Helen grew up in a large family, and thus has the intuitive ability to be almost invisible when there, yet is always available, when there, or by phone or whatever, when not there. She is a great person to talk to, btw, it's just she strikes a perfect balance in the way that someone who grew up in a large family naturally does. If her car is blocking your car, and she thinks she might sleep late, she leaves her keys out so you can move her car. i.e., she's very trusting and generous with everything in the house. (She actually sleeps in an adjoining guest cottage/room.) You don't ever get the sense you are intruding on her. nor that she is intruding on you.

Even though I was kind of there for professional reasons, I had lots of free time. Every suggestion she made of things to do was great, she prints out maps for you, etc..

She is, btw, a writer and former television reporter.

There are three rooms, possibly two people per room, plus her, and only two bathrooms. This never was a problem, but I think we found ourselves subtly adjusting when we woke up to ensure we'd never wait. And there was some level of relief on those days when there were fewer other guests.

The first day I asked for extra hangers. When I returned later that day they were waiting outside my door, and, perhaps metaphorically important, exactly the number I needed. (And no, I don't think she counted my clothes. That's just the way it is there...)

I also met a former guest, who had decided to move to L.A, and had become Helen's friend.