Lake Wedowee Life Winter 2014 Winter Wonderland

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Bama Homes and Land

February/March 2014 Vol. 7 No. 1

Table of Contents Special Features 16. News to Know Getting Hooked on Lake Wedowee Fishing Trail 22. What’s Cooking Comfort in a Bowl 24. Not to Shabby Masons Repurposed 28. Creative Crafting Tabletop Fire Pit 30. Entertainment In the Mood for a Little Romance 32. Where in the World? Readers take Lake Wedowee Life around the world 34. Instagram Reader Submitted Photos

In This Issue 7. Letter from the Editor 8. Hooked on Lake Wedowee 12 & 14. Readers Photos 20. Charley’s Treasure 26. Lake Map

Contributors Tracy Carpenter, Andy Petty, Amanda Causey, Lynn Amason, Charley Norton, Wendell Huddleston, Tom Scott.

Lake Wedowee Life

877.959.LAKE (5253) 18285 Highway 431 Wedowee, AL

www.LakeWedoweeLife.com On the Cover Stefanie Dewhurst captured this fantastic winter lake scene during the first snowfall of 2014 on Lake Wedowee. She is the granddaughter of Randolph County’s Shirley Watkins and the late Ralph Watkins.

Lake Wedowee Life magazine is published six times a year and available around the Lake Wedowee area which includes Randolph and Clay Counties in Alabama as well as parts of West Georgia.

All content in this publication is protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise published without the prior written permission of Neighborhood Publishing. © 2008-2014 Neighborhood Publishing

General Manager

Editor

Writer/Photographer

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LEISEL CALDWELL info@lakewedoweelife.com

KELLY CALDWELL news@lakewedoweelife.com

AMANDA CAUSEY info@lakewedoweelife.com

LAVOY CALDWELL ads@lakewedoweelife.com

6 Lake Wedowee Life

Rely on Faith, Family and Friends in 2014 This year has already proven to be one to remember for the Caldwell family. For those that are wondering why this issue of Lake Wedowee Life is a little later than usual, it’s simple… Our life had to come first.

We have been on a medical roller coaster since Dec. 26 when my younger sister, Mary Lee, got sick. Like most people, we thought it was nothing major in the beginning… She tested positive for the flu. I am sure most of you reading this have done that at least once before. Well, she didn’t get better in a few days like most people and on January 3, we began our journey through Hell! I actually had been working on a story for this issue when I got the call she was going to the emergency room because her blood oxygen level was 56… (A normal healthy person’s level should be between 95-100). The emergency room doctor fought for her to get transferred to another hospital that was better equipped with more resources. I remember overhearing him say to those doctors… You have to take her… She is going to get worse and we don’t have the resources here. (He was our first Angel on this journey but certainly not our last. ) He described her condition as “Big Pneumonia.” That night we went to East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika where ML asked her admitting doctor “if she was going to die?” At the time, I thought she was being dramatic… (Little did I know what was to come.) On Jan. 6, she wasn’t getting any better and was put in intensive care. Later that day, she was put on a ventilator and sedated. That’s when we realized this was a little more serious than just a case of the flu.

Less than 48 hours later, my dad, Lavoy “Papa” Caldwell, went to the emergency room at EAMC complaining of chest pains. He was having a heart attack at 2:30 in the morning while his youngest daughter was in ICU on the other side of the hospital. Four hours and two stents later, my dad is recovering on the eighth floor while little sister is not getting any better. That afternoon our second angel appeared in human form and my mom, with the help of my older sister and I, made the decision to transfer ML to University Medical Center in Birmingham.

We were terrified and while it wasn’t the first time we prayed for ML’s healing, Jan. 9 was when we went worldwide with it. We created a facebook page called United4Marylee and the prayers have not stopped.

