Everything about Silverock Cove is cool. Down to the last detail. The entire concept was designed around shedding daily stresses and embracing all things lake life, if only for a couple of days a week. The Silverock pool is a favorite spot for relaxing. The infinity edge looking out over the lake, along with the splashing water spilling over the edge, it can be a tranquil little slice of heaven on the lake. Even in the rain, the pool area has its inviting qualities.

Next time there’s a light rain while you’re there, don’t hold yourself up  indoors watching the Kardashians, have a seat under the roof overhang, take in the view, and listen to the rainwater trickle down the rain chains. You see, exactly where you’d expect to find a downspout, on the corners of the roof there are Japanese Rain chains. The Japanese have used these polished copper chains for hundreds of years for several purposes. Traditionally used to catch rain water and redistribute for plant watering, they are also much loved for their sparkling beauty and the calming effects of running water. The chains at Silverock are positioned so that the rain water drains into the gravel where the water is distributed naturally running through the rocks to the nearby landscape plants. This of course cuts down on water usage and artificial irrigation costs. Rain chains also prevent harmful erosion, mud splashing and water stains on walkways. And when it’s not raining, they make a soothing soft tinkling sound in the wind.

The rain chains at Silverock are one of the finer details. You may have even walked past them several times before they caught your eye, but they are another example of the attention to detail and collective aesthetic design that draws people to Silverock. And when it comes right down to it, they are simply one more reason to love this place even more.

Sunset magazine on myrecipes.com has compiled a star-studded menu perfect for a Fourth of July weekend at Silverock. The very best holidays at the lake wrap themselves around family, friends and food. Here is a full gathering of menus, ideas and tips to keep you and yours happily indulging all weekend long.

• Classic Western Burgers

• Quick Baked Beans with Smoked Bacon

• Greens with Chèvre and Berries

• Artichoke, Fennel, and Tricolor Tomato Salad

• Jane’s Famous Dilled Potato Salad

• Old Glory Cherry-Blueberry Pie

• Mile-High Banana Cream Pie

• Fire-Engine Red Cranberry-Raspberry Spritzer

Dishes serve about 10 people; scale the quantities or number of dishes up or down, divvy up the cooking, and make an old-fashioned feast your new tradition.

Right. I know. Believe me. I don’t want to talk about it either, especially after finishing off a 6-serving bag of nut clusters all by myself less than an hour ago. But the simple fact of the matter is this: Summer in Alabama is upon us, and that means hot weather and smaller clothing. Shorts, sleeveless tops and, as frightening as it may seem, swimsuits. But hold on, I have some relatively good news. You may have heard of Jillian Michaels. She is that tough trainer from NBC’s Biggest Loser. She is truly a crazy person, but she does claim to have a 30-day solution. Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred. When I read all the stellar reviews about how people were seeing results within a few days, I was skeptical. When I discovered that her’s was the number one selling DVD in the Country, I thought it was a passing fad. But, like most money-sucking trends, I instinctively had to have it immediately. However, before you balk, I knew the very first time I worked out with Jillie (we’re BFFs now, BTW), that she was onto something.

I am on day 15, my third week (you have to do it five times a week, so 30 days is really 6 week). And there’s this very strange and unfamiliar hardness just beneath my mushiness. Intriguing. I think I might hang around and see what happens in the next 15 workouts. Even though she terrifies me (but is still my new best friend), I think it may be working. But be warned. Girl is not playing around. There is one segment in Level Two of the workout when I consistently think, this is the end! My face is a sweaty shade of deep purple, and I can’t seem to adequately inflate either one of my lungs. And I huff out the words, “I am dy-ing!” And, right at that very second, Jillian looks at the camera and barks out, “I. Want. You. To. Feel. Like. You. Are. Going. To. DIE!” I wheez back at her, “I do. I do!” And then I scream out an expletive that makes me feel better, and worse, at the same time.

Now, while  she and I will never see eye-to-eye about those butchy chinos/capris she’s sporting during in the Level Two section of the DVD, I will give her props. She may be on to something. Her philosophy/mission is to force the body to adapt under duress and therefore take a new form. Sounds miserable, I know. But the consoling part is, it’s 20 minutes. That’s nothing! So you don’t dread it all that much. Because you know as well as I do, you can do just about anything for twenty minutes. So come on. I dare you! Order it today, and let us know what you think.

Now, where did I set down that Pepperidge Farm milk chocolate macadamia nut cookie?