My phone rang yesterday evening.
A rare thing.
Although the caller is 'plumbed in' to my phone, I do not immediately recognise from whom it is.
"Hello is that S62?"
"Yes it is. How can I help?"
"Hello. It is the Stonefield Castle Hotel"
It has been a long day and I do not immediately make the connection. Then I rememberer. I have an upcoming trip to Islay in January, and I have booked into this very 'smart' hotel for both legs of the trip. It is not a cheap venue, but it comes recommended (from folks on SD as it happens), and I will be travelling with MrS62, and so I need to try and 'push the boat out' before we catch the ferry (see what happened there?)
"Ah yes. How can I help? Have I won a prize?"
"No sir. Not exactly. We are now closing in January for some of of that month, and so consequently, your first date is no longer available."
I immediately feel a sense of anxiety (we need somewhere); coupled with a huge sense of relief. I did say they are a 'smart' (read expensive) hotel and I am not a 'smart' guy. It was going to cost me a fortune.
I do my best to sound mortified.
"Not to worry sir. Your second date is still honoured, and I have a list of other venues that I can recommend".
Stuff happens and no one died. It really is no drama.
My caller reads out four venues, and I ask for his recommendation for the 'nicest' of those.
A quick phone call (unanswered - it is their busy time of day), a message left, then confirmed on their website - and we are squared away, for the run in, at the Knapp Guest House in Tarbert.
I explain the situation to my long-suffering wife.
"If we are just using it as a 'stop over', then I do not need a 'posh' hotel".
Ungrateful cow.
She sees the crestfallen look appear across my face, as I fail once again, to do anything right.
"But it is a nice thing to do and I am sure I will enjoy it..." she says in attempt to stop the tears that she sees forming in my eyes.
This morning I wake to an email from the Stonefield Castle.
"Just to confirm your second date is still available, and we have given you a complimentary upgrade, to a Lock view room."
Every cloud....
A rare thing.
Although the caller is 'plumbed in' to my phone, I do not immediately recognise from whom it is.
"Hello is that S62?"
"Yes it is. How can I help?"
"Hello. It is the Stonefield Castle Hotel"
It has been a long day and I do not immediately make the connection. Then I rememberer. I have an upcoming trip to Islay in January, and I have booked into this very 'smart' hotel for both legs of the trip. It is not a cheap venue, but it comes recommended (from folks on SD as it happens), and I will be travelling with MrS62, and so I need to try and 'push the boat out' before we catch the ferry (see what happened there?)
"Ah yes. How can I help? Have I won a prize?"
"No sir. Not exactly. We are now closing in January for some of of that month, and so consequently, your first date is no longer available."
I immediately feel a sense of anxiety (we need somewhere); coupled with a huge sense of relief. I did say they are a 'smart' (read expensive) hotel and I am not a 'smart' guy. It was going to cost me a fortune.
I do my best to sound mortified.
"Not to worry sir. Your second date is still honoured, and I have a list of other venues that I can recommend".
Stuff happens and no one died. It really is no drama.
My caller reads out four venues, and I ask for his recommendation for the 'nicest' of those.
A quick phone call (unanswered - it is their busy time of day), a message left, then confirmed on their website - and we are squared away, for the run in, at the Knapp Guest House in Tarbert.
I explain the situation to my long-suffering wife.
"If we are just using it as a 'stop over', then I do not need a 'posh' hotel".
Ungrateful cow.
She sees the crestfallen look appear across my face, as I fail once again, to do anything right.
"But it is a nice thing to do and I am sure I will enjoy it..." she says in attempt to stop the tears that she sees forming in my eyes.
This morning I wake to an email from the Stonefield Castle.
"Just to confirm your second date is still available, and we have given you a complimentary upgrade, to a Lock view room."
Every cloud....
There’s a few different options but sounds like your sorted anyway.
at the till for the drinks so it was put onto my room and to be payed on departure 
.. little did I know my 2 daughters 16and 22 had over heard me and the barman discuss this . When I got my bill the next day my wife remarked when had I started drinking pink Gin and vodka cokes 
I don’t .. but I know who does and just let’s say my 2 daughters were a wee bit under the weather and my wallet was a lot lighter 
