Random Silliness

My husband wanted to surprise me with some Halloween stuff. None of the items were what he’d hoped but no real surprise to me. The coffin shaped cookie jar arrived broken and I was secretly happy because the size and shape looked like an accident about to happen. Both night lights were unsuited/unsafe for a normal wall socket.

In hopes of making him feel better I rigged a support using a power strip, double sided tape attaching it to the baseboard, and a heavy flat paper weight for extra support. I do like these ghosts toasting marshmallows over a campfire.

I’ve continued learning aquarium keeping tips and tricks. Terrestrial plants like pothos supported above with their roots submerged help maintain good water quality. I decided to start small with bamboo stalks.

My photography skills are lacking...

As for furry critter care, I went a little overboard on cardboard scratcher ‘houses’. The Chewy website offered various items on a buy three, get one free sale. I could have acted sensibly but instead purchased four of the aforementioned items.

Only one had strong side walls and actual plastic connectors instead of flimsy paper tabs. I’ve spent (relaxing) hours fortifying two using heavy duty duct tape and hot glue attaching extra layers from the very houses’ packing boxes. With one more to construct, just last night I made the mistake of leaving its instructions on a couch cushion. A piece of packaging hid it from my sight but not from Dandelion’s fluffy butt and her enthusiastic nesting instincts.

This one is simpler than the barn,
so I should be okay...

Have you (like me ~slaps forehead~ and despite my self-perceived diplomatic nature) ever responded poorly to an unwanted gift? Is there a kind and gentle way to tell someone to stop buying you random things?

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One Honey of a Fish

This journey back into tropical aquarium keeping has proven beyond engaging. Everything has changed so much, especially with the Internet. I could go on and on about the things I’ve learned. Instead, I’ll share one image and a short clip summing up my experiences.

The honey gourami is engaging, responsive,
adaptable, and overall peaceful...

One hobbyist from Australia showed a way to add helpful bacteria via a sponge filter. Usually, adding ‘seeded’ (aka used) material requires a hang on back filter but his DIY water bottle method looks promising. It’s so nice when folks pass along their knowledge without expecting much in return.

I just wish I’d remembered to remove the label first. ~shakes head~ My concentration on setup took priority.

Can you believe a local vender happily passes along filter media from his tanks for free? The stuff does need replaced over time, but can you think of a better way to keep things going while helping others?

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A Mystery with Heart

Recently I spent a good amount of time scrolling through my iPhone’s photo file. Some of the oldest are a complete mystery.

I decided to share the following because it made me think of our blogging friend Pam. She sees hearts everywhere and catalogs many delightful finds.

Flipped 45 degrees, the image of this Asian sauce or
marinade (?) start shows its love for us...

Do you believe 1980’s parking lot Fotomat kiosks offered full photo developing services with zero amenities for its sole employee? Can you imagine any Westerner enduring such conditions today?

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A Walk in the Park

On the way to our nearby Crane’s Run nature trail I realized the small folding camp chair had been left behind. My time taken to go back would have been well spent because the riverside benches were surrounded by city workers mowing the grounds. I would have stayed for an hour or more enjoying the view from my favorite little spot above the river.

This little beach gets busy after dark...

My stroll was enjoyable, though. I like finding small sights most others probably pass unnoticed, or even crush by mistake. I make a point of looking up, down, and around instead of just onward and outward.

Lichen takes some amazing forms...

Fall colors are forming. Yay!

I love when tree roots look like homes for fairy folk...

Do you, as the old saying goes, ever just stop and smell the roses? In my case, I prefer carnations. Regardless, isn’t it a shame that I never see other grocery shoppers sniffing around the floral department on their way to the produce?

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