Fish fry

Not in oil, in water. We're having a New England heat wave with temperatures over 90 degrees F and humid for what is now the forth or fifth day with more to come. I know those of you living further south of here are unsympathetic but there is one thing you need to keep in mind - we do NOT have air conditioning. Air conditioning is not standard in most Vermont houses.

I've been coping by doing physical labor only in the early mornings, riding my bike to work instead of walking, perfecting my sloth imitation when Sam leaves me alone, swimming in my neighbor's pool (even the water is 92 degrees F now!) when he doesn't, and generally moving as little as possible.

We're coping. But I hadn't considered that our overly extensive fish collection would need to be coddled through this heat wave. As the water in the tank nears 90 degrees F they look a tad listless and lazy. Unfortunately, I feel responsible for them and their comfort. The fish forums tell me that I'm not a responsible fish owner if I don't air condition the room with the tanks to keep them comfy. I don't air condition the rooms I'm in so I'm not doing it for the fish. I'm sorry, that's just the way it is. Instead, I've been perking them up by taking the lids off and running fans over the top of the tanks to increase cooling through evaporation. I've increased the air flow through the water because warmer water carries less oxygen. And now I've been making them their how ice packs.

I wish they'd just head for the basement like our very resourceful cats. Hurmph.

They're very lucky they're too small to be dinner.