I know I haven't put up a blog post in the last few days, but I want to reassure you that I am still sugar free. Yes, I have thought about eating sweets, already this morning I have had to tell myself no about 20 times. I don't know if it is getting easier or not. Perhaps it is getting easier, only because I've been sugar free for about a week and I don't want to "blow it." I still have consistent cravings and I am eating a little more than I should if my goal is to lose weight. Sometimes when the sugar cravings get intense I will eat some nuts or some wheat free crackers (Mary's Gone Crackers) with hummus. I need to reduce/eliminate this snacking if I want to lose weight, which I do. One step at a time.
My body feels better, both because of the elimination of sugar from my diet and the weight lifting. I'm less creaky and sore and I am getting stronger. I am beginning to recover from the abuse of the last 12 months. The fact of the matter is that it hurt to be on my feet for 14+ hours a day, almost every day. That was one of the lessons I learned from my experience as an innkeeper. We need to buy an inn that can afford a small staff. I can handle being on my feet 8 hours a day, but I think any more than that is too much, for the long haul.
In case you are interested, we currently have 5 properties on our radar screen. They are, in no particular order:
Kelly Place Bed and Breakfast in Cortez Colorado.
kellyplace.com
Summary: 11 guest rooms, 6 of which are in the main lodge and the remaining rooms are in cabins. There is also a camping area for tents and RVs. The property includes 37 acres and owners quarters.
Pros: 11 rooms + camping; beautiful scenery; large conference room; strong cash flow
Cons: Perhaps a little too remote, closest town is Cortez, which isn't much of a town; rattle snakes; furnishings need to be upgraded; haven't seen photos of owners' quarter or kitchen yet.
Photos of Kelly Place Bed & Breakfast:
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| Duplex cabin |
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| Courtyard |
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| Deck on deluxe Cabin |
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| Meeting room |
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| Courtyard at night |
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| Office/Check in |
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Property from nearby hill
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Apple Orchard Inn, Durango, CO: appleorchardinn.com
Summary: 10 rooms, 4 in main house and 6 cottages, just north of Durango in Hermosa.
Pros: The property is adorable, but from some reviews it appears as if it may need some renovation/deferred maintenance performed. Property is not listed for sale, but the owner responded to our solicitation letter favorably. Beautiful grounds, with pond and lawn. Close to Durango, CO, in the little town of Hermosa.
Cons: May need some significant improvements. Not sure of the current condition of the property.
Photos of the Apple Orchard Inn:
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| 1st Cabin |
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| 2nd Cabin |
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| 3rd Cabin |
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| Room in Main House |
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| Cabin porch |
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| outside of a cabin, they are all identical |
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| Lodge room |
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| Lodge room |
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| Cabin |
Abineau Lodge,
abineaulodge.com, south of Flagstaff, AZ.
Summary: Potential for 10 guest rooms, all with private baths. Currently only renting 3 guest rooms because current owners both have full time jobs. 1.7 acres. Next door is 3 bedroom 2 bath house that could be purchased separately, as owners' quarters. Backs up to ponderosa pine forest. Has café, currently serving breakfast to public on weekend mornings.
Pros: A little bit of land, only about 7 miles from Flagstaff. Separate owners' quarters. Professional kitchen. Beautiful dining room & lounge.
Cons: Currently only renting 3 rooms, would have to bring other rooms on line (we don't know yet if they are furnished) and increase advertising to start filling the inn. Furniture needs to be upgraded.
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| Wedding banquet |
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| Front of lodge |
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| budget twin room |
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| dining room |
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| dining room |
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| queen room |
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| outdoor wedding |
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| lodge |
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| back of lodge |
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| wine bar |
For more photos:
https://www.trulia.com/property/3053679789-1080-Mountainaire-Rd-Flagstaff-AZ-86005
O-Bar-O Cabins
https://durango-colorado-cabins.com/cabins/
Summary: 7 acres, 9 cabins with owners quarters on Florida River. North of Durango, CO.
Pros: Gorgeous property right on river; individual cabins with kitchens and decks; land; growth potential
Cons: Concerned about potential of river flooding and damaging buildings; no common areas/dining room; not a bed and breakfast, just cabin rental; all cabins have full kitchens, concerned about upkeep and cleaning costs; very remote.
China Clipper Inn
Ouray, CO
Summary: Classic Bed & Breakfast. 13 guest rooms, 5 with fireplaces, 3 with hot tubs.
Pros: 13 rooms, this is the size inn we are looking for; newer construction, well appointed. Have not seen pictures of the dining room, kitchen, or owners quarters yet.
Cons: In the middle of town (albeit a very small town), no land.
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| front porch of inn |
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| living room/library |
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| guest room porch |
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| guest room sitting area |
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| luxury room bath tub |
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| guest room porch |
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| guest room sitting area |
We are continuing to work to identify properties for me to visit during my road trip in March. It's all very exciting. I miss being an innkeeper and I am looking forward to finding our inn. Perhaps we will be in our own place by the end of the year!
