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?

Who better to show people around Silverock Cove and all the things that make it one of the greatest places on earth, than someone who just gets it? Silverock Cove Realtor, Cassie Moore loves the Smith Lake life. She grew up spending her summers on water skis, and this past Memorial Day weekend it was time to try her mad skills out on the wake board. She says, “I was so worried that I would not be able to get up. But I popped right up out of the water. It was so much fun! But my arms and back were really sore for two days.”

The most impressive part? Not one hair wet or out of place. That wouldn’t be proper! Ha! Seriously, you go Cass!

The plan was to have the pool open by Memorial Day. And they almost made it. The rain has really slowed the construction down, as you can imagine. But good news: all that is left to do is the decking and the plaster finish on the inside the pool. After that, it will be ready to be filled up with water.

The deck is pretty major with approximately 3,500 square feet of area overlooking the lake. It will host 25 chaise lounges, multiple dining tables and chairs. The new estimated completion date is sometime near the first of June. Fingers crossed.

The clubhouse next to the pool will follow the pool by a couple of weeks. It will include a big wood-burning fireplace, a lounge area with a TV, a kitchen, restrooms and a ping-pong table.

Like everything else at Silverock Cove, it will be done right and done beautifully!

Well worth the wait!

When things are designed and executed properly, they just work. One of Silverock Cove’s missions is to keep the lake as it should be—natural, inviting and a peaceful place of refuge and reconnecting. That is why so many people are intrinsically drawn to this beautiful place. Down to the smallest detail, the visionaries of Silverock Cove have done an amazing job of fulfilling their promise to not “litter” the lake with high-maintenance suburban-style homes that take us right back to the hectic city life we’re so desperately trying to get away from—if only for a weekend.

The paths are almost completely installed around the first phase of Silverock Cove. And they adhere to the standards set by architect Louis Nequette. He tells us that, “Materials used to build Silverock Cove were selected based on their ability to blend with the natural wood and stone of the site.” Very little concrete was used to minimize run-off and because the look of it is foreign to the ideal feeling of lake life. The pathways are no exception. They are created from railroad ties to promote drainage solutions and decrease run-off added to the lake. And once again, it just works beautifully.

Next time you’re at the lake, take it all in on a lovely and leisurely stroll.

 It’s all coming together so naturally. Check back often for more SRC updates.