everybody. Shortest day – check, and onward.
December 20th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Hey Deb, Chris called, she will work your 1/1/10 shift, yeah!
December 19th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Cheers,It so smells like Christmas @ The Bird Rock Hotel and I love it. Say I didn’t know we were open on January 01,I am scheduled 2;00-9;30 but had made plans to go skiing anyone need a shift ? Please let me know ASAP. Thanks Debbie
December 18th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Oh, it’s good to be open, yeah!
SAN JUAN
Myah’s friend in the San Juan put some gifts in the back room. She will wrap them tomorrow. Have her do that in an open room on the ground floor if possible.
FOOD
I will order food on Sunday for Tuesday. Please run to the store if we need something until then.
PAYCHECKS
Oh lovely boss ladies. Thank you so much for the lovely handcrafted paychecks, cards, candy and everything. You are the very bestest there is.
December 16th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Steffi and Daniel are my new superheros. What is their special power you may ask… Carrying wood. Yes, they saved this soon-to-be fire-starved woman. The dynamic duo brought and stacked an entire load of beautiful rounds under my deck yesterday. What a wonderful treat to come home to. Thank you for saving my back side!
December 13th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Yipee it is snowing, I love it with the Christmas lights on . Let it snow !!let it snow!! Hope everyone has a great Day.
December 12th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
TOMORROW PARTEEEEEEEEEEE
Yeah! Bring a dish and a gift and your jolly spirit. I’m so looking forward to hanging out with all of you all at once.
Thanks, Deb, for making cookie dough. It got raving reviews by our guests. Call Morgan if you have any problems with closing.
DINING CREDITS
Just a reminder: we currently only give dining credits to the following restaurants: Back Door Kitchen (closes on 12/19 for the season), Duck Soup Inn (currently closed until Spring), COHO, The Place & The Bluff.
Very pleasant night here at the Bird Rock, wonderful people, good conversation, even my feet are warm.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Hi all, Happy all-the-days, if you say that with a bit of an English accent is sounds like “holidays”.
The hotel was a cold maiden today, it took awhile for her to heat up. The San Juan was very fridged and the heaters I put up there kept tripping the breaker. Also, I understand that some our thermostats read backwards, but we still must push the little do-hicky thing up regardless of the numbers, right?
I made an impromtu wine and flower welcome gift from a mom of a guest. I used our cash and have her card number just don’t know how to charge her for it. It was for the folks staying in the spieden room on 12/11, but it’s a surprise so don’t charge the guests. We’ll talk.
Shannon came by to tend the dead flowers pots today. It looks so empty compared to the summer. Maybe we can decorate it up somehow.
Happy Birthday Debbie on Monday! I hope all your wishes come true.
See you later,
Myah
December 11th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
RAQUEL
Is off tomorrow. Please call Regino or I if you have any issues.
FIGGY PUDDING
Oh man, you guys need to hit up Myah for some of her figgy pudding she made. I’m not into Christmassy caky things, but that was so tasty, I just gobbled down the whole thing. Thanks M.
December 10th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Hi Guys,
Long time, me no post.
I just wanted to give you guys a heads up for the busy season. I know, at this point, you’re wondering what busy season, that seems like so far away. But it will come again and when it does, we will need to refer to other properties.
Among the other great properties to whom we refer, I would like you to consider referring our guests to the Friday Harbor Suites when we are sold out. They will be referring back to us as well. Their units are quite lovely and they have water views. They are located above the Golden Triangle. Check out their website at http://www.sanjuanislandsuites.com and if you have time call them to see them up close and personal. Their telephone number is 317-6423.
These folks will be coming by to take a closer look at our properties as well. Please be your normal gracious selves.
December 5th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Ladies,
we got ourselves a decorated Christmas tree! Uh, it smells so good in here. I asked several guests to tell me the bitter truth, does it look tasteful or not. They said it did. But ultimately we need the eyes of BL (Beautiful Laura) to determine if it’s Bird Rock worthy.
Please remember to water the tree and unplug all indoor Christmas deco before you leave for the night.
MAYA’S CHARTERS
Capt. Maya asked to please ask our guests if they have a car. He took 2 of our guests out today, picked them up and drove them back here(for free, because we didn’t let them know he would charge $20) and it turned out they had their car with them and could have driven out to Snug Harbor.
Wind is picking up again, but the sun will stay for another week, yeah!
December 4th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Tim Dustrude, the photographer is coming to take pix of the hotel sat. night at around 7ish. He is a really great guy and talented too.
December 4th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
INVALID CREDIT CARD
WRP has a new trick or tick, rather. Whenever you edit a reservation and save, it gives you the “invalid cc” error. It’s lying. The credit cards aren’t invalid. All you need to do is select what credit card type you got (visa, master, amex) and it lets you save.
December 4th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Hi Everyone, Tis really good to be home and delightful to be at Windermere last night and see Bird Rock all lite up with Christmas lights. Good job.
Guest will be arriving some time today and Maya and I will have a few more decorations up, Tree tomorrow
Yipee….
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
SCHEDULE
We made some changes to next week’s schedule. I will put them up on Saturday. Debbie, make sure to have me show you the opening and closing lists, because you are it next week. Welcome back. We missed you.
November 30th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Hello wonderful ones!
LIGHTS
Elena will turn off the Christmas lights at night during her nightly walk-through. All we need to do is to turn them on around 4PM every day. San Juan only if the room is empty.
LIDS
There is a whole box of lids on top of the fridge.
HEAT
Raquel will bring us space heaters on Thursday, for the front desk and in case one of our guests is not snuggely enough.
See you all soon. Missed you too:)
November 28th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
DO NOT DISTURB
We all agree that those little signs are useful for guests needing privacy and to insure safety and dignity of the housekeepers. Do we have some?
Stickers
Housekeeping needs “lotion” stickers. This may be something Laura has in her computer?
Lids
for coffee to go? We are out of them unless there is a secret stash.
Heater?
It’s is pretty cold here at the front desk, is there a little heater we can run so our hands don’t freeze? Maybe some heaters for guest rooms?
Steffi
Welcome back! I hope you had a relaxing get away. I missed you!
November 26th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Hope everyone had a great turkey day. All quiet and calm here. The guys set up the outside Christmas lights and there are four locations where we need to unplug in the mid morning and turn back on around 4PM. Outside the kitchen door, by the guest computer, outside the marrtowstone suite and inside the San juan. This will not work very well tho unless the room is empty as the balcony door needs to remain cracked and cord run into the kitchen, not doable with a guest checked in, OK if it is empty. Do these lights want to remain on the whole time we are closed midweek? Please have the powers that be let us know. Maya, guest moved from Lopez to Fidalgo, see notes in res, so the lopez needs to be cleaned on Friday for the new booking that is now coming in on FRiday. Plenty of fruit for Fri and prob sat, maybe not sunday. I guess just buy enough to get through since we will be closed next week. Also coffee order tomorrow (were closed today) Late check in to San Juan last night came after I left so have not spoken with them in person, but room was prepaid as a gift.
Call me Myah is you have questions.
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
MORGAN SUNDAY 11/29
We will be closing the hotel on Sunday, 11/29. Dani will make breakfast for our guests and wish them farewell. Morgan, would you go down to Bird Rock and help Dani close the hotel that day, please? Alternately if you can’t get away, walk her through it, then go down there at shift change and do a final walk through. Thank you so much.
November 21st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
BED & BREAKFAST.COM
This is really important: we do NOT participate in their promotions. We do NOT accept their gift cards. As a matter of fact the only gift certificates we accept are issued by us. The only specials we have are created by Adam and listed on our website.
So if somebody asks us to honor a special from the B&B.com site, we don’t participate. If a guests makes a reservation with a gift certificate, make sure it was issued by us.
Thank you.
November 19th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Uh, what a storm last night. Thank you, Chris, for preparing flash lights and communicating with our guests who were stranded on the mainland. You are the best.
BAINBRIDGE
Is dirty for tomorrow. Please let HK know.
SALTSPRING
Had 2 inches of water in entrance way when Chris opened today. It’s gone now, but we should keep an eye on water pooling there.
MARROWSTONE
Fire place stopped working. I called Vanderyacht and they fixed it just in time for our guests to snuggle up in front while the winds are picking up again.
ROOF SHINGLES
We lost some last night. Lets keep our eyes out for leaks the next time it pours (ah, in 20 minutes?).
Alright November, we got it, you are here.
November 14th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
KEYS
We are low on some room keys. Please let’s write again in the guest comment section how many keys we give each party upon check-in and let our guests know that a lost key will incur a $50 surcharge.
Also, Chris, the labeler is right behind you on the back desk, the little Brother thingy.
THE LAST OF SUMMER
Picked the last rose from our patio today, which is filling the lobby with its lovely smell . Ate the last of Chris’ delicious, firm Roma tomatoes (thank you for sharing your bounty). Had the last sip of Laura’s homemade apple cider (never tasted anything sweeter). Today was the last day the food co-op door will open with the old code, so if you haven’t renewed yet, do it soon.
And that concludes officially our summer.
Don’t forget to upgrade our lovely guests whenever possible. Nothing nicer than to snuggle up in a two person jetted tub and a cup of hot coco when the winds howl outside, your belly is full of a lovingly prepared island grown meal from Back Door Kitchen or COHO and all your worries are, for the moment at least, an ocean away.
November 14th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Alls swell here, everyone tucked in and cozy and happy so far. Maya or Steffi, the family in bainbridge need to turn in their voucher or GC or whatever, really nice folks who came in a little late. Bike #10 has a bent rear wheel so don’t give it out. I left a maintenance request. Couple in Fidalgo here for the weekend have signed their waiver and will probably bike again tomorrow. Left the GC on desk for steffi to mail, need a little sticker for the certificate. Speiden keys really low, was going to attach a card to the last one but unable to find the lable maker. Had to dump all the half and half unfortunately, but it was on sale next door tonight. Clear out fruit over the weekend and I can restock next week when I open on Wednesday if you like!
Have a great day….
November 12th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Morning Chris,
I have the coffee and hot water air pot here at Earthbox. We needed it for a meeting in the conference center. I’ll bring them back down tomorrow, shortly after you open.
November 11th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Hotel is sparkling clean for you Chris on Friday the 13th. What a beautiful day even if it chilly. See you all in December. Much Aloha.
November 9th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Morning Debbie,
The dishes in the dishwasher are clean. I judged my time incorrectly and the machine wasn’t yet done washing by closing. Sorry about making you unload them. Pretty slow night even though there were a fair amount of phone calls.
See you in the pm.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
WEDNESDAY CLOSURE
Hey Deb & Morgan. Will you two go over the hotel closing procedures on Tuesday, so Debbie feels comfortable doing it on Wednesday, please? Print out the closing list and the sign for the front door. And please go over the blocking & locking of the door. There are blocking cards in the safe (have a B on them). Please call Cindy if you guys have any questions. Raquel will do a final walk through after HK is finished cleaning the rooms on Wednesday.
20 YEARS
20 years ago today the wall came down. I was having dinner at a friend’s place not even a half a mile from the wall. We didn’t hear until the next morning when we walked outside. The entire city was pulsing. Everybody was laughing or crying or both, mostly both. The famously unfriendly Berliners all hugging each other and sharing their liquor. One of the most amazing days of my life.
November 8th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Never mind. Raquel just called. Socco will be here Monday. No tidy for you.
Happy day.
November 8th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Morning Chris,
Please tidy the Marrowstone today. Don’t worry about the check outs, I blocked out the rooms and Olga will clean them on Tuesday.
Have a fabulous day!
November 7th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Hi Guys, Another nice evening here, Lots of fun folks in ..Chris have a great day…
See you on Tuesday.
November 7th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Hello wonderful Bird Rocking Ladies!
Next week: guest starring MORGAN as: the guy!
ROOM STAYOVERS – OFF SEASON
The boss ladies decided when there is only one room staying over not to call in Housekeepers. Instead us, the front desk, will tidy the room. Here is how this works: Raquel will call the night before to see how many rooms we have. If it’s only one, she will instruct the night person to blog about that one room needing a tidy by a front desk person.
In the next week Raquel will show each of us how it’s done. Questions? Ask Raquel and I.
POWER OUTAGE
If we ever have a power outage and therefore can’t use the computer, we won’t know in which rooms to check in guests. So during the stormy season, please print today’s check in receipts in the morning (go to Check ins, on the upper right corner of the page is a button saying “Print Day’s PDF Receipts”. Hit it.
Also in case of no internet or power outage: call Laura. Between her lap top and her phone she most likely can access our reservation system.
WHEN RAQUEL CALLS AT NIGHT
What she wants to know is how many rooms are checking out and staying over the following day. She is not getting the correct info from us, which is frustrating for her. So, when she calls, please do the following in WRP:
1) go to tomorrows date
2) go to “check outs”, scroll to the bottom of the page, let her know how many there are
3) go to “check ins”, scroll to the bottom of the page and let her know how many “stay throughs” there are
4) Double check that you are really on tomorrow’s date, not today, not some other date, only tomorrow’s date.
BACK DOOR KITCHEN
Will serve their last supper of the season on December 19 and will re-open in mid February.
Happy blowy night.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Hello, Jeepers feel like a long time since Ive been here. Stormy evening but cozy inside. Waiting for my people to arrive..
FYI Very important meeting 11/09/09 at Mullis Center , Common Sense Alliance at 5;30.Try to make it.www.commonsensealliance.net check this out.
October 31st, 2009 at 9:47 pm
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
Starts tonight. Spring ahead, fall back. I turned all lobby and kitchen clocks back an hour. I also changed the room clocks of unsold rooms. I left little post-it notes (yes, I did, I used post-it notes, it was hard, but I did, for the cause)on the clocks I changed, so we don’t get confused. Myah, will you please let Olga know and remind her to change all room clocks today before leaving? Thank you.
The Gods shined on the American Camp wedding today, sunshine, beautiful ceremony, I’m so glad. I was worried last night when I drove home in 40 miles per hour winds. One guest drove one of our beach cruisers to the wedding and back. I have to say, I’m very impressed.
Thank you so much, Deb, for saving us this morning. You are the Best.
Have a grandiose morning, Myah. I’ll see you in a bit.
October 30th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
SUNDAY
We will close the hotel on Sunday instead of Monday. I will come in around noon and Myah and I will lock her up. This will affect Morgan and Khai and they know.
I made blocking cards (remember, staff meeting: something something keys). They are in the top shelf of the safe, labeled “B”. Please all take
one.
BEEP BEEP
Around 4 it started beeping. I traced the beep to the third floor and called Sergeant Seth, who located the culprit and eliminated him.
STORMWATER
I had a meeting with a very nice man from the county, who had a little presentation for all businesses about water pollution and what we can do to help. I hung his flyer above the fire alarm. Please read. The issue is that our storm water floods unmitigated into our bay. And some people don’t act accordingly. For example washing your car in the street sends soap suds into the water and kills fish, so does of course motor oil, anti freeze, etc.
We as a hotel don’t contribute to this kind of pollution. But still, I was glad to see that our county and city is raising awareness.
Happy, upgraded guests all going to a wedding on South Beach tomorrow. That will be a windy affair, I’ll bet.
Happy weekend, everybody.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
NEED A SHIFT COVERED?
Please, please call me (Dani)! I would love to work for anyone who needs it! My schedule at the dock is very flexible now days, so I’m open to cover whatever you need! Just give me a call 472-0673!
Thanks Ladies! You’re all fabulous!
October 29th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
SWITCHING SHIFTS
Sweethearts, I need to know who is working. Switching shifts is perfectly fine with me, but give us a call here at Earthbox, so we can update our schedules as well.
EMERGENCY
Hope, everything is good now, Myah. In case of, you know what, call Cindy in the mornings and on Tue & Wed, call me in the evenings and on weekends. If we aren’t there, call Laura and/or one of your co-workers to get covered what needs to be covered.
October 29th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Hello everyone! I’m just dropping in at the EB & BR to say goodbye. To all I haven’t had a chance to say goodbye to: It really has been a pleasure working with you. I’ll miss you all and I’ll be sending warm thoughts your way! Take Care!
Sadie
October 29th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I’m a little off my game today, I had a home emergency which is resolved now but Darling Morgan came to my rescue at 7:30 this morning. I need to have a list of people to call in case of….
October 26th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
SADIE
It’s Sadie’s last day on Wednesday. Bye, bye, Sweety. Good luck with everything. We’ll send you strong “finding work & housing” thoughts. Please send us some warm weather from Hawai. It was great meeting you. Don’t be a stranger.
Also: will you please leave your all access key and the EB office keys in the BR safe?
Oh, the book: T.C. Boyle, A Friend of the Earth. have fun.
October 26th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Hello,It was so nice to see the sun make an appearance after all that rain.Cookies are in the oven and it smells terrific. Send me some guest we are ready!!!!
October 25th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Hello lovely Bird Rocking ladies,
$$
I reconciled money today and we are $20 short exactly. Sounds like one of us went shopping and forgot to bring the receipt and the change back. Can you all go through your purses and help me solve the mystery, please?
EGGS
Deb, I forgot to order eggs today. Can you go get some from the store, please?
MARROWSTONE
The hot tub is a little luke warmish. I turned it up. Will you please ask our guests if it’s warm enough? Also, will all of you check it daily, please?
FORMS/SIGNS/SIGNS/FORMS
I made a mid-week closing sign for the door and check lists to open and close the hotel mid-week. Check them out, they are on the desktop. I also put a hard copy in our front desk resource book.
I would like you all to print out the correct check list, use, sign and date and put in my box once we start closing mid-week. Please ask me if you have any questions.
Uh, the autumn is here, no denying it now. 6PM and it’s dark. But the guest we do have are happy as clams.
Happy week everybody.
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Thank you, Dani, for getting the expired keys to EB and making the existing keys all pretty.
Thank you, Morgan, for initializing the expired keys and bringing them back to us. You guys rock!
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Morning Myah,
#1888879
Please read notes and do your Myah magic.
LOPEZ
Chocolates, champagne and card all ready to go into the Lopez tomorrow.
SWITCHEROO
Halley can’t work tomorrow. I will work her shift at EB, Dani will work my shift here from 5-10. Myah, let me know if you can’t be here until 5. Morgan and I will figure something out.
DANI
Will stay around probably until the end of January. So, if you need a shift covered, call Chris or her.
It’s supposed to be nicish tomorrow. Western Prince has plenty of availability for their noon trip. Have a great weekend everybody.
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:15 am
Good morning Dani, just a few things…
-The ladies staying in The Salt Spring checked-out last night (the 22nd). They moved to EB.
-The man staying in The Orcas (1912262, please read note)is a walk-in from last night. He originally was staying for just the night, but decided later to stay another night, checking out the 24th. He will pay in the morning, use your judgment when deciding how much to charge him for his 2nd night. Also, please make sure he knows that The Orcas isn’t available tomorrow night, he’ll be switching to The Fidalgo.
-I tried calling Lavendera to make sure they reserved Robert Nicol’s massages with no luck. I decided to wait to add the fees and make vouchers until we get their confirmation.
To all BR ladies…
-There was a message left from what sounded like a David Frasier?? His message was very difficult to understand so I’m not sure if I even got the correct name. All I could understand was that he was wanting to cancel his reservation for Friday. He didn’t specify which, so I’m assuming this Friday. He left a phone number, which sounded like 509.6308, I tried, but I don’t think it was correct. Anyway, I could not find his reservation. Please look out for this, I want to make sure we don’t charge him for no-showing…
GOODNIGHT!
October 19th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
MARROWSTONE
Seth installed a new CO1 detector. The old one was obviously faulty. Let’s keep an eye out. If the new one is acting up as well, we night have to think about installing it a little further away from the fireplace. It is behind the couch. In case it makes a sound, look at it, it will display what the issue is. Call Seth and tell him. But hopefully, all is good.
See you all at the meeting on Thursday.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Good day here @ the Bird Rock Hotel. Our lobby is sparkling clean with Olga and Socco doing their thing and I helped. Dani is here early so I am off to Windermere. Have a great evening.
October 18th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Good Morning Debbie!
COFFEE
Can you please order us some regular coffee today?
SCONE MIX
I ordered 4 boxes of scone mix. Left a message. When they call back, please confirm.
FOOD ORDER
I didn’t put one in today. We are good.
Pretty uneventful today, which is not a bad thing. Sun came out, yippiieeh!
October 18th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Here’s a good one, our guest in the Bainbridge asked me for a fan this morning, so i asked was the room too hot ? No it is just so quiet we need some noise….Go figure!!!!!Have a great Sunday.
October 18th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Here a good one that I haven’t heard yet. Some folks that are staying in the Bainbridge would like a fan, I ask if the room is too hot? No but it is so quiet we need it for the noise. You gotta love it!!!!!
October 17th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
MARROWSTONE
Our guests were bothered again by the beeping sound. Olga determined it was the carbon monoxide detector. It must be faulty. We’ll have Seth check it out on Monday. Moved guests. Deb, please let Olga know that the room needs to be cleaned.
SERVING PLATTERS
Beautiful Laura got us new serving platters. Oh, check them out. Very nice. Let’s use the oval bowl for eggs and the rectangular platters for fruit and what not.
YOGURT
I organized our yogurt abundance by date. Please use the Tillamok brand first and then serve by expiration date.
KITCHEN CEILING
Have a look by sink. If this gets worse, call Seth.
So foggy and rainy out. The perfect day to snuggle up in a 2 person jetted tub with some cookies and bubbli, oh yeah!
October 16th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
MARROWSTONE
Seth put a cap on the smoke detector next to the ceiling fan. So far so good….
SKIPJACK
Please read my email in the inbox.
JEANS & SWEATER
Regino brought it to EB to be mailed on Monday.
All is good. Nice folks here. It’s drizzling outside, but super warm. Pineapple express?
October 15th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Thursday evening, Our last guests arrived..Thanks for the help on the rooms Steffi. The computer is very tired. Attached to my night shift duties is a report Disk Defragmenter this helped a bit.
There is no room in our fridge….we are packed with goodies.
October 15th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
ALARM?
a guest told me an alarm went off in the marrowstone in the middle of the night last night. I have not been able to get any info from the night manager on what happened. Just a heads up.
Jeans and a Sweater, were last seen together in the san juan suite, mingling and co-mingling.Their owner would like them home if sighted. Her rez # is 1878409, and her address and # are on file.
FOOD
we just got in a lot of it, so I didn’t place an order today.
HOT
Cute-hot-tub-guy was here and said the tub looks fabulous!
October 14th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
SLOW COMPUTER
Really slow. I called Chris, hope that is okay.
All is well
at
the
Bird
Rock
Hotel.
October 13th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Yippee Skippy, Bruce the appliance guy just left we should have our first batch of ice shortly.It is close to 5:00 where is my relief woman.Hope she is here soon.
October 13th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Tuesday afternoon, Called Appliance Repair and left message earlier today , haven’t heard from them yet.
Pretty mellow around the hotel today. One more check in this afternoon. We have enough Yogurt and Milk to last us awhile.Specially since there are fewer quests.
Our guest in the Fidalgo has a great suggestion for our bed frames the small lights in the clear tubes he thinks this would help for bruised knees, He is so sweet.
He has recently lost his wife after 51 years and has come to our island for some comfort.
October 11th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
ICE MACHINE
Please blog when the Bruce’s Appliance Repair guy shows up.
A WORD ABOUT HEAT
T’is that time of the year. So we have in-floor heating. Coils poured into the concrete. If you turn the heat up or down in our rooms, you won’t feel any difference for 6 or so hours. When you do your daily walk-throughs, make sure all heaters are around 65/70. As a special challenge we have a couple of thermostats, which are backwards (Succia is one of them, I’m sure we will remember the others soon). It’s best just to leave the heat right there in the middle. And once we close midweek, the heat stays on, otherwise we’ll have frosty guests all Thursdays. Give our guests a little space heater if they are cold (there are a couple in the luggage room, Raquel will bring us some more).
LOBBY: it gets chilly in here, but we can’t turn the heat higher than 70, our beautiful floor won’t take it. So if you are chilly, put a little space heater behind the front desk.
SPIEDEN BATHROOM: doesn’t have heat. If you have chilly guests, please supply a space heater.
And I think these are all the tricks.
RESTAURANTS
Make sure to call ahead when sending guests to dinner. Everybody is changing their opening hours now. Vinnie’s is closed on Sundays again, so is the Bluff. Back Door serves Thurs through Sunday for a little while longer. If you are bored, call them all and make us a list.
Uh, I’m all cold now. Deb graduated from fire place school today. Of course she aced it. More fruit and coffee tomorrow.
Have a great week everybody.
October 9th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Morning marvelous Myah!
ICE MACHINE
Is out of order. After Seth cleaned it, it didn’t make any ice. Then after resetting it several times it started to make scary noises and still no ice. I turned it off and called Bruce’s appliance repair. I assume we won’t hear from them until Monday. When they come, the manual is in the upper file cabinet in the way back. Please get ice from King’s until then.
SHARED BATHROOMS
Regino and I stocked the shared bathroom shelves with rolled hand-towels. The new hampers look fabulous. I made tasteful signs to distinguish them from garbage receptacles.
It was summer busy today. Yeah, middle of October and being sold out!
October 8th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Good evening , It is all good here tonight and I appreciate the notes on the fireplace, Thank you Steffi. Our flowers from Rolph are beautiful, and the lobby is sparkling, we need some pumpkins around. Maybe some little ones.
Thats all for tonight. Sleep tight!!!
October 8th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
ALL FRONT DESK STAFF MEETING
Please join us on Thursday 10/22/09 at 3PM in the Earthbox Lobby for an all front desk staff meeting. This is a mandatory meeting. Sadie and Dani may join us, but don’t have to (maybe you can woman the front desks during the meeting).
MASSAGE TREATMENTS
Ladies, please make sure when you book a massage to adjust the treatment price if applicable. As in: guest chose “massage” on website, $85 was charged to his invoice. When talking to the guest, she decides on a deep tissue massage. We need to adjust massage price to $95. Thank you.
October 8th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
PILOT LIGHT SCHOOL
Hey Deb, let’s do a little lesson at shift change on Sunday. Also: when you open the fire place panel, to your right is a little metal tag with a description on how to put on the pilot. And here is an easy 1-2-3-4-5
1) Turn right button to “pilot light” and hold for 30 seconds.
2) while holding pilot light button press ignator button on your left until pilot light is lit. Hold pilot light button for another 30 seconds.
4) gently release pilot light button and turn to “on”
5) press middle button (off-auto-on) to on and the fire goes on, yeah!
October 8th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
FOOD
I ordered from Tom, he said the order will be here Monday except for the milk which will be here Saturday. We might have to patch in some things over the weekend, like yogurt and milk and fruit.
ICE ICE BABY
We don’t have any. The ice machine is down. Seth was cleaning it but I don’t know whats going on with it now, except it’s not making little cubes of frozen water.
It is absolutely gorgeous today! What a week.
That’s it for now.
October 7th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Hello, Can someone give me a lesson on how to ignite the pilot light in our rooms and to make them work , Winter is here and folks want them lite.They had it on last eve but somehow turned off the pilot, shoot I need a manual.Other than that we are having a good evening and pink skies are gorgeous.
October 7th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Get This…..
Guest in Sucia LOVES THE ESPRESSO MAKER! He even came down to tell me and to get more coffee pods! That’s one for the espresso maker.
He also was able to peel one of the really fresh eggs without a flaw. I was really impressed by that.And…. he said he went to see Mona the camel and she let him pet her, does she do that? His name is Jeremy and he has some skills!
SETH the DOLL
Lit the pilot in the Bainbridge and he cleaned out the ice maker and needs more “product” if anyone knows what that means.
I am making apple sauce with the long-time-apple- -residents of the Bird Rock Hotel. It smells delicious.
Thanks Dani for cleaning the coffee pots, I didn’t even know you could get them that clean.
FRUIT
We could use some red or purple fruit for the morning, it is looking a little monochromatic in my opinion. Maybe raspberries?
October 5th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Hello all.
Just a few things I was thinking about:
LOST-Has anyone seen the lid to the other plastic juice pitcher? I can’t find it anywhere.
COFFEE- This is the second night in a row I have thrown away a full pot(small silver pitcher) of coffee. So in the future I think we should only make pots when the pump-pot is empty. Because after about 4pm, no one really drinks much coffee, and I hate to waste it. So only brew coffee if we are totally out! Please please and thank you Thank you!!
and speaking of coffee…I puro-cafed all of the silver pots and the large pump pots. They really needed it! Maybe we should add that to the chore list?
October 5th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Ladies, please remember to take out the recycling on Sunday as well as the garbage on Mondays and Thursdays. Seth has been saving us lately from garbage world… Thank you!
October 4th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Hello, any body know where the fall ferry schedules are? I thought we had a box of them here.We are ready for our next round of guest, Hotel looking good.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:18 am
We’ve got a full house tonight!
Everyone is in. Quiet, crisp evening.
Goodnight.
October 3rd, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Hello Hello
MYAH
You got a lovely letter from the men who had to be helicoptered off island, you helped so much. Check it out.
BOARD
Let’s write on the board in the kitchen at night how many folks we will have for breakfast.
RATE SHEETS
Made more rate sheets. There are more above the safe, just need to be cut.
INK
Got more printer ink.
SHAMPOO BOTTLES
Please let Olga know that Laura got us a whole box of new body care dispensers. They are in the back.
It looks great in here. Lovely guests, sunshine. All is good.
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:36 am
Good morning, the folks at the Bird Rock are inspiring we only have to bikes left in our rack.
Makes me want to hop on one.
lots of stay overs today, going to be busy for Housekeeping.
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:16 pm
WOW! I love cool computer tricks, I just searched for the words “eggs”, “for”, “happy”, “sunny”… hit high-light all, and BINGO! Thanks for that Laura.
There is nothing like the sight of a Booking page that says all are checked IN!! Lovely.
Good morning Dardinelli, watch for the folks in the BB and the Lopez….funny people, they might get you with a joke early in the morning, stay on your toes. lol, myah
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Maya called and has the phone no worries. 2 Early check ins!!! thank fully , only 2 guest for breaky as the Honeymooners aren’t coming out much , wow the sun is blazing I am opening the doors.Deb
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
BLOG TRICK
Hey, did you guys know that you can search this blog to find the answers to frequently asked questions? Yes, all you have to do is click your cursor on the page and then hit F3. At the bottom left in your screen will appear a box where you can search for things like:
PAINT
where you will find this helpful posting by Kaitlyn way back when: “the wall color in the hotel is Baja Dunes benjamin moore paint and trim is glaciar white”
so cool!!!
October 1st, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Good morning Debbie—- Here is the news for the night. I cannot find the phone for Elena. I called and left a message with Myah to see if she has it. Elena told me to put her cell # on a note for the sign. Please call Myah again and see if she has the phone, I have looked everywhere!
Thanks and have a super, duper day!
October 1st, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Hey guys! Very slow, quiet night. I am feeling “under the weather” tonight. Survived the evening so that is good. Just a couple of things to know:
A. The spa called again regarding their change of hours (scroll down to Cindy’s message if you missed it).
B. I cannot find anymore coffee, so Debbie will need to order more tomorrow.
C. This is my last night here at the rock for the season. Thank you to everyone ! What a great staff we have here and at the EB! You guys are all rock stars and I have loved working here! Have a super winter…see you around…..
October 1st, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Hi guys, I don’t need help on Sunday , I did a trade with someone here at Winderemere. Thanks anyway. Debb
September 30th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
SADIE- make sure you open and confirm the milk/cream is bad. Because the date printed on the side is the sell by date, not the go bad date. Milk is normally good at least a week or so after that date. So make sure you check so we don’t waste perfectly delicious goods!:)
STEFFI- my parents have chickens that are laying eggs like crazy! They are small brown eggs, but are organic and all that good stuff. Let me know if your interested! Also I’ve gotten a few requests for honey to go with the tea. Is that something we might consider getting?
ANYONE and EVERYONE!- I would love to pick up any extra shifts anyone needs covered! My schedule is pretty open and flexible these days so, with a few days notice, I am able to take any shift you need covered. Let me know!!
Getting the hang of things again! Good to be back!
September 30th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
CO OP
I did pick up the order of shampoos and goo.
PAINT
I have people asking all the time for the make and color of paint here, I just have been making names up like, “bamboo-latte” and “organic mocha-whip, shaken, not stirred” ..but what is the real color and brand?
GRAPES
We have 4023 individual grapes, that’s a lot. Maybe we can make grape pie? Yummm I wonder why no one has ever thought of that before.
LIGHT
Seth fixed the one outside.
That’s it for now,
Myah
September 30th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Hi everyone..
The spa called today, they have new hours..
Monday thru Thursday they will be open from 12:00pm to 6:15pm, the last appointment being 5:15pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be normal business hours. Of course if you have a guest that would like appointments at times that they are not open you may call the spa and they will try to get a therapist in for the appointment.
Happy September 30th….
September 30th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Hi guys,
GREAT job. Keep up the good work.
MATTRESSES: Apparently people continue to love our beds…woo hoo! If asked, the mattresses are Sealy, Reserve Plush Euro Pillow top.
Happy last day of September.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Twilight Zone!!!!
Here it is 8:00 AM and NO ONE is here for breakfast!
We have hot delicious scones, in perfect little shapes,
Red ripe strawberries practically begging to be savored,
Plump dusky blueberries, so rich and ripe they look as if they will just get up and start dancing,
Kiwis,
Apples lightly sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar,
Hot dark and moody coffee, to lift even the grumpiest of gray clouds,
The Yogurt is standing proud and ready, the silverware is sparkling clean and in neat rows of shiny utilitarian splendar,
Where are all the People???
I’m ready for some people, asking questions, excited for an adventure in the gorgeous san juan islands……
Ohhhh, I hear foot steps.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Bruce appliance guy came by ran rinse cycle seems to be working alright, he mentioned to be careful not to use wrong dish soap or over use soap .
Pretty good night but very quiet. We still need light bulb changed out front door.
Sunday I am scheduled here and Windermere I can open here 7;30- 10:00 can anyone help me out ?
Coffee maker was picked up by San Juan Coffee he will be in touch.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Guess what?? Debbie and I have found the Bird Cookie Recipe! Yipee! You can find it in the Recipe folder on the 2nd shelf next to the fridge.
Also, is it necessary to stock up on food so much food now that things have slowed down quite a bit? I had to throw out 2 half gallons of half & half that had expired. One of them hadn’t even been opened yet. We also have enough eggs to last a life time. They’ll go quickly once we make more cookies, though…
Have a wonderful day, Debbie!!
September 28th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
DISHWASHER
I left a message with Bruce’s Appliance Repair. Hopefully he will get back to us soon. How is it working?
SCHEDULE
Sadie picked up the new schedule, yeah. Thank you.
Please all continue to write down your hours until our time clock is healthy again.
September 27th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Cooling down, wow the front door is still open but it is starting to feel chilly at night. Guest are all checked in and everyone is out for dinner. Kind of quiet at the moment. Bikes still need some attention.Thanks Debbie
September 27th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
I’ve put in Sunday’s food order…
Steffi, I took care of 1803755 & 1803752′s remaining balances. Elizabeth Anderson wrote 1 check for both balances. It is in the cash box in the safe.
September 26th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Hello wonderful Bird Rocking ladies,
1803755 & 1803752
still owe money. The host of the memorial party will pay for the room. I saw her, but all her guests had just arrived and I felt it was not the right time. Sadie, will you please make sure the balances will be taken care of before check out? Thank you.
DISHWASHER
Is doing that thing again where dishes don’t get spanking clean. Do a good hand-washing before putting them in. I’ll call the repair man on Monday.
$$
I keep coming up short. Please make sure to submit every receipt and initial it.
COOKIE RECIPE
Where did that go? Anybody seen it?
WHAT DIED IN THE FREEZER?
Is a question we here at Bird Rock do not want to ask ourselves. So now where we are starting to slow down, I would like us all to adhere to the deep cleaning schedule (on the fridge). Let’s be on it this week. And don’t forget to put those garbage cans out.
SUNDAY – recycling (sorry, Deb, you got all the hauling shifts this week), MONDAY – 2 garbage cans, THURSDAY – 2 garbage cans.
WEDNESDAY – MYAH
Can you please get a check from Cindy and go over to the food co-op to pick up 5 gallons of shampoo and 2 gallons of shower gel. They’ll call you when the delivery comes. Thank you.
Thank you so much for all your help with the medical emergency today. You are the best.
Have a great week everybody.
September 25th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Morning Myah!
Happy Day to you. Photos of the lobby and the outside will be taken on Saturday morning. Make sure, everything looks good. Thank you.
CYPRESS
The bathroom sink doesn’t drain. Please have a look. If we can’t fix it, call Seth. We’ll have new guests checking in.
ESPRESSO MAKERS
Steve from SJ Coffee Co will stop by next week and pick up the espresso maker in the luggage room. Please give it to him. He may be able to help us with our espresso maker issues. Yippiieeh!
Gorgeous day, lovely people, love the flowers, indoor and out, aaahhh.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Thank you, Ladies!
Tomorrow, please no early check-ins, so the photographer can take pictures between 1PM and 3PM. Thank you. Can’t wait to see your magic garden.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Hi all, Another Bike blew a tire, if any of the guys have time to look through our fleet that would be neat. Mainly men’s seem worst for the wear. Maya and I totally spruced up the gardens wow if we say so our selves.Check it out. Don’t know if we have been missing our garbage pick ups but my back hurts from all the stuff I took out tonight.I am off to Twisp for a few days and we will see you all on Sunday. Aloha
September 24th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Wow! Great to be back. Glad to see Dani is back on board as well. Dani, we have a check off sheet for the AM and PM shifts to keep up on what to do. It seems to work well.
I just got a lot of flowers for the lobby, but I am not much of an arranger so if you want to jump in be my guest. We do have Sunset magazine here for the next couple of days right?
The Goodalls are staying with us and they have extended an invitation to share their rented mini van for a share of the cost, for tomorrow(9/25) at 10:00 AM for and hour or 2 to tour the island. They have room for 6 more people and their # is 760 518 7860. I think he said the whole van was 60.00, so a share will be a good deal.
I ordered food for Sat. with Tom except for Oats which only come in 50 lb. bags, so I held off, due to the season.Can we get some at the market?
The dish washer is full of standing water, I’m scared to run it. More on that later, or no news is good news.
I am off to Browne’s to get fresh flowers for our boxes here. I am totally dressed for gardening….velvet pants and a white blouse, ha.
So, that’s it from me…. Oh yeh, everyone is happy here, and one guest raved about our website (Adam) and said she planned her entire trip from google earth and bird rock website. Love it.
TTFN Myah PApaya
September 24th, 2009 at 12:12 am
Hello everyone! Its good to be back!.. but I am a little rusty on things, so if I miss anything or there is something I should know please, please write me a little note or something to fill me in.;)
Very quiet here tonight…but just a few things..
1) Steffi- what should we do about reservation 1841933? she was a no-show, we called her but have not heard back???
2)also, no need to make cookie dough for at least a few days! we should wait until we get a little low (like one/two bags) before we keep making more, so it stays fresh..
That’s all for me! Good night!
(I miss you Myah! Hope I get to see you at a shift change soon! love love)
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Steffi, Olga wanted me to let you know that she is out of the bulk shampoo. Is this something one of us can order??
Welcome back Myah!! We’ve missed you!
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:00 am
Everyone’s in for the night and all is quiet. 1841933 was supposed to have checked-in yesterday into the Patos. I noticed she hadn’t ever check-in when I looked at all the check-outs for today and noticed she still had an owing balance. I’m not sure if someone had forgotten to check her in or if just never really did arrive. Debbie has left a message for her, so hopefully we’ll hear back tomorrow. I’ve just left the remaining balance until we sort things out.
Have a good morning, Sadie! Heheh
September 21st, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Sadie, please put the individual coffee packages in the right lower drawer of the lobby counter (put where the decaf individual coffee packages are). Please let Olga know I got them.
I brought you guys a gallon of lobby floor cleaner. Don’t say I never get you anything;)
September 21st, 2009 at 7:13 pm
It’s a pretty mellow day at Bird Rock. I’ve made plenty of cookie dough, which should last us quite a few days. Our coffee was delivered today. 1 bag of decaf, 1 of regular. There was also a paper bag of small coffee packets, I’m assuming they’re for the rooms but wasn’t sure to put them. Steffi, do these go in the cabinet along with the espresso pods?? For now, they are sitting in the back on the table. It’s a good day, all guests seem to be very pleased with BR…
September 20th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Morning Sadie,
have a fabulicious shift!
Oh you got to make sure our guests in the Whidbey get some cookies today. They tried 3 times and always were just one cookie too late. Maybe bake them a small plate and bring it to them?
Please read notes on 1837963 and 1856557.
If the photography director from Sunset contacts you via phone or email, please let me know (read email in inbox).
Please show Dani the night shift check list and ask if she has any questions.
Welcome back, Dani! I’m up at EB, call me with issues. If you have a chance, please read up on the blog and the emails (new specials!).
Welcome back Myah Papaya, traveling queen! Please don’t forget to order food on Thursday. Call me if you have questions. Please also read up on everything.
Brought your “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” back (it’s in the back), thank you, that was just what I needed. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Turkey procreation. Wow. I laughed so hard at their first attempts and I actually cried when they hatched.
Now I’m starting “The Women” by TC Boyle, about architect Frank Loyd Wright. Did you guys know we have a genuine Wright house on Bailer Hill. When you come from town and the hill gets real steep and then flattens out, look to your right. Very cool.
September 20th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Sunday in the afternoon, This job is so much fun, especially meeting folks from all over the planet.I took a spin on our bike and it seems they all need a bit of air, cooler weather and busy season has their tires low. Ready to go to the beach after work. See you next week.
September 20th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Morning Deb,
Woah, thanks for having the bathrooms fixed. Socco reenacted the event for me.
I exchanged the printer cartridges (last one for the black). Will order more soon.
You are low on milk, you’ll probably be fine through breakfast.
Happy, pleasant day here. Lot’s of people looking for rooms. But we didn’t have any
Sent them to EB though
See you at 2.
September 19th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Wow what an awesome day. A bit Breezy but SUNNY, Stephi our quest from Sunset will be arriving around 6:00 leaving Lopez at 4:30,The restrooms have been fixed up with CLOBBER, the local plumber came to our rescue this morning.
September 19th, 2009 at 12:36 am
Morning Deb!
What are you wearing?
Please read alarms(2 to deal with today:) and email I wrote.
I o.k.ed a noon check out for the folks in the Whidbey, who will switch into the Speiden. Please have the housekeepers work on the Speiden first, so we can get those honeymooners into their room soon.
Lovely night here at the Rock. See you tomorrow.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Hi all, Colin Williams called this morning to see if we had sent his credit card that he left behind, I checked in the safe , If someone has sent it please call him @ 206-499-8335. Thanks so much, he will call if it arrives.Very busy day haven’t even cleaned up yet.Better get going.
September 17th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Hello fellow employees! This part of the message is mainly for Deb, since she is opening in the morning. I checked and doubled checked my list and I think everything is ready for you in the morning. I am nervous, it has been awhile since I have worked down here.
The lobby is all sparkly…except…
We are out of “floor cleaner”. I cleaned it with a damp cloth, but we do need to get some cleaner. I have no idea where you get it, Sadie did write it on the board.
As far as the garbage goes, it was an interesting night. There are some shingles? on a dolly by the back gate where the garbage is. It is blocking the gate, and the dolly is so heavy I could not budge it! I had to take the garbage cans out through the lobby. I could not lift the heaviest one, but at least I got two cans to the road. Phew!
All is calm tonight, everyone has come back from dinner and given me wonderful reviews, it is making me hungry.
Have a great Friday!
P.S. Bird Rock Rocks
September 17th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Another great day…
I’ve ordered a huge amount of food today from Tom. Hard to believe how quickly everything goes! We are practically out of all fruit so Carla is going to run to the store so that Debbie will be prepared for tomorrow morning.
Mya-
Colby from CBS asked that you call him back at 866.768.0804
September 14th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Coffee is ordered! Should be delivered tomorrow afternoon. Delivering mail right now! Have a WONDERFUL day, Morgan!!
September 13th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
SADIE
Morning gorgeous. Please don’t forget to order coffee and bring the postcards and old printer cartridges to the post office.
Also during shift change on Thursday will you please show Carla our side duty list and ask her if she has any questions. It has been a while since she worked a night shift.
….and for the next three nights, guest starring MORGAN as the night shift. Yeah! Please bring 2 garbage cans to the street tomorrow night.
Check out our new specials by reading Adam’s emails and also look at the websites, so you know what our guests see.
Uh, the newlyweds in the San Juan are so cute. They came here married less than 24 hours ago and were just beaming. All they need is love, dumpti dumpti dum…
September 13th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Mhm. Bainbridge people called and said they had canceled reservation. Anybody know anything about this? No notes. So that room is clean.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
What a gorgeous day.
#1786003, #1844508, #1843838
All one guest checking out today. I printed out his invoices and wrote little explanations next to the charges. Please give to him at check out (I’ll leave it on the desk)
#1739796
These poor guys. They came from the Sydney ferry. The ferry workers ushered them into the wrong lane and didn’t let them off in FH. They had to go to Anacortes, are currently sitting at the Mc Donalds there and will arrive at 2AM. They will switch rooms tomorrow, but we will let them sleep in, please.
I’m waiting for another party (Bainbridge). I hope they check in with me before I leave.
Happy shift Sadie. See you at 2.
September 12th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Bikes need some attention #9 has a flat tire and #3 has a spring that need to be put back under the seat both are black bikes.
September 12th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Oh my we had the best morning, The Brainbridge suite with the door open with the girls getting ready for a wedding.She looked amazing and the photographer took pictures next our beautiful roses.Our guest really enjoyed the whole thing.
September 11th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
TECHNICAL AND OTHER DIFFICULTIES
Please read #1844508 and #1841058. I also couldn’t print most of my shift (mainly because I just didn’t have the time to crawl under the desk and check it out). So some people might ask for their invoices. It’s working now.
ADVENTURE & MASSAGE CANCELLATIONS
Please remember that the spa and other adventure providers have a similar cancellation policy to ours. If you cancel within 10 days and they can’t resell the add-on, the guest will be charged in full. Make sure you let all our guests know when you book an add-on.
EXTRA FRONT DOOR KEYS
Super Morgan kindly brought us (on a Susie’s Moped no less) some extra front door keys. They are in the upper shelf of the safe.
ORANGE SWEATER
Deb, can you ask the housekeepers if they found an orange sweater, please (see email)?
Happy shift. See you tomorrow:)
September 10th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Hello, Only one room left tonight, I sure would be tempted to check it out. Lots of great folks enjoying the lobby tonight, We could use some bleach for coffee mugs.
Maya call me @ Windermere tomorrow if you have any questions. Have a Great one.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
You guys are so good. Check out the new Trip Advisor reviews. Well done!
September 10th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Food is ordered!
We are going to be completely stocked for years!! Yesss
September 9th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Hello, Very nice evening here @ The Bird…This new schedule is very nice. Only one cup of tea to keep me alert.Everyone loves this hotel and it is a pleasure to work here.Cheers…
September 9th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
WEDDING
We will be getting phone calls to book rooms for a wedding on Nov 21. Alaina is the brides first name.
September 8th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
FOOD
We have everything on the order!!! We have enough strawberry yogurt for a year.
PIE
I made one tonight out of the outdated apples.I used a bottle of champagne to roll out the dough. I haven’t made a pie since last winter, it was theraputic.
Next WEEK
I found a ride to No. Cal to see my girls next week,(so happy to see them I could cry)and I need to fill in the days that I’m on the schedule. I hope it’s not too late to tweak it to work for everyone.
PEOPLE
We have some characters here tonight, I mean funny people. Everyone loves the Hotel Bird Rock. they ooo and awe over everything. I’m gonna ooo and awe over that pie when it’s done.
QUESTION
If a hen and a half, could lay an egg and a half, in a day and a half,
How long would it take a monkey with a wooden leg to kick the seeds out of a dill pickle?
Anyone?
~myah~ =^^= ( kitty face )
September 7th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Well, today officially ends our summer season. Not so for Bird Rock Hotel. We keep packing them in for at least another 2 weeks. Keep making those bookings, ladies! Great job.
NIGHT SHIFT
The PM shift, starting today, goes now from 2:00PM to 10:00PM, with the AM person leaving at 2:30PM. Except on Fridays and Saturdays, when the PM shift remains 3:00PM to 11:00PM, with the AM person leaving at 3:30PM (through September).
ALARMS
Don’t forget to follow up on those alarms.
GARBAGE
Thank you Seth, for saving us from garbage hell today.
Don’t forget to bring those 2 cans to the curb on Mondays and Thursdays (see deep cleaning schedule).
All is good. I’m gonna have myself a day off in my lovely new house, snacking on my own apples and blackberries, trying to psych out the bats hanging from the porch (they are so totally underimpressed by my presence). Peace out.
September 7th, 2009 at 12:00 am
OUR LOVELY GUESTS
are such good sports with the rain and all. We had a line tonight, because people where eating in their rooms and wanted to do their dishes in the lobby. WANTED is the important word here. I finally had to just grab them and explain that doing dishes is not allowed on vacation. Great folks here tonight, loving it.
September 5th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
SADIE
Will stay with us until the end of September, yeah! If anybody needs a day off on the current schedule, give her a ring.
LOPEZ
The Lopez couch, when folded out into a bed, doesn’t fold back in. No problem for the current guests, who stay until Tuesday (and have the cutest tiny baby girl). Wrote maintenance report.
ESPRESSO PODS
We are getting low. I ordered some more.
Wow. Maybe I should take time off more often. The place looks great. Front desk, luggage room and kitchen organized, lobby sparkling clean, vouchers made. You guys are so good. Thank you.
September 5th, 2009 at 12:08 am
Sadie, I got enough granola for sat. but you will need to get more for Sun. if our food order doesn’t come in, mm-kay?
Please check e-mail for request for a long massage apt. for guest. It’s too late for me to call.
have a great weekend ya’ll, think of me camping with my mom in her hippy bus at Lake Dale in the rain ….Kum-by-ya,
Myah
September 4th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Yeah, Sadie! Thank you. Well, let’s move on to berries. Blueberries sound good?
Have a great Labor Day weekend, everybody. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:51 am
Can you say,” Tired”?????
September 4th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Sadie did make a food order, it is on the white board, but we are out of granola, I got enough for the morning as well as some fruit. Strawberries are on their way out of season. They sure were good while they lasted.
Everyone is happy here at the Bird Rock! I am rockin here at the Happy.
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:50 pm
FOOD
Sadie did order food. She wrote the order on the white board. We do need granola, and strawberries are so out of season, it might be time to re think that particular juicy fruit.
XXXXXXXOOOOXXX
Debbie you got a phone call from a thankful guest tonight. He was very happy to be here and appreciated you sending his clothes back so quickly.
We are still taking reservations pretty steadily. I better find out how late our season goes in to the next season.
Shiney-Happy-People!
Peace,Out.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:09 pm
FOOD
Debbie, I don’t know if Sadie ordered some food today. She may not have since I didn’t explicitly say it. Can you give Tom a call and see if he can hook us up for Saturday, please? I have no idea what we need, fruit, milk, yogurt, Myah says granola. See if he can do something for us. If not, let’s call each other around 1 (I’m at EB at 12:30)and one of us can go to MP and do a big weekend shopping fest. Yippieh!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 am
High pitched beeping found. The Marrowstone’s fire alarm in the living room was making an annoying constant beeping sound. The alarm panel didn’t say anything was happening but the red light on the alarm was blinking too. I don’t know if that means anything though. The beeping would randomly start, go for a while and then turn off. The start up a bit later. The only thing I could think of doing was to take down the smoke alarm. It is currently sitting on the back table. Please give Seth a call in the morning to inform him. Thank you.
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:01 am
Okay here we go:
- Cookie dough made
- Sea Quest vouchers created and printed out.
- Lavendera vouchers printed
- Bainbridge guests decided not to have a fire so the pilot light is not lit.
- I hope there is a food order coming tomorrow because otherwise you have just enough of the staples to make it through breakfast.
- There is this high pitched beeping that happens every now and then. I can’t figure out where it’s coming from.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:33 am
Our coffee order arrived today. Filters too.
Shannon wants to check the flower boxes in the San Juan when it is convenient, her cell is 472-1162.The guests are staying till the 4th.
A couple of Assessors came by today with clip boards and curious(smiley) expressions. Just thought you’d want to know.
The guests staying in the Bainbridge would like the fire place on for tomorrow. It needs the pilot light to be lit. Please call Seth or someone who knows how to do it, thanks.
Our cute little butter dishes seem to be scarce these days. Anyone know where they are hiding?
everyone is here and happily ticked in to bed for the night. All is well.
Myah
September 1st, 2009 at 2:47 pm
ORDERED
- Coffee Filters
- Coffee (not decaf)
- Champagne (To be shared w/ EB)
August 31st, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Champagne- We are all out of the Mountain Dome Champagne
August 31st, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Coffee Filters- I couldn’t find anymore. Maybe we can get some from Earthbox.
August 31st, 2009 at 1:16 am
Very quiet night… Good morning Elena! The dishes in the dishwasher are clean. I started to make cookie dough, but had to stop when I realized we were out of eggs. So you’ll probably need to make a store run at some point tomorrow. Just a reminder, we will need to place a food order on Tuesday since today’s wasn’t placed in time.
August 29th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
The cookies seem to be a hit even though it is the brown flour, That is good because we have a lot of it. Vacuumed Dani’s room and it is a lot fresher. We have some guest that inquired as to the where abouts of Ms Maya Papaya. You’ve got some new friends.
No sign of our orange kitten,well that’s all for tonight.Debbie
August 28th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Yeah! Thanks Deb, for doing the scone thing. I’m glad everything is fine with the hot tub. Thank you all for not dropping the ball. I send you warmth, Debbie!
August 28th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Took Scone Boxes to UPS today Tracking invoice is with invoices.
Hot tub was emptied and refilled on the 08/27/09. Sorry I Forgot to blog about it last evening.
Lots of groovy folks here tonight.
What happened to the hot weather though ? I am in a dress.Brr. Debbie
August 27th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
We have lots of scone mix not sure where to put it all it is a project.Made cookies but not with white flour, we will see how they measure up.
Very Busy stocking and trying to organize, put out 3 trash cans because we needed too.
Very nice and warm here but a nice trade wind coming through the front door. I’m feeling very Hawaiian. ALOHA Debbie
August 27th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
FRONT DOOR
All of our all access keys can permanently open or close the front door. So if it doesn’t stay open, put in your all access key and “double dip” until it blinks green and stays open.
KEYS
Please remember to write in the guest remark section how many keys you give to a guest. I will send Morgan down there this weekend to remake guest room keys.
SCONE MIX
Please place the return labels on the “wrong” scone mix and call fedex or UPS (don’t know which one delivered) for a pick up. Blog about it, so I know it’s done.
Rock on, you guys are great!
August 27th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Hello!
Correct scone mix was delivered today!! I also placed a food order with Tom for fruit, eggs and yogurt to be delivered Saturday. I stored a couple freshly caught salmon (tightly wrapped) in the freezer for the couple staying in the Saltspring. They will pick it up before departing tomorrow.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Before I forget:
Connifer called today to say, they are shipping the correct shipment to us today. The return call tags will be inside the new shipment to return the other order.
myah
August 26th, 2009 at 12:24 am
Hieeeee,
I got the mesg to pick up the 4 gal of hand soap on wed.
The front door lock may need to reprogrammed after the power outage. It will open but not stay open
We are low on room keys, only one for Fidalgo and the guests say it won’t open the front door.
That’s it for now, all is well.
myah
August 25th, 2009 at 2:02 am
Good evening everyone…
Nothing extremely important to pass on tonight. I’ve had two walk-ins tonight, both very sweet couples who were very pleased that we had openings. 1 room away from being completely booked for the night! Have a fantastic morning, Elena!
August 24th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
SCONE MIX
ISSUE SOLVED! phew! Conifer Inc called today and we sorted the whole thing out. They will issue call tags for the two boxes that were incorrectly delivered. They will send immediately 5- 25 pound boxes of the bulk scone mix and re-do all of the paperwork. In the meantime there is another case of the wrong size scone mix on the way and we will need to refuse the delivery so that it is automatically sent back to them. YAY!
August 24th, 2009 at 12:14 am
BROKEN LAMP
One of our guest’s bathrobes got caught on the light fixture right outside the Skipjack. Lot’s of broken glass. Our guest is o.k. I cleaned it up good. Please apologize to our guests if I annoyed them with vacuuming so late, but I wanted to make sure nobody cuts their feet. Wrote maintenance request to replace light fixture.
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:03 pm
SKIPJACK, LOPEZ, SUCIA
All leave early and have a little breakfast sack in their room already.
WEDNESDAY
Myah or Elena, please pick up 4 gallons of hand soap from the food co-op. They will call when the truck comes. All paid, just go there and get it.
THURSDAY
Sadie, please be the ordering queen again.
SUNDAY
Elena, please put in a food order.
I won’t be here all next week. Remember: ears, eyes, blog, call, email. The big white lady is in your hands. Treat her and her occupants like the apple of your eye.
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:53 pm
SPEIDEN
Elena, can you ask the housekeepers if they found shampoo from a guest in the room, please (see email).
SCONE MIX
Wrong wrong wrong. Let’s use the pitifully small packages, send the 2 boxes under the Cuisinart back and I’ll re-order the bulk stuff on Monday.
CHEERIOS
Also totally wrong. The box is in the luggage room. Tom knows. Please send back with Tuesday’s order.
ICE CREAM SCOOP
We still need a new one.
LUGGAGE TAGS
There are more in the luggage room.
Gorgeous day, happy people, good times.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:37 pm
SJ coffee delivered the decaf. I put the little individual pks in the drawer with all the others, and the big bag is next to the regular coffee in the usual spot.
It’s blustery tonight. Perfect San Juan August.
Oh yeh, I freshened up our apple monument: still life with Granny-Smith tonight. It’s back to it’s shiney greeney self.
Bye bye miss american pie.
My
August 21st, 2009 at 9:16 pm
I’m still here!
We are out of luggage tickets here, will someone please bring some down here?
We received two boxes of scone mix, and one box of individual size boxes of mix. I won’t un pack it in case we need to send it back. It’s next to the fridge.
I filled in with a fruit shopping at the market, but we are low on eggs, some fruit, milk and OJ.
August 21st, 2009 at 5:34 pm
SATURDAY BOXES
Elena, when the food order comes tomorrow, please save me decent boxes. Thank you.
