Quick Update!

We've moved! And we're trying to get settled. Please shoot me an email if you need our new address.

Also of note, the Edinburgh Festival officially ended this evening with a massive firework display at the Castle. We watched the fireworks from our new roof terrace. The Brits react quite differently to fireworks than the average American. Instead of oohhhing and ahhing, they would say "Oh. That's attractive." (Say that in your head with an English accent.")

I hope you have a lovely first day in September!

~ Ashli ~

Scottie: Hails from Scotland

We're back -- but check out where we got to go yesterday! NEW YORK CITY!

I'm still at the beach braving Fay -- which is really not too much to brave as it's hardly distinguishable from an average storm.

Matt and I want to schedule our flights home for Christmas. If you or anyone you know would like to sell us your frequent flyer points (especially Delta or Continental but willing to explore others), please contact me. It might be a nice way for you to make extra money for Christmas shopping!

End of the Grand Tour

Remember several months ago when I said I wanted this job? Take a look where ended up.

Challenging Fun on the Open Seas

Look at the fish we caught!

I even got to see dolphins!

I've read that there are three kinds of fun: challenging fun, accomodating fun, and relaxing fun. Relaxing fun is pretty self-explanatory; it requires practically no effort -- like watching a movie. Accomodating fun is a bit of a challenge and requires some effort-- like planning a party -- but it's not to the same degree as challenging fun. Challenging fun is supposed to be the most rewarding form of fun. It involves difficulty, takes a lot of time, and requires effort for mastery.

Yesterday I went deep-sea fishing for the first time. In my book, this falls into challenging fun. And it was a blast! We spent about 7 hours out on the boat, the muscles in my arms are now sore, I have a tinge more sunburn than expected, and had to deal with a strange port-a-potty toilet --- basically, it wasn't a walk on the beach. But I learned something new, was challenged, and it did feel more exhilerating than an effortless, relaxing form of fun. Plus, I caught five fish! And my mom caught the biggest fish. Go Fern!

P.S. - I did a lot more feeding fish (aka - letting them eat the bait right off my line) than I did catching any fish. Let's just say that mastery of deep-sea fishing is probably not in my future.

Introducing Sir Mills

Today I've walked along the beach, jumped waves in the ocean, swam laps in the pool, sat by the pool and simply enjoyed my family .... tonight I have a law school friend visiting .... all I can say, is that my day has been a good day. The beachside life is fabulous. Just when I thought my day could not get any better, I saw Sir Mills, the penguin, getting knighted at the Edinburgh Zoo on MSNBC. Make sure to check out the video!

The Beach!

Headed out for a Seafood Dinner!

Heather and Paul Bruce -- two fabulous hosts!

Hanging at the Hotel in Memphis

Marvelous Memphis

Roof of the Peabody
Cheesecake Corner

Local Collierville Establishment
Collierville Square
Beale Street
B.B. Kings

Last Friday afternoon Matthew and I headed to Memphis with my parents but first made a stop by Caesar's Ristorante for lunch. (If you live in the Nashville area and haven't been to Caesar's yet, make plans! It's incredible!) Since graduating from college over four years ago, I've only ventured west on 1-40 once (graduation 2005) ... so it was high time for another trek through Jackson and on to Memphis.

Matt and I met up with Paul and Heather early Friday evening and had an absolute blast. Friday night we dined at Houstons and toured the Memphis University Club and historic districts in mid-town. It was so lovely staying at Paul and Heather's on Friday night. They do have the absolute cutest cottage ever. Saturday morning, after the pleasure of poppyseed bread from La Baguette, we headed to downtown Collierville for shopping on the square and lunch at the Silver Caboose. Time spent with the Bruces is always too short. If only Heather was one door away like she once was ....

Late Saturday afternoon we met back up with my parents and the Bubbas's and shopped the Pottery Barn, William-Sonoma, and West Elm outlets. Fun! Not having a house in America makes for creative shopping at home stores but I'll be throwing a few Pottery Barn items in my bag before heading back over the pond.

After shopping, we headed to downtown Memphis for some Beale Street action. We dined at B.B. Kings and enjoyed the Motownesque live entertainment. I particularly enjoyed the ribs -- how could you not enjoy ribs while in Memphis??? We also stopped by the Peabody Hotel and headed to the roof to check on the little ducks. For all you curious ones out there, the ducks are doing just fine. We rounded out the night at the Cheesecake Corner in the South Main Arts District - another yummy establishment. (Paul- thanks for the recommendation!)

Sunday we worshipped at Bellevue Baptist Church and it was marvelous. We had lunch afterwards with the pastor and his family; it was a very uplifting and encouraging time. Ms. Donna gave me a copy of her new book, and I am looking forward to reading it!

After a smidge more shopping, we headed back east but first stopped in Jackson for a tour of Union's campus. Last February Union was hit by a tornado and a large percentage of the dormitories were destroyed. Union's campus has undergone a transformation and the rebuilding will turn out to be absoutely outstanding. And ... I couldn't leave Jackson on a Sunday night without stopping by Los Portales for my all time favorite Mexican dish: Pechuga Frita. That dish has been missed since I left Jackson ... nothing has replaced it. (That's a tinge sad - right???)

