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2/20/2023 0 Comments

Boating Etiquette on Smith Lake

The dawn of a new lake season arrives with an official kick-off around spring break each year. The fact that many schools start spring vacations annually at the end of March means the lake gets busy well before summer.  Those of us who live on Smith Lake full time have the good fortune to be able to enjoy a very calm and serene lake during the many months off-season, but the inevitable long on-season period often lasts from late March well into October, sometimes later depending on weather in a given year.  There are years when our family can remember waterskiing, kayaking or paddleboarding into early December, but it's not every year that happens.  

Early spring is a good time for all of us to reflect on how we’ll react to the rush of more people, boats and activity overall.  The words we cherish most are TOLERANCE and RESPECT.  Every single one of us has a different way that we experience lake life.  But that is not to say that we cannot appreciate the ways that others enjoy their lake experience in their short summer season of primarily late May through early August.  Everyone is doing their own thing, in their own way, and it’s all good.  We like to think that collectively, we simply make a silent pact as a community to stay drama free and tolerant of one another.  Having respect for others is the key to making sure we can keep that pact intact.
 
It’s simple, and listed below are just a few ways to exhibit respect showing basic good boating etiquette, and therefore earning tolerance from others as we all enjoy lake days in our individual ways.

​Don’t be “that guy” - get your good boating etiquette hat ON well ahead of season!
PicturePhoto from ALEA Marine Patrol Division page on X
  • Obey boating laws at all times always. Look them up online before the season starts and check out our Boat Safety Tips.  Most importantly, check out the boating rules & regulations at this link for Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Marine Division:  alea.gov
  • Practice ramp readiness and respect. Launching or retrieving a boat at a ramp? Do it fast and efficiently. Always load-up and prepare the boat in the parking lot in a “make ready” spot off the ramp area.  Please do not load and prepare a boat at the ramp delaying others. When launched, pull the boat to a designated dock area to pick up passengers and gear. After pulling the boat out, don’t drain it, clean it, or otherwise waste time on the ramp.  To do those things, get away to a spot away from others who are in a hurry to get on their way. Everyone wants to be either on the water or off the water fast, just like you. Think in advance about how you can cut down your ramp time altogether. Delegate responsibilities to your crew and practice them before you get to the ramp.

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  • ​Do not be afraid to ask another boater for help on the ramp for any reason, especially if you need help backing in your boat or loading one in.  It's better to ask than to have everyone in line waiting anxiously not knowing what your problem is.  You’ll find other boaters to be very thoughtful and helpful when simply asked.  Don’t wait for them to ask you if you need help, you might already have waited too long at that point, and folks are just ready to have a slow boater out of the way.  Don’t get offended when a boater asks to assist.  They are just trying to help you learn, and help you in and out of the ramp area so that everything runs smoothly for all.
  • Practice courtesy at the fuel pump. Get fueled, pay the bill and move out of the way. Leaving a boat at the fuel dock as a parking spot is a big no-no anywhere.  If you need to get snacks, ice, a map, fishing tackle, or just want to "shoot the breeze" with others, please relocate your boat to a temporary dock and tie up. Again, fueling is a necessary part of the boating experience and everyone else’s as well, but be considerate of other boaters who would rather be out on the water than waiting on someone who hasn't thought these things through. 
  • Lend a hand. This is one of the unwritten laws that can say more about you as a boater than almost anything else. If you see someone in trouble on the water or on the shore, lend a helping hand immediately.  If you do not, you are creating what we boaters all know as “boating karma" - meaning it will come back to haunt you.  
  • PRO TIP:  Get an annual membership with your local towing company - TowBoatUS Smith Lake's Captain Terry Russeau can help you get your annual membership secured so you can boat worry free and with full confidence that you've got help if needed.   CALL 256-385-1966!