Uprooted girl
August 21st, 2009 at 4:52 pm
ICE SCOOP
Myah, please run over to the kitchen store and get us a new ice cream scoop.
CHALK
Go get it.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:39 am
Another peaceful night here at he Bird Rock, rock-a-bye-bye-baby.
Our green apple statue is missing some pizazz, It’s looking kind of low. I think we are out of apples to prop it up.
Hey, you know the beautiful little butter buds we serve in the morning? Well it turns out we need the mini ice cream scoop to make those little cuties look good. You should see what I made out of butter and a spoon. sad. Can we get another scoop?
We also need some colored chalk for our all important chalk board, our chalks are so small, we are getting the dreaded finger nail thing going…eeewwww you know the sound!
OK, I better post this before I get timed out.
It’s all what we think it is.
Myah
August 20th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
YEAH!
Thank you all for keeping me posted. I’m loving it!
Co-op: The hand soap is on back-order. I’ll re-order next week and we simply paid for it already.
Check out our new Trip Advisor review. Keep up the excellent work, Bird Rocking ladies!
August 20th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Hello Ladies!
Steffi, I almost forgot to let you know that I put in today’s food order. A very sweet woman came by and took it. Have a great day!
August 20th, 2009 at 1:00 am
CO-OP
I picked up the things from the Co-op today but it seems not everything was delivered, I gave them the check for the amount it was written for and they will issue us a credit on the next order. They also said they would e-mail Steffi but just a heads up.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
You do what you do, until you get where your going. All is well here nice and quiet with happy guests, who I have warned of the dreaded Karaoke and the location of earplugs. I also offered to a couple of them that if the noise was horrible we could give them a noon check-out. Hope you are having a great morning Sadie.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Top of the morning, I have a favor to ask, I am scheduled for Friday Aug 21rst 7;30 -3:00 I had made plans for being at the Woodstock fest that weekend, Carla said she could work 7:30 – 11:00 would anyone be able to do 11:00 – 3:00. So greatly appreciated. Please call me ….Debbie
August 19th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Gee, I had just written a bunch of interesting stuff in here, but I got timed out or something and now it’s too late for me to remember what it was I had to say other than the Cheerios just exploded all over the floor and I need to clean them up, even though they do sound good when they are stepped on. I’ll be home tomorrow if there is a question, maybe I’ll remember then.
xoxoxo myah
August 18th, 2009 at 12:40 am
Marrowstone has a shower valve that needs to be replaced.The Honeymooners are great and we gifted them with a bottle of Champagne. Seth is aware of the problem.
Having problems with the codes for the T.V. in the Whidbey, took the troubleshooting book with me but the codes seem to be the hang up.
It would be helpful to have guides to coffee makers in every room. Shaw now has one, not sure about all the rooms.
We have a wee little orange kitten that has been out back crying,if we can catch him I would give him a great home.Debb
August 17th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
The Marrowstone shower valve needs to be replaced, it is running pretty good, I gave the couple a bottle of Champagne for their patience plus it is their Honeymoon, they are great.
It would be nice to make some more helpful brochurs on our coffee makers,Also a guide to the T.V. channels.
We had a walk in and they took the Matia for a night maybe 2.That’s it for now.
August 17th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
SCONE MIX
is ordered, will be here by the end of the week.
TV’s
Seth knows what to do with the extra TV.
August 17th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
COFFEE
Hasn’t been delivered yet today, If we don’t get any by 4:00pm we should go down there and get at least a small bag to tide us over, and confirm that they have an order for us while there.
BAINBRIDGE
The window in the King bedroom is not working someone will stop by tomorrow to fix it.
SCONE MIX
Someone left a message with the call center, but the number they gave is not working I also called the 800 number but had no luck.
TVs
2 TV’s were delivered today One is a backup but I don’t know what the other one is for.
August 16th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
MONDAY
Elena, please confirm the scone order I phoned in. Use 800-588-9160 (their local number isn’t working).
TUESDAY
Seth and I determined that the Skipjack’s TV receiver is defect, no remote does the trick. Until then, let Skipjack guests know how to manually change channels, the remote still does volume.
Called Brian from our friends at Direct TV. He will send a new box. It will be here Tuesday. Elena, Myah, please call Seth when it gets here.
WEDNESDAY
Debbie, please get a check from Cindy and pick up body care products from the food co-op (Surina business park). If an Earthbox employee is available, you might want to drag him or her along, it’s quite a few items (4x shower gel, 4x conditioner, 4x hand soap).
THURSDAY
Sadie, please put in a food order with Tom. I started a list on the white board. Don’t order hole cases of fruit, we don’t have to and don’t really have enough room to store fruit in this weather.
BLOG
Please blog about above items so I know they have been taken care of. Remember, you are my eyes and ears during the week. Speaking of it: when did the health department come and inspect the hot tub? I need to know those things.
Thank you all for your hard work. It’s the middle of the high season and I know it’s hard sometimes. But remember, our guests now deserve the same attention, smile, helpfulness and compassion we gave our guests back in June. This is their vacation and we will make it memorable and smooth. Go BR!!!
August 16th, 2009 at 11:59 am
WHIDBEY
I spoke with the lady this morning and filled out an incident report. I don’t know if this was done last night or not, but I thought I should just to be safe. I was very apologetic, and offered that if she wanted to go to the Medical Center we would be happy to take care of the costs. She said she was fine and just wanted some ice and for us to make a sign or put something on the step for future guests. I will make a sign (bright Red?) and put it on the step.
August 15th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
#1692087
Has kayak tour with San Juan Excursions in the morning. Elena, can you double check that, pick up spot, etc. I wasn’t really aware SJE does Kayak trips, apparently they do. And let guest know.
WHIDBEY
Our lovely guest in the Whidbey tripped over the little step going into the living room area and fell. Please ask her how she is and if there is anything we can do.
SKIPJACK
TV remote doesn’t respond (sound does, nothing else moves it). I called our good friends at Direct TV, exchanged remotes, but failed to successfully reprogram the remote. Can you do that, Elena?
PATOS
The guests checking into the Patos thought they had 2 beds (Travelocity). I moved them to EB, sold the room for tonight, but we have it for the next 3 nights. Sell away!
KEYS
Please write in the guest remarks how many keys you gave to a guest.
DAILY CHECK LISTS
Please continue to use the daily check lists. And don’t forget the deep cleaning!
Deb, Myah, Elena
I have time cards for you in the back. Please correct and put in safe.
INVOICES
Please put invoices in the safe.
August 14th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
EL ALARMO DEL FIRE
Some more. Soooo, if it goes off again this weekend:
1) Make sure it there is no fire
2) Silence
3) call dispatcher at 378-4151 to let them know it’s a false alarm and the fire department doesn’t have to show up
4) Call Seth to help with resetting, disarming etc.
August 14th, 2009 at 12:55 am
Good evening, New hot plate wrote the date of purchase on receipt. Morgan did not have time to make cookie dough but butter is thawing.Very busy evening lots of folks looking for lodging, Town is hopping.
August 12th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Lot’s of activity around here!!!
8/11
James from Guardian security was here and gave us instructions for checking the smoke detectors. There is a zone-map in the panel.James really seems to know what he is doing.
Our upstairs computer has viruses and can be removed by someone with administrative powers.
We got a load of groceries yesterday and I put them away according to dates. The yogurt on the top left is dated 09/09 and the yogurt on the left is dated 10/ 09. The melons don’t fit in the fridge.
We have a sweet couple getting married at circle park today, the bride walked out of the hotel in her white dress along a path of rose petals, from our very own rose bush.
I couldn’t check the hot tub because we had a stay over till thurs.
till next time, Myah
August 12th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
TV
The Patos TV is going out:( so we will need to get it replaced, in the meantime, we have moved the 2nd TV from the Fidalgo into the Patos. Mr. Seth is doing this today:) Laura please ask me about the TV replacement for the Patos.
August 11th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Window washers
The window washers will be arriving on Friday August 21, they will be cleaning windows between 11:00am and 2:00pm. They will on being doing the outside.
Fire Alarm
Hurray, Guardian is back at it again today and trying to fix out little hassle, hopefully by tomorrow it will all be quiet around there.
Have fun at the fair this week..
August 10th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
HI I am having problems with the TV took the manual up to skipjack and patos. Can’t get the entire code in, any suggestions ? We have a full house tonight.
August 10th, 2009 at 1:54 am
What an evening…
I know it’s difficult to believe, but at about 5:55 this evening the fire alarm went off. A couple guys from the fire department immediately came over and checked out each room on the 3rd floor with me. They had come to the conclusion that it was set off by steam coming from the Cypress shower. The alarm was turned off and all went back to normal until 10 minutes later when it went off once again. I went through the same deal with the fire department, who decided to disable the alarm. Everything is fine now, I’ve left messages with Guardian Security letting them know of our false alarms and Seth instructed me over the phone how to turn off the alarm system completely. He will be in tomorrow to work on it.
I allowed Kevin Beach to switch from the Patos to the Shaw since he wanted a private bathroom. For some reason the computer wouldn’t allow me to change his room so I created a new reservation under his name. I deducted what he had already paid for the Patos from the total of the Shaw.
Elena, have a fantastic morning! …with no surprising alarms! Steffi, Your welcome! I’m so glad everything turned out smoothly. And thank you for helping me out. Goodnight, Bird Rock!!
August 9th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
SADIE
You rocked my world tonight. Thank you so much for dealing with the alarm issue so calmly and competently. I really truly appreciate it. You are the best:)
August 9th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Hey all. I left my sunglasses here at the desk on Friday and was wondering if anyone has seen them. Please let me know. They are aviator style with amber/brown lenses. Thanks!
August 9th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
FIRE ALARM
here we went again. Twice tonight, 3rd floor. The fire department shut it off. We’ll have to do walk throughs every half hour. Sadie put more walk through sheets out. Cindy, Laura and I will decide on a course of action tomorrow.
Hang in there, guys, this too shall pass.
August 8th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
COMPUTER
Something really weird just happened. Our computer shut down, while I was working on it. I turned it back on and it said I should switch to an outlet immediately since my battery is low. Mhm. I checked all the connections. We are plugged in, surge suppressor works fine. I guess if you can read this, you won’t have an issue. I’ll leave a message with Chris, hoping this is not some indication that the computer is on its way out.
August 8th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
ELENA
Will you call Tom tomorrow and order the things on the white board for Tuesday, please? Feel free to add if you see fit. Please blog about it so I know it’s done. Thank you.
TRAP
We caught some, we caught some. It’s working. There is a new herb shop at the Surina Park. I’ll try to get some rue from there.
HOLE PUNCHER
Can’t find it. Anybody?
THE SPIEL
We had several guests getting parking tickets today and yesterday, as well as somebody who had no idea about the pool and hot tub use at Earthbox.
Please make sure to mention the following things to EVERY guest upon check in:
KEYS (for room, for front door, for pool at EB)
BREAKFAST (from 8-10 in the lobby)
PARKING (2 hour street parking around the hotel, 8 hour at the court house, limitless at Earthbox)
CHECK OUT (is at 11AM)
REMOTES (one for TV, one for fan & lights)
ESPRESSO MAKER (little description by cups)
EARPLUGS (and why)
…and please don’t forget to write in the guest comments how many keys you gave to each guest.
It’s the wedding weekend. All the pretty people. It’s still not sure if it wants to rain or not. I wouldn’t mind. It’s so cold at night, but we can’t make a fire because everything is so bone dry.
August 8th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
THE REMEDY (not just an awesome song by Jason Mraz)
but I finally found one for our fruit flies, Steffi will try and track down some Rue (herb) for us. Fruit flies hate the stuff. For now though all fruit should stay off the counter so that the fruit flies will fall into my ingeniously devised trap( cue evil laugh) Melons and oranges are in the small black fridge.
August 6th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
CHOCOLATE CHIPS
We are down to the last few cups of the little yummies, unless there is a stash I don’t know about.
HOT TUB GUY
Mr. cute hot tub guy gave me the low down on how to keep it sparkling clean. I love chemistry projects.
ORCAS ORCAS EVERYWHERE
Guests are thrilled to see so many whales today on their kayak trips. I heard there was a calf on one side of the boats, and the mother dove under them and popped up on the other side. It was a thrill and a half.
THANK YOU
…Sadie and Debbie, you know what for. xoxox
August 5th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
WORK 4 ME ?
Hey gals and guys, I took an extra day this week, and would love it if one of you would want to work for me this Thurs 3-11.(8/6)
Let me know. 378 3668. Fanks.
Myah Papaya
August 5th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Whew wee, Very Very Busy, Thanks to Olga who continued to help with everything, we are getting caught up. Elena we need to get a lot of Vouchers made up please, Need one for A kayak trip for today.Cypress had a noisy night with trucks.#1744738.Fire Alarms seem to be working just fine thanks Seth.
August 5th, 2009 at 12:15 am
HOT TUB
Debbie and I have not gotten the 411 on the hot tub yet. While we are on the subject, I think it would be a spiffy idea to have a big-oll umbrella over the hot tub, for…ur, privacy. If not an umbrella maybe some vines, or a couple dozen balloons. Just a thought.
CAMODE
Being a person who lives on property with a low yeild well, I have become very water conscious. I have noticed that when the lobby toilet flushes(and it has been a bit dicey lately) it gobbles up a lot of water. Where is all that water going? Anyway….
So many happy and interesting guests here at the Bird Rock Hotel.
SHINE
Debbie, it looks so good in here, it really shines! Bueno.
All is well, all is right.August full moon tomorrow…awooooooo!!!
August 3rd, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Ahem. Please look AT….. and PUT them ….
Sorry.
August 3rd, 2009 at 8:34 pm
ELENA & DEBBIE
Please look ate the time cards in the luggage room, tell us when you clocked out on those, then out them in the safe, please.
ELENA & DEBBIE
Please set some time aside tomorrow for the hot tub chemicals. Blog me about it, so I know it’s done. Thank you.
August 3rd, 2009 at 12:50 am
KEYS
Let’s go back to writing in the guest remark section how many keys we checked out. Let’s start tomorrow.
Elena, thanks for working on a key inventory. Let me know when to call the locksmith.
Everybody was so happy today. Just a house full of happy, glowing, lovely people, a real joy to be around and rather contagious. Thank you, Bird Rock guests.
August 2nd, 2009 at 8:56 pm
I’ll come early next Saturday, Elena.
Also, what happened with 1707597, why the gift certificate? Can you please email me about that? Thank you.
August 2nd, 2009 at 10:29 am
NEVERMIND
Ooops Sadie you can disregard my earlier blog about coming in early on Friday, I meant it to be for Steffi on Saturday. Can you come in early please? We have a big wedding party and I have to be down there by 3:30
August 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 am
HOT TUB
Elena will you set some time aside on Monday & Tuesday during shift change, to go over the hot tub chemicals with Deb & Myah, please? Please blog about it, so I’ll know. Thank you.
FIRE ALARM
Please use the property walk through log on the front desk and initial every half hour when you do a walk through.
MONDAY
Please bring the outgoing mail to the post office on Monday.
SADIE
Please call me at 1 on Thursday and we’ll do a fun fun food order.
Great job, everybody.
August 1st, 2009 at 7:13 pm
LEGION ROOM HOLD
Thanks Myah for holding the rooms for the Legion, you did the right thing. I actually tried to call you right back yesterday, but the phone kept going to the call center.
I hope you Bird Rockstars are having a great day…enjoying the cooler weather.
August 1st, 2009 at 4:57 pm
SPA
Was horrible today is everyone remembering to check it? I had to empty half the water and redo all the chemicals. If the guests ask why it is still a little cloudy just let them know that the majority of the water is new and all the chemicals should be on point.
August 1st, 2009 at 10:53 am
KEYS
I have started a project for the keys basically because I am very tired of making keys on the spot while guests are checking in. But we need to be really, really sure that we are monitoring the keys. Is the log not working? Does anyone have some suggestions on how it might work better?
SCHEDULE
Can anyone trade with me to work Tuesday night? I would really appreciate it. Also SADIE can you come in a little early on Friday? We are hosting a private party at the place and I will need to be there by 3:30. Thanks
July 31st, 2009 at 8:04 pm
I left msgs for Laura with regards to the Legion’s room reservations, but I went ahead and booked Shannon the 3 rooms he wanted and put them on his card. He will want to eventually put the rest of the cost on the Legion’s card.The rooms are: Marrowstone,Spiden and Orcas, for the 10th of Aug.
July 31st, 2009 at 5:34 pm
KEYS
I called Kyle, the locksmith and left a message to please stop by and make some more Saltspring keys and 5 more masters. Raquel said some Housekeeper’s masters don’t open all doors.
FIRE ALARM
Elena, can you please print out your walk-through log. All, please initial the log every half hour when you do your walk through. This too shall pass.
Keep your spirits up, t’is the season, yeah!
July 31st, 2009 at 5:22 pm
ALARM AGAIN
This time they had the fire trucks revved up and ready to roll! After much investigation and loud screaming alarm checks, Chief Vern decided to dis-arm the alarm, so now we must go on fire patrol every half hour and fill out a log. hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
BATH CHAIR
Is here in a box, I’ll let Seth know
BATH MAT
The one in the tub for the shared bathroom looks like it needs to be retired.Really.
July 30th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Good Evening, There is a note here to Laura & Adam from some folks that stayed w/ us sometime ago. They use to get email from the hotel.And would like to again, note is in the receipt file. Very busy afternoon. More cookies in the freezer, and everything fully stocked.The Saltspring is having a key issue,But have 2 working back ups.Looks like it is an amazing sunset.
July 30th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
ESPRESSO PODS
are on the way.
ADA BATHTUB CHAIR
is also on the way. We got it for an upcoming reservation in the Bainbridge. Our guest has a little trouble walking and I promised we would provide it. Please blog when it comes, call Seth if it needs assembling and keep in our bathroom, so we all know where it is when she comes.
FIRE ALARM
Our troubles are almost over. Hang in there.
Thank you all for your hard work. Our reviews on Trip Advisor are terrific thanks to you, you, you!
July 30th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Fire alarm
since there has been so much trouble in fixing the fire alarm, any time it goes off we need to silence it and then call Seth.
HOT HOT HOT but everyone seems to be okay for the night
July 29th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
FIRE ALARM
Yet AGAIN, a false alarm at 7:33pm,I went to the third floor checked around all okay, silenced, reset and called the monitoring station. They were no help. I am hoping it doesn’t go off agian tonight
July 28th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Welcome to the Hot-Rock Hotel!
Uni-rez did that weird thing again. # 592643490197, in the Sucia 8/25-8/28. I did not fix it.
Wanna know a cool trick? If the hot plate won’t work, reset the GFI (red button) on the outlet.
I love setting up for myself for the next day. Good scheduling trick Steffi.
Thank you Elliott for all the fans for the rooms here. The guests are quite happy with the addition of moving air.
All is well, all is right.
July 28th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Another false fire alarm, turned off pretty quickly.Frank from The Fire house thinks it is maybe coming from an outside source. Maybe a fan or something up there to keep the air moving. Guest are hot but seemingly happy.Gave the garden plants an extra dose of water. I am going swimming in my pool as soon as I get home.
July 27th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Espresso pods
The housekeepers are down to only one box of regular coffee for all three floors. Laura can you please order some? Raquel says to please not order this item from Gerard.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Yeah. Thanks Carla. In the future just put the voucher in the second drawer of the safe and I’ll submit it to Cindy for payment.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Hey Steffi, the cash drawer is short $100 because I paid “The Place” for the gift voucher. I was planning on putting it in the blog, but the fire alarm kept going off and it was a crazy on Wednesday. Sorry.
July 26th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
$$
I just reconciled our cash and we are $100 short, even. Anybody? There is a gift certificate for the Place, issues by Elena from the Bird Rock Staff, for $100 in the cash drawer. Does that have something to do with it? Please let me know.
July 26th, 2009 at 12:28 am
Clouds, light rain, huge rainbow, thunder, lighting, big fat summer rain drops, bright pink sky and out. Wow. Thank you, island.
July 25th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
NO SHOW
When you close and you have a now show:
1) call the guest
2) If you can’t reach them, let night manager know you have a now show
3) Print out receipt of no show (don’t charge card) and leave on desk, writing NO SHOW real big on it.
If you come in in the morning and see the invoice saying NO SHOW, check the room, see if it was indeed a no show. If yes and we haven’t heard anything, email me (or Cindy on my weekend) and we’ll figure out what’s going on.
COMPLAINTS
If you have a guest complaint and the need for a manager response, email me (or Cindy on my weekend) with details about the complaint. We will get back to the guest within 48 hours.
PATIO FURNITURE
Does not come inside the lobby. It scratches the floor.
FRUIT
If there is a little blemish on a whole fruit, cut blemish out, wrap fruit in plastic, put back in fridge. We are throwing out fruit which doesn’t need to go.
July 25th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Eggs?
If we have a full house please make sure that there is at least one egg per person 2 dozen eggs is not enough on a very full day we should have at least 4 dozen HB eggs
July 25th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
WHAT?
something very confusing happened today. I tried to deal with it the best I could but at this point am just waiting (its all I can do) Rez’s 1578407 & 1578427 (same person) were made and canceled for the wrong dates. The worst part about this is that… Although the woman did not stay with us this past Thursday, she is marked as checked-in/Out and her credit card was charged with no notes or indication that she was a no-show ????? While her reservation which should have been for Today was canceled on April 23rd, though she never called to cancel it. The possible solution is that there was absolutely no luggage left in the Lopez today (which was a stay-over) I had housekeeping clean it as if it were a check-out and called and left a message at the phone number on file, I am hoping to hear back from her so that we can possible give them the room.
July 24th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
SMOKE
I received a heads up about the aroma of some curious smoke from the salt spring. I needed to go down there to have the guest sign the invoice anyway,so I put an end to the problem while I was visiting.
Fun Fun Fun…
The guests in the Lopez and ….other rooms are totally having a blast here. They are really enjoying the patio and each other. love it.
July 24th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
ME ME ME
heads up: I injured my back (again). So I won’t be the mopping and deep cleaning queen this weekend. Would you help me out, Elena?
See you tomorrow:)
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Kira called regarding our smoke detector’s She is sending a replacement . Seth told her we have someone who will install it. Lots of fun folks here and using the beautiful garden for good times until dinner.
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Hi guys,
Steffi will put up our summer target numbers as a way for you to earn some extra cash this summer. Check it out.
Laura
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
WOW! What a crazy morning. The fire alarm has been going off all morning. The firefighters have been here 3 times. Each time it would go off, it would say “3rd story smokes” All is well though, we are in the process of fixing the problem. Talked with a tech from Guardian Security, we are going to clean out the alarm (Seth is on his way down here.)
BATHROOM SIGN
Elena, I love your yoga lady sign in the bathroom, you are so talented making our cute little signs all over. Oh, and a big thank you for helping me silence the alarm this morning, yikes.
ORCAS GUESTS
They will be leaving on the redeye, I made them cute little bags of yogurt and eggs to take on the ferry with them, they are very grateful, they know to grab them out of the lobby refrigerator in the morning.
SPA GUY
He was here today and said all is well.
FOOD ORDERED
Hooray for me, I just placed my first food order! Wahoo! I wrote down everything that I ordered on the whiteboard in the kitchen. We are rockstars!
Have a super rest of the week.
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Hello, Pretty mellow evening. Very busy with the phones the first 3 hours..The folks from the Marrowstone were delighted and chose to have dinner at the Place. Lots of Happy Campers….
July 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Hi all, I am making a new policy, you need to take out the bathroom garbage at the end of each shift, so if you are the am person, you take the bathroom garbage out before you leave and if you are the pm person you take the bathroom garbage out before you leave. This is a nice curtsy for the next person.
Thanks so much…
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:00 am
MARROWSTONE
Well I am now seriously thinking about quitting and starting up my own crime scene cleaning business. Just kidding. One of the guests in the Marrowstone had a bit of an accident. I am going to leave it all in an email so I don’t have to go into the gristly details here. Either way the folks in the Marrowstone are really nice so please be nice to them as well. The email explains why their rug is out on the back porch drying.
PATOS
The guest in the Patos didn’t want all the extra pillows and bathrobes to clutter up her small space. I put three pillows, two bathrobes, and the comforter from the Patos on the table just inside the housekeeping room on the second floor. She was also concerned that she couldn’t tun on the outdoor light by her porch door. The only light switch I am aware of is the one by the guest computer. I changed the light bulb but that didn’t do anything. The light outside the Skipjack was off as well. Anyone have any clue as to where you turn those other two lights on? Incidentally the light in the “emergency stairway” was off as well.
July 21st, 2009 at 6:27 pm
COOKIES
I have to agree with Carla. I am not too hot on this new cookie recipe. They come out flat and crumbly. Even after letting them cool completely they just fall apart. Why couldn’t we continue using Elena’s tried and true recipe. If it’s something she is proud of then personally I don’t think we should be giving the recipe out to guests. We could just coyly refer to it as a closely guarded house secret. I’ve told guests this in the past and they smile and take it in a good nature. Plus for some returning guests it’s like a special treat to look forward to. Their favorite cookie they just can’t get anywhere else. Just my two cents.
July 21st, 2009 at 4:36 pm
COOKIES
I know this is going to sound silly, but I am a little confused on the cookie recipe issue. Is the recipe on the refrigerator the one we are using now? It is different from the old one and it is hard to read at the bottom. The batch came out really creamy and not as thick, it is hard to get into balls. Why are we not using the regular recipe? Also, I cannot find the orange peel grater, so the batch I just made is without orange peel…..
July 21st, 2009 at 12:40 am
Mornin,
Just one little thing. A guest left a tan fleece jacket in their room. I couldn’t find any Post San Juan forms while I was talking to her so I wrote it all down on a sticky note. We need to take it up to PSJ tomorrow.
July 20th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
SCHEDULE
New schedule is up. Yeah!
July 20th, 2009 at 12:18 am
….then the fire chief came, woke everybody up again, inspected all 3rd floor rooms and determined that it was indeed a false alarm….
….Nothing like a 6’5″ guy in uniform barking “did anybody smoke in here?” to enforce the non-smoking policy, wow.
July 20th, 2009 at 12:00 am
FIRE ALARM
went off at 10PM. Said trouble on 3rd floor. I inspected all rooms, all is good. Elena reset the alarm.
July 19th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
CANCELLATION POLICY
I added “packages, adventures and massages you may have booked through us…” to the cancellation policy on our confirmation letter. And, as Elena said, please make sure to point out that add-ons have the same cancellation policy as the room reservation. I took care of the unhappy guests.
SCONE MIX
Will be here tomorrow. I got some from King’s to tied us over.
July 19th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
SHAW
MYSTERY SOLVED
they guests were sure they were booked for three nights. I moved and upgraded them to the Lopez at the same rate, since it was our mistake. Please repeat the dates back to the guests when making a reservation so that everyone is on the same page.
July 19th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
REZ # 1597244 & 1597245
LOTS-O-SNAFUS with these two reservations First they are upset that they were charged for the kayak tour they canceled last night, mostly because no one explained the cancellation SJO’s cancellation policy to them, and then they thought they were only staying two nights and were actually booked for 3, but they showed me a confirmation letter where they were originally booked for only 2 nights but our change log doesn’t show and date changes for this rez? In any case they said if we don’t refund them they are going to contest the charges with their credit card. Steffi can you call them, please?
MAX OCCUPANCY
REZ # 1696797 has 3 adults booked into the SHAW with “Rollaway” EEEEeeek. I know the note says they are okay with having three adults, but this is not the major issue the most important thing to remember is that we have maximum occupancy for fire code and becuase wear and tear is really increased when you are putting extra people into these rooms.
SCONE MIX
We are 100% OUT, should we do a grocery run for this?
BREAD
someone dropped off bread today but no invoice? was this supposed to be brought yesterday?
SHAW
Eeek it is 1:00 an no sign of these guests that were supposed to check-out today. I called then number on file and left a message. Please let people know at check-in that check-out is at 11:00 (Bainbridge was also out and didn’t come back until 12:45 to check-out)
July 19th, 2009 at 10:59 am
PRINTER
For now there is an option call A-Print that you can select when printing so that it will use the color cartridge. Use this until we can get more black ink.
POLICIES (NOT ONLY OURS)
Please remember to communicate to our guests not only our cancellation policies but those of kayak, whale watch charters and the spa. Otherwise we end up with unhappy guests like today.
July 18th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
PRINTER
You guys, we are completely out of ink. It’s the weekend, no way to get any. I need you to be my eyes and ears during the week. What you don’t blog or email, I don’t know. Please end each shift with WSNTK (what Steffi needs to know).
ADVERTISEMENT
We don’t display advertisement in the lobby or the front desk counter. We keep some information behind the front desk upon request. Please let advertisers know when they bring in flyers.
MONDAY
Sadie, will you please peel away on Monday before the post office closes and mail the yellow big envelope on the back desk. It’s time sensitive. Thank you.
Morgan, I wanted you to play pay per view, but we are sold out. When you come in and have room which isn’t occupied yet, please go ahead and order a movie. Email Laura, Cindy and I what happened. Thank you.
WEDNESDAY
Elena, will you please get a check from Cindy and pick up shower gel from the food co-op. The order should be in around 1. Thank you.
THURSDAY
Carla, please call me at EB around 1 and we put together an order for Tom (needs to happen before 2).
Please continue to use the daily lists. Thanks for your hard work.
July 18th, 2009 at 11:17 am
COOKIES
Yes, I made that note. WHY? (response to my note) Because it is not the original recipe we used to use, I have tweaked, and changed it over the years little by little and I have a lot of pride in this being my little secret, I posted the original recipe which you are welcome to give out, but Please don’t give out mine. Sorry if this sounds greedy, just a little pride of ownership I guess. Thanks
July 18th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Hello, Sadie will work for me on Monday I will be here at 1:00 until 3:30, Thanks Sadie. Pretty swell evening all in all. Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Debb
July 17th, 2009 at 11:07 am
COOKIE RECIPE
Yes!! Please feel free to give the cookie recipe out to anyone who would like them.
July 17th, 2009 at 12:48 am
Cookie recipe, is this not to be given out when the guest ask for the recipe, I just noticed a note on the fridge I had made some copies.Just checking.I am still hoping someone can cover for me Monday morning. Good Night all.
July 16th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Phone call from guest she got home and found a key belonging to the Bainbridge it will be in the mail tomorrow.
July 16th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Hi guys , We have a gal Donna who is staying in Saltspring on her 25th wedding anniversary.Her girlfriend died while she was here she is very sad and to boot she lost a favorite earring.Silver square and 1/2 inch tall.I went through the vacuume no cigars…If anyone finds it that would be awesome.
Bruce came by earlier and put in the new part to our dishwasher.It is working just fine.Ok enough for now.
Debbie
July 16th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
EAR PLUGS & PRINTER INK
are ordered.
ADA BATH TUB CHAIR
I also ordered an ADA plastic chair to put in a bath tub. We have a guest staying with us in the Bainbridge in late August, she will need it. Please blog when it comes, so I have Seth assemble it.
July 16th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
MORGAN
On Monday, 7/20 when you work at Bird Rock, will you please order a bunch of pay per view and see if we can get that to work for our guests?
July 16th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
SCONE MIX
ordered
VOUCHERS
there are in “my documents” – “bird rock forms & templates” – “adventure vouchers”
July 15th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Good Evening, Need someone to trade a shift on Monday the 20th I am scheduled at Windermere 8:30 – 1:00. Thanks. Cleaning like a crazy woman, we will need more scone mix . Left a message for more coffee.Beautiful evening and great tunes.Aloha
July 14th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Good afternoon Bird Rockers! Just a couple of things to note….
VOUCHERS
I have searched this computer high and low, and cannot find any Bird Rock Vouchers to print more for our binder. We are low on Western Prince, and San Juan Outfitters…
SAN JUAN OUTFITTERS
Brian from SJO called today. We had a guest cancel at the last minute. He was ok with it, but he does normally need 48 hours notice or he will charge the hotel. Good for us all to know to let guests know.
#532614022035
Guest had to cancel at the last minute. I explained that he could get charged if we did not fill the room. If we have to charge him, just call and let him know.
On a lighter note…..I love this hotel, I love the rooms, the colors, the art, the atmosphere! The Bird Rock “rocks!”
July 13th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Yes, thank you Carla, for staying the Bird Rocking queen until 4. Myah, I think we mis-communicated, not biggy, we’ll do better next time. Thanks for showing up the night before your finals (good luck, we know you will do great).
Carla,
down at BRrrrr you don’t have to take credit cards from folks when they check out bikes, because we are right there, seeing them when they come back and all. Just to let you know.
Peace out!
July 13th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Dearest, Carla, Morgan and Steffi,(anyone I missed)
Thanks sooo sosoosososososoo much for covering me today, I didn’t know I was on the schedule.
You are so understanding and I owe you the favor.
After all that, it’s totally quiet now.
Figures.
I’m gonna go make cookie dough.
Myah
July 13th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Today has been a very, busy, busy, busy, busy day…whew!
DISHWASHER
All is working A-OK, no leaks and sparkling clean dishes! Wahoo!
IPOD
Thanks again to Morgan who has officially saved my day, he fixed the frozen Ipod, and I now have music back in the lobby. I was going insane with all the silence. In the future, here is the trick. You lay the Ipod down flat, make sure the hold button is on, use two pens to hold down the middle button and the menu button at the same time until the screen turns black, it will reboot itself.
FOOD
Went to Kings today and bought some eggs and bread to get us through until Wednesday.
JETTED TUBS
What I did learn from Seth today is that our jetted tubs have a cleaning cycle after someone uses it. It will make noises about 15 minutes after someone uses it. I guess that we have a sign posted in the rooms, but I never noticed it.
July 12th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
DISHWASHER
Makes dishes sparkling clean, but leaked a little today. Will you all keep an eye on that and blog if it happens again, please?
INVOICES
For some reason we can’t print invoices from WRP. When you click on the PDF nothing happens. WRP works fine otherwise, other things print just fine. Mhm. I wrote tech support from our front desk email. Please let me know what they say.
SHAW
Is so hot. I tried a new trick (well, it ain’t that new, really): box fan in window. Will you ask the guests if that helped a little?
COOKIE DOUGH
We’ll need some tomorrow. Carla, Myah, who will do us the honors?
We are also low on toast and may need some more eggs. Don’t forget to pull the jam out of the freezer before we run out (needs a day at least to defrost).
OUR FABULOUS GUESTS
Two of our guests went to the Duck Soup in tonight for dinner ON OUR BEACH CRUISERS!! I was so impressed. They say it was hard, but worth it. Yeah, guests!
July 12th, 2009 at 12:21 am
FOOD
Please use the small yogurts in the big fridge first, then the bigger yogurts in the small fridge(that’s like a poem, isn’t it?).
Also, please use the granola in the white bucket under the cuisine art first, before opening new bags.
Got a thermometer for the lobby fridge.
FAXES
We get faxes from travel agents asking for their commission payments. I need to reconcile those. I find them all over the place, in the garbage, under the luggage room shelf, laying on top of the printer. Please put those in my box. Thank you!
SHAW 8/25/09
There is an email in our in-box from a guest who canceled (done), asking for a confirmation for her friend for the Shaw on 8/25. There is no reservation for the friend. I left a message with the canceled guest. Just to let you know.
What a day. So warm and wonderful and a house full of happy guests, yeah!
Oh, check out Trip Advisor, we got 3 new ones in July, all fabulous. Bird Rocking staff, you rock! Thank you so much.
July 11th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
CANCELLATION
1583690 canceled a four night stay he will be coming to the island but broke up with GF and will now stay with his sister on the island, I told him any portion we could re-rent he wouldn’t be responsible for, please call him if we do or don’t re-rent the room and charge accordingly.
July 10th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Hello everyone!
It’s been a busy, busy day. Always something to do. Steffi, I talked to Linda Turner on the phone today about her interest in booking 6 different rooms in August. She was wanting to talk about her options and possible discounts for booking several rooms. I suggested she speak with you, since I wasn’t able to answer some of her questions. Would you please give her a call when you have a chance? She can be reached at 505.988.2131 Thank you!
Enjoy the sunshine!
July 9th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
YEAH SADIE!
Sadie rocked the house today. Everything was so sparkling clean, filled, scrubbed, prepared. We got inspected by the Health Department and we got, oh yes, 100%. Thank you so much. You made my day.
HEALTH INSPECTION
Everybody please check if their food handler’s card is expired or expiring soon.
The inspector suggested to serve melons on ice in the morning, since they can go bad fast.
We need a thermometer for the lobby fridge. I’ll buy that over the weekend. And that’s all.
SCHEDULE
I’m sorry, guys. That was supposed to go up on Monday. If it’s still not here tomorrow, please call me at EB and I bring one down.
MATIA
Was a Unirez and the guests didn’t expect the shared bath. Sadie, will you send the housekeepers up to tidy, the guests weren’t in there long. I upgraded them.
SAN JUAN BALCONY FLOWERS
Sadie, can you please let the house keepers know to water the flowers on the San Juan balcony regularly. Our gardener came by today and said they look thirsty.
MYAH
There is an envelope for you on the front desk:)
HOUSE
Guys, I need a place to live. Will you keep your eyes and ears open for me, please? We (as if you didn’t know) have a dog and are looking for something small and old outside of town.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Test
July 9th, 2009 at 12:33 am
Luggage rack in the Whidbey fell apart when guest tried to use it. TV in bedroom no signal I am going down to trouble shoot. oh Boy.
July 9th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Thanks Earth Box for your help in Splitting the bill on the Bainbridge. Really I am getting it. slowly…No split folio’s….Nice evening all in all. Only 2 rooms left to sell tonight.Have a good one and see you all next week.
July 8th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
All is well here on this rainy day!
DISHWASHER
Morgan, you are a rockstar! Thanks for all the info on the dishwasher. The place looked great this morning even though you had that pounding migraine! I tried using 3/4 of the soap when running the morning dishes. All came out sparkling clean, I think we should try 1/2 the soap next time.
SCHEDULE
Can we get a new schedule down here for the next two weeks, thanks!
See ya here next week!
July 8th, 2009 at 12:47 am
DISHWASHER
Bruce came in a took a look at the dishwasher. The inlet for the water pump was clogged with all sorts of detritus. Lots of toothpicks, paper, egg shells, broken glass, and other gunk. The blade that was supposed to chop all this stuff up was broken. Probably the glass snapped it. He said that while we don’t need to pre-wash the dishes before we put them in, we do need to try and scrape off as much of the big stuff as possible. If we want he thinks we should pick-up a bottle of “Dishwasher Magic” from the store and run it with it in. It’ll dissolve some of the mineral build-up we have. Along those lines he also mentioned that since town water is so “soft” we probably only need to be using half a measure of soap in the dispensers. Bruce will order us a new blade, he says it should be pretty cheap. I put a very small load in to test but it will be done after I close. Carla could you assess the cleanliness of the dishes to determine it’s all good? Thanks.
SAN JUAN
The TV in the San Juan all of a sudden stopped outputting sound and the screen took on a seriously purple tint. Thanks to help from Elena, pressing the reset button on the receiver fixed everything. Gotta love the magic little red button.
ETC
-I have a had gnarly migraine that started a few hours ago. I took meds and drank water. However, I also downed some caffeine to see if it would help. In that regard, whomever left an unopened Diet Coke on the kitchen counter, I owe you a replacement. Just let me know.
-Sorry I didn’t make any cookie dough. We have enough to get us through a day or two but it needs to be made.
PS. I am blaming that gods-awful stargazer lilly for my migraine.
July 7th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
San Juan and Spiden have regular coffee makers in them.
The dishwasher is still a topic of conversation, but has not been repaired as far as I know.
rain, rain, welcome rain!
July 6th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Monday evening, Guest arrived for the Matia had requested twins beds but it wasn’t made up. Called Raquel she came in Thank goodness.We also need remote switch for the fan & light over the computer.Pretty Chilly one gal even had her fireplace turned on. thanks Raquel’s husband for getting it turned on.
July 5th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
SHAW
Needs to be cleaned, please let HK know. Guest was so hot, she really wanted to move.
SALTSPRING
Please all read #1648820. The Saltspring is like a studio apartment, no separate bedroom. Please make sure to make that very clear when renting to more than a 2 adults or folks with kids.
LABELER
Found.
HOT PLATE
Found the second one. Debbie, please try to cook eggs with the old one first. If it doesn’t heat up for you either, use the new one and throw the old one out. Thank you.
DISHWASHER
Ohhhh boy. I did dishes by hand today. Seemed to take less time than washing them, putting them in the dishwasher and then washing them again. If you decide to do this, don’t forget to sanitize: fill buss tub with cold water and a cap of bleach. Put washed dishes in there before you let them air dry. Cindy wrote that a new dishwasher is on the way. Yeah! Thank you.
CHECK OUTS
Please don’t forget to check folks out in WRP.
AAA DISCOUNT
Just a reminder, we do not have AAA discounts here at BR.
SADIE – FOOD ORDER – THURSDAY
Sadie, please order food from Tom on Thursday before 2. I started you a list on the white board. Just do like we did last week. Call me at home if you have questions. Thank you.
MORGAN
Debbie will be here at 2PM tomorrow, so you can do a decent shift change and be on time for our fabulous, long awaited, exciting EB front desk staff meeting.
Have a great week everybody and thank you so much for your fabulous work over this busy holiday.
July 5th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
LABEL MAKER
I can’t seem to find it
TEARS IN COUCHES
SAN JUAN, SUCIA< BAINBRIDGE sofas all have tears in the corners of the arms are starting to tear, do they have any sort of warranty?
July 5th, 2009 at 12:47 am
ORCAS TUB
Guest says bubbles don’t come on. Elena, can you check at check-out, please? We have another check in tomorrow. Wrote maintenance slip just in case.
Fire works were fabulous, but not very long.
July 4th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
HOTPLATE
Seems to be on the fritz. I was able to boil enough eggs for tomorrow. Elena, can you ask your mom where the second hotplate is, please? Laura bought two way back when.
Fireworks are about to start…uuuhhh….aaahhhh…
July 4th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
GUARD SUNDSTROM SAVED THE DAY
So today the bees left by the garbage can started to hive again and became really aggressive. It freaked people out. I called the sheriff again and he made it very clear that today was not the day he is going to be dealing with bees. Not knowing what to do I left a message with Guard. He is a beekeeper and sheep farmer, you all know him from the framer’s market. Last week I was out at his farm to watch the slaughter and he showed me a renegade bee hive of his own. I left a message not expecting to hear from him. 10 minutes later he was here to assess the situation. He said since the queen was gone those poor bee boys remaining will die, no other hive will take them in. They were freaked out. It hurt both of our hearts to kill honey bees, but it was their destiny at this point. He killed most of them with a magazine. The rest of them are disbursing. This is sad, but the hive is safe, the queen lives. Thank you, Guard!
DISHWASHER
is going. Hang in there. I’ll email Cindy and Laura for advice.
LIGHTS
Make sure when you do your nightly walk through that all the stairwell lights remain on, so nobody stumbles in the dark.
OPENING/CLOSING CHECK LISTS
This worked well. Let’s continue doing this. I printed out some more forms (in my box).
Happy 4th everybody!
July 4th, 2009 at 12:50 am
The bees have either gone to sleep or gone to Herb’s.
# 9 bike has a bad back axle.
Parking, will they enforce the law on the 4th? Curious guests want to know.
Stemware is looking a little cloudy, the dish washer is not good at getting orange juice of glass.I buffed some with a paper towel and they shined up like a new penny.
Have too much fun tomorrow.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:03 pm
BEES
We had a lost bee hive in the tree outside BR. The sheriff, firefighters and a beekeeper came and moved the majority away. The area is taped off and lot’s of bees are remaining in and around the garbage can.I called the sheriff, he says there is not much he can do since nobody from the town will be around this weekend. So, inform our guests. If somebody is scared or allergic and concerned, offer them to move to EB, we have 1 room left for tomorrow (Earth).
PRINTER
I fixed it. Yeah!
Keep up the good work, everybody.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
ADD-ONS
Hey wonderful ones. See #1698002. When booking an add-on, please write all pertinent info in the guest remark section (under “edit”), don’t use the alarm for that info. Use only the subject line in alarm to alert us if something needs to be done. All other info goes in the guest remark section.
Thank you. Have a great 4th of July weekend. Call me if you need me.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
We are completely booked for the 4th of July weekend. Been referring to Earthbox a lot. Nice weather great for our parade and The University of Washington band will be here.
July 1st, 2009 at 12:59 am
Blog Blog Blog Blog Blog
Not much to report. Lots of folks here who are changing rooms tomorrow or the next. Looks like the back room will be nice and full of luggage.
I fixed the iPod. We haz muzik.
Food order came in a day early. Using my massive and sturdy spacial awareness skills I managed to find a good place for everything. The new yogurt is in the little fridge. As per Elena-oujo-chan’s warning I turned up the thermostat a bit so you won’t have frozen yogurt in the morning. I cleaned out the big freezer so you have a lot more space in there now for whatever. Stock has been rotated in the fridge so the newer stuff is in the back. New grapes are in the drawer and the older ones are on the door.
Hopefully everything is right. Have a good one all!
June 30th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
The San Juan has a regular coffee maker in the room, espresso maker was leaking water.
June 30th, 2009 at 12:57 am
Thanks Steffi for facilitating and adding to our meeting.Thanks Elena for raising the bar so high, I agree, it was a positive mingling of the minds and if you guys are doing another one, with or with out bloody marys, I want to come too.
On another note, the espresso maker in the SJS is leaking water.The guest was in the Cypress last night and liked the espresso maker, so I may do some switching around tomorrow. I’ll leave a note.
I got two cans out to the curb for pick up Tue. but the others are too heavy to drag, need some muscle down here or another person.
I am having trouble with the music here, is the i-pod on the blink?
That’s it for now, all is well.
Myah
June 29th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
MEETING(S)(SES)
Thank you Bird Rocking Goddesses for the meetings today. I found them productive and honest and I love you all. Deb, Elena & I will have a make up meeting soon (shall we do Gin & Tonic or Bloody Mary’s?).
FOOD
Starting this week I would like the Thursday morning person (Sadie this week) to order food for the weekend (needs to be done before 2). Sadie, give me a call at EB around 1 and we’ll determine together what we’ll need. I will make a ordering list next weekend and soon we all will get a feel for what we’ll need.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Thanks Elena for training me this morning. Breakfast was fun, it was even better because you are a professional baker like Martha Stewart! Hee! Hee! Can’t wait to go to the co-op on Wednesday!
June 28th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
ELENA – WEDNESDAY – SHAMPOO
Elena, will you and Carla go over to the food co-op on Wednesday, 7/1 at 1:30 and pick up 4 gallons of shampoo. Bring exact cash. The total is $89.72. Muchas Gracias.
June 28th, 2009 at 12:22 am
#1516403
I have a call in to her, regarding which of her 2 reservations is correct. We need to follow up on that.
HOTELS.COM
There are no, zero reviews of us on that website, also none under the old name. The guest must have been mistaken.
THE BRITISH
are all here. I don’t think there is anybody left in England. I love love love the accent. Keep talking to me, lovely guests!
Also: didn’t find the debit card one of our British guests is missing.
RACK CARDS/ RATE SHEETS
Made new rate sheets, can’t find any rack cards. Maybe we are out?
Delightful day here on the rock. Sold out solid over 4th of July weekend as of tonight, yeah!
June 26th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Cooling off big time, So I feel like a real nummy nut getting locked out the back, might be a good idea to leave back door unlock during business hours.Thanks for rescuing me Morgan.Been a steady busy evening one room left for the taking. Aloha
June 26th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Some wedding guest are checking in tomorrow.Gift bags are in Back room.
June 26th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
BIRD ROCK MEETING
We will have another front desk meeting at 2PM on Monday, 6/29. Please be there.
June 26th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
The guests,in the whidbey has stored her ring in a ring-box and a necklace in a box in our safe while she and her hubby are out adventuring.
Phone charger found in the SJS, 6/26, res # 1656931,I called the number we have for them and left a msg.
We are really busy, and having a lot of fun!!!
June 24th, 2009 at 12:23 am
VOUCHER FOLDER
Had some minor work done, seems it was not happy with all the “sagging” and “tearing”… it was feeling old and outdated, basically it had let itself go a little. seriously though I printed some more vouchers, changed the vouchers from Friday Harbor house to The Bluff and added a file for it with log, all sorts of good things. Now she feels like new! Check her out!
PLUS FOUR FOR BREAKFAST
we had another confusion through a unirez booking where a guest was able to book four into the Skipjack. Laura offered to still have them for breakfast here so count on an extra four for breakfast.
BABY REFRIGERATOR
some OJ exploded in there, its all cleaned up now but I did turn it down (colder). ideally the OJ and Lemonade should be frozen otherwise it won’t keep as long.
THE FOURTH OF JULY
I made a sign that we an post up for the day before and of the 4th with all the major activities of the day, it is in my box ready to go!
MMMM COOKIE DOUGH!!!
I made some more last night, we go through it so fast. I just left the balls to freeze overnight. Please bag it in the AM if you have time.
THANKS DEBBIE
Thanks for all the great notes today at shift change!
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:47 am
Good Morning, We will need a crib for Sunday July 6th ,Not sure if we have them here. Lots to do this morning and looking forward to wonderful sunny day.
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:17 pm
SCHEDULE
I had to change the schedule a little. Morgan will bring it down tomorrow. Please all have a look, I switched some shifts, but no days around.
THE LISTS
Thank you, Bird Rocking Goddesses for indulging me in my list behavior. I appreciate it.
June 22nd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
RESERVATIONS ABC, 123
Please remember that no reservation should be confirmed without the 10% being charged first. I found a few reservations that had been confirmed and never charged the 10%.
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:21 am
Top of the morning, On King 5 news last eve they mentioned we are losing one of our large boats for 1 week . Thought everyone might want to have a heads up .
June 21st, 2009 at 7:21 pm
THE LISTS
It’s getting busier, almost no difference between weekdays and weekends anymore. It can be a bit much at times to remember everything. So here is what we will do:
I created a check list (off Elena’s excellent side duties list) and for the next 2 weeks I would like us all to sign, date and check the list each shift (there is a morning and a night shift check list). Please put the signed, dated lists in the safe for me to review each week. The lists are in my box. Please go over them, ask questions.
But wait, you say that’s not enough? There is more. I also created a deep cleaning schedule, oh yeah, Baby! It’s on the kitchen fridge and assigns a deep cleaning task to each shift each week. If we stick to it, everything will be spanking clean and none of the tasks will take up too much time. Let me know if you think I forgot an important task or I’m totally utterly unfair to certain shifts.
SHIFT CHANGE
Every shift change I would like us all to take a moment, go over our check lists, deep cleaning lists, communicate about reservations, things the next person needs to know. Each discussion shall end with: “Steffi is the best manager ever” (I will check on that, don’t make me create another list). No kidding aside, shift change communication is important. Please don’t just run away as soon as your co-worker gets here.
MORE LISTS
Last night a heinous crime was committed on Cady Mountain. Between 5AM and 9AM a deer ate all my kale, most of my peas and one of my potatoes. Not a peep out of Mr. Esspike. So I created a list for him as well, which he needs to check and initial every day or there will be a kibble crisis soon:
1) sleep (between 18 and 20 hours)
2) eat (twice per day)
3) pee (600 time per day)
4) get ball (once or twice per day)
5) CHASE DEER OUT OF YARD WHENEVER THEY EAT MY GARDEN
June 20th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
SCHEDULE
New schedule is up. Yeah!
FERRY SCHEDULE
Will change tomorrow. There was not a single new ferry schedule to be had down at the terminal. I printed out a couple in convenient 4 point type. Make sure our lovely guests know.
COOKIE DOUGH
Elena, I didn’t get to that. If you have time, will you start it for me? If not, will you put a butter on the counter, so I can get to it right away? Thank you.
June 18th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Sunny-cloudy-sunny-cloudy, perfect san juan summer!
I have no printer down here,so if you are reading this please send help.S.O.S.
It’s Thursday night, we have a full house,all is well. (except for the printer thing)
June 18th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Hi Bird ROCKERS..
The computer in the back room is going to be moved to EB Housekeeping office. Chris Teren will be doing this, he may already have, please let me know if it is missing:)
Happy Thursday.. Keep your smiles..
June 16th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
FOLLOW THROUGH:
What Elena said. Remember, this is our guests’ cherished vacation time. When they book something with us, they are counting on it and we simply cannot fail them in this. Please, please, please, take care of our guests the way that you would want to be taken care of on your vacation.
Thank you!
June 16th, 2009 at 12:13 am
THE BALL…DON’T DROP IT
Its really important that we don’t drop the ball this time of year. Please be sure and communicate things like where a broken espresso machine is from, if its been replaced and, and what exactly is wrong with it.
Also be sure and open the e-mail. When I got in it hadn’t been checked all day and there were tons of things that needed following up on. Remember the call center communicates with us through e-mail.
There was also a message on the answering machine that hadn’t bee taken care of from early in the day.
When processing online reservations it is really important to follow up on adventure and massage requests, the folks that checked into the Lopez today had requested both and nothing had been done, I was luckily able to book everything today.
ORDER OF OPERATIONS
When you are following up on a kayak or massage request please do not make vouchers until everything is done, an alarm from today already had a massage voucher made for something that was not confirmed with the guest. Please remember that commissions go to the person that books everything regardless of who makes the voucher.
Spa voucher on the front desk is for the gentleman in the Saltspring his wife may also want to book something.
RATES
Remember when you are “copying” a reservation to double check rates are correct. I almost charged someone $217 for the Sucia, because this was not done.
That’s all for now, Have a great morning
LABEL MAKER
We need tape refills for the label maker
KEY CHECK-IN/ OUT
I realized that editing and writing in the number of keys is a hassle with Web Rez Pro so I made a laminated key check out that we can use a dry erase pen on. Lets use this from now on.
June 14th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
COMPUTER IN BACK ROOM
The screen doesn’t turn on. Cindy, can you let Chris know, please? Maybe he can play his techie magic on it.
KEYS
I don’t have time to remake the front door keys this week. Bring them up to Earthbox when Morgan works, he can fix those. Thanks.
PAY PER VIEW
We are still trying to get the kinks out of the system (as in: getting Direct TV to rent us a movie once successfully). So, the service isn’t quite available yet. Once it is, all the info you’ll need to rent a movie is in our log book. Let me show you the next time we work together.
PATOS
Patos guests have signed beach cruiser release forms already. Not necessary again if they want to ride tomorrow.
MATIA
Has large bags with golf clubs and a carton full of glassware in our luggage room, no luggage tag.
THE BLUFF
The new restaurant in the Friday Harbor House opens tomorrow. Check it out, it’s a real nice place with a gorgeous view, local, organic, sustainably grown food, not too spendy. They will be open from 7AM to 11PM daily.
June 14th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Orcas room keys need to be re worked the strip doesn’t work. Also need password so guests can order movies.
June 13th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I was in the kitchen mopping the floor and a guest came in when I greeted her she announced we had a guy picking flowers in our garden and he ran down the street, Look out for white male in his 50′s with brown bag possibly at Herbs.
June 13th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Wow unbelievable, the Friday Harbor House has reopened its called the Bluff and its smashing, It will be a hit, prices are reasonable and exciting.Even has Cheviche….The Manager is Mike he is eager to meet everyone.We needed something like this .
June 13th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
What a lovely surprise I had seeing Sweet Laura and the adorable Mia-Tortilla for a little breakfast here at the Bird Rock. The scones were hot and just out of the oven. Mia is such a grown up girley now, much bigger than when she was my little preschool student. I hope to see them again, maybe next time I will see Miss Zoe too!
Bird Rock-On!
Myah
June 13th, 2009 at 12:51 am
Herbs is a bit noisy tonight the folks in Lopez aren’t too happy. I will call in the a.m. to see if we can move them up to the quieter side of town.Good night..
June 9th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
So would anyone like to help me with a huge favor by either working/switching my morning shift at BRock this Saturday morning?? I would really appreciate it and would be happy to work a shift in return! Thank you! My cellphone number 378.7554
June 7th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
POST SAN JUAN
Sadie, will you please go (or ride a bike?) to Post San Juan on Monday and send our guest his cell phone charger? Charger & form all filled out on front desk, just needs to be dropped off.
CHANGING RESERVATION DATES & ROOM STYLES
When moving a guest to a different room style or date, please hit the “recalculate” button, so we charge the guest the correct amount.
FIDALGO TV
Still out of order. Seth will come by tomorrow.
BIKE KEY
Came home to me and is now asleep in the safe.
NEW ESPRESSO INSTRUCTIONS
Are in almost all rooms.
Have a great beginning of the week, everybody. Enjoy the sunshine.
June 7th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
WOW 27 MILES!!!
The Marathoners are incredible, we set up the bathrooms with nice rolled towels for them and some of the Judith J. bar soaps along with a little sign asking them to take just one towel. Then when they got back they looked to exhausted I put out some Iced Tea.
REZ # 1649106 Still not out at 1:30pm. There is a note on file that they might want to pay more to stay after noon but I’m not sure what to charge them. Housekeeping may not be here when they get back so we might have to block it out for today.
June 6th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
KITCHEN FLOOR
Was so spanking clean when I got to work today, that I just poured my rice on there, laid down and ate off the floor. Wow. Thanks, Elena!
MARATHON PARTICIPANTS
I said to several marathon participants that they are welcome to take showers in the common bathrooms after the run. 26 miles, makes my legs cramp up just to think about it. Respect!
COOKIE ZIP LOCKS
Let’s re-use the zip locks we use for our frozen cookie balls. When empty, just leave empty in freezer and fill back up the next time we make a batch of cookies. No need to throw more barely used plastic into our landfill than necessary.
BEACH CRUISER BIKE KEY
Donde estas? Can’t find it. Please make sure all the keys are in the place they should be (safe key in safe key place, all others in first drawer of safe). It’s so difficult to start looking for a key in front of waiting guests.
KEYS
I had Morgan make new front door keys for the Lopez and have some spares in the first drawer of the safe (sic).
FIDALGO FRONT ROOM TV
Is giving me problems. Seth will stop by in a bit and have a look (go Seth!)
WRP DOUBLE CHARGES
Please pay extra special attention when processing reservations or checking guests in. I looked over 3 reservations processed today and they all had been double charged. I fixed them. I know it’s easy to do, especially with the WRP update and all, but we can’t do that.
Great day. Nice people. Loving it!
June 6th, 2009 at 10:38 am
BELLINGHAM FERRY
Debbie and I did some sleuthing and found out that the Bellingham ferry departs at 9:30am on weekends and starting June 12th they will run trips daily.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
SCHEDULE
the new schedule is up. A couple of things: please remember once the schedule is up it is your responsibility to find somebody to work for you if you can’t work a shift (unless you get sick).