It has been a terrifying journey for my family, but we finally turned the corner on this ugly illness. After being sedated for 19 days, ML really woke up on Jan. 25 (Our nephew Jax’s birthday). She has been getting stronger every day, and she came home just in time for this issue of Lake Wedowee Life to be two weeks late. (Only the second time in Lake Wedowee Life history, we have postponed an issue…).

I am sure you have heard the saying, “God will never give you more than you can handle…” Well thanks to a friend of mine, I don’t believe that saying anymore. He does give you more than you can handle so that you rely on Him to get you through it! That is what my family has learned through this. We have relied on Him in ways we have never had to before. (Not because we weren’t believers in Him, we just were stupid enough to believe we could do some things ourselves.) There is no doubt God is in control of everything and He put His angels in our path every step of the way so that ML would be healed. She is destined for more and I know I can’t wait to see it!

My family is stronger now than ever and while we know that we couldn’t have gotten through this nightmare without Him, we couldn’t have done it without our people either. There is no way we can possibly repay all the kindness that has been shown, but it really warms the heart to know so many people (in some instances complete strangers) care and have prayed for not only ML’s healing but us as well. It gave us strength to endure and we will be forever grateful!

Just Keep Swimming!

Kelly Caldwell

Lake Wedowee Life 7

Giving Back‌ One Fish at A Time Have you ever helped a person out and by doing so you helped yourself? Well it happened to me.

This past summer I was fortunate enough to be asked to take a veteran out fishing.

An organization that likes to fly under the radar during their events paired 11 different fishermen and their boats with veterans that would fish against each other for prizes and bragging rights. I had to close my shop for the day because it was during the week‌just a minor inconvenience.

After all I thought I was the one helping right?

Besides it doesn't require much to persuade me to go fishing.

We all met at daylight at Chimney Cove to start our bass tournament. The warriors were told to pick their boat, and since I am the morning person I was the first boat in line. The van pulls up, the veterans start piling out. The first guy down the dock comes straight to my boat. We introduce ourselves and he steps on-board. I'm nervous and not sure what to say so I ask if he fishes at all and find out that he has never fished before. Are you kidding me? I thought.

Now I'm really nervous. All I could think about was I hope I can help him get a fish. The first spot we went to had very little to tangle in but was a good top-water spot.

8 Lake Wedowee Life

Hooked on Lake Wedowee

by Wendell Huddleston The spot didn't pan out, but he was casting like a pro so we went to a better place. I tried to describe what was under water, and tell him how to fish it and on the third cast he caught a nice spotted bass. A few casts later he caught a keeper largemouth. On Lake Wedowee that's a 16 inch or better fish, his was a nice size fish to say the least.

I asked are you sure you've never fished? He laughed

and promised he hadn't.

He and I both could feel the tension loosening on the situation. He started asking about me then offering some information about him. I didn't ask any questions except his age, afraid I might say the wrong thing. After he landed his now third fish he started to tell me his story and at one point I had to look away acting like I was running the trolling motor while tears ran down my face.

You know the worst possible day fishing is hard to beat thanks to the freedom we enjoy because of these warriors. I've found a new appreciation for our veterans, and I am determined to appreciate the freedom of the bad days now because it could be a lot worse. Throughout the morning he kept telling me thank you for everything that I did or helped him with. I kept telling him it was my honor and that I'm the one that is thankful.

The weigh in was 11 a.m., he ended up with four keepers and had caught nine fish total. He came in second by two ounces and won the prize for biggest spotted bass.

For second place he won an airplane ride over Lake Wedowee, and for his big spotted bass he won a $169 fishing rod. After the weigh in we were all fed and then the warriors went out on the lake on ski boats operated by volunteers

Continued on Page 10

Lake Wedowee Life 9

from our lake. I'm so proud of our lake and its people, I think we made a difference and helped ourselves at the same time.

