NotSheep

I rolled out of bed at about 9.30 this morning, but I didn’t wake up until about noon. I still feel like I got a lot done today though (not a very familiar feeling for me).

I fed the dogs three times, though they were really only interested the last time. I also did some obedience training with each of them, and walked them separately; I’m assured by people who know about raising sibling-pups that this is a good idea, but I don’t usually get the chance. I also let both off-leash for parts of their walks, and had no problems there. They’re very good about staying in the garden or driveway even when the gate’s open too.

I cleaned out the aquarium, removing most of the plants because they were dead or covered in algae, and were not improving the look at all. I took out all the bogwood and stones and boiled and scrubbed them too, also because of the algae. The aquarium is now of a minimalist style, with just gravel and the replaced bogwood and rocks. There’s one plant left - the others had rooted well and I could probably have just cut them back very low and let them grow again, but I didn’t think of that until I’d pulled them out. I arranged some rocks and wood in one corner to create a bit of a cave, since the clown loaches like to have a hidey-hole - though they’ve been out playing since I finished.

I replanted some our veg and a few sunflowers. I moved all the pots out to the side of the house, because Cassie is now big enough to reach them even if they’re on tables. We pulled up two - count ‘em! - baby carrots, which were promptly eaten by Jack and George. Carrots appear to be a low-yield thing. I’m learning.

Dug out our infant car-seat from under the stairs when a neighbour came by to ask if we had one she could borrow; she was babysitting three children (who might be moving in across the street soon) and figured sending him out in the car with her husband was the best way to get him to sleep.

The boys spent most of the day playing with friends in various houses and gardens. George and Freddy also made lists for George’s birthday party; having glanced at the list for food, I think some revisions might be in order. I don’t have (or want) recipes for “snot sandwiches” or “booger jello”. Toby toddled about the garden for most of the day. He is such an outdoors boy, such a summer boy: he just loves getting outside, and adores the beach

Conversations today included, from Freddy: “Life is like a sausage.” Blank looks all around, until Freddy explained, “It’s short.” Deep, man.

George then said, “Life is like a pineapple” - but couldn’t think why.

Dinner was a bit fractious; everyone was tired after yesterday. As soon as they’d finished eating, I sent George and Freddy off to have a bath, and as soon as I was done downstairs, I went up and sent them to get dried and ready for bed, and put Jack and Toby in the bath. Jack has just woken up crying; when Scratchy went in and asked, “What’s the matter?”, Jack’s reply was “None of your business!”

Monday tomorrow.