WESTERN PRINCE
This is true for all adventure providers: we don’t give any AAA or AARP discounts when booking an adventure. If a guest makes a reservation directly with the provider they have that option, but not through us. One of us o.k.ed a AAA discount with WP and now we have to “eat” the difference (Earthbox #1581944). So please don’t do this.
Also: Western Prince now has 2 boats, the small zippy Zodiac and the big Western Prince. They have different prices. WP – $75 per adult, Zodiac – $89 per adult. So, when booking people on the zodiac, you need to let them know that it’s more expensive aand…that’s right, charge them the correct amount. Please pay attention to this. Otherwise we will have to pay for that as well.
Also: Ivan, the Western Prince dude, really wants to take us out on the zodiac for free. If you want to go, call him. Or we can go out as a group. Who is with me?
June 5th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
One more thing, when you process a payment, under the 2nd option called “TRANSACTION STATUS” section you need to make sure you select process payment, otherwise the payment will not take, after you select that, under the 3rd option “GUEST STATUS” you will need to select process payment again, you will know if you did not select it right under section 2 because 1. when you hit process payment (under section 3)it will take you to a screen that only has an arrow and no detail of the payment 2.a payment will not show on the guests main screen. Please ask me if you have any questions…
June 5th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Happy Friday…
Shaw
Seth will be coming down to check on the floor heat in the Shaw.
Thank you Elena for your blog about being a super cleaner.. We should all have Mr. Clean stickers:) As with the post it addiction (which I have) we could all be cleaning addicts..
Paychecks
They are up at Earthbox, by the time cards.
A/C
Remember to tell every person calling from now until September, that we do not have A/C in the rooms, this will prevent guests from assuming we have AC and then arrive and find out we do not, leaving us open to refunding $$$..
It is a busy weekend, LOTS going on… Enjoy the guests, get some sunshine, and put on a happy face:) (which you all do anyway)
June 4th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
The new espresso makers are in and Olga and the girls set them up in the rooms. Thank you for the reminders about Bird Rock aesthetics. I will try to woo you with amazing cleaning tricks. Today I cleaned the little feet of all the chairs, yes I did…you know that is a “woo”.
It is so gorgeous outside with all the flowers and sun shine.
Have a great weekend all,
Myah
June 3rd, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Thanks, Elena, for staying on the ball about cleanliness.
On a similar but different note: please don’t have your friends hang out on the lobby during your shifts. It is fine to take a 10 min break with somebody off property every once in a while, but please don’t have visitors. It looks bad and it distracts from our work. Thank you.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
DIRTY SHAW
I moved the Shaw to the Cypress last night because their room was just too hot and wouldn’t cool down despite messing with the heat. Please let housekeeping know in the morning, since it won’t show up on the HK report.
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
CLEANLINESS
SORRY TO BE REPETITIVE but it IS REALLY IMPORTANT. I dusted the front desk area today and did a little re-organizing, please make sure that the desk is as clear as possible during your shift otherwise it can reflect really badly on us if it looks like a bomb went off on the desk, and if you have a minute it would be great if we could dust at least once a week.
Please also be sure and give the hot water and coffee carafes a good wipe down before you put them out and after breakfast, they get spotty really easily.
THE KITCHEN is also another area that it is really important to keep clean even through breakfast when it feels like there are a million things to do. We have never had any bad citations from the health department, lets keep up our good record.
FOLLOW THROUGH
when you make a call to any charter or restaurant please be sure and leave a reservation number rather than a name, it is easier to track in the system, also be sure and make a note in the blog that you are waiting for a call back, otherwise it can be confusing to know which of the 5 “SMITHS” needed dinner reservations.
EGG CRATES
They pile up quickly and we don’t really need to keep as many as we have piled to the ceiling of the kitchen, please open them, stack them and then recycle, keeping only as many as we need.
WIRELESS PASSWORD CARDS
I printed out some new little cards to hand out to guests that want the wifi password, they are one the desk.
WHEWWW!!! I’ll give my fingers a rest now. And please know that I am only being seemingly nit picky because (it’s in my nature, sad but true) but also because I realize we have a lot of new people and there is some stuff you just aren’t aware of yet, and I want to make sure we are all on the same page, so we can have a happy and smooth summer.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Good morning, We have some guests that just checked out and will be on a 3 day kayak trip, we have their luggage here that needs to come to the Earth box for the rest of their stay.Someone w/ a car as the luggage is huge.Thank you.
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:24 am
The espresso maker went belly-up in the SJS so I swapped it for the one in the Spiden.
Walkie-talkies sound like fun to me, can’t wait. Everyone is tucked soundly into their beddies for the night and I am closing the front door. It’s my first late shift and I found it as much fun as the early shift.
Shhhhhh, the green apples are sleeping on the coffee table here and they look so peaceful we don’t want to disturb them.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:04 am
Seems like our dish washer is not doing a very good job, the dish powder is in the bottom of the dishwasher, not disappearing..I need Seth tomorrow.
thanks and good night.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Great evening here 2 walk ins..Say do I need to put out anything on the curb side tonight ?
May 31st, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Hey my Bird Rocking Goddesses!
Que paso? Nothing to blog about at all?
WALKIE TALKIE’S
Raquel would like us to use the walkie talkie’s (spelling?) as a tool to see if a room is ready. They are on our back desk. Give one to Olga in the morning, keep one at the desk, call Olga to see if a room is ready, so we don’t have to run up and down the stairs while our guests are waiting.
FOOD
Ordered lot’s of food for Wednesday, see white board.
ESPRESSO MAKERS
Sadie & Myah, did you get around to laminating the new espresso instructions? Where did you put them? In the next couple of days we will get a shipment of 5 repaired espresso makers via FedEx. Please blog when that happens.
PAY PER VIEW
We would like to offer pay per view to our guests, something which is potentially possible with Direct TV. However, whenever we try to order a movie for one of our guests it doesn’t work out. Morgan and I will make a “play to rent pay per view movies” date soon and then we’ll go from there. Until then, if a guest inquires, please let them know that right now we aren’t set up for that service.
Blog on and peace out!
May 30th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Nice Evening @ The Bird, I was wondering if we could get some plants for the spiedens’s planter box some grasses and a splash of color would be great.The courtyard is beautiful.Thanks Debbie
May 29th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Drippety, drippety drop, the coffee went kerplop.
Myah and I talked about the thermos problem. I will bring down a thermos from Earthbox. And Myah is going to write a note for Gerard to see if he can order a replacement gasket.
May 29th, 2009 at 10:34 am
The Pump style coffee dispenser is missing a little gasket, and when you pump the coffee,it goes a spurty-chokey,messy! Is there a replacement for it?
May 28th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Morning Myah!
Our guests in the San Juan will move to the Saltspring on Friday. Please help them with their luggage. They just need keys, room is ready, all paid.
Oh, and thanks for cleaning the lobby so well (aligning the wine glasses with a ruler, that is what I call “above & beyond”, yeah!)
FOOD
I didn’t order food for Saturday. We have lot’s. Next order will be Wednesday. If we run out, go get it from the store, please.
VINNY’S RISTORANTE
is now one of our restaurant choices for our dining vouchers. Elena, will you please design us a Vinny’s voucher & a Maya’s Charters voucher the next time you are here?
It’s going to be new girl weekend at Bird Rock. Elena and I are working at Earthbox, she in the morning, I at night. Call us if you need help with anything. We can walk you through anything…
May 28th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
“Eggs eggs, the musical friut, we need some eggs to re-stock out loot.”
May 26th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
CHAMPAGNE
We have brand new beautiful Nicholas Fuiellate champagne in 1/4 bottle sizes. Please do not use these quite yet, but DO take a look they are in the back room
May 25th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I’m going a little crazy with the bleach today, cleaning surfaces door knobs and computer keyboards. Want to keep us all healthy.
I never did say thank you to Elena, the breakfast goddess for showing me the beautiful way to serve breakfast, so thank you Elena.
I agree with Sadie about liking to work here at the BR. There is never a dull moment. Thanks for all your patience in getting us new gals trained.
peace-out,myah
May 25th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Hi my name is myah and I am addicted to sticky-notes.
It has been 4 days since my last “peel-off”.
I can see how this has hurt me and the people I love. With the help of the great SPIRAL NOTEBOOK, I know I can overcome my addiction.
peace-out,myah
May 24th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
VOUCHER FOLDER
I made us a new voucher folder. Have a look. It’s pretty, updated and informative.
Elena, if you have time tomorrow, could you design us a Maya’s Charters voucher, please? We ain’t got one. Also: where on the computer is the cool channel line up for our guest’s TV’s you made? I think we should print some out and laminate them. So we can hand them to guests upon request.
Happy Memorial Day everybody!
May 24th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
KEYS
What Elena said. When checking in guests, write in comment section how many keys you gave them and initial. When they check out, write how many keys you got back and initial. I added on the guest invoice: “A $50 fee will be applied for each key not returned at checkout”.
PHONE MESSAGES
Please erase phone messages after you have processed them. Today I had 9 messages, not knowing from which day or if the guests had been called.
POST ITS
I said it before and I say it again: post its seem like they are your friend, but they aren’t. They fly away, they don’t make sense, the person working after you doesn’t know if they can throw them away or if they are important. Manage the post its before they manage us. Ahhhh, ahhh, invasion of the KILLER POST ITS. No, seriously, get yourself a ring book and write your lists in it. We pay for it. Pretty please.
CHECKING OUT GUESTS
Please don’t forget to check out guests around noon. In WRP if you check a guest into a room when the previous guest is still checked in, you can’t write notes into the comment section of the new guest.
Thanks for all your hard work. We mainly use the blog to point out what didn’t go right, but there are all those things which do. So thank you for making our guests happy and going out of your way to make somebody’s day. Uh, I rhymed:)
May 24th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
LOST AND FOUND
Please have Olga look for a pair of brown flats that were left behind by a guest last week in the Bainbridge, Her phone number is on a sticky note on the desk. Please contact her if we find the shoes or not- Thanks
KEYS
Please note in peoples res’s how many keys we give out, so we can make sure we are getting them back at check-out. It stinks having to make so many keys.
May 23rd, 2009 at 11:57 pm
I love working here… Everyone is so appreciative and happy! Makes working much more enjoyable. The phone has been quiet, but guests have been giving me a few things to do. Have a good morning, Elena!
May 23rd, 2009 at 12:12 am
Nevermind. Sold the Fidalgo.
Also the folks from the Patos moved rooms right before I closed so housekeeping will need to tidy that room tomorrow. They wanted their own bathroom at the last minute.
May 23rd, 2009 at 12:11 am
Morning Elena,
Guest #1614417 called and said they missed a flight so they wouldn’t make it tonight but would be here for tomorrow. I tried to resell their room but was ultimately unable. It’s your call if you want to charge them for the night or not. I left it as a charge on their room.
I prepped as much jam as I could. I made about 12 of them. We ran out and had to pull the spare out of the freezer. It was solid as a rock. Hopefully it will have thawed by morning if you need more. It seemed like several people will be leaving early so you might not have a full load for breakfast.
May 22nd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Thanks for the up date Carla, I sent the pkg. back to our guest.
FLAG
Where is the american flag? Raquel is looking for it.
May 22nd, 2009 at 5:27 pm
OFFICE HOURS
Starting today the front desk will be open from 7:30 AM to 10:00PM. On Friday and Saturday: 7:30AM to 11:00PM.
Happy weekend.
May 21st, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Hello everyone, I am on the road to recovery! IJust a few things to note:
The beach cruiser folder behind the desk is for blank forms, not to file after guest signs it, those can go into the “signed invoice” folder. I printed out some more forms and filed them in the right folder.
Myah, can you please mail off the small ink cartridge package on the back desk…it is going off to be recycled…go earth!
The package that needs to go to Post San Juan is right next to it as well.
Steffi, thank you so much for saving me with the ink cartridge, you are a rockstar and the best manager ever!
See you next week.
May 21st, 2009 at 6:40 pm
LOST AND FOUND
Guest rz# 1600963 left her glasses in her room.I just spoke with her and told her we would mail them to her.
May 20th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Morning Myah!
Reservation #1491232 came late last night. Please make sure you charge them when you see them at breakfast.
Reservation # 1441726, see alarm
FOOD
More food on Saturday. Please buy fruit and eggs if we need them. Also: take the largest bill you can find when you go shopping, every time, so we have small bills when we need to make change.
COFFEE MAKER
Just so you all know, there is a spare regular coffee maker on the shelf above the bed, as well as coffee and filters. If you an espresso maker gives you grief, use that instead and blog about it.
Happy shift. I hope you feel better, Carla:)
May 20th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
The clock radio in the Spiden was replaced by the spare, which has an i-pod dock. The old radio is now the spare. Raquel wants to get a separate dock for it for the future.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
CHANGE
Can we please keep enough change on hand in the cash box, we never seem to have any 1′s or 5′s for when guests pay in cash.
KEYS
We still don’t seem to have enough keys, can we please get at least three for each room and make sure that we are getting them back maybe start keeping track? It is a problem making keys at the last minute in front of guests.
May 18th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Coffee maker in Cypress not working.
May 17th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
FREEZER
There is something wrong with our freezer. The ice cube tray fills up with cubes, then they melt to one big ice block. Elena & I turned the ice cube maker off. It seems to keep temperature though. Any idea what that could be?
I-POD DOCKING RADIO
Our guests in the Speiden don’t have an i-pod docking radio (they have one with the nature noises). So I lent them our spare i-pod docking radio. They will be here for 3 days. Please make sure to put the spare back in it’s box and up on the shelf in the luggage room when they check out.
LUGGAGE RACK FROM BAINBRIDGE
I lent one of the luggage racks from the Bainbridge to our guests in the Orcas. They’ll also be here for 3 days.
FOOD
Ordered food for Wednesday (see white board). Please buy eggs and milk if we run out.
KEYS
Remade all the Bird Rock keys.
CELL PHONE
Guest cell phone picked up from Haley’s. Morgan will send it back tomorrow.
ISLAND MAPS
Got us some more island maps.
Thank you for training Sadie & Myah over the weekend, Elena.
Ahh, today was the first day our guests could comfortably sit in the courtyard and on the balconies. Some discovered that our strawberry lemonade goes very well with Grey Goose. Yumm.
May 16th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Info on desk is for a woman who left her Cell phone at Hayleys during her stay and wants us to get it back, call us when we have it and then mail it to her.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
FRUIT
We’ll get fruit tomorrow.
SAN JUAN TRANSIT
Is almost up and running. Laminated schedule is in our box to the left of you. Hand out paper schedules are behind you in the second drawer. Please suggest taking the transit bus to guests who didn’t bring their car.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
This warm weather is waking me up, and I want to play flower gardener on the patio here. I understand there is a gardener that takes care of all that, but I want to see some flowers, maybe I can run to Ace and fill the planters for the weekend. It is going to be gorgeous!!!
One of the bikes(#9) needs it’s handle bars tightened.
We are out of kiwis and low on melons for sat.
All is well, Myah
May 13th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Wow what a Morning, The phone should be fixed. Centurytel believes the phone on the desk was off the hook because they could hear voices.Pretty mellow here now..
May 13th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
FIRE ALARM:
It works. Or at least, when it goes off, you can hear it. Right Debbie??
Today there was a false alarm and Guardian Securities is coming out tomorrow at 11 am to check it out. In the meantime, I have a repair call in to CenturyTel because there may be an issue with the phone line 378-0834 which is the secondary line that the alarm system uses. It is not ringing through and is busy. I can’t seem to track it down.
If any of you hear from Guardian or CenturyTel, please let me know.
Thanks!
May 12th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Hi Elana, I will see you on sat morning for b-fast. I work thurs. and friday AM. see you then.
May 12th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Good Morning,
Our guest from Shaw suggested a fold up chair,or end table, for the business folk to be able to work on their computer from the bed.
May 11th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
TRAINING
Sadie Will train with me for breakfast on Sunday starting at 7:15am. Debbie Or Myah may take Saturday morning with me, please let me know.
May 11th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Ohhh okay, I feel very silly about the fan lights heheh. Thank you, Steffi, I figured it out… Not much happening at Bird Rock today, it’s been extremely quiet. Where is the sunshine??
May 11th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Hi Guys,
I just want to make a little personal plea to all you wonderful front-deskers to please not use your cell phones while at work unless on break. Also, please keep the phone on vibrate so as to not disturb our guests.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
May 10th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
LEARNING FROM THE BREAKFAST QUEEN
Hey Sadie, Debbie & Myah. I would like all three of you to work a busy breakfast with Elena (see above) once. Will you please check in with her and schedule that, if you see her before you see me? Please don’t double up on this. It’s hard to train and cook and reserve rooms all at once.
DETAILS DETAILS DETAILS
When filling the green apple display in the lobby, please take the little stickers off the apples.
When making cookie dough, please freeze the balls first on a tray before bagging them. Easier to get them out afterwards.
Oh, by the way, Sadie, those cookies are delicious, great job!
SCHEDULE
New schedule is up.
May 10th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
ORCAS & SKIPJACK FAN
Sadie, those fan lights aren’t broken, they turn on with the remote. Please let me show you the next time you work.
May 9th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
BEACH CRUISER
One of our guests at BR, the people staying in the Shaw, checked out a beach cruiser with me here at EB. I have his license. Please remind him tomorrow to bring the bike back and get his license from us at EB. Thank you!
May 9th, 2009 at 10:35 am
BREAD
Please, once we are low on bread make sure and pull a bag each of wheat and white from the freezer to let it defrost in the refrigerator. It is really hard to defrost last minute in the morning.
OJ
Please make sure there is a full pitcher of OJ for the front and back as part of your breakfast prep.
THANKS! and Happy PARTYING LATER
May 8th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Boy-oh-boy, I’m the chatty one today. Well I have to say I have really enjoyed my first week here, I love people and the guests here at the Bird Rock have been a pleasure to serve. Everyone loves the decor and the beds and it’s nice to see happy morning faces enjoying the slowed down tempo of Friday Harbor.
Have a nice weekend.
May 8th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I would love to go whale watching with Ivan. Count me in, unless I’m working.
May 8th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Happy Friday:)
Ivan from Western Prince would like to take us all on a excursion in the next few weeks on their new boat. Here is the description:
WESTERN EXPLORER
New for 2009, the “Western Explorer” is a 27′ Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, similar to the boats the Coast Guard uses for search and rescue. It is the only US Coast Guard certified Rigid Hull Inflatable in Washington State. The “Western Explorer” seats 15 guests and cruises at up to 30 knots, getting us where we need to go quickly. To ensure your comfort, every guest receives a full length Coast Guard approved anti-exposure suit.
Can any of you employees make it for a trip on the afternoon of the 27th? If note let me know which date that week would work for you.
PARTY PARTY
Don’t forget tomorrow is our annual party.. YUMMY.. 4-7pm… see you all there.
May 7th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I just got a call from Kathy from “the Place” inviting guests to join them for live music this Friday at 8:00. They are also featuring an anniversary special for dinner this month, for 19.69, your choice of four different entre’s.
May 7th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
The floor guys came by today,5/7 and came up with a plan. They will run it by Laura for the best time to execute said plan. All is well here.
May 6th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Hello wonderful ones!
Great job Debbie & Myah! Please write down your questions and issues you run into (if they can wait) and we’ll discuss them during our ongoing training.
Thank you so much, Elena, for updating the side-duties list and making beautiful signs and all. P.S. we do have another box of scone mix on the shelf, so we should be good for another couple of weeks.
EGGS
Please poke little holes in the eggs when you cook them (egg hole puncher on shelf above toaster). This way they won’t explode and crack. More eggs tomorrow.
NEWSPAPER
Una mas: please buy a daily paper in the morning for our guests.
TOMORROW
Homeport will come by around 10AM and have a look at our lobby floor. Right in front of the front desk it sags. Please call Laura or Cindy and let them know what’s going on.
Happy liquid sunshine!
May 6th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
This is me, testing the blog.
May 6th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Well here it is my first day here at the lovely Bird Rock Hotel. It was really fun to talk with the guests this morning. They were so happy with their accommodations and were excited to explore the island. I love you Olga, you are very kind and patient. To the rest of you, I am feeling so much better, thanks for your nice thoughts.
=^^= (kitty face) myah papaya
May 5th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Got the front doors open waiting for the huge arrival of people. Not much turnout for my amazing scones. Steffi we have an address for the fella who left some cords in his room. Happy Cinco de Mayo is it time for a Margarita ?
May 4th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
OJ
I tried a little of our OJ for the first time in a very long time. It had an off taste, not very good at all? Thoughts? Maybe we can try a different brand?
ICE BUCKET POLISH
YAYYY! Raquel brought us some liquid to polish all of our nice ice buckets and trays with. It virtually no smell and a little goes a long way
OUTSIDE LIGHTS
I think we need to change the bulbs to the lights right outside the lobby none of them turn on.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Congrats Debbie on your first solo Breakfast. It will get easier once you get your groove, Believe me.
Just a few quick notes for everyone.
KEEPING THE SCONES WARM
We have little hot stones in the bottom oven, if you wrap one of them neatly in a napkin and set it in the scone basket, they will stay nice and warm for you.
Raquel brought us nice new Napkins for the scone basket they are in the little door to the right of the dishwasher.
FLOUR
The cake flour should be just fine but wouldn’t suggest mixing it with any other flours, remember baking is a fine science.
TONGS
I was at Market Chef today (YUM) and bought us three new set of the mini tongs for our breakfast and cookies in the evening. Please put a set out with the Scones, eggs, and Fruit.
BUTTER AND JAM
For our newbies we should always have enough individually portioned out and COVERED butter and Jam in the mini fridge in the lobby. I also made us a new sign to put next to the scones and toast and laminated it. Please us the small card holder to display it.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Hi Steffi, First Time Blogging. It is 8;55 everyone is sleeping in and my scones are losing there heat. going well so far. Don’t mind doing 4 days but do need to ask for the weekend of Memorial off.
Thanks
Debbie
May 3rd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Morning Debbie! First shift, yeah! Good luck and of course you will be brilliant:)
FOOD
Let’s try to bake with the cake flour. It’s just finer and has less gluten, should be good for cookies.
SUCCIA
Our guests in the Succia filled out beach cruiser release forms already. So when they would like to check out bikes, no need for more forms.
THURSDAY FIRE ALARM
On Thursday morning 11:30 Guardian Security will come by and conduct an annual fire alarm test. They will need to go in every room. Please let our guests know at breakfast and give Guardian access.
THURSDAY HOUSE KEEPING
Raquel won’t schedule any housekeeping for Thursday. She will however send somebody from Earthbox down to clean our rooms.
Happy first week of May everybody. Have fun.
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:13 pm
GROCERIED DELIVERED… only one problem, we got cake flower instead of regular flour.
May 1st, 2009 at 2:48 pm
EGGS
So M & I conducted a double blind study and Morgan is right: cooked – spin, raw -wobble a little, then stop.
LA MUSICA
Thanks, Adam for the new play-list. Loving it.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:17 am
No problem Steffi. But just to let you know. The egg checking trick is the other way around. A hard-boiled egg will spin easily. A raw egg will wobble.
April 30th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Hey all!
Thank you so much Elena, Morgan & Sadie to cover our shift this morning. How many Bird Rock employees does it take to cover a 6 hour shift? Ha, Ha. We hope you feel better soon, Myah.
COOKED EGGS
Please make sure to keep cooked and raw eggs separately. Mark cooked egg container clearly. If you can’t figure out if an egg is cooked, here is a cool trick: spin egg on counter. If it stops spinning as soon as you let it go: cooked. If it continues to spin: raw.
FOOD ORDER
Please blog when a food order comes in, so I know. I ordered toast, fruit, flour & granola for Saturday. We’ll get more eggs tomorrow afternoon.
Have a great night.
April 29th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
SCHEDULE
I had to re-do the schedule some, please have a look. Especially Debbie & Myah (I have you on 4 days during a week where some of us are out of town, won’t happen regularly).
LOBBY FLOOR
Repair has to be rescheduled. We’ll keep you posted.
April 28th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Hello everyone! Not to much to report. I polished all the wood in the lobby, it is sparkling. Hope everyone has a great week!
April 28th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Does anyone know what happened to the white scoop that was in the scone mix? I can’t find it anywhere.
also,
STEFFI… I bought two papers and a carton of strawberries the last time I worked, and I forgot to put the receipt in the box. I think the total was like $4.65 or something like that. I used a 5 and had coin change. Sorry! I’ll remember next time.
Myah and Debbie were great! Good Job today girl! keep up the good work! (gold star)
April 28th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
LOBBY FLOOR:
Just a reminder to you: tomorrow morning around 11, Jerry at Homeport flooring will be coming over to do some work on the floor behind the couch. This will make a mess which I kindly ask you now to clean up after.
Thanks for your understanding and patience!
April 27th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
PLATES
We have some new plates for Breakfast, they are the same size as the old plates and are from EB storage. Use them for Busy breakfast mornings.
SPIEDEN TV
I was testing it today and it appears to get a lot of channels, but not all, we could rent it at a little bit of a reduced rate.
April 26th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
TRAVELER’S CHECKS
We do accept traveler’s checks as payment. However, the guest needs to sign the check, then we need to compare the signatures (traveler’s checks are signed by the guest when they get them, then they need to sign in front of you a second time) and check ID.
MONEY
Please make sure to keep all receipts when going to the store. I keep coming up short.
GARBAGE
Please don’t forget to bring the garbage to the curb:
SUNDAY for Monday recycling pick up
MONDAY for Tuesday garbage pick up (2 cans)
THURSDAY for Friday garbage pick up (2 cans).
LEMONADE
We got a different lemonade concentrate. The ratio is 5:1, not 3:1. Please mix accordingly.
RATES
Starting next weekend our current specials expire and on Friday & Saturday nights our rates go up to the summer rates.
Thank you, Debbie, for being there with me during breakfast. It was busy and fun. See you all next week:)
April 25th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
SCHEDULE
New schedule is up.
MAINTENANCE
Please have Seth check the fan in the Matia and the TV in the Speiden on Monday. Please upgrade guests checking into the Speiden over the next couple of days (we got room).
FOOD
I ordered more food for Wednesday (see white board). If we run low, please go to the store.
Tomorrow morning: Debbie & Steffi as the breakfast queens!
April 24th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Welcome to the team Myah & Debbie!
With a crew like this, may the summer come full force, yeah!
Myah & Debbie will be training next Tuesday & Wednesday morning with Dani & Sadie, respectively. Show ‘em the chops, girls! Myah’s first shift will be Thursday, 4/30 AM. So Dani, you are off the schedule after your Tuesday 4/28 shift (sniff…).
INK
I ran out today just at shift change and Fed Ex brought new cartridges 15 minutes later. That is what I call good timing. Thank you, Laura!
REMOTE CHECK IN
We have 3 remote check ins for tonight. It’s just mayhem at the ferry terminal today. One of our guests still needs to pay. See alarm.
Also: starting next weekend our PM shifts on Friday & Saturday will end at 10PM.
Almost a full house tonight. Good luck at your first “morning alone” shift, Sadie. I know you can do it! See you at noon.
April 24th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
hello,love the bird rock hotel.
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Hello Friends…
Res#1579058 made reservations for him and his friends(res# 1579061,1579063) for the weekend of may 2nd. They have WW tour with SJ Safaris for 5/2 and may have another couple joining them. He will call tomorrow to confirm. If that other couple comes, they want the cypress. And will also want to go whale watching with their friends, so you’ll need to call SJ Safaris to add another two people to the roster for 5/2.
Thanks, sorry if that was long.
April 23rd, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I made the food order with Tom today. Should be here on Saturday.
also…I am holding the Whidbey suit under res#1578516 for the guy listed. He said he would call back with the rest of the info later today. If he doesn’t call by the time you leave tonight Carla, just cancel it. ( I told him thats what we would do)
Thanks!
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:50 pm
LOBBY FLOOR:
I met with Homeport flooring today and they are going to need to do some work on the lobby floor next Wednesday, April 29th from 11-12 am. Dani, I think you are on the schedule for that time, so call me if you have any questions. I think all they have to do is to move the couch away from the wall and do a little work. There may be a little mess to clean up when they are done. Thanks for your patience!
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
The Backdoor Kitchen will be calling us back in regards to a Sunday reservation I tried to make for res#1575124. They want to have dinner at BDK May 24th at 6:00pm(6adults,2babies), but BDK is not sure if they will be open Sundays yet. So when they figure it out they will call us back.
When they do call back, please confirm reservation with them and then email the guest and let them know whats going on(either yes or no).
Thanks so much! people love the Backdoor Kitchen, That’s the 4th reservation I have made there this week! Wahooooo!!
April 22nd, 2009 at 1:49 pm
CARLA…
Did you cancel/change the reservation at Backdoor that I made for reservation 1406148 on June 6th? Since they are coming on a different day now I just wanted to make sure we had all the dates and everything correct for them.
let me know, and I can call backdoor if need be.
Thanks Carla!! your the best! Thanks for taking care of the reservation for me!
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:30 am
Everything looks great Carla! Thank You!!
April 21st, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Hello everyone! I have survived my first night here closing! Yahoo! Dani, I apologize already if I forget to do something, please put in the blog if I have missed anything so I can try again on Thursday! Reservation #1406148 is taken care of so no worries. Have a great day!
April 21st, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Sorry Elena I can’t work for you I have to work from 8-12 at the fuel dock and then 12to5 at Daisy Bloom. I might be able to come in and set up breakfast at 7:30 if that helps at all. Let me know. Sorry!
April 20th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Hello!
I spoke with a man today who is possibly going to book 6 different rooms (all ground level & top floor) for 1 night on May 2. I was a little confused on our pricing and quoted him the off-season prices for 1 person and on-season prices for 2 people. Steffi says to honor this due to the amount of rooms he is booking. Thank you!
April 20th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
INK
Laura will order us some more ink for our printer tomorrow. In the meantime please don’t conduct frivolous printing. What? Well, we are pretty low, is all.
MENU GUIDE
Sadie and I started updating the menu guide. If you guys are slow tomorrow, run around and get us menus. Sadie has the list of menus we need.
I’m sitting here blogging, while amazing Carla and beautiful Sadie are setting up for breakfast. Ahhh, the upside of training. Love you guys.
April 20th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
I’m desperate…
I need someone to work for me on Sunday the 26th because we will be in Seattle ON Saturday and it would be impossible for me to get back by Sunday. Anyone willing to work for me/ trade? I could work on Wednesday night for Dani? My Sunday shift would only be from 7:30-12. Please let me know anyone.
April 20th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Welcome Sadie!
I, too, have noticed the open, vacant rooms being untidyed. I have come in many mornings with the doors to the vacant rooms still open with all the lights on. so please make sure you close the rooms and turn the lights off before you leave so we don’t make extra work for the lovely housekeepers.
Thanks!
April 19th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Hello all! It’s been a good couple days working with Bird Rock… I hope to meet everyone soon! See you around!
April 19th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
DISHWASHER DETERGENT
Gerard will bring us 7th Generation dish washing detergent next week. Wow, that was one foamy dishwasher, but all is good now.
GARBAGE
We have too much. I’ll call Regino tomorrow and ask if he can do a dump run. Please don’t forget to bring the garbage to the street:
MONDAY for Tuesday pick-up
THURSDAY for Friday pick up
SUNDAY for recycling pick up on Monday
FOOD NEXT WEEK
I won’t be able to order food next week. Dani, please call Tom on Thursday and put in a food order for Saturday.
Nice day. Steffi & Sadie training away…
April 19th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
DISHWASHER DETERGENT
OOoops
I put the Seventh Generation soap that was under the sink in the dishwasher and… That soap is not intended for the dishwasher and there was foam everywhere. I marked it but I would agree that we the seventh generation was the best.
April 19th, 2009 at 11:40 am
SPOONS
We are really low on spoons. I took a dozen from our extra and put them out and we still have another dozen for back-up but, we will probably need to order more before we get really busy.
SLEEPY
I don’t know if it is a problem or not I’m just pointing it out. The bed in the back looks like it is being slept in can we please just make sure that it gets made neatly?
Also…
This is a little unusual but housekeeping says that they have been finding the bed in the Patos unmade lately. WEIRD and doubly important that we close up the rooms at night.
April 18th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
GUESTS ALLERGIC TO GOOSE DOWN
In the future, when we have guests requesting hypoallergenic bedding, please write it in the Housekeeping section of the reservation AND let Housekeeping know one day ahead.
BAINBRIDGE FIRE PLACE
The pilot went out. I couldn’t get it back on. Regino (thank you for coming from home!) got it after a long time trying. Maybe we need a new pilot light ignitor? Shall I give the propane people a call?
I think that’s all. Got newspaper for tomorrow already. Almost sold out tonight, yippieh!
April 17th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
VISITOR’S SURVEY
Please hand a visitor’s survey (next to computer) to all guest checking in the next few weeks. Place the filled out forms in the safe. Let our guests know, they will be entered into a raffle for a free night on San Juan.
COFFEE PODS
Laura ordered us new coffee pods. They are under the sink in the lobby.
BAINBRIDGE ESPRESSO MAKER
I assembled one working espresso maker from the 2 broken ones (or so I hope) and placed it in the Bainbridge. Please let me know if we continue to have issues with it.
WHIDBEY COFFEE
The Whidbey is currently the only room without espresso maker. Regino got us a drip coffee maker (Thank you!). I will get us coffee for it and place it in the room.
Makes me all jittery, all that coffee talk. Is that gorgeous out there or what? Almost sold out for tonight, yeah!
April 17th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
FREE TICKETS
We have some great tickets to give a way to our guest that will be with us on Sunday evening. Please ask the EB front desk if you have a guest that is interested. The showing is a tribute to Roy Orbison, there are 2 showings one at 4pm and one at 7pm, both showings are at the SJC Theatre. Be sure to offer them to guests who will be here. Thanks everyone have a good weekend.
April 16th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Hi Bird Rock staff. I want to let you know that Duck Soup Inn is open for business and we are starting a Friday Happy Hour for the spring. It’s 4:30 to 6:00 with 1/2 price drinks and $2 discounts on appetizers.
See you soon.
Cheers,
Gretchen
April 16th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
SADIE
Please welcome our newest staff member Sadie. Welcome to the team!
SKIPJACK TV
The HD box of the Skipjack is broken. Seth ordered a new one and wired the Skipjack TV so it works for now, but is not HD.
PATHOS REMOTE
Seth programmed a new remote for the Pathos until we’ll get the old one in the mail.
WHIDBEY & BAINBRIDGE ESPRESSO MAKER
They need fixing. I’m trying to track down who could help us with that (company got sold). I have a call in to the old/new company and to Steve from SJ Coffee. Please let me know if I get calls regarding those issues. Until then I asked Raquel to supply those rooms with a regular coffee maker.
FOOD
Will come on Saturday. Sadie & I will stock us up for Saturday morning breakfast.
#532613652737
Dani, please ask me about this reservation.
OJ
Our beautiful Laura, guest starring as breakfast queen this morning (thank you so much, you rock my little under-staffed world) suggested to blend a whole orange and some ice in with the morning orange juice, to make it frothy and delicious. Let’s do that. It will need to be done in the morning. The blender is behind the coffee maker.
NEWSPAPER
Please don’t forget to buy a daily newspaper in the morning.
Thank you so much, Dani, for working for me last night. I’m much better today.
April 15th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
The T.V in the Skipjack is perpetually broken. we need to find a way for this to not happen all the time!! Maybe move the satellite box, or something. But after every guest the T.V needs a fixin…
poor Seth!
April 15th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
A woman called today and said she packed the remote control from Patos in her suitcase and she had no use for it so she is going to mail it back to us.
I said thank you.
April 14th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Espresso
I couldn’t find the number anywhere for the Soltazzo people we bought the machines from. Laura do you have it? If you e-mail it I can call tomorrow afternoon
Patos
The remote control is missing, Olga couldn’t find it anywhere in the room.
April 14th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Whidbey espresso machine is broken, and we don’t have any working machines to replace it with
April 14th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Elena, don’t forget to close all the vacant rooms at night. Those little kids from the Bainbridge were playing in the open rooms and messing up the beds…naughty, but cute.
April 13th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
I didn’t buy any melon since the cantaloupe should be fine and there is still half of the other melon. I can run to the store at shift change tomorrow.
April 12th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Need more regular coffee pods for the rooms
April 12th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I need the 25th and 26th of This month off.
We need melon
April 11th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
THE FUTURE
I updated the event calendar on the Earthbox website through June. Check it out, lot’s of stuff going on for the centennial celebration, cool tours and lectures. Be informed and let our guests know.
April 11th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Groceries delivered, we will still need melons, only peach yogurt for now, oh well
April 11th, 2009 at 10:41 am
We are out of yogurt, strawberries, and we need more melon and grapes.
April 9th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
DISH SOAP
Morgan, our rock, thank you so much for working this shift for us on your regular day off. And thanks for polishing, yeah! And no, you are not the only one who has issues with the dishwasher soap. We are still looking for the perfect product: well cleaning and yet environmentally friendly. I liked the 7th generation gel. Girls?
FLOWERS
Ralph, the flower guy, will stop by every Thursday. Please pick one (or 2 if 1 is too small) bouquet for the lobby. We have an account with him.
April 9th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Not much to report. Hope I made the regular employees happy by polishing the Lobby and kitchen floors. I also polished the tables and chairs and the front of the buffet counter. The only real thing I want to say is that I don’t think I like that new powdered dishwasher soap. I followed the directions on the label but a good deal of the dishes came out with a thin white powdery film on the tops of them. I had to basically re-wash about a quarter of a load by hand. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this or was it an isolated incident? curious curious.
April 8th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
FOOD
We got our first order from Tom today. Did I mention his fantastic prices? Wow. I ordered yogurt, fruit, jam, granola & toast for the weekend from him and put up an ordering schedule in the kitchen. He doesn’t have a minimum order and often has a small inventory in his large cooler on the island. I will do the ordering for now, but please call him if I’m not here and we are out of something, he might just have it.
SPEIDEN
Our lovely guests in the Speiden got woken up at 1AM from King’s noise (sounded like restocking to them). I upgraded them and they are happy as clams, vowed not to leave their room for the rest of their stay:)
HOMEPORT
Left another message. Please let me know when they call back.
The cherry trees down by the water are blooming. Popeye splashed us with water yesterday, while we were buying fish at the dock (she looks like she is getting enough to eat). It’s Spring!
April 6th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
THANKS DANI! The lobby looks great!
There isn’t much cream or milk left and I don’t know when we will be getting a shipment in. There should be enough for tomorrow at least.
I never heard back from the lady that e-mailed, I tried calling her back but no answer again. Maybe try her again tomorrow?
April 6th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I found the bike lock key.
April 6th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I swept and mopped, and wiped/dusted everything in the lobby. I also swept and mopped the kitchen and behind the desk as well as vacuumed the backroom. Everything is shiny and beautiful, just like the weather.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:54 am
I can’t find the bike lock key!!! I’ve looked everywhere. Does anyone know where it is hiding? I have guests who want to take bike out! AAAHHHHH!!!
April 5th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
BAINBRIDGE & WHIDBEY
Lock in the Bainbridge is fixed. New keys for Whidbey are made.
LUGGAGE TAGS
We have them, under the desk on your right. Please use them when guests store their luggage with us. More in a labeled box in the back room.
OSHA
There is a new folder in the file cabinet, labeled “Osha”. In it incident reports in case one of us injures herself on the job. Please fill one out in case of injury and let Cindy or I know immediatly.
INVOICES
Please put invoices, agent payment requests, etc. in the safe.
T’is quiet tonight, everybody is out playing.
April 4th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
… wait, there is more.
BAINBRIDGE
The lock mechanism for the entrance door broke, i.e. once you lock the door, you can’t open it again with a regular key (my master does the job). I called Kyle, the locksmith, he will swing by tomorrow and fix that (he knew exactly what I was talking about). Yeah!
April 4th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
WHIDBEY
Kyle, the locksmith, will stop by Monday and will make us 4 more Whidbey keys.
FOOD
I ordered some dairy from Tom for Tuesday delivery, but please go to the store if we run low.
PAPERCUTTER
Donde estas? Does anybody know? It used to live under the back desk. I brought some more rack cards, they just need to be cut. The spa will bring more flyers as soon as they have them.
LOBBY FLOOR
Elena, did Homeport ever call back?
What a gorgeous day. Lot’s of walk-ins, phones very busy, nice.
April 3rd, 2009 at 7:03 pm
I procaf-ed the coffee pump pot/pitchers. They are beautifully clean.
Elena sorry you feel your the only one cleaning. I’m still learning the ropes and what needs to be done, so bear with me…I’m trying. Let me know if there is anything I should be doing of if you need something done. I would love to help!
Nice day here on the Rock. Quiet. 5:00 and none of the 5 check-in are here yet. I guess I would be outside too if I had the option!
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:57 pm
THE LOBBY
PLEASE… the lobby needs to be properly swept and mopped when needed (2-3 times per week with the liquid in the back), the counters need to be wiped down, tables wiped down, glasses shelf dusted, cabinet fronts wiped down (they get really sticky) microwave cleaned inside and out, carafes for coffee and hot water should always be wiped down before getting put out, etc there are endless things to clean and do and they just don’t seem to be getting done, I came back after two days off to a horrible floor with loads of footprints at the entrance and throughout and a huge round sticky spot by the garbage can, it didn’t look like it had been cleaned since Monday. Please I hate to feel like I’m the only one doing these things, especially because the busy season is upon us and we will need to work together to make sure that things look good and go smoothly.
FLOORING
I didn’t see the guys from Home Port flooring in today so I called them and left a message to see if they will get back to us.
COOKIE DOUGH
I didn’t realize how late it was when I started making it, I did manage to get it balled up. It just needs to get put in baggies.
April 1st, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Well, looks like the weather gods misunderstood our prayers. We didn’t really mean more snow and torrential rains. But our guests are troopers, all wrapped up in rain gear, going whale watching, hiking, even biking.
CELL PHONE
We found our front desk phone. Yeah, Edgar!
FOOD
I ordered FSA for Friday and more eggs. Next week, we’ll try something new. I’ll order food from Tom Ashcraft. He uses local (as in Oregon, Washington, BC) purveyors and has his eye on sustainable, organic food to affordable prices (gallon of hormone free milk from Bow, Wa – $2.50, amazing innit?) and he delivers. Who says we can’t have it all?
March 30th, 2009 at 12:44 am
SPIEDEN BATHROOM HEAT:
Doesn’t work, never has…as long as we’ve owned it. We’ve tried to track it down numerous times, all to no avail.
NEWSPAPERS:
What Steffi said.
CLEANLINESS:
Ditto above. This and your amazing smiles and hospitality are what it’s all about!
WALK-INS:
Great work. Keep it up and pray for more good weather.
March 29th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
BAINBRIDGE TV
Seth came by and fixed the tv in the master bedroom temporarily by making it just a regular tv, not HD. Thank you so much! Wrote maintenance slip.
SPEIDEN HEAT
I emailed Cindy to please send electrical Dave over to have a look.
NEWSPAPER
Morning girls, please don’t forget to get a Seattle Times for our guests in the morning.
$$
Please make sure to keep all receipts when you go shopping. We are consistently off by $3 to $10 every time I reconcile cash.
INVOICES
Please put invoices, paid & due, in the safe.
Wow, what a gorgeous day. We had 4 walk-ins, had the doors open all day and couldn’t keep up with making more strawberry lemonade.
March 29th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
SPIEDEN BATHROOM FLOOR
THE heat does not work… that is my understanding and Olga says that it is always, always cold in there no matter how much you adjust the heat.
INTERNET
The internet was really sluggish this morning, and then not working at all for a while, it is fine now.
March 28th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
WESTERN PRINCE
I talked for a long time with Ivan last night about the oddity that everybody charges $75 per person for a whale watch trip this season, but Western Prince charges $76, why, why, why?
Western Prince gives 4% of their profits to salmon restoration organizations. No salmon – no whales – no whale watch tours – no visitors, get it? He said, he thinks he owes that to our environment. I loved him for that.
So, having said all that, he doesn’t want us to go through the trouble of manually changing the whale watch price every time we book with him. We can just leave it at $75.
Western Prince goes out daily at noon.
ISLAND PAPER
When Gerard comes on Monday for the Island Paper order, the filled out form is on the white board in the kitchen. More order forms are behind you on the back desk.
BAINBRIDGE TV SOME MORE
The master bedroom TV is not working again. I got phone counsel from Seth to no avail. He will stop by tomorrow and have a look. The guest thinks it’s the cable from the TV to the box. I think it’s the coaxial cable. Seth?
FOOD’N'THINGS
I’ll order FSA for next Friday (including teas) and will bring some luggage tags from E next week. Until then please go to the store if you need something.
CLEANLINESS
We are getting busier. Please don’t forget to put the garbage & recycling out. Have a look at our side duty list (on white board). Mop the floors, wipe things down, especially the fridges and everything in the lobby. Let’s keep our big white beauty sparkling clean.
Thank you all for your hard work.
March 28th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
LUGGAGE TAGS
I think we will need to order some luggage tags for down here at BR, the season is slowly starting but people are requesting more and more to leave their bags with us.
GROCERIES
Enough for the weekend, we may nee to order some yogurt, grapes etc by this coming Wednesday.
MOVING
Please remember that if you have to move someone from one room to another to make a note somewhere so that housekeeping can do a tidy on the room. This is really important as we are coming up on the busy season.
TONGS
We used to have two sets of small tongs and I can only find one right now. Has anyone spotted the second pair?
March 27th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Never mind!
Seth came by and fixed the T.V in about 20 seconds.
Thanks Seth, your the best!!
March 27th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
The T.V/satellite in the Speiden is not working. It says “no signal” and I have no idea how to fix it. I called Seth and put in a maintenance request.
Hopefully he can fix it.
Thanks!
March 27th, 2009 at 10:14 am
INK
I e-mailed Cindy to order us some more for the printer since I just put the last one in today.
TEA
We need to order more. All we have left are Earl Grey and Moroccan mint, plus what little is left in the basket.
March 26th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Butter and Jam
The individual portions in our small containers. We should probably cover the jams with plastic wrap.
TV channel guide
which will be in our new guest books is in our front desk resource book in case guests have any questions
March 25th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
FSA
I made an order today with Jerry FSA for just a few items.
I’m finishing up the list of channels for Adam and they should be done by tomorrow.
Quiet night guests all in and happy.
March 25th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
YOGA VOUCHER
Adam is creating a new and exciting special soon, involving yoga class add-ons to reservations. New yoga vouchers are in the voucher file with the other current adventure vouchers. Stay tuned for more info!
WESTERN PRINCE
Will have a sailing this Saturday at 1PM and will start to go out on the weekends at noon.
ISLAND CULINARY TOURS
Naoni from Hillside B&B is offering culinary tours this season. There is a 2 hour walking tour for $35 touring local restaurants, bakeries, delis and specialty food shops. And also a 3 hour shuttle bus tour for $50 visiting local farms. She offers a free shuttle tour to farms on 4/3 from 1-4 and a walking tour on 4/4 from 10-noon for us tourist industry professionals. Call her to sign up: 378-4730
March 25th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I went through all the new reservations from today (3.25.09) to the end of December 2009 and did the edit and save thing to fix the wierd $.20 tax thing.
I hope that fixes it.
-Dani
March 24th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Seth fixed ALL the T.Vs in the Bainbridge suite. So there shouldn’t be any more problems.
Thanks Seth!
March 23rd, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Just an FYI~
When you are booking a whale watch, the price that is in the system is good for all operators except for Western Prince they are $76.00 per person instead of $75.00. So if you choose to book with them remember to increase the rate in the reservation you are making.. Please leave the default rate as it is though.
Thanks,
March 23rd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Lobby floor:
Jerry with Homeport flooring is going to come by on Wednesday to check the “wavy” floor by the front entry. It may be that we just have to live with it because the underlying floor is so uneven (the building is over 100 years old). But, they will still take a look at it. They wanted to stress again about keeping the temperature not above 70. The deal is that to keep the whole lobby at 70 (which is what the thermostat is trying to do) the floor has to be close to 100 in the colder months. I’m thinking that next winter, we may want to get a space heater by the front desk to keep your sweet little feet warm…
March 23rd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Happy Birthday Steffi….I hope you have a great birthday…
Happy Monday to everyone else…
Remember not to just blog maintenance requests but to write them out for Seth also…
Thanks,
Cindy
March 22nd, 2009 at 10:23 pm
BAINBRIDGE TV
Wrote maintenance request. Guest is fine with “only” 2 working TV’s.
FOOD’N THINGS
Elena, will you let Dani know about our jam & butter serving innovations, please?
Got eggs, ordered coffee, made cookie dough.
Can you guys do FSA on Thursday, maybe do it together, so Dani can learn it?
Thank you, Soco, for singing the longest and most beautiful, but very long Mexican birthday song for me today. I loved it!
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
BAINBRIDGE REMOTE
The TV and remote in the king bedroom are not working when I turn the TV on a big white screen appears with a big black block to the bottom right of the screen. It looks like the guests tried to fix it themselves and had taken the card out of the front of the console. I will keep trying to figure it out.
March 21st, 2009 at 7:31 pm
LOBBY FLOOR
Laura & Cindy will tackle the issues with the lobby floor on Monday.
LOBBY SOME MORE
Let’s keep her clean! Please wipe counter, tables & sweep/mop floor, especially after breakfast and at the end of the day. Dust the shelves, make sure the glassware is polished, don’t forget the fridge & the microwave. It’s the first impression our guests have, let’s make it an immaculate one!
BODY CARE LABELS
Please let Raquel know, that Laura printed out some more labels for our body care products. I put them in Raquel’s box next to the safe.
What a gorgeous day. Yeah, rain shadow!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
NEWSPAPER
Beautiful Laura would like us to get 2 copies of the Seattle Times every morning. Subscriptions are not available here, unfortunately. So please run over to Kings as soon as you can in the morning or pick them up on your way to work. Thank you.
ROOM SERVICE
We had our first room service here at BR today. I didn’t charge the guest the 15% delivery fee, since we don’t have this written down anywhere yet.
So here is how it works:
1) The Back Door kitchen staff will call us and tell us that one of our guests ordered room service. Make sure you ask which room & what items where ordered.
2) Set up a tray with plates, silverware, wine glasses if applicable, etc.
3) Pick up the food at the Back Door Kitchen and two copies of the invoice.
4) Bring food (in boxes, don’t plate it) on tray, invoices and pen to guest room.
5) Have guest sign one of the invoices, give him the other one.
6)Apply charges to room and charge guest’s credit card (unless they paid cash).
Adam is working on our guest room directories. Once we have them, all guests will find a menu and a “how to order room service” sheet in their room. Once that is in place, charge the guest for the food plus 15% delivery charge.
7) Write confirmation number on signed guest invoice, put in an envelope, write “Back Door Kitchen” on it and put in safe.
Ask me if you have any questions. There might be times when it gets a little hectic, picking up food, checking people in etc. Make sure you let all guests know what’s going on, give the food a bit of priority, since it’s perishable.
Can we do this? Yes, we can!
March 20th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Hot water is fixed. YEA!
March 18th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
GROCERIES (FSA)
I placed an order via phone with Jerry today. I ordered what I think will get us through another week or so based on the bookings we have for now. The list of what I ordered is in your box Steffi.
HOT WATER.
This is my second blog (I think) about the hot water troubles. A lot of guests have been complaining about not being able to get hot water even when we are not busy and no one else is using hot tubs or showers. Can we please, please get this looked at by Rob maybe, or Seth? It is urgent since last night the people in the Lopez could only get barely warm water to fill their tub with.
March 15th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
FOOD
Elena will put in a FSA order for Friday and will ask the rep to check in with us on Thursdays for a Friday delivery for now. Let’s keep our white board current with things we need and blog about what we ordered.
EGGS
I got a whole bunch of eggs from Chris (they went like hot cakes this weekend). Please use (cook) in order (next cook box 2, then box 3, then box 4) etc.
Also please keep the egg cartons for Chris (on top of fridge)
CHRIS
It’s all about her. She is fantastic and we love her! She is gardening up a storm this summer and is in need of cardboard and newspaper to prepare her beds. Give her a ring, when we get in a food order or large appliances or so, she will pick up recyclables.
But wait, that’s not all. Chris will guest star with us this Thursday. Dani, will you show her at shift change how we set up the breakfast buffet, please? That’s new from the last time Chris worked.
NATURE
When driving to work this morning I saw a couple of bald eagles taking apart a medium sized mammal (yum), like 3 feet from my car. Every time I see eagles so close I’m amazed by these majestic creatures. They are huge and gorgeous. We are so blessed being able to live here.
MOST THOUGHTFUL GUEST OF THE WEEKEND
The most thoughtful guest of the weekend award goes to Andre, who left me not one but two “Der Spiegel” magazines, kind of a German version of the New Yorker. Thank you so much, you made my week!
March 15th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
THIEF!
Just a heads up to everyone, we recently learned from the police that there are some very determined thieves currently on the loose. It seems they have managed to break into a couple of cars and houses already. SO… everybody lock your cars and please make sure that the back kitchen door (it was unlocked this morning) and all balcony doors are well locked. Also check that any ground floor windows are also locked.
March 14th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
ISLAND PAPER
dropped off an easy order form for us. It hangs on the pin board in the kitchen. Please indicate on the form what we might need (for us front deskers: office supplies). Their Rep comes Tuesdays.
GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Now that we are open all week again, please bring the garbage and recycling to the curb (West Street).
SUNDAY: recycling for Monday pick up.
MONDAY & THURSDAY: garbage (not more than 2 cans) for Tuesday & Friday pick up, respectively.
INTERNET
went down island wide right in the middle of a ferry rush. Thank you, super patient and wonderful guests for your understanding. Thank you, Morgan, for grabbing your lap top, connecting it to the back up internet up at E and helping me out. Let’s all get in the habit of printing out today’s check-ins in the morning, when we print the housekeeping reports!
BIG BANG
shock the house when the wind picked up. One of the rope lights on top of the roof came loose and slammed against the building. Amazing Seth came by and took it down. We should take all of them down. Seth, thank you so much for all you do, especially coming by Saturday nights for emergency calls. You rock!
We are almost sold out and once again blessed with the nicest vacationers. Yeah!
March 11th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Well the guest in the Fidalgo canceled after being here for 30min. Apparently worked called him away. He said he liked the room though. I checked the room and everything is fine. He said all he did was set his bag down and then leave. So that’s why it’s not on the housekeeping report. That’s about it. Just the Marrowstone and the Orcas for breakfast. I hope I set everything up right for you Danni. Have a good one.
March 8th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
SCHEDULE
Just to keep us all on our toes I remade the current schedule. Dani will put it up tomorrow. Please have a look, thank you all so much for your flexibility.
March 8th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Hey Elena,
I see you point, with the jam & butter, but don’t like the idea of the garbage the individually wrapped items would entail. How about utilizing our little individual bowls and displaying them in an ice bowl? Let’s try that and see how that goes!
Thanks for all your hard work. Your chocolate covered strawberries were such a hit. Your reorganizing of the kitchen is excellent. Thank you.
March 8th, 2009 at 11:43 am
**Spring Forward!**
I changed the times on all the clocks in the rooms.
Jam and Butter
I had a guest make a very valid point today that I have been considering for some time now. The way that our jam and butter are set out right now are not very sanitary. You have on any given busy morning as many as 30 or more people dipping their spoons and knives into the same bowl of Jam and butter dish. It is always messy with plenty of crumbs making their way into both containers. Could we consider getting individually packaged butter and jam?
March 7th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
We lent the spare ipod radio/clock to the nice couple in the Marrowstone. Make sure to put it back in the back room after they check out.
Don’t forget….
DAY LIGHT SAVINGS…SPRING AHEAD!!
Steffi already changed the clock behind the desk and on the oven.
Please Make sure before you lock the hotel tomorrow that you change the clocks in all the rooms. Thank you! D and S
March 6th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
The art in the Skipjack and in the San Juan is fixed and back up.
Jerry with FSA is coming on Monday after 1 with yogurt.
HI everyone my name is Dani and I’m new.
March 5th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
SCHEDULE
revised schedule is up. Please look closely.
FOOD
FSA order will come tomorrow, Friday.
March 1st, 2009 at 4:35 pm
THE KITCHEN
It is all re-organized with labels were things should go, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE lets try to keep it this nice as long as possible. I moved all the things that we won’t be using any more to the top shelves and moved trays and ice buckets, bowls, dishes to the shelves above the mini fridge for easy access during busy breakfasts.
Romance package buckets and trays need to be polished I will ask Raquel if she can get us something to polish them with.
LOBBY FLOORING
As I was cleaning the floor today I noticed that the wood boards are coming apart and there is a big crack down the center off the lobby floor and you can see splitting in other parts as well.
February 28th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
SAN JUAN BATHROOM
Will need to be cleaned tomorrow. Our guests in the Matia wanted to take a bath, but there is no drain stopper in the common bathroom, so I let them use the San Juan tub.
February 28th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
MARROWSTONE I-POD RADIO
The Marrowstone guests wanted an i-pod docking radio. I gave them our spare. Please make sure to put the spare back into the box when they check out.
FRIDGE
Seems to be working fine. Thank you, Elena, for defrosting that.
SUCCIA HEAT
3 days on high, 3 days in the off position and 2 days in the middle didn’t make any difference in temperature. I left it in the middle. Waiting for Dave for further instructions.
SKIPJACK ART
Cindy, Laura & I are working on a way to fix that. Stay tuned.
February 27th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Hello there:)
Dave will be down later today to check on the Sucia. But remember the best thing to do when a room is not getting warm is not to turn it down but to call Dave. He is pretty presistent about not ever turning the heat off, because when he comes to check it now, it will have been off and blah blah, so for the future just fyi.. Thanks….
Black Hair, Please save these details for an email. It would be better served emailing Laura and I directly right away.. THANKS…..
Elena, I will check with Laura on the Via Motif order, I think those all sound like great choices.
Dani Rand is our newest employee she is Dave the sign company guys daughter. Welcome Dani….
Please email me the update on the refrigerator as soon as possible in case we need to replace it, by chance is this the new one we got a about a year ago? If so then it may be on warranty..
Have a great Friday..
February 22nd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Thank you, Elena.
I wonder if we have a dying fridge? Well, let’s defrost and then we’ll keep a close eye on the temperature.
SUCIA HEAT
So after 24 hours at 90, the room was icy cold. Turned the heat off now, let’s see what that does.
February 22nd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
**REFRIGERATOR**
I put a rag there top soak it up for now but if we could get someone to take a look at it before we open that would be great.
