Toads in the Skimmer!


Today, on my inspection of the pool, I found a few toads living in the skimmer basket. They had quite a happy little living arrangement in the skimmer, because the water level wasn't high enough to let anymore water in, and the leaves in the basket were too dense to drain the basket, so the amphibians were living in the sludge that had accumulated. Once I'd taken out the basket, let the water drain out, and taken out all the stinky leaves, I let all the toads go into a grassy patch away from the pool and other such dangers. Not before taking a view snaps and movies of them, though.

I love toads, not just because of their colour (my favourite colour's green), but also because of my nickname given to me by my Father... "Toad."

Here are a few pictures I took of my little green friends.
xox

My Daddy



I have been away from my blog for so long, I feel out of touch. However this posting is written with a heavy heart. My Daddy passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning. After a life full of enjoying life, working hard and trying to make every life he came in to just that little bit better, if he could, he now rests and looks out after us all. He has spent the past five years here in England living a dream he has worked for for over a decade. Everything he did over here was approached with strength, and and a caring touch. Dad was selfless, and never complained, yet even our Maker needed a Sabbath and I guess it was time for my Dad's. As for all the PhD's he's made possible, they will continue to push boundaries; and the couple's he's married they will live in love and make babies; and the babies he baptized will grow up so blessed; and as for us girls- his three daughters, we have a torch most bright to carry. One fueled by love and knowledge and strong genes. A torch I am more than proud to carry.

Daddy, Padre, father, Thor, and any other way you were known, you will be missed as long as I live, and loved for even longer.

Morse!

My Godmother Dorothy got a new dog to succeed Muffin. His name evolved somewhat. Dorothy wanted Moses, and her husband Graham wanted Bruce, so I suggested an amalgamation of the two and came up with 'Muce' (pronounced 'Moose'), which then evolved into Morse. He has a toy called 'Lewis'...how fitting! He's an absolute sweetheart, and will definitely be welcomed in our house :D
xox

My New Fishies: Huff & Puff!!!

After my dear Simon went to the big goldfish bowl in the sky, I felt that an empty tank wouldn't do, so I went out with Mum to get a new one. As it turns out, one Oranda fish shouldn't be kept in a tank as small as the one I have (10 l), and therefore it was no wonder he got sick! The poor Dude who sold it to me, was going to get in trouble because he didn't give me much information at all about him. (At least he was nice to us!) Over the last little while, I've been watching their mannerisms, and I've noticed that Puff is more the hyperactive toddler, who doesn't do any cleaning; and Huff is the nagging clean freak :) They're always fun to watch, and make me smile when ever I go into the kitchen :D xox

Their home!

Huff...

& Puff!

To My Fabulous 'Sistors'!

Recently, I have a bit a 'situation' in my life, and haven't felt at my best- my sisters have been there for me, supporting me, and letting me I'm okay :)
Thanks you two!!!
xoxoxox

AND TO MY PARENTS WHO WERE THERE THE WHOLE TIME!!!

Pretty Fireworks!

At the end of term, the University put on the Arts Fest, where the entire campus what dedicated to showing off musical talent from all over campus. I with a bunch of my friends hung out on the main field while listening to bands and DJs play into the night. At the end of the show, there was an awesome fireworks display, and we all flocked down to see it. These are some of the photos I took of the very load display :)
xox

Ode to Simon the Great

Despite my best efforts, by beloved Simon didn't make it through the weekend :(
I tried a few things with his diet and water, but to no avail. I know I tried to help, but all I can hope is that I made his last few days comfortable and interesting- what with his new food and crystal clear water.
As part of a life long tradition I have with my pets, I will bury him in the garden. Simon will keep our dog, Bonnie company out with the snow drops and daffodils. I think they'll make a great pair :)
xox

My Oranda Goldfish Eats Peas!

