O
The Lo’Down
One standing joke
in our house is that we are living in an endless Nat Geo special. Aside from the animalistic behaviors of my housemates (a teenager who grunts in response, a tween who waves madly while playing video games, and a husband who howls during MSU games), there are critters in these-here hills. You’ve got your lizards, you’ve got your snakes, and you’ve got all kinds of bird from cranes to hawks to cardinals. We even have the occasional fish on the sidewalk as the aforementioned hawk accidentally drops its prey. Drive by any retention pond—particularly those close to Lake Apopka—and you’ll very likely see the telltale bumps that belong to a gator. One time I took a path around one of these ponds, listening to a playlist and rocking along, to look down and see massive gator just five feet away. I admired him as I began my sprint training. Living in Winter Garden has given me more of an appreciation for creatures big and small, but I have to say my favorites still have fur. Yes, there are the squirrels dashing through the trees. Yes, there are ferrets, hamsters and guinea pigs that are the pets of friends and neighbors. Yes, there are cats and kittens aplenty (I love them but my allergies don’t). But me, I identify as a dog person. I am not allowed to call my two dogs “fur babies” anymore, or else my son will start referring to himself as a “skin puppy.” But my dogs are my babies. They are spoiled, have poor manners, and cause me to spend a lot of money and time on them, but they make me so happy, so effortlessly. Even when I sleep like a Tetris block around them, even when they need to go outside during a critical phone call or chore moment, even when I step on a random toy that hurts like a LEGO. All I do is look at them and my little shadows wag their tails in joy. The feeling is mutual. No matter your preference, skin, scales, feathers, or fur, you are never completely alone in the wilds of Winter Garden. And that extra heartbeat can be pretty amazing. Enjoy your own Nat-Geo moments. Happy Reading,
Nicole Soulsby, Editor
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8
The Local
Editor’s Endorsement: Abbott’s Frozen Custard As a native of Rochester, I’m a sucker for frozen custard. Now my hometown favorite is in Winter Garden! Get a cone and a six-pack of Zweigle’s!
WI N TE R G AR DE N