While that would be a great ending to this story, it gets even better. When my partner won the fishing rod they told him they could ship it to him. His response was that he wanted me to take it home and he would come back another day to go fishing and buy a reel to go on it. When word got out about it I had people come by the shop and offer to pay for the reel, but Bonny was having none of it she was going to pay for his reel. I felt pride for the caliber of people

our lake has drawn to this county.

Life sure is great here on our beautiful lake with the freedom to enjoy it thanks to the best military men and women in the world.

Ladies and gentlemen let me introduce you to U.S. Marine Thomas Tyler. Thank you Thomas, for allowing me to share this story with Lake Wedowee Life readers. I have a new found appreciate and pride for our servicemen and women. Thank you for spending a day on the lake with me and teaching me more about myself. Oh and just to let you know how old I felt he was born the year my truck was built, he laughed when he told me

that.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families. On that date, America watched in horror as approximately 3,000 people died including hundreds of firefighters and rescue workers. Many warriors note a sense of duty to volunteer for the military following these tragic events. You can learn more about the WWP by visiting their website: www.woundedwarriorproject.org

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10 Lake Wedowee Life

Fun in the

Snow

Photos Submitted By (Clockwise from Top Left) Nancy Hollon, Nancy Burnes, Andrea Robinson, Emily Traylor, Martha Chandler, Bill Shipp, Richard Burnes, Becca White and Stephanie Yates.

Submit your Lake Wedowee photos to news@lakewedoweelife.com

Photos Submitted By (Clockwise from Top Left) Stefanie Dewhurst, Nick Fables, Gordon Bohannon and Dewhurst. Submit your Lake Wedowee photos to news@lakewedoweelife.com

Anglin Insurance

Fishing intro pic

Story and Photos by Kelly Caldwell

Reminiscing while fishing his favorite spot on Lake Wedowee, Clay County resident Jackson Bonner had an idea.

"When I was coming up on Lake Wedowee, there seemed to be fishing tournaments here every weekend," he said. "But in recent years, it had dwindled to hardly any."

Bonner was a charter member of the Auburn University Bass Sports Club and knew a thing or two about organization.

"What I wanted to do here was create a tournament trail for our local fishermen," Bonner said. "But, I wanted it to really be about the fishermen... and give away the most money we could."

The Lake Wedowee Fishing Trail kicks off the new season March 22 and this year the proceeds benefits Lineville Masonic Lodge No. 219.

"The Masonic Lodge is very important to us and we know the money would be put to good use,"

Bonner said.

The trail is a series of 11 one-day tournaments that launch from Highway 48 Bridge on Lake Wedowee.

It costs $100 per team per tournament plus $10 for Big Fish. There is also a one-time $40 fee per team for

membership dues.

"We really pay out as much as possible," Bonner said. "We paid out nearly $6,000 for nine places. And in the 11 tournaments, we averaged paying out $3,000.

Continued on Page 18

Lake Wedowee Life 17

"That's great incentive for these guys," Bonner said. "Our tournaments are 80 percent payout and we averaged about 30 boats a tournament last year."

In the first tournament of the 2013 season, there were 29 boats registered and the tournament paid out over $2,500.

"Tournaments can be expensive if you think about it," Bonner said. "So the motivation with this was to give our local fisherman an opportunity to compete on their home lake.

The tournament trail culminates in February with the Classic The Classic in February is a two-day tournament that narrows the field to the top 30 percent in point standings or those teams that have fished all 11 tournaments. After the first day of the classic, the field is narrowed by half.

"Teams can still join the trail through the third tournament which

18 Lake Wedowee Life

is May 3," Bonner said. "For the Classic we take a team's top 8 tournament finishes. So in theory you can miss the first three tournaments of the year and still be a part of the Classic."

"The point standings can get interesting at times especially once we get 8 tournaments under our belt," Bonner said. "Because we take the top 8 finishes toward the end of the year lots of changes can happen from tournament to tournament."

