lesson #1: deer

in florida we have alligators. they are secluded to fresh water - canals, lakes, whatever. i've seen them sunning themselves on the bank of the canal on hold #8 at my parents golf course, in the canal behind my neighbors house, and during the 100 mile trip across state i counted over 200 of them in the water that runs along alligator alley (i wasn't the one driving...). but, most important thing to know about alligators is: they mind their own business. it's a misconception that people have about them, but as long as you don't bother them...they won't bother you.
in ohio we have deer. they are everywhere. [[we have a family of four deer that wonder around our neighborhood and i just can't help but be fascinated by them]]. they are such delicate, graceful creatures. but, in the few months that i've been here i've heard horror stories about them and the damage they can do. they aren't scared of cars. beau almost hit one a few weeks ago...the whole, "if you ignore them they ignore you" thing isn't true at all.
[[beau's parents have discovered 'deer whistles'. they're almost like those whistles that people use to train their dogs - they make a real high pitched noise when wind blows through them. anyways...they clip on to the front of your car (like in the grill area) and as you're driving that high pitched noise is created that makes the deer completely stop in it's tracks.]]

bottom line: deer aren't as nice as they appear.