Hi friends,
The weather has been simply perfect here at the Inn. Mornings and evenings are refreshingly cool, while bright sunshine warms the days enough to invite extended time outdoors. The hills and valleys are alive with color—brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows mixed with the vibrant greens of the live oaks. Late afternoons are especially breathtaking, with sunlight glistening across the trees before giving way to stunning sunsets. The Texas blue skies and cooler temperatures make December one of our favorite times of year.
What’s New at the Inn
We’ve been busy completing several projects around the property. Firewood has been cut and stacked, and we are excited to share that a large stone patio was just completed near the barn, just outside the Granary Room. A new firepit and Adirondack chairs create a cozy gathering place for stargazing and enjoying the peaceful outdoors.
Inside the barn, we’ve cleared out space and added picture windows that offer beautiful views overlooking the valley. Next on the list is installing a wood ceiling and finishing the interior. For now, Lynn has claimed the barn as his “man cave,” but we look forward to completing the build-out and eventually making it available for guests to enjoy.
Christmas Memories & Traditions
As the holidays approach, we hope you are spending quality time with family and friends. Christmas always brings back fond memories of childhood, especially the traditions our parents and grandparents worked so hard to make special. We so cherish the memories shared with our sweet sisters.
At Diana’s house, Christmas Eve meant opening one gift, with the rest waiting until Christmas morning after Santa made his visit. My sister Debbie was always the first one awake, and quietly waking me before Mom and Dad joined us. We waited anxiously by the twinkling lights of the tree, and although it felt like hours at the time, old photos of sleepy faces in new pajamas revealed it was probably only minutes.
At Lynn’s house, Christmas Eve often included a drive to see the lights or visits with family before returning home—only to discover that Santa had somehow arrived while they were gone. As the oldest, Lynn began asking questions about how Santa managed to fit down a small fireplace, but he loved keeping the magic alive for his little sister, Sandy. One of his favorite memories is the year he received a Lionel electric train set. While he and his dad assembled the train and his mom prepared Christmas dinner, Sandy was busy baking cakes and cookies in her new Easy-Bake Oven to share with the family.
In their teenage years, Lynn and Sandy were blessed with a new baby sister, Tara. About a year after she was born, Lynn and Diana began dating, and together they experienced the childlike wonder of Christmas all over again through Tara’s eyes.
Christmas at The Inn
Lynn and I have created traditions of our own and love sharing them with dear friends. We enjoy attending Christmas Eve services, singing carols, and hearing the story of the Nativity. Here at the Inn, Christmas music fills the air as we bake special treats and decorate the Inn for our guests, surrounding them with the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the season.
This year is especially meaningful as it will be our sweet puppy, Bailey’s first Christmas. While she already has plenty of toys, we’re certain she’ll enjoy opening a few more on Christmas morning.
Thank You
We would like to thank each of you for staying with us here at the Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch. Many of you have returned multiple times after discovering our little slice of heaven here in the Texas Hill Country. Some have visited for romantic getaways, others for special occasions such as weddings at the many wonderful venues nearby. We always love welcoming you back—and we’re especially honored when you bring your friends and family to share time together here.
Please let us know how we can help plan your next visit, whether it’s another couple’s retreat or reserving the entire Inn for a family or friends’ getaway. And if you’re still looking for a last-minute gift idea, Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch gift certificates make a thoughtful and memorable Christmas present.
A Christmas Blessing
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a truly blessed New Year.
With warmest wishes,
Lynn & Diana