  • Please be careful that you don't find yourself in legal trouble by posting a photo of someone or their family or property onto social media, without their permission, and creating a false narrative about a situation, their vessel or the people involved, especially if there are children involved.  How would you like that done to you or your children?  Those type of photos might consist of people having trouble on their boat, being towed, undergoing a marine officer stop, going about their day leisurely on their dock, while they are boating or participating in routine lake activities like sunbathing, fishing or watersports.  Don't be UN-COOL - just mind your own business before you get labeled as a nosy neighbor, tattletale or drama diva on local social media pages.  We certainly don't allow that on our private Smith Lake Community Facebook group.  It's a group built to support everyone in every way they like to enjoy the lake, and to encourage a community environment welcoming to others.
  • Keep your boat, the lake, and marina area tidy.  NO LITTERING in Lewis Smith Lake. Marinas have enough hazards without having to step over draining coolers, wet towels, shoes, watersports gear, sloppy dock lines, and random trash from a boat. At marina docks, leave the dock area in such a way that no one will ever know you were there, and your slot is ready for the next boater to dock. Furthermore, guests on your boat shouldn’t have to complete an obstacle course to get from one end to the other–bags, shoes, gear and other items need to be stowed properly.  This can also be very helpful for safety when an issue arises and you need to get to something or someone quickly.  Orderliness is your friend in boating. Keep a trash receptacle on your boat at all times, and deposit that trash in the proper receptacles around the lake at the marinas or other designated areas.  Worst case, double bag it and take it away from the lake area to dispose of in a proper receptacle.
  • Stay a legal distance from docks if your boat is creating a wake.  This applies to all boats, ANY boat going slow and not trimmed correctly will be pulling a wake, so be sure that you are not close to docks, shorelines and bouy-marked areas when creating a wake.  This is important to keep you from being liable for damage to the property of others, and for the safety of all.  If using an enhanced wake purposefully, be mindful of staying in the middle area of the large open channels.  The 2023 Alabama Bill HB422/S272 (read entire bill here:  HB422) on wake proximity basically states that wake boats (boats that are creating an enhanced wake for specific watersports activities - i.e. wakesurfing and wakeboarding) must operate at least 200ft from shorelines/docks/structures, and ALL boats must operate at least 100ft away from same when making a wake.  Any closer and a marine vessel must be in idle only.  Always try to seek out wider areas where there is less traffic and docks when you plan to be doing water activities on enhanced wakes.  However, always make the best possible boating decisions putting human life above all else.
  • ​Smith Lake is very narrow in most areas, even along the large channels of Ryan Creek, Rock Creek and Sipsey.  Treat it like a road when navigating and stay to the right side of center of the lake on average, and especially when passing oncoming traffic, it’s just the way we do things here on Smith.  The narrow lake can be traversed much in the way you would operate your vehicle on a highway.  Other boating laws are available at www.alea.gov/dps/marine-patrol/boating-rules-and-regulation.
  • PWCs – these vessels are small, fast and maneuverable, much more than any regular boat.  Therefore, operate them much as if you are on a motorcycle on a major highway, and along with staying to the right of center on all channels, also yield to larger vessels at all times.  As tempting as it is to jump a boat’s wake, refrain from doing so too closely, and especially when a skier is in tow.  If that skier falls, you could risk running over the individual causing serious bodily harm to both the skier and yourself.  Again, read the boating laws in the link above.
  • DO NOT EVER AT ANY TIME follow another boat closely in its wake.  These days, in general, there are many young small children wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and skiing, etc., and due to a large wake blocking their height, you may not even realize there is a skier in tow until it is dangerously too late.  And, even mature experienced skiers can ski low while doing tricks, or fall while in tow and risk having you run over them by not seeing them in the water in time.  There are stiff fines for disobedience.  If there is a person on board the boat in front of you that you can see waving arms and pointing for you to get out of the wake, you are already too close, DO NOT FOLLOW TOO CLOSELY, EVER.  Just make it a hard rule in your mind as captain and among your crew.
  • DO NOT pull a tuber in wild patterns in lake areas that are narrow and hard to negotiate under the best conditions.  This stirs up the water causing excessive wake and disrupting the regular safe driving pattern for other boaters.  Like wakesurfing and wakeboarding, please try to gravitate to larger open bodies of water, and stay to the middle of the channels.  PLEASE keep your eyes on your driving and don’t get distracted by the tubers behind you causing you to look back at them to long and to not look forward enough.  There should be a rearview mirror on your boat, if not, it's a good investment, so use it!  Leave the rear view watching for the observer in your boat who will likely be videotaping the action for your enjoyment later.  You need to focus on driving and keeping your passengers and those being towed safe at all times.
  • Remember, Smith Lake is not only a recreational reservoir, but also a highly popular fishery. Fishermen who visit here are die-hard lakers no matter the season or the weather.  Therefore, be kind to the fishermen as they are parked fishing, and try to veer away from them to alleviate a large wake unexpectedly throwing them towards the shoreline or off the course they are setting with a trolling motor.  Smith Lake loves our fishermen, and we want to show them proper respect and give them a wide berth so they return often to contribute to the community.  Remember that most fishermen are not “racing” around the lake for no reason.  Often they are either practicing for a tournament or in a tournament where there are time restraints that they must operate under.  Many locals just simply offer fishermen the right of way all the time as a kind gesture, but at the very least, just be thoughtful. Fishermen bring a lot of tourism and commerce to our area.  Let’s let them know they are welcome here, and we want them to come back.
  • DO raise up your hand and WAVE to fellow boaters.  It’s the southern way, and the way of life on Smith.  There is nothing more unpleasant in the south than an arrogant or unfriendly boater.  
Again, these are all just some favorite community ideas collected from our surveys in the Smith Lake Community Facebook group about how to have a wonderful time on Smith Lake while being conscious of community etiquette.  