I took everything out that I could to let it defrost while we are closed but…I noticed this morning that there is water leaking out of the bottom
February 21st, 2009 at 1:10 pm
**Little Black Hairs**
As I was walking through the hotel opening up rooms today I noticed that one of the beds had a few little black hairs I picked them off but I asked the girls if they had noticed them, and asked that they be more careful. They then showed me something very unnerving the upstairs laundry room has little black hair that has made its was into the carpet and the machines. Despite their best efforts the hairs are stuck in the rubber surrounds of the washing machines and the lint screens of the dryers. The have run the machine with just water, cleaned it out with rags even vacuumed it and still no luck. They say that they are having to pick the hairs off the sheets, pillow cases, towels and bathrobes as they fold and iron them. The issue seems to only be upstairs which is even stranger. Does anyone know where these little black hairs could be coming from? The girls said they will do their very best to make sure the hairs don’t make it into any beds but, I shutter to think what would happen if a guest slipped into a bed with hair.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:43 am
BREAKFAST BUFFET STYLE
OK so everything went pretty well though there are some things which need to be fine tuned and some items which if it is at all possible could be purchased… Don’t worry its not a lot.
1… Some sort of Bamboo table runner for the counter so it looks more cohesive Via motif has a great Palm wood one that is 13″x60″ perfect for our counter
2… A smaller coffee tray? Again Via Motif has a great one that is only 16″x16″
3… this is the last one… Via Motif has a couple of great baskets (for scones and toast) and a stand that would really help us get the most out of the counter space we have.and a silverware holder that doesn’t take up so much space.
Other than that the pitchers we have are fine, the big bowls we used for yogurt before are great, the big white platters we have will work for fruit.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
RANDOM OTHER THOUGHTS (WORK RELATED)
We won’t stock soy milk and plain yogurt on a regular basis anymore. We will buy soy milk as a special request. We will buy plain yogurt when we order large amounts of food, but won’t buy it retail if we are out for a couple of days.
Our freezer needs defrosting. I think we have to do the entire fridge. Elena, can you move everything into the little fridge on Sunday and defrost the guy, please?
February 20th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
BREAKFAST BUFFET
Today is the day we go back to serving breakfast buffet style. I put stuff (cereals, butter, jam, milk, OJ, plates, buss tray, etc.) together tonight. Elena, let me know how that worked, what we need to fine tune.
Also: very important: if our guests saw on Trip Advisor or our Rack cards that we serve breakfast in the room and they had their heart set on it, by all means: YES, WE CAN. Have them fill out a breakfast form (they are behind you by the beach cruiser release forms) and let the morning person know via blog.
SCHEDULE
New schedule is up.
SUCIA
I’m experimenting with the Sucia heat (it is still ice cold in there). So I turned it to 90, don’t touch, let’s see how that feels tomorrow.
I let Seth know about the Speiden blinds. Don’t know how to deal with the art next to the Skipjack. I took it down. Laura, bring it to a framer?
February 16th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Alright Morgan I forgive you (it was the puppy eyes)… really it wasn’t a big deal, we managed.
R.I.P
The art work to the left of the skipjack door had one of the corners cracked in a very noticeable way. I left it for now but is there something we can replace it with?
Maintenance request***
The chords on the blinds in the Spieden somehow came out of the little slot.
All else calm and ok.-:)
February 16th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Ah crud on a stick. Sorry Elena I totally spaced the silverware thing. So many folks were coming and going and needing things. I feel bad. Can you forgive me? *puppy eyes* Drop it off up here and I’ll roll it during my shift at EB.
February 16th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Yes, everything was fine this morning except that the silverware wasn’t rolled. Sorry for not coming up last night but I was in horrible pain with a thumb about three times it normal size after having slammed my car door on it. I’m much better today.
MATIA ESPRESSO MACHINE: I was able to fix it and put it back in the room
February 16th, 2009 at 6:26 am
Well hello strange new blog. Well for one of my rare cover shifts I hope I did ok. Had a few walk-ins. I prepped what I was told and with Elena’s over-the-phone guidance, I made an early departure brekkie for a guest. I hope the after-hours check-in got in ok and didn’t have to wake up Elena. How’s your thumb by the way? Well that’s about it. Hope I didn’t screw up too badly.
P.S. Elena, don’t forget to turn up the phone ringer. Thanks!
February 15th, 2009 at 12:21 am
Great night, all went smooth.
ESPRESSO MAKER
The espresso maker from the Matia broke. Elena, can you try to play your magic on it and if that doesn’t work, can you send it back on Tuesday? Please blog about. For now there is a drip coffee maker in the room.
SUCIA
Couldn’t get that room warm. Gave guest a space heater.
And that was really all the bad stuff. Tons of super nice happy guests. Ahh, the love… or was it Elena’s amazing cookie dough?
Happy rest of the weekend everybody. Call me at home if you need something.
February 13th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Hey Elena,
I hope you feel better today, or excellent actually!
SHAW
We had a bit of a mishap (ask Olga or I). The Shaw will be an early check in. Please go up and tidy the room first thing tomorrow.
ROMANCE
We have 2 Romance packages, see WRP.
COOKIES
Can you please start a cookie dough for me? My cookies are just never as tasty as yours and tomorrow they should be super good:)
RESTAURANTS
All restaurants in town are sold out. Vinny’s agreed to cook take-out for our guests. I will hop over and get it for them. Offer that to guests who don’t have reservations.
See you soon.
February 8th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Morning Elena:)
SAN JUAN DIRTY
Please clean the San Juan Suite for today’s arrival (as per your Mama).
FOOD
Don’t forget we’ll get a big food order on Friday.
Only buy food for the next couple of days. You have $20 in petty, if you need more, please get check from Cindy.
MAINTENANCE
Seth will have look at the shower in bath 1 and the bainbridge TV. Can you ask him to please bring the cushions for the outdoor furniture from storage and put them out before the weekend?
BREAKFAST
Orosco will be your fellow breakfast warrior this Sunday. After that we’ll go back to serving breakfast buffet style. Let’s talk about this on Saturday.
ALARMS
We are starting to get reservations and adventure/massage requests for the summer (yippieh ya ye). I would like us to start including the arrival date when we create an alarm, as in: book massage for 7/31/09 arrival. We would set an alarm like that for the beginning of July, but then, when we glance at the alarms in a hurry, we know, we don’t have to deal with booking this right this moment. Does this make sense?
Have a great week. I’ll see you on Saturday.
February 7th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
The shared bath number 1 is leaking worse than ever we can’t get it to stop at all and the shower has a white ring all around because of the constant dripping, Olga says that it is also leaking out of the handles (Hmmmm… sounds familiar) Can we please look into this?
February 6th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
TV’s
Seth fixed the Cypress TV. I checked on the Bainbridge bedroom TV today and it needs some kind of programming. I’ll make sure we deal with that before next week.
EMPLOYEE SHOWER
Olga and I moved all the boxes out of the shower and ran some water and a hint of bleach through there. Smells fabulous now. We need to do that every week or so.
GARBAGE
Seth took all the garbage and built a roof over the bins, nice! Thank you.
FSA
I placed an order for Friday 2/13 for our big love & presidents weekend. It’ll come before I get here at 1. I’ll make sure somebody (Olga?) will be here to receive the order.
Lot’s of phone reservations today. Got some inquiries for this weekend and had them all stay at EB.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
SCHEDULE 2-9 to 2-22-09
is up. Please look closely, as always:)
PHONES
Please make sure you forward the phones to Earthbox when you close the hotel for a couple of days.
January 31st, 2009 at 7:45 pm
SCHEDULE
We had to make some schedule changes and the schedule for Valentine’s week is up. Thank you all for your flexibility these days, we appreciate it!
WHALE WATCHING
Whale watch tour prices will go up to $75 (SJS)/$76 (WP) per adult this summer. I switched the prices in WRP.
Bainbridge bedroom TV
Doesn’t work, Elena & I tried it all. Seth knows.
January 29th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Marrowstone Gate
Scott will have the new hinges in next week…
Blown over fence
Seth and Regino will have the Fence and gate down below finished Friday..
Great job..
January 24th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
DOOR SOME MORE
One of us made a new key for the front door, instead of making a copy, thereby voiding all other keys. Please pay extra special super attention to that, always copy, never new! And I don’t mean that in any kind of philosophical sense.
January 24th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
DOOR (part XXVIIVX)
Yup, we are having issues. Morgan, Seth & I will run some tests, reprogram the keys, call Onity, etc. and we’ll go from there.
CYPRESS TV
Has issues too. No remote will work with it. Seth has a call in to Brian. I blocked out the room through next weekend.
And everything else is issue free here at Bird Rock!
January 24th, 2009 at 11:15 am
THE DOOR…AGAIN
Peoples keys still are not letting them in the front door. all the keys I tested for all the rooms don’t work. Can we please re-program them?
Moved the Cypress people to the San Juan, I know huge upgrade but their TV wasn’t working and they wanted to move only if it was close, and since it was late and we had the availability I just moved them over, so please remember to let housekeeping know next time they come that the Cypress is also dirty.
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
O.K. Looks like we are back in business blog wise. Maybe the blog had a bad day. It happens. We love you, blog!
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Yuchu Elena! Happy shift!
>
> FRONT DOOR
> is fixed for good. Thank you Seth, the amazing.
>
> PRINTER INK
> is in the bag of Bird Rock things I put together in E’s luggage room.
> Can you please put it in the printer and store the extra in the lower
> file cabinet in the back?
>
> EGG SITUATION
> Beautiful Laura bought us hot plates and pots. Please poke hole in
> eggs, put in cold water, bring to boil and let boil for 10 min (uncovered).
> ALSO: let’s ALWAYS unplug the hot plates after use.
>
> Thanks for all the things you do. See you Saturday.
>
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
what?
January 18th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
DOOR
I had Morgan re-initialize the door and now the keys work again. Cindy, can you ask Seth on Monday if he ever replaced the lock, please?
January 18th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I received an all time high number of calls last night from guests whose keys would not let them back in the building. We need to get them re-programmed ASAP.
January 17th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Oh, one more:
we are almost out of ink, so don’t print things other than guest receipts. Cindy ordered some more, will be here Monday.
January 17th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
EGG COOKER
Our egg cooker is no more. We’ll cook eggs at Elena’s or in the San Juan if we don’t have guests and buy something soon.
HEAT
Please don’t forget to leave the heat at 65 in all rooms and please let the Housekeeping Goddesses know.
FERRY SCHEDULES
Morgan brought us some current ferry schedules. Thank you!
NEW BOOKING
There is a reservation in the new booking section. Please don’t process, I’ll deal with it.
And I think that’s it. It’s nice here tonight. The place looks great (thank you, Olga, Raquel & Regino), our guests are lovely and giddy to catch some sun and slack; a brave couple even took the beach cruisers for a spin.
January 16th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
WOW, the 2 weeks have gone by FAST… Welcome back everyone… Here are a few things to get you started..
2. Rack Cards and Business Cards for Earthbox: Business cards will be here by the end of the month, and the rack cards should be done in 30 -45 days (hopefully sooner, I will know more on Wednesday) If someone needs paper information please see Steffi or I.
4. Seth will be in on Monday 1-19-08
5. Tory will be back on the island around the 29th of Jan.
Have a great weekend, and welcome back everyone..
Cindy
January 5th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Jan 5, 2000
Laura and Adam and I are like quiet little mice.. Working away.. Happy 2009 everyone.. I miss you all and we will see some of you on the 16th of Jan..
It is so quite in here
December 31st, 2008 at 9:01 pm
We got her warm, our big white Bird Rock Lady. Thanks for you help, Dave.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
December 30th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
CONGRATULATIONS
We have a very sweet couple staying in the Marrowstone and he proposed to her today at the Cattle Point Light House. Oh, so cute. She said it was so windy, that she didn’t know if the tears came from the wind or from the feelings. The Best from all of us here at Bird Rock!
December 30th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
SAN JUAN – DAVE’S VERDICT
According to Dave everything works fine. But we can not keep turning the temperature up and down in this building and we should not, under no circumstances, ever (he meant it) turn the heat in any room under 65, even if we are closed. I will turn the heat in all rooms to 65 tonight (HK turned the heat off for the season) and we should get locked covers for the thermostats as soon as we can.
December 30th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
SAN JUAN – THE VERDICT
The thermo is not responding, regardless what we do and that’s the truth. Dave knows.
ORCA
Our guests in the Orca will join us for a 3rd night on 1/1/09. Elena will make breakfast on 1/2 (thank you), there will be no desk service.
December 29th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
$$
Cindy will put out the paychecks on Thursday, 1/1/09. I will be in the Earthbox office 9AM to noon. Come and get ‘em! Please don’t deposit before Friday.
December 29th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
SAN JUAN
I have been experimenting with the San Juan heat over the last 3 days, turned it to 80, left it for a day, came back, it was coolish. Turned it to 60, left it for a day, came back, still coolish (feels like 55 in there, no matter what you do). I turned it to 65 (which if the thermo is backwards should be rather warm). Let’s leave it there for the day and see. Also, the San Juan is a very exposed room all the way on the top there. Maybe that’s the entire problem? And yes, Cindy, I think we should cover those up. More on this fascinating topic tomorrow:)
December 29th, 2008 at 10:48 am
SAN JUAN
Elena can you please see if the floor heat thermo was shut down in the SAN JUAN, Dave says if the floor heat thermo is turned down at all, it will take a while for the heat to warm back up in the room. I think we will need to put some sort of cover on these thermostats so that this does not happen.
December 28th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Ah, what a great day. It’s like some kind of ban was lifted. The phone rang a lot, mostly inquiries for March/April/May, made some reservations, had very nice (and very soaked)check-ins. Felt good.
When the rain came down in buckets I had a couple of leaks in the lobby, but only for the duration of the rain.
Elena, do we have some more ink for our printer? We are very low.
Happy Sunday everybody!
December 28th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
FERRY FOR FREE SPECIAL
We have a new special. See the email I wrote or check out http://www.guidetosanjuans.com/index.cfm?action=sji for more details.
December 27th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
SAN JUAN HEAT
I got a call from the guests last night saying that the room just wasn’t heating. So I had to move them to the Bainbridge which I knew would heat up the fastest with the fireplace. It looks like the San Juan is one of the rooms that has the numbers on the thermostat backwards. They are fine and happy now and will stay in the Bainbridge.
December 26th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
ICE MACHINE
Seth Ran the cleaning liquid through it and got the machine nice and clean. It had yucky green stuff in the tubes. Maybe we should set some sort of alarm to do this on a regular basis.
SAN JUAN
Very, very nice couple who have met Adam before, I will put some champagne in the room tomorrow from him.
GROCERIES
Bought enough to get us through the rest of the week. And baked some white chocolate chip, cranberry, granola cookies, just a little experimentation, they turned out good but next time I will put some orange zest and add more cranberries.
Will have one breakfast tomorrow since the Bainbridge rescheduled again due to the weather.
LEAKS…
We had none… can you believe it? Even now that all the snow is melted we haven’t had any leaks and no burst pipes. YAY!!!
All else went very smoothly.
December 17th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I’m so sorry that we had to cancel the Christmas party. I was looking forward to some holiday cheer with all my crazy cohorts. In the absence of that, Adam and I have given you each a little card which is in your box up at Earthbox.
Lots of Love….
December 13th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Schedule
Is up through 1/25/09!
Champagne
We are out. I’ll bring some down from E. I don’t think we need to overstock things right now.
Food
I let the food order ride another week. Brought more petty cash, please go shopping if you need to (doesn’t look like it).
Fidalgo
Breakers keep popping from having a space heater. The breaker for the sink is in the luggage room (thank you Regino, for always being there when we need you, you rock!)
Decalcifying action at BR
Tory did the second floor, so what’s left is: Marrowstone, Whidbey, Saltspring and 3rd floor. Thank you, Tory.
I did my first tidy today. About time after 2 years! Thanks again, Tory, for showing me the chops.
See you all tomorrow, my fellow party animals.
December 12th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
ELENA – Marrowstone guests arrived early. Regino was on the property so he gave them their keys. I talked to the guest and told him I thought you’d have the romance items in the room around 1′ish. I hope that works!
December 8th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
It was a very nice morning, especially with the smell of my experimental brown sugar and cinnamon scones filling the lobby. They were very tasty just 1 tbls to 21/2 cups of scone mix plus about 1/4 of a tsp cinnamon.
CLOSING…
Everything is secure. I will be coming up throughout the week to turn the Christmas lights on and off, I also cleaned out the kitchen fridge, which we should probably start to do every time we close so that the next time someone opens they don’t have to open a refrigerator full of bad fruit, yogurts, milk, etc.
CITRUS
Remember that there are lots of satsumas, oranges, and delicious juicy grapefruits up at Earth box.
THAT’S IT……… I THINK?!
December 7th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Elena,
2 check outs tomorrow and Raquel won’t send in the troops. So if you feel like it, clean them, if not, block them out. Either way, please let your mama know.
Thank you!
December 7th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Decalcifying Espresso Makers
I want to get this done before we close for the season. It is time consuming, but time we got. So: put a 1/4 teaspoon of decalcifyer (under kitchen sink)in water container of espresso maker. Let run until empty, fill back up, repeat, fill back up, repeat, until water runs clear and you can’t detect any detergent in either, water container or hot water coming out of machine. Blog which rooms are done. I did:
LOPEZ, BAINBRIDGE, SPEIDEN
Manual CC Machine
I got us a new one, it is in lower file cabinet, together with cc paper, in case the power goes out.
Ice Machine
Needs service. I’ll let Seth know.
More Romance
Elena, please don’t forget to pick up chocolate for Friday’s Romance package.
Quiet tonight, had one walk-in though.
Happy Nikolaus everybody (tonight the German St Claus either fills your shoes with sweets or beats you with scotch broom, depending on how good you were, ahh, gotta love the Germans)
December 6th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Elena,
the flowers for tomorrow’s romance are in the lobby fridge:)
December 6th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Christmas Lights
Regino fixed the lights, thank you! The icicle lights turn on by plugging in the cord right outside the kitchen door. The balcony lights turn on by plugging in the cord by the guest computer.
The tree looks great. Thanks, Elena!
December 4th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Hey Tory, again!
Jerry will drop off 3 doz eggs Friday afternoon. One of them is for me me me! Please pay him out of petty ($4.50 per doz), I’ll pay petty when I get down there later.
Chris did some serious egg research: the little air sack, which makes the egg easy to peel, only develops after 7 or 8 days after the egg has been laid. So when eggs are too fresh (there is such a thing?) they may be difficult to peel. That’s why I bought a little more, so they can age and we can bake seasonal things with them.
December 4th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Hey Tory,
Steve dropped off the chocolates for Sunday up at Earthbox. I’ll bring them down tomorrow.
Happy shift!
December 1st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I set up everything in the lobby for when the Christmas tree get delivered. This means I didn’t clean the floors very well just swept and they will probably need to be properly cleaned when we re-open.
Outside wreaths
The wreaths are setup so we don’t even have to go outside to turn them on. There are switches inside on the second floor.
I will be in if I get a chance before we re-open to decorate the tree, otherwise it can be left until I work on Saturday morning.
November 28th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Had a little problem with some of the TV’s not getting reception, I checked all of them and about 5 in all not receiving. Seth managed to reset and fix most of them after talking with the tech but the Whidbey and Marrowstone bedrooms only are still not receiving signal, sitting rooms OK though. TV still not back from repairs for Fidalgo sitting room just a reminder when selling it.
Could not find #2 keys, any ideas? I made up a new one for the guests walking in today.
Remember to remind guests about the art and craft fair at the elementary school today and tomorrow, it is really good. Till 5 today and 10-4 tomorrow (SAT)
November 25th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
CHRIS
Never mind about the planter trays. Laura found something perfect, tiles with rubber bottoms. They will be delivered to E and should come shortly.
November 24th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
TORY
Please make something fantastic for Thanksgiving, like a pumpkin pie or pumpkin cookies. Also: if you like, start decorating the lobby Christmassy. I’ll bring decorations down there on Tuesday.
CHRIS
Laura bought some tiles for under the planters. I’ll put them in the luggage room. Can you play around with putting something scratch proof under them, please?
ELENA
Will you be the Christmas decorating queen for us down there, please? You are so good at that.
FUN WRP FACT
If you ever have to look up an older reservation and the system says: not found. Go to the reservation desk – search – set time to be searched (i.E. May 2008 – November 2008), then punch in the name or reservation number, and you’ll find it. Yeah!
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
November 24th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Adam’s parents are in the San Juan, so can you please make sure Raquel knows that it will need to be cleaned on Friday am, we have an arrival on Friday.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone…
November 22nd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
FOOD
I ordered from the food coop and will pick it up on Tuesday. So, Elena, don’t hit me with your big stick when I enter the hotel. And Tory, please make sure there is enough fruit to get through the weekend when you open on Thursday.
Thank you all for your hard work and your flexibility.
Much Love
November 21st, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Friday Morning here. Just reading the blog and there is a website pebblez.com that has natural stone trivets in 6×6 or 12×12 sizes that would look nice under the plants, as long as we choose something smooth and level so they will not rock at all (I am sure similar to the sandstone coasters we have.
I peeled an egg and it actually went pretty easy but I find some difficult at home too. I am wondering if they are so fresh that they cling to the shell. The next time eggs are cooked here next week they will be a week old so may notice a difference. Most eggs are weeks old by the time you get them. They sure are yummy though. And the girls are just so cute and happy to lay them for us!
November 17th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I think it is a great idea to just sell the room Steffi with one TV, hopefully it won’t take to long to have the TV sent back to us, Seth is going to ship it out today.
I am not sure where the manual cc machine is, BUT you could probable go to Wells Fargo and ask for another one, it is good to have one for when the power goes out..
Laura, my posting went all the way to the bottom when I clicked on POST, thank you so much for fixing that.
Steffi, Laura is working on getting some tile for the bottom of the flower boxes to help with the leaking, LAURA where are you at with that?
Thursday, Tere is leaving, those of you that would like to join Raquel,Tere and friends at Downriggers on Wednesday night at 6PM they would love to have you, it will be dutch treat..
Happy Monday.
Happy Monday,
November 16th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
EGGS – CHRIS
The new eggs are really hard to peel. Did you have the same experience when you did a test egg? Maybe we can experiment with cooking techniques?
PLANTS – LAURA
What do you think we should do with the gorgeous planters leaking onto the furniture?
CC MASHINE – ANYBODY/EVERYBODY
Does anybody know where are manual cc machine is?
FIDALGO TV – SETH
Seth will take the front room Fidalgo TV tomorrow and send it back. I think we should just go with one TV in there until we get a replacement and call upcoming reservations about it. Laura, Cindy?
MARROWSTONE GATE
It’s swollen and doesn’t close. Guests can’t lock it for privacy. I’ll ask Seth for ideas.
I think that’s all. Happy upcoming week everybody!
November 15th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
FOOD COOP
I won’t be ordering food for this week. Please go to the store if we need something. I’ll put in a large order next week.
SCHEDULE
Is up. K & T, please look at the fine print for 11/26 & 11/27. Thank you guys.
November 14th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
KAITLYN:
Your frames are here at Earthbox in my office.
November 13th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
The Flat Screen in the Spieden is working again. Spa guy just stopped by and took care of a few things. Chlorine way low and filter clogged. Also the gate to the Marrowstone is in need of some attention. I don’t really know what the problem is. But I did fill out a maintenance slip for Seth.
November 10th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Yeah, we are back in business.
TORY
Please pick up the food coop order on Wednesday, pretty much right when you get there (get order list from fridge, get check from Cindy). Also, please go fruit shopping for the weekend at MP, don’t forget green apples. Thank you. See you Thursday.
November 8th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
ROTATE
We had a whole bunch of yogurts and a milk expire today, because when we stocked, we didn’t rotate the dairy. When you put away a food order, please always move the old stuff to the front and the new stuff in the back. Otherwise it’s waste we don’t believe in!
I-POD RADIO
I lend our spare i-pod radio to our guests in the Marrowstone (they have a CD player as a clock). Please make sure you’ll get it back and put it back in the box. Very important are the 3 different size i-pod adapters. Make sure you got them.
MANUAL CC MACHINE
Done estas? Anybody?
Lot’s of walk-ins tonight, got only 3 rooms left, yiepiehh!
November 7th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
ELENA
Happy Birthday, Sweety! Have a grand time in the big city and party your pants off!
OPENING
When opening the hotel after our midweek closure, please be there at 10:30, so we can check in guests coming from the 10:40 ferry. Also: I will call guests checking in on those days with our office hours (like next Wednesday, Tory will open at 1, guests have been called).
REVIEWS
Please read email regarding reviews over the next couple of weeks. Be afraid, be very afraid. No, I’m just kidding. We love you!
November 6th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Schedule
I have had to make some schedule changes with the upcoming weeks so please everyone make sure you check the schedules. Tory will you please check with me about something new for next week.:)
I will be sending out a updated schedule later today for next week, so stand by…
Happy Thursday
November 5th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Your resident burglar here. I was just stopping by to check a few things out at BR. Sorry to worry you, Elena!
November 5th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
the Pitter patter of a burglar?
You may not believe this but I can hear just about everything that goes on upstairs from my apartment especially when we are closed.So if you are going to be stopping by for an after hours visit an advanced warning wouldn’t be a bad idea otherwise I get worried and I’m forced to arm myself with a stick and go upstairs to check out whats going on. (Steffi has first hand experience with this ha ha)Joking but seriously I get sort of worried that we are being robbed sometimes.
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Just a note…
I had to say no but they weren’t too happy, so I had to give them till noon.
A lot of guests lately are confused or don’t know what our check-out time is, it happened again today at 11am one of our guests came down and wanted to know what time check-out was. When I told him, he asked to check-out at 1:00
November 1st, 2008 at 9:22 pm
DOOR BLOCKING
Elena agreed to take on the blocking and unblocking of the door, so when Chris reopens the hotel, she doesn’t have to crawl over the gate, dig a tunnel under the hotel and enter through the sewer. Simply use your key card and get in. Thank you, Elena.
TORY
Please don’t forget to turn all the clocks back an hour tonight. We get to sleep an extra hour, yeah!
Outsourced
Is the movie we saw last night. Really quaint little independent movie from a Seattle film maker. So this guy in Seattle works as a phone salesman for kitschi Americana items (porcelain eagles and such). His job gets outsourced to India. Before getting laid off he needs to go to India to train his replacement. The guy he is training hands him his card, reading: future call center manager and there is a cow in the half built office. It’s a really touching movie about the global economic situation, being a stranger and that we are all just people. It got Bollywood music, a love story and I laughed out loud a bunch.
October 31st, 2008 at 9:08 pm
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
New schedule is up.
More rack sheets and breakfast forms made.
Chris: Food Coop order for Wednesday is on fridge, please get check from Cindy.
This message was brought to you by Steffi, the Customer Service Manager.
October 31st, 2008 at 3:07 pm
last one for today…
the construction schedule is “supposed to be” mon-thurs. starting sometime around 7am. i have made the phone calls for this week to guests.
October 31st, 2008 at 11:49 am
don’t forget to clean out the egg cooker RIGHT after your done. the brown stuff comes right off if you do it while its fresh. (there was yucky on it when i tried to cook eggs today….ewwwie.)
also…looks like we are having some issues with the mini fridge. (the door not closing and the base is off kilter…so the cooked eggs are in the big fridge marked COOKED EGGS on the carton.
cheers!
October 31st, 2008 at 10:56 am
don’t for get to open the e-mail… ha ha ha. we had a bunch of stuff in there from over the week.
cheers!
October 31st, 2008 at 10:15 am
just a shinanigans note cause i haven’t seen this much weird stuff in a while.
so…the breakfast people are still hoping for all that closing help we usually get with breakfast prep…since our schedule has changed to 7:30 arrival…
we were wayyy low on orange juice…i had enough to fill one carafe and had to make more….
dirty cutting knives in the drawer…
frosting uncovered and with forks sticking out in the fridge…(some cookie fun??)
eggs left out on the counter…
night manager signs not put out in window or desk for guests…
printer had no paper…(we need some in there always for faxes)
and if there are groceries that we need to get…please don’t leave it for the morning person. there just isn’t any time. sorry…
don’t forget to leave some half and half covered in the fridge for guests who make yummy coffee in their rooms.
thanks!!
October 30th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
PHONE FORWARDING
Tory and I had a phone forwarding test party and here is what we found out: if you forward BR’s phones to the 5800 number and E doesn’t pick up, it goes to E’s voice mail. Utterly useless for our guests. But: if you forward BR’s phones to the 4000 number the call center picks it up. So on Mondays, please forward the phones to the 4000.
FRONT DOOR
Also on Mondays we’ll need to block the front door, not just lock it. Cindy made us labeled blocking & unblocking cards, which are in the top drawer of the safe. So when we close: block the door, put blocking key back in safe, leave through front door. When we reopen: either enter through the kitchen with your master key or pick up a unblocking card from E. Ask me if this is confusing. I think it is.
Much love.
October 30th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
PEER REVIEWS
Please don’t forget to submit your peer reviews & employee surveys by tomorrow (put in sealed envelope in E’s safe with Laura’s name on it). We will conduct employee reviews starting in a couple of weeks, yeah.
Also: VOTE!
I am Steffi, and I approve this message.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Dishes
The dishes in the back room, were dishes that Raquel and I thought may work for the breakfast service, after we received them Laura and I think they look to cheap, the bowls look like plastic. I will talk to Gerard today.
October 27th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Elena, thanks for taking care of everything down there. I would like for you to turn the outside lights on at night and turn them off in the morning. That would be great! Thank you.
October 27th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
WALK INS
Here is what beautiful Laura says about walk ins on Sundays or Mondays: if a guest stays on a night we won’t be open the following morning, we will leave a light breakfast in the lobby fridge, inform the guest that there will be no counter service in the morning and give a $15 discount for the inconvenience. Then we’ll call Elena to lock the building after the guest checks out and leave a note for Olga to clean the room when we reopen. Makes sense?
PHONES
Elegant Elena forwarded the phones to E for the next 3 days. So when the 5800 number rings, please answer: “All kind of hotels with various names, this is…, how can I help you” Kidding, of course:)
October 27th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
CLOSED
We are officially closed all the doors are locked lights are all off for now, I will come up before I go down to the restaurant and turn on just the hall lights and maybe a couple of the lobby lights just so it doesn’t look so dead,
Laura do you want some of the outside lights on at night? I can come up in the morning and turn them off. I did a nice deep clean on everything swept behind the refrigerators and in the lobby to make it less enticing for mice or rats in the winter days we are closed.
I Put up a sign on the door saying we are closed and will re-open on Thursday, left the front desk cell on it too in case of emergencies, referred them up to Earth box while we are closed etc.
All heaters are off and the phones are forwarded to Earth box for now.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I meant front room TV:)
October 26th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
FIDALGO
The bedroom TV is doing the flickering again, microwave is not in use. I really think there is something wrong with the unit. I will confer with Seth tomorrow. Maybe we should send the unit back, what do you all think?
October 26th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
KEYS
Morgan & I remade all the keys with the new E cards. Elena, can you please switch the 4 which are out tomorrow? I’ll leave them on the desk.
DISHES IN LUGGAGE ROOM
What are they for? Where are they from? What do they want?
DEADBOLT BETWEEN LOPEZ & BAINBRIDGE
Our deadbolt key doesn’t open that door. Does anybody know how to open that?
MID WEEK CLOSING
Don’t forget the new office hours starting tomorrow. Please forward the phones (to Front Line or E, Cindy, Laura?), make sure the food (i.e. nothing on the counter) and the building is secured.
WALK INS
One thing we haven’t discussed at our meeting: if I had a walk-in tonight, wanting to stay 2 nights, at what point would we remain open, one deluxe room, 2 rooms?
Happy sunny Sunday, everybody!
October 25th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
PARKING
One of our guests got 3, I kid you not, 3 parking tickets today. He was so upset and rightfully so. I offered to split the cost with him, but he would prefer if we bought a sign for the front desk.
This is another one of those things we need to explain at check-in: the espresso makers, the earplugs, the remotes, the beds and the parking, every time. It is no fun to come back from a day out and about on our beautiful island and then see all those tickets on your car.
FLOWERS
Just a reminder: A bouquet of flowers costs $55 to our guests. Please charge accordingly and quote the correct price. I won’t charge the difference to our guests in the San Juan, just for the future.
PATOS
I don’t have a breakfast form for them (stay-over), was there one this morning?
CYPRESS
Has no I-pod radio and was hoping for one. Do we have spares? Can we order another one?
Gorgeous day out there. I love our red leaf maple and the weeping willow. It’s like autumn in pot.
October 25th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
FOOD COOP WEDNESDAY
I will not do a food coop order this week. Please go to the store if you need something. Dankeschoen!
October 25th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
BIKES
We had more usage this morning than normal which is why I realized we should probably be checking them more often for issues, we had a loose set of handle bars, flat tires etc. this morning. In fact one of our guests was nice enough that they bought something to tighten the handlebars with and left it for us to use in the future.
OUR STUFF
Our guest in the Orcas said she has really been enjoying our towels, linens, shampoos, etc. and wanted to know if they are for sale. I told her Steffi would be here later and that she could make up a list of what we carry and let her know if we could sell any of the products.
Rez. #1340345
Stayed with us and thinks she may have left something behind I have her number and am just waiting to hear back from housekeeping.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
i couldn’t find the toilet plunger this evening so steffi brought us one from elements. THANKS. its up in the second floor housekeeping.
some breakfast forms were not turned in. they may be on the desk in the morning….sorry. i try to tell folks to have them in by 9pm.
marrowstone does not want housekeeping on saturday. thanks.
October 24th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
THANK YOU!
Thank you all for coming to the meeting. Your participation in these meetings is so vital to our organization. I really appreciate it. Not to mention what you do every single day…
I have a special thanks to Steffi and Cindy for holding down the fort this summer. You guys are champs!
LOTS of love and gratitude,
Laura
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:12 am
Just a heads up to all.
I got a call from the call center last night that a lady had called in concerned for her friend (in the Lopez). Apparently she and her husband are having some very big marital problems and she had not answered her phone all day. Anyways I came up and knocked on their door and got no answer twice, so I ended up calling the friend back and she told me that the husband had left her here and that she had just talked to her friend, why did I write this long winded story? I had two breakfasts…slow and just in case she may want to leave a day early we all know why and can maybe not make this harder than it probably already is for her.
October 21st, 2008 at 2:08 pm
attention attention…the gardeners said that the flowers from the san juan balcony could use some water about every three or four days…while we still have stuff planted up there. and also there are some plants in the speiden on the little deck that are under the eve that do not get water as well. thanks!
October 20th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
LOTION STICKERS: I ordered new stickers and they will be a arriving in a week or so.
BLOG: I think why some comments are awaiting moderation is that whenever a new name is used, the system requires me to moderate the comment. So, an example would be how Elena wrote her name differently and Steffi put Esteffi. Just something to keep in mind… If you use the same name that you have always been using, it should work just fine. If not, please let me know.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:19 am
seth came by and thinks that perhaps the tv flickers in the fidalgo when the microwave is on at the same time as the tv. also….no idea why the water did the thing it did. because….if there is no hot water in one room on the ground floor…there would be no hot water in all the rooms on the ground floor. they all feed off the same tank. the sink and the shower feed off the same tank (same pipes) as well.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
FIDALGO FRONT ROOM TV
Several guests noticed flickering. Seth checked it out a week ago, no flickering. I checked it out today, no flickering. Does anybody have any idea what that could be?
October 19th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
MARROWSTONE
I took care of the guest, see WRP.
WATER ISSUES & FIRE ALARM
Seth is informed and will get with Cindy tomorrow to discuss where we go from here.
AUTO LOG OUT WRP
I took off the auto log out feature for all of us. As Cindy mentioned to me, this is a great feature in the summer when we have lot’s of people working at the same time, but when you are the only one, it’s just annoying. Please make sure you log in as you at shift change.
NAPKIN RING PAPER THINGELY DINGELIES
I ordered some from Gerard, so our rolled silverware stops falling apart. Maybe next season we can get them imprinted with our logo.
FRUIT
I will not order any more cases of fruit. Please keep your eyes out for what we need and do a MP run towards each weekend.
FOOD COOP
Elena & Chris, don’t forget to pick up our food on Wednesday.
SALT & PEPPER
I washed the glass s+p shakers, please refill in the morning.
I just used the new Seventh Generation furniture polish, yummy, it smells so good I want to eat it!
October 19th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Marrowstone:
Well sorry to say that the couple in the Marrowstone was not too thrilled with their stay. Not only because of the fire alarm situation, but they weren’t able to get hot water in their shower, they could hear people talking at the bar across the street etc. I told them that I would talk to the manager and see if we couldn’t figure out something nice to make up for their rotten stay with us.
ON a similar note the folks in the Speiden said that they couldn’t get hot water out of the shower but they could get it out of the sink, I have had people mention this before but primarily on the 1st floor maybe something we need to have checked out?
October 17th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Cleaning Supplies
I am having Tory remove all non eco friendly cleaning products from the property. Please do not use anything UNLESS it is an organic product.
THANKS, THANKS, THANKS…
October 15th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Well, that was my check in last night and I did spend a lot of time with them, they were a very sweet couple, but obviously not enough instruction. Tonight I have taken two walk ins and have given all the check ins the techno-poop for every little thing they may want to work. Should be fine. It does go to show that the one you don’t clearly orientate will of course have dificulties. And I know that there really is nothing more frustrating than not being able to work something that really should be simple but you are just missing the one important step, like, make sure to turn on the light/fan at the wall first.
Kaitlin picked up the co-op order so the fridge and freezer are loaded to the gills.
Chris
October 15th, 2008 at 9:35 am
hi….so i just wanted to report a guest comment that i think could be helpful to us all. we had a guest check into the shaw and all was good. but in the morning they were very dissapointed because they did not get to use any of our ammenties. they said there was no signal on the tv( this happens a lot but perhaps we should have housekeeping turn on the tv to make sure no settings were changed.) the ceiling fan did not respond to remote. and the coffee maker didn’t work. and there were no mugs or glasses in room for coffee/water. unfortunately these are all things we talk about when we check guests in.
so….make sure you don’t leave anything out. however small it is….there are still a lot of quirky things about our hotel.
cheers!
October 14th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
I wrote about the lights in the Whidbey about a week ago. The lights are back on and the backup bulbs are in the top drawer of the safe. They are really small and delicate so I figured that was the best place for them.
October 14th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
fyi
i think that steffi does not want us to use electrosol in the dishwasher. we have some echo-bio soap beads that we use now. they are in the white containers under the sink.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Hi guys,
It looks like we might be having blog “issues” again. I will try to catch all of the blog postings quickly so that you guys can continue to communicate while we get the situation worked out.
Thanks for your patience!
P.S. Kaitlyn, I would love some pictures of the girls. That would be wonderful if you wouldn’t mind! Thanks.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:10 am
hey, so it was late when i couldn’t find of baking soda. sorry. forgot to mention that. i started the mix around 9:15 or something.
i never saw the bulbs. perhaps someone else did. will put a note on desk to ask elena, tory and chris.
fruit…well, we haven’t had too much waste yet. in the winter we usually buy as the guests book. but surely we never bought in bulk in the winter.
October 13th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
That was weird, let me try this again, if you need small items like baking soda, don’t hesitate to run to Kings and pick it up.
Seth is going to try and fix the grout without having to do a whole new tile session. He will let Elena know today what he can do.
Apples/Fruit
Just out of curiosity, can you tell me how much fruit goes to waste during this time of the year?
Light Bulbs
Did you ever receive the new light bulbs that were suppose to come from Lamps Plus? Did they work in the vanity?
Thanks for the info:)
October 13th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Baking Soda
October 12th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
hi, i tried to make cookie dough and couldnt find the baking soda. we have loads of powder but no soda. i thought there was a box half full back there…anyway…all the other dry ingredients are mixed. just needs the soda. the wet part is in the fridge.
i heard that if the soda is not in there they won’t bake up right. so i did not continue.
October 12th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
HOT TUB LOCK
Kaitlyn and I had a moment of stress today when the hot tub was locked and none of us knew where the key was. I think it’s a great idea to lock everything now whith the slow season is starting. Let’s just make sure that all pertinent keys (hot tub, bikes, treasure chest containing emergency chocolate) are in the top drawer of the safe and labeled. Thank you!
October 12th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
UH OH…
There was water leaking into my apartment downstairs today from under that big window seat, There was also something beeping under there. The last time that this happened we had to order a special part as I remember because there is a pump down there.
October 11th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
UPCOMING RESERVATIONS
Please look through upcoming reservations whenever you have a moment. I found several guests interested in add-ons and we hadn’t followed up.
Also: we do not participate in any IloveInns promotions. We do have a guest arriving next week with a coupon and we will honor it, since one of us accepted it, but for the future, we are not part of IloveInns promotions.
GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Please don’t forget to put garbage and recycling out:
Garbage pick up: Tuesday & Friday, cans need to be put out in the street: MONDAY & THURSDAY
Recycling pick up: Monday, can needs to be out out: SUNDAY
Thank you all for your hard work, things look fabulous, guests are happy. I had at least 6 people tell me how gorgeous our little hotel is today, yeah!
October 11th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
WEDNESDAY 10/15 FOOD COOP
Alright, this is the week where I switch my weekend back to Tuesday & Wednesday. Whoever is working on Wednesdays needs to pick up the food coop order. This Wednesday it will be Kaitlyn and/or Chris. Here is how it works:
1) Cloud from the coop will call the hotel when the order arrives, usually between noon and 2.
2) Take this week’s order sheet (it’s hanging on the fridge)
3) Get check from Cindy and drive over to the coop (in the Surina business park, first door on your right). Feel free to take the E van.
4) Cloud will add up the order and add 10%, make sure everything we ordered is actually there.
5) Put check stub, stapled to order sheet in safe, let me know if something didn’t come.
Thank you guys, let me know if you have any questions.
October 10th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
ELENA
Can you please go to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday between 10:00 and 1:00 and pick up 30lb of apples from Blue Moon Produce. Rebecca is expecting you. Please pay her out of petty ($45). Thank you. I’ll go shopping before work, call me on my cell if you need something other than apples:)
October 8th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
SPA
The Spa also has a Savor The San Juans Special: $10 off any treatment through October (SBS massages count as one treatment). We may pass those savings on to our guests, but we need to make sure to write “Savor the San Juans” on the voucher, or we create a book keeping nightmare. Thank you!
October 8th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
FOOD
Our apples are from Waldron Island this week, very tasty. Also got some decent looking strawberries. Ordered scone mix, sugar and Andes from FSA, please blog when it comes so I know.
CLEANLINESS
Please don’t forget to walk through the hotel with “Laura eyes”. Clean the lobby fridge, dust the lobby, especially the shelf with the wine glasses, mop the kitchen floor, wipe sticky surfaces down, walk through the rooms and if there is only one coffee cup, get another one, ditto with the ear plugs, you know…
LA MUSICA
Our i-pod froze up. How do I fix this? I tried talking softly to it, that didn’t help.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Quiet and calm night again.
Everyone happy so far…gotta love it
October 6th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
the propane fellow came and said everything looked good with the fire place in the marrowstone. well, as good as a no vent old school fire place could be. there is a co detector behind the couch plugged in. so we are set.
set drained the bathroom shower on the second floor. also replaced the light over the bar in the lobby.
the grout from the bainbridge needs to be re-tiled. a conference with laura is needed.
October 5th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
penant light is burnt out. looks very complicated to change out so i put a maintenance slip on the front desk to remind us to ask seth to fix it when he comes in.
also the lobby fridge moves around and the door doesn’t get closed sometimes. keep an eye on it.
went to october fest with tim. we had a very good time and it was a small crowd unfortunately. next year we are going to dress up and win the costume contest.
October 4th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
THE PAST, THE PRESENCE & THE FUTURE
Guys, we had a snafu. I need you all to read 1336773 & 1331737. Be extra special super careful when processing a walk-in reservation. Make sure you are on today’s date. It is so easy with WRP to make a reservation for the wrong date and it really bit us today and cost us a lot of money. Nuf said, could have happened to all of us, we’ll do better next time.
Much love, don’t get blown away by the storm tonight. 30 miles per hour winds, oh my. The house began to twitch…..
October 4th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Bikes
Next week the beach cruisers will delete in size.. We will move all but 4 bikes from Bird Rock to the off site storage where they will stay dry and warm for the winter. IF you see an upcoming sunny break and we are busy with reservations, please give me the heads up so we can move some bikes back to the property.
You all are doing such a wonderful job down there. Thank you for all your hard work. Welcome back Chris, I am so exciting you are back with us…
Happy Saturday..
Cindy
October 4th, 2008 at 1:10 am
great night, everyone really nice, all the rooms look great and are a pleasure to check guests in to,
Cypress was a very late check in and I left door ajar and note on desk, hope all went well Elena.
Made some more cookie dough. Could NOT set alarm clock in Matia so switched it out with one in Cypress. Can anyone see if we were just 3 dufus’s or if there is indeed sumtin wrong wit it! (now in Cypress room) Matia room getting on early ferry so will be gone before 6AM
Cheers, CC
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:45 pm
New Schedule
is up!
Happy Tag der deutschen Einheit.
It used to be June 17, to honor the East German uprising in 1953, which was crushed by the Russians. Then after the wall fell, the East Germans got to vote on either being reunited to West Germany or to try to be their own country. On 10/3/1990 they voted to be reunited. The West Germans didn’t get to vote and got slapped with a huge tax to help rebuild the East. Yadda, yadda, hate, racism, accusations of trying to make Easterners second class citizens. Anyway, German Reunification day was then moved to 10/3.
And that’s your history lesson for the day:)
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
A little FYI the lights above the sink in the Whidbey are back on and a new set of backups arrived today I put them in the bottom drawer black file cabinet. Also a small fan and motor arrived today is on the back desk open. Is anyone expecting this it is from NUtone?
October 1st, 2008 at 11:55 pm
The end of night number two alone and unsupervised and nothing bad has happened. It is 9.45, hope I am not jumping the gun here.
Guests arrived late coz of fog but folks at Lavandera waited for them and they said the hot rocks were delicious. (I am going to have to try that one day. Where do they put them?) The spa charged them direct as they went straight there without their vouchers from us. Steps venting system broke today and they had to cancel dinner service. That was our anniversary guests again! Referred them to Back Door and they loved it. Cancelled all vouchers. Their bill is getting smaller and smaller. Last thing remaining is the room charge. I hope we dont have a reason to have to take that off. (hope herb is quiet tonight!)
Prepped everything I could think of for breakfast for Kaitlyn and I tomorrow.
Hope you are well if reading this miss Laura. I love and miss you!!!
October 1st, 2008 at 12:17 am
Elena, please follow up with the alarm from res #1316024 regarding changing of massage time.
Also I could not light the pilot in the Marrowstone. I feel like I remembered how to do it but did not work, even with matches nicked from Herbs to help. Can you have maintenace have a look tomorrow, or try your own skill on it,. I think they would like a fire tomorrow night. Otherwise all good and quiet and lots of exploring of rooms and computers for me. Here are my rambling thoughts of no importance…
Well my first night all alone working back here in this seemingly new hotel and I have to say that, well, after thinking it was a bit sad that all the cool old funky stuff was gone and that it may be a little sterile now that it is all contempo and sleek, that after a complete thorough exploration of every room top to bottom, opening every drawer and cupboard and turning on every light and lamp and fan and tv and touching every new piece of linen and furniture, well, what can I really say now except WOW. I actually really love it!!
Lets see, where shall I start….those TV’s that make me want to have one in my house, and they are in every sitting room and every sleeping space! Pieces of modern art in themselves! Then my next fave, those delicious bedheads, lucious chocolate suede you HAVE to touch, I want one of them too. Next, the lamps. Now you may think lamps are lamps but no, there are several unusual styles and honestly, all are so…what, cool! The bedside mod flexi ones, the classy little swing arms with those great little shades, those huge and beautiful floor stands….Who picked all those..Laura? What great taste!
Next up, the furniture rearrangement. Some rooms still have the lay out that worked great as it was and they they still look great but so much more spacious somehow with the new furniture, the eye runs around the room easier, and the ones that have been tweaked work so much better. I always loved the Sucia and Shaw, but the bed placement really makes those rooms rock now. And the fidalgo, ..much more spacious. And the San Juan, and the orca, I think all of them work so much better. Oh and I didnt even mention all those beautiful sofas and easy chairs, look and are inviting and handsome. What else, cappucino machines that even I can manage to work, and a place to play your own music just by bringing your little IPOD along for the ride. And the deck furniture, and the new deck on the San Juan, so sad before, looks great now! Yeah, I guess I am impressed after my fearful hesitance in embracing the new. It looks sharp, but comfy, sleek but plenty of texture, crisp and new but inviting you to touch. Great job.
What are my small and insignificant suggestions for staff?? Leave those lovely overhead lights set “ON” on the remote and turn them off from the wall, that way when you walk into a dark room you can turn on the light from the wall switch without having to find the lamps or the remote.
Check the silverware in the rooms with little kitchens and maybe some basic dishes in the drawer if guests want to warm something in the microwave?
And watch those lovely platform bed legs, a good thing to point out to guests. Once you know, I think you remember.
I think thats it! It all looks great. Looking forward to working for the first time with the lovely steffi and the crazy Tori and back again with adorable Kaitlyn and the older and wiser and even more beautiful than before Elena.
Chris
September 30th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
i emailed and called guests arriving the 6th of oct thru the 10th to let them know that there may be some road construction noise during the day. we should be letting people know for future stays in october. we are going to see how it progresses and may need to call people for the next week.
September 30th, 2008 at 11:23 am
The mattress is a Sealy, Reserve Plush Euro Pillow top
September 29th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
late early check in worked out. they didn’t arrive when they said they would….so yea. also…i can see them tearing up the street in front of the hotel….from where we sit at the desk….uhhh ohhh…
September 29th, 2008 at 9:47 am
just a note: today we had an early check in request in the alarm notes. (kid usually takes a noon nap…can we check in early…so on so on.) i took a look at the people who were checking out and it looks like they were given a late check out….so this is a learning example for everyone to take a look at your check ins for the next day before allowing late check outs.
not the end of the world, of course but…you know…
September 28th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
KEYS
I renewed all magnetic keys I had available. Kaitlyn, can you please double check the keys you get tomorrow at check out and bring bad ones to Morgan? After that we should be good for a while and Elena will get a full night’s rest:)
PET PEEVE
Can everybody please polish the silverware before rolling it? Just take a moist towel and wipe the water spots off it, so we don’t look like a failing diner. Also: please roll the silverware tight. I ordered more stickers. Gracias.
FRUIT
Kaitlyn or Tory, can you please rotate the fruit in the back. It is so warm during the day that I’m concerned it could get moldy.
Happy 76 degree day tomorrow. Have fun and thanks for all your hard work.
September 27th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Espresso
I ordered espresso, will be shipped UPS directly to the hotel next week.
Fidalgo
I changed the occupancy from 3 to 2 on WRP. We had a party of 3 upset that they were able to book the room for 3 people, but then we couldn’t accommodate them.
Pay per View
Working on it, some more. If Brian, our dish dealer, calls for me, please give him my cell number.
September 27th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Espresso Please
We desperately need more regular Espresso pods for the rooms. Have these been ordered yet?
September 26th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
king from the county called this morning and said that the road construction should be moving down first street in about 2 to 3 weeks depending on what kind of rock they have to drill through. did not have a time line on how long they would be in the process. kj
September 25th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
FRUIT
I ordered fruit for Saturday pick up. Let me know if there is anything else we need from La Groceria. I had cherry tomatoes from Lacrover farm today. I know it’s super nerdy to get all excited about tomatoes, but they were so good, so good, grateful to be alive good. We are so lucky to live here and eat like that.
Much love.
September 25th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
We are back online at the front desk! Thank You Morgan!
September 25th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
front desk web browser is down. we can’t log onto fox fire. back computer is ok. called chris t.
called public works to find out about road construction and got the answering machine. will try again tomorrow.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Fine night at Birdrock. All is calm and happy. Chris finishes first night of retraining without killing Steffi.!!
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:48 am
had another 2009 reservation. they were upset but got a refund and left. went through the rest of 2009 sept. oct. nov. dec. reservations to see if there were mistakes. calender empty so far. if we get any 2009 reservations for those months…please double check and call the guest to make sure its 2009 and NOT 2008.
September 20th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
New schedule is up:)
September 19th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
FIDALGO HEATER
Is just fine. Our heating system is built into the floor and takes a long time to respond. We’ll talk more about this and possible solutions at the meeting.
EMAIL
Works. Guys, please keep an eye on stuff like that (Thanks Tory, for noticing this), We can not afford to miss guest emails for days and days.
September 19th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
BIRD ROCK FRONT DESK STAFF MEETING
on Wednesday, 9/24, at 3.30 at Bird Rock. Khaili will you please staff the front desk at E for an hour?. Elena, Kaitlyn, Tory & Chris, please be there. Thank you.
September 19th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
FIDALGO HEAT
The thermostat in the Fidalgo seems to be stuck, it’s hot in there. I have a call in to Dave to please check it out. Please let me know when he stops by.
EMAIL
I have a call in to Rockisland tech support. Please let me know when they call back and what they said.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
EMAIL
Still no email down there. I had Tory delete all the sent emails and sent another test email which came back saying: The mail system
: permission denied. Command output: maildrop: maildir
over quota.
Cindy, Laura, can we call rockisland tomorrow an get a bigger mail box?
September 18th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
TOASTER:
Cindy happened to be at Fred Meyer’s when I saw this blog so she is picking one up for us. Yeah, Cindy!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Yes, the fire alarm in the Bainbridge has been fixed.
TOASTER
Can we please get a new one for some strange reason the one we have now does nothing more than burn the outside of the toast and leaves the centers untoasted.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
EMAIL
Tory just let me know that it seems we haven’t gotten emails for the last 2 days. Our test emails didn’t get through. I left a message with Chris to please come and check that. Also, I told him to please take the email off the back computer. I find it confusing to have emails at 2 places, we can’t see what has been dealt with.
FIRE ALARM – ELENA
Did the alarm company stop by on Tuesday. Were they able to fix the Bainbridge alarm?
September 17th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
LILLY & LINA
On Friday, 9/19, will be our Lilly’s last day (sniff). I allowed her to leave as early at 10AM, right after breakfast. So Lina, please let her go. I know you can mind the store by yourself until Tory gets there. Call up to E if you need help. Thank you!
September 16th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
There are a couple of items that need to be shipped back to previous guests. They are all set to go on the back desk. Can someone run them up the Post San Juan in the morning otherwise I can do it when I get here at 2. Thanks
September 15th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
i turned the bikes to be back/front back/front so that they fit on the rack better and we don’t have to struggle with handle bars anymore.
also guardian alarm will be here tuesday around “lunch time” to do some work with the bainbridge alarm. if guests arrive early and he is still here…just let them know whats up.
kaitlyn
September 15th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
temp is at 101 dial all the way up.
September 14th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
HOT TUB part XXXXXIIIII
Please keep an eye on the temperature. The heater is teeny tiny and as soon as the lid is off, it looses heat. So please blog hot tub temp every day. If it keeps dropping, we’ll need to call tech support.
September 14th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
hot tub was turned up all the way but only read 91 degrees. does anyone know if there was a heating issue resolved from when the tub was drained last week?
September 13th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
#1197454..so they had no noise problems with their room last night and they were very happy, yay! Just wanted to update you all
#1064743 we were supposed to shorten their stay for only one night but we accidentally did it for two nights, so we had to move them up to Elements for tonight because the room was sold for the night, lucky for us they were very pleasant and understanding about the whole thing.
September 12th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
1197454 reservation…notes in edit screen. they may decide to stay with us for the rest of their stay. i gave them the option to upgrade on their final night since they had such a hard time in the spieden. we have san juan avail right now. told them they could move up their on their last night with no additional charges if available.
BR meeting. that time works for me steffi.
September 12th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
FLOWERS
We just got flowers from Susie and will again next week. Then her season is over. Laura, Cindy & I will decide what we’ll do after that and let you know.
MEETING
I want to have a Bird Rocking meeting with all of you, talk about breakfast in the winter, customer service, getting food, how our season went and all that good stuff. How is Wednesday, 9/24, 3.30 PM for everybody? Please let me know. Happy sunny weekend, everybody. Have fun in the big city, Tory!
September 12th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
spa guy came yesterday and its crystal clear
September 11th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
SCHEDULE
I had to remake the current schedule. Please everybody look closely. Also: I have no problem with our current crew if you switch shifts, but I do want to know about it. Please give me a ring, so we can mark the changes on our schedule at E as well and we all now who is supposed to be where and when. Thank you all for your flexibility and your hard work.
#1275478 & #1275471
Elena, what happened and what did you negotiate with the guest, please write in the guest remarks.
HOT TUB
Did everything go o.k. with the tub draining today?
ELENA
Please call me regarding the future (days off and all) on Sunday.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
HOT TUB
Spa Pro will come tomorrow right at 11 and drain the tub and refill. It will then take about 8 hours to fully heat. Please tell the guests checking in that day, that all will be hot around 7 PM.
Spa Pro comes every Thursday. Give them a ring if we have a major problem, so they can plan to spend more time here or “do” us first thing in the morning.
FOOD
Ordered produce for Friday. How many eggs are we going through per week right now? 10 doz? The hens at Synergy are laying again and I’m wondering if I should grab some in between Lacrover eggs on Saturdays?
September 9th, 2008 at 11:05 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY REGINO
I haven’t written in to long down here at Bird Rock. You all are doing such a GREAT job.
ELENA~can you please do the follow up with the hot tub? Let’s get it under raps..
Enjoy the sun everyone, keep on your smiles..
September 9th, 2008 at 11:00 am
HOT TUB: Hi guys. I think I’m missing something on the recurring hot tub issues. Can’t you just drain the hot tub and start over whenever it looks cloudy or gross? And then, what about SpaPro, aren’t they coming regularly to maintain it? I just don’t ever remember having hot tub issues like this before.
September 8th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
MARROWSTONE HOT TUB
The temperature is up to 102 but the water is still Very cloudy and oily feeling it seems like someone got in with tons of lotion or oil on, YUCK! I made and laminated a sign to put on the cover asking guests to rinse off before going in.
September 7th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
had a guest inquire about our linens and i asked laura to e-mail her with info. here is what she said….
We buy them from Coyuchi (www.coyuchi.com). They are fair trade, organic
linens which they purchase directly from a coop in India. Coyuchi is a
fairly small company, if you just tell them that you are interested in the
sheets purchased by Bird Rock, they will tell you all about the thread
count, etc.
