Hiding away

 

We've returned to The Hideaways outside Dundee. We booked a really good rate last year for 4 nights in The Romantics. This was their first property and is a converted bothy, a delightful cottage. All their Hideaways have hot tubs, saunas, hammocks, roll top baths, log burners but the newer ones are purpose built and have lots of glass along the front to make the most of views. On the day of arrival the owner called and asked if we'd like a complimentary upgrade to their newest and bestest property. Yes please, thank you very much. The Stargazers, we've stayed in twice before. It's lovely and has a warmed relaxation room as an addition. Alas that evening we went to enter the hot tub and it was cold! The owner came straight up and did her thing but unfortunately it was still cold the next day. The engineer wouldn't arrive until the day after so they offered us 3 solutions. Move to the original Hideaway that we booked, move to The Lovers which wasn't available until 3pm or stay put and just use one of the other hot tubs. We (aka I) picked the middle option. At 3pm we packed and unpacked and (as instructed by the sign in the porch) got naked and jumped in the hot tub! The sheep next to us didn't mind my bare arse - though just an hour later a young farm hand scooted by on his quad bike! Luckily my bare naked arse was back indoors. He might not have been as nonchalant as the sheep. Long story short we've had a blissful time. Relaxing, sleeping, eating, drinking, walking, reading - you get the picture? I even negotiated an extra night. 

The Hideaways are fab but part of the package is the customer service. Which reminded me of a story. When I worked in retail I was sent on a course. The instructor told us this customer service tale. 'A customer of Bloomingdale's in New York wanted new tyres for his posh car. The member of staff assured the customer that they would be ready the next day. When the customer left a colleague challenged the staff member because Bloomingdale's don't sell car tyres. He retorted that it wasn't about meeting the customers expectations, the best customer service is exceeding them!' I just love this little anecdote and it's stuck with me. Good is good, but better is best.

AOB - my mental health has improved this week, how could it not. My phone still compiles mini photo albums, always of Libby (don't think I took photos of much else). And I can watch them without tears. But sometimes something just hits me and I cry a little. And I have been googling puppies, which is always a joy! 

My dad has confirmed that he didn't realise the names thing either. I feel quite proud of myself that even though it took me 54 years at least I did notice eventually!

I'm not perfect, but I am a limited edition.