Written by The Lakeside LIfe Team
Photography by Terry Turner

Updated:  5/16/24
​Original Article Date:  3/1/19
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3/31/2018 0 Comments

Smith Lake Locals - Artisans/Crafters - MARCH 2018 - National Craft Month

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Did you know March is National Craft Month?  We have many talented crafters right here in the Smith Lake area, not to mention all over the State of Alabama. Spring craft shows will be in full swing soon.  We hope you find time to get out and enjoy a few festivals this season.  You will LOVE what they have to offer, unique custom products made lovingly by hand, and with a talented artistic eye for detail.  Hard to come by in an age of mass production.  

In fact, one particular local festival will have MANY regional crafters in attendance very soon - The 34th Annual Bloomin' Festival on the grounds of gorgeous St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman, AL. Mark the dates, April 21-22, 2018, and plan to attend.  It's a must-do in our area.  You can get more information about the festival on their Facebook page:  @bloominfestival

We also want to take a moment to shout out at least a FEW of our Smith Lake area crafters as well.  There are many - but these are a few in particular that we have noticed on social media just recently.  We have found they are extremely talented in their niche, and fortunately for us, they are accessible and convenient - right here in the area - lakeside!  

Picture2016 Alaska vacation - Connor, Audrey, Jill & John Strickland
Meet John & Jill Strickland - Cullman area residents - Jill is a wife & mother, a crafter and so much more.  Not only can Jill sew all kinds of beautiful custom items, but she and her husband John also build small wooden furniture such as adirondack chairs, benches, picnic tables, swings and bedswings.  John enjoys the wood work, and he puts a lot of hours and love into each piece he creates.  They have a special personal reason behind much of their work, it is a loving grief therapy for this incredible family.  Look for an upcoming article in The Lakeside Life magazine about the Stricklands, their little growing company, and their family journey.  Proceeds from their work benefit the WSCC Future Foundation Scholarship Fund in the name of John Connor Strickland.  Contact them now, and they can help create you a one-of-a-kind piece that you'll treasure for many years to come.  You can find them on Instagram:  @johnwjill  - please look them up very soon!  

