So, there’s a little pond in our backyard. Like everything else done to our house prior to our moving in, it was not done professionally. I noticed some time ago that the pump had stopped. But I didn’t have the mental space, money, or whatever else I needed to deal with it. ‘Til last week.

And it was too late. The only fish I could find in the pond that had previously housed around 10, was this little guy, a descendent of the original 5.

That’s really sad. When we moved here, the pond had one big fish in it. I had an aquarium already with four large fish that I added to the pond when we moved in. And this little guy is all that’s left. I cried a little bit.

So, I got the hospital tank out of the garage, rinsed it, and set it up on the center island in the kitchen ’til we could decide what to do with him. I was reminded of how much I like having a fish tank in the kitchen, so as a family, we decided to keep it. We went out and picked up a filter and decor on Saturday.

I was planning to go with a natural, river theme. Nate really, really wanted a treasure chest that opened and closed with bubbles. Now, I’ve had fish tanks of various sorts most of my life, and I’ve never, ever, ever had a bubbling treasure chest. (Might as well get the neon pink gravel, right?). But I always enjoy making the husband happy, so we went with a Tiki theme.

And I love it!

That stupid little treasure chest is so relaxing to watch.

Open….

Close.

Open….

Close.

Open….

Close.

It’s rhythmic. I’m not going to get anything done for weeks. I could stare at it forever.

Open….

Close.

Which is kind of convenient as Max has decided that napping is for sissies, and being set down is for the dogs. At least I have something enjoyable to look at that passes the time.

The tank is a 10 gallon now. At some point, we’ll get a 20 long and another fish. (And probably some more Tiki stuff. Or a volcano). But for now, I’m content and Khan has some growing to do.

Something for everyone-

For my part, the fish is named Khan as a tribute to Shahrukh. We are still in full blown Bollywood mode at our house. Nate continues to find and bring new movies home. Paheli is the latest that I really, really like. (The talking puppets are hilarious). Watching Shahrukh act is something to behold. He’s amazing.

Liv, on the other hand, would argue that the fish is named for Aamir, another actor we enjoy watching. Taare Zameen Par is a fabulous movie (although I’ve only seen the second half. The first half is a bit sad). Disney has recently released a dubbed version, with the option of watching it original with subtitles. Liv thinks Aamir’s super dreamy. We celebrated his 45th birthday yesterday with pot pie and cookies.

And then there’s my brother, who will undoubtedly always see Khan as, well, KHAAAAAAAN!!!!