April 13, 2010. Double D Ranch, Texas. Dinner.

Royce Anne remembered that we were to be in Texas in April, so last week, she asked Lorin to call to invite us to dinner.    The last time we had dinner in their home I made the rude statement that said something like "I only want to come to dinner when your home is completely finished", so my first question on the phone was "Is your home complete?"   Last night we spent a lovely evening in their new home, admiring everything they have done, and enjoying good food and conversation.

Once again, good taste and hard work wins the day.    Five years ago Royce Anne and Lorin moved back to her family ranch outside Fredericksburg.  Her parents were ailing and they thought they could be helpful.   Royce Anne had a plan long ago to re-furbish the old home on the ranch, built in the twenties by her grandparents.  Lorin agreed to the plan, even though he explained to Royce Anne that building a new home would be quicker, easier and cheaper.  With this in mind, he built a large garage for his business supplies, in corner of which was a lovely apartment for themselves to live in during the restoration.  That was where we visited them the last time in their home.

Their new home is perfect for them and completed to every detail.  They stripped the old varnish from every piece of wood, including the trim on the windows, baseboard and doors.  Lorin completely re-built all the windows.  The home was always small but by taking down walls and opening up rooms, they are left with a very large kitchen, dining room,  living room combination that overlooks the yard and pasture for the horses.  Their bedroom is made up of two rooms, making their bedroom open to a change room with built in cabinets for clothes.  It is very convenient and lovely.  One guest room , with one of her grand parents beds,  completes the home.  It is a perfect home for them with everything modern for proper functioning yet with the charm of former years.

But the best part is living in Royce Anne's grandparent's home, with out living with the drafty enclosed porch.  Now it is beautiful from top to bottom.  It is another job well done, from the plan to the execution taking almost five years to complete,  done  at times snatched away from his job as a builder.  They are pleased and proud.  We were delighted to see their results.