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Meet Sandra Heaven "Heaven & Earth Pottery" & Diane Sharron "Creations in Clay" #brushycreekpotter - These two lovely ladies are residents of the Arley community, and they are volunteer pottery teachers at Meek High School & Middle School.  Sandra has been an art instructor most of her life, having taught art classes at Wallace State for over 25 years.  A few years ago, not long after moving to Smith Lake from Mississippi, Diane signed up for a class as a student with Sandra, and became a quick study.  The two ladies formed a bond and a pottery partnership.  

PictureSandra Heaven
They enjoy different styles, Sandra primarily enjoys turning clay pieces on the pottery wheel, and Diane enjoys free form clay design.  All of their pieces are so unique and detailed.  The glazes are painstakingly hand mixed - there's an art just in the chemistry of these mixes.  They can obtain glazes from traditional colors & types to deep, rich, rustic tones and styles of "dipping" - the possibilities are endless with these artists.  It seems there is nothing they can’t do with the glazes that help take the pieces to that next level of beauty.  ​All pieces are lovingly designed with the artists' fine eye for detail - incredibly beautiful!  In addition to the classes they offer for the Arley school system, they also offer private group lessons as well.  

PictureDiane Sharron
Obviously you can request custom pieces, but even better - sign up for a class very soon - no better therapy in the world than "arting" - AND you get to take your very own handiwork home.   Their shop is located on the school grounds, and they offer very reasonable rates, with class times that are sure to match your schedule.  Contact them any time - Sandra Heaven @ 205-384-4332 www.heavenandearthpottery.com and Diane Sharron @ 601-260-9697 or on Instagram: @dianesharron - be sure to watch for a future article in the magazine on this local studio, you'll be amazed other awesome things these ladies do for our community!  ​​

PictureChristine Williamson
Christine Williamson - a spicy Cajun transplant in our midst - originally from New Orleans, but now, luckily for all of us, she made her way to this area and is now a part of our Smith Lake family.  She still has family in New Orleans, and it will always be “home" as well, but home is where the heart is, and she's definitely got a soft spot now for the lake community.  Christine is an incredible seamstress, we think that she could execute nearly any item you can imagine involving sewing.  She is currently completing her new sewing studio as we write this.  She'll finally have a designated space all her own so her creativity has room to breathe.  We can't wait for our studio visit soon, she's very close to moving in all her supplies right now, and getting everything nicely organized.  

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As she awaits the completion of the new studio, she is excited to plan new projects for the future, and has already taken on some custom quilt designs.  She obviously makes quilts for sale, and builds commissioned quilts, but also sews custom items like tote bags, coasters, ornaments and stockings.  Custom orders are always welcome!  Her artistic goal is to combine function and beauty, she is always looking for vintage and unique fabrics, and will advise you what can be done with your own materials upon consultation. Make plans to go visit Christine as soon as you can.  Find her on Instagram and Facebook: @upclearcreek - or try email [email protected]

PictureBryan & Carol McFee hiking in the William Bankhead National Forest
McFee's Wodshop is the creation of Bryan and Carol McFee in Crane Hill, AL. They are both wood turners.  Carol is a "spindle" turner.  She makes bud vases, handles for bottle openers, ice cream scoops, pizza cutters, back scratchers, and similar items. The vases are all sizes, and we recently did a giveaway for a matched pair that were hard to let go.  They were small, dainty and so beautifully detailed.  We fell in love.  Bryan primarily turns bowls.  GORGEOUS bowls with veins of surprising colors in the wood grain, each one unique and precariously turned and polished to perfection.  He also makes coffee tables and end tables.  He takes special orders if it is something that he feels he can "do justice to."

They use only local hardwoods that they harvest themselves. Most of the trees that they use are dead, dying, or already on the ground. Occasionally they will remove a tree when asked to.  As the trees die, decay sets in.  In wood turner parlance this is called spalting.  It creates the beautiful colors and lines that are so prominent in their work. Bryan jokes "We throw the wood out in the front yard until it starts to grow mushrooms, then we know that the wood is ready!" This does sometimes create problems if the decay goes too far.  Then it gets "punky". This means that it is too rotten to work with.  It is always a fine line between "just right" and "too far gone."  