The tournament dates for the rest of the trail include March 22, April 19, May 3, June 14, July 19, Aug. 9, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 22, Dec. 20 and Jan. 24. The Classic, a two day tournament on Lake Wedowee, will be Feb. 21-22.

"The times of the tournaments depend on the season," Bonner said.

"We have three night tournaments and then in the winter we have a 7 a.m. start because its colder."

The tournament is presented by the Lineville Masonic Lodge No. 219 and is sponsored in part by Bonner Heating & Air, Raiann Pools, Sunbelt Timber, Lake Wedowee Life Magazine, Duke's Jewelry, Wedowee Marine, A &M Insulation, Clay County Chevrolet, Lake Wedowee Bait & Tackle and Superior Gas Inc. "We couldn't do this without our sponsors, and the volunteers that make it happen," Bonner said. "Jeff Colburn and my dad Tommy Bonner make things happen!"

Others that Bonner could not do the tournament trail without include Shane Wallace and Brian Butler.

For more information, contact Bonner at 256.343.4796 or email at jackson745@aol.com.

Stank Sank As though there wasn’t enough to do, another project landed in our yard a few months ago (to my wife and neighbors utter dismay). Unaffectionately known as Stank, Avery bought this 1996 Polaris SLTX jet ski off Craigslist for a song (Swing low sweet chariot) and trust me when I say it had seen better days. It came to us in pieces ( which is the way I buy just about everything) and was covered in dirt, oil and rust.

The engine was disassembled, with it’s internals scattered all over and inside the ski. The bottom of the hull was covered in 2 cycle oil which had sat stagnating there for all of the three years it sat since the previous owner mangled it. And even after scrubbing for two hours and using up a half gallon of Purple Power, the pungent smell of rotten oil wouldn’t go away, so we declared it’s name to be Stank.

The engine was shot, locked up from the years it sat outside and whatever happened to cause the last guy to tear it apart, so we 20 Lake Wedowee Life

Charley’s Treasures

by Charley Norton scored a used engine off eBay and installed it. We slid it in the water and had a great 30 minute run.

The next hour was spent towing it back to the dock. Stank burnt a piston. I knew this from the tell tale signs like smoke billowing from the engine bay and it not running (I‘m smart like that). So back in the garage it went for some more redneck surgery and when we went back to the lake the

next time, it ran like a top!

Avery jumped on 3Fity and myself on Stank. We rode out to the spot for refreshments and then did a full throttle sprint up the creek to Chimney Cove.

It was about that time when I noticed the power lagging. I didn’t think much of it till the ski got slower and slower and as it came to a stop, started to roll over like a dead fish. I jumped off and managed to keep it upright while Avery tied a rope to it and started pulling it to a ramp he knew of back behind the Building Supply. I held on to the back of the ski to keep it upright, dragging behind it like live bait trolling for sharks. Of all my tows of shame, this one was probably the most demoralizing. The water inlet pipe had broken and instead of sending refreshing cool water to the engine, it filled the inside of the boat instead.

But this comes as no surprise to me because I believe that Stank, like Dismay (my reliably unreliable ski), hates me. If there

was any compassion for me, it would have sank right then, going to the bottom never to be seen again. But no, it kept it’s nose above the water sipping air like a white headed turtle with a moron holding it’s tail (that being me).

I believe that Stank and Dismay must have been side by side as they moved through the assembly line and whatever traumatic experience Dismay had to make it despise humans, Stank must have witnessed it because it shares the same attitude, which is to run long enough to make me feel confident, then let me down as far away from home as possible.

So in the garage Stank goes, soon to be followed by it’s buddy Dismay who decided to melt no. 1 cylinder on it’s last trip out. And as I stand there in the door looking at the motley pair, I can almost hear wires fraying in preparation for my arms to drag across them when I start the disassembly. I begin to wonder what new and creative place they will hide the dropped bolts and what hard to find parts they will break in the process. I loath the idea of spending another minute of this mostly waterlogged Summer wrenching

on them so I think I’ll just let them stew for a while. Maybe another long Winter might make them think about what they have done and appreciate all the love I have given them.