September 7th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
elena: can you call the spa guy today and ask him to stop by. i think we may have one of the filiments burnt out and the spa is not heating. right now its been covered and turned up and the temp reads 97 degrees. (the guests said its been covered all day) the water also looks cloudy. thanks…
September 6th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Well, be super generous with the strawberries. This is the last week we can get them from here.
New schedule is up, yeah!
September 6th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
BRAND NEW Strawberries were delivered today:)12boxes. Today I actually threw out ~2boxes of these,the local ones. They all were moldy. Probably we shouldn’t order as many as before. We’re not as busy m-f, we don’t have as many breakfasts to use them for. What do you think?
September 6th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
ORDERED
I ordered champagne, printer paper, ink cartridges & teas (and everything else on the Food Coop list). I will stop by with emergency printer paper, breakfasts forms, local strawberries (use first) and blueberries in a moment.
Happy sunny fall days, have fun and be kind:)
September 6th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
fyi for anyone who cares or if it matters…we served our last full size bottle of champagne last night. all we have now are splits.
September 5th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
PUBLISHER
Chris installed publisher on our front desk computer, so now we can print out vouchers, etc. again.
September 5th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
EMAIL
Please, everybody, make sure you open the hotel email every morning and check it periodically throughout the day. The call center emails messages which need attention on the same day, so do our guests.
I know, it’s busy and we all worked so hard all summer, but our guests deserve our attention, smiles, help and service all the same. Be there for them: in person, via phone and email.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:22 am
steffi: the hair products that the guest liked were the natures gate. i didn’t think we had cycled into the giovanni yet…
September 4th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
EARLY B-FAST
We missed the 7:30 Breakfast this morning When I got here the people were waiting and ended up being a little upset, we gave them some yogurt to go since they didn’t want to wait. The form was under all the rest and the time was written under the Special requests. It would be awesome if we could write that on the board in the future, just to be safe.
Everyone else was very happy and we hod lots of great compliments this morning on the scones (yay Olesea!) and everything in general. The two gentlemen in the Matia even said that our website doesn’t do this place justice. I love mornings like this!
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Yeah, personal care products from the Food Co-op!
Kaitlyn, do you know if our guests used the hair care products from Giovanni or Nature’s Gate? We currently carry both. I’m leaning towards Giovanni. Any other guest comments on this?
FRUIT
I ordered fruit from MP, will pick it up tomorrow. Give me a ring if there is anything else we might need to get through the weekend (eggs will come on Saturday).
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
UH OH…
It turns out that Robin’s nest is now closed on Tuesdays and a floral arrangement for today’s romance package was ordered from there so we were without flowers, I put in a desperate call to San Juan florist and left a very pathetic sounding message. Just a heads up so this doesn’t happen again NO ROBIN’S NEST ON TUESDAYS
September 1st, 2008 at 10:50 pm
steffi: kudos to you. we have gotten a lot of really great compliments on the shampoo, conditioner and lotion. i had a gal from the san juan come down and say that her husband travels all over the world and this is the best stuff they have found. they loved all the bath products including the soap. she also said….don’t change the brand. what you got is really good. (i mentioned we were going to try another product line out) this is not the first compliment. i have given the brand name out a couple of times already and what is so nice about this stuff is…you can actually find it in super markets!!!
what a great nose you have.
September 1st, 2008 at 8:37 pm
your top ten hit list:
bird rock binders
de-calcifying espresso machines
pay per view
also: fyi front line gave some info to a guest who wanted some info on rooms that was incorrect. gave a rate of 114$ plus tax and didn’t mention anything about shared bathrooms. guests were walk-ins but felt badly about the mis-info.
wierd guy: this stranger from town darted into our garden and started to cut our roses off. i asked if i could help him and he said he was pruning our roses and then said he had a daughter whose birthday was tomorrow and wanted to give her something nice. i think i acted strange enough that he will not come back. (i started jumping and screaming and yelling “hoot-hoot-billy bob train station kit kaboodle!!”) (not really) what i really should have said is that we already have someone who prunes our roses and to please not cut them off. but of course i couldn’t think of that till now.
August 31st, 2008 at 11:10 pm
i didn’t bring out the recycling because tomorrow is a holiday and didn’t think there would be a pick up. so our can is full…and we would love it if some of that recycling could fit in the bin at elements.
thanks steffi on the follow up on housekeeping snafoos.
kaitlyn
August 31st, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Well done, team! Great Labor Day weekend. Great party, Lina. Good bye and thanks for all your hard work Emilia, Marina & Diana. Have a great life and write us!
August 31st, 2008 at 7:24 pm
HK REPORT
Please write HK comments in the “housekeeping notes” section of each individual reservation, meaning: in a reservation go to “edit”, scroll down to “housekeeping notes”, write what you need.
Let’s not use the housekeeping notes in the housekeeping report, it’s not necessary for our small property and can be, as Kaitlyn noticed, quite confusing. Thank you.
August 31st, 2008 at 6:04 pm
i noticed something:
keep in mind that under reports and in the housekeeping where we mark rooms clean and dirty…if you type something into the comments field it will stay there for days and days and days unless you manually erase it and update the housekeeping report. while handy for our matia room to type in the kind of bed…it can also be dangerous. today we had a reservation that guests requested 2 twins over their internet reservation and special requests but in the housekeeping report there was still king bed typed in from yesterday. so there was a king bed up there with a twin bed request.
plan of action: what would be best??? manually erasing all the comments each evening from the housekeeping report or hand writing on the report each morning when housekeeping picks it up. i know there is an option to put a note in the edit field of the actual reservation but does this translate to the report we give out??? any ideas? comments and what we should do?
kaitlyn
August 30th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Cathy Huguenin
has a gift certificate from Friday’s Historic Inn (#170) for one night in a standard room. We will go ahead and honor that.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Where are my fellow worker bees? No blogs from you? But why?
We got delicious local blueberries & strawberries again. Ah, what a treat.
SPA
When making an appointment with the spa, please take the the name of the person you talked with. We had an incident today, where we booked a massage but the spa didn’t have anything in their books. Very frustrating for our guests.
INCIDENT FORMS
I will bring some incident forms down and put them in the file cabinet. Just a reminder: always fill out an incident form in case of an accident.
August 29th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
FIRE ALARM
I think we all need to brush up on what to do when the alarm goes off, since our “clear thinking” abilities will be compromised due to the noise (mine were quite compromised last night).
So:
The system panel reads: “System normal” at all times. In case it goes off, open the panel door and push: “silence” aaahhh
The panel will read: “alarm zone…” and a number. On the panel door is a list of zone numbers (lobby is zone 5, for example).
You then grab the keys from the panel door and will go to the floor which set the system off and find the pull down alarm or smoke detector which did. If a pull down alarm was triggered, open the red box with one of the keys you have in your hand and put the little level back to the normal position. If it was a smoke detector, the little light will be on steady red. Press that red light to reset.
Look around, if it was a false alarm, you will stroll back to the alarm box and press: “reset”. Done.
If there is a fire, go home and have a beer, work is over. No, the system will automatically call the fire department. Start knocking on people’s doors and meet the fire department when they come.
If there was a false alarm, you have reset the system and it goes off again, check the zone again. If you are 100% sure that everything is fine, call the 24 hour number for Guardian on the inside of the panel door.
August 28th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
FIRE ALARM
So, we tested the fire alarm today. Ahem. An extra special Thank you! to all our very patient guests, our wonderful staff, especially Seth, for enduring an hour and a half of alarm sounds. Thank you Fire department for stopping by. Thank you for this being over. So: we have a defective smoke alarm in the smaller bedroom (queen bed) of the Bainbridge Suite. Seth disconnected it for now and I scheduled a repair with Sheryl from Guardian. They will be by on 9/10 (if not, they’ll let us know). Please steer the technician into the right bedroom when he stops by. Give me a ring if you have any questions.
August 25th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
We reorganized all the keys in the back and began labeling the key rack with room names and numbers but the label maker ran out of tape and we couldn’t find more (please order). Please try to keep them in order.
I ordered 3-25lb boxes of scone mix from Conifer INC. it will bi shipped tues or Wed.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
FRUIT
Is ordered and I will pick it up tomorrow.
GROCERIES
I will pick up milk, bread, butter, green apples, yogurts etc tomorrow also from MP.
TRIP ADVISOR
WE have two new comments on trip advisor both Excellent!!!
We also got a written comment from the guest which stayed in the Patos Last night. it says;
“Thank you for the wonderful accomodations and the great first experience on San juan Island! The bedding is wonderful the decor is great, the breakfast was so pretty and delicious. I kept tripping over the bed, it sticks out a bit. The breakfast choices were great, the tv’s are very nice and the bathrooms were very nice, thank you for the complimentary bicycles and helmets. We would love to come again!”
August 24th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
ELENA
Thank you for being the fruit queen. I didn’t order butter for Wednesday, please pick some up (enough for a week) when you go to MP.
SCHEDULE
New schedule is up. Have a look. We’ll have lovely Lina on the weekends now, yeah! Raquel will schedule amazing breakfast help from her crew for Wednesdays and Thursdays.
TORY
Thank you for lending me “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”. What a cool movie. Even my totally horror movie opposed husband enjoyed it.
Keep up the good work, everybody, you rock!
August 24th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
1233937 called and cancelled, Kenmore Air canceled all flights to FH due to heavy fog and some other issues…I only charged him to 10%..sorry I didn’t put this in the reso notes, I accidentally canceled it before I wrote any notes.
August 24th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
FRUIT
Will need to be ordered tomorrow and picked up on Tuesday by ME.
2 more…
espresso machines which are out of service so for now the machine for the Patos will be put in there, if someone wants to rent the Patos just let them know it will be without the espresso or coffee machine.
August 24th, 2008 at 1:03 am
If any questions about Saturday night cancellation please see guest profile #1215085 Thanks!
August 23rd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Hey everybody!
We have local strawberries & blueberries, very delicious. Please use first. Next week we’ll get local melon, yummy!
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
reservation 1109561 may have left a wall charger for an mp3 player. its on the shelf behind the front desk. left one message. 8-22-08
steffi: we need some more breakfast cards if you get around to that sort of stuff. thanks!
kaitlyn
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:39 am
Happy Birthday Lina
Have a great birthday…
August 15th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I just got a call from one lady. She wanted to confirm her reservation and.. she said that she called so many times, but our number on the confirmations was wrong – she said it’s 18003523652, it’s supposed to be 18003522632.
August 14th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Tory & Steffi’s adventure with light:
WHIDBEY
Please call Seth tomorrow and have him replace the light bulb in the Whidbey bathroom. They are tricky little things, nowhere to be found (I learned all kind of things about our hotel while looking for them) and the guests really can’t see well with only one light in there. Light savvy Tory put the lamp from next to the guest computer in the Whidbey bathroom for now. please tackle that situation tomorrow and blog about it.
LITTLE SPOT LIGHTS
Tory noticed while crawling under some bed for one reason or the other that the plugs for the spot lights (like we have in the Skipjack, etc.) are very hot. Is that o.k.? Dave? Seth?
August 14th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
COMPUTER
So we are still working off the “new” computer on the front desk, without programs like word or excel, our files, or a credit card swiper. If you need a form, let me know, I have most of them on my computer at E. Looks like our old front desk computer passed away. Guest computer is fine for now. Awaiting more details from Chris.
HOT TUB
is at 99. When current guests check out, get the knob and turn it up a tiny eenie weeny bit, please.
That’s it. Money was good today. You got petty cash and I got lot’s of receipts with initials on them. Thank you guys.
Great job on the good review on Trip Advisor, you are our Bird Rocking shining stars!
August 14th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Susie Wompler left her flower receipt book here, so if she stops by to grab it, it is on the front desk!
Busy day…hot day! The sun is a burnin’….see you guys tomorrow!
August 13th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Also I think if anyone comments on how hot their room is offer them that tall skinny fan it does wonders. I gave it to the Spieden guests. They are happy with the temp now.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Thank you Elena & Lina for being the shopping queens. Thank you Lilly for helping me schlepp today (cool car, girl). My shoulder is killing me (Colbert’s Wriststrong bracelet doesn’t seem to help for shoulders).
HOT TUB
Was at 88 degrees today. I turned it up an hour ago, it’s at 91 now, so it’s doing something. Please keep checking that. If it stays low an element might be burned out, if I turned it to far, we may hurt someone.
DISH WASHING DETERGENT
I got 2 different dish washing powders today from Compost It. Please check them out, let me know if you like them. I don’t want to keep using the scented, phosphor laden stuff, which isn’t biodegradable.
NAPKINS
Will come on Monday, until then we’ll need to get by with running to the store.
PAYDAY CANDY
Who ordered that? I gave it to cafe zia for sale.
PETTY CASH
Initial your receipts, please. I keep saying that because I really would like you to do it. Also: when you buy something for a guest, please write the confirmation number on the receipt, next to your INITIALS:)More petty tomorrow.
I’m office girl all week, I can help, cover, put out fires, everything but lift. Call me, call me!
August 13th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
We have a possible availability for tomorrow (Thursday) night. The people in the Spieden feel “very uncomortable” here and I trying to leave a day early if they can get into their other hotel a day early, they will let us know if they are going to be leaving early for sure sometime this afternoon (so don’t sell the room unless we have gotten the go ahead from them but know that we do probably have a room for tomorrow night) I did tell her also that if they leave early and we can’t resell the room that we do have to charge her. I have her cell phone number at the front desk just in case someone wants to book the room…
August 12th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Groceries
They are here and put away we do need some yogurt and maybe some milk.
Don’t forget that some guests will be coming in here on Friday Looking for their bags please let them know that they are waiting for them up at ELEMENTS.
August 11th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
steffi,
we need some more breakfast cards and rack cards. thanks!!
kaitlyn
August 10th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Here is some stuff that is well past due but useful all the same; In case the hot tub gets murky like it did this last time Paul suggested that we take the filters out and either hose them off or change them out with spares in the outside shed by doing this the water will filter out more quickly. We also need to get some more Bromine powder maybe ask Dwight to order some for us or check Brown’s, Ace? This last time I had to change the tub from Bromine to chlorine with some help from Morgan but its not easy. I also bought some clear blue stuff from Ace and while it does help to make the water nice and clear it also causes the impurities to come to the surface in the form of slimy brownish tan goop. so be prepared should this happen. Paul also suggested that we make a sign that can be put on top of the spa cover asking guests to take rinse off before getting in, suntan lotion, makeup, etc. all use up a lot of the free bromine in the tub.
August 9th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
FLOWERS: I agree with Steffi. Every time I have seen the flowers that Susie has delivered, I have liked them. It may be because I’m not too crazy about “traditional” flowers. I’m sure that it is true that they don’t last as long, but that is just something that we have to contend with as long as we are committed to doing the whole organic thing. This is a pretty important issue for me, so unless the locally grown flowers really suck, let’s just keep working with them. Don’t be shy about asking for the best from Susie, though.
August 9th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
gas fire place: the propane key is in the safe labled “marrowstone/bainbridge gas key”
i was unable to mail the passport today. it is on the desk in the mail folder. we will need a new address for this. the fellow knows and will call.
espresso machines: steffi picked these up. she knows aeronautical does not pick up. they should be sent back this week.
kaitlyn
August 9th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
$$
I reconciled cash today (uff). You guys have petty cash again. Two things though: please initial the receipts after going shopping. I want to know who you are:) Also: money was $30 short. Maybe a forgotten receipt? Please pay attention to this. I hate this feeling: “is somebody taking things?”
FOOD – ELENA & LINA
Please order fruit on Monday from MP: box of organic apples, oranges, melons, grapes, strawberries. Get check from Cindy on Tuesday and while there please get organic lemons, bananas & Laura’s green apples. Please blog about the status of this. Gracias!
FOOD – FSA
I phoned in a FSA order: scone mix, sugar (brown & white) & mints. Please blog when it comes, so I know.
FLOWERS
I looked at them today and I think they are fine. You know Lina, the flowers we get from SJ Florist are probably from Brazil or some other far away place, sprayed with pesticides so they don’t wilt, picked by underpaid children and what not. They look better, but that is all they do. They are wrong in all other ways. So I think we should stay with our local flowers. Laura, what do you think?
AMAZING SETH
Is gone next week for a long deserved vacation. Please contact Cindy and I if something breaks.
Thank you so much for all you hard work. The place looks great, our guests are happy, you are wonderful.
August 9th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Hey is this the wrong blog? I guess I should have made that right turn at Albuquerque…
Well Steffi asked me to blog about your temporary emailing situation. The program you will be using is Outlook Express. It is buried a little bit in the start menu but you should be able to find it. I asked Lilly to make a shortcut for it on the desktop. The back computer used to be your front desk computer. Unless Chris has fished working on it, it was moved to the back because it was having technical difficulties. If you have any questions you can let me know. Talk to you later all.
August 9th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
COMPUTER
Last I spoke with Chris, he said he set up Outlook on the “new” front desk computer. I have a call in to him and when Morgan gets here I may send him down to play with it. The back computer doesn’t have internet. Chris will work on getting the old front desk computer up and running again on Monday. He will also look at the guest computer and it’s unwillingness to work for us.
PASSPORT
Thank you, K for tackling that. Any luck to ship it off island on a Saturday?
FLOWERS
Well, it seems the flowers aren’t really working out for us. I’ll look at them today and then we’ll make an informed decision about the flower future.
See you all this afternoon.
Much Love.
August 9th, 2008 at 12:51 am
the passport guy called. he wants us to overnight his passport to his hotel in seattle. i will be taking this with me to see if i can get it done first thing in the morning. if post san juan is not open…i will call him and arrange a different address. he knows this…
computer in the back apparently does not have internet. i assume chris t. is working on this.
computer in the front is not set up for outlook so we are not getting any e-mails at this point. perhaps adam knows what all the passwords and settings should be.
second floor computer is also not connecting to the internet.
August 8th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I would like to say what I think about the flowers for the breakfast trays.
So.. I don’t know if it’s either because Susie was supposed to bring the flowers on Friday.. or something else, but the flowers don’t look good..not like fresh beautiful flowers as they’re supposed to be. She brought them yesterday, but they are like they’ll be dead in a few days.
I noticed that when I and Elena bought 1 or 2 times flowers from the SJ florist, we used them like 2 weeks.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Thank you all for staying on top of things so well, you beautiful Bird Rockstars!
I will spend half days with you guys again, starting tomorrow (be afraid, be very afraid, just kidding).
Please let me know about scheduling wishes for the next 2 weeks.
August 7th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
So I decided to make a waiting list because so many people are calling or emailing about being put on a wait list, so I made a document in word…it is on the desktop and called “wait list” please refer to this when we have cancellations! Thanks!
August 7th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
What happened today?..many forgotten things
1096593-lenses and solution in the Marrowstone
1096591-an earring in the Lopez
1181730-clothes in the Cypress
I called for the Lopez and Marrowstone-actually this is one and the same person.
For the Cypress it was not working number or something.
The flowers for the breakfast trays looked really dead..so I and Lilly decided to throw them away. I called Susie and asked her to bring us flowers today instead of Friday and she was ok with that.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Good Morning
The shipping charges have been charged to the ladies who set boxes home, please see their reservations for notes if you have any questions.
Seth is off today, he will also be leaving on Friday for 6 days. Depending on the maintenance request will depend on who gets it, SO please let Steffi or I know if something needs dealt with.
Welcome back Laura and Steffi
Laura told Raquel where the new clothes hangars go. I am hoping Seth will install them tomorrow.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
FOR SALE: Shaw is canceled for Aug 8th. we need to resell it.
August 4th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
The guy from the spa pro called and I told him everything what Elena tried, I took a look one more time at the jacuzzi and it still has the little white things on the top, looks really bad… So, he will be here tomorrow at 8:30am and hopefully will fix the problem. I’ll tell Lilly to let the people know about the early visit tomorrow.
August 4th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
MARROWSTONE
The hot tub is still not looking so good, not as foggy as yesterday but the clear blue that I added made all the grimy stuff come to the surface so I spent quite a bit of time just skimming the surface, let the gentleman know we did our best and that tomorrow or as soon as Seth gets back to me and Morgan can come do the chemicals we will empty and re-fill the whole thing for them.
August 3rd, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Rez# 1086626 Left their cell phone in the Matia it is all set with a shipping slip and just needs to be dropped off at post San Juan on Monday.
The folks in the cypress may or may not want breakfast for tomorrow their breakfast form is on the front desk they said they would stop by and let us know.
SKIPJACK
They will be leaving early and will need a 7am breakfast you can make it and leave it in the back when I get here I will set it out.
MATIA BEDS
It seems that there are rarely ever notes about how the beds need to be set up and when housekeeping asks I always have to guess or call the guest same day. Please call guests when it is booked online and then make a note or if over the phone please be sure to ask. thanks
August 2nd, 2008 at 11:40 am
i stowed some bags in the shower that will be picked up sunday.
techi chris stopped by friday and did computer update and second floor maintenance.
July 30th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
FOOD FUTURE
Elena will order produce tomorrow, which we need to pick up on Friday. Kaitlyn or Tory, can one of you get a check from Cindy and head on up to MP for pick up, please? Buy some bananas and anything else we might need to get through the weekend.
Lilly will pick up the Food Coop order next Wednesday.
I’m in the woods. Please buy food as needed (there is some cash in the safe in an envelope with my name on it, write down what you take). Please contact Cindy if something big happens. Have a great week:)
July 30th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I just wrote my whole blog and it dumped it, it told me I was blogging to fast?? Has that happened to anyone else?
Okay here we go again:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hangars
But remember you are both already stars in my eyes..
The new hangars came in that Laura ordered, only about 8 months late.. None of us are exactly sure where she would like them hung in the specific rooms so next week she will let Seth know. Until then please keep the boxes in the back room where they are at easy access, AND make sure that the box that is open gets taped up so no parts fall out.
Evening Magazine
Thank you so much Lina and Elena for all your preparation yesterday, I am sorry that the photographer did no have time to come inside, they took an outside shot. I know you were ready for your big debut,
Frontline
I sent you a email regarding the Frontline Call Center, if any of you have any questions please let me know.
Reviews
Starting NOW, Bird Rock employee’s are eligible for a reward for any positive reviews the property receives, please see Elena, Steffi or I for any questions
Bathroom Lights
Seth fixed the lights with help via telephone from Mr. Dave. Great job you two…
July 30th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Kaitlyn & Lilly: you two switching shifts is totally fine with me. Thanks for letting me know.
July 29th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Kaitlyn..I would be more than happy to take your shift on Monday the 4th, I will check with Steffi tomorrow to see if that will be ok.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
in the bathroom upstairs on the right (shared bathroom) the lights do not turn on. raquel called cindy and left her a message to have dave come down. we might need to follow up on this in the morning if we don’t hear from either of them. we put the lobby standing lamp in there and the small table lamp from laura’s desk in there. (which by the way looks to have a broken shade on it.)
the two espresso machines on the counter in the back are ready to be sent back. we just need to call aeronautical services before 9:30 am and let them know to pick them up.
i couldn’t get the second floor computer to log on to the internet. can you call techi chris to see if he can fix. i unplugged the thingys a couple of times and rebooted both times and it still didn’t work. thanks
July 28th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
ESPRESSO MACHINES
we got the replacements espresso makers today and they are in the back office above Tory’s bed. They also sent an extra return slip in case we have another machine break or malfunction, Kaitlyn put it in the key drawer of the safe.
Cancellations
we have had a few cancellations for very relevant reasons heart attacks, one lady’s water broke 10 weeks early (so sad) so we have some availability I think we should start a waiting list for down here I know that some of these rooms.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:34 am
HEADS UP!!!
Cindy called this morning to let us know that Evening Magazine will be doing some filming here at Bird Rock between 11-3 Lina and I will make sure and have everything as spiffied as possible, cookies out lobby sparkling, the housekeepers will also be wearing their new uniforms (well at least Socco and Olga)
July 27th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
SKIPJACK & PATOS
Luggage is in the rooms
KEYS
It looks like there are some car keys on the back desk that need to be dropped off at post San Juan on Monday.
MATIA & SAN JUAN
The rooms are booked under the same name Rez # 1219240. They have stayed here before when it was Friday’s so when I explained the breakfast form the response was surprisingly “if you have a complaints sheet this is something I’d like to write about” ??? She was challenging me the whole time about EVERYTHING. to top it all off the Matia was on the list of clean rooms and actually wasn’t when we got up there the room was dirty!!! eeek! I apologized and offered to hold their luggage but nope they didn’t want that. Oh and before showing them up to the room I nicely offered to give her a comments sheet and she just said “We’ll see” anyways just a heads up that they are a little testy( well mostly just the lady) They also said something about noise being horrible the last times they said and thought the Matia would less noisy which I informed her was not true saying “you will get noise from all sides of the building” Just trying to cover my bases here. I have a bad feeling about them.
KEYS
the Bainbridge keys are switched out.
LOST & FOUND
I added an item to the lost and found today. A pair of white shoes from rez # 1168067 in case they call about them.
July 27th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
SCHEDULE
New schedule is up, guest starring Amazing Elena & Extraordinary Tory in “night shifts” at ELEMENTS & Lovely Lilly in a special appearance as “breakfasts queen” at Bird Rock. RE: Seattle girl getaway: Tue 8/19 & Wed 8/20 would work better schedule wise.
Great job everybody, each and every one of you rocks my world.
July 27th, 2008 at 12:54 am
Just to let everyone know the found ipod from the Lopez Suite is in the bottom of the safe in the money box. I asked the last guests that checked out but it was not theirs. All swipe keys were traded out for shiny new ones except the Bainbridge I have not seen them all day. Bye my lovelies I’m going on my days off. Heart, T
July 26th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
FRONT DOOR KEYS
Today was the day. Kaitlyn found that over 10 keys aren’t working and we redid them all (thank you Kaitlyn, for organizing the switch). Please remember, if you ever make keys for BR’s front door, always make a copy, never a new key.
July 25th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
PAY PER VIEW
So the pay per view is not working. Our account isn’t set up and we can’t order “free” movies anymore. Laura will continue the battle with the TV people when she gets back. Thank you, K, for letting us know.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:45 am
res #1110167. says one kayaker at bottom of notes. this is correct.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:36 am
cancellation 216877539 called. this is the overbook that was blogged. i tried to be as helpful as possible in explaining the situation and called elements that he would be in touch. wanted to extend stay.
noise complaint:1162582 in speiden. see notes if complains again. cindy spoke with guest and kings about the loading dock in the morning. kings said there wasn’t much they could do but would speak to drivers about yelling in the morning.
kings noise: cindy says we should tell people when they book the speiden and the cypress they are on the side of building with store loading dock. may or may not be some noise in the morning. possibly book these rooms last.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Res# 1144947 is a no show. I went ahead and charged her and printed out invoices. I am spending the night tonight so if she shows up I will check her in. The contact number that we have for her is a home number. The lady that answered the phone said she is out of town so I suspect she will arrive I hope the dates are correct.
THE LITTLE FRIDGE THAT COULD
I discovered that the little fridge in the back has been defrosting itself because the door is not closing properly. The iceberg emerging from the freezer wont let the door close all the way. It’s on the back porch now but I will bring it back in and get it set back up when I get up in the morning.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
SEA & SKY SPECIAL
Hey guys, I was just going through upcoming reservations and noticed that several guests had booked the sea & sky, but their total due was only the room rate (but their rate said: sea&sky). I don’t know why that is, maybe WRP defaults back to the room rate. I will look at it when I have more time. For now: if you notice this upon check-in or when going through future reservation, simply add on a $75 dining credit and a kayak trip for $89 per person. Gracias!
July 24th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Overbooking
The shaw was overbooked for the 26th, Steffi will take one of the emergency rooms from ELEMENTS and set it aside for them. when the guests check-in please explain to them what happened and be very accommodating maybe even have the Elements shuttle come and pick them up.
INCIDENT
Today, while the folks in the San Juan were out I went ahead a made them a little hand written note apologizing for what happened last night and thanking them for their patience and understanding with a split of champagne and set it in their room.
July 24th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
#216877539
UNIREZ overbooking: I was able to put the guest in an Earth Place at E. This is a mistake on the travel agent’s end and they claim they don’t have any guest information, so all this will be news for the guest upon arrival. Be very kind and understanding, when sending them to E, give them the option to check with other hotels.
For now: whenever you have a second, go to the availability calendar and make sure we aren’t overbooked. If we are, try to contact guest right away, if you can’t, make a reservation at E or another place for the guest. Thank you guys.
July 24th, 2008 at 1:14 am
The sheriffs department stopped by to ask about the San Juan Suite guests. They were under the impression that there was someone on the balcony shooting a pellet gun at cars parked at Herb’s. I informed them that they had just returned from dinner an do not seem like the type of people that shoot things while on holiday. They investigated a little more and asked to be shown to the room so they could question the guest. The police left and said that it must not be them and I agreed. A while later the guest came downstairs and I apologized for the inconvenience he laughed and said “oh it’s no big deal”. Now that’s a Friday Harbor you don’t get to see on postcards!
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:11 pm
2nd COMPUTER
will be shipped on 7/29 (order was canceled)
EARPLUGS
will be shipped on 7/26 (order was lost)
Both orders will come via UPS, please blog if, no when they come.
Much Love
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
RECONCILIATION REPORT
As of today, you don’t have to print a reconciliation report anymore. Cindy prints them daily up at E.
#5006
Left message with Terrence regarding refund (our system doesn’t let you refund after 120, so he’ll get a check). Please confirm mailing address on file.
July 21st, 2008 at 8:13 pm
just some heads up on the evenings events…
gal with cc: called and we got things squared. she would like to have matia all three nights if it becomes available from cancellation. res #1229342
matia: bed was made up wrong. king was reserved and two twins were made up. i gave them a split of champagne to apologize. roman and i put bed together after guests checked in.
skipjack: was priceline night before and travelocity tonight. i kept a copy of confirmation letter so adam, steffi, or cindy can take a look. its in the safe with the paperwork. was booked for four guests and program booked them into skipjack. guests checking in were two adults and two children. 8 and 12. moved them to elements.
porta crib: was missed to be put in room. perhaps our new housekeepers do not know what this is?? or where they are??
morning message: was from yesterday. i recored a generic message without a date. i think steffi or cindy mentioned this. if you want to change…ok with me. i tried to sound chipper. but my voice goes up an octive so it might be squeeky.
whale watch booking option: sorry elena. i didn’t really understand the notes. so i left it in the alarms.
July 20th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
reservation 215480850 came with three adults. the reservation was made over priceline. guest quoted two adults on reservation and arrived with three. room too small. so i moved them up to elements in an earth room.
bike lock: is not getting unlocked in the morning.
matia bed: was not set up for two twins. olecia and i changed it after the guest checked in. we might all want to train on how to set that up and where sheets are just in case this happens by mistake.
July 20th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
post san juan alarms:
i was under the impression cindy would take care of these when we got our bill from post san juan.
guess no one could take my shift on monday. thanks for thinking about it. i may ask for the same thing next month. they only do drill on monday nights.
cheers
July 20th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
THIS MORNING
Went very well, Olga and I were here bright and early at 7:00am. Martha followed at 7:40 or so but I actually sent her away since Olga and I had everything well under control.
SAN JUAN & MARROWSTONE
I asked them this morning if everything had worked out okay for them and they seemed very happy said that they had, had a wonderful time. They just mentioned that the clothes rack we had given them was a little unstable.
POST SAN JUAN BILL
What is up with these alarms? they have been there for a long time have they been taken care of? I’d like to turn them off.
July 19th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
would it be possible to make the office door to the lobby a hindged swinging door?? it gets left open all the time because housekeeping needs to go in and out to the laundry so much. plus it would be so much easier in the morning for breakfast too.
please think about it…hindged swinging door….
July 19th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
as a morning person a measly two days a week, i was wondering why we don’t have diana and olesia helping with breakfast anymore. they were very fast and efficient at this. i am still training housekeepers?? this isn’t working when i am scheduled to come in at 7:30 am and they are getting here at 7 and not knowing 1. how to enter the building and 2. what to do.
please help and give us back our experienced breakfast crew. (at lease until the busy season is over.) please????? if this will not work…then we need to change the schedule for the front desk to come in at 7 instead.
July 19th, 2008 at 10:24 am
i am ok with not serving apples. there are plenty of other fruits to fill a small plate. what if we just had that sack full for the lobby. the granny smith apples stocked. we don’t need a case of those…
it sounds like the apple biz is boomin’ should we change our professions??
July 18th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
STEFFI WENT TO APPLE SCHOOL
We just payed $100 for a case of organic Fuji apples from New Zealand. The produce dude, who used to be an apple broker (I’m such a sucker for stories like that) explained it to me: the combo of fuel prices and the weak dollar make things like foreign fruit out of season extraordinarily expensive. And once our apples will be in season, it won’t help us a bit because the Washington growers make such a high profit on selling overseas (weak dollar again). I also learned about internal apple pressure (14lb is optimal), storing temperatures and when to buy which size apple.
So, what does this mean for us? Don’t waste apples, don’t eat them yourself, every apple is precious and special.
I would like to hear your opinion Bird Rockers: shall we not serve apples right now, shall we serve non-organic, smaller servings?
That’s my apple story.
July 18th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
our new water filters came for the lobby today. there are two of them. they are under the lobby sink in the baaaack.
i made an inventory of keys. this count will give us four keys to each room with two spares. this is what we need from the key dude when he comes:
bainbridge 5 keys
patos 2 keys
sucia 2 keys
orcas 3 keys
shaw 2 keys
skipjack 2 keys
whidbey 1 key
saltspring 2 key
marrowstone 4 keys
July 18th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
can anyone work my monday evening shift at bird rock on the 21st? i was hoping to participate in a heavy rescue drill at the fire department. it only happens once a month and is required credit for my emt certification. it is a 3-11 shift monday the 21st. please help me out???
kaitlyn
July 17th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
INPUT FROM BL (beautiful Laura) PLEASE
Laura, Seth put up the bike rack, kind of diagonal, I think it looks very nice. We might want to ask the gardeners to move one of the planters and one of the hanging thingely dingies. When you are back, will you have a look and let me know what you think? Also: where would you like the second bike rack? Also: do you still want us to change the message every night and day, even though we have the nights covered by the call center now? Maybe we could just have a short, strong day message which stays?
We miss you!
July 17th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
FIRE ALARM / TELEPHONE
Centurytel installed the dedicated fire alarm line 1183 (after consulting with Guardian). The 0834 will be the back-up line (we can still use it as a phone line). According to Matt from Guardian, an alarm technician will come by on Tuesday and connect the system to the newly installed phone lines.
KEYS
Locksmith Kyle will be by Monday at noon to make back-up keys. Please have him make 4 Marrowstone, 4 Bainbridge and whatever else you see we are low on.
BATHROOM WINDOW
I had Seth frost the window in the guest bathroom.
FOOD
I will go to MP tomorrow for fruit. K, please let me know if there is anything else we need.
TORY
Rocks and is the best.
July 16th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
FLOWERS
Talked to Susie, she will be mindful of the pollen and fragility issues the next time she brings flowers. If the flowers we have from SJ Florist are still nice, don’t throw them away. Keep me posted, keep supplementing with SJ Florist flowers if Susie’s die or try to reproduce in the jam (only Elena will get this, he, he, peludo!)
July 16th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
UNDERSTAFFED
Sweeties, over the next couple of weeks we are skeleton staffed. Please be on time, work hard, think ahead and make it easy on the person working after you. Especially at Bird Rock, do as much as you possibly can for the following shift. I won’t be around much, working the desk at ELEMENTS, but call me if there are issues. I can always do a store run, etc.
A couple of other random things: if you promise something to a guest (like an early check in), write a note in that guest’s file. Please don’t give out room numbers before check-in time, things can change.
This is it, this is what we are working towards all year. Be focused, keep your spirits high and be kind.
Much love.
July 15th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I’m off almost a whole week
see you soon.. 
if anybody wants something from Seattle.. let me know 
July 15th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
CHECK FOR REZ # 1034392
I called and left a second message regarding the unsigned check that we received and left the alarm on because I will try her once again tomorrow otherwise we will need to ask Cindy what to do if we don’t hear back.
REZ # 1101561 “THE MESS”
I called her back once again to confirm that all of her activities as well as her stay were correct before we go moving kayaking and dinner reservations around. Hopefully she will call back. otherwise I will try her back again tomorrow. Cindy also said that because she has sooo many activities and she has moved things around so many times we will have to charge her an additional %10 deposit for our trouble.
LUGGGAGE FOR 1146049
They will be back again on Friday and will need us to put their luggage back in their room for them. The luggage is in the second floor luggage room.
I SEE YOU…
In the shared bath shower on the second floor there is a window and when there are people on the roof of kings they can look right in. It happened to a lady this morning, she was not upset or anything she just thought we should maybe frost that glass or something. Laura what do you think?
GC FOR GRACE CONSTRUCTION
The gentleman called back with the mailing information for the GC. CINDY should we just go ahead and mail it or is there something special that you wanted to send with it since it was a large purchase?
ALARMS
I just left them on for now for myself to follow up on tomorrow.
July 15th, 2008 at 12:05 am
reservation 1101561 called around 8:30 9:00 tonight to change reservation dates. this is a HUGE mess of a reservation. they changed their dates three times and had booking options each time. in the meantime…stuff was canceled or scheduled by guests themselves. this last call put us in charge of everything again. it was the friend that called…so could someone please call the reservation holder and confirm the newest dates and booking options with her. we need to confirm dates of kayak tour, dinner and massages if there were any. then we need to call all of our vendors to reschedule. new vouchers need to be made for everything. sorry to heap this on you but i go on three days off. if you have questions, you can call me. essentially just treat it like you are re-confirming with the original party the changes that were made to the reservation.
elena: the fellow that had the package sent to him that is arriving soon…just called to reconfirm that it came and we know what to do with it.
the clothes hangers that we got for the marrowstone and san juan…beware of putting too much stuff or making them too tall. the guest said that when they got to their room all the clothes had fallen off and rack was on the floor. for future reference…
July 14th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
PLEASE HELP??!!!:
i was really hoping to participate in a heavy rescue drill at the fire department for my EMS education credit this monday the 21st. CAN ANYONE COVER MY PM SHIFT AT BIRD ROCK FROM 3-11PM ON MONDAY THE 21ST?
LET ME KNOW. STEFFI TOO. SHE HAS TO APPROVE. THANKS
July 14th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
kayak mixup: res. 1168891 didn’t make it to san juan outfitter 5 hour tour. guest was under impression they were going out with outdoor odysseys because whoever they talked to over the phone said outdoor odysseys. (which makes me think we should no longer use abbr. when making our notes.)
odysseys had room so they took them. the room charge is still there. one charge was to room the other was paid POS. odysseys will be billing us without vouchers received and san juan outfitters was able to cancel with no penalty.
July 14th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
reservation 1221975 arriving doesn’t want down or feather pillows of any kind in their room. raquel is going to bring 4 pillows to us tomorrow tuesday for their stay.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
hold on here…why don’t we have a birthday calender down here?!! and cake too.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
i think there was some confusion reservation 1168891 and their kayak trip. they missed their five hour tour today and i think they assumed they were heading out with outdoor oddysseys and they had a van pick up down town….well, mostly its my fault for not double checking the voucher i gave them…but they were scheduled to go out with san juan outfitters and never made it out there. so…i have learned a valuable lesson to look at the voucher i hand over and make sure the guest has transport or correct info on transport.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TORY AND PRISCILLA
:):):) I AM SORRY I AM NOT THERE TO GIVE YOU BOTH BIG HUGS THIS AFTERNOON.. MY NECK DECIDED IT NEEDED AN IMMEDIATE BREAK, SO I AM AT HOME WITH THE HEATING PAD.. HAVE THE MOST WONDERFUL DAY EVER, YOU BOTH DESERVE IT..
July 14th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
that last blog was elena
July 14th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
LUGGAGE
We have quite a bit of luggage in the second floor storage next to the Fidalgo. 1 box which was delivered for rez # 1117988 arriving on July 24th.
There are also 3 red suitcases which will be picked up on Friday, I will be here so no problem.
PROBLEM SOLVED
Miss Raquel “The Queen” solved the problem with the folks in the San Juan & Marrowstone, she got them clothing racks for their stay afterwards they should be stored in the second floor storage next to the Fidalgo and offered to guests with long stays.
GROCERIES. There are plenty of groceries for now. I will place an order with MP on Wednesday or Friday we’ll see how things look.
FLOWERS
San Juan florists daisy bunches are about $10. We usually get two bunches and they last almost 2 weeks. What do you think Steffi? The flowers we get now seem to barely make it through one week.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:47 am
second floor wireless is not working. any home remedies we can try before we call chris t?
nothing else new. thank goodness!!!
July 13th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
might i add…that it looks like i have talked a couple of time with these guests before they arrived. it is so frustrating to look forward to a guest coming because you have established a relationship and then have them be so upset when they get here. relationship shattered and fear inserted. man…that really sucks.
July 13th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
flowers: were replaced because suzie dropped off fresh ones. thats the reason the others disappeared.
i rolled as many silverware as we usually do. i don’t know what happened there…
guests in san juan were very upset when they checked in (reservation number is under daughter) because there was not a closet to hang clothes. situation got stickier the more i tried to help. and guest said she would not stay if there was no place to hang clothes. so in a panic i tried to get steffi and couldn’t and called cindy. cindy tried to help and called raquel to see if we could think of anyway to hang their clothes. so i thought perhaps they could hang clothes on curtain rod and they thought to hang clothes on towel rack. raquel said cindy would try to get ahold of seth to come tomorrow morning to work a contraption out for them. last report is that they are ok and thank you for trying to help.
(but at the time it was very scary because guest was not quite so nice and threatening to leave.)
uhhh ummm well, uhhh hmmmm let me see….hmmm uhhh.
July 13th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
THIS MORNING
Was horrible…
dishes still in the machine
not enough butter and jam prepared
not enough silverware rolled
etc etc
FLOWERS
what happened to the really cute bud vases that Lina and I put together they have been replaced it seems by some wilted (and sorry) but very ugly yellow flowers that look like they are from outside. The bud vases that Lina and I made we got from San Juan florist so please do not replace them unless they are horribly wilted, they cost money. It was honestly really upsetting to see what they had been replaced with.
So I am not mad or anything and most definitely not trying to be rude. But please consider that this next week I will be without Lina. I will have A housekeeper from only 7-9am and I really need things to be ready otherwise every morning will be absolute insanity. Please, please consider this. thank you
July 13th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Called San Juan Taxi and they had the sunglasses. She was ecstatic! Res# 201196072 would also like to stay with us another night if we have any cancellations for Sunday. Diana has bike #10.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
sunglasses from the san juan: guest thought she left sunglasses at the duck soup last night (friday night). restaurant called and said they didn’t find them. i let guest know. she may need some more help tracking other places down to see if they are there.
breakfast forms: don’t forget to double check the forms in the pm before you close. there were two saltspring tickets and in the rush this morning…we didn’t notice. so the saltspring got yesterdays guests breakfast about an hour and a half earlier than they wanted. oops. just make sure we don’t have any doubles up.
fruit: there were 5 cartons of moldy strawberries in the small refridgerator. i don’t know how to solve this. they get moldy or they get dehydrated. should we just go get berries every 2 or three days so we don’t have them go bad? i just look at them and think…i wouldn’t eat that. why would i give it to a guest? and end up tossing them. open to any and all suggestions…and pass it on to the breakfast ladies. they are not as in tune to checking the status of things in the fridge. so it may be a front desk duty to double check stuff daily.
cancellations: i have noticed a couple of times when we get these that there are other rooms arriving that would have liked to extend or stay in the same room if possible. when we get a cancellation can we start looking at the reservations before and after the arrival by a day to see if a guest wanted that room who is still coming. we missed an excellent opportunity to do that for a guest who wanted to stay an extra day in the marrowstone when we had a cancellation. its super easy to check if you go to the availability screen and just run the mouse over the days before and after the cancellation. the guest remarks come up with the name and sometimes you can tell if they wanted an extention.
thanks!!! have a super duper sunday
July 11th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
THURSDAY, JULY 17th – a Century Tel technician will come to do two things related to our fire panel:
1) Install a new “dedicated” phone line directly to the panel. This line’s telephone number will be 378-1183.
2) Tie into our existing line 378-0834 (the new line we just got put in) and hook this up to the fire panel as a “back up” or secondary line to the panel. This line should NOT be dedicated solely to the fire panel.
Whoever is working on that day will you please, please, please make sure this gets done correctly??
Thanks!
July 11th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
elena’s fridge came.
espresso machines: there will be two replacements sent to hotel that have shipping slips for the two additional machines under the desk in the back room. do not throw these away. we need to tape them to the boxes and call aeronautical services to pick them up. they will be with dhl and aeronautical can do this. but they must get the call to come get them.
then we should be receiving two additional units to replace the two that are in the back.
steffi and i both think that it is best to not open the machines up to try to fix them even if the tech tells you too. just because you never know about warranty and if one person in their company says yes and another says no.
(i figure the warranty is almost out anyway? do we know how long this lasts? one year two years??)
Tory: don’t forget to leave the hall lights ON when you close up.
July 11th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Hey guys, sorry about the Shaw, that was my fault. The guy walked in and said it would only be him and his wife with their very young daughter (I didn’t know about the extra person charge…I thought kids were free if they were younger.) However when they arrived and I checked them in, I saw that they clearly had two daughters who were nowhere near “little”….so I kinda panicked and didn’t really know what to say to them because the guy was kind of testy with me. I’m really sorry
I promise I didn’t do this intentionally.
July 11th, 2008 at 9:34 am
well…and it kinda seems like A LOT of our rooms can only fit comfortably 2 people. really. mostly because of our “fire code” don’t feel bashfull to tell people that and secretly…if we get too many people in a small room…the noise from that room goes up too. so surrounding guests get a little “put off”
i experienced this first hand. and a neighbor guest was not happy to see so many people going into a room. don’t forget…we have a lovely sister property that has rooms not one but TWO fabulous beds. which would be best in most cases with families.
just my mini soap box.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Morning Kaitlyn!
Will you please call Aeronautical Services and have them pick up our 2 broken espresso makers today? Thank you, thank you.
MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY & EXTRA PERSON CHARGES
Elena is right. All our rooms are priced for 2 people except of the Bainbridge Suite (4), any extra persons (kids under 4 are free) cost $20 per night. Please charge accordingly.
I wrote the maximum occupancy of each room on our front desk rack card, please have a look.
I will go to MP tomorrow, will check in for things needed before I go.
July 10th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
REZ. #1213756 for the Shaw had 4 people! 2 adults a 15 year old and a 7 year old. This is NOT okay. And on top of that it looks like they were a walk-in and weren’t even charged extra person fees.
Refrigerator.
Anaco appliance is delivering a refrigerator for me tomorrow please call me when they come in so that I can let them into my apartment.
The bikes are now in numerical order please try and keep them like this.
I am off for my weekend YAY!
July 10th, 2008 at 12:22 am
I exchanged our last backup coffee pot in the Whidbey Suite. The full cup button is not working and water is coming out of the bottom. I placed it back in the box and put it with the other machine to go back to manufacturer.
THANK YOU STEFAN!
For coming down and helping the guest in the whidbey hook up their WII. Their son is really happy now that he gets to play his games now while on vacation.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Laura got us spiffy new glass carafes. Tory and I washed 16 each and stored some of the old style and the spares above the safe in the luggage room. Use those for OJ, please.
Also: please let Raquel know that I brought 50lb of earth friendly laundry detergent into the upstairs laundry room (it’s mighty warm in there).
If somebody has time & car tomorrow, please get green apples and other organic apples from MP.
ELEMENTS rate sheets are in the front desk in-box & resource.
July 9th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
The Key to perfect cookies is…..
**Pre-heat the oven to slightly below 350.
**Once the oven is up to temp.
**Place very cold cookies straight from the freezer is best and put them in the oven right away.
**Bake for 15-20 minutes
** Remember don’t let them get too brown in the oven since they will continue to brown after you pull them out.
Why I’m blogging from ELEMENTS? Its slow, why not.
July 9th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
We need to resell the Spieden for July the 17th. #1189336 called this morning and canceled it, so… let’s try to sell it.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:09 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RAQUEL….. Have a wonderful birthday Ms. Raquel..
July 7th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
The guest who has the Shaw booked for the 9-11 of july called wanting to cancel, I called her back and left her a message letting her know that we would have to charge her if we can’t rebook because she is canceling within t10 days of her rez. I didn’t actually cancel the rez. until we hear back from her.
GROCERIES
I ordered groceries and I will pick them up tomorrow.
July 6th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
whoops! that last one was from me.
we also have an overload of garbage if anyone can bring some garbage to elements for us that would be great.
July 6th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Thankyou!!: to raquel or whomever left us a couple of gideon bibles in the back room. i gave one to a guest tonight who asked for one.
Elements: could we get one of your quick rate cheat sheets for down here? the one with room descriptions.
July 6th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
DO NOT DISTURB: Kaitlyn, thanks for mentioning that we don’t have those. I just assumed that we still had the old ones. I will see what I can find out.
July 6th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
378-0834
Elena installed our third line phone today. It sits sleek and black on your left when staffing the front desk. Front Line will forward calls only we can deal with to that line (I hope, Cindy?)and we can call each other on that line when we really need to talk to somebody immediately (as in: “How long have you felt that way? Drink 2 glasses of water and take 2 aspirin and call me in the morning.” or: “He said what? No, he didn’t! Eat 2 boxes of chocolate and watch ‘Steel Magnolias’ and call me in the morning.”)
I took 2 mini tongs, an old baking sheet, the large cooling tray, and the mini muffin forms and brought them to Gio, who is creating the most amazing baked concoctions for sale at Cafe Zia.
July 5th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
DANIIL & ROMAN
Please let the guys know that I brought their time cards down here. Please show them how to clock in and out.
Thank you, my Bird Rocking team, for all your hard work. This was a big weekend and you were excellent.
Much love.
July 5th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Lilly: the gal that left the cell picked it up today. so we don’t have to worry about it.
July 5th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
fyi: it smells awfully musty in the saltspring. should we be looking for a leak??? i have noticed it before but not every time i go in there to check someone in. does not smell that way in the whidbey.
July 5th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
laura: thanks for the new napkin stickers. it is much better with the bigger sticker. and…do you plan on getting “do not disturb” and “service please” tags for the room doors?
July 5th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Hey guys, so the Patos cell phone…sorry I totally forgot to put the rez number, it is 1154673. I have called her and left a message telling her that we have her cell, but I also sent her an email in case the number we had on file is belonging to the phone that we have. So hopefully we will hear back from her soon! Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th
July 4th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
P.S. The $20 was Soco’s! She came downstairs asking if we found 20 bucks laying around. Also I have to apologize the camera lady called on Wednesday and said that she found her camera when she was unpacking. I just didn’t put it in the blog. I noticed Kaitlyn asking about it this morning in the blog…my bad!!!
July 4th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
IPOD is working just fine now. I think it needed a little nap. Thanks Laura!
July 4th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
IPOD: I’m assuming it’s working since I haven’t heard back. If it isn’t let me know.
July 4th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
lilly: can you give us a little more info on the phone from the patos so we can do a follow up call while you are not here? thanks.
July 4th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
elena: i haven’t heard anything about the camera. but what do i know…i have been off for three days. so i guess…probably….they called the sheriffs office directly.
seeya!!
July 4th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Happy 4th of July to everybody!
July 4th, 2008 at 10:23 am
lilly: the post san juan bill is a reminder for us when cindy gets the account bill from post san juan for us to charge the appropriate amount of postage for this gals box. there is another lady Res# 14790 to get billed as well. we sent their luggage to them and didn’t have the three number security code on the credit card that hamid requires of us.
also FYI: tory didn’t set the garbage out today because he was pretty sure there wouldn’t be a pick up being that it is the 4th of July. so….we will probably need regino or seth to come and help us out tomorrow or sunday if the transfer station is open. we will have A LOT of garbage by then.
also: i put all the spare keys we had up on the peg board behind the actual room names. we have plenty for the whidbey and a couple of other rooms. but if we get a pro in to make spares…we should do that for all the other rooms too.
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:01 pm
JUICE DECANTERS: Okay. I blew it. I ordered some beautiful new juice decanters and they came and they are beautiful, but they are plastic…yuck. So, I ordered glass ones which will be coming the end of next week. In the meantime, feel free to use the plastic ones as needed and they will make good back ups for later.
IPOD: Is it working now? I went by this morning to pick it up and fix it, but it was working. The battery was almost dead so Lilly put it on the charger this morning and I’m wondering if it is still working. Let me know.
TV: I picked up the tv.
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
So I found $20 just lying next to the door by the front desk…did anyone lose 20 bucks? Or could it maybe be a guests money? I have left it on the front desk for someone to hopefully claim it….
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:55 am
I created an alarm and a maintenance request but will someone please make sure Seth takes a look at the toilet handle in the Marrowstone Suite.
Also the Ipod is frozen we have been using the two little ones in the meantime and charging them when the die. No biggie.
And the Shaw coffee maker sucked the pod rest into the top chamber. I removed it and it is in the luggage room. AKA my room! Guest didn’t want to bother with getting another one. Said they do not drink coffee…hum. I don’t understand it either.
See you in the afternoon Lilly!
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:12 am
LOPEZ
I have reopened the Lopez on the 25th, I think it is a better idea to leave the floor the way it is until we are slower. Dave has unplugged the cables, and nobody will no any different except for that they will not have an extremly hot floor to walk on. Dave does not need a whole day to fix this, he will only at lease 3 hours to fix it, but there will be no need to close the room off for the entire night. Steffi, let’s give Dave a call (like the night prior)when we see a day that does not have anybody staying in it.
Thanks,
Cindy
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:44 pm
FOOD
I’ll go to MP tomorrow to get us through the 4th (granola, fruit, etc.) and will pick up a big fruit order on Saturday.
PHONE 1
Elena just brought by a simple phone (with cord) for our emergency line.
PHONE 2
Cindy will email instructions about how to forward the phone lines to Front Line in the evening and how to cancel it in the morning. Very Very important, so our phone lines will never go to voice mail. I’ll print out instructions and put reminders everywhere. And I mean everywhere:)
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
KEYS
I have a call in to Kyle, the locksmith. Please have him make duplicates (4 each) of the Skipjack, Saltspring & Whidbey keys. He will be here within the next week.
LOPEZ HEAT
It being summer and all, why don’t we wait until the shoulder season to have that repaired and leave the bathroom heat turned off? Adam? Laura?
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Gosh I am just blogging away today…one last thing, our ipod in the back seems to be broken!
The screen is frozen and it won’t do anything. So we’ve been enjoying all the interesting music on the blue little shuffle.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
There is an alarm in the New Bookings section about a guest who was having some boxes shipped, does anyone know how much we are supposed to charge her? Rez # 1040663
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I have closed off the Lopez for 7/25 (the only day it is open from now) so that Dave can work on repairing the heated bathroom floor. We will need to call him the morning of 7/23 just as a reminder…however if we start getting really busy for that date, or sold out, please release the room to be sold and call Dave to let him know. Thank you!!
Hopefully there will be no complaints, Dave just shut off the heat altogether in the Lopez bathroom. So if people are worried that it isn’t working this is why!
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Adam, I just checked it and it was already set to the lowest temp. But I will go back in a few hours and see if the floor has cooled off at all. Thanks for the tip!
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
LOPEZ HEAT: If the heat is turned off in the bathroom and the heat is still on, there is a problem. Lilly, can you please make sure that the heat in the bathroom is set to it’s coolest, 50, and then test it 2 hours later. If the heat is still on, please call me. I do have a call in to Dave already to see if he can swing by and take a look.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
A guest just made a really good point, our honeymooners staying in the Lopez pointed out that the heated bathroom floors were a little uncomfortably warm this weekend with the hot weather that we had…is there any way that we can turn them off?
Patos…left their cell phone in the room! I called and emailed them so hopefully we will hear back soon!
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:18 am
Can someone bring down some more time cards for the boys and girls who do not have a swipe card. Also I think it makes more sense to print off alot of breakfast cards up at Elements in Cindy’s really fancy laser printer and then bring them down here for us to slice in half. We seem to be burning through about 1 ink cartridge every two weeks. Also I had a guest check into the Whidbey suite tonight and there were no keys. I went ahead and improvised.But noticed we are getting low on our back up key cards.
Also res# 1126239 wanted to cancel the last night of his stay. July 3rd. So there it is ripe for the taking. I reminded him of cancellation policy. He would like to stay if we do not resell the room and need to charge him.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:07 pm
SPIEDEN LEEK
So this morning Olga noticed that there was a pretty substantial leek coming from the tubes under the Spieden. I called Seth to Have a look at it and it appears the tubing was disconnected at one of the joints, elbows whatever its called. But that was not the only problem… the caulking around the Spieden bath tub was in pretty bad shape so he re-caulked and this should relieve the issue but this may happen on a smaller scale again if the bath tub is overflown or the shower heads are pointed too far onto the shower wall.
KEYS
Kaitlyn left some keys that have not been working on the rooms and it looks like they are some of the newer ones. This sounds like a job for Steffi and maybe a locksmith.
SILVERWARE
were are all out of the little stickers we use on our silverware rolls so miss Raquel
EMPLOYEES ONLY
Lina and I have been experiencing a lot of very snoopy guests barging in on our breakfast prep to see if they can have their breakfast 5 minutes early. Or to see if they can just get something out of their luggage. So we made a tasteful little “employees only” sign to try and prevent this.
THE CAMERA
Have we heard back from the lady about the camera? updates… anything?
FLOWERS & CHOCOLATES
Rez #1120560 had a request for flowers and chocolates on the 4th of July but Robin’s Nest will be closed so the flowers will be delivered on the 3rd around noon. if there is any refrigerator space they should be refrigerated so that they look nice and fresh. Chocolates are ordered and we will need to pick them up around noon tomorrow.
July 1st, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Well folks, we didn’t make our June forecast. I’m sure that we’re all pretty bummed about that. I have been very carefully analyzing why we didn’t make it and I think it has mainly to do with the poor weather. Which, despite my wishes, remains out of my control. Both Elements and Bird Rock came in under expectations even though our advanced bookings were really high. What does this mean? Unfortunately for you it means no June bonus. For us, it just means we still can’t afford to pay all those darned bill collectors. BUT, it doesn’t mean we need to give up hope. Quite the contrary. I really do think that it was the weather and not the ecomony (which depsite my children’s wishes, also remains out of my control). So, let’s just all keep those beautiful smiles flashing and dazzle our guests, future, current and past, with our wonderful hospitality. Any questions, comments, ideas or dreams, just let me know. Happy July!