​They love for people to drop by and visit them in their shop.  In true southern fashion, they have a lot of extra chairs for company.  They are a beautiful couple, you will love every second of time you get with them.  Check them out on Facebook today:  
@McFees Woodshop and you may contact Bryan by email:  [email protected] or phone:  205-541-0658.  

Again, please look up ALL of these fine artisans on social media, and make sure you tell them you were sent by The Lakeside Life Team.  We love our local crafters and artists - all of them - far and wide throughout Alabama!  If you know of someone we haven't met yet, please send them our way by emailing us at [email protected] or send us a PM/DM on Facebook or Instagram: @thelakesidelife .

Also, be on the watch for more information on these fine Smith Lake people in future content from The Lakeside Life Team.  It's fun for us to learn more about the talented folks in our midst - but take it a step further - reach out to them for some custom unique pieces that will become treasured family heirlooms in years to come.  

​See ya lakeside!
​The Lakeside Life Team
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11/10/2017 0 Comments

LAKESIDE RECIPES: Spicy Chorizo Queso Dip

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As seen in our October issue, here is the recipe for a favorite Fall dip!
​
  • 8 oz of cream cheese
  • 16 oz bar of cheese
  • 1 lb of chorizo
  • 1/4 cup of 2% milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt
  • 1 can of mexicorn
  • 2 cans of rotel
  • scoops or crusty bread for dipping 

​Steps:
1. Cut cheese into small cubes and set aside. 
2. Remove chorizo from casing and brown in a skillet. Drain well. 
3. Reduce to medium heat, adding cheeses, milk, and garlic salt.
5. Cook and stir 8-10 minutes or until well blended. 
4. Drain corn and rotel, adding both to the mixture. 
5. Cook 5 minutes and serve from skillet. 
​6. Enjoy! 

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10/31/2017 1 Comment

FALL ON SMITH:  A FAVORITE MEMORY

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Recently on social media, the team shared memories on beautiful Smith Lake.  This week, founder, Syndi Hanna, shared a favorite memory on Smith:

"After 20+ years on the lake, there are too many great memories, and it is impossibly hard to narrow them down to only one.  But... a particular very late summer stands out.

In 2007, we had been given the opportunity to spend some long days on a large ranch connected to the lake and owned by friends of ours.  My son, Tylar, was 2 years old at the time, and always wanted to ride around with me on a Ranger while his daddy was working at the property building installing a home theater system for our friend and customer.  One special weekend, the property was particularly quiet and picturesque - a time when it's hard to tell what season it is.  I recall it was late in boating season, summer still lingered, the sun was bright; and there was still lush greenery all around, with only tiny hints of autumn arriving soon with slightly cooler nights.  In the horse fields on the ranch, there were these millions of tiny weeds with yellow flowers everywhere, it seemed there was a blanket of them as far as the eye could see.  

Tylar enjoyed the abundant flowers, butterflies, warm sun, and endless blue sky, with the lake constantly glistening through a spot at the bottom of the property below us.  It was shining like a diamond, inviting us down for one of those special late evening boat rides for stargazing.  I watched Tylar from a safe distance that day, determined to allow him the freedom to explore to his little heart's content.  

Tylar kept his eye on me too, as I sat quietly alone in the Ranger admiring the landscape, and capturing photos of the scenery all around.  All on his own, he walked over to the biggest bunch of little flowers he could wrap his tiny fingers around, and pulled them up and brought them straight over to me, with dirt hanging off the roots, and said "I love you, Mommy"!  It was a first of many flower-picking-for-gifting triumphs since.  
That had to be one of my favorite days/weeks lakeside.  We enjoyed warmth & fellowship by the fire pit at night until well after dark.  It was foggy when we left that night, and I recall how hard it was getting Tylar's sticky fingers clean from the s'mores & soot before the evening boat ride back home, and how we all wrapped up in several dry towels as we'd forgotten warm jackets.  We found those little flowers on the dashboard of the boat that next morning, they had made a huge mess with dirt & marshmallow still clinging in spots.  A bittersweet mess that was easy yet hard to clean up.  Feels like it was just yesterday!" - Syndi
1 Comment

9/28/2017 2 Comments

Fall on Smith: All the Feels

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Fall might quite possibly be my favorite time of year on Smith Lake.  Don't get me wrong, spring and summer are fabulous and, like most, my family and I fully enjoy all the things Smith Lake has to offer during those seasons; but fall brings sweater days, harvest candles, pumpkin spice lattes, homemade soup, and long nights by the fire!  

