BLOG by the Virgin Innkeeper

When I retired from my non-profit exec career in October 2016, I became a full-time Innkeeper. And I’ve never worked so hard and for such long hours ever. Did I mention the non-profit work, known well for hard work and long hours?! There was no time off to officially “be retired” as my husband, Ron, and I were still building our ten Casitas. The first Casita opened October 13th, the last one opened December 17th. While Ron built, I was performing the dual role of designer/st

Nine months ago, the foundation work began on the first slab of the first house at Hill Country Casitas, a new specialty lodging property in Dripping Springs, TX that my husband and I, on some half-cooked idea, decided to build. Today, there are 10 beautiful, incredibly comfortable Casitas, a Texas-sized Fire Pit, and a Pavilion nearing completion where many a memory will be made. How did this happen with our Ma and Pa operation? Lots of hard work, long hours and… friends. Ye

Her name is Taida (pronounced Ti – A- da). She’s a sweet, older woman that owns a shop in Laredo and lives in Laredo, TX or Nuevo Laredo, Mexico – not sure which side of the border. When she learned that we were to purchase furnishings for ten Casitas, I thought she was going to cry. She said “you are a blessing to me”. A good friend of mine spent many years in Laredo, knows the area well, and has excellent taste. He offered to “escort” me to this Texas border town to shop a

My husband, Ron, and I have three large breed dogs. I had one, then we met, got married and wanted a puppy. Came home with two puppies because neither of us could separate ourselves from our favorites in the litter. Thus we have three dogs. My 83 year old father likes to say “everyone needs three big dawgs!” And I guess we do. Now we have three more! And a rooster. Sort of. Ron and I are developing 13 acres in Dripping Springs, Texas, complete with ten small houses, or Casit

Every day, stable and mentally well adults change careers, fields, industries. I just never thought I would. And yes, the assumption is that I'm mentally well. My doc says I am. I think my friends would say yes. Not sure about my husband, but that sweetheart would never criticize. Yet. I have enjoyed a remarkable and rewarding career in the non-profit, human service industry. As a college graduate many, many years ago, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to do something wor