My poor little Simon has been a bit sick lately :( My Mum wakes up in the morning and before coming downstairs to the kitchen (where Simon lives) asks "is he still alive?". I too have been quite worried about him. If you remember back to when I got him, and posted the video- well, he doesn't look like that any more. He developed fin rot on his back fin, ammonia burns on his head and dorsal fin, and now I believe he has swim bladder problems. Typically, I've been doing extensive research into all his conditions and how to treat them. Did you know, for instance, they can develop something called 'ick'? It's when they look like they've been sprinkled with salt. There are many other ailments they can pick up, but I was looking at his three in specific. Overall, I've learned one begot the other, which was a sign of something else, that explained something other thing. What I've decided (in my expert opinion :D), is that when I cleaned out his tank, he was getting stressed, which kicked things off. I have learned that stressed degrades the mucous membrane that protect his skin, and against infection. Because he was stressed by the stone hoover, this membrane broke down and he was vulnerable. I feel this is where he got his fit rot to start. Later on, when I was away doing my exams, despite my parent's best efforts, the tank wasn't clearing, and went quite green. (We later learned the filter wasn't turned up enough). All the sites I've looked at have said that poor water conditions aggravate any ailments your fish has. I don't think the water helped my Simon's fin rot, and ended up loosing his right fin, and the bottom half of his gorgeous fanned tail. The poor little guy now deserves a disabled parking badge :) Needless to say I was changing his water and feeding regularly...too much as I then found out. After he developed these little black marks, as though someone has outlined him in black, I did more research. I found out this was due to ammonia poisoning. The site said that fish are ammonia producers, and when they produce too much it burns their skin. Too many fish in pond or tank can do this, or the amount of food they eat; The more they eat, the more ammonia they produce. This is why I think I was feeding him too much. I read it was better to feed them small meals throughout the day, rather than one big one. I guess they weren't small enough. Finally, he's been swimming around...oddly. Not in a straight line, and flipping around a lot. This can be attributed to swim bladder problems- an organ that regulates buoyancy. In Oranda fish this is quite common, because their gut is a bit compacted. Therefore, if you overfeed them, feed them too much flaked food, or if they swallow too much air, they become constipated (which I think he is), and their guts become blocked.
So far, I've cleaned his tank completely, treated the water with ammonia reducing stuff, I'll stop feeding his for three days, then start feeding him peas. Yes, that's right...peas. This should clear his blockage. I'm also continuing to medicate him for his fin rot.
I shall keep you posted on his health.
xox

Fiona's Visit

I had a great visit with my friend Fiona from Montreal. She and I hung out a lot while I was there last Summer, and we had a blast! Therefore, when she said she's be coming over the UK to visit her parents in Scotland, and pop over to see me- I was thrilled :D We rang bells, had pub lunches, and generally chilled out. xox

DONE!!!

This isn't going to be a long posting, but just to say that I finished my second year exams today :) I'll post what ever photos I've been taking when I'm back in OX.

xoxox

Moose Drool

I was looking through Google images for pictures to put on a t-shirt for a birthday party, I came across this: http://www.bigskybrew.com/process/moosedrool.html
I couldn't resist bringing to my blog-follower's attention :)
I've never had it before, but I love the name!!!
xox

Happy Birthday Sistor!!!

We all know you're life is not exactly calm...or quiet...or peaceful, but it's full of just that: Life.
Hope your Birthday was great, and that you have an awesome dinner with your Man :)
Lots of Love,
Sarah-Bear
xoxoxox

My 21st Birthday!!!

Much to my parent's horror, I am now in my 20s! Ed came down for the weekend, and both he and my parents went out for dinner with my the evening before my birthday. We went to a preferred Chinese restaurant of mine, and had a fabulous time! We came home afterwards, and had the 'fish cake' that my Mummy made for me, with a glass of champagne to accompany it. Today, on the actual day, I had church in the morning, which was followed by a lovely tea party with my parents, Ed, Dorothy (my Godmother), her daughter Vicky, and Gill & Sara. We had 'English' sandwiches, cake, cookies, and tea. It was a great was to celebrate. It's touching getting cards, and hugs saying 'happy birthday,' because you know you're being thought of. Thanks to all who sent cards, gave me hugs, or even just thought of me. It wasn't just the weather that warmed me today, but all the good thoughts.
xox

Day Trip to Stratford

Yesterday, my parents and I went out to Stratford for the day. We enjoyed baguettes and ice cream by the water, and we walked around town looking for bargains and pretty things. While I was there, I saw lots of things Ed and I can do if we go there in the summer, like renting a row boat, and seeing a Shakespeare production by the water. It's great having these things so close to where we live :D
xox

A New Man in my Life!

No, I haven't broken up with Ed. As an early birthday gift from my Mum and Dad, I received a goldfish!!! I haven't had a fish in years, so this is quite a treat :D My Mum suggested a name which has stuck: Simon (our fish monger's name is Simon). His full name is 'Simon the Great'. As you can see by the photos, he's happy in his new pond. I'm debating whether I should get him a toy to play with. Any suggestions?
xox

He matched his tank and his gravel!

Spot the fish!

