The Villages - September 2020 - 2

CHECKING IN

BY RICA KEENUM

Dreamy Spaces, Florida History
and a Bit of Golf Tech, Too
A garden is a gateway for dreams. In this issue, we highlight some
Villages gardeners who have created dreamy spaces to linger outdoors.
They watch bluebirds build nests and hummingbirds flitter from
blossom to blossom. Judy Short and her husband Jack started building
their lavish winding garden in 2012. Jack does not have a horticultural
background, just a strong work ethic and a penchant to please his wife.
"She says, 'Go put that in the ground,' and I do it," he said,
laughing.
With her eye for color and his handiwork, the two have created a
sacred garden oasis where Judy likes to kick back, sip a glass of wine
and scribble in her bluebird diary, tracking their daily activity and
waiting for nestlings to fledge. At night, the strung lights sparkle like
low-hanging stars and "you'd swear you're in Italy or Paris," Judy said.
History buffs can test their knowledge while reading some Florida
facts. Learn what's behind many of the names we see around Central
Florida in our "What's in a Name" feature.
Avid golfers will enjoy our golf tech feature that highlights the
newest gear. Although golf is a centuries-old sport, new equipment
is constantly changing the way we play and practice. GPS devices,
Bluetooth speakers and phone apps assist golfers on the green. Radar
allows golfers to measure their swing, speed and stance during lessons
at The Villages Golf Academy.
Those who practice indoor hobbies can read about a bevy of textile
crafts - from rug hooking to crocheting, quilting and leather making.
Villages crafters transform their materials. They make clothing, rugs,
quilts and basket-weave wallets. It is art, a mode of creative expression,
a hobby and a pastime. But most of all, it's a way to expand their social
circles and share their talents with the community. You'll find their
personal stories with photos of their crafts inside.
Dog lovers will get a kick out of this month's featured pet -
Hoochie Mama, a Harley-riding road diva that's always ready to roll.
At 7 years of age, the miniature pinscher is an avid traveler, alongside
her human parents Rich and Paige Udell, Village of Winifred residents.
The couple take her from car show to car show, along with their
vintage models. And while the cars are certainly impressive, it's the
little dog in leather that garners the most attention.
"Everyone knows Hoochie Mama," Rich said. "We take her
everywhere."
Read about how this couple chose her unique name, and how they
downsized from golden retrievers and German shorthaired pointers to
this pint-sized breed.
These are just some of the fun stories in this issue. Enjoy!
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SEPTEMBER 2020
The Villages - September 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - September 2020
