Happy Halloween!

My husband and I are fortunate to have a town not far away that takes spookiness to the next level. Fairborn, Ohio is home to Foy’s. The main store began as a five and dime shop a century ago (!) and has sense expanded to several more retail stores.

One of many handsome
greeters outside...

We only visited the main shop where I got a cool T-shirt. Apparently its fame even draws celebrity.

The proprietor with non other than iconic
rocker Alice Cooper (!); sorry for this
glare through their glass case...

There are many new additions since we last visited such as this bench. I can’t imagine what else we missed during our brief adventure.

I have an old garden bench that needs,
needs this design treatment...

Many local businesses and homeowners join in the fun. I could have spent hours more exploring but had other business in town which I’ll share soon.

As if pirates were not intimidating enough,
here we have Captain Cthulhu helming.

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Random History; My Random Country Drive

A surprise find not far from my home...

I like the idea of living in a tiny home but...

Ohio has many historic covered bridges;
it was fun finding one unknown to me.

Understandably, this is off limits; I appreciate both
the private upkeep and little pull-over spot.

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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A Sweet Surprise & Fish Keeping Update

I am determined to establish a natural aquarium environment as taught by Father Fish, henceforth abbreviated as FF. Once there are plants and aquatic life established, adding microfauna and some decaying plant matter helps complete the natural cycle. He teaches how to harvest from a local water source. My two attempts failed, and while I can identify my major mistakes, I purchased two bags from FF’s online store.

My box arrived days past the carrier’s initial estimate during extremely hot weather. Among three plastic bags, the smallest clearly began as a chilling ice pack turned to very warm water. The other two contained rather stinky, lifeless looking black sludge.

I considered filing a complaint with the giant nationwide service provider but all the hoops they wanted me to jump through dissuaded me. Instead I reached out to the FF family for advice.

The 86 year old patriarch himself reached out, advising me to put the mixture into jars and look for signs of life. He added that the tiny animals are quite resilient.

From most companies, any such well wishes would have concluded their response. Not these folk, who run things far different. Without further ado they replaced my full order at zero (!) charge. I would have been happy to receive one unit and pay for shipping.

Have you enjoyed (or suffered) any extreme customer service experience(s)? In the event of a positive response, do you do everything you can to promote them?

PS This afternoon I presented FF’s pamphlet to the owner of Pawesome Pet Supplies. When an employee flipped through, she looked at her boss and exclaimed, “This is totally you!”

I passed this tiny strip mall probably near a thousand
times before noticing the cool shop...

PPS You know I’ll be a repeat customer to both Pawesome and FF.

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Rising with the Tide (I Hope)

I kept tropical fish for many years before two waves of total die-off broke my heart. Several weeks ago a neighbor asked about my tanks. I’d shown him, his wife, and young daughter (now starting at university!) so long ago that I’d completely forgotten both that visit and the fact the man himself is an enthusiastic aquarist.

Saddened my two tanks sat dormant, he told me about a natural system touted by a quirky older gentleman calling himself Father Fish. This octogenarian helped establish the United State’s National Aquarium, which I hadn’t even known existed.

I’m learning a lot. The most important lesson is to dismiss much of what the giant pet industry wants us to believe. I won’t bore you with details. Suffice it to say that I no longer plan to rely on old techniques.

Sad to say, I’ve already lost several fish. Three honey gourami died mysteriously over time. More recently, the ever present ich parasite reared its ugly head. My tiny pygmy rasboras are succumbing one by one.

At the first sighting of those telltale white specks I should have acted immediately and purchased a water heater I knew capable of reaching 86 degrees Fahrenheit instead of messing with a vintage model. This warming method is reliable against the cold water loving parasite and far more gentle than caustic chemicals. That ‘scientific’ treatment actually sped the demise of many prized specimens in 2019.

At the advice of an independent pet store owner I added more air stones as these temperatures do reduce oxygen levels. I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll save the remaining rasboras and two seemingly healthy gourami.

That knowledgeable enthusiast advising me runs Pawesome Pet Supplies and Grooming. Besides offering great service, his place works with a small local cat adoption agency. Though I’d never seen any kitties on previous visits, this adorable gentleman made my acquaintance the other day.

Have you ever kept pet fish? Can you believe that my late, great freshwater clown loaches clicked in response to outside sounds?

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