Yes love, but not the same love you give a person. No sir, flowers won’t buy their affection, nor will candy or a note written from the heart. No, they want time, money and blood. And if it wasn’t for the engines being painted red from the factory, you would be able to see just how much “love” I’ve given these things.

But they have me and they know it. They know how much I rely on the therapy of water and like the young wife of an old millionaire, do just enough to keep me showering them with gifts and affection. And like the millionaire, I realize there is no way I’ll ever make them completely happy but I keep trying just the same.

It’s a good thing that a jet ski can’t talk cause we’d be arguing all the time. And if they did, it would probably go something like this; ME: “Here Dismay, here’s the stator you asked for. I’m sorry

it took me a while. $500 is hard to come by but you’re worth it!” Dismay: “Oh thank you and could you be a dear and look at the computer? I accidentally burnt it and I think maybe the fuel gauge too, But don’t worry about that because I changed your display to read in hieroglyphics so you wont be able to tell how much gas there is anyway.” ME: “ Thank you for that, I’ve been needing to expand my reading skills. How about I go to my toolbox, get the biggest hammer I got and BEAT THE SNOT OUT OF YOU!! I think I can do that because you are an inanimate object and there’s no law against it!” Dismay: “ I’m so sorry Charley, please forgive me. Lets go for a ride and cool off. Somewhere far, far away. Oh, and don’t forget the rope (snicker snicker).”

Me: “That’s OK Dismay, I’m sorry I yelled at you. I know you have needs. A ride sounds great. But so you know, I‘m bringing the hammer!”

Charley Norton is the co-owner of Norton’s Flooring with his brother Tom. The company was founded by his parents more than 35 years ago.

Illustration by Tom Scott.

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Lake Wedowee Life 21

Comfort in a Bowl

I grew up in the kitchen, several kitchens to be exact. My mother’s, grandmother’s and a mother of the heart’s kitchen, among many others.

My mother of the heart is a sweet, petite, Christian lady with a loving and caring heart, Mom Lane. She always seems to have a smile on her face and knows how to make you feel like part of the family. I was fortunate to be welcomed into her family at the age of seventeen after the death of my mother. She is an amazing person, who I am blessed to have known and still have in my life.

Mom Lane taught me a lot of life lessons from life is not always fair, but, overall, it is still good to the importance of having a relationship with God and to share, give of your-

self to others. One of my most vivid memories is of her stirring a pot of her homemade chicken noodle soup while I sat at the table waiting expectantly for the first bowl. Once everyone had been served we would talk about homework or make decisions, from what college to attend to what academic endeavor to pursue all while enjoying a steamy bowl of

my life while having a bowl. It brings me so much joy to share the same experience with my three sons.

They often request this soup not only during the cold winter months but throughout the year. I like to think that’s because they not only enjoy the soup but want to spend time together too. Boys, though, as you know, can be difficult to fill up, especially my boys. So when I make the soup for them I double the amount of chicken I use. All three boys give it two thumbs up. This is

by Tracy Carpenter also a great recipe to take to somesoup. one that is sick or shut in. It is cerToday, each bowl I have brings tain to make them feel better. As a me a sense of comfort and security matter a fact, we’ve had friends to as I can’t help but to always think of say they were sick just to get some the love and hope a special family soup. showed me during a difficult time in No matter what meal you choose

What’s Cooking

to share with someone, you will be amazed at the memories and friendships and bonds you will build just by giving of yourself to others.

Chicken Noodle Soup 1-2 whole chickens 1 family size can of cream of chicken soup or 2 small cans 1 stick real butter 1 bag No Yolk Extra Broad Noodles salt and pepper Boil the chicken until done in an 8 quart pot. Allow to cool. While the chicken cools keep the broth simmering on low and add the can of cream of chicken soup and stick of butter. Add salt and pepper to taste.