June 30th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
whoops.
keys: there is a key in seth’s box for the saltspring that does not open the saltspring. we will probably need another copy. i don’t believe there is one in the spare bag. and the skipjack had 2 new keys made that do not work either. we will need two more of those made as well. so far…i believe we only have one of each of those rooms.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
speiden: the window in the speiden is broken (not the glass) the two rods in the side of the window that keep it up have come loose or are broken and the window is loose in its frame and won’t stay up. i managed to prop it open for the guests in there (it is very warm) and will still close. they were concerned. i didn’t act concerned so… i think they are not as concerned now.
screens: we are missing two screens for the lobby. one for the desk window and one for a window above the couch. would be great to have so the buggies don’t come in after we close down for the night.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
LABELS: Oh, the internet is a wonderful thing. I just ordered the labels and they are new and improved. They are 100% recycled. Cool, huh?
June 30th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Oh Elena, you are SO brave and athletic and agile and helpful and and and…. Good job. I can’t tell you how many times I hopped the back fence by King’s back in the days before you could walk through by the propane tanks. Yes, I would lock myself out of the kitchen, inevitably on one of the rare days I would be wearing a skirt. You can picture it, can’t you? I’d plop over the fence with some poor King’s worker looking at me like I was a crazy nut job.
CYPRESS TV: I’m imagining that Seth will be there tomorrow and he can put the new tv in. When that gets done, will you let me know, pretty please??
CIRCULAR LABELS: I will order some more tomorrow.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
FENCE HOPPING
Yes, thats right FENCE HOPPING! Little old me jumped the fence in the Marrowstone in a heroic attempt to rescue the ladies who could not get the gate open. They actually got it open though just as I was coming down the other side, hey its still heroic isn’t? And if you don’t believe me ask Lina she was witness to the whole thing. Now that is called going above and beyond (the fence) for our guests. The ladies were real good sports about the whole thing and we had a good laugh afterwards.
Cypress T.V.
Its here and in the kitchen just waiting for Seth! I also called Laura and left a message.
STICKERS.
We are all out of the round stickers that we use on our silverware rolls. I put a call in to Laura since I think that it is all on her computer.
LOST CAMERA
The lady Rez #1159623 Lost a Sony Camera while on the Island. She thinks she probably left it behind in one of the shops. I put a call into the sheriff’s office and they do have a Sony camera that was turned in but need a better description than just the Sony in order to get it back, model number, the pictures on it. I called the guest and left a message to either call the sheriff’s department directly or us.
June 28th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
TV: dead TV bracket is in lower file cabinet, with all screws, etc.
June 28th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Check out Steffi’s FRESH MOUTH EMPORIUM for the front desk staff. Enjoy luscious organic gum and assorted organic mints and have breath fresh as a dewy Spring morning in a meadow. Not only those of us who still pray to the tobacco gods (you know Laura’s heart hurts every time you smoke!), now everybody can enjoy fresh breath when talking to our guests. And remember: you can “hear” on the phone not only when you smile but also that you have fresh breath. Eat ‘em up!
June 28th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
TV: the dead tv has a metal bracket screwed to the back of it for mounting it on the wall. will someone please remove that bracket and the screws and put them someplace safe for the next tv before sending the dead one back? thanks…
June 28th, 2008 at 11:48 am
JUICE CARAFES: I just ordered 20 new 1/4 liter and 20 new 1/2 liter carafes for juice. Hopefully they’ll work well for us. They should be here in a week.
June 28th, 2008 at 9:48 am
steffi: the driftwood was dropped off yesterday. all done.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
SCHEDULE
I put up the schedule for 7-7 to 7-20. Due to day-off requests we are all working all kind of shifts on all kind of days, yeah, summer! So please look closely. You guys rock, keep up the good work!
June 27th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Kaitlyn:
What information to we need from the guest who wants the driftwood mailed?
Thanks for being on top of the coffee machines.
To print out a reconciliation report from any other day, just go to the date you want to print out, click on reconciliation and print (don’t worry about it, I’ll print it when I reconcile the entire week). Does the printer work o.k. today?
June 27th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
cindy sent us an email with the hideaway pictures. i made a file called Hideaway Pictures in MY DOCUMENTS that has these. the e-mail is also saved in cindy’s folder in the inbox in outlook.
the tv that is broken is going to be shipped back. i assume we will put it in the box that the new one will come in so save the box and put the broken tv in it and label it so we don’t get confused.
i called soltazza today and they are going to replace ANOTHER machine. its a black one that prays water on the counter and into the basin below. when we get the slip for dhl…we need to tape it to the box and give it to aeronautical when they come. if they don’t come…we need to take it to the office at the airport. there is ONE spare black machine on the top shelf that works. it has a sticky on the box that says “this machine works!”
elena: can you call the company and get the part for the machine that you took apart so we can get it back in circulation? thanks
June 27th, 2008 at 10:12 am
tori:
i am not sure how to print a previous reconciliation. perhaps cindy or steffi knows how to do this.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:48 am
tory: the second ipod is plugged into the back of the computer tower to charge. maybe it could stay there so we know its charged up if someone wants it?
steffi: did you ever find out what you needed to know about those two big boxes that we sent our guests. (the kayak gals?) i have one more box for one of them. (she knew it would arrive later. it is a stick she picked up on the beach and is a weird size.)
June 27th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Reconciliation report failed to fully print out 3 times. The last 3 pages printed out all screwy on one page. I logged out and in and still nothing. I know we need this report for our records so can someone please try to reprint this in the am maybe the computer needs a little break.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
KAITLYN
Morning. I’ll bring by a produce order around 3.30 on Friday, call up to E if there is anything else you need. On Saturday when Katie comes with eggs, would you please give her the empty cartons we collected on top of the fridge.
Have a great shift:)
June 26th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
BAD
One of us made a reservation for a guest, but for the wrong month (#1178028). We are able to host her tonight, but not tomorrow. I’m holding a sky place for her. Guys, please, pay attention to the dates, always, always, always.
GOOD
I got carded for buying beer today, yeah!
June 26th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Ok so I talked to the Nexus TV guy today and they accidentally sent us the wrong TV
…so it came via UPS today but the package is now being sent back and they will have the correct TV in the mail asap 
Pretty quiet day…only two check-ins for the evening, wow.
I am excited for our second computer though! That will be so nice to have that when we are super busy. I agree with Laura about putting it in the back office, there is a good amount of space and it would be a nice place to be on the phone taking reservations when there is someone else in the lobby checking guests in.
We are almost out of strawberries too…props to Lina on doing such a great job every morning with breakfast, you’re awesome Lina
That’s about it. See you all next week!
June 26th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Cypress TV
Lilly sent the 26″ TV (they sent us by mistake) back right away and the company will send us the right size 32″ ASAP, probably by Monday. Thanks Lilly.
June 26th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Lavendera Spa is closed on the 4th of July, For those guests that would like spa services please call spa d bune at 370-5027, they are going to be open to us only. spa d bune does not need our vouchers with it, they will charge the guests there and we will facilitate in making the appointment and directing our guests where they are located. If someone inquires about spa services on day of the 4th we will have an on call number to call. I will post that next week. But for spa reservations prior to the 4th for the day of the 4th call spa d bune directly.
Thanks so much.
June 25th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
FIRE INSPECTION: Yeah!! Thanks for taking care of this Steffi & Cindy.
NEW COMPUTER: Yeah!! Again. I think it should be set up by the safe. That way it can feel a little more like a back office which I think could be really good in some situations (e.g. at check-in/out, etc. if someone’s helping a guest in person and the other person is helping a guest on the phone, the front desk won’t be so chaotic.
NEW PHONE LINE: Perhaps this should be the number that we call in on ONLY when it is really important to talk to the front desk staff right away?? Kind of like the 5800 number at Elements?? That way our front desk staff can have a hotline phone for very urgent matters AND the front desk staff would know to interrupt what they were doing to answer that line. What do you think?
June 25th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
FIRE ALARM
We passed our L&I inspection. Guardian will call the fire marshall and set up a date with him. Dave from Guerdian will contact us soon regarding the status of our system (we wanted monitored, but it is currently not monitored). If you hear from him, give Laura, Cindy or I a holler.
SECOND WORK STATION
Cindy ordered us a new computer, yeah! I want to set it up by the safe but it is small enough to be set up at the front desk. What do you guys think?
THIRD PHONE LINE
We will have a local phone line on or about 6/27/08 (Qwest will show up and install a third jack, let LCS (Laura, Cindy, Steffi) know if that happens. Since our phones only have 2 lines, we’ll probably get a completely separate phone for that line. The number will be: 378-0834.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
FOOD
Wednesdays the food coop order comes (everything but produce).
Thursdays: eggs from Synergy Farm
Saturday: eggs from Lacrover Farm
On Friday we will need to pick up a produce order from MP (I ordered kiwi, melon, strawberries & blueberries, I will go there today to get us through Friday).
COFFEE
We are out. Steve from the San Juan Coffee Co will bring by 2 small bags tonight and will bring 2 big bags tomorrow. When you see the coffee getting low, please call San Juan Coffee at 378-4443 and order more.
June 25th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Steffi or someone, who will buy groceries…
We need:
granola/out/
yogurt/we have just 1 plain/
grape/out/
bananas/out/
orange juice/we have just 4 left. I don’t know whether they’ll be enough for the breakfast tomorrow/
strawberries/just 1 small box/
Thank you
June 24th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
We had other ipods here in the safe. Where are they at now? There is just a small electric blue one now. So I think one is missing or has been moved.
June 24th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Breakfast was really, really busy and we are tired.
BUT…
We got a lot of stuff done today,
we made eggs, lots of dishes, Lina swept, we bought flowers from the SJ Florist and made new vases since the old ones were… dead:(. I called Susie Wampler and let her know that we don’t need any delivered.
We got the spa checked today and added a few things everything else looked good.
There was a reservation that came in online (1190640)that had a note saying “Our friends all booked for the same nights 4 rooms and received 10% discount, what do I need to do to get that?” I called and left a message asking that she call us back becuase there aren’t 4 rooms staying on that date, and none that have notes about discounts. Her reservation is still in the new section for now until we hear back from her.
WOW The kitchen floor is sparkling clean (thanks to Lina) We mixed up a bottle of floor cleaner and labeled it to keep just for the kitchen.
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
guest comment: from lopez
shower heads (there are two) they don’t spray into one spot if you try to make them. you really only get one showerhead spraying on you at one time. perhaps a different nozzle that can twist farther?
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:52 pm
flowers order was confirmed by robin. (fyi elena)
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
laura: the tv place called today and got the number off the back of the tv. and there is no thermometer in the oven. fyi
elena: i called the cab for those folks…wouldn’t you know…it cost 9$ to get from here to the ferry landing???!!!! i tipped him 1$
kudos on your cookies from everyone. btw
i sold the whidbey to a very nice group of ladies tonight. all related. stayed here last year and loved it.
i will go to store and buy yogurt, strawberries and granola. we are almost out. wouldn’t you know people always want to eat what you don’t have. and when you overload on it…they don’t want it anymore. grass is greener hugh?
oh and check in was hilarious. i have not had that happen yet. it was very weird. everyone walking in the door at once. ha ha. 6 rooms.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:38 pm
ESPRESSO PODS:
I ordered 4 boxes of regular espresso pods and 2 boxes of decaf espresso pods today. Should be here no later than next week. Please let me know when they come so I can cross it off my list.
COOKIES:
Lilly, one thing if you didn’t do this already is to make sure that the oven is pre-heated well before you start to bake. Also, is there a thermometer in there so that you can check to make sure that the oven is heating properly?
CARAFES:
I scoured Fred Meyer, Pier 1, and Bed, Bath & Beyond today for juice carafes. No luck. I will now try looking on line. If anyone else has any luck, please let me know.
TV:
Just another reminder that when the replacement tv comes in, please let me know, so that I can pick it up.
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
elena says that she called reservation 1113359 to let them know we do not have availability they wanted. they wanted to changed the dates of their stay from the 2nd to the 1st of august. we are awaiting their reply.
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:14 am
lilly: don’t worry about the cookies. i get them wrong every time too. but you know…some people like them crunchy and some like them soggy. so…if you wanted to, you could put all your crunchies on one plate and soggies on the other.
i would also invite you (i’m sure laura would as well) to make an espresso to try out the machine so you can find all the “problems” a guest might encounter and then you will know how to fix it. this will help with the red flashing lights. trivia: can you name the three different ways to make the lights flash red when the espresso machine is “on” in your next blog from here??? steffi knows. may be she can give you some hints.
steffi and i couldn’t find the “broken” espresso machine in the kitchen…so we don’t know if there is one missing from a room. any ideas? anyone?
there is a spare machine on the top shelf in the back room. keep in mind these are different from the black ones and may need a little extra explanation to guests. (steam button on the top of the machine needs to be OFF at all times. it looks like a steam picture or a cup picture. needs to be flipped to the cup picture)
there is one breakfast for 7:45 or 8. its in the lobby fridge and out on the lobby counter. the orcas is going to pass on breakfast. i am three plain yogurts short. so sorry. they can be found at kings on the top shelf of the yogurt section on the far left. you may have to get on your tippi toes to look in the back. also the strawberries look a little bad with black spots on them and a little dehydrated. perhaps we should get a couple cartons of those as well. i didn’t realize they looked so iffy until i was prepping that early breakfast around 9:20. so sorry.
i did some upgrading to make people fit a little better. everyone is very happy.
i just wanted to let front desk know…that laura blogged and sent us a front desk message for opening and closing daily. it sounds like i am the only one recording daily messages. the script is in the employee resource book and in the bird rock templates file and in lauras e-mail folder on outlook. (if you can’t find it)
thats it!!
kaitlyn
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 am
Well I am back from my days off and it I came in sooo ready to just bust into gear at breakfast only to find that Olesea and Diana had everything more than under control, coffee was out, scones were made,etc. NICE!!! I actually had time to read the blog first thing this morning for once. I even read the ELEMENTS BLOG, too bad about that window. It really stinks when those types of things happen, good thing they don’t happen that often.
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:31 am
Good morning Elena! I hope you are feeling better
Those espresso machines…OH MY! What a hassle…two of them weren’t working, but neither of the guests really even cared. One guest brought his down here and we tried to fix it together…but we couldn’t figure it out. After some serious investigation I figured it out and got it to work!! But the pod chamber was jammed and it took me forever to get it all fixed, but I did it and that is what matters! Anyway….there’s really no point to this but I just had to let it out haha and I just wanted to let you know that the espresso machine on the back counter DOES work…but I’m not sure which room it came from?
Anyway, pretty quiet tonight. Had about 3 people come in looking for vacancy so I referred them to Elements. All of the guests with us right now are so friendly! They was like four couples who were all complete strangers to each other in the lobby a few hours ago just all chatting like they were old friends, it was a pretty cool thing to see.
Ok…so that’s pretty much it. Goodnight!!
Ps…I was looking through the Bird Rock play list on the i pod, and their is a song called “Lilly”… pretty cool
I’ve been jammin’ to it all night hehe 
June 21st, 2008 at 8:04 pm
So…good thing I am not striving to become a chef. All I have to do is put the cookies in the oven and they seem to be coming out terrible! They are either rock hard, or doughy and mushy in the middle. Any one wanna let me in on your secrets to making the cookies perfect??
June 21st, 2008 at 5:53 pm
BR business cards and letter head with correct phone number arrived. Laura, what shall we do with the ones with the incorrect phone number?
FOOD
OJ is not organic right now & we are out of plain yogurt until Wednesday. Please let guests know.
Lacrover farm will deliver 6 doz eggs every Saturday starting next week. They will bill us.
DISHWASHER
For now use very little soap and don’t overfill it. We need to use the sani cycle, sorry.
Thank you, Kaitlyn for following up on the earrings. Have a super first night shift, Lilly. Everybody: yes, we can! There is no “I” in Team Bird Rock. Uumm, there is?
Much Love.
June 21st, 2008 at 4:51 pm
fyi i think there is something wrong with the dishwasher. there is ALWAYS some soap left and not all the dishes are getting clean. there is a soapy film on the silverware and some glasses. elena thinks it might be the timing of the soap release. perhaps its out of wack and needs some maintenance so that it doesn’t release soap so late in the cycle.
sanitizing cycle…honestly…on booked breakfast…even if we start a load at 9 am with sanitizing cycle…i don’t know if there is time enough in the day to wash all the dishes. what do you think? (we will still be doing dishes durning pm breakfast prep and i believe we would need some of the dishes for that) egg holders, butter holders, jam holders, carafs et.
June 21st, 2008 at 4:45 pm
soooo…i followed up on the earrings…and she found them and was glad to have us call back. this kinda goes with all lost things. if housekeeping brings down stuff from rooms…we have every possibility of returning those left items. we have the room name…and contact info from the person that checked out. let me remind us (me too) that customer service does not end when the guest leaves. they will think all the more of our fabulous service if we continue with returning items the have left in their rooms. please please…lets follow up on stuff houskeeping brings down and not wait for someone to call us.
thats my schpeal.
thanks
kaitlyn
the spa was fine today. breakfast went swell…nothing terribly important.
June 21st, 2008 at 10:47 am
did anyone follow up on the lost earrings from my blog last monday?
kaitlyn
June 21st, 2008 at 12:52 am
It was a real pleasure having Steffi by my side this evening! Everything seemed to go so well. When I was showing a guest to their room she was here at the front desk checking in another. It was busy but in that cool sort of way that makes you just love your job and realize why you are here and what your mission is. You know like what we were talking about at the end of the meeting. It feels good to please a guest and go beyond the call of duty and make their trip here even more enjoyable. Thank you Lilly for taking my shift Saturday night. Iou!
June 20th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
EGGS
I have a feeling that our egg cookers may be going. I was here when Tory made eggs (enough as well) and I can’t really imagine how that could have happened. For now, all cooked eggs go in the little fridge (we need more egg holders as well, only have 13), all raw eggs stay in the big fridge. And egg cookers: pay extra special attention. If this happens again, we may have to look into other boiling options. Those cookers aren’t meant to cook 20 eggs every day.
It is so busy here tonight, good busy.
Morning goddesses: please go down the side duty list tomorrow. Especially: preparing breakfast for the following morning, fill salt & peppers, keep fridges clean, etc. Tomorrow’s night person will be all alone here. I know you are busy in the morning as well. Let’s all just think: YES, WE CAN!!!
June 20th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
CYPRESS
That is so selfless and wonderful, to bring your own tv, Laura, you are the best. We sold the room 2 minutes after you left.
SALTSPRING
The guest sprinted after me in the street, hugged me (and I didn’t even do anything) and thanked us for taking care of her complaints. I was so touched. She also told me that the water-on-plants-noise which kept her up came from a leaky gutter on the San Juan balcony. Let’s have Seth check that out.
June 20th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Wow, what a busy day!
Saltspring bed: Fixed.
Saltspring leaky shower head: Not fixed. The water to the whole building has to be shut off for this to be repaired. Seth will coordinate this next week.
Saltspring stepstool: Seth picked up a plastic one with rubber feet today. Laura is trying to find a more aesthetically pleasing one.
Cypress tv: Laura is bringing her home one in. When new one comes, please let her (me) know!
Outdoor plants: If they look droopy, please take the time to go around and fill up all of the reservoirs in the boxes. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, ask me.
Old art: Laura has removed it from the property, thanks Kaitlyn, for letting me know.
June 20th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
seth said that they are going to send us a new tv.
the room is marked out but we can sell at discounted rate.
what shall we do about our reservation for tomorrow?
i just read an alarm that raises a lot of questions in my mind. res. 1157787. when you type this stuff out…be very specific. it needs to raise no questions for someone who knows nothing about it. if it does…write a little more explanation. if it is something a specific employee is going to deal with…write your name and that you will do it. thanks.
there is a print out from cindy regarding the new call center set up. it is posted by the time card machine and needs to be read and signed by all front desk.
the new pictures came for the lobby and are hung up.
laura…what would you like us to do with the old smaller photo and the light fixture. there is not a lot of storage here and i didn’t know if you wanted it stored where you knew where it was.
lina did the spa check. thanks!
kaitlyn
June 20th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Salt Spring Bed
Seth is going to fix it today
TV in Cypress
Seth is calling Digital Direct and if they can’t figure it out today, we will have a new one sent
Soapy Scum in jets
It happens, the housekeepers will start immediately by making sure when they clean the jet tubs they clean out jets, this should resolve the issue
I love it when guests tell us their opinions, it helps make our property get and stay in tip top shape…
June 20th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
i tricked the ups driver into taking our dhl coffee machine pick ups.
ha!
kaitlyn
June 20th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
guardian fire company came and tested some more of our fire alarms. he said it was working and he would call the inspection company to come and check it out. he said he may be back one more time.
we had an espresso machine stop working in the orcas. as far as i could tell…i think tori had some trouble last night. the screen got sucked into the top part and he had to pry it out(like we usually do) when the gal went to make coffee this morning…it doesn’t brew the coffee. its like the suction does not work anymore. the handle for the top comes up on its own… and the water sits in the screen and then drips out the sides. i am not sure what to do about this. we still have not had our two other broken espresso machines picked up and there is one other that has a part that i think elena had ordered that has not come. we are down to one spare silver machine. the other is in the orcas. the broken black machine is in the luggage room on the floor under the counter.
kaitlyn
June 20th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
reservation 1150146 had a lot of problems this morning. they are a stay over so it would be great to do a little extra for them to try to salvage their trip. I will just list it all.
there was noise from the water dripping off the san juan balcony onto the deck furniture and plants during the night.
the bed was saggy in the middle. (seth is going to put a block of wood under the bed to help the sag)
the bathtub plug cover came off. (hopefully seth can find a way to screw it on)
the shower head leaks when you run a bath. ( i don’t know if seth can fix this but he will try)
there was scum in the jetts. (i fixed this. i think she used the body gel as bubble bath and it got sucked into the jets last night. then when she used the tub this morning…it looked to her like “hair” but it was just scum)
both slipped when getting out of the tub because of its height. the gal scraped up her leg and i told her we would be happy to schedule an appt. at med. center if she wants it looked at. she said no thanks. (raquel is going to find a slip mat to put in the tub)
the tub is too high to get into. (seth is going to try to find a small step stool)
i think that is it.
***VERY IMPORTANT***
THERE IS AN ALAN WRENCH TOOL THAT IS RED IN THE TOOL BOX. THIS CAN BE USED TO ADJUST THE BIKE SEATS AND TO TURN OFF THE FIRE ALARM WALL SWITCH THAT IS IN THE KITCHEN. IT DOES NOT HAVE A KEY ENTRY. YOU HAVE TO OPEN IT WITH AN ALAN WRENCH TO DISENGAGE THE TRICKED WALL ALARM.
kaitlyn
June 20th, 2008 at 11:47 am
cindy: i think elena means the orange juice carafs. (they used to be water containers in rooms.)
the tape for the labeler came today. but i think its the wrong kind. or i can’t get it to fit. i was hoping that the old one would be left in there so we would know how to reload. (when i spoke with island paper on the phone…i tried to tell them the specific tape we needed…but they just said “yes yes yes. think kind you usually get.” perhaps since this is a new machine…its different. i called and left a message for island paper. or if someone knows how to load it…that would be great.
eggs:
we had another uncooked egg delivered to a guest. actually there were two. soooo don’t know what the egg procedure is…but perhaps we need to get into more detail so that we don’t give anyone else uncooked eggs. i had to make some more and it took about 15 min. may be we should always boil 2 or three extra…just in case this happens or one gets dropped or something?
i forgot to post the phone number for the lost earrings…did that get resolved? do you need the number?
the folks in the saltspring are having a terrible time. they had communicated with us about noise being an issue and i remember e-mailing about this. they don’t have any complaints about “noise” but when it rained…the roof over their patio had a leak and drained water onto the deck furniture making noise that they couldn’t sleep through. (who knows…its different for all of us)
also…they had the same comment about the bed that i blogged about on monday. saggy in the middle. i will make sure the slip is still up for seth. i thought he was coming here first on his shifts? the shower also drips when the bath water is running and the plug cover has come off. i will make new notes for this for seth.
the saltspring was also very upset that when they turned on their jets this morning that “human hair” came out of the tub. and…she said this right in front of the travel writer with the broken tv. yes…i know. so i went down and took a look. turns out they took a bath last night and used the shower gel for bubbles. the bubble scum got into the jets when they turned them on and then spewed out this morning when they tried to take another bath. so it was not hair…but scum. i tried to explain that the gel was not for bubbles…
fyi…this may happen to us again. just so you know….
well…i don’t know what it is about me. may be i should quit the biz and bad things will stop happening.
the fire alarm fellow just walked in the door. please don’t set off the alarm….please?
kaitlyn
June 20th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Good Morning!
I was wondering what was going on with the Cypress T.V. I know we talked about it in the meeting. VIP Res#1118101 was not aware of the T.V. issue but was relieved. She said, “now I won’t have any distractions!” I guess for now can we move guests to a different room depending on availability or offer a discount?
June 19th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
LABELER
There is a rumor that Kaitlyn ordered more label tape, true or false? If false, can you, K, please write it on Gerard’s shopping list? Thank you
BEACH CRUISER RELEASE
When a guest brings back the bike, please file the beach cruiser release form in the card board box under the safe with the signed guest invoices.
My first night as a floater (office day, 4 hours here, 4 hours there). This is really great to have a second person down here in the evening. Tory and I checked multiple people in without anybody having to wait. We answered the phone while one of us was helping a present guest. I really like it. It is also great to be able to boss Tory around again. I haven’t had that for a while.
June 19th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
EGGS
Synergy Farm asks if we could save the egg cartons for reuse. I will leave a paper bag by the safe with my name on it. Will you all be so kind and throw the empty egg cartons in there. I’ll bring them back to the farm. Are we sustainable or what?
June 18th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
One more thing: Good Evening ALL
Thanks everyone for attending the customer service staff meeting today, it is great to be able to talk with you all and express what we as managers feel are our strong points and weak points and to know that you all are able to take it and process it as needed. If you have any imput I would love to hear it.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
ELENA
Do you mean the carafes I bought at Fred’s? If so, there wouldn’t be anymore ordered, but if someone goes off island before me, you can pick some up.
Hi Tory
Happy Birdrocking to you tonight, how are you friendly neighbors?
Fire Alarm
Friday is the day for the repair, please email me when it is complete.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I am having Bird Rock withdrawals so I thought I’d blog something I just remembered.
Carafes
Two were broken this last week which means that we don’t have enough of the 2 person sizes. Laura are we getting new ones soon?
And just for Tory, I made the vouchers you asked for up here at ELEMENTS
June 18th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
FOOD FOOD FOOD
Lilly, let’s just order chocolates from SJ coffee when we need them.
UNFI did not deliver today (glitch in the Matrix, most powerful full moon of the year, me having birds?), so I got yogurt, milk, oj, raisins (to mix with the plain flakes), no plain yogurt to be found anywhere (glitch in the matrix, etc.?). Eggs tomorrow, please buy things as you need them. We will get the next delivery on Wednesday (including shampoos and such.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
PS…Boswell. He called and gave us a new card so I charged the shipping costs. Has this box been sent yet?
June 18th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I put the romance package in the room…and we are now out of chocolate as the boxes of chocolate expire today! I believe Steffi will be ordering more chocolate for us soon.
Also…where is our cash drawer? In the safe…I don’t know the safe code…can someone tell me later!?
In the new booking there are two alarms…I looked at them nut wasn’t quite sure what to do with them so I have left them for whoever knows exactly what they are about.
That’s about it…
June 18th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
3 boxes of scone mixed were delivered today. they are on the top shelf.
June 17th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Well it turns out that Jerry is going to bring us the boxes of scone mix so we will have 6 boxes total. OOPS… No biggie though because we won’t have to order the stuff in a while. In case we do though I added the conifer inc phone number to our phone list.
The ladies whose luggage we are fed-exing back for them. one of the cards was just fine the other got declined so they will be calling back
June 17th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
FIRE ALARM
Guardian security will send a tech this Friday. He will be here first thing in the morning, to fix the “fire trouble” screen and the dep of L.I. issues.
SCONE MIX
FSA has a minimum order of 10 items to deliver so we won’t be able to get it from them anymore. I called Conifer Inc. (out of Seattle) and got someone who found our old account. YAY!!! 3 large boxes of mix should arrive in about 3 days.
COFFEE
We ran out this morning durring breakfast so I got some from Elements, but also ordered a couple of bags that will be here later this evening.
EXTRA STOOLS
We had 2 extra bar stools delivered (just in case) they will be in the in-town storage and I will e-mail Cindy so she can add this to the inventory list.
CYPRESS T.V.
Seth looked at the cypress T.V. but I don’t think he had any luck because he didn’t say anything else about it. Laura gave me the number for the distributer and I will be calling them in just a bit.
POOR MORGAN… why always him?
June 17th, 2008 at 12:55 am
hi there. we have two big boxes in the back that need to go to post san juan.sorry, i didn’t bring a car today and its close to 11pm. i think they are closed. ha ha. the forms are taped to each box. the only problem is that the 3 digit code is not on the form or in our files. (thats on the back of the card) hamid usually gets very angry with us if this is not on there. we may need to charge the postage to our account (or elements) and then apply new charges to the room. call cindy and ask if ok to do this so we don’t make hamid ANGRY. i have one more item that i will be shipping for these ladies. i took it home to see if i had a box it would fit and will return with it to elements or post san juan to be mailed on friday. (its a piece of driftwood)
elena…i think we need more coffee. i didn’t get a chance to order more. we probably need two bags. i think it is “estate” blend or something.
the front desk phone is missing. lilly? have you seen it? lina? so elena’s number is up tonight.
poor morgan. isn’t that some kind of fetish. sex in public places? i guess elements could be named the fetish capitol of the WORLD! drawing interesting folk from ALL COUNTRIES, nationalities and taboos.
June 16th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
the last one about checking with housekeeping is about some lost earrings. small silver and glass earrings.
June 16th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
we had a walk in for the bainbridge. large family. very nice and quiet. but there were a lot of them. 6. so…i gave them a heads up about their neighbors and asked very kindly for quiet voices.
CAUTION: the dish washer has not been getting out dishes totally clean. i noticed a lot of silverware with stuff on it still and sometimes plates. so…it looks like we should try not to load it so full to make sure stuff is getting clean. the plates do better stacked single as to double in the dividers and the silverware works best if you mix the forks and spoons up as opposed to all spoons and all forks. (they slide in together and “spoon” each other and the water can’t get in between.)
also…there are water spots on all the champagne and wine glasses. we may need to wipe these down before we set them out. i have noticed guests picking through them to find glasses without spots.
guest comment for the saltspring. would be great to have a step for the bathtub. it is very high to get in. the bed seems to be sagging in the middle. perhaps we are missing some of the pieces under there. i will make a maintenance note to check it out.
guest comment for san juan: bar of soap would be nice to have as well as body wash so they can pick. earplugs are not getting in rooms (have had two guests not get them on their first night here and WANTED THEM for sure by morning) should say on website that this is a historic building (not sure if it does) noise from room to room should be noted. (perhaps a gauge of noise or kind of noise from street. ferry traffic in the morning, big trucks) small two person table in san juan would be nice. (since there is a kitchen in there…where do they eat?) otherwise guests felt very at home, loved warm tile floor in bathroom, should be a sign for the cleansing cycle on aerated tubs, bed was wonderful, staff very accomadating, breakfast was great and on and on.
reservation 1099378 has a charger being returned to them from post san juan. i am off for three days and hamid at post san juan needs a confirmation on the credit card number. the number on file is correct. could you please please call him tomorrow and confirm the number. he knows the guest by name.
a guest called and said that they stayed on friday in the whidbey and may have forgotten them in the room. please check with socco or olga to see if they found them. look up the guest by date and room. also please call them back to let them know if they were found or lost. i called today to say that we would check and let them know. phone number can be found on the computer where you are sitting. they didn’t leave a name.
elena, i went into the lopez to replace the screen and there are screens in the sitting area and in the bedroom. perhaps i missed where it should go? or it got replaced by housekeeping already? the old screen i put back in the shower in the back room.
there are a couple of 7:30 breakfast. i have made some trays and will set them out before i leave. i will let the guests know they are in the lobby.
ok. good night for now.
kaitlyn
June 16th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
SOLTAZZA
I called back to follow up on the espresso machines that need to be sent back but Sandra was not in the office. I did speak to a Jonathan that said she would call us tomorrow, if not we need to call back.
REZ# 1157787
Asked me to book whale watching and kayaking, then called back and said she wanted to wait on it. I called and left a message to ask if I should go ahead and keep or cancel the rez. she then called back and said she will call us in a couple of days. Alarm is set to cancel in case she forgets or something.
LOPEZ
Screen is still off maybe we can wait till they leave for dinner and then replace it.
Lina was great this morning at breakfast.
SEE YA
June 16th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
My first official day at Bird Rock!! It was a busy morning with breakfast and we’ve had a few minor glitches…but nothing major.
The fire alarm…has been beeping at us for the last hour or so, we cannot seem to get it to stop! Elena called the fire alarm system people and they will be calling us back to help fix it.
Also, the webrez system went down for about an hour but it is finally working again…
I spoke with a Mike McClean on the phone earlier and he was looking to book the Bainbridge, I called him and he will call back however the Bainbrdge is booked for the dates he wanted but I didn’t get to tell him that on the phone because our system was down. Hopefully he is not upset!
June 15th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
laura,
we are having some folks really concerned about our aerated tubs that turn on for the sanitizing cycle after the jets are on. they are re-pressing the button and then it just does it again and again. should we put some sort of note or sign in the room? or is it going to be check in procedure to tell guests this? what do you think?
kaitlyn
June 15th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
i just talked to elena about the cab thing (she called them around 1:30 pm) and it sounds like bobs taxi is not remembering their pick ups for us. i don’t know if this is going to be an issue in the future or if randomly they missed two of our reservations. so…heads up. and raven taxi is out of business fyi.
kaitlyn
June 15th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
by the way…i forgot to say that there was no cab called. both time i had to call a new cab.
June 15th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
ok. so twice this has happened to me and it feels terrible!!! i hope it doesn’t happen to YOU.
in the last two or three days i have had two different guests tell me that they had cab reservations and the front desk person made the call to schedule this. BOTH times there was no cab info in the blog or notes to tell me guests wanted cabs at specific times. this is so awkward and embarrassing because i don’t know what to tell them and i don’t want to double book with different cab companies cause that will tick them off. so PLEASE if a guest needs a cab and you are not going to be here to schedule it…leave a note on the front desk for the next person and write down what cab company you called.
the family in the bainbridge may be a problem tonight with their kids. we have some people staying in the lopez that are here for a special weekend and the kids are crying and yelling a lot. (i can hear them in the lobby too) there is not much to offer them. the cypress with the broken tv, the speiden which is right next to the bainbridge as well and the matia which is “out of the question” so…be on the look out for a room comp if these guests don’t get peace and quiet. they expected to get a “premium” room.
the guest that is staying in the sucia for three days would love it if that room became available on wed. for them to stay an extra night. FYI
heads up: the raisen bran we are stocking doesn’t actually have any RAISENS in it. so…should we change the cards to read “bran cereal” or get some raisens to put in with the mix. we have probably 15 boxes of this fab bran cereal.
do we need a special wrench to adjust these bike seats? i don’t think we have the tools down here. can someone show us how to do this from elements?
elena said the internet seemed to be doing fine on the second floor.
off to the store for yogurt.
kaitlyn
June 15th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Just a few things from this morning…
Breakfast went well though we did have to clear the dish washer(no biggie I know Tory had a hard night). And there were also no napkins rolled. this is something that is really time consuming so it really does need to be done in the morning when possible. again no biggie since Olesea helped me out.
I was just reading through Cindy’s e-mail about our newbies, as well as Kaitlyn’s original e-mail, and yes a lot of the things she brought up are very valid and I have noticed the same but, when I see this type of thing I say hey guys since your not busy can you sweep the patio? or Hey why don’t we start tidying the lobby? or even do you want to run upstairs/ downstairs and see if there is any laundry left over to fold from yesterday? just things like that if they see that we can find things for them to do then eventually I think they will start to do them on their own. I also think that if we want them to have initiative we need to lead by example if we sit at the desk all day and do nothing they will think that this is ok and will do the same. I really like all the new girls they are lots of fun and Daniel and Roman (though I just met them) also seem very nice and if we just open up to them and form good work relationships with them it will be easier to say nicely hey I think you forgot this or, you can do this that way its all fun and casual, not like we are bossy and cold.
Yes it is draining to help in training all these new guys but attitude is everything and instead of thinking errr!!! Why are all these people here?! I just think great now I don’t have to rush around so much.
Also I find that if when you tell them to do something you just mention that it is something to do regularly they will eventually ask, should I do …?
Anyways that just my take on the situation, it’s hard but it is what it is so… Breathe
Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.-Demosthenes
June 15th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Cypress:
Flat screen is from what I can tell totally dead. Contacted Laura. Moved res#1164550 to Fidalgo due to T.V. issue and resold it to a gentleman that was o.k. without a T.V. I don’t know if we should block out this room or continue to sell it for less and let the guest know that the flat screen is out of order. Could someone please contact Seth and see if he could come down and take a look at it. Maintenance request created.
Shaw guests:
Requested an early breakfast at 700am because they are getting on the 800am boat. I offered them a to go breakfast prepared and put in the lobby fridge. If for some reason they forget about it please check the fridge and make sure it gets taken out.
Wireless upstairs:
Out of service. Rebooted both wireless and computers, Chris told me to do this last time he was here, and still nothing.
Res#1040663 & Res#14790:
These ladies had the luggage that we were holding throughout the weekend until they returned. The luggage is in the outside closet next to the Fidalgo. Whoever helps the guests with their luggage may have to use a housekeeping key or ask Raquel I noticed none of my keys work in the door. Could someone please make sure that this gets handled before they checkin. I’ve noticed that Kaitlyn always places the checked luggage in the room before guest arrives. I would imagine it being a real pain if we were fumbling around for keys to get to it when the guests are trying to get checked in.
Well I’m going on my days off. Got an itch to go off island and add to my collection of chocolate pants and white wrinkle free button up shirts. And maybe a quick manie-peddie-botox as Samantha puts it. Well maybe not the Botox.
June 14th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Steffi
I will telecommute tomorrow (as in: stay home). Please call me at home with any issues.
June 14th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
FOOD (1)
I ordered milk, soy, 1/2 & 1/2, cheerios (but really), yogurt, shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion & shower gel for Wednesday.
Elena, can you please do a produce order as needed? Gio wants to sell apples, oranges & bananas at cafe zia, just by way of saying that maybe our full cases nightmare is over.
FOOD (2)
Please don’t eat the food at Bird Rock. We are planning our food orders around check-ins and not hungry employees. We don’t have a problem with an employee eating a scone, leftover from breakfast, or the orange Elena used for orange zest. But you can’t take your meals here.
BREAKS
Raquel put a clothes cabinet, microwave & coffee maker in the upstairs laundry. She will provide a folding table and chairs shortly. Please let all the housekeepers know to store their personal belongings there, make a coffee up there and not drink the coffee provided for guests in the lobby, heat their meals there and not in the lobby microwave. We don’t have enough room in the luggage room as it is, so this will help us space wise.
Thank you.
June 14th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
we had a wonderful fire alarm today and this is what you do.
1open panel hit silence
2the screen should say what floor. the key is on the inside of the door of the box
3 go to that floor. if the wall alarms are not engaged (you know them, you wanted to see what would happen if you pulled them in high school. or maybe you did pull them in high school)
4 all the keys are on one key chain (alarm box and wall pulls) take these with you when you do your floor inspection.
5 unlock the wall box that is engaged open it and then close it. the device resets itself. then go down stairs to the box and hit reset.
6 this should solve your problems. steffi is working on getting us a tech support number for 24 hours and on weekends.
and laura said that we can take the small alarms out of the rooms. or if the fall down. do not put them back
cindy, we are still waiting for our day and night message script. laura gave us a call about this.
thanks
kaitlyn
June 14th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
tori, can you take a look at res. 1176210. there is a balance and i am not sure why. it is one of the walk ins. also…the spa thing for the pregnant gal is set. the only time avail. was for 9 am.
kaitlyn
June 14th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
i just sent steffi, cindy and laura an e-mail and forgot to sign it. sorry.
but…to move things along, there once was a little birdie who laid a little egg. the egg was so proud to be selected by steffi and brought to a little boutique hotel. the little egg waited patiently to get boiled and eaten like all good organic eggs do…but this little egg never got boiled. it ended up poked in the head by a sharp point and placed in a beautiful egg holder and placed on a tray. when the fellow tried to eat it…the egg exploded its runny uncooked egg insides all over leaving the guest disgusted. he didn’t even try to eat the other egg buddy that went with him on the tray.
the moral of the story is to…always be careful when preparing for breakfast. oh yes, mistakes happen for sure…but this was weird.
we also had a half eaten plain yogurt in the fridge that got placed on a tray as well. yes, i know what you are thinking, very weird as well. so…we learned that is very cool to label your unfinished food in the fridge and i will speak with the housekeepers during their break as well.
kaitlyn
June 14th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Flowers:
Suzie dropped off flowers and front desk arrangement.
Bikes:
Are now being secured in the evening with padlock and wire cord. Key is in safe labeled BIKE LOCK.
Been busier than I thought it would be. Three walk ins all looking for simple rooms. Went ahead and upgraded them all due to availability. Kaitlyn would you please follow up on res# 1175395 when the spa calls to confirm massage appt.
June 13th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Hi Everybody
I must let you know something. Western Prince just called. They’ll have an additional WW cruise every Sunday 4pm
June 13th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
i e-mailed laura about fire alarm question. awaiting suggestions and answers. also called soltazza. they said they are going to call on monday to see why we have not had a pick up yet.
kaitlyn
June 13th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
STAFF MEETING STAFF MEETING STAFF MEETING
Yeah! Wednesday, 6/18, 2 PM at ELEMENTS. This is a mandatory meeting. Khaili & Lilly will work our front desks. Gio, Stefan & Lina will be here already. Elena & Tory, please come an hour early to work. Priscilla & Morgan, please come. Kaitlyn is excused.
PRISCILLA
I’ll need a way to get a hold of you. Is your cell working again, do you have a home number?
TUESDAY 6/17
Morgan will take our newest exchange students off island. Lilly will work the front desk at E and will not be training at BR that day.
June 13th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
so, the espresso machines that need returned are still in the back and no follow up from my last blog. do I need to call them or did someone already do that? (now that i am here again)
i must say…that it is very wierd following up on my own blogs after i get back from my days off. it sorta feels like everything goes on freeze when i leave. i know this is not true…so whats going on?
June 13th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
i need some help with these fire alarms we had in our rooms before the system was up and running. the sky is raining alarms. they are falling from their sticky heights and landing on the floor and scaring people. are we ok to not put these back? or do we still need them? if so…any ideas to make them stay?
please help and advise.
kaitlyn
June 13th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
well. they key guy called early this morning and i had no idea what he was talking about because i didn’t see the keys and i didn’t get to read the blog. i couldn’t decipher the cell number so i called the home phone and left a message. these keys are in the TOP DRAWER OF THE SAFE IF HE CALLS BACK. so sorry for the misdirection.
steffi,
raquel needs some more shampoo, conditioner and body soap for the rooms.
there are two keys for the new folks i met this morning. daniel and natasha. these keys are in the top drawer of the safe with their name on it.
we have people calling that poor gal in georgia or whatever from our confirmation letters still. she said someone called and canceled a reservation. stefan e-mailed adam about this.
the spa is checked.
san juan vinyards dropped off a barrel tasting flyer. (i think per steffi) and it is 10$ per person this gets you wine script/glass
music
food
and one day wine specials. saturday, june 14th 4-8pm
seth took a look at the deadbolt and said it felt secure. so he didn’t do anything else to it. there is a screen that needs replaced. he is on it. as well as a cord cover in the lopez.
the luggage and boxes from the skipjack and the patos is in the back. there is packing tape by the safe for when they leave and need to box their stuff up again. they will be checking back in on monday. can we please return the luggage to their rooms after they are clean?
the bikes are going to arriving here soon. do we have the “paperwork” down here for that? protocols? to wear a helmet or not to wear? that is the question. and locks??? i heard these are flashy and with us being so close to herbs…and what happened to poor tori with his little truck…this worries me.i will e-mail elements for a template just in case.
and thats it so far.
oh, and i wanted to get monday night off. tori can not do it. is there an option for someone else to take that shift? i was hoping to go off island.
kaitlyn out!
June 12th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
KEYS
One of our guests turned on a set of keys (airplane & padlock with white paper tag) around 6/1, which he found in the street. The rightful owner is looking for them, will be by tomorrow. Anybody know anything about this?
June 12th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
AMEX
I have several reservations (online and walk-in) wanting to pay with AMEX (was added as payment option today) but WRP doesn’t accept it. Cindy, I know you were working on that. Can you let us know where we are at? I’ll leave the booking in the new section for now.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
HOUSEKEEPING
A guest found a bag of clothes in a drawer in the Skipjack, another found a note written by a previous guest in the Marrowstone. Both guests were super nice about it, but guys, this is embarrassing. I’ll talk to Raquel, but please, the next time you find yourself looking for something to do, walk through the rooms with your eyes open and open those drawers, look in those cupboards, see if the hair dryer works, etc.
CASH
I noticed a couple of things when reconciling cash:
1) when a guest cancels a reservation, please apply his deposit as a cancellation fee, so our books don’t look like we owe the guest money. Also always send a cancellation letter.
2) When printing out the nightly reconciliation make sure you print out the correct day. WRP prints out whatever day you looked at last.
3) Signed guest invoices go into the cardboard box under the safe, not in the safe.
4) when receiving cash as payment, print out invoice in question, put in envelope together with the cash owed (as in: when the guest gives you $400, but he only owes us $398, put $398 in the envelope, not $400)
EXTRA PERSON CHARGES
remember that each additional adult (after 2 adults, except for Bainbridge, which is priced for 4) and kid over 4 is $20 extra here at BR, because of our fabulous breakfast and all.
Great job, Elena & Stefan today, that kitchen is spanking clean, thank you. I messed up with the food order, ordered bran instead of cherios. I’ll get some from Kings and order the right thing next week.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Steffi,
I ordered several bottles of the Durgol decalcifier. I’ll get it to Bird Rock when it comes!
June 12th, 2008 at 12:08 am
FIRE ALARM
I put the L&I paperwork in the safe, in case an authority needs to access it.
June 11th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
HOT TUB
one more for the breakfast person: check the hot tub chemicals, please.
June 11th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Yup, that last blog was from Elena. And Tory, you are that cool!
2ND WORKSTATION
Laura & Cindy, what’s our time line for getting a second work station down here?
FIRE ALARM
I spoke with Sound Guard and they will contact Cindy regarding how to proceed from here within the next 15 days.
BREAKFAST PERSON
make cookie dough if we are low
Stefan & Lina, I would like to add the following duties to the breakfast person’s shift:
1) clean the fridges
2) roll silverware
3) fill salt & pepper shakers
4) rotate food, check fruit boxes for rotten fruit
5) fill green apple tray with good looking apples, take stickers off
6) prepare butter, jam, oj & milk for the following day, boil eggs
7) empty garbage in kitchen & bathroom, break down recyclable boxes
9) go through little flower bouquets, take out dead flowers, change water
Thank you
FOOD COOP ORDER
Please don’t forget that Cloud will drop off the food coop order at 8AM tomorrow. Please help her carry things.
CHECK OUTS
Don’t forget to check out departing guests on WRP.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
The last blog wasn’t me. My blogs aren’t that cool.
June 11th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
GROCERIES
We won’t be able to get groceries until tomorrow. The Co-Op called and said that the truck didn’t make it on the ferry.
WHITE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES?
Irene called yesterday from San Juan Coffee and left a message for Steffi regarding white chocolate truffles. please Call her back 378-4443
FIRE ALARM
An inspector with Department of Labor and Industries stopped by today to check out our fire alarm system and apparently it is NOT approved for service. He left a form regarding the issues that he found with the system and told us that we need to contact the company to let them know about the situation.
BAINBRIDGE
I put the part that fell off the door back on for now but it is not all that secure so please let Seth know that this needs to be fixed before this weekend.
WHALE WATCH
I left a message with Maya’s today for rez # 1172365 who wants to go out tomorrow for 2 adults.
All else was VERY AND I MEAN VERY SLOW.
I also read the blog from Cindy about customer service. Is there something specific I can do?
June 11th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
CUSTOMER SERVICE (i am putting this is upper case for IMPORTANCE~i want everyone working the front desk to come and talk to me about the following:)
PLEASE EVERYONE, THE GUEST IS YOUR FIRST PRIORITY, I CONTINUE TO WANT EVERYONE WALKING THROUGH THAT DOOR TO FEEL AS THOUGH THEY ARE YOUR LONG LOST FRIEND, THIS IS JOB SECURITY, SO PLEASE MAKE EVERY GUEST FEEL LIKE THIS.
June 11th, 2008 at 12:41 am
Good Morning Elena!
Could you please follow up on res#1162503 & res#112506 I imagine she was not supposed to be here this evening and her actual dates are in July.
Bainbridge Deadbolt:
When the guests returned to their room they found the deadbolt handle on the floor. It must have came of when one of the kids slammed the door shut and wiggled loose. There is a maintenance slip filled out and the handle is on the desk.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
GROCERIES
I picked up berries, grapes, bananas, milk, 1/2 & 1/2. The guys in the produce department said that we need to order our stuff on either monday, wednesday, of Friday and it needs to be done by at least 10am since they place their orders between noon and 1pm.
BOXES
Some of our guests with upcoming reservations sent some boxes of stuff via aeronautical services, they will be in the back for now. the res numbers are: 14789, 14790-1st person split res. 1040660, 1040663 2nd person, split res.
June 10th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
VACUUM BATTERY: I just ordered two vacuum batteries for Raquel. Please let me know when they arrive so that I can cross them off my list.
Thanks!
June 10th, 2008 at 11:08 am
SAN JUAN: Tomorrow morning, Mike and Ally will come by to measure for carpet for the San Juan patio. If the San Juan gets booked tonight, please call me to let me know so that I can reschedule with them.
Thanks!
June 10th, 2008 at 12:40 am
whale watch check in was fine. i called around to see what availability was and there was plenty…no prob.
quick question for tori: can you take a look at 1168099? did they get parking info? i saw your initials on the print out and thought i would double check. thanks!
the two pumps behind the desk need to make their way up to laura’s desk tomorrow. (tuesday) elena, can you do this while stefan is here if you have time later in the morning? thanks!
the espresso machines still have not been picked up. i think we should call the company and let them know. (we usually don’t get dhl pick up so they may have to work with fed ex. i am off the next three days so i can’t follow up.
seth is working on the shelves in the saltspring and the whidbey. the saltspring is blocked off so there are no internet bookings for tomorrow. he said they should be done tomorrow by check in. there just needs to be some painting and then housekeeping to do a tidy.
lots of calls for the 4th. almost sold out.
have fun!!
kaitlyn out
June 9th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
well, i got here at three today and was looking at my check ins and noticed that we had a guest arriving that had wanted a whale watch. and had even typed some notes with who they wanted to go with. there are no employee notes in this file for a whale watch confirmation or guest contacted. should be fine if i get them booked tonight when they check in. but…it is something we missed on their on-line booking. steffi, your worst fear has come true!!
June 9th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Scone Mix
I ordered 3- 25 pound bags and they should be delivered soon.
ICE MACHINE
It should be working now but Bruce said to let it do a few batches and then throw them out since the filter is new. We also need to return the other pump to Anaco? as soon as possible.
INK
Our printer cartridges were delivered today, they are in the back.
June 8th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
ELENA
Would you be a Sweety and order some scone mix on Monday, as well as a case of strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, and grapes, all in organic, from Ron at MP. Can you also go pick that up on Tuesday with a check from Cindy? Thank you, thank you.
FOOD
On Wednesday we’ll get milk, yogurt, cherios, bread, jam & oj.
MOVIES
I liked “Lars & the real girl” as well, very touching and tender and weird. We just saw “Our Daily Bread and other films about the Great Depression”. I’m so into that time right now because of the parallels to our current recession. “Our Daily Bread” is a feature (the other’s are short documentaries, very very cool), personally financed by the director because the studios wouldn’t finance a film like that. It’s the story of a young couple, living in town, being kicked out of their house because of money problems (there are no jobs), the bill collectors hunt them, they escape to a dry farm of her uncle’s and try to make a living. They don’t know the very first about farming and ask other homeless and jobless people to help them. And voila, they build a commune…and then the sheriff comes to foreclose… tatata
June 8th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
olga reported that the i home docking radio was missing from the whidbey when she cleaned it yesterday. these were some guests from the wedding party that we had. reservation number 995125. from what i know all the contact info is from the bride. there is a cell and a home number in the notes from damages that may have happened when their baby got sick on the blankets and couch. raquel remembers seeing the clock near the bed when she moved the lamp shade…but today (sunday) it was not there on tidy. perhaps we can double check that it is there when our guests check out tomorrow. may be they moved it to another place. reservation number 5002. (olga moved the radio from the saltspring to the whidbey for tonight because the radio was missing. the radio from the whidbey will need to go back to the saltspring on monday during cleaning.
June 8th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
breakfast prep was great. thanks elena. olga had her first morning to help and she was such a pro. i didn’t have to tell her how to do anything.
i think there may have been a confusion with the matia booking. i know they booked on line themselves but they booked for the 7th and in their comments said they would be staying for the 10th. so i copied their reservation and made it for the 10th as well just in case they show up that day.
tim and i watched lars and the real girl. it was not a “hilarious” but very good.
kaitlyn
June 8th, 2008 at 12:57 am
It was a nice evening. I managed to keep busy and everyone was very happy to be here. I prepped breakfast as best as I could since the breakfasts are split most are at either 8am or 9:00am.
Matia was a no-show as of 10:59pm. Envelope is on the front desk with their name and key.
June 7th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
BREAKFAST
Oh Kaitlyn, I’m so sorry you got left alone. Way to go to pull it off anyway. Raquel had scehduled help, but the person forgot. Mhm.
I just had a meeting with Raquel and here is the scope for the future:
Mo-Fri either Lina or Stefan will work the breakfast with another front desk staff. There will be at least one other Housekeeper coming in at 7.30. That housekeeper will help with carrying trays, can start on cleaning the common bathrooms, sweep the patio, clean early check-out rooms, in short that other housekeeper leaves the kitchen if she is not needed.
On Saturday & Sunday two housekeepers will come in at 7, to help with breakfast. If one is not needed, see above. It will be the front desk staff’s call to send one housekeeper off to other duties.
EGGS
As of next week Katie from Lacrover farm will deliver 3 dozen eggs ($18) on Fridays. Please pay her out of petty and show her around. I just signed up for a CSA share with Lacrover, I think they still have spots, talk to Katie. Oh, in about 2 weeks we’ll also get strawberries and raspberries from them. Yummy!!
CHOCOLATES
Came on Wednesday, 6/4
SHIRTS
I jumped the gun here. Step away from the blouses! These were just for Lina & Stefan to pick one or two, (and Tory, if the boy shirts fit you skinny thing), we will keep the rest for later.
I-HOMES
Cindy & Laura, FYI, Raquel distributed the I-homes into the rooms which needed them at both properties.
June 7th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
quick reminder to label the chocolates from san juan coffee with the date. they will go moldy if we have them on the shelf for too long. there are a couple back there without dates. anyone know when we got them? if so…please let us know so we can slap and exp. on the box. thanks!
also…i blocked out the saltspring for a couple of hours because i have a sneaking suspicion that the gals checking into the lopez may be unhappy with the size of the room. we may need to split them up to make them happy. so, the saltspring is available. but then again…this will mess up their payment from when they checked in. (they all paid a portion of the room with check and cash) made it really difficult for everyone. even them. i tried talking them into one bill and squaring it up amongst themselves…nope. i think we could probably give them a discount on saltspring if they are unhappy. again…this is just a gut feeling.(like may be i have seen something like this before?)
June 7th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
we ran out of ink today. i called elements to see if they could print out invoices for us and bring them down. had to leave a message.
kaitlyn out! (and i wish my shift was over already) what else can happen? bring it on.
June 7th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
laura,
}
well, the fruit goddess steffi had blessed me so at least i didn’t find the need for additional food. the scones didn’t get burnt and i managed to cook “just the right amount” in one batch on two trays…but the toast god is pissed. he burnt about 6 pieces of toast. (i really don’t get that toaster. it either under cooks or over cooks and the bread doesn’t really fit in it with four pieces.) i hate to say it…but we may need a toaster that is a little more high tech. kitchen aid might have a good one.
anyway…like i said. its over so its ok. i just hope it doesn’t happen again {to me
June 7th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Oh Kaity, I am SO sorry! That sounds like a miserable morning. I’m just wondering who the god of breakfast prep is and what you did to offend him in a past life. Just think, you’re building back so much karma that there will be no problems in the next life…
Tory, I am jealous. I want to go to a hair show, too. I’ve always wanted to go to a hair show, it just seems like a lot of fun. I hope you’re on your way there right now and I hope you don’t get in TOO much trouble. I know you’ll get in to some…
June 7th, 2008 at 11:43 am
well, breakfast WAS overwhelming because….NO ONE SHOWED UP TO HELP ME UNTIL 8:45
and by then i only had three more breakfast(of 13) but that was the least of my worries.
it would not have been really so bad but there were a lot of people mingling in the lobby and asking questions. which didn’t leave a lot of time to cut that blasted fruit or even look at the schedule to see who was going to come in. i kept hoping that they were just running late. but no one came.
i feel totally screwed with too much help and then no help. whats happening to me? i am in the twilight zone!!! but i’m over it. its done. no problem. i just hope it doesn’t happen again on a morning when we are sold out.
i wish tory could go to the hair show. i would LOVE to know what kind of trouble he would get into. and maybe bring some cool products to show us.
peace out!
kaitlyn
June 7th, 2008 at 1:30 am
GOOD MORNING GIRLS!!!
Breakfast should not be as overwealming as it looks. I know it looks like everyone wants breakfast all at 800am but besides two of them they are all in the wedding party. They are really nice people and understand that it is 8ish and that we are Superhuman but not omnipotent. And I will see you in the am and probably will tell all of this to you before you read it. Also would you please make cookies with the girls if you have time. I really couldn’t get to it tonight and thought it might be nice to train the girls on cookies. Well I’m off for one whole day. Well I’m off Saturday. Might be going to a hair show with Connie. Now how much trouble do you think I could get in at a hair show in Seattle… but I’ll be back by Sunday.
