About Us

Guest Comments

Jennifer Wiser
"Thank you does not seem adequate for the wonderful weekend you provided us at your lovely home. After reading your guest comments, I realize you treat each and every guest as if they are truly your favorite and give such generous hospitality and special treatment to each person who enters your home. From the moment we arrived when you greeted us as if you were awaiting your child home from an extended time away, to your concern for us as we were out in the midst of the spring snow storm, to your pleasant conversation, absolutely delicious food and treats, and your unique way of making us feel as if we'd known you our whole lives, our visit was every thing we could've wanted for our time away as friends. The only thing that was wrong was that we didn't stay two nights.

Since coming home, I must have repeated how much I enjoyed myself so many times that my husband and children feel like they were there too. You truly are wonderful people who have a beautiful home, warm hearts, delicious food, a cozy atmosphere to relax, and great stories to share, and you have indeed made a "Lasting Impression" on me. I've already told other friends about your special place, and we are beginning our planning for when we can come again! I look forward with great anticipation to staying at your home again and enjoying a special time and great food with fantastic hosts!"

Jennifer Hogan
"I can't even begin to tell you what a wonderful time we had at Lasting Impressions last weekend. Everything from the time we arrived until our departure was fabulous. Ill never forget my cousin crying tears of joy when you said “wine and cheese” will be served at 5! Your ability to connect with your guest and make them feel welcome and special is such a gift and was such a huge reason why we all will come back. Your accommodations are clean and comfortable and everything you served was absolutely delicious! Your service and your Inn have truly left a Lasting Impression!"

Kristien Baker—Elgin, IL
"Your B&B is one of the best I've been to! Your house is gorgeous, and full of character. Your gift of hospitality is top notch...you aim to serve others and that Is much appreciated to a mom of 3 little ones! The food...wow! Delicious and perfect! You two make a wonderful team. God Bless!"

Deb DeHammer
"Thank you so much for making our stay at your B&B a most enjoyable time! Everything was way above my expectations and it was so much fun getting to know you two! We will definitely be back."

Connie Selvius
"What a wonderful ladies week we had at your B&B! Everything was perfect! The food was delicious and the portions were huge--way more than we expected! The accommodations were excellent. The cropping area was also just perfect we all had enough space (even with all my stuff!) and great lighting. It was so handy that you had supplies that we could purchase. We really didn't know what to expect but it  way exceeded our expectations! I didn’t want to leave and I can’t wait until we can come again! Than you so much for making everything so special!"

April Ellis "The Krazy Kroppers"—Lansing, MI
"Hospitality, service and a warm welcome… how many have forgotten and you both wear it like a  warm blanket... it becomes a part of you! Thank you for a great first experience in a B&B... you’ve set the standard of expectations HIGH! Keep doing what feels natural to you because it works."

Krista Westendorp
"I have attended two scrapbooking weekends organized and directed by Karen Ruis, as well as other short consulting sessions. Karen and Gerry are wonderful hosts and pay attention to all of the small details that make people feel welcome and cared for.  They offer fun activities throughout the weekend, and delectable treats for break times.  Karen has had great ideas and suggestions to assist with my projects, and has recommended resources and supplies that enhance my own ideas.  I have returned home from my weekends refreshed, with lovely scrapbook pages and stories about new friends and adventures with old friends!"

Merl & Ione Soderstrom, Milaca, MN
"We have known and loved Gerry and Karen Ruis for many years. Wherever they have lived, they have welcomed people into their hearts and home. They will be model innkeepers! Karen's love and knowledge of scrapbooking will make 'Lasting Impressions' the perfect place to bring your special group together for a time of learning and enjoying your hobby. The food will be great and the hospitality will make you want to come back!"

Sherida Fitzgerald
"I attended MANY scrapbooking weekends that were hosted by Karen and each was memorable and very special! There was always a lot of fun and laughs! Great product demonstration, fun games and always great prizes to earn! It didn't matter if you saw Karen two months ago... or a year ago, she remembers you, your name, if you went on a vacation since seeing her last... and she was very interested in hearing about it! It sounds so cliche to say that she is a 'people person', because she is more than that. She truly loves people and genuinely getting to know them. She's the best!!"

Cheryl Hjortaas
"Your warm hospitality and precious friendship have been the key ingredients to memorable experiences in Siren [Wisconsin]. I wish you well with your new endeavor and cannot wait to visit. Love you."

Betsy Osborn
"Karen and Gerry are the ultimate hosts and pay very special attention to every detail that helps in making your stay with them 'perfect.' They are positively the very best there is!"