You may need to add some water to the broth. I usually add enough so that an 8 quart pot is two thirds full. Once cooled, piece the chicken up. You know you can’t resist so it’s ok to sneak a few pieces and toss your dog some too. No doubt he will be at your feet while doing this step. Add the shredded chicken to the simmering broth mixture. Turn temperature up and bring to a boil. Add the bag of No Yolk noodles and boil for 10 minutes. I use No Yolk noodle because they do not get too soft and mushy. Remove from heat and serve with saltines, oyster crackers or corn bread.

If you are lucky enough to have some broth left over, once all the chicken and noodles have been consumed, warm it up and pour into a coffee mug and enjoy on a cold night. I love how the hot cup warms my hands as I sit and watch a movie. This is sure to become one of your family’s favorite soups.

Mason jars are all the rage now even though they have been around for a long time.

I use mine for what they actually were intended for…canning.

But you can do so much more! Finding new ways to use things you already have is fun.

The possibilities are really endless if you think long enough about what all you can do with a mason jar.

The little retro blue ones that you can now find just about anywhere make cute tea glasses. If you look in your cupboard you can find some there….hidden behind a spaghetti sauce label! The brand I use is Classico and I’m not sure if I like it because of the taste or that it’s in a cute mason jar that can reused. I always wash the jars and store them away until I come up with something to do with them.

This is what I came up with for my workshop where I do my furniture painting. Clean empty jars, some plumbing clamps and a scrap piece of wood turned into a place to keep my brushes and other supplies handy and out of the way. It is installed on a pegboard to keep my work space uncluttered. I didn’t even bother to remove all of the

lable on some of the jars since it’s in my workshop.

For a very versatile piece that is only limited by your imagination is a painted jar.

Start with a clean mason jar and add a coat of paint. Any color would work but I chose white. After it dries gently sand around the writing on the jar. You can add of coat of spray poly if you would like at this point. Then add a little ribbon if you want. It could change to go with the season or occasion.

I have used mason jars as pencil holders on my desk or silverware holders on my kitchen counter.

So from canning those summer green beans to storing supplies, the simple glass mason jar is full of possibilities!

Not Too Shabby

by Lynn Amason

Lynn Amason loves to create treasures from other people’s “trash.” You can find her scouting for deals or repurposing her finds.

You can see her treasures at Parker House Antiques.

Lake Wedowee Life 25

Lake Wedowee Life 27

Creative Crafting By: Amanda Causey

Tabletop Fire Pit If you live on a lake or spend time on one it is a given that you will be outside after sundown enjoying the sounds of nature and spending time with friends and family. That holds true for Lake Wedowee. My family has always had a huge fire pit that we love to light and stay warm on early Spring nights. Not everyone has the space for a huge outdoor fire pit so here is a solution.

Supplies Concrete mix Mixing Bowls for the mold Non-stick cooking spray Large bucket for mixing and masonry trowel 28 Lake Wedowee Life

Gel fireplace fuel canisters Replacement grill grate Fire safe decorative stones Creating this project is all about two components: finding the right materials and working safely. For the main fire bowl, I used the largest mixing bowls I could find.

Spray your molds with non-stick spray. This will help release the concrete once it's dry. A thin, even layer over the inside of the outer mold/outside of the inner mold will do.

Mix up your concrete. It's hard to determine how

much you'll need, but it's better to mix up more as you Use coarse sandpaper to clean up the top lip, and start than to rush to create more in the middle. I used give everything a nice rounded profile. about 1/3 of a bag for this project, adding water a little at a time until the mix formed a thick, cookie batter-like Take it outside, and place the gel fuel canisters inconsistency. side. I found mine at a local home improvement store.