Overall, we had a fabulous weekend. And now, I'm working beachside for a bit before I head back to Scotland. Until then, I'll be at the pool ..... :)

Somebody's Praying

Somebody's prayin, I can feel it

Somebody's prayin' for me

Mighty hands are guiding me

To protect what I can't see

Lord I believe, Lord I believe

That somebody's prayin', for me.

Angels are watchin', I can feel it

Angels are watchin' over me

There's many miles ahead 'til I get home

Still I'm safely kept before your thrown'

Cause Lord I believe, Lord I believe

Your angels are watchin' over me.

Well, I've walked through barren wilderness

When my pillow was a stone

And I've been through the darkest caverns

Where no light had ever shown.

Still I went on 'cause there was someone

Who was down on their knees

And Lord. I thank you for those people

Prayin' all this time for me.

Somebody's prayin', I can feel it

Somebody's prayin' for me

Mighty hands are guiding me

To protect me from what I can't see

Lord I believe, Lord I believe

Somebody's prayin' for me...

(C) Ricky Skaggs

For Your Amusement

There is a so-called "Unathorized Substance Tax" in Tennessee. I remember hearing about this in law school, but I thought it was a hoax. You're probably wondering what this unauthorized substance tax is all about... I'll let the state of Tennessee do the talking per the state's official website:


1.What is the unauthorized substances tax?

The unauthorized substances tax is a state excise tax levied on controlled substances (marijuana, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, etc.) and certain illicit alcoholic beverages (untaxed liquors and spirits).

2. Who is required to pay the tax?

The tax is due by any dealer who possesses an unauthorized substance upon which the tax has not been paid as evidenced by a stamp available from the Tennessee Department of Revenue. A "dealer" is any person who possesses one or more marijuana plants or more than 42.5 grams of marijuana, seven or more grams of any other unauthorized substance that is sold by weight, 10 or more dosage units of any other unauthorized substance not sold by weight, or any illicit alcoholic beverage.

3. When is the tax due?

The tax is payable within 48 hours after the dealer acquires actual or constructive possession of a non-tax-paid unauthorized substance, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays of this state, in which case the tax is payable on the next working day. If a dealer is found in possession of a taxable substance, it will be presumed he/she had possession of the substance for more than 48 hours. Penalty and interest will be assessed pursuant to the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 1, Part 8.

4. Do I have to identify myself when I pay the tax?

No. Individuals who purchase stamps from the department of revenue are not required to give their name, address, Social Security number, or any other identifying information.

5. Will the Department of Revenue notify law enforcement if I purchase stamps?

No. Information obtained pursuant to the unauthorized substances tax law is strictly confidential and may not be disclosed or used in a criminal prosecution other than a prosecution for a violation of the unauthorized substances tax law.



So, illegal activity is being legally taxed but not reported to law enforcement. Doesn't that make you feel all warm and fuzzy? I have my suspicions that no drug dealer is waltzing into this office to pay the tax. More information can be found here (for proof that this is not a joke).

Small but Fabulous Discovery

T.J. Maxx sells magazines for half their cover price! The Brentwood T.J. Maxx had Domino, Real Simple, Living, Gourmet, and a few others. How great is that! I've never heard of magazines being "on sale" ... so this really is super cool to me.

Two Local Establishments

Yesterday I had lunch with my friend Abby at the Puffy Muffin. Abby practices civil litigation in Brentwood, and she is one sharp girl! We enjoyed our yummy lunch at the Puffy Muffin -- it is definitely one of the Brentwood staples, serving Southern casseroles, veggies, and ginger tea. Next time you're at the Puffy Muffin, check out Hot Pink next door. As you can see from the picture, Hot Pink is quite a large gift boutique. The gifts range from silver platters to baby clothes to monogrammed flip flops and much, much more. These two local establishments are definitely worth checking out!

Merci Beaucoup

Thank you for all your love, support, and encouragement as my dad enters early retirement! I was blown away by the five hour receiving line at the reception last night .... your kindness is simply overwhelming. Thank you!

Look What I Found!

Check out this selection of Digestives I found in Nashville at the World Market! One suggestion: if you're trying to cut down on the calories, don't get started with McVities. They are yummy! And very addictive! P.S. -- This is by far the largest selection I've seen of digestives -- and it's in America -- not Scotland!

I love this man!

This past month Matt turned 27! We had a fun celebration at Eastland Cafe. I definitely recommend this little gourmet find in East Nashville. Something about the restaurants' aura reminded me of No Reservations.

Jill's Lovely Wedding

Bobbie's Dairy Dip Fun

Last Sunday was blazing in Nashville! The high was pushing 100 degrees, so we headed for a cold treat at Bobbie's Dairy Dip.


Satisfied from our ice-cold treat.