think it was in May of this year (early or mid May) that we ‘branched out’ the fish tank to another one, a shells-dedicated tank. It has since then expanded to a much bigger tank, which I found discounted by about 96% (lower than RRP), it just needed a lot of cleaning and sanitising. Today, two weeks after we added some danios and testas, we can easily see they have grown and have become accustomed to their new environment. We initially had a couple of cardinals, but they could not survive the conditions, I’m not sure why (maybe pH level, but probably something else; size could be a factor, they are very fine). Unlike last year, no fish just mysteriously ‘vanished’.

At the moment I am chasing a heater, as noted some months ago, and look for something that costs a pound or a couple of pounds. I saw about 4 in-water heater this past Sunday (a vendor I know and knows me too), but those were too powerful and way too expensive. We still have some time to go before it gets too cold for tropical fish.

Maybe we can crowdfund this.

Starting today

e have returned home from 3 rounds of bird-feeding to catch up with news and post critical links. It is a very successfully planned and a fun anniversary so far today. Tomorrow it’s already our 15^th year of happy marriage and we’ve exchanged cards; it sounds silly/corny, sure, but we’re romantic and simple like that. We know how to make a lot out of little, or how to pursue real happiness and personal freedom even on a very small budget.

Next year (2027) we hope or look forward to having our case heard by the Court of Appeal (if appeal is granted, or permission for it gets granted, which can take time and persistence).

We’ve named (and feed) only 4 at the moment

think that Edwin came indoors about 4 times today, more than in prior days. He was looking for seeds, he reckons he can get more of them when he gets close to me. Sometimes he sits on the doorknob, hoping to get my (or Rianne’s) attention.

Edwin is always last and sometimes first. Even in late September he’d stay until almost 7PM (6:57 today) and he can show up the following day at around 6-7AM.

The birds are good companions and they’re clean as long as they don’t do their “dirt” indoors.

Another bird, still unnamed, likes to sit on the window at the front and has zero fear of humans. It insists strongly on getting a jar of seeds.

I’ve not been writing much about birds lately. Tomorrow we plan to feed 70+ of them in the park. Weather permitting.

Healthy fish for healthy mind

ast night I added a fluorescent light for the fish, it is external to the tank, and so far it also helps illuminate the desk area at night (days are quickly getting shorter), so it is double-purpose ‘thingie’ really. There is a light switch that controls whether it is on or off, it is easy top use, and it is within arm’s reach.

The fish tank experience next to my own desk (not Rianne’s) began a week ago. So far, so good.

But it’s not about expecting returns

oday was an exceptionally good day. We fed lots of animals in spite of the government telling humans to stockpile food and not (anymore) feed birds. Yesterday we went to check the shop where we used to buy sacks of seeds for the birds. For the second time in a row they don’t (or no longer) stock the stuff we bought, only small bags. This was likely intentional, perhaps some sort of policy (or so we’re guessing).

Research shows that “Millions Could Spend Half Their Income on Food by 2050,” meaning that half of one’s salary is just to nourish one’s body, so what’s left for water, power, rent and so on? Insane.

Anyway, I’ve saved 45 pounds today on food, maybe a hidden blessing or covert reward for us selflessly sharing food with nature’s wildlife. I found many discounts after Rianne and I went to the park and only minutes after giving a ton of seeds to 70+ birds there (various species). We enjoyed seeing them resting on their bellies on the grass (after a very large meal for a considerable length of time). They seemed so happy, some of them leapt on our laps, asking for more (we ran out)

Today, unlike before, Edwin came home and stayed here until almost 7PM which is when it’s getting dark. This is a bird we know and recognise. It inspired me to write this.

Share food with those who need it. One day you might be the one in need.

Update: Edwin has just returned again. Thrice! It’s part 7PM already. Amazing.

He left for good at 7:09.

Because winter is coming and they need more heat (and T.L.C.)

managed to find some amazing bargains this morning. Equipment that typically costs about 100 pounds was sold to me for just 2 pounds. I took it home. Next we need to wash it and prepare it for the pets.

Maybe I’ll take some photos after it’s all done.

Our vacation comes to an end

his morning we published this latest part in a long series, explaining why – as our Jewish solicitor at the time might put it – Garrett ended up in a broch. His online behaviour for many years made this inevitable – he was mingling with the wrong people to cause trouble to people more far qualified than himself.

There’s a lesson somewhere in all this.