Having Fun With the Girls

The big day is almost here, and in preparation I invited Amanda, Brooke, and Allie to go with me for pedicures and dinner. I've never had a pedicure before. I don't know if it's because I had a brother and raised sons, or if it's because I was too cheap to splurge. I decided with Scott about to get married and Tim and I about to be empty-nesters, it was time.

Amanda made our appointment, and Brooke made dinner plans. We drove to Lexington and were taken back to a nice room with soothing music and comfortable chairs with a little whirlpool tub at our feet. We each picked our paint color and settled in.

Brooke and Allie were super good, and we had a good time.


Next we headed to Brooke's favorite place to eat, Panera. The girls enjoyed mac and cheese while Amanda and I ate soup and sandwiches. It was so fun to hang out with these girls I love.

Hillary Scott & The Scott Family - Thy Will

A couple of years ago I focused on following God's will for my life. So many times when I don't understand a situation, I turn it over to the Lord and say, "Thy will be done." I don't always get my way, but I know God's ways are better than my ways.

Isaiah 55:8-9New International Version (NIV)

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Wax Myrtle

You've heard of Myrtle Beach, SC, but have you heard of a Wax Myrtle (Myrica Cerifera)?

My research shows it's either a small tree or a large shrub.

It's related to the Crepe Myrtle which is one of my favorite trees since the day I moved to Athens, Georgia.

The Wax Myrtle attracts birds like the yellow-rumped warbler. The root bark is astringent and can be used as an herbal remedy. (No, I"m not recommending this to treat itchy skin.) But the fruit of this tree can be used to make candles or soaps.

Wax Myrtles can be found many places including Bald Head Island. Maybe you can spot one from our view at the top of Old Baldy.



Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed day!

Walking in Downtown Cincinnati

Saturday we spent the day in Cincinnati, Ohio to attend the wedding of some dear friends. We attended the rehearsal dinner the night before and decided to stay for the night. One of the hotel employees suggested we go to Adriatico's on West McMillan Street. He said it was about a mile from the hotel. We easily walk a mile every day and decided not to drive.

Walking a mile in Cincinnati is so different than a mile in Wilmore. Before we got out of the parking lot, we saw a helicopter land on top of a hospital. After that we saw beautiful churches, old houses, new apartments, construction, and trendy shops and restaurants on our mile walk.

After seeing these and many more interesting things, we made it to Adriatico's. We split their summer salad which was delicious and a Hawaiian pizza.



We enjoyed our walk and our lunch and we learned exploring a city on foot is a lot of fun.

Moving toward the Big Day

In December Scott proposed to Kellianne, and she said yes.






Since then the months have flown, and we're less than two weeks away from the wedding.

We've celebrated birthdays, attended showers, enjoyed Easter, and Kelli graduated. It's been a wonderful and fun year full of blessings. We look forward to Kellianne Crouse becoming Kellianne Layton and our new daughter!

Bald Head Island Conservancy

What is the Bald Head Island Conservancy?

It's a non-profit whose mission is barrier island conservation, preservation, and education. IT sponsors and aids in scientific research that helps coastal communities. It provides many fun and educational activities to children and adults.

The students we met in the Conservancy were friendly and helpful. They have programs with names like Jr. Scientist, Budding Naturalist, Marsh Kid's Fishing, and Hands On Dissection. They have lab stations in the main building and take kids exploring. As a child I think a trip to the Bald Head Island Conservancy would be tons of fun.



If you have an opportunity to visit the Conservancy, I'd highly recommend it.

Flag of the Week

This week's flag comes from the Ashley Inn at Meadow Lake Equestrian Center in Lancaster, KY.

Ashley Inn is more than a bed and breakfast. It can be the site for retreats, holiday parties, special events and corporate meetings. And even more exciting, it's a great place for a wedding and reception. And the future site for Scott and Kelli's wedding later this month.

We stopped by the other day, and enjoyed the beauty of the setting and the friendliness of the horses. The owner says some of the horses even like to come to the fence and watch weddings. We plan to bring carrots in case that happens.