June 6th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
HOT TUB
The spa guys will replenish empty chemicals automatically.
WHITE SHIRTS
Laura bought a bunch of shirts (boys & girls) for the front desk. Stefan took the bag and will bring it to Bird Rock after Lina and him have gotten first pick. Elena, Kaitlyn, Tory, pick what you like. Thank you Laura!
WHALES
SJ Outfitters will go out of Roche Harbor at 1PM tomorrow, they have plenty of space on the boat. Let the people know!
June 6th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
safeco insurance came today and did a walk through inspection. we noticed that we had two expired fire extinguishers.
be sure that when bill la porte comes on monday that he replaces the extinguisher outside the whidbey and the saltspring. there is also one that is due in the kitchen under the sink. i asked bill if he could fit us with a holder for the wall so we can hang it up.
the spa was good today. a little low on bromine from the test strip. i didn’t see any bromine powder. just the tablets.
steffi, do we order this from dwight or does he replace it when it runs out?
kaitlyn out
June 5th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Please read ELEMENTS blog. I don’t know why but I can’t blog longer messages. Laura will figure it out tomorrow.
June 5th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Kaitlyn,
can you make sure Housekeeping clears the night manager’s bed tomorrow, please? I put Tory in the Spieden tonight, but tomorrow he’ll need the bed.
Thank you!
June 5th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Printer ink has been ordered:) it should be here by tomorrow or Monday..
Bikes
The bikes are here, they are just waiting to be put together, Adam, do you want to help with this?
June 5th, 2008 at 11:33 am
the fire insurance fellow will be here on monday around 12, noon. he called today to arrange a time. kj 6-5-08
June 5th, 2008 at 10:06 am
i don’t know why i didn’t think of this earlier…but it would actually be very helpful to have training before a morning shift. (kinda like front desk and housekeeping did before we opened.)
that way…everyone can practice on a tray that doesn’t have to go to a room. then…maybe just two people training in the morning at a time. today i had 4. it was a little hard cause i thought i was only going to have one person. i felt sorta like a mother hen with little chicks (ha ha) following me to rooms. i didn’t have my brain on yet and let three of them come with me to deliver a breakfast. i think it weirded the guests out. sorry.
everything seems to be going swimmingly. glad to have the extra help here.
cheers everyone! see you at the meetin’
kaitlyn out!
June 4th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
test
June 3rd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
KAITLYN: Don, from Safeco, (Bird Rock’s insurance company) will be coming by on Friday, June 6 around 11:30. Can you please give him a little tour of the property. If he has any specific questions, tell him to call me. I’m sorry that I won’t be available to help him myself that day.
June 3rd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
EARPLUGS: I just ordered 400 more earplugs (is that enough Steffi) for Bird Rock. They should be delivered sometime during the week of June 16th.
IRRIGATION: I’ve got a call in with Island Gardens to see what else is coming.
June 2nd, 2008 at 5:56 pm
from seth:
right now the irrigation is set for 15min. 2 times a day. laura…if it needs to be longer or shorter than that…let seth know. he also needs to know when/if there are going to be more flowers installed. (there are some drip wires hanging where there are no flowers) the timer is set for 6 am and 8pm.
and a special shout out to tori: thanks for putting up with me on sat. i have one day like that a month or so. it was a couple of months since i got so frustrated…the last time…tim made me go to bed early cause i was being really sassy. it sucked. its those cords man. like you said…I LOVE IT!!! silly things.
June 1st, 2008 at 11:02 pm
COUCH CLEANING: I looked at my customer info. about the couches and it says to use DISTILLED WATER & MILD DETERGENT. I think the distilled water is probably very important so that we don’t end up with the fabric being discolored. Also, when they use the detergent they should use a very small amount and blot not rub. They probably used a little too much detergent and that is why the material is stiff. In any case, I am going to see if I can get some replacement material in case we see more serious damage. The main thing is to address the spots right away so they don’t become stains.
June 1st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
#1126280
Arrival on Monday: flowers in lobby fridge, bottle of SJ Vineyard Syrah on top of fridge. Read alarm.
ELENA
Please order scone mix and produce today. The latter from MP 378-5228 ext. 3 (Ron is the manager): box of organic oranges, box of organic apples, box of organic strawberries. Please get a check from Cindy and pick it up on Tuesday, while there get:
bananas & green apples
Thank you so much for your help!
PRINTER INK
The printer seems to be working fine, but we are out of ink and Gerard can’t get the type we’ll need. We can order it online (and really need to on Monday). Please call Cindy and ask for a credit card number (Cindy, we love you, and not just for your money, you know that, right?).
STAINS
The stain in the Marrowstone came out, but the fabric is slightly discolored and stiff where it was. The Whidbey took a real beating yesterday, pee & puke and more (much more). Amazing Olga & Soco got it all clean except some stains on the couch cushions. Elena had the idea to call the couch manufacturer and ask for stain removing secrets. Let’s!
WIFI
Upstairs computer still not working, neither is the wifi. Chris, help us, help us!!! I’ll leave another message for him.
Lina & Stefan are catching on. It is a real pleasure working with my fellow Euros. Laura, eventually both will need a white shirt. Will you go blouse hunting again soon?
June 1st, 2008 at 12:31 am
The flower arrangement arrived a 2 days early for our special guest. It is being stored in the cooler in the lobby. Also had a gentlemen from the Orcas Suite let me know that his tub kept turning back on after they were done using it. The motor is not actually turning back on. It is a special sanitizer cycle that the new aerated tubs are made for. It’s what makes them sooo unique. I also think that a simple Direct T.V. issue has been solved. If you are informed that the T.V. is not receiving a signal. First look to see if the usb cable is disconnected. That was the problem with both T.V. issues this evening. The cables are just long enough to reach the cable box. I love this about them because you don’t see any of those cords dangling. But if the box gets moved the usb can easily slip out of the box. Those naughty little cables! I’m going on my days off…and I wanted to spend a special thanks to Kaitlyn for staying late for me on Saturday so I could finish cleaning that darn vacation rental. THANK YOU KAITLYN!! Oh and good luck to all of our guests participating in the marathon tomorrow.
May 31st, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Happy Saturday Night, Y’all:
WATERING: I will have to check on the watering situation, but in the meantime, YES PLEASE MAKE SURE THE PLANTS GET WATERED. We certainly don’t want them to die!
MARROWSTONE STAIN: Apparently the couch in the Marrowstone got significantly stained today. Kaitlyn called me and I recommended they use Woolite. Whoever is on shift tomorrow (Sunday) will you please let me know if the stains got removed?
BUTTER: My parents stayed in Bird Rock last night and loved it. They did have a good suggestion, how about pulling the butter out of the fridge a little before serving so it softens up a bit. They said that by the time it was spreadable the scones were cold.
Hasta la vista, Baby.
May 31st, 2008 at 5:36 pm
housekeeping needs to know if they are supposed to be watering the flowers in the flower boxes.
tried to re-boot the computer. not sure if it is working properly.
marrowstone left some clear retainers in their room. name is on envelope behind desk. we will need to call them. (today is sat. pm 5-31-08)
May 31st, 2008 at 12:25 am
The computer upstairs is not connecting to the internet. I left a message with Chris T. and did some troubleshooting with Morgan but we were unsuccessful.
May 30th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
BEACH CRUISERS
I have ordered 10 new beach cruisers, 5 shiney black and 5 vanilla. They will be delivered up at Elements, we will assemble them and bring them down. FUN FOR EVERYONE…
PRINTER
How is the new printer working? If it is still giving you problems Kaitlyn or Elena will you please call Dell technical support? Let me know what you find out?
ICE MACHINE
I talked to the appliance people today, the reason the ice maker parts are not working is due to the machine needing ann aftermarket pump that is stronger, due to how we have it set up the normal one does not work. SO Bruce is trying to find the aftermarket pump. Laura talk to me about this on Monday.
Thanks and have a GREAT weekend.
May 30th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Hey everybody! Gonna work with you soon!
May 30th, 2008 at 11:51 am
just a friendly reminder that if you are going to do breakfast prep for the morning person… (sometimes there is not enough room in the fridge or breakfast is so small there really is no need to) …breakfast prep for the morning person, all the milk and juice containers need to be covered. there is a milk scum ring you can see when you pour out the milk if it is not covered. (we should probably cover butters and juice. jam for sure. it gets a hard top)
thanks steffi for the reminder to print stuff out.
i am hanging mirrors today in the fidalgo and the whidbey. seth is hanging a shelf in the whidbey and fixing the balcony doors to the speiden and the skipjack. (they were not latching and the only way to keep them closed was to roll the deadbolt. discovered when laura mentioned that we are not to be locking deadbolts for fire reasons.)
dave put in a new thermo in the bainbridge.
thats it for now.
kaitlyn out!
May 29th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
AVS mismatch
Cindy fixed it! Yeah!
May 29th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
FIRE ALARM
is fixed! Yeah! Check out my blog from May 2 to remind yourself how it works or ask me. The alarm company will set up a meeting with the fire marshal for final inspection next week. Please let me know once that happened.
ONLINE RESERVATIONS
Please initial the hard copy when you process them and put in “daily follow up” on back desk. Another staff then needs to double check them, initial again and file them in the file cabinet.
AVS MISMATCH
We are having trouble when guests pay with a different card than the one they held the reservation with. I couldn’t process 4 reservations tonight. Cindy might have fixed the problem already because after leaving a message for her it all of a sudden worked. Cindy, did you do your voodoo on authorize.net?
FOOD
I’ll get bananas, oj, green apples & half & half tomorrow. I’ll call down before I go shopping in case you see something else we need for the weekend.
STAFF MEETING
Don’t forget our front desk staff meeting next Thursday, 6/5/08 at 2 PM.
I thought our open house went great. Everybody was raving about the rooms. How could they not, they are gorgeous. The fire alarm guy (Laura kept him here to get the job done) woke up without back pain for the first time in ages. Ahhh, what a pleasure to work in a place that nice.
May 29th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
JULY 4TH FERRY INFORMATION: Below is information from WSF regarding the FREE PARKING policy at the Anacortes Terminal over the dates of July 3-7. WSF is providing FREE PARKING over these dates since the smaller “Sealth” will be in service, which accommodates 50 less cars per sailing than usual. Please let our July 4 guests know about this FREE PARKING and encourage them to walk on the ferries. Also, please remind our guests that “Getting Here is Half the Fun” and ferry fares include a round trip. Thanks!
May 29th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
SPA SERVICES: Annette (who sometimes works at Lavendera) is available to do manicures & pedicures in peoples’ rooms. The cost is $85. for on site. Her # is 378-1084 or the spa can be called & we can arrange it.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
1042313 reservation canceled this weekend in the marrowstone. i told him we could resell his room. (we are already sold out) could we please send him an e-mail letting him know when this sells. i did tell him that we would have to charge if it did not sell.
open house went well. there is some leftovers that steffi is going to use for the meetings tomorrow.
i tried to clean up the best i could. there is a lot of fuzz around.
there are some follow ups i didn’t get to because of the crowds but…can we follow up tomorrow? thanks (they are in follow up folder)
kaitlyn out!
May 28th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Numbers, Numbers, Numbers…I have posted a new Target sheet updated as of today. Take a looksy…
May 28th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
MORE HIDEAWAY NEWS: Elena will call all of the guests we have booked for the Hideaway (not many) and let them know to check in at Elements. She will say something about how much more convenient it will be and that there is off-street parking, etc… Thank you, Elena!
May 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
HIDEAWAY: From now on, when you take a reservation for the Hideaway, you do not need to call Jessica. HOWEVER, you DO need to remember to tell the guests that they should check in up at Elements. Please be very kind with them because they will be very confused because they are booking with Bird Rock, staying at the Hideaway and checking in at Elements. Also, there will be a transition time where we need to keep some keys at Bird Rock because there will be some guests that may have old information and still want to check in with you. Again, be gentle.
May 27th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Hello all your Bird Rockers…
Tomorrow is the Grand Opening party.. Please everyone that is working tomorrow wear a white shirt (request of Ms. Laura).. Brown, Black or Khaki bottoms are okay..
May 26th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
nothing, nada, zilch.
kaitlyn out!
May 26th, 2008 at 11:35 am
NOT CRAZY? WHAT? NO!
Yes its true breakfast was super smooth this morning lots of people left early and Dina & Olesea are a dream! There was one thing, two rooms that had breakfast ordered were gone probably before I got here but didn’t say anything so we didn’t know and made them both breakfasts, we were able to salvage a lot of stuff but the fruit was a loss. Can anyone think of a way to try and prevent this from happening again?
SPURS BEAT THE Lakers!!! It was about time! Of course I am probably the only one who cares but all the same I thought I’d blog it
more to come…
May 26th, 2008 at 11:02 am
FIRE ALARM STATUS: All functional except for the main floor. What does this mean? This means that we need to make sure that fire alarm in the Bainbridge gets put back up. It also means that the fire alarm guys are coming back on Wednesday and hopefully fixing it once and for all!!
May 25th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Kaitlyn, step away from the blog, slowly, so that I can see your hands!
I assume the fire alarm is functional, but I don’t know 100%, Laura?
I think Adam meant the loaner i-pods to be docked in the fancy i-pod docking radios.
Yes, please villain in our midst cover the citrus fruit and take spoons out of containers.
We could offer toast to our early birds leaving the rock (ha, ha, get it?), so they have something to schmier some jam on? Just leave the toaster on the counter?
Have a good night, famous K.
May 25th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
uhhhohhh. kaitlyn is blogging again…
1. fire alarm? is it functioning? (a follow up on tori’s blog)
2. rack cards are cut and stored under the front desk near your right elbow. thanks steffi!
3.there are flower pots in our courtyard!!!hoooha! are there going to be pots on the second floor balcony as well????
4. ipods- are we supposed to be loaning these WITHOUT headphones? thats wierd. and very rare that someone would have their headphones and not their ipod with them. shall we get some? (not the ones that squeeze in your ear. gross)
5.there is a villain in our midst that is leaving scooping devices ie: spoons and measuring cups in the jam container and putting the lid back on and storing it in the fridge. (i thought we killed this person last season) please remember to take your scoopers out of the containers.
6.i think the spoon villain is friends with the lemon villain and leaving sliced lemon ends not covered in the fridge. i found one in the fruit drawer floating around with the fuzzy kiwi and one face down in the butter nook getting all kissy with the plastic surface in there. please cover cut fruit and citrus. thanks!
7. laura…are we going to spot light our signs. tori got a comment about this the other night. late arrivals having difficulty seeing us.
8. the second floor sign is up by the way…
9. we have a bunch of early check outs. this was when having milk oj and cereal out for buffet was great. and i miss it. i have had to arrange three different breakfast for folks who are leaving at 6am. weird. and i know we aim to please…but they were thinking they were going to get scones!! ha ha ha. how bout bacon and eggs at the blue dolphin?
okey dokey.
recycling is out. but…are they working tomorrow?
kaitlyn out!
May 25th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
ha ha ha. revenge of the ice machine. that will teach that appliance guy! and another sad sad fact that if you want something done right…you best do it yourself. (pessimistic…but sometimes very true.)
see you all at the end of the evening. and if you can avoid the store…its in your best interest to have your cereal without milk tomorrow. its a mad house.
kaitlyn out!
May 25th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Steffi made a very nice post on the Elements blog commenting about how it is nice to check in guests who are excited to be here, it IS contagious. AND the reverse of this is also true. Enthusiasm is contagious and it is OUR!! JOB!! to give that to our guests. In fact, Adam and I were talking about this remembering some of the wonderful feedback that we got about our great customer service last year. To be honest, a lot of that came from some of our youngest staff who have had such a delightfully warm and cheery demeanor. I’ve noticed that it’s easy for our more seasoned staff to slip into a kind of dourness that is, unfortunately, also contagious. Let this be a reminder to all of us to ALWAYS welcome our guests with enthusiasm. EVERY guest deserves this and is PAYING for it. So, regardless of their attitude as they first walk through the door, it is OUR JOB to do give enthusiasm.
May 24th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Bainbridge guests returned to their room from dinner and found fire alarm on the floor. Maintenance request form created. I would have put it back up but it was not up there the correct way to begin with. I’m going on my days off and will not be able to follow up on this. Can someone please double check and make sure it does. Thanks!
May 24th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
BREAKFAST BOWLS
Cindy got some more on the mainland. She said the ferry line to the island was backed up for 2 miles this morning. Dude, it’s summer!
May 24th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Another espresso machine issue. The bottom of one of the water reservoirs fell out. Kaitlyn replaced it with the one from the back that we are already sending back…she is so smart. Also I just e-mailed Laura and thought it should be in the blog. The ice machine pump installation man came in and said that the newest pump that we have received is not the correct pump. He jotted down the serial and said he would try to get the correct pump himself. Until then and during the busy times I’ve been getting ice from Kings. Also Madonna’s new album Hard Candy just hit number one! Go Madge!
May 24th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
RATE SHEETS
Made lots and lots of rate sheets, just need to be cut.
FOOD
Elena, can you please order scone mix on Monday from the manufacturer directly, a lot, maybe put in a standing order? Please blog about it so I know. Thank you.
On Wednesday we’ll get: milk, yogurt, butter, oj, toast & jam.
There is some mustard in the fridge, please don’t touch, it’s for our open house.
MATIA GUESTS
With flawless teamwork K, M and I moved guests into an Earth place. I matched the price they were paying. After HK cleans the Matia, feel free to rent it. Let future guests know that the fan is a little loud and we’ll knock off $10 per night. Please write maintenance request for fan.
I had fun at the farmer’s market this morning. Guard had slaughtered lamb and was fully stocked and gave out free hugs. Pam from Demeter had loads and loads of pastries, chocolate croissants, oh goody. There was music and radishes of all colors and sizes. Ah, summer is coming.
May 24th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
my last blog sounded naughty.
kaitlyn out out out
May 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
i gave the spa a cookie cause the readings for the strip test were a little off. we shall see if we need to add any bromine tomorrow.
kaitlyn out
May 24th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
1079272 guest had complaints about room and very unhappy. room was hot and ceiling fan made clicking noise when turned on hight. if open window, noise from store parking lot. said outlet was not working near the tv. (i tried them both and they seemed to be working…i will write a maintenance report just in case. also one for the fan ticking) their key card didn’t work as well. they requested to be moved down a floor but we are sold out tonight. i had morgan put an earth room on hold in case they decided to move. i also put a fan in their room and installed a mirror. (i had not done that yet.)
SHALL WE REMIND PEOPLE NOT TO STORE THEIR ROOM KEY NEXT TO THEIR ELECTRONICS ON CHECK IN?
i will double check ALL room keys right now and make sure they work. (seems like we have had a lot of trouble with them lately)
kaitlyn out!
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:59 pm
FYI- i have noticed in the morning that when the jelly is not covered in the little dishes it gets an icky filmy hard surface. and when the milks are in the individual containers, there is a scum ring around the edges. (if not covered)
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
laura says…that if the printer starts to eat paper on a regular basis to call the company. its a new printer and should not be doing this already.
May 23rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
i made extra vouchers for the folder and made the price corrections for the crystal seas and san juan outfitters. thanks steffi for forwarding those to me. they are all in the master folder for bird rock templates.
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:21 am
just a quickie.
laura…i don’t remember where else we had discussed putting extra mirrors. (i believe we have three or four. give me four locations just in case. and i can try to get that done today.)
thanks steffi for the fruit.
poor tori. i wish he had a delux suite to sleep in. it really is weird being uprooted twice a week.
yea binders!
oh, and cindy…i will e-mail you a shopping list for matboard and foam core. i think they are finishing my bathroom up and there shouldn’t be sinks and toilets in my framing area anymore. (not to mention dust and strange men) ick.
adam, i will be photographing the whidbey and the saltspring today as well. hooohaH.
kaitlyn out!
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:39 pm
FRONT DOOR KEYS
I reprogrammed a bunch of front door keys. Tory will drop them in the upper drawer of the safe. So all E keys in that drawer are working.
PRINTER
Is workingish. Kaitlyn, please let me know if it’s eating paper again, then we need to call the authorities (and by that I mean Cindy and Laura).
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
PRINTER
is not working at all anymore. After eating every other print out, now some tiny piece of paper is totally stuck. I’ll play with it some more, but the area where it’s stuck doesn’t open. Ideas? Please!
May 22nd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
CASH!!
Your opportunity to earn extra cash has arrived. See the bulletin board to get the full scoop.
May 22nd, 2008 at 6:50 pm
HIDEAWAY
will soon be part of ELEMENTS booking system. Once that is the case, we’ll need to call all future guests staying in there and let them know where to go for check-in. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, just a heads up.
ICE MACHINE PUMP
is in ice machine (not installed, just in there), so we find it when the repair guy comes.
CHAMPAGNE
Still, really and I kid you not, we have a full box of full sized champagne under our counter. I’ll make them more visible later today.
ESPRESSO DECALCIFICATION
I set an email alarm for the beginning of each months to remind us and the housekeepers. The first time the alarm pops up (June 2), lets grab one of our manuals and go over the proper procedures with the HK staff. Please blog about it.
FOOD
I’ll get assorted fruit, half & half and oj tomorrow.
OPEN HOUSE
Don’t forget our open house next Wednesday from 3-7. Adam & Laura will show our new beautiful rooms, we’ll have snacks and drinks and a good time. Mention it to our adventure providers when you book with them. Stop on by yourself.
May 22nd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
ICE MACHINE: The pump part is in. (Elena will bring it by). I’ve left a message for Bruce to put it in. I don’t know when he’ll do this, but whoever is on shift when he comes, will you please post to the blog that it has been done!!
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
KITTY: How are you coming on the mirrors?
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
GARBAGE: Regino will check every Sunday evening for garbage/recycling, but will you Front Deskers please call him or Seth if you notice the garbage cans looking full. Remember that the Speiden deck looks directly out to this area.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
BINDERS: Are coming. Adam and I are working on this right now. Should be ready by next week…
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
hey, i put an e-mail in to elements for some vouchers for birdrock. there are a couple of price discrepancies for san juan island outfitters 3 hour kayak and crystal seas. they should be 69 on the voucher not 65. the owner of both have contacted us about this.
i have been having some trouble with our printer jamming. fyi
cindy suggests not putting a lot of paper in the loader to see if this solves the problem.
the spa guy came today and did his thing. (not dwight)
i also sent an e-mail about our room folders. any ideas on if we are going to have these in our rooms?
adam e-mailed me on how to charge the loaner i pods. the cable charger goes to the blue one and the white one gets plugged directly into the back of the computer tower to charge.
i think thats it.
kaitlyn out!
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
sorry, i forgot to change the name on the last blog. steffi: dhl package (in your box)has our name plate that goes to the other package from wells fargo that was here on the safe at the beginning of the week. (credit card paper slips)
kaitlyn out
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
BLOG HOLE: Kaitlyn has a very good point in that if you have posted to the blog about an issue that will happen while you are off and by the time you get back the issue will me moot, you can’t do much more than post it. All I’m really asking is that you follow up where necessary. Thanks, guys!
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm
sorry steffi, i didn’t get to read the blog until around 12:30 today and had already run my errands. so the coffee guy does not have one of our coffee machines. (which are under the bench shelf in the back room. raquel brought two spares over this morning)
elena, could you write down how to fix the radio frequency remote thing in the front desk resource book? sometimes this is easier with our shift changes.
seth has been working on the leaking bathroom on the second floor. (one of the shared bathrooms)
we got a dhl for laura today.
also some new friday harbor maps. i had them leave 2 boxes. they are in the back room on the upper shelf. (friday harobr maps in red ink)
i believe i remember steffi ordering full bottles of champagne from a different vendor. i brought two down from elements to tide us over. laura says ok to put two splits in a room if need to.
there was a piece of plastic in the scone mix this morning and got baked in and given to a guest. laura would like us to check the mix as we are making scones in the morning to make sure there is no more. i will call the company to let them know.
i will be working at the time of the meeting so i guess i will be here.
the reason i told the hideaway folks about our breakfast is because they asked. i was under the impression we were doing “special requests” for that room as well since we sell it. i guess i am confused about what we can and can’t do. of course i am always nice and smiley if i say “no, i’m sorry” when guests ask…but how can you say no to such a simple request? especially when i am little mini adam and laura’s on my shoulders whispering in my ear.
the only problem with the blog follow up is if the event occurs while you are on your days off.
i saw the aviator last night. (and i am reading a biography on howard hughes) how facinating!!
kaitlyn out!
May 21st, 2008 at 9:57 pm
PHONES
I like voice mail (it is sometimes odd to have somebody leave a message and all the guests you are checking in can hear it). Also: If Lina & Stefan are working out the way Cindy & I are dreaming about, we will have a fully front desk trained person preparing breakfast & able to answer the phones.
FOOD
We got shorted on OJ. I will get OJ and fruit from MP on Friday.
MONEY
There is no money in petty. I have $24 to buy eggs tomorrow and will replenish petty later on Thursday.
BREAKFAST FORMS
Check out the cool new breakfast forms Adam made us! If we need more there are in the BR forms & templates folder in “our documents”
May 21st, 2008 at 8:44 pm
COFFEE MACHINES: I will ask Raquel where the coffee machines are. She was supposed to have them there.
ANSWERING SERVICE: Cindy is in the process of getting us set up with Girl Friday to answer the second line at Bird Rock after the second ring. This will happen Monday-Friday 8-5. It will be similar to the setup we have at Elements. I am toying with the idea of switching to voice mail with the phone company rather than using our own answering machine. Either that or I need to buy a new phone system. That outgoing message is just too darned long. Another option, is to do what Adam and I used to do in the old days…change the message every morning and every night. That way the message stays fresh and short. Feedback on this??
May 21st, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I’m sorry I blog so much today: where are the drip coffee machines? The guy from SJ coffee co wanted to borrow one to ensure we get the best quality and the right grain. Kaitlyn, if you know where they are can you bring one to SJ coffee when you pick up the chocolate, please?
May 21st, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Kaitlyn
Please run to the coffee co tomorrow after 11 AM and pick up 2 6packs of truffles (ordered already, put on account). One is for a romance package this weekend, the other is a spare.
Thank you, happy shift!
May 21st, 2008 at 6:28 pm
EARPLUGS: I will work on this tomorrow, Steffi.
FD MEETING: June 5th works for me.
HIDEAWAY: What Steffi says is correct, we don’t provide breakfast for the Hideaway so make sure to tell the guest this on the phone when they book, but as always, be nice and let them know that breakfast IS included, but as Steffi said, at the Rocky Bay Cafe (right across the street).
May 21st, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Earplugs
We got them from the Earplug Store, custom labeled, with the old logo. I can go ahead and order some more with a credit card. Or one of us can contact Tom and email him the Bird Rock art or questions at: tom@earplugstore.com or call him (custom imprint specialist) if you have questions or need assistance entering your order: 800-426-7959.
May 21st, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Front Desk Meeting
How about a front desk staff meeting on Thursday, 6/5 at 2 PM. Does that work for everybody?
Hideaway
We are not serving breakfast to guests of the Hideaway. Those guests have coupons for Rocky Bay Cafe provided by David (the owner) in the Hideaway. No biggy, but next time please let the guests know.
Fruit
Here is the deal: neither Marketplace nor FSA nor Sysco will break cases for us, so it’s a case of something or retail prices. Bananas will get iffy, just like they always did. Apples and Oranges will be fine if we all go through the cases and make sure we don’t have a rotten apple in there. As for the rest, even though it’s tedious I will simply post what I ordered and when it comes so everybody knows and nobody orders double. We have a manager meeting next week and a staff meeting the week after. Let’s bring those issues up and find solutions.
May 21st, 2008 at 4:40 pm
COFFEE
I ordered 30 packets of reg. and 15 decaf for when people request regular coffee makers. I have started working on the labels for the packets and hopefully have them ready tomorrow.
REMOTES
Seth showed me how to fix the problem that occurred with the remote in the Bainbridge master bedroom, so if this happens again just ask and I will show you how to fix it. (its pretty simple)
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MOLDOVAN GIRLS!
May 21st, 2008 at 12:20 pm
BLOG BLACK HOLE: We manager types have been noticing that the blog, while wonderful, has it’s drawbacks. Namely, lack of follow-through. You’ve all been doing a wonderful job at posting details that need to be followed up on. And, for the most part, you’ve been doing well at following up on these, but SOMETIMES, balls get dropped. So, NEW RULES: when YOU post something on the blog, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure that somebody followed up on it.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:15 am
COFFEE MACHINES: Raquel brought some regular, drip coffee machines to have when guests prefer that over the espresso machines. When a guest asks for a coffee machine, do not remove the espresso machine (unless there is no room for it, such as in the Skipjack or Patos) simply place the new one in the room. And then, put a reminder in for the housekeepers to remove it when the guest checks out.
Along these lines, I have asked Elena to order some room coffee packets from San Juan Coffee Roasters (rather than bringing down Elements’ packets).
TVs: I mentioned the remote/tv problem in the Bainbridge and the Skipjack to Seth and he thinks that it’s possible that they were deprogrammed to not receive RF (radio frequency). He will take a look at that, but you folks should also know how to fix this problem (rather than having to pull the receiver out of the drawer). I think you just go into the menu option and find where it says to program the remote and it should be there. Please ask Seth if you have no idea what I am talking about.
Cigarette butts and other garbage: Please, as you walk in to work every day (and when you step outside) glance around the property to see if there are ickies that need to be picked up either in the courtyard or on the sidewalks. Yes, I know it’s gross, but you can always wash your hands and your guests and your boss will be very grateful. Also, can you make sure that there are never garbage cans just sitting outside and that the gate back to the garbage area is ALWAYS closed (I’ve noticed it open frequently).
That’s it for now. You guys ROCK!!!
May 20th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Dave went ahead and disconnected the thermostat in the Bainbridge Suite. Also I was unaware there is a drip coffee machine in the San Juan Suite. Had already mentioned it to guest downstairs. So went ahead and switched it with the one in the Sucia. I hope this is o.k. They really wanted an espresso machine in their room.
May 20th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
BAINBRIDGE:
Heat issue in big bedroom-I’ve left a message with Dave. It’s possible that the guests unwittingly turned it to hot instead of cold. Alternatively, the thermostat has shorted out. In any case, I have asked Dave to replace the thermostat. I’ll let you know when I get an E.T.A. on that. In the meantime, please keep me posted because if the thermostat IS set to cold and the room is still hot, I need to know this to help Dave diagnose the problem correctly.
TV: Tory says that it’s working fine right now. Please keep me posted on this issue as well.
HOT & COLD taps in the bathroom. Yes, this is a bummer, but it is an old building that has been retrofitted and some things are kooky. This is one of them. There really isn’t anything that we can do about this or the Marrowstone (and there may be others) without tearing out the walls. So…for now, they’re just reversed of what is standard in the U.S. You can just tell the guests that we’re our own little country here and we do everything a little differently than they do on the mainland…
ICE MACHINE: I have been promised that I will have the new pump in my hands by Thursday. If that is so, it is possible that we may have it fixed before the weekend. But don’t hold your breath!
May 20th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Super busy breakfast but dishes are working away in the washer.
THE BAINBRIDGE
these folks are so nice and say they are really enjoying their stay but there are a few things that really need to be fixed before the next guest checks in.
*Water in the bathroom is backwards hot and cold are switched
* The Master bedroom is super hot and I’m sure that it is the thermostat that needs replacing. since the face is falling off and won’t stay on, it looks like someone put a piece of scotch tape on it. Come on guys!
*the TV issue that Kaitlyn mentioned.
May 19th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
de-cal on the first works for me. we will probably need an alarm.
so…an interesting thing happened tonight. in the bainbridge master bed…the direct tv wasn’t receiving info from the remote….because it wouldn’t reach through the drawer. it read the volume but nothing else. any suggestions? i had to prop the machine pokin’ its head out of the drawer. thankfully the wires were long enough. (this can not be said about the skipjack wires) and more bruises.
i tried to print some more rack cards and couldn’t get them to line up for the double sided print. steffi: you had the magic touch once….can you wrangle some more rack cards for us?
i moved the surveys to the front of the desk again. they got put behind the desk in the folders. its hard to remember when they are not in our face. sorry laura.
phones were crazy today and tonight. there must not be anything good on tv.
kaitlyn out!
May 19th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
HOUSEKEEPING CHECK LIST: Yes. Yes. Yes. In fact, there will be a housekeeping meeting on Thursday. I will be attending that meeting, sooo… if you each could write up a “housekeeping wish list” for me, I would be ever-so-grateful, and I will go over this with the housekeepers then!
ESPRESSO MACHINES AND H20: My plan for keeping the espresso machines was to use tap water and just have someone go through them at the first of each month and decalcify them. Does that work for yous guys?
May 19th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
so…the remote controls are being turned to TV on the top slider…which makes the 1. tv get NO SIGNAL or not change channels. i found two remotes like this tonight after guests had checked in and sat down to relax in front of the boob tube. (i think guests are flicking it to the wrong setting)
sooo…here is my idea. should we have a check list for housekeeping?
1. coffee pods out of machine (i found one of those in the whidbey and it had been there all day and was really hard to get out without ripping the filter and spilling the grounds inside the machine)
2.tv remote set to correct settings
3. fan remotes in the correct room. (bedroom and sitting area remotes getting mixed)
i filled out a maintenance sheet for the orcas. the drawer pulls on the dresser are loose. (if one of us gets a chance, this is something we don’t have to wait for seth to do. it takes an alan wrench. and we can do it when guests check out.)
i bought some more groceries. but we may need to go tomorrow. sorry. (hint for steffi–fsa had orders coming in twice a week which seemed to work well. this made it so fruit didn’t go rotten and always plenty of fruit and yogurt. it seems a hassle to shop twice a week…but it seemed like a sure thing.) and you are doing fab. by the way for not knowing what the old routine was.
we were out of light bulbs for the vanity mirrors in the bainbridge. (there were there burnt out) i had to run to kings really fast and get some more. sorry…otherwise i would have gone to ace. we probably need to have housekeeping do an inventory of light bulbs and restock. there didn’t seem to be much of a selection.
kaitlyn out
May 19th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
GUEST SURVEYS: I don’t know where they are at Bird Rock, but somewhere there should be a stack of guest surveys from/for the Visitors Bureau. Please, please, please, hand those out to guests when they check in and tell them that we would be so grateful if they could take a minute to fill it out and drop it back by the front desk some time. When they come in, just save them for me and I’ll send them to the Visitor’s Bureau.
May 19th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
HEALTH INSPECTOR: Good work with the health inspector, Kaitlyn. I was pretty sure that we were completely covered, but it’s nice to get that verification. It’s actually very difficult to score a zero, so GREAT work, everyone!
ICE MACHINE: I am STILL working on this. The guy at Anaco is not very responsive and I call him almost every day. Keep asking, though, so I make sure to keep it in my mind. Also, I am waiting from him for the lobby microwave, which I ordered 5! months ago..ugh…
ORCAS REFRIGERATOR: Kaitlyn, there isn’t a fridge in the Orcas and there won’t be. Yes, it is a superior room, but there’s just not enough room to try and shove a fridge in there. As far as I can tell, we don’t promise one anywhere. If any of you find reference to that on the web site or otherwise, let me know so that we can remove it. Thanks!
FOOD: Elena pointed out that we have lots of food in certain categories (bananas, oranges, apples) and not enough in other (cereal, yogurt). I asked her to go to Market Place today to make sure that we had enough food through Thursday morning. Steffi, I know you usually take care of this on Wednesday, but I thought it would be easier to just take care of it all at once. Let’s talk about the food situation more.
FRONT DESK MEETING: We need one soon. Steffi, sorry to load you up, but can you schedule one for us soon (even before all of the new staff arrives.) Thank you!
May 19th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
elena,
that reservation that canceled. i just sold their room. so all is good.
HEALTH INSPECTOR:
randomly i had expected the health department to come in the morning and to have already been here. but nope. i got them during my ferry rush and in the middle of laying out cookies, shoveling dishes away and storing forgotten groceries that i left on the floor. luckily, somehow, after having to leave her in the back alone while i did check ins, we scored a ZERO or “love” in tennis terms (i am learning the game) which is actually good in health department terms. so we passed and thank god that is over and i don’t have to wonder if they have been here or not.
so how about this one. ICE MACHINE???? ARE WE GOING TO GET IT FIXED?
kaitlyn out
May 19th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
OK LOTS OF STUFF HAPPENING TODAY!
ESPRESSO MACHINES
*apparently we are supposed to use bottled water with these otherwise we will need to do a calcification every week or month depending on how often it is being used.
* DO NOT open them up anymore otherwise the warranty is voided.
One machine we are waiting on a part for it is clearly labeled in the back.
* From now on whenever there is an issue with any of the machines we need to get as detailed about the problem as possible, any odd noises, where the water is coming out of, the date and time if possible too.
SCONE MIX
I had to order more from FSA becuase even though we got a 25lb box today I ordered another 3 we go through it incredibly fast.
REZ # 1138360 Cancelled one of the rooms they had for today, I did let them know they would be charged if we did not resell (they should be charged $95.77)
COFFEE
I ordered 2 5lb bags today
STEFFI
WE need some more earplugs and Laura says your the lady to ask about for that. do you remember where you ordered them?
I think that thats all but if I remember anything later I will blog from home (Goes to show just what an interesting life I have) See you tomorrow for a super busy breakfast!
May 19th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
FLOWERS: So, I know that the flowers we’ve been getting haven’t been Susie’s usual summer extravaganzas. I don’t think we need to worry too much, because, I suspect that as we get more into summer, she’ll have a greater supply. If you don’t see marked improvement over the weeks, please let me know and we can talk to her. Also, when she brings the lobby flowers, please make them look pretty. Sometimes, I think she just sticks them in a vase and they don’t always look too nice. So, pretty, pretty, pretty please work some magic on them because as you should all be well aware by now, IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS!!!
May 18th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
thanks steffi for the flat head and the de-squeeker. i de-squeeked the marrowstone door. it took a lot of de-squeeker juice. and the office door too.
the flower gal came and did up some plants for the speiden balcony. are those on timers? or do we need to have housekeeping water them?
i printed 2 housekeeping reports for the morning. one less thing to do.
perhaps a switcher (elena, tory or steffi) can grab some coffee packets from elements? do they have the filter in them already?
scone mix is on the board…do we have a designated orderer? or a phone number?
steffi: you really are doing great. and might i commend you on your calming skills. i’m sure you want to kill me. but i will die in time anyway. so its all good.
(i’m not nearly so much of a problem when i have less days. i get less “involved.” its much better)
i put an alarm for a spa cookie tomorrow. and the back alley is a little cardboard crowded. recycling is out for tomorrow so we will be able to stuff our can and clean some of that up once it comes back empty.
kaitlyn out!
May 18th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Good Sunday Evening to you all.
I went to Browne’s today to get some pretty little plants to put in my planters. And I saw…EVERYONE at Browne’s. Apparently, I wasn’t the only islander lured to my garden by the warm weather. I even saw Ms. Cindy there.
Coffee. As opposed to espresso. Some guests may, for whatever reason, prefer to use a plain old coffee maker rather than making espresso or “regular-style” coffee using the espresso machines. No problem. I suggest we (meaning…I) get a few small coffee makers to keep at Bird Rock for those times. Also, let’s get a handful (or more) decaf and regular coffee bags from Elements for those instances. I wouldn’t suggest using the kitchen coffee from Bird Rock because the grind will be off and the coffee will taste icky (that’s a technical word, for unpalatable).
May 18th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Alright, famous K, I’m on my way with a flathead and some WD40 (Regino and I had a fistfight over it, kidding of course). Regino says there are several Philips screwdrivers in the BR toolbox in luggage room. I trade you those precious items for the payroll records and a scrubby. See you in 5.
May 18th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
i would love to be able to fix these espresso machines when the screen gets stuck in the lid. but…we don’t have any tools down here to fix with. can we get a fillips screw driver and a flat head screw driver for our tool box??? anyone?
thanks
kaitlyn
ps. can you blog when there is one in there? and blog if seth gets the w-d 40 message?
thanks
May 18th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
please…someone could you call seth on monday and ask him if he can buy us a can of W-D40 for all our squeeky doors? (office door, marrowstone gate etc)
or when you see him? its sunday and i don’t want to call him on his day off and he would probably forget anyway cause he is not at work. thank you and may the gods bless you for doing so.
kaitlyn out!
May 18th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
tory: i checked the tv on my walk through when i got here this afternoon. you are very correct that the box just needed to think a little before it turned on. all is good.
the spa is checked and may need that spa cookie that steffi and i talked about. i will read the blog again to see when we are supposed to do that. a guest just checked in but i can see if i can swing it. but i think we had decided on mondays. shall we post that in the alarms steffi?
sorry to hear about the saga up at elements. but that is what makes our jobs so interesting isn’t it. and fun. we get to know guests so much better. well, i think in the morning we get to know guests waaayy better up here. so far i have seen women in their underwear answer the door,men in boxers, men in bed under a single sheet…(uchhmmm)and martha got to see someone in the shower the other day when delivering to the orcas. (you know how romantic that room is with the shower in the bedroom. romantic for everyone)
tory: i am so sorry about what happened to your little red truck and all your things. let me know what you bought and i will tackle any man or young man who appears to be wearing it. seriously. i have never punched anyone before and i think it might be fun. once. by the way…you may need to bring a needle and thread to work….cause i went to the gym the other day and got ripped.
kaitlyn birdrock out!
May 18th, 2008 at 1:02 am
Tragically we lost another knob to the oven. We are now down to one. It just split in half when I was turning it off. Also the dead bolt on the Lopez Suite is not working. Maintenance form filled out. Also San Juan Suites Direct TV is locked in place. I reset the box and troubleshooted. I think it just needed a little time to think. Can someone check on it tomorrow after checkout. Bye
May 17th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
HIDEAWAY: I’m sorry I forgot to answer your question about the Hideaway before. Steffi got it right all except for the balcony part. There is a balcony on that building, but that belongs to an office (David Waldron’s). The studio is actually on the back side of the building.
May 17th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
HIDEAWAY
Has not had renovations and does not have wireless internet. Why don’t you stop by there sometimes, when you know nobody is in there? We all should, I have never been there either.
Here is what I say:”It’s a studio apartment in a quaint Victorian on the main street, with a little balcony facing the buzzling street. Breakfast is included in as much as there are vouchers for Rocky Bay Cafe provided on the coffee table. It’s very central, you can walk everywhere. Our sister hotel is right next door with an indoor heated pool, sauna & hot tub you are welcome to use. If you want to feel like you have your own apartment here in Friday Harbor, this is the place for you.”
May 17th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Kaitlyn:
Customer Service Class: you’ll open and make breakfast on the 22nd, the LL (lovely Laura) will come at 8.30 and send you to school, then, when the class is over at 1, you’ll go back down to BR and relieve Laura. Make sense?
ELEMENTS room 337: we had a flooding and the picture got all wet. Can you replace the matting please as soon as possible. Thank you.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
i had a question that kinda got lost in blog land…and anyone can answer it if you know…
the hideaway. has that had rennovations? how are we selling this room? it doesn’t look like anything we have on our website and i have never been there. how do i sell this room with enthusiasm? should elements do the rentals(check ins) for it? since it is listed under studios and cottages and is possibly closer to elements?
kaitlyn out!
May 17th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
steffi:
Thanks for the grocery schedule. It is actually really helpful. Do you want a print out of the month so you can get an idea what our busy nights might be? we can kinda tell by now…for the rest of may, what things may look like with walk ins.
i really love the american version. i have never seen the british version. i don’t have cable…so i have to watch at the aid building. and i bought all the seasons last year when i was single…to get me through those lonely evenings.
breakfast went well. martha was here and helped a lot. ironically it was her first morning to actually help. hopefully all the housekeepers are have done it at least once by now. it really is so nice to have them.
we were low on a couple of fruits so i had martha go to the store for emergency back up.
laura: what do you mean you are not going to work my whole shift?
lots of compliments. and the first herb’s complaints. two rooms…sucia and orcas complained. go figure. lets keep the drunks inside and keep the music on the down low.
oh, and i just realized…its the season when they keep their doors open too.
kaitlyn birdrockin’ out
May 17th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I’m so proud of you guys for following up on your reservations and other details.
Yes, there is another spa in town, but I want to make sure that you guys know to refer to Lavendera first and to Spa D’Bune only if Lavendera is full or if a guest specially requests something that Lavendera doesn’t do (e.g. side-by-side pedicures, haircuts, etc.)
Kaitlyn, I just wanted to clarify that I will cover Bird Rock while you are at the customer service conference, but I won’t cover your whole shift. I will get to BR at about 8:30, right after I drop the kids off at school.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
YEAH Tory! Good job!
Kaitlyn: there is a customer service class put on by the SJVB in our conference center on Thursday, May 22, from 9 to 1. Laura will cover your front desk, there will be lunch, do I need to say more? Fun, fun, fun!
May 16th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I win! First full night after opening! Just sold the Salt Spring Suite to a wonderful girl from New York.
May 16th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
COFFEE MAKERS
Regino will bring down all the spare espresso makers (4 total), so we have something to swap with. Elena, please do espresso maker school with the housekeepers (please let them know that they have to be super careful with the machines), and with Kaitlyn (on Sunday) and Tory (on Tuesday). Thank you.
GROCERY SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAYS:
Food Coop (dairy, juice, body care, all bulk but scone mix)
Market Place: produce
THURSDAYS:
eggs from Synergy farm
SATURDAYS:
Farmers Market: eggs, produce comes Summer
Market Place: odds and ends
FSA when necessary
So, I’ll do shopping tomorrow, next Wednesday more. If you need something in between, run to the store yourself, but not too much. When we are rich and famous I would like a large fridge, maybe in the downstairs laundry, so we can stock up on things and not have to order so tight because of storage issues.
NEW SPA IN TOWN
Spa d bune, 669 Mullis St, Suite 101 (by thrift store), 360.370.5027
They pick guests up and have a manicure and pedicure person on staff, they do hair as well, so they will be a great addition to the services our spa offers (they have regular massages as well.
I’ll put their menu in our voucher folder.
ADD ON RESERVATION
Famous K, I thought you did a wonderful job with that reservation with all the add-ons. No loose ends, everything was taken care of or left so we could figure it out. Thank you so much.
At night I always look at the upcoming check-ins at both properties and I feel so warm and fuzzy, because almost never is there even a voucher to make. All of you guys, but especially Tory and Gio are on those vouchers like pittbulls on a dying deer. Great, now I have that image in my head.
Kaitlyn, are you watching the British or the American office? I loooove the British version
May 16th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
i had a guest special request some chocolate covered strawberries as a gift. i checked around. didn’t find anyone who does that. i put an e-mail into cindy and laura to see what they want to do. (laura just called and said this is something we need to be apologetic about and we can’t do this. suggest something else yummy)
i tried to find out what we are being charged for chocolates by san juan coffee. they didn’t know. perhaps we have an old invoice to tell us. (I thought they were a bit spendy for 6 chocolates. seemed odd)
i think laura explained to me about how to fix these espresso machines when the filter gets stuck up top. we are also going to store the extra machines at birdrock in case one stops working.
we just need to try to be more careful when we are moving them around. laura mentioned writing a blog to steffi so that she can talk to housekeeping.
the spa was checked today. (i noticed that the check sheet wasn’t being filled out.) steffi mentioned that we should go in there and test the water even if the room is occupied. (because they like to see that we are monitoring the water and taking care of our facilities)
big breakfast for tomorrow. i made all the flower arrangements and checked out the grocery situation and it looks like we need a bunch of fruit and possibly some yogurt. do we have designated grocery days? i’m sorry steffi. i think you told me but i do not remember. can we write it on the white board that way we know when its our responsibility to get back up groceries and to not bother you?
kaitlyn
May 16th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
so we had another espresso machine do that thing where the pod chamber gets stuck in the lid. it came from the marrowstone. i took the spare from the saltspring. regino brought a spare from elements. so i think everyone has an espresso machine.
so…elena…i think it sounded like you knew how to fix the machines when they did stuff like this. is there a way to prevent this from happening so often or is it just something that we have to keep on top of?
most of the time i am finding broken machines when i am checking people in and showing them how to work the machine. is it broken before i show the room and the housekeepers don’t know its broken? or is it breaking when i open the pod chamber? (which gives no resistance when i open it)
kaitlyn out!
May 16th, 2008 at 11:03 am
when is this “required” customer service meeting?
sorry about the big rezo with all the add ons. i will mention now (after the fact):( anything thats “big” and requires a lot of phone calls and arrangements…i will have the alarms set and USUALLY a packet with e-mail print outs and updates on who has what and what time and when and how much money IN MY BOX NEAR THE FRONT DESK. feel free to look in there for anything else i might have put in there.
only had one good day of landscaping but got some aid calls in. (very good)
tori-i heard there are extra espresso machines at elements. i don’t know if they want to store them there or here.
(the black hole sucked my espresso machine storage question blog up steffi)
and…i am totally hooked on NBC’s The Office. i sorta wish we could joke around and play harmless pranks and have lots of meetings….but it is sorta lonely down here. may be we should make the front desk bigger so we can have two people here all the time. you know, keep the morale up.
(and i love watching people fall in love. even if it is on a tv sitcom.)
kitty birdrockin’ out
May 15th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Below from Ryan, the guy who proposed to his fiancee last week (she said “yes” and the ring was gorgeous)
Hello!
I wanted to thank you guys for an absolutely wonderful experience! The hotel was great, the service was great, and the entire staff was fantastic! You made our engagement a fantastic experience. We’ll be back soon!
Cheers,
Ryan
May 15th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
#1039804 (BIRD ROCK)
Tory, please stop by ELEMENTS on your way to work and get a check from Cindy for Market Chef, then go to Market Chef and pick up 3 vegetarian lunches for above reservation (around $15 each). Then put the lunches in the lobby fridge or better yet, give them to the super sweet family staying in the Bainbridge. They will go on a kayak trip on Saturday (but Market Chef closed on Saturday).
Then please add th cost of the lunch plus 15% to the guest’s room and charge the card on file.
Muchas Gracias.
May 15th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Ahh, much saner today!
FOLLOW UP
Is our fire alarm functional? Does anybody know about the ice machine status? Please, everybody, make sure to write those status reports in the log, otherwise the log just becomes this black hole were we throw questions in and never get an answer.
In that spirit:
WATER ISSUE LAUNDRY ROOM
According to Rob we have a new functional pump and all is good.
PAY PER VIEW
Our system is not set up yet. So still, if a guest wants to watch a movie, have them order it on their TV, we will not charge the guest.
We are sold out on Saturday, yeah, yiipeeehh, uhhu!
May 15th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Dude, busy as @#$%^%$
DIRECT TV
Had my first pay per view movie order today. Direct TV didn’t know what I was talking about. Laura told him what for, but our system is not yet set up correctly. Laura will tackle it on Friday. Until then tell the guest to try to order it on the screen. If it works it’s theirs for free.
WATER ISSUE IN LAUNDRY ROOM
I checked the pump several times and the water is rising, so I didn’t turn it off. Elena will check it later tonight and turn it off if the water level sinks.
FOLLOW UP
I’m sorry, too busy. Kaitlyn, there is a message for you from a future guest on the machine. Can you please tackle that? Elena, please make sure we have everything for tomorrow’s super add on reservation, can you write out an itinerary, please, and make reservations at Market Chef (see alarm)?
NEW SCHEDULE
is up. Elena, I know you want to work both places and you will. Kaitlyn, I know you want to work 4 or less shifts and you will. Just hand in there with me for another three weeks, will you?
CUSTOMER SERVICE CLASS
Tory will go, so will Elena and Kaitlyn.
Thanks for the Dos XX, Olga, I do really deserve that after this day.
Good night, Sweeties.
May 14th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Drain issue
The new pumps will be here Thursday, until then, Elena will check the pump at night and in the am to make sure it is on when needed, if it is not needed we need to make sure it is unplugged so that it does not burn out. Seth is going to stop by tonight and show Steffi what the deal is.
Dimmer switch
It is here and in my office, I will have Dave install it tomorrow.
Customer Service Class
PLEASE everyone attend, Laura will cover the front desk at Bird Rock and Cindy will cover front desk at ELEMENTS, this is from 9:45am to 1:00pm, you will be paid and lunch is provided. The class is here in the conference center. Please confirm with Steffi.
May 14th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
side-by-side massages may differ in price depending on the type, for example today I got a call from the spa for a guest of ours with voucher for a deep tissue massage the price on the voucher said $170 but the price is actually $190, so from now on when you book a side-by-side confirm the type and the price.
WE NEED GROCERIES!!!
But I think steffi is taking care of that today, I hope
The drain issue basically means for now that we can not run the dishwasher and the girls can’t do laundry. It also means that if the pump is not fixed today, I will be checking the water every hour to make sure that the level is not getting too high. OH BOY! MORE UPDATES TO COME
May 14th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
ESPRESSO MACHINE
I fixed it!!! It appears that the suction created was strong enough to pull the small round part for the coffee pod up into the top. This is probably because the coffee pod holder was not properly seated.
OOPS… I spoke too soon after further testing of the machine another problem arose the water is not coming out of the top of the machine but draining directly to the bottom.
WOOHOO I am a genius after all! I called the Soltazza number and they had a tech on site who helped me out in figuring the problem, it seems that there is a small little lever under the top of the machine (you have to take the cover off to see it) if that lever is jarred it causes the water to drain out the bottom as apposed to the top. I will show you all what I mean durring shift changes.
May 13th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Espresso machine(if you will) in Sucia has a problem. I noticed when I was doing a demo to the guest that there was not a screen to hold the coffee pod but after further investigation i saw it was completely jammed into the top component. Whoever did this had to really work it because you cannot get it off without damaging the machine. See visual aid in back office. Stole coffee pot from Patos.I am sure this is not procedure but needed a quick fix. Empty room coffee pot occupied room broken pot. Are there back ups?
May 13th, 2008 at 10:35 am
CLOSING SHIFTS:
Please note, we should never be dead-bolting the common exterior doors, i.e. the 2nd floor lobby door, the 3rd floor landing door, the basement common door. For fire escape reasons, these doors must NEVER be dead-bolted. They may be locked, but by the handles only.
Thanks!
May 12th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
check out the whale update folder in outlook. we got an e-mail from maya that has some pictures of some dolphins that don’t come up here much. very cool.
the evening went smoothly. cookie dough. grocery store. and ….dishes. hooray.
have a good morning. i am off landscaping for a few days.
kitty birdrockin’ out!
May 12th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
there is a trouble shooting for the tv remote controls in the front desk resource book. this will help us when the remote stops responding to the receiver. the code that we need to put is on the cheat sheet and on the direct tv movie code list. there is also a website link to the tv manufacture in laura’s inbox in outlook.
we need a small hole punch for down here to re-punch key cards when the stop working. (or if anyone knows where there is one here….can you tell me?)
kitty birdrockin’ out
May 12th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Please follow up on these few things, THANKS
* Please put the microwave that is in the back office in the Marrowstone (if the guests ever leave the room)I haven’t seen them come out all day so we may just have to wait till they check-out
* Please check the Marrowstone gate. A guest complained that it was squeaky and hard to latch, but it is a new gate, if this is the case make up a maintenance request for Seth.
*Island Air called about the flight booked for res #1039804. The flight times will need to be changed so that they can clear customs (which is only available at certain times) I gave them the guests number and they will contact them.
*If you catch the guests in the Lopez, have them give you their keys so you can change the front door key cards. They were not working this morning, but I didn’t have time to change them since it was during the breakfast rush.
BOY WHAT A CRAZY DAY AND ITS NOT EVEN SUMMER YET.
Please do a thorough breakfast prep it is going to be another busy morning.-Thank you
May 12th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
FIDALGO vanity light: Dave will be installing a dimmer switch on the light above the mirror so that guests can control the brightness…better for make-up application.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
P.S. Remember to keep the front desk area EXTREMELY TIDY. This is our guests very first impression of us and it needs to be sparkling and well-organized. Please especially be mindful to keep payment information private and securely hidden, particularly when you are stepping away from the desk.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Happy Monday Morning. The sun is shining. Life is GOOD!
FERRY ARRIVALS: Today Elena will be talking with the housekeepers to make sure that they are available to help show guests to their rooms on check in. They should show guests the following:
1) How to use the coffee makers (both for espresso and “regular-style” coffee;
2) Where the earplugs are;
3) Where the fan remote is and that the light switch needs to be on for the remote to work;
4) Where the tv remote is and that if they want to order Pay-per-view movies, they just need to let the front desk know
5) On the way, they can show guests in the upper rooms where the phone & computer are and for those in the simple rooms, where the bathrooms are located (they can just point them out they don’t need to actually escort them to the rooms)
FOR the FRONT DESK: On check in: you need to remember to be helpful and yet discreet. If you are communicating with guests about their bill, do not state the amount they are paying (in fact, often since it may be a present, they don’t want their partner to know the amount), simply ask them if they would like to keep the balance on their card. If they ask what that is then you can tell them, but be mindful if there are other guests around.
When you ask guests to fill out their breakfast forms, just politely ask them to fill out the form before 7pm. (special requests are fine…see Adam’s note below).
I’m sure that I’ll come up with lots more to remind you to do, but above all, remember that OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE is what we’re all about. Like Adam said we shouldn’t be offended when guests offer criticism, we should be thankful. This is our opportunity to SHINE. It is not that a gate was squeeky or that the bar was noisy, that disgruntled a guest. Sure, that may have set them off, but if they feel like they are being respectfully and attentively responded to, they will be happy. I have seen this time and time again where an upset customer, when dealt with properly, can become the most loyal guest. Welcome these people and their issues as opportunities (yes challenging ones) for you to really become a truly HOSPITABLE person. If you need any help/ideas/suggestions with this, just let me know.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
TORY
I switched our shifts on Friday, 5/16, I’ll work E and you’ll work BR. I hope you had a fabulicious weekend. Call me!
May 11th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
MARROWSTONE MICROWAVE
Please put the Matia microwave (by safe) into the Marrowstone when you tidy room tomorrow as per Laura. The guests were in and I didn’t want to disturb them.
AERREATED TUBS
in Orca and San Juan. Apparently the bubble feature keeps turning on. Please have Seth check how we can turn them off or if something is wrong with them. Wrote another maintenance request, this is the second time a guest complained about it.
BREAKFAST FORMS
Adam is working on updated ones, until then use the ones Tory saved on the desktop. I agree, have them filled out at check-in. I always have the waiting guests start on them, that way they have something to do while I’m checking other guests in.
MEETING
Once we have all our summer staff (beginning of June), we will have another FD staff meeting and streamline problems which we have observed so far (like bringing guests to their room when others want to check in, default breakfast if we don’t have a form, etc.)
