News from the Aquarium

Life thrives in my fishtank. I'm not quite sure why - I admit to not being the most conscientious cleaner - but something must be right because the whole deal is getting somewhat out of hand.

First there were the babies, and they turned out to be rather fascinating. They were just specks at first, and now they have grown into actual miniature fish. I know I didn't have much to do with their success, but I have some sort of feeling of pride in their healthy growth.

Then, one day, there was a tiny little snail in the corner of the tank. I have no idea how it got there. And then there was another. And another. And soon there were 20, and now I just have no idea how many miniature snails are residing in my aquarium!



I think it is ok, because they keep the algae away - if life grows, it makes sense that it has a purpose.



In the last few days, I have made the distinction of which of my fish are the females.

They are the ones that get very fat and then have the babies.

Two more tiny little ones have appeared, and, I can only assume, more are on the way.

Oh dear.

This is Spring?

It's just absolutely miserable here. There's just no other way to say it. This is the view from my back window...





Particularly, I want to draw your attention to the snow that is covering the rooftops. Last year at this time the temperature was in the 70s. We were having classes outdoors. It was actually Spring. This year, Im just not convinced.

The good part in all this nastiness is that the overwhelming desire to be outside soaking up the sun and the warmth and the infant green-ness is not here and is therefore not playing its devilish role in the procrastination process. To be sure, I do not need any other procrastination temptations, I have plenty and am doing my darnedest to ignore their siren calls.

So, since I cannot chase the clouds away and bring back the Spring goodness that seemed so close a week ago, I am taking the view that this is all for the best, and am dedicating myself to finishing all the papers and projects that have been piling high. Things are going good. And when I need a lift, I sit and stare at the fishes and soak up some of their tropical cheerfulness.

And then there were four...

Sad days in the fish tank. Two of the little babies have disappeared.

One, I discovered on coming home yesterday, got caught in a vent of the tube to the filter. Another just disappeared. As much as I didn't really want more fish, having them die was hardly the solution to the dilemma. I am being extra watchful now, although the care and nurturing of itty-bitty fishy babies are not things in which I have any experience.

On a happier note, I was able to take a whole evening away from much more important work to make these little address books:



The blank books were discovered while searching through a pile of decorative paper on my shelf. The covers are not fancy, and did not exactly call for advanced skills in papercraft, but they allowed me to relax and finish The Scarlet Pimpernel, and to ready myself for another week of insane last-semester craziness. THey did their duty and I am thankful. What's more, I have a nice little stack of miniature contact booklets!

This next piece is not related to anything in any way, except that I had not yet taken a photo of it. I am including it only because it holds a special place in my heart.



My second-ever crocheted rag rug!

So very comfy on the feet and quite satisfying to create. More are most definitely in my future, as signified by the thrifted sheets lying in wait around the house, ready to be ripped and wound. This rug was inspired by one made by my grandmother, which I somehow managed to sneak into my boxes when I moved away from home. The original is now at the end of my bed, and I think fondly of "Nini" whenever I feel its cottony-goodness under my toes.

Feelin' Fishy

I have wanted fish for some time. They seem like a pretty perfect pet - easy to keep, nice to look at, not requiring walks or litter boxes or cuddles and affection. Nice for my semi-transient lifestyle. Anyway, a roommate of my sweetheart left behind a fishtank when he moved out, and Christmas brought me most of the rest of what I would need. So last weekend, we made a trip to PetSmart and chose two pretty little Black Mollies. The man at the store was happy I only wanted two fish, so the brand new tank would have a chance to acclimate. He said a lot of people come in and want 20 fish right away, and then they wonder why the poor things don't live out the week. I personally didn't want any more than two fish anyway. My tank is only ten gallons and I don't want to crowd the litte guys.

So anyway. Last evening, sitting in the living room, all of a sudden my sweetheart says, "I think the fish had a baby." "Ha ha," I said. "Yeah right."

But upon looking, it turned out that the fish had not had a baby, they had had six. I ran to the computer and looked up Black Mollies. Turns out they breed very easily (ha), and they can have 12 - 30 babies. So what, I ask you, am I to do now?

The little ones are pretty cute; miniature fishies darting around at the top of the tank. Im just worried that more might be on the way...