a
moment.”
“As will I” Ryan commented. “I’m going
to run over and get my shades. Sun’s a little bright for me
today”
A few moments later found the group
reassembled and headed towards Suite A. The kids were getting up
from the naps they didn’t need, and were ready to go some more.
Roger suggested they walk the tour since it wouldn’t take very long
and he needed to stretch his legs a bit. Laura realized her kids
probably knew this place better than she did, partly because she
had only seen the outside in the dark of night when they arrived
the previous evening. As they headed out the back visitor door, she
was greeted by the myriad of colors on the grounds. The flower beds
were beautiful, along with a manicured lawn all edged neatly and a
deep green throughout. Glancing back, she realized Windmere was
once a private home in the grand style known as a Painted Lady,
with gingerbread work on the gables, and real shutters, all painted
to both contrast and blend with the surroundings. The room
additions blended with the original house so well they looked
perfectly natural.
Hosting the tour, Roger commented:
“Anything you would like to ask, please feel free. If you don’t
mind, I’ll sort of do a little travelogue as we stroll. First of
all Windmere was a private residence at one time, built by a very
wealthy family. As you can see, they liked to have guests during
the summer, and made it convenient by building extra rooms during
the original construction. Later on, they added the small houses
you see along the roadway here, sort of guest cottages for people
who were staying a little longer, possibly for their children and
their families to visit. Some of what we believe is mostly
guesswork since there is no written history on the estate. The
heirs who sold it were only interested in divesting, not history.
Anyway, the cottages are two bedroom and really complete living
units, as Alice can confirm. She has lived here for a number of
years, originally just because she didn’t want to deal with a big
empty house, and later because we managed to get her pulled into
our conniving and plotting.”
Alice enjoyed the banter as they went
along, and responded in kind. “Sure, right about that. I’m still
not quite sure how I managed to become an employee. That said, it
doesn’t hurt my feelings, and I can’t say I mind living next door
to these gentlemen, well most of the time anyway.”
Nearing the two story carriage house,
Laura noticed what appeared to be a large dog run, or maybe ponies
she thought as she considered the size and height of the
fence.
“Mommy, doggy!” Amanda quickly pointed
out the rather obvious. She was obviously remembering something
more. The fence gave no indication of what it held in, or out, but
Laura was soon to discover what Amanda already knew.
“That’s right Amanda. Did you play with
the doggies today?” Roger asked.
“Yep. Doggies, come out!” she yelled,
startling Laura, but the sound had its effect. Laura had never seen
German Shepherds like the two creatures that padded out of their
den and into the run. ‘My God’ she thought; ‘they could pass for
Great Danes in the dark, except for the long bushy tails’. The pair
had been sleeping in the cool of their den inside the carriage
house when they heard Amanda, but roused themselves quickly in case
there was a good scratching available.
Roger continued. “Meet Bruno and Daisy,
our night time security staff. They were probably penned last night
when you arrived, since the guys knew you were coming. Otherwise
you would have become acquainted a little quicker, and on a lot
scarier terms. Of course, there’s the chance they were down at one
of the water hazards swimming,” Roger added, “But no one seems to
want to find out the hard way. Here, let me introduce you
properly.” and he unlatched the gate, letting the dogs run free.
“Bruno, here.” was all he had to say, and the huge dog trotted over
and promptly
moment.”
“As will I” Ryan commented. “I’m going
to run over and get my shades. Sun’s a little bright for me
today”
A few moments later found the group
reassembled and headed towards Suite A. The kids were getting up
from the naps they didn’t need, and were ready to go some more.
Roger suggested they walk the tour since it wouldn’t take very long
and he needed to stretch his legs a bit. Laura realized her kids
probably knew this place better than she did, partly because she
had only seen the outside in the dark of night when they arrived
the previous evening. As they headed out the back visitor door, she
was greeted by the myriad of colors on the grounds. The flower beds
were beautiful, along with a manicured lawn all edged neatly and a
deep green throughout. Glancing back, she realized Windmere was
once a private home in the grand style known as a Painted Lady,
with gingerbread work on the gables, and real shutters, all painted
to both contrast and blend with the surroundings. The room
additions blended with the original house so well they looked
perfectly natural.
Hosting the tour, Roger commented:
“Anything you would like to ask, please feel free. If you don’t
mind, I’ll sort of do a little travelogue as we stroll. First of
all Windmere was a private residence at one time, built by a very
wealthy family. As you can see, they liked to have guests during
the summer, and made it convenient by building extra rooms during
the original construction. Later on, they added the small houses
you see along the roadway here, sort of guest cottages for people
who were staying a little longer, possibly for their children and
their families to visit. Some of what we believe is mostly
guesswork since there is no written history on the estate. The
heirs who sold it were only interested in divesting, not history.
Anyway, the cottages are two bedroom and really complete living
units, as Alice can confirm. She has lived here for a number of
years, originally just because she didn’t want to deal with a big
empty house, and later because we managed to get her pulled into
our conniving and plotting.”
Alice enjoyed the banter as they went
along, and responded in kind. “Sure, right about that. I’m still
not quite sure how I managed to become an employee. That said, it
doesn’t hurt my feelings, and I can’t say I mind living next door
to these gentlemen, well most of the time anyway.”
Nearing the two story carriage house,
Laura noticed what appeared to be a large dog run, or maybe ponies
she thought as she considered the size and height of the
fence.
“Mommy, doggy!” Amanda quickly pointed
out the rather obvious. She was obviously remembering something
more. The fence gave no indication of what it held in, or out, but
Laura was soon to discover what Amanda already knew.
“That’s right Amanda. Did you play with
the doggies today?” Roger asked.
“Yep. Doggies, come out!” she yelled,
startling Laura, but the sound had its effect. Laura had never seen
German Shepherds like the two creatures that padded out of their
den and into the run. ‘My God’ she thought; ‘they could pass for
Great Danes in the dark, except for the long bushy tails’. The pair
had been sleeping in the cool of their den inside the carriage
house when they heard Amanda, but roused themselves quickly in case
there was a good scratching available.
Roger continued. “Meet Bruno and Daisy,
our night time security staff. They were probably penned last night
when you arrived, since the guys knew you were coming. Otherwise
you would have become acquainted a little quicker, and on a lot
scarier terms. Of course, there’s the chance they were down at one
of the water hazards swimming,” Roger added, “But no one seems to
want to find out the hard way. Here, let me introduce you
properly.” and he unlatched the gate, letting the dogs run free.
“Bruno, here.” was all he had to say, and the huge dog trotted over
and promptly
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