SILVERWARE
Raquel ordered more silverware.
FOOD
We are low. Order comes on Wednesday, if we run out, buy small amounts of what we need. Please do a large fruit run to MP (obtaining fruit is still iffy). Oranges are not organic right now. We will need to use the bulk jam starting tomorrow, if we can’t find a way to get it out of it’s bag in a satisfactory way, put it all in a storage container and spoon it out (refrigerate!).
WEDNESDAY
A travel writer will stop by. If I’m not there, please show him/her around.
GARBAGE
Oh thank you, Regino, for cleaning that area up so nicely. No biggy Kaitlyn, I love you too.
MATRA, OROSCO, TERE, SOCO
Went above and beyond today, that kitchen is so sparkling clean, we should serve breakfast on the floor. Thank you so much. The entire place looks great. Thank you.
GUEST IN SAN JUAN
Is proposing right now, I brought the ring to “The Place”, oh, I hope she says “yes”. They are so cute. They will move into the Fidalgo tomorrow. Please make their move smooth and help with their luggage.
HOT TUB
K & I did an elaborate tub test today and a spa shock (we decided it’s like giving a cookie to the tub). Please check with a strip every day and record readings on clip board. E & T: we will do spa school Wednesday or Thursday, but do an uneventful test every day. I think good days for the elaborate test and spa shock are: Saturday, Monday & Wednesday.
Thank you all for your hard work. Yes, we have loose ends and yes, things break, and yes, we only notice what’s wrong and when a guest has a complaint, but let’s not forget how many things go right and how many guests are just happy. You rock. Have fun!
May 11th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
note: front desk. when someone wants a late check out…be sure to write a note for housekeeping so they know not to go into the room until guests are gone.
May 11th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
well…i suggest on the breakfast card we just put something to the effect of if the card is not turned in we will deliver a standard tray at 8:00, 8:30? whenever. As for the other things, I just want to make sure y’all remember that bird rock is all ABOUT special requests. there should be time in the day and systems we can create to make special requests something we really excel at. we are in the business of creating and facilitating truly unforgettable and excellent vacations for our guests, and that requires going out of our way from time to time. we should hear guest comments and experiences without being defensive and thinking instead of how might be able to solve that particular problem. i know this all sounds very easy to say from my little nest in our organization, but this is who we are, it’s what we do, and we can make it work….. See y’all soon….
May 11th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
quick guest comment. in fidalgo…lights are too bright above mirror. said the angle of lights or the bulbs make it too bright (for women to get ready for the day) (two gals said they were very bright)
also noise complaint from the saltspring and whidbey. from elena and guest. at 1 am parents returned and could not get in room. kids left alone and deadbolted door. parents had to knock on door about 10 min. to get kids up then kids were crying and parents yelling…i will try to let guests know if i see them today that we had some noise complaints. they are a stay over.
also first guest informed me that they were woken by bar patrons. didn’t find earplugs till this morning. would have liked them pointed out when showed to room.
a lot of problems with the espresso machines. guests not knowing how to use them. very important when we talk about machine to guest when checking in…hold power button down till lights flash green. if they flash red…turn the water container until it rests in the cradle. (lights will immediately turn green) this is very important for the morning shift. there is not a lot of time to go to guest rooms to fix espresso machine while making and delivering breakfast.
also…we had a full house last night. breakfast was really crazy. let me just say…that if elena wasn’t so kind as to come and help on her day off…we would have been SCREWED! remy came right at 7am (fabulous) and i got here then too. we had guests that didn’t put delivery times or places on their cards and we had guests that didn’t turn in their card until 8:30 or 9 in the morning. very bad. i am voting that we need to force guests to fill out their cards on check in (while we are printing invoices perhaps?) if no cards…i vote that we do not give them breakfast or as many breakfast items. the whole point for the pre turn in is to make sure we have enough groceries, staff and prepare the right amount of scone dough.
elena has some feed back on this as well. shall we have a front desk meeting? we have breakfast card suggestions too!!! (NO SPECIAL REQUESTS)
is it possible to order more tray holders (for kitchen only) and silverware. we ran out this morning.
where are our lovely flower boxes and patio planters? its mothers day. (i guess a reminder for laura that we didn’t get our courtyard flowers)
and….happy mothers day everyone. what a big deal to have a baby. i don’t think i could do it…so congrats on being a mom and doing your best of loving care. you rock.
sorry i didn’t make it to the fiesta. i had a trauma class all day (car extrication and critical care assesment) how fun!! i was pooped and tim was ill…so i just wanted to go home and make sure all was safe and sound.
sorry steffi. my bad on the boxes. i had them closed and they sprung open in the alley. never got around to breaking them down. will not happen again. (hopefully) i love you though. and i am so glad you have a good sense of humor.
kitty birdrockin’ out.
May 11th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Correction. It’s the Orcas Suite that is having the jetted tub issue not the San Juan. And the issue is that it keeps coming back on every 15 min.The gentlemen staying in the room said it has stopped for now but I still think it should be investigated. Maybe it really is midnight.
May 11th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Has anyone noticed that the time is wrong in our blog. I know it’s not midnight or I’d be home.
May 11th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Good Morning Kaitlyn,
I prepped you up as much as I could. As you can see there are 14 rooms tonight. I am waiting on 3 breakfast orders to come back. Whidbey, Salt Spring and Cypress. I brought down the trays that were on the top shelf in the back room and rolled plenty of silverware. Jam and butter are in the little fridge, milk and juice are set up in the big one. A guest came down and let me know that the lock in bathroom #1 is not functioning. I filled out a maintenance slip for Seth about that. Also the gentleman in the San Juan Suite said that the jetted tub only stays on for about 15 min then shuts off. Is this a fixable thing? Also is the fire alarm totally on line? I haven’t noticed anything posted in the blog about it. It’s been really busy tonight. I love it when we are full! I’m off for the next couple of days…yeah!
May 9th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I released the Orca & Spieden which were hold for Mr. Ashley, he didn’t call back and Morgan said he would be just find in a sun place.
May 9th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Yay!!!
our file cabinet was just delivered, which is great except that it doesn’t fit were the old one used to be so for now it is just in the back room kind of in the way. I didn’t get to making any files for it today.
FLOWERS
flowers for the breakfast trays were delivered today but, they were not arranged they just came in little bunches for us to arrange.
iHome
Two were delivered for the Saltspring and Whidbey GO LAURA!
ON HOLD
Both the Spieden and the Orcas are on hold for Mon & Tuesd. For a gentleman from Elements who is having to be moved due to the plumbing issues. Morgan will call back today around 5PM and let us know if we can release them or if he will take one. In case he does decide to stay here put him in the Speiden and give him the option of moving if there is another room he likes better when he gets here.
The bainbridge is a 5 adult group so they took the breakfast form to fill out and I am still waiting for that back.
The Matia is all set to go we just need a splitter plug for the refrigerator, microwave, and espresso machine, which Raquel or Regino will bring by.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Things are coming together, yeah!
FILE CABINET
The office supply place will deliver our very own file cabinet tomorrow. Please put it where the old one was before and keep the keys in the lock. You may start files for:
processed online reservations
Unirez
manuals
GUEST INVOICE BOX
I started a white cardboard box under the safe for signed guest invoices. Please put the day’s invoices in there every night.
FLOWERS
Tomorrow Susie will deliver our tiny but tasteful breakfast tray flower bouquets. I ordered 30, to get us through the weekend and to see how long they last without fridgeration. I also ordered a bouquet for the front desk, where the mints used to be (I ordered mints from FSA, didn’t come?)
I-POD RADIO MANUAL
Donde estas? Anybody? Elena, can you ask Raquel, please?
GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Guys, I spent about an hour and a half separating garbage from recycling and breaking down boxes. I lifted a bag of garbage from the porch (why not put it in a garbage can, we have like 5000 back there?) which broke and rained broken glass all over me. And that p$#@#$ me off. So, we have very little space back there. When unpacking something, don’t throw the box with styrofoam and what not in it on top of a big pile, break it down, please. Separate garbage from recycling. Make it so it is actually possible to bring the garbage and the recycling to the street, come on!
Elena, can you please ask Regino to bring some garbage up to E, recycling as well if E’s isn’t too full, please. I put 3 cans on the curb and we have another 2 full ones.
O.K. I’m done venting.
HOT TUB
Do you all remember when Brenda used to go on and on and on and on and on and on and on about how cute the spa guy was? Well, I have to say she was right. Unfortunately I couldn’t concentrate on anything he was saying, so let’s just not check the hot tub and call him constantly instead.
No, but kidding aside, that’s fairly complicated stuff and I would like it very much if we could get Morgan to help with the weekly maintenance.
FACTS
We have a 200 gallon hot tub, sanitized by Bromine.
We should do a test with the Bromine strips daily, and a more elaborate test with the test kit, as well as a “Spa Shock” 3 times per week.
All tests need to be recorded on the clip board by the safe.
When we test, we test for Sanitizer (Bromine), PH level and Alkalinity. All other test are for pools and don’t interest us. As a matter of fact, Dwight took all test bottles we don’t need, with him to avoid confusion.
EVERY DAY
I need us to go out there, put a Bromine strip into the water and record what the strip says, and the water temperature on the clip board.
BROMINE LEVELS should be between 2 & 10 ppm, ALKALINITY should be between 80 and 100, PH level between 7.2 and 7.8, the water temperature should be 104 degrees.
3 TIMES PER WEEK
We will need to do the more complicated test (Kaitlyn and Tory, make sure Elena or I show you how you do that, the next time you work), then record the levels and do a “spa shock”.
There is a bucket with spa supplies in the storage shed. Find the “spa shock”, turn on the jets (every time you diddle with the chemicals, the jets should be on) and throw a cap full into the water.
IF THE LEVELS ARE TOO HIGH OR LOW
If the Bromine level is too low, throw in (jets on!) a teaspoon of Brominated Concentrate, too low: use a teaspoon of Bromine neutralizer.
PH level too high: teaspoon of PH decrease, too low: PH increaser.
Alkalinity too low: a teaspoon of Alkalinity increaser, too high: there is nothing to lower alkalinity levels but add less alkaline water. So if it’s really badly too high, call Dwight (298-0373).
Kailtyn, let’s go over this together on Sunday 5/11. Elena and Tory, let’s do a spa training on Wednesday 5/14.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
for now, i have put the direct tv pay per view print out laura was speaking of in the front desk resource book. it is under the “in room” section. ( is this ok to say in the blog?) i may have just doomed us all.
we have spare light bulbs for the track lighting and small lights in the patos and skipjack. dave says: be careful and put these where they will not get lost. very expensive bulbs.
the coffee folks were here trying to rewire our machine. should be in working order.
techi chris fixed our time clock. so we should be able to clock in and out.
our new printer fax is here and we should be able to get it installed this afternoon or tomorrow. this will be a techi chris task.
the water gal dropped off three bottles.
a new tray for coffee and hot water is on counter. just look out for creamy drops soaking in.
the marrowstone would like the same breakfast for tomorrow. they are leaving early so would like it in the mini fridge in lobby (minus the scones and toast) and then they will pick it up this afternoon and put it in their fridge. (like yesterdays lopez room)
kitty birdrockin’ out!!
May 8th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
MATIA UPDATE:
Raquel found a king-sized frame for the Matia to tide us over. SO, I opened up the room on WRP so that people CAN book it online. However, you will need to check any reservations for this room to see how they want the bed set up. If the reservation is for an arrival in the next week and the guest wants it set up as two twins, you will need to call them back and try to help them find an alternative. If the reservation is for the summer, just find out the bed preference. And, since the bed is no longer “funky” there should be no reason to discount the rate.
May 8th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
TELEVISIONS, REMOTES & PAY-PER-VIEW:
Regarding Pay-Per-View movies for guests, when guests check-in, please let them know that if they would like to order a movie, just to come to the front desk and let you know what movie starting at what time (and if they have more than one tv in their room, you will need to know which tv they want it on.) Then…you will have to call DirecTV on the hot-line and give them our passcode and the
code for the individual receiver. I will send this information to you by email today and hopefully you all can agree on a good (SAFE) place to keep this information.
Regarding the accidental deprogramming of remotes, when this happens, note that the top of the remote should be selected for DirecTV and the TV Input should be selected as HDMI. It won’t matter what channel the TV is on because the receiver overrides the TV.
Regarding Tory’s question about the random powering down of the receiver in the Patos, the answer is that this is a Firmware update and normally should only happen in the middle of the night (were you watching scary midnight movies, Tory?) Anyhow, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
May 8th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
the over booked rooms got canceled by the guests. the travel agent was unable to be reached. so…its all done from our end. (but…if we get a commission notice from them…we should NOT PAY IT.) thanks Elena.
kitty out!
May 8th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
FYI on several items:
ICE MACHINE in lobby: We are waiting for a pump part from Anaco Appliance. If this comes in, please call me right away.
SHELVING: We will be getting shelves for under the televisions in the Salt Spring and Whidbey. Those should come in several weeks. In the meantime, I’m sorry for the messy cables.
MATIA: Raquel is going to make this room up without the bed frames (we’re still waiting…) It will be made up as a KING bed only. Please feel free to use it, but LET PEOPLE KNOW about the fact that the bed is just right on the floor. If you do sell it, give the guests a good rate because of the funky situation. To book the room, you will need to take it out of maintenance hold, but only for the night you sell it because we don’t want people to be able to book it online.
SKIPJACK: I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the dresser/bed proximity issue. I think that for now we’ll just leave it the way it is. It’s a small room. Please just point it out to guests (with a smile) reminding them to watch their shins.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:32 am
OVERBOOKED ROOMS
kaitlyn,
if those ladies have not called back and the reservations are still there (as they should be) I would call back the paperwork is follow-up folder on the back desk and just tell them that we need to know what they want to do because we have not charged them deposits but will need to regardless of them canceling because we can not hold rooms without this deposit. They were supposed to call back early this week but it wouldn’t hurt to call them anyways.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:56 am
hey, good morning guys!!
thanks for putting up with my panic yesterday. it just sorta seemed like one of those days. i forgot what they were like. and now i know again…so hopefully i can keep all the angst to myself and not bug everyone so much.
hate to be a problem employee. calling and calling and calling…yes. i am a big girl i guess.
so…thanks wonderful bosses, managers and co-workers. it really is such a pleasure to work with you.
(and cudos to seth!!) what a chill guy. i called him yesterday to help me…and he was like, “sure. i’ll go take care of it.” it was like magical words that made me feel like i was being silly about everything and instantly felt better. he’s like buda or something.
kitty birdrockin’ out!
May 7th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
GLUTEN FREE
I bought a toast and a cereal which is gluten free. Please only use when guests request gluten free items.
TIME CLOCK
is still out of order. Chris is working on it, he’ll be back tomorrow.
COFFEE CABLE
same. SJ coffee guy came and it was the wrong cable. He will be back.
FIRE ALARM
same. Still not working properly, Ivan will be back with his boss and they will try to find the short.
KAITLYN
rocks! Cindy, can you put her on the ACE account so she can run to get materials for things like hang mirrors without having to bug Seth?
LEMONADE
I keep ordering lemonade and our supply doesn’t diminish. Are we all serving lemonade with our afternoon cookies, nice and cold with a couple of slices of lemon and strawberries? Yumm.
DOWNSTAIRS LAUNDRY
breaker blew today, probably since installing the chemicals, uhh solutions I mean, there is a lot to deal with for the breaker when everything is running. The breaker in question is in the box opposite from the washers, the smaller box. Just something to keep an eye on.
HOT TUB
I have yet another call in to Spa dude. Famous K, if he shows up tomorrow, chain him to the fence until I’m there.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
hey guys: also from Clark, he’d love to take anyone in a position to sell kayak trips out for a comp kayak trip. if you want to do this ever, just call him and tell him who you are. he’ll hook you up.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
here is an update on the package that is the kayak dining package (and all other tours booked with outdoor odysseys)
clark, the boss would like a phone call when a guest books with him. we need fill out voucher and charge guest same as with all other tours scheduled through us. clark would like guest contact info so that he can give guest specific information on the tour. let the guest know that the company will be contacting them shortly with details on their tour.
May 7th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
oh, we do have ONE fold out mattress pad for folks interested. (in certain rooms only of course)
i will print out a mini calander and when we book the pad we will have to write it down so that we don’t double book the pad.
kaitlyn
May 7th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
per laura…if the matia bed get made up and the fridge and microwave plug drilled…we can rent the room without a bedframe.
(things that we have for seth to do but front desk can keep updated and double check that it is done)
cord cover installed in patos, saltspring and whidbey. hole drilled in wall so we can plug in mini fridge and microwave. rooms with blinds near door handles (mostly balcony doors) have seth cut the end of one blind near the door handle so that we (guests)don’t break them going in and out.
wine glasses in lobby: we need those all to be the same kind and stem height. if any don’t match (we could perhaps put those in rooms) in matching pairs of course. hopefully raquel will be able to order us some more that match the ones we have.
the green apples need to be stocked with about ten on the platter (fuller the better per: laura)
we also did some plant rearrangement in the lobby.
there is a great tool on the bookmark bar that laura told me about. it gives availability for the island hotels and b&b’s. if you click it, type in date for guest needing to find lodging (only if we are sold out or do not have what they want) and then click the san juan island button. it gives you a look at what “might” be available for the guest. just give them a couple of names to call. (part of our great concierge service)
steffi will be going to store today.
elena, could you double check our voucher reserves? thank you!! you did such a great job making them. (and an ipod check out thing like the bike check outs? i don’t even know what that looks like) and i’m blonde. so i can’t handle that kind of computer technicality stuff.
i think if we put milk in pitcher for breakfast prep. they should be covered up. Probably not a good idea for orange juice just cause it needs to be stirred and i’m not quite sure we have anything tall and skinny enough to do that. i have not had any trouble having that stuff read in the morning. its mostly that dang fruit. and we all know it gets scuzzy the night before.
i put tori in a new room tonight. he is going to have to report to all of us his favorite rooms. i think he may be the only one who will have stayed in almost all of them.
cheers
kitty bird rockin’ out
May 6th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Kaitlyn,
Thanks for bringing up the three “overbooked” rooms. Elena took care of those and Morgan cleared out the alarms so we should be set. I believe Adam is working on the Pegasus system so that doesn’t happen again.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
hey rockers: I dropped off three ipods today, preloaded with brh tunes. please keep them in the safe and use them to offer to folks who forgot or don’t have ipods for their rooms. please make a check-out sheet like the one for the bikes and check them out in the same way (so we have some collateral). for now just let folks know that ipod loaners are often available if they are interested. I’ll try to figure out a way to get this message across without you having to mention it to every check in.
as for beach cruisers: someone should go up to elements and collect two cruisers to bring down to brh, along with the requisite gear and check out sheet. that’s the best we can do for now, except that if people wnat more than two, call up to elements and see if there are more available up there. we’ll order some more when we make some $$.
Is that all? I guess that’s all…
May 6th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
does anyone know what we are doing with the three internet reservations that are overbooked. if they want to avoid being sold out for the dates they want…we better get them re-booked soon. anyone?anyone? Elena, Steffi???
kitty birdrockin’ out!
May 6th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
there was supposed to be a DHL return slip in with the replacement espresso machine that came. (who knows. maybe it didn’t get put in there. )we need to save that packaging to return the machines that are not working. please, when the second replacement comes…save all packaging and papers in the box to return the two machines. i couldn’t find anything when the company called to see if we had all the info to return the broken machine.
(all good though, don’t worry about a thing) they are going to send new stuff with the second machine.
fire alarm folks are supposed to be here this morning.
seth will be bringing dressers from in town storage to return when the new bed parts come in.
thanks elena for going to the store and getting the krispies.
can we get the new master keys down here to check out?
no sign of health department yet.
do you know when we will be getting beach cruisers?
dave has ordered some replacement bulbs for all of our track lighting and the small lights in patos and skipjack.
the time card machine does not work right now. boo hoo. please use paper cards. i will put a call into chris t. today.
May 5th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
FURNITURE
The last parts of the bed for the Saltspring are arriving tomorrow from Crate and Barrel. Please let Laura or Raquel know right away so that the girls can finish putting the room together and we can have it open for this weekend. Crate and Barrel is also expecting that we will return 2 BLVD Dressers (which are in the in-town storage so please call Regino or Seth early as early as possible to have them bring those here for pick-up.
BREAKFAST PREP
Please remember that from now on all butter, Jam eggs, milk, and orange juice need to be prepared the night before and stored in the small black refrigerator. It is a huge help on busy mornings especially since most people seem to be requesting the early breakfast. 8:00am!
SILVERWARE
Since we have so many (where did they come from?) of the brown napkins lets use those for rolling up the silverware from now on.
I got 2 boxes of Rice krispies from the Orca storage at ELEMENTS. We still have a box of the mini cereals that used to go in rooms. they are in the back for the guest with the gluten free request.
Please call back Res. #1123768 who submitted an online reservation but the card was declined.
SEE YOU ALL IN A COUPLE OF DAYS!
May 5th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
FURNITURE
May 5th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Sample script for 3rd message for booking options (see Kaitlyn’s post). Remember to have a SMILE in your tone of voice when you leave this (or any other) message.
“Hi, this is ____ from Bird Rock Hotel. We are following up on your request for ____. Please give us a call back at 1-800-352-2632 letting us know _______. This is our third attempt to contact you and we really don’t want to annoy you, so if we don’t hear back from you, we’ll assume that you’ve taken care of everything yourself or you no longer need the service. Have a great day.”
May 5th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Happy Cino De Mayo
Surprise, you have a new printer (all in one) being sent to you from Dell, I had it shipped directly to 35 1st street. Please let me know when you receive it.
May 5th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
a quick update. the chocolates we get from san juan island coffee brewers only have a two week shelf life because they are hand made with no preservatives. we need to mark the date we get those in and stock them in the kitchen and give them away or eat them on the expiration date. i only ordered two…it seems like we don’t get much of a request for them here.
we are also going to try a new blend of coffee called the premium estate roast. it is a medium build coffee and one of their best sellers.
kitty birdrockin’ out!!
May 5th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
feliz cinco de mayo!
laura stopped by this morning. HOORAAAY! and here is the beef…we might mention that when we show guests to the skipjack to “watch your shins on the bedframe. its a tight fit!” that way we can TRY to avoid bruises and tears.
we are in the process of getting some mirrors in the rooms with shared bathrooms. (do you know where they are laura?) also thinking about getting some water decanters in those rooms due to the fact there is no sink in these.
working on getting some to go coffee cups. (do we want raquel to order these?)
i am e-mailing laura about the hot and cold water being reversed in the marrowstone shower. we can mention this to guests when they check in until we get it fixed.
we are getting a lot of run-a-round from guests when we are responding to booking options. (leaving a lot of messages spanning a couple of weeks) so i talked to laura and we can space the follow ups out. call back right when reservation comes in. (message 1) set alarm for 2 or 3 days out call again (message 2) set alarm for one week out (message 3 and final message) we are working on a script to say on message machine…we have tried three times and unfortunatly unable to reach you we won’t be calling again…la la la. who knows.
the wall color in the hotel is Baja Dunes benjamin moore paint. and trim is glaciar white. the artwork was purchased from artasap.com.
raquel is going to help us rearrange and brainstorm how to make the kitchen more functional for breakfast. if something seems out of place…leave it be for a couple of days and see if it works for you. suggestions very welcome!
and TAA DAAA!!!
kitty birdrockin’ out!
May 4th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Hey All,
nice work everyone. good job Tory on keeping everyone happy. the best bet with the ipod is to let it die, then plug it back in and off you go. sorry for the hassle. i’ll bring some back up ipods/ipod loaners in this week. laura is back, and nearly in full swing, so i’m sure you’ll all be seeing a lot of her this week. see you all soon….
May 4th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
So reservation # 1040049 & #1122187 had a slight problem upon arrival-and everything was going so well. The child listed in their reservation is a very nice 31 year old gentlemen hum…. So I came up with a plan. Mentioned the Lopez suite as an option for the first two nights and the Bainbridge suite for the third night due to an availability issue. The lady was really exited about the Lopez idea and actually ended up liking it even more than the Marrowstone. Pat Pat Pat…So I got them settled in with their bags asked them if they liked champagne polished up three glasses chilled a bottle and everyone is happy. Yeah!!
May 4th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
SHOULDER SEASON RATES
Just a reminder: t’is the shoulder season. It rains, snows, hails, is 30 degrees and then 65 and blasting sun, all in the course of one day. And Fridays and Saturdays we are charging summer rates from now on.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
so i had tim bring my i pod down…its pink and has my name on the back and is very dirty. if you click under playlists there are a bunch of tracks called “casino1. casino2. casino3″ they are kinda like what adam had on before (not quite so many spanish songs…i don’t have his ear for finding cool world music) i was going to leave the white i pod unplugged until it runs completely out of juice (which might be until sometime tomorrow or the next day) and then plug it in again and see if it works.
if adam comes to help fix it…great. i would love to have my ipod back. could you put it in the safe if we don’t use it anymore? thanks!!!
(it was very dead in here without anything. i could tell there was a totally different vibe goin’ on. not quite so relaxed. i really hope you don’t mind adam)
kitty out!
May 4th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
can we have some kind of training with the direct tv in case we can’t get a tv turned on with the remote or if a button gets pressed and the settings get thrown out of wack?
please, please?
kitty birdrockin’out!!
May 4th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
so today was our first gigantic enormous breakfast and a new breakfast helper to boot. sooo i know when everyone has done this a bazillian times it will go so much easier…but here are some things to think about…the more consistant the morning crew…the easier and better it will be. And if we could do some kitchen rearrangements…so that everything is not in one corner…it would be easier to have two people doing two things.
(probably not a good idea to rearrange until we get sturdier shelves.)
we were one egg short and expired plain yogurts deceived us and we had to go get two this morning…luckily we had time to make more eggs and cool them down…but i learned that its a good idea to come early(probably 7am) so you can get your front desk open, read the blog (i have not had time these last couple of weeks in case there is something that pertains to breakfast.)then you can take quick inventory of your breakfast supplies and make anything that gets missed. (hey…it happens. its all good)
so that the skinny or the phatty on the breakfast nibs.
this morning the i pod was frozen and won’t turn off or play and tells me that it is plugged in when it is not. i think i heard adam say something about the device needing to drain occasionally? if this is so…shall we leave it plugged in office hours and unplug from power at night to drain a little? what do you say adam?
also guest comments on that there are no mirrors in the shared bathroom rooms and it would be lovely to have a decanter of water for drinking in those rooms too.
kitty birdrockin’ out!
May 3rd, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Hi.
My name is Laura. I used to work here. You may remember me…you may not. I’ve been away for a while. I’m not back yet, but I will be soon. When I come back I’m going to give you all lots of hugs and kisses (ooh, yuck, Laura cooties) for taking such good care of Bird Rock. I missed you guys!
May 3rd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
GREEN EGGS NO HAM
There is a half a dozen green eggs in the fridge. They are from a guy on Beaverton Valley, laid by South American chix. He says they aren’t so over bred and their eggs have more vitamins and less cholesterol than “normal eggs”. Brag about them!
May 3rd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
you take your weekend and look what happens!!! golly gosh!
will be hanging photos in the saltspring and whidbey today.
have new photos of water and sun places for adam whenever i can catch him in his office. monday maybe?
kitty birdrockin’ out for the morning!
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Morning beautiful Kaitlyn, giver of amazing customer service, follower upper on the details!
I’ll stop by later with eggs and fancy fruit, call me at E around 12.30 if there is anything else you need (beach house in Hawaii?).
Please put on your list to call SJ coffee on Monday and ask for our coffee maker cable.
See you in a bit.
Afternoon super cute Tory, voucher technician of the first order, fast grasper of all things new, I put you in the Patos for the next two nights. Have fun, don’t wreck the marriage of the guests in the San Juan;)
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:02 pm
PEGASUS
I contacted Adam and he will tackle the Pegasus issue. It will take maybe a couple of weeks, but he is on it. Thank you, Adam!
For now, leave those reservations in the new section until we hear back from the guest. Please contact them again on Monday, famous K.
FIRE ALARM
is installed, but we have a short in a wire on the lobby floor. That means the system works unless a fire breaks out on the lobby floor, then the system doesn’t have a way to detect it. Ivan from Sound Guard will be back next week, hopefully Tuesday and try to find that short. Until then we will have to continue our walk throughs every half hour, but just on the lobby floor.
And here is how it works:
The system panel reads: “System normal” at all times. In case it goes off (and boy, does it go off when it goes off), you run to the safe, grab the panel key (labeled: fire alarm) out of the first safe drawer, run to the panel, open the door and push: “silence” aaahhh
The panel will read: “alarm zone…” and a number. On the panel door is a list of zone numbers (lobby is zone 5, for example).
You then will go to the floor which set the system off and find the smoke detector which did it (the smoke detector in question will blink red).
Look around, if it was a false alarm, you will stroll back to the alarm box and press: “reset”. Done.
If there is a fire, go home and have a beer, work is over. No, call 911, knock on our guest’s rooms and start evacuating the building. This is important: we have (for now) an unmonitored system, nobody will come and put out the fire unless you call the fire department.
If there was a false alarm, you have reset the system and it goes off again, check the zone again. If you are 100% sure that everything is fine, call the 24 hour number for Sound Guard on the inside of the panel door. If there are ever issues with the system, the numbers on the top are the Bellingham office number. The one on the bottom is the 24 hour tech support.
We have a one year parts warranty on the system.
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Something really odd happened today….
I received 3 reservations through Unirez for the same room for the same date. 2 overbooked alarms came up in our system but despite this the reservations were not rejected instead 2 additional Sucia units were added without numbers. Morgan called WRP and told them to see if they could prevent this from happening again. Unfortunately they can not so we just have to be very careful and at any rate the system creates a WARNING YOU ARE OVERBOOKED alarm when this happens.
I have contacted the guests and they were okay with moving at first until they found out that the rooms had shared bath arrangements, so the reservations under #’s 20975222-3-4 I have just left alone for now until we hear back from the guest as to what they would like to do.
May 1st, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Me again (this time I’ll try not to make any spelling mistakes:)
KYLE the KEY DUDE
Wow, what a competent young man. We are now in the proud possession of 10 master keys which work (including on the HK closet). He even took the dead bolt of the Fidalgo apart and got the broken key out of there. So everybody in need of a master, come to me. Cindy, he will send a bill to E.
May 1st, 2008 at 7:50 pm
1040049
Called one more time to reiterate her disappointment in our customer service. So just we are all on the same page: there are kayak companies which go out all year around: Discovery Sea Kayak & Crystal Seas, and pretty much everybody is going out right now.
No matter what time of the year it is, there is always kayaking (Discovery Sea Kayak) and always whale watching (Capt. Maya). And we are always helpful and try to go out of our way to make our guest vacation planning easy and fun.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:25 pm
FLOWERS
Susie will bring us flowers every Friday morning, starting next week, for us to put in our little vases and on our guest’s breakfast trays. There will be a minimum order of $18 (that’s about seven arrangements). We (I for now) will call her Thursdays and give her a heads up on how many guests we are expecting.
Susie also asks Laura if L wants an arrangement for the lobby every week for about $20?
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Betsy from the HD called. She will be checking in on us one of these mornings and afternoons. I’ll need everybody’s food handler’s card up (whee is Orosco’s?) on the board. I know we all do this and know this, but please be sure that
1)we have a bucket with fresh bleach water and rags next to the garbage can at any given time (change at shift change, empty at night)
2) make sure you ALWAYS wear gloves when preparing ready to eat food
3) don’t store food on the floor
4) don’t let food sit out
5) always use the sanitize cycle when running the dish washer
FOOD HANDLER’S CLASS
The next class is on May 15, at 9AM at the Mullis fire station. If more of our Spanish speaking goddesses attend, let’s call William ahead of time (378-4474) and he’ll bring a DVD of the class in Espanol.
HOT TUB
I keep playing phone tag with pool guy (Paul) to set up a class on how to care for the hot tub and fill out the health department form. For now, check temperature twice a day (wants to be 102) and check chlorine level (Elena taught me how, yeah chemistry! Have one of us show you K & T)
SHELVES
I talked to Seth and he is willing and able to stabilize the bathroom shelf with a third rail and the kitchen shelf with some L brackets. Cindy, which able person shall we out on the task?
MORE SHELVES
Shelves in Patos & Lopez have been installed today. Seth will pull the TV cables through. We need to stain and putty those shelves. Cindy, shall we call Terry Ogle for that? Seth says if we knew where the staining material is kept, he can probably do it cheaper. Would you call Terry ans ask him or give me his info?
NANNY SERVICE
I had several inquiries from future guests about nanny services. Does anybody know of one?
I think that’s it. Another gorgeous day in our gorgeous new hotel. I was reading on my porch this morning (short stories by David Sedaris, the brother of the “strangers with candy” lady, he is so funny) and got attacked by an army of hummingbirds flying by my head. I could feel the wind their tiny tiny wings were making. Their feeders were empty and I think they were singing the Internationale in bird and demanding more sugar water. Happy May Day!
May 1st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Reservation 1040049 was given a bit of a go around when she called in.. It is VERY important that when our guests call, we make sure to read all notes on their file. Please remember we want all our guests to not have any hassle while they are vacationing with us. Smooth sailing that’s our job for every visit. Thanks. Cindy
May 1st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Ice Maker
Okay, new news.. Kit does not want to install the ice maker due to the problem he was having, SO Scott Zehner (Happy Birthday May 1, to Scott) suggested I call Bruce, “Appliance by Bruce”. Bruce will be coming by Friday 5-2 in the am. Any questions have them give me a call..
May 1st, 2008 at 10:39 am
Happy May Day
I have left a message with Kit regarding the ice machine, he is to call Dave at Anaco Appliance at 360.293.5129. Please have Kit give me a call when he stops by there to fill me in on the progress.
Shelves
I talked to Scott Zehner, he is going to stop by on Thursday am to make sure that the shelves are strong enough to hold the load that is on them in the kitchen, due to the bathroom shelves almost falling on Kaitlyn..
May 1st, 2008 at 10:29 am
Hey Guys,
Robin Jacobson of the SJI Visitor’s Bureau will be dropping by in the late afternoon of May 14 with a travel writer to take a peek at the place and any open rooms. Can you guys make a note of it, create an alarm, or whatever you do, so the person working that day is prepared… Technically you should always be prepared for something like this, and I bet you are, but thought I’d give the heads up anyway…
Thanks!
April 30th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Fire System
Friday around 7:30am Guardian Security will be showing up to install the new fire panel
I have a call into Kit, to give him some information on the ice machine and how to get it going.
Housekeeping Key
Who knows what happened there Steffi, but for sure just give Kyle a call and have him re key it.
Orders??
Has anything showed up from UPS or Fedex down there in the last few days?
Yummy fruit…. Way to go on organizing all the Organic yummies Steffi..
Laura
I got an email from Laura, she is GREAT… Things are beautiful and she survived the bus trip…
April 30th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
ESPRESSO MACHINES
I don’t know about the broken one from the Fidalgo, but the spare ones are in their original package in the Cedar room up here, according to Elena.
KEYS
I’ll meet with Kyle, the key God, tomorrow and we’ll make master keys and re-key the HK closet.
FRUIT
We’ll be getting a case of (organic) apples and a case of (organic)oranges from Sysco tomorrow. I’ll need the invoice for that. I will sell half of the case to the Coop for credit. We’ll get more exciting fruit a little later in the season. Yeah!
BODY CARE
We got a gallon each of lotion, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in today. Please use to refill our bottles in guest room. Try a little and let me know if it’s o.k.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
ok. steffi and kaitlyn’s brainstorm blog notes:
bathroom shelving fell down on me when i places some items on them…be carefull our dishes are on the same shelves. we are trying to work with seth and regino to find something sturdier.
the coffee cable has not shown up yet. fyi
the ice maker was not able to be fixed today. we are working on getting the information on the part. cindy knows whats going on.
we need to know who has housekeeping keys that open the second and third floor housekeeping doors. our girls do not have them and front desk master keys do not work.
and we are missing one black coffee machine. (fidalgo) and two silver machines. are they being stored somewhere here? or up at elements? we are getting one repaired by company but the others…? the repaired machine should go in the skipjack when it arrives.
thats it for today.
kitty birdrock out!
April 30th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Hot Tub
I agree Kaitlyn, the hot tub should be check EVERY am and pm. Steffi can you please make sure that ALL employees working at BR know that they should be doing this? Does everyone know how to test the water? Is there a procedure for when things are out of whack?
Fire Alarm
I talked with Guardian on Monday, they are waiting for the panel to arrive and will call me ASAP when it does. They said it should be this week but they would not commit to that to me.
Matia
The twin XL frames have been on order from Sealy for about 2 weeks, which means they should be here any day. Please let me know when they arrive.
Pictures
Kaitlyn, let me know when you have been able to hang the pictures downstairs.
ELEMENTS pictures
Kaitlyn, do you have time this week to take a new picture of the Water and Sun Places? We need to update our website.
Lights
Any sightings of lighting orders coming in?
April 30th, 2008 at 11:55 am
i checked out adam and laura’s hotel recommendation in mexico…Verana. what an inspiration. and what a treat. how bout we go there for an employee retreat?
i put the hot tub keys in with the safe key. we are having some guests go hog wild with the dial already. our temp should stay at 102 and it would be a good idea to check it in the am and pm if there are not guests in there.
thats it for this morning.
kitty birdrockin’ out!!
April 29th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
The computer on the second floor still has that Blue screen issue even after talking to Chris Teren and doing what he suggested. Please call him in the morning and see if he and when he can come in.
Slow evening but plenty of online reservations to process.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
we had numi teas come in today. out of lack of space in the kitchen and not really knowing where they should go…i put them in one (treasure hunt)of the lobby drawers. I also put some of the brown napkins in there too.
is the ice machine in the lobby fixed?
also a heads up…the lobby fridge does not like to close very well. we will have to make sure it closes tight until the unit does not move around. the black coffee machine in the kitchen does not like to have its lid screwed down all the way (about half way is good) when the pot is almost finished it starts to leak and then never finishes brewing. it works great if the lid is not all the way closed.
we had fsa drop stuff today….all here but where do we put the sugar? boy howdy!
i helped soco make the marrowstone bed today…mucho trabajo!!!
kitty birdrockin’ out!!
April 28th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
THE MATIA
The Matia is going to be out of service until Laura can get us 2 frames for the twin size mattresses that can be pushed together and a headboard, becuase for now everything is on the floor.
There is a baby cart/stroller in the back that belongs to the young couple in the Lopez they were worried about leaving it in their car becuase it is brand new and spendy.
Overall a slow night, I did talk to carrie from Crate and barrel and she is going to get us the missing parts for the BLVD Bed in the Whidbey delivered before May 7th Hopefully.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Soltazza (AKA) Thira Trade Corp will be sending us a replacement espresso machine. When it gets here there will be packaging and a return information slip included. We need to call Soltazza back and let them know we got the replacement and then they will schedule a pick up for the broken machine. Questions? Kaitlyn knows the skinny on the minni machinni.
kitty birdrockin’ out!
April 28th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
good morning.
does anyone know why the Matia is not done yet? Or when it will be done? The room blocking ran out today and could have been rented. I blocked it out again till friday cause I don’t know what the heck is goin’ on with it. Also the Orcas does not have bedside lamps. I will call Seth today.
Cindy just gave a ring and would like us to call her when we get a shipment of shades and things of that nature for the whidbey and saltspring.
One black espresso machine has stopped working. from the skipjack. will be calling company today to find out what to do.
i hope laura is having a nice time.
kitty birdrockin’ out!
April 27th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Some guest comments on the Marrowstone and the Skipjack…
The hot tub was at 108 (way too hot) when guests checked in. We need to be checking that thing…I guess twice a day. Suggestions?
Also that the Skipjack bed frame might be a problem. It would work better if it had a bed frame that the mattress could be flush with at the end. Guests are complaining of hitting that soft spot on their shins and ankles. Yowza!! Ouch! Also to have some mirrors in the shared bathroom. The skip does not have one…
Breakfast was good. We are low on lots of stuff. E-mailing a list to Steffi in just a bit. Only two check ins for today. Had some walk ins already too.
Can we have a bird feeder in the garden? Tucked in a corner. Not a silly one. May be a pillar feeder with a wide tray? Would be nice to see the birdies. and would go with the “name”
cheers
kitty birdrockin’ out!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
hey elena: how did our margarita experiment go last night? any takers?
everyone else: I brought over a little margarita kit that included a cocktail shaker, a small bamboo cutting board, a knife for slicing limes, some margarita salt and some tequila and mixer. let’s keep all that stuff together in the kitchen somewhere so we can do that from time to time.
great work down there everyone!
April 27th, 2008 at 10:24 am
A lot of folks ask why Transient Orcas are different from our regular
Resident Orcas.
One way that we can tell the difference is when we see Pender, T14. If
you look at the front base of his big male dorsal fin, you’ll see some
bumps. These are old scars left from a time when he had a transmitter
bolted…yes, bolted…to the front of his dorsal fin. Somehow he or
another Orca ripped it away from his body. This all happened almost
thirty years ago.
That’s only one way that we know we are seeing Transient Orcas…
Capt. Jim
April 26th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
LITTLE BLACK FRIDGE
I cleaned the little fridge in the kitchen under the time clock. We will use it for portioned butter, jam, eggs. So look in there when assembling your breakfast trays.
FIRE PLACES
I tried to get the fire place to work in the Marrowstone, finally the guest figured out that the propane wasn’t on. Let’s have Seth or Regino test all the fireplaces on Monday.
TIME CLOCK
If you work more here than there, please bring your time card down here. To clock in without a time card:
1) press the transfer button
2)enter your badge number (2 digit number on back of your time card)
3)enter your department (front desk: 2002, HK: 2003) followed by #
Clocking out:
press 0, enter your batch number, press the # key
TORY
please keep a written record (i.e. time card) of your overnights. I put Tory in the Sucia for the next 2 nights (no bed space down here). I think this will be a good learning experience (how does the remote work? How loud is Herbs, really?).
April 26th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Oh man, what a gorgeous day!
FSA
I ordered sugar (white & brown), napkins, organic teas and mints. Will be delivered Monday or Tuesday, please make sure everything on the invoice actually was delivered and put invoice in safe.
PRODUCE
I’m still having a hard time sourcing produce. Bear with me, while I streamline this and run to MP if we run out of something.
April 25th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Until the shelf arrives in the early part of next week there will be no cable television in the bedroom of the Lopez suite.
April 25th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
FERRIES ON JULY 4
Members,
As most of you are aware, the Sealth will be in service over the 4th of July
weekend, which carries approximately 50 cars less per sailing. Since this
is our busiest weekend of the year, the Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) has
been talking with WSF regarding a solution. WSF has agreed to provide free
parking for walk-ons at the Anacortes terminal over the dates of July 3-7.
Please let guests booking with you over those dates know this by encouraging
them to walk on the ferry for the weekend. You might also want to post this
info on your website, etc.
As you know, there’s shuttle service on San Juan and Orcas Islands during
that time, and the FAC is working on transportation options for Lopez
Island. I’ll keep you posted via e-mail.
Deborah Hopkins
Executive Director
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
April 25th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
PUMP
The pump for the ice maker was delivered today, and is in the back office (labeled)
The Marrowstone and Orcas are officially open and ready to rent as of today!!!
Morgan e-mailed us over all of the Bird rock Folders that were on the computer at ELEMENTS.
Pressure washing of the Patio should be happening soon I think and when that gets done I will probably try to see if I can bring over the outdoor umbrellas.
I made cookies and Raquel organized the back garbage area lets try to keep it like this.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Good idea, Tory. Thanks for keeping ‘em happy…
April 24th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Gentleman from Patos came down and asked kindly to be moved to another room. Due to the noise from neighbors in Skipjack. Upgraded him to Shaw. Res#1107691.
April 24th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Kaitlyn could you please mail the class ring to the address in res# 1073268 San Juan Post will take care of this. They close at 4p.m. Just give them the c.c. info and they take care of the rest.Thank You!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
If a guest wants to go on a 5 hour morning kayak trip with San Juan Outfitters from Roche Harbor and is without a car, they can take San Juan Transit from the ferry landing. They have a deal set up for a shuttle to Roche. The guest just has to mention that they have a kayak trip booked with S.J.O. to the driver and be there at either 9a.m. or 10 a.m. which ever they choose. Either bus will get them there on time.
April 24th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Seth will put up a shower rod in the Marrowstone. Can you front desk people make sure that a shower curtain and liner gets put on the rod before a guest checks in??
April 24th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Elena,
Do you know if we have any more side tables? The Marrowstone could use one by each side of the bed and one by the couch. If not, let’s consider putting a couple of those West Elm shelves up.
Thanks!
April 24th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Laura, Have a great trip, I want to hear all about the bus trip:) You adventurous girl you, Amazing race here we come..
Love ya,
Cindy
April 24th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Water Filter: We now have filtered water available in the lobby…Yeah. Steffi, can you please put it in your calendar to change the filter in 3 months. The replacement filter cartridge is under the lobby sink. When you use that filter, order another one or two.
April 24th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
TORY
Please look at the schedule for the week of 5/5, I moved you all around, including your sleep overs. Also: please come a little early next Saturday on your first sleep over, so we can go over things.
FIRE ALARM
What’s the word?
April 24th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
BIRD ROCK FORMS & TEMPLATES
Kaitlyn & everybody: I created a folder with above title in “my documents” on our computer. Please put all forms in there so we can find them again (wireless code, opening/closing procedures, etc.) Thank you, famous K, for following up on all the little things, yeah!
April 24th, 2008 at 9:53 am
For some reason, I’ve been fixated with TripAdvisor.com lately. Perhaps it’s because I’m going on a trip myself and have been using it to gather lodging information.
This morning I was looking at the old reviews for Friday’s Historic Inn. I want all of you to read those reviews and each come up with ways that you think we can help avoid the disappointments that guests had.
Some of these disappointments included noise issues from Herbs. Well, that’s easy to solve, just talk to the guests (especially summer guests staying in the Marrowstone, Lopez, and Orcas) when they make their reservations and remind them that it’s a bustling little town that sometimes people stay up pretty late. Most people when forewarned will not mind it, and you can joke that. If they are going to mind, then you have the option of moving them to a quieter room or referring them to another place to stay. I’ve often said “Yeah, Friday Harbor can be pretty noisy in the summer, Elements has some fairly quiet rooms, but if you’d like I suggest some lodging facilities out in the country.)
Other disappointments had to do with the price. Well, for one, I think Bird Rock hotel is one of the nicest places to stay in the county right now. And, I think our prices are very reasonable given that. So, then it comes down to YOU to make the service OVER THE TOP, and then they will LOVE us. YOU and your WELCOMING, CHEERY,
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Cindy E-mailed night msg. I printed it out and put it in the Front Desk Resource Book. Near the closing
procedures.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Whidbey Suite floor is drying so laminate wont be able to be installed until Friday.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
the coffee machine plug has been ordered through san juan coffee roasters after all. should be here by the end of next week. laura helped me set up the phones so they ring the right volume and line two has a greeting. as far as we know, the message will have to be a daily greeting and closing message. there is no way to store one on there…
we are getting a lot of phone calls…so this is great.
kitty birdrockin’ out
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
morning blog:
i forgot to mention that the key fellow came by and took a look at our “master situation” he will be in contact with steffi on thursday afternoon.
laura would love to have green apples available for guests in the lobby at all times. (when available) also to leave all the hallway lights on when closing if there are guests in the hotel. (outside of bainbridge and stairs)
the phones right now are kinda up in the air. i will try to make a phone operating thingy so its easy for us to know about greetings and line one line two mumbo jumbo.
the hideaway: i posted david and jessica’s number on the phone list. they need to be notified when the hideaway is rented by us for their books.
dave should be installing the lobby track lighting today. i had to move all the mugs and things over to the opposite wall. they can go back after light is installed and area cleaned up.
second floor computer froze up this morning. i will be putting a call into techi chris.
it looks very scary and dark outside.
kitty birdrockin’ out
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Night time lighting: Please leave the hallway lights on at night when you close up shop.
Shelves: At some point in the next week or so, Scott will be installing shelves in the Lopez and the Patos. Please make sure that the short shelf goes under the Lopez tv and the long shelf goes under the Patos tv. Also, when the shelf gets installed in the Patos, please remove the modular storage under units underneath the tv.
Blinds: The two remaining blinds should come for the Saltspring tomorrow. When they come, please call Seth and let him know.
For Raquel:
1) Kaitlyn alerted me to the fact that the area around the machines is getting damp and will ruin the varnish on the dressers. Can someone please follow up with Raquel to make sure that housekeepers put some plastic (I know, yuk) trays underneath them.
2) I ordered 4 more cases of caffeinated espresso and 2 more cases of decaf espresso. They should come in a week or so. Please let me know when they come so I can cross it off my list.
3) Are the housekeepers doing turn-down service? It would be really nice if they could…
4) I ordered 3 dozen white napkins from Williams Sonoma. You can use these for trays and champagne.
5) The front desk has extra labels for all of the amenity bottles if you need them.
Adios Amigos: As you all know, I will be gone from tomorrow through May 3rd. I will try to check my email while I am gone, but I don’t know what kind of internet access I will have. I know that I won’t have cell service for sure. In the meantime, I’m counting on all of you to take good care of our precious baby!
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
oh, and the chamber of commerce called today and wanted to remind adam that there is a tour of our hotel set up for the 24th this thursday at 12:30.
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
fyi
i have made some templates and stored them in my folder for lack of knowing where to put them and find them again later. (like wireless code cards, phone list, emergency exit only signs, fan master code master list) everyone is welcome to go into my folder (kaitlyn) and get stuff!!!
yippee its cold.
kitty birdrock out!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Wow, Bird Rock is amazing. Beautiful, well done. Of course with Laura in the helm, could we expect anything but
Just remember to keep up all that hard work that has been put into this beautiful property. Which I know you all will.
Remember to ask all guest, how was your stay?
Let’s suggest to all of our guests that they post any comments to our website or to Trip advisor.
Keep all you are doing. This couldn’t happen with out all of you..
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:06 pm
hi there. just a blog for the morning things.
the bainbridge would like to skip breakfast tomorrow morning. they had lots of leftovers.
Fidalgo is here early. I checked the all the rooms for the correct espresso machines and they should be there. where should be put the others? no room!!
I made a master list of the fan remotes and put it in the front desk resource book under guest rooms. I also put one barista book and one direct tv channel user guide in there.
I tried to program stations that would come in to the radios in rooms and had trouble getting sound out of two or three of them. is it just me or should we have someone else double check. I have room specifics.
The phone company came today and fixed our second line. (as far as i know. he came, he did, he left. the end)
The water gal came and dropped off three bottles. where shall we store these?
i keep getting distracted so thats it for now.
kitty birdrockin’ out….
April 21st, 2008 at 11:13 am
this is a test blog
So for the month of April, we have seen Orca a bit under 50% of the time.
No word yet for today, but we are going looking, and will be leaving at
1:00. We have room for 4…
Capt. Jim
April 19th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Test
April 19th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
My first night here. Pretty cool. Getting the feel of everything. It is gorgeous and I am really proud to be working here. It’s so nice to be able to see how cool these rooms are now.
April 19th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
test test, so this is me blogging from my computer at ELEMENTS
April 19th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
just a quick one in case i run out of time. the fidalgo keys on the desk need to be double checked on sunday when the guests check out. we also need to check these keys in the balcony door. remember…we had an issue with guests deadbolting their main door and exiting via balcony door and locking themselves out because the room key does not work on the balcony door.
note to self: call dave about fixture for the shaw bathroom.
Menu book needs to be made for lobby. Could we maybe have two? one for the second floor too??
I started a pile of maintenance forms. they will be on the front desk until we get a holder for them in the back.
cindy should have some office supply stuff for us. tape dispenser stapler etc.
alarms have been set for garbage and recycling in outlook.
waiting for the ok on buying one paper for the loby for sat. morning and again sunday paper. we do not have any maps. i put a call into Dave from Transit to see if he had a box we could have and to drop off his schedule.
we need some goo gone for lobby window. and the end for now.
April 19th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Okay. Now I am officially confused by this blog. I signed on 15 minutes ago and my entries from last night weren’t on there. I just signed on again to check to see if my comments were posted and now ALL of them are there. I have a feeling this has to do with Adam being out of town and not accepting the blog comments on his end. Oh well. I ramble. What else is new.
April 19th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
We DID it! YOU did it! Thanks so much every one of you for helping to put it all together. All those crazy nights, all the planning, all of the last minute running around because despite all the planning, I still forgot stuff. Wow. You are now Bird Rocksters. Or is it Bird Rockstars??
I came home last night and posted a big long thank you on the blog and then a long list of things I forgot and then I accidentally deleted it. Yes, I was a little loopy. Thank goodness all of you managed to keep it better together than I did. You are wonderful.
Thank you from the deepest part of my heart. I love you all.
Laura
April 19th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Woop, Woop! Bird rock is OPEN for Business!
Here are some minor things that we need to take care of.
There are some papers of things that need following up on in the top back drawer of the storage cube.
Regino managed to get some blinds on both doors of back office.
The light of the bathroom in the shaw is not working at all, but someone is checking in tomorrow can we get someone to fix it?
The Fidalgo–
The TV that faces the bed is showing a NO SIGNAL error please call direct TV in the morning to have this fixed ASAP, I also adjusted her rate a little since we had two issues with her room, the key not working was the first. She was very nice and patient though.
I didn’t have a chance to make a closing procedure sheet for here so I will try to work on it tomorrow.
Everything is set for breakfast tomorrow.
LOBBY MUSIC
the ipod should be connected to the two white cables on the desk every morning until our real stereo system goes in the i pod is under the desk on the right for now
April 18th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Una mas:
The safe is working, petty cash stocked. Ask Elena or I where the key is, never ever ever ever move the dial.
Gracias.
April 18th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Things still running around my brain:
Elena, did smaller hand soap containers get placed in bathrooms?
1) I will have a 4-piece toaster on Monday. In the meantime, can we please use yours, Elena?
2) Seth needs to drill the hole in the Cypress for the microwave a little bigger.
3) Can someone please buy some 3-prong extension cords (say 6 of them?) For now I know that we need one for the microwave in Cypress (when it gets moved up to the shelf and the coffee maker gets placed on the fridge) and one to connect the water machine in the lobby. Please ask Seth if he knows of any that need to be replaced.
4) Don’t forget to tell the guests on check-in a) Welcome; b) How to use remotes (remembering that Bainbridge living room fan/light works ONLY with remote and there is NO switch for that; c) Show them espresso machines and say that directions are there, if they have questions, just ask, if they want drip coffee it’s in the lobby; d) phones are available in the lobby and on the second floor lobby area, e) remember to do the rounds every 1/2 hour for the fire and write it in the log (Elena do you have the log you made?)
5) When Chris Teren comes back, please ask him about installing the guest computer and find out what the wireless access code is for guests.
6) Steffi, have you touched base with the spa guy to make sure the Marrowstone tub is up and running?
7) Please keep a running tally of things that I need to get fixed/replace/purchase, etc.
9) I’ll stop now because I’m sure that I’m driving you all nuts!
Please call me at home if you have any questions at all. I’ll have the phone with me all night and really don’t mind being called!
April 18th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
WE DID IT!
We are open and everything looks fabulous.
So there are many loose ends. We will figure it all out. Be flexible, patient and in good spirits. Thank you all for making this happen.
TIME CARDS
Chris needs to figure out how to hook up the time clock. For now write your hours down like in the olden days (time cards on top of fire alarm in the kitchen)
COFFEE
The power plug for the coffee maker is missing. I have a call in to SJ coffee. Morgan lend us his coffee maker. For the next couple of days, use his, I bought fitting filters.
MONEY
We need the papers explaining how to use the safe (still in storage). Until then we will not replenish petty cash, so there is no money. If a guest pays with cash, hope for correct change or call ELEMENTS for change.
LOBBY PHONE
In case a guest wants to get called here in the lobby, the number is 360.378.8338
TO DO
These things need to get done. If you accomplish one, please write it in the log, so all of us know:
1) Make a sign for the window, saying that we are closed for the night and the number for the night manager
2) Preset radio stations on the i-pod radios
3) Make a list of the little numbers in the battery compartment of the fan remotes for each room
4)Take the stickers off each remote and write the room number on the remote with a sharpie
5) Make a phone list of everybody who works here.
O.K. Hang in there, be creative, write everything down you notice missing or not functioning. We will get there.
Much love.
April 18th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
We did it! YOU did it! April 18th and our doors are open. Wow. I can’t possibly say thank you enough for all of those late nights, all the planning, all of the rushing around to get things at the last minute that we failed to plan for, it’s all just so amazing. YOU are all so amazing. Everyone chipped in and I’d like to offer a very special thanks to Elena, Raquel, and Regino. Without all of your hard work, it wouldn’t have happened.
April 16th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Hi Everyone,
Please note a new special on the bird rock and elements websites: Sea/Sky or Sea + Sky. This package is a value added deal where we are just packaging our rooms with regular priced Outdoor Odysseys full day kayaking trip and dining credit: there is no discount, it is a convenience factor and a way for us to thank Clark at Outdoor Odysseys because he has brought us lots of web traffic (and presumably bookings) over the years. We also do not collect commission on this package.
IMPORTANT NOTE: WRP is set up to scale this package automatically based on the number of nights and people in any given reservation. The trouble is that you and the guest MUST select the correct number of people or the pricing will be out of whack. I have tried to make this clear in the special description, but please be on the lookout for anything that looks funky (like, maybe a booking with package charges for just one person—that’s possible but less likely than two).
Good to go?
April 7th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
RECYCLING
We have recycling services, yeah! Starting on MONDAY, 4/21 (can on curb on Sunday nights!) SJ Sanitation will pick up our recycling on a weekly basis. Since they normally only deal with dumpsters, we will allocate one of our garbage cans and make a big sign: RECYCLING.
April 3rd, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Yup,
April 18th at 10 AM, baby! Things are coming together. Thanks for the great staff meeting today, you guys, you ROCK.
GARBAGE
Just got off the phone with the town: 378-2810. Bird Rock’s garbage pick up is TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS, so the cans need to be brought out to the street Monday & Thursday PM. Garbage pick up supervisor is Dave at 378-3192.
RECYCLING
Called San Juan Sanitation at 376-4709, will call Cameron at 376-4717 tomorrow to figure out what size can we need.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Yea!! Number one blog. I can’t wait for Bird Rock to open its doors either. Training up here at Elements is great….but I miss our adventurers down at (formerly know as “Friday’s) Bird Rock. See you all in April!!
Kaitlyn