This is another crazy busy week for me, but you know what….I love it like that! My life is so full and fun and I’m loving every minute of it. The busy weeks and the calm ones. I’m taking off today for another blogger event in NC with LazyBoy and yes, you’ll be hearing all about it too once I get back. It’s sure to be a blast, because again, it involves some sweet blog friends too. As soon as I get back Friday night, I’ll be heading to the Country Living fair at Stone Mountain, so I hope to see some of you there too! I’ll be the bleary-eyed one, with too little sleep, trying to keep going. 🙂
I knew that Kevin and Layla had moved to an idyllic setting with a lake, beautiful nostalgic homes and plenty of eye candy. A true neighborhood feel with a feel of old timey goodness of sidewalks and neighborly attitudes and I can tell you that it certainly didn’t disappoint. They live in a wonderful community of folks and they treated all of us like family too. What a treat to enjoy that Southern hospitality first hand. Southern roots grow deep in Alabama too.
At the end of our set-up day, we were all invited over to have dinner with these amazing ladies who have befriended Layla. They were all so welcoming and nice to us and the food was just delicious, a pasta casserole that had us drooling, along with a beautiful green salad and dessert that made me lose my breath, it was that good. Those ladies were so wonderful, stepping up and helping Layla get this event organized and by the time we left, we were friendly with all of them. Sweet ladies, they are!
So on the way to the house for dinner that night, here’s what we saw. Such gorgeous surroundings, who wouldn’t want to live here?
I can see why this was on the list of places to live for sure.
Rolling AL hills and beautiful scenery all around. It truly was like a movie set.
I had also forgotten that moss grows on the trees here in Montgomery. I was thinking it had to be closer to the coast, but here it is, dripping from the trees.
Our hosts’ home. We were warned we were in for a treat and I was taking in every single bit of it. Not only was the food outstanding, the atmosphere was too. Here’s Cathy and Eddie’s house from the front.
And a side view. Gorgeous, isn’t it? Look at those double porches, so Southern!
Not to mention this beautiful courtyard that leads to the garage. This is one spectacular place!
The sun was just going down over the lake.
And how about this Southern front porch.
Let’s go inside, shall we?
I snapped as many pics as I could, but remember these are at night with low light, so I did the best I could. But, isn’t this house just gorgeous?
We were all chatting and getting to know each other.
And oohing and ahhing over the beauty of the house too.
Cathy and Eddie were our gracious hosts (Cathy is in the green) and they were super people. What a blessing to meet them. Along with other ladies in the neighborhood, Jenny, Cindy, and Gayle. These ladies supported, were cheerleaders and we all felt like longtime friends by the end of the weekend.
Not to mention, they fed us SO well that night. After a long day of helping set up, we were ready for a little relaxing and that’s just what we did, with a big plate of food out on the porch. That’s my friend, Suzie, from Louisiana, who came for the weekend and it was great to get to spend time with her too.
Mary Kay Andrews and her hubby, Tom. Fun to catch up with this Atlanta writer again. I’ll be doing a review on her latest book, Christmas Bliss very soon.
We enjoyed every minute of our visit and chatting with these lovely folks.
On the last evening, we drove around just as the sun was going down, just so I could get some amazing pics of this place at sunset.
Now, wasn’t that lovely? I know, amazing place, Pike Road, AL and the Waters. I can definitely see why folks move there, it is so serene and beautiful. Kevin and Layla are blessed folks for sure and I know they know it!
NOTE:Â The winner of the Spunky Fluff Giveaway has been posted on the Rafflecopter widget and the winner emailed!
Renee S. says
Where’s the pictures of the food?
Rhoda says
I got in a hurry and didn’t take them. I did one Instagram shot of the food. It was delish!
Kim @ Cozinest.net says
Absolutely gorgeous home! These pictures have me wanting to redo everything! Did you ask Mary Kay my question? Just curious…..
Rhoda says
Ha, Kim! Yes, I did and she said no, not at all. She even signed my book that I just got (and haven’t read yet) with “it’s not about you.”. How funny is that?
