Bleu, The Betta

 Funny things, these blogs.  And I can't entirely figure this puzzlement out.
When one of the animals dies, my readership rises like you wouldn't believe.  Just a bit ago when I spoke of Sweet Pea, reader numbers quadrupled.  It happens each and every time.  So how do readers know?  Clearly my post titles are part of it.  But that means when they see a "boring" post title they skip by?  It just doesn"t completely compute. 

Well, on to the week's events.

As I mentioned last week my betta Bleu is of concern.  He hasn't been acting well for weeks.  Normally he lives in a gallon tank, but I saw he was having trouble coming to the surface to eat and gulp a bit of air.  I was certain he was a goner.  But no.  Naturally I have no idea what I'm doing.  I've talked to the local fish store - he said to change his water by 50% every other day.  Been doing that for over a week but I see no improvement.  I checked out a couple of books from the library and one said to put a bit of uniodized salt in the tank.  So I've been doing that.  It's difficult because I've moved him into a small kitchen bowl so he can reach the waterline so the amount of salt to put in is miniscule.

   I tried moving him into a slightly bigger bowl but he again seemed to have trouble.  Perhaps he injured a fin?

Interestingly, when I picked up the books from the library the circulation person asked if I was getting a fish.  I explained I'd had Bleu for three years but he was sick.  And that I didn't have a lot of knowledge prior to getting him.  She replied, "well, he's just a fish".  Ahhh...  I always find it interesting how people prioritize the value of other living things.

Nothing seems to be helping my boy Bleu but I'll keep on until he either improves or declines further.

On a brighter note, JoannieLu seems to have regained some pep in her step.  Earlier in the winter she'd hang with Sweet Pea by the heater and not rush around with the youngsters.  She is now zipping around with the rest of the gang.  Why you say?  The only change I've made is to be more diligent in adding herbs and spices to their treats.

Joannie on the left

Speaking of the youngsters, make sure you turn on the sound while watching this video.  It's the "thud" I'd like you to hear.

When the girls are rummaging around in the hay aisle, it often sounds like a herd of elephants.

Finally a delicious cake recipe.  Not vegan.  Of course I subbed plant based milk for the cow's milk but I did use eggs.

I thought it was perfect for a light treat.  And yes, I used my quiche pan to bake it in which worked like it was made for it.

Everyday olive Oil Cake