Fill it about half full, then check the inner mold to Place the grill grate in the bowl. If you can't find one, see how high the concrete comes up to the side. It's you can cut a larger one to size with a hacksaw or okay to take the inner mold in and out a few times, just grinder, or create your own from hardware cloth or make sure you don't lose all your non-stick spray. (You steel mesh. can wipe it clean and reapply).

Cover the grate with a layer of rocks.

One it's settled and things are no longer moving, allow the concrete to cure according to the package direcWhile the flames on these aren't bonfire-sized, the tions. (About 48 hours) gel canisters put out quite a bit of heat, and all kinds of fun ambiance. For about $40 in materials (many of When your concrete has cured, carefully remove it which I can reuse), I have a great, easy-to-use backyard from the mold. I lightly tapped on mine with a rubber fire solution, that requires nearly zero work to start or mallet, first removing the inner bowl, then freeing the snuff out, and can keep our outdoor lake gatherings outer. It's solid at this point, so don't be afraid, but do going well past sundown. be careful since it's quite heavy.

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Lake Wedowee Life 29

In the Mood for a Little Romance It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to watch a romantic movie, but since the day of love is coming, here are 3 of my favorite romantic getaways that deserve a first or second viewing.

About Last Night- The trend of remaking the classics continues with this little gem from 1986. Although dated in the fashion and hair style department, the film still holds up today. Featuring two leading actors who would become house-hold names throughout the following decades, Rob Lowe and Demi Moore playing Danny and Debbie, trying to give their relationship a shot in 80's Chicago. From the first date to the first kiss leading up to the awkward moment of when they should move in together. This film covers it all, and not just from one side. Danny's best friend Bernie (played by the always fun James Belushi) is there to lend a guy's helping hand whenever there is trouble, but ultimately creating it most of the time. Then there's Debbie's roommate Joan (played by Elizabeth Perkins in her film debut), who isn't happy about Debbie's newfound love, but is there to lend a side with all her drama instead. This story should sound familiar to you because we all experience these feelings and emotions ourselves. Directed by Edward Zwick, who eventually became an A-list filmmaker directing some of the biggest names in Hollywood (The Last Samurai, Blood Diamond), this simple dramedy deserves a 2014 look. The remake hits theaters Valentine's Day. Little Manhattan - You've never seen New York City until you see it through the eyes of an 11 year old in love. Josh Hutcherson who has now become a household name thanks to his Hunger Games role, stars as Gabe, a kid experiencing what it's like to be in love for the first time.

Entertainment

by Andy Petty Her name is Rosemary and she's smart, sophisticated and a little out of Gabe's league. That won't stop him from trying to win her over during this magical summer of first love.

Featuring first-rate acting from our leading love birds and supporting roles from some memorable actors (two "Sex and the City" alums Cynthia Nixon as Gabe's mother and Willie Garson) and a story that everyone can relate to, no matter your age.

There is nothing better than seeing a film that stars children that is superbly directed and acted, and this one sets the bar. Grossing a sad $800,000 at the Box Office back in 2005, the film didn't get the release or marketing it deserved. A near perfect Valentine's Day romantic film that deserves to be seen. Highly recommended.

While You Were Sleeping - Sandra Bullock is no doubt America's sweetheart. She's had a few mistakes here and there, but ultimately she is someone who we trust and enjoy seeing play different characters throughout her rather young career.

Having starred in a megablockbuster a year before (Speed), Sandy was all but un-noticed in the world of leading ladies. She had

been making a name for herself with smaller roles in major movies, or second billed in smaller productions or made-for-TV flicks. Landing a role in a beloved box office hit, however, changed the game fast. First turned down by other leading ladies Julia Roberts and Demi Moore, she was offered the role as Lucy in "While You Were Sleeping," a "Sleeping Beauty" slightly modified for the 90's audience. Lucy is living the mundane life of a cashier for the Chicago transit daydreaming about being with a fellow customer played

by Peter Gallagher. One day he accidentally falls on the tracks and is knocked unconscious and Lucy jumps in to save his life just before the train arrives. Knowing nothing about the man she just saved and the fact that he's now in a coma, she tells the doctors that she is his fiancĂŠ. Of course comedy and romance ensue.

