Snails finished*

So, today I was asked to babysit Carson and his big sister for a couple of hours.  It was easy as pie as usual and I had lots of fun.  The coolest part was that their fish tank was overcrowded due to a recent explosion of fertility amongst momma guppy and momma snail (there were tens and tens and tens of baby snails and baby guppies frantically swimming about the tank, searching for an uncrowded corner in which to swim).  And while I was pleaded with to take lots of both species, I did not want any guppies for my fish tank.  I did, however, agree to take as many snails as they (the daughter and her father) wanted me to.  Consequently, I left the house with a sandwich-sized ziplock baggie containing about 8 or 9 aquatic snails.  And, oh, how I was excitedly thrilled to put the snails in my fish tank as the latest accessory (I've recently started putting bamboo plants in the tank and find that I absolutely love furnishing the place)!  

I dumped them right in, watching carefully where they landed.  I think the water change confused them a bit, and they did not immediately suction themselves onto the glass in the tank or onto any plants.  And I wasn't really nervous about the koi's reaction to the snails (for I have seen them cohabiting at various pet stores).  However, it only took me stepping away to the bathroom, to come back to an empty tank.  For, THE SNAILS HAD EATEN THE FISH!

Just kidding.  But, seriously guys:  In accordance to one of my fears I had not given much thought (it was fear in the siberia of my mind, with some cobwebs around the edges) the koi had greedily gobbled up the snails, leaving no sign or trace that they had ever been there. 

And, oh, how I felt terrible for promising the little girl that her snails would have a good home in my fish tank.  I had no idea that I would be bringing them to a dinner in which they were the main course!  I should stop feeling guilty, though.  How was I supposed to know that this would happen?  I was just trying to do a good thing.  My fish are the ones really to blame.  I believe that Karma will work its way around to them as I suspect the hard shells on the snails will do nasty wonders to the fishies' digestive systems...

*finished: obviously, the snails were finished.  But I also put the word there because, while I was babysitting, I found myself reverting back to behavioral strategies I used at camp.  Carson is not with Autism, but I noticed that I used those strategies from camp to solve problems this afternoon [I guess it's going to be a while before I forget all that I've learned the past 2 months (which is a good thing!)].  For example, when Carson, who is 3 years old, kept trying to brush his teeth over and over again just so that he could eat his toothpaste (Thomas the tank engine toothpaste, another little shout-out to Autism), the first thing out of my mouth was "Brush teeth finished" and not only did I say that in a stern way, but I also signed it without thinking.  Whether or not it was appropriate, my message was heard loud and clear by Carson and it, well, worked.

Camp Royall Talent Show

Here are two goofy pieces and one less goofy piece that Jean and I did for the staff talent show a couple weeks ago (in original order):

And, yes, I realize how dreadfully obnoxious I get when I am super nervous on stage.

9.58

My hero, lightening bolt in human form

The Human Tetris 6 (Dec 20, Japan) (warm water)

A good, good day in pictures

First we hung out downtown and shared the panini special at a cute, petite Italian deli.

In the late afternoon, we walked to the LaMancha goats.

She's my favorite, you know.

I fed them mushy blueberries but, also, fresh cherry tomatoes from my mom's garden.

Have you ever wanted to give a farm animal a breath mint?

After eating all the fruits and vegetables I brought, they turned to the hard-to-reach, out-of-bounds, possibly-poisonous plant.

David helped them reach it.

Then we went to Lighthouse Tofu with my parents and got bubble tea for dessert.  That's honeydew (left) and taro (right).

When we got home, I made homemade ice cream to cope with my nostalgia for camp.  Tomorrow, after I get my wisdom teeth pulled, I could probably eat this stuff too!

Mmm- Ah went the Little Green Frog

Last night, when my mom was getting the guest bedroom ready for David, she found a frog in one of the mouse traps.  How?

Memories

Today was the very last day of camp*.  Here are some snapshots of week 10, one of the best weeks of my life!

*I cried so much today and made others cry at the sight of my crying.  What a wonderful place I'm going to have to leave tomorrow.  :(