He plays with his reflection...

xox

DONE!!!
...at least until my exams. Last Friday, I handed in my last two assignments well within the deadline, after having a great night's sleep :D All our friends had huge grins on their faces that said: "It's all done!". The weekend before that I had gone home with Ed, to pick up the car, and drove back to Canterbury. Which meant instead of pelting up the hill at the last minute to hand in the assignments, I could drive them up. Extravagant, I know, but I think I've earned it! ;P After term was over, I gave Ed a lift home to drop of his stuff, and stayed a couple days to visit. Then I drove back to big bad Tew...alone! I managed it all right though. Apart from shouting a few deleting expletive at a stupid, blind truck driver...grrrrrr... I now sitting having tea with Mum and Dad watching CSI. It's all good. Easter may be a break from classes, but revision, jobs from the "job jar," and other stuff...I wont be resting. xox

The End is in Sight

It's not as morbid as it sounds! This is my last week of term, and yes, the assignment are all being worked on, but Friday is not so far away. As one of my professors says:

"Sleep is for wimps!"

And I am certainly no wimp! I can sleep at the weekend :D

I went home last weekend, and drove back with Ed (without parents)...a very scary concept, however I did survive it, and made the journey in ~4 hours. Not bed, eh?

I'll report later when all the insanity has passed.

xox

Happy 25th Birthday Thing!!!

My 'Sistor' Catherine turned 25 today :D Though we refer to her as our 'Diva,' it is meant in admiration. Thing, you've got a way with people, that always leaves a memorable impression with them. Every time we're together, I'm always proud and pleased to call you my 'sistor'!
Hope you had a great bday :D
Lots of Love,
Dinglebum
xoxoxox

Catherine with me at the Julep vintage car show, Summer 2006

Happy Chinese New Year!

Personally, I'm the year of the Tiger, so it's not my year, but for those 'year of the pig' people... yay to you!!! Ed and I celebrated by making a teriyaki chicken stir-fry, which was delicious. I love Chinese food! I'll probably have it at my wedding reception, I have it at birthday dinners, It's a treat and a requirement :D
Hope you all did something special, even if it was just having a nice cuppa with someone special.
xox

Happy 1st Birthday Ella!!!

My third wonderful niece turned ONE today!!! She has this infectious smile, and is gonna be a superstart no matter what she does :D
Lots of Love, Ella-Bean.
Your Auntie-Sarah
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Happy Valentine's Day!

To All my family and friends, I hope you had a good one!!!

I had a great night out with my Eddie. We had champagne (sparkling wine :D) and strawberries then went out for supper. Before we left he gave me roses and chocolate. What more could I ask for?!

I hope all your nights went well, no matter what you did. Whether you were with friends or a significant other.

Lots of Love!

xoxoxox

from www.fborfw.com

SNOW!!!

I woke up this morning, and immediately became a 5 year-old again. Ed got quite the shock when I screeched: "Look, look!!!" I spent the morning hoping to see something on the University website saying: "CLOSED!" Alas, nothing. I was torn, but at 5 to the hour I did pull myself out of the house to brave the kids throwing snowballs on the way up to class. It was clear that the numbers were lowere than usual.
There were a few inched of lovely packing snow on the ground, which was perfect for snowmen. As I trudged to class, all along the (usually) green hill leading up to campus, there way a blanket of snow dotted with students in just coats, throwing snowballs, and building massive snowmen. Back at home, I built a mini snowman with Ed (pictures soon), and went in to have some nice warm tomato soup with grilled cheese :D
My winters in Montreal were always covered in snow, starting from Hallowe'en, and going right into April. Hollowe'en costumes had to be big enough to accomodatea snowsuit underneath, and flowers coming up in April would most certainly be frost bitten into May.
The snow is a lovely thing, and I wish there was more if it, however I wish this country would relax when it came to it, and not tell people to "travel only if necissary!"
xox

Never Thought I'd Do This!!!

So, last night was interesting. I'll explain: For past few days, Ed and I have been sharing a key because his seems to have got missing again. So, I'd go out without the key, and Ed would meet me, and he would have the key. Therefore, when I had Volleyball from 8-10pm last night, I headed out without the key knowing Ed would come to meet me at the Sports Centre after training. As we were walking home, he says: "I found my key!" "Good!" I say. We continue to walk home. At our front door, I learn that even though he found the key, it didn't quite make it out with him, and he'd left it inside by accident. And, since I didn't have a key, we were lcked out, and none of our housemates were home!!! So, failing to get in the back door, I checked the kitchen window (One main big one, and a little one above it). The lock on the inside of the little window on top, was just closed enough that I could jiggle it open. Doing that, I used my scarf to pull up the other handle, therefore unlocking the bigger window. This is when I found myself climbing over my sink. As I stared at the sink, from above (!?) I wondered how I looked.....
Needless to say, we got in, and Ed put his key in his pocket.
xox

One of Those Days, Ya Know?

