Were they dying of old age?

We've had a dilemma recently. Some of our tropical fish looked sick, and opinions in the household varied about the cause. We tried feeding them less, changing the water, and aromatherapy, but nothing seemed to help. However, having tested the water today and found it to be good, we are left to face facts: fish are mortal too. The sick ones are going to the happy hunting grounds this afternoon - brutal, but true. The pet shop is going to feed them to their turtles!

There was excitement in the garden today, too. Our neighbourhood hen chose a sheltered little pozzie under one of our maple trees to lay six eggs - they're a nice size and are now lined up on the kitchen bench. Lorraine-who-lives-next-door is a little put out that "Book-book" has changed allegiances and is laying at our place. Maybe she won't any more, now that I've pinched her clutch...