Wednesday Wanderings

SOMETHING FISHY: Today, the kids helped clean the aquarium. In the process, we got a good look at our two 8-plus year old goldfish, since they were only in a couple of inches of water as we drained out the old for new.

Last time we cleaned the tank, we blogged about how we thought Annabelle Fish might be female and full of eggs, as she had a bulge on her side. After today's look at her, now we're more worried it's a tumor and some kind of spinal deformity. :/

Understandably, Annabelle (human) immediately asked if we should take her to the vet. I stammered and explained that there would be no vet for an eight year old, 89 cent goldfish.

Hindsight 20/20 moment: We never should have allowed the fish (yes, there's a CJ Fish) to be named after the kids. Obviously.

DOODLES:  This afternoon, during a visit with G&G up in Mukilteo, Annabelle whipped out four custom pieces of art on thank you cards per her Grandma's request. They were super cute and she was happy to do it.

Meanwhile, back at MPA, this is what her math scratch paper looks like.

PIPE DREAMS:  Yesterday, we played a vintage game that is tons o' fun, Parker Brothers' Waterworks.

I recall spending hours and hours playing it in the Seventies. Yesterday, I rediscovered why I enjoyed it so much then. It's easy to learn, there is more strategy than luck involved, which I appreciate. Good times were had by all, especially CJ, who won the game yesterday.

DOG DAY: According to posts I've seen all over social media, August 26 is National Dog Day. So, I guess it's only fitting that we spent part of the day listening to lectures in our "Dog Emotion and Cognition" class from Duke University via Coursera.

Part of the class involves visiting the "Dognition" Web site and participating in some lessons or tests with your dog to determine their strengths and not-so-strengths regarding different types of 'intelligences.'

Here's a sneak peek at some of what we have to look forward to.

https://youtu.be/LN9RPPhF6B0

SEEING STARS ... AND BEER: This evening we stopped by Bad Jimmy's to quench our thirsts and play a spirited game of Oz Fluxx. While doing so, we saw a poster on the wall of the establishment publicizing a monthly "Astronomy on Tap" event. It was actually occurring the very evening we were there, but later. Next month, we will try to time it better!

I talked to an event organizer and he said turnout is always standing-room-only good, and for tonight's event, they'd had 170 'we're coming' RSVPs - about twice what the place can hold. Bad Jimmy's even had a special beer on tap for tonight's event, the Big Sipper. 

Happy to hear that so many neighbors are interested in astronomy. The local event is run by University of Washington astronomy students. It's part of a nationwide Astronomy on Tap movement. Nice!