I grew up in a nice little rural town. I spent my youth outside, preferably as close to a pond, swamp or puddle as I could. I had an insatiable curiosity and I loved to catch frogs, toads and snakes. I would be outside from the first spring thaw until well after the ice froze over the ponds observing animals. Insects, spiders, amphibians, reptiles, and fish it didn't matter what they were, I found them, I observed them, identified them and read about them. I used to sneak out of the house to see frogs and toads at night and to catch bugs.
I spent my time looking at the ground and flipping over logs.
When I was six I met a new friend who had window wells. He had a great big tub full of tiger salamanders. I was amazed, how had I missed these creatures? I learned about them also, and started flipping over detritus to find them too.
I grew up, I stopped netting fish and insects and bringing home frogs, toads and salamanders. I went to school. I wanted to be a cetologist, then a writer and finally a researcher in molecular biology or microbiology. I was in college.
I met a woman, who became my girlfriend. She kept two White's Tree Frogs. I was amazed. I didn't know anyone kept frogs as pets! My past rushed up to meet me in the present. I started researching salamanders and newts, buying books and finally buying my Paddle-tail newt. A few animals later, and we are at today.
My girlfriend, unfortunately, thinks that newts and salamanders are a bit silly.