Don't forget the Peanuts gang for "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" for the kids. Does Charlie Brown get a Valentine? Also for a little horror and suspense, there is nothing wrong with snuggling up close for a killer good time with both "My Bloody Valentine" movies. The original 1981 chiller is unforgettably moody and suspenseful. One of my favorite horror movies ever that has gained cult status as of late featuring a great scene with an axe and a mining train with helpless victims trying to escape. The remake from 2009 made in eye-popping (literally) 3D is a fun ride too. Also "Valentine" is another fun thriller featuring Katherine Hiegl and Denise Richards on the run from a killer from their past.

And if horror isn't your thing, there is nothing wrong with a Nicholas Sparks movie. They actually are all well made and worth seeing guys.

Happy Valentine's Day.

(Left to Right) The First Baptist Youth Group in Wedowee took Lake Wedowee Life with them to their Summer Youth Beach Retreat in Panama City Beach, Fla. Members of the youth group include Arkevia Heard, Ryan Hawkins, Brandon Kidd, Raheem Edwards, Nick McKenney, Cade Farris, John Cole, Courtney Baldwin and Laurie McKenney, Maison Thompson, Emily Murphy, Marleigh Bradley, Haley Kirby, Jessica Williamson, Hannah Kirby, and Joie Smith, Chris Heard and Quentin Gooden. Roger Graben travelled with his copy of Lake Wedowee Life to Tokyo; Eric

and Becky Yarbrough, Pat Norred, Susan and Donald Jacks at the Tennessee River with the Fall issue.

Linda Patterson, Sybil Heard, Delilah Fetner and Penny Holloway brought Lake Wedowee Life with them to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Tootsie Guthmiller, Hollis "Mom" Crockett, Susan Jacks, Reese Crockett, Pat Norred and Betty Adams took Friday Night Life to Panama City Beach, Fla. If you travel, be sure to take Lake Wedowee Life along with you. Take a picture at a landmark and send it back to us at news@lakewedoweelife.com.

Index of Advertisers A & E Metal 9 Affordable Tire 11 Anglin Insurance 15 Bank of Wedowee 9 Benefield Funeral Home 14 Boondocks 2 Charles Thompson Construction 27 Docks Plus More 21 First Baptist Church Roanoke 15 GLL Marine 35 H& M Drugs 23 Halls Propane 13 Lakeside Campground 9 Lake Wedowee Construction 6 Lake Life 33 Lakeside Grill 3 Lakeview Auto Service 13 Mac McKinney Properties 4 Main Street Animal Hospital 6 Meadow's Farm Equipment 11 Norton's Flooring 23 Perryland Foods 10 RE/MAX Lakefront Grady & Linda Stone 13 SmallTown Bank 19 Southern Union State Community College 4 State Farm Ken Seiffert 18 Steele Chiropractic 25 Superior Gas 15 Tallapoosa River Electric Cooperative 19 Tower Construction 15 Tom Scott 19 Waste Solutions 13 Wedowee Building Supplies 10 Wedowee Lake and Lands 11 Wedowee Marine 17, 23,29 Williamsburg Manor 18 WM Grocery 36

Instagram is a fun and quirky way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures. The following photos were tagged #LakeWedoweeLife or #LakeWedowee and are used with the consent of the photograph owner.

Download the free app today & join in the fun!

Amanda Caldwell @chatrader

Vanessa Brown @vanessahannabrown

Bree Robinson @brianarob

Caleb Calhoun @calebkcalhoun

Rhonda Hall @rhondahall66

Kayla Hall @kaylahall1080

Courtney Hobbs @courtneybeth98

Montana Craft @montanacorajean

Jessica Hill @jesshill93