*WARNING...MILDMANOURED RANT AHEAD!*
Today, I woke up at the crack of stupid to review and print my bioanth report due in for noon. This was all going according to plan, however "why be dull" thought my computer. When ever some one asks me about A.I. (artificial intelligence) I always reply "computers KNOW when you need them to work, cause they don't!!!" Well, my poor little lap top decided to be "intelligent" this morning, because he wan't playing nice. *grumble grumble grumble* It was all down hill from there...I will explain:
1. While waiting for the lap top to boot up (which took forever), I got ready to fly out of the house gathering all my stuff.
2. I set the printer working, and continued gathering
3. I came upstairs to see that my lap top shut off (it has a bad habit of this) and had cancelled the printing.
4. Ed came to help me (Thank you, Sweety!!!) though the lap top still was not cooperating (petulant child).
5. When trying to start the computer (again), it shut off straight away...then finally booted up.
6. When Word Perfect was up, and the file opened, the printer command cause the programme to freeze not one, or twice, nor thrice...but four times *expletive deleted* Plus, there was a message on the screen saying something like: 'you're computer crashed during a backup, and did not log off properly, therefore some files may be lost' I didn't realized they usually log off before crashing?!
7. Ed to the rescue (this 10 minutes before it's due, by the way) he saved the file onto his mp3, and with tears down my face, I pelted out to Tom's (house mates) car, cause he gave me lift (Thanks Dude!).
8. Then for the next 30 minutes, I ran between Marlowe (anth building) and the Lib trying to print this *expletive deleted* report off.
9. During which, I encountered 5 obstacles: It was suggested I go and try to print it off in the Lib, instead of just handing in the mp3; then the mp3 wouldn't fit in the usb ports on the computers in the Lib!; I went to get a "usb extention cable" (you learn something new everyday) which then worked in the Lib computers; but the Corel file wouldn't open in this version of word *quite explitive deleted (it was a lib after all)*; so I emailed the file to myself, the lady I was handing it into, and my professor; which we then realized that both she, and my prof couldn't open it *polite expletive deleted (I was in the presence of teachers!)* The conclusion I have come to today is that things come in 3 cubed!
Two good things that have come about today is that I had a great coffee/chat with Kayleigh; and the (usually) mean vending machines in the lib cafe gave me two mint aero bars ("the bubbles!"), for the price of one! :)
I 'm going to have a stern discussion with my lap top tonight to make him understand concequences of his actions!
Moral of the story...hand write everything!!!
xoxox

A Good Wheeze

click to enlarge

I read this comic today from www.fborfw.com, and thought instantly of my Mum. We've always teased her that our inheritance is the gold and platinum in her teeth. I love this comic, mostly because it's Canadian, but also because I see so much of my own family in the Patterson family.
I highly suggest reading the comics - which aren't meant to split your side with laughter every time, but as wel as giving you a good laugh, also to provoke thought, or just give you that warm fuzzy feeling.
The comic's great and is a constant part of my day.
xoxox

I Wanna be a Dog!

Today I am tired, and it is all thanks to the two big 3000 words essays that were in for Monday, and the lab report that's being handed in tomorrow, plus course reading, hanging out with friends, as well as the domestic things that need to be done. These past two weeks have speed past as quickly as molasses would drip off a spoon in 20 below temps.
I grew up always saying "I wanna be a dog! Dog's don't have to do story telling (or insert any unwanted task you are doing)" Right now, I am envious that dogs don't have to write Archaeology essays or make population pyramids!!! :(
I'm look forward to the weekend, however because not only will I have finished all immediate work, Ed's brother Jack is visiting, and it's always fun having guests.
I shall let you know if I make it through tonight (salsa aerobics, and vball training).
xoxoxox

Back in the Groove

Today, I drove my Parental Units down to Canterbury to drop me off. I start back to class on Monday, so I have a couple of days to settle in. Ed gets back on Monday, and I can't wait! I had an awesome Christmas holiday, though maybe a little busy for some.
I'm looking forward to my semester coming up! I'm all set with my bones for my Human Osteology course (they're animal, don't worry :D), and getting psyched for stats.
Good luck in your New Year follies!
xoxox