Unlike many lakes, our lake doesn't shut down due to the changing of season, we simply embrace it in different ways. Afternoon kayak rides are still taken, fishing continues on, some adventurists even continue their watersports well into late November, and many years we are still cruising in the boat in December! We ARE in Alabama after all.

The Lakeside Life is excited to be launching not only our magazine, but also our eCommerce site, bringing Smith Lake the PERFECT items that will help you stay lakeside as long as your heart desires. Stay tuned as we unveil those in the coming days. For a first look at Smith Lake's newest line, be sure to enter your email below. 

The Lakeside Life team has an exciting "Fall on Smith Bucket List"  blog series prepared, just for you! But, for now, sit back and look forward to all the colorful things fall is certain to bring! 

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    The Lakeside Life 

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8/28/2017 3 Comments

Labor Day Giveaway!

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Growing up, Labor Day, Memorial Day & the 4th of July did not mean too much to me.  As a child it was simply a "flag" holiday that meant we either went to the beach or joined our extended family for a cookout.  Since becoming a working adult and joining the Smith Lake community, those "flag" holidays have come to mean a lot more, and the significance is now something I want to ensure my children fully understand. 

The definition of these "flag" holidays is something you will see The Lakeside Life celebrate, honor, and observe to the fullest. We believe in community and showcasing all those around us who help make this beautiful lake breathe.

Labor Day is defined as the first Monday in September.  It is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers {fly that flag high - We love the USA}.  It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. {Definition provided by the United States Department of Labor}

​

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In celebration of Labor Day, our launch countdown giveaway this week is all about letting you kick back and enjoy a great Smith Lake cookout! One lucky winner will receive a prize bucket complete with the following:
  • Smith Lake Alabama visor
  • Smith Lake Alabama super soft t-shirt
  • Bully Sauce
  • Wickles Pickles
  • Pilleteri's Marinade
  • A boston butt from Mad Dog Mike's BBQ
  • Oh Joy tablecloth
  • Four (4) Redneck 16 oz party cups with a glass base
  • Galvanized bucket for icing down your drinks
  • Two (2) American flag themed koozies
  • Oversized straw boat bag
  • Emoji float 

To enter, simply post a picture on Facebook or Instagram tagging The Lakeside Life, between today and Labor Day, using the hashtag #SmithLakeLaborDay, and you'll be entered to win! Good luck! 

PS - Thanks to our advertisers: Low Bird Outdoors, Bully Sauce and Mad Dog Mike's BBQ for their contributions to this awesome basket!
3 Comments

8/14/2017 0 Comments

#HowiLake-Chandlee Style

Smith Lake is only as good as the people that hang out here. Our lake is made up of boaters, watersport lovers, fisherman and many others who all "do" Smith Lake differently. We strive to share with the world the amazing people who make up our lake and share their stories. Check out our #howilake page to submit your story and be featured on the blog, magazine and social media. 

Meet the Chandlees

Every lake trip is full of paddle boarding, boating, and quality family time.
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"We've been enjoying Smith Lake for the last 10 years and are still amazed by the beauty we find around the lake."

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PictureBenjamin and Natalie Chandlee
My husband and I got engaged last summer at Smith Lake since it has been (and still is!) such a big part of where our relationship has taken place!

Looking forward to making more memories in the years to come! #howilake
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Nahla the dog
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Natalie and Benjamin Chandlee Bob and Pam Sartain
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The Lakeside Life
767 County Road 437
Cullman, AL  35055
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www.thelakesidelife.com

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