Julia G. says
Very nice pictures. Thanks for sharing them.
Ruth Kilchenman says
Just so very lovely, all of it!! Thanks for sharing!!
Kelly - Talk of the House says
Oh Rhoda thank you so much for showing this precious place! I love the architectural style of all the homes there, and to think you have a lake there too. Perfect!
Holly says
I enjoyed this post so much. What quaint & sweet photographs. Thank you for the inspiration. I had to pin a few. 🙂
lynn cockrell says
Looks like you all had a great time. This really is a gorgeous place!
Paula B. says
What a lovely home and how sweet of the girlfriends to help out all weekend. Saw a few posts on various blogs about the marketplace fun, and, of course, you had given us a heads-up and info way in advance. So envious that I am far from all these fun, crafty/decorating events. What a great time of year to be doing all this – would just love to be at a Country Living fair! Drooling over the homes and the lovely community that has been developed around the water. (And, Mary Kay Andrews, over for dinner, I’m dying… looking forward to reading her new book!) Thanks for the post!
Cheryl says
What a lovely neighborhood! Looks like everyone had a great weekend! And I will look forward to Mary Kay Andrews new book – I need a little Bliss right about now!
Mary Alice Kenley says
LOVE, LOVE the way this lady uses black to make things crisp! Not just outside, but inside as well.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Such a gorgeous home of such gracious hosts…looked like you all had such great fun!!!….We will be passing each other on the road!…as I am on my way to Atlanta to the Country Living Fair…See you there!!!
Safe travels!
Miss Charming says
This is my dream neighborhood. So beautiful!
Sharon says
How idyllic! Every person’s dream neighborhood…or at least mine.
It reminds me of a neighborhood nearby. If you’re ever in Houston, look me up and I’ll take you to see it. You’ll love it!
Tami says
Gorgeous town and equally gorgeous home. Do you know where the owner of the home purchased the witch’s boots halloween decor? Thanks!
Brandi says
Wow, such a gorgeous area! Thanks for the lovely tour!
Anne Boykin says
Hi Rhoda, Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures with us. I just loved seeing this community too and really loved the quaint feel of the houses and the sweeping views. Reminds me of our Serenbe. I’m looking forward to hearing about your trip to LazyBoy. Have fun!
PlatefulofPulix says
Beautiful homes! The crisp white house with black details are stunning! Hope you have a wonderful day~
Kristie says
Beautiful pictures. I live in Kansas City and just got back for our yearly trip to the beach in Destin,Fl and I got to see some of these beautiful southern homes on our trip back. Thanks for sharing this treasure.
Kathy says
Rhoda, You are too sweet! I’m so glad that I got to meet you! Already started the countdown to CM’14!
Lana says
Hello Beautiful!
When you wrote to me about this last month or so and said that you were going (and I’d read it on Layla’s site, too, though I’m not able to stop by her place as often as yours) I definitely wanted to go….but couldn’t because we’re in the middle of Nutcracker rehearsals on the weekends and our church’s orphan care/foster care training sessions, etc. so I knew it was impossible….but I SO WANTED TO GO.
And after reading your posts on it I AM KICKING MYSELF SILLY THAT I COULDN’T GO….and it was in my Alabama no less!!!!
Arrrrrgggghhhhhhhh!!!!
But you know what? I’m overjoyed that YOU got to go. How amazing of you to be there just to show support and help.
You are an amazing person, you truly are.
Thank you for sharing so that those of us who (desperately wanted to but) couldn’t get there could vicariously participate in the celebration/market.
I will say a prayer for travel mercies and extra energy for all of your upcoming trips and activities–WHEW you are going to be busy.
But I know you love it like that so I am overjoyed for your joy!
Love/hugs/blessings,
Lana
maria says
Beautiful post, these are great ideas for decorating! I live in South Carolina coastline of Hilton Head area very similar decor! Thanks for sharing such pretty pictures!
Thanks
Maria