PetSmart Fish Plants Without the Fish

It's been a couple months since we lost our little Betta fish Moby Dick. I didn't think we would ever go back to a pet store for the time being anyway. We are in that phase of trying to decide if a pet is a good idea. We do however have a plant holder that can be used for a variety of things. At Christmastime I use it to decorate by filling the containers with live greens and adding a string of holiday lights. Lately it's been looking a little bare, so my husband was commenting about getting something to might it look more respectable. Most of the outside water plants are rather large and somewhat unsightly. We always had live water plants for Moby, so we decided to see what PetSmart could offer. We agreed on the usual variegated plant and then found a plastic plant that could pass for something authentic if mixed with something real - a great trick that can be used any time. When we got home my husband carefully filled the glass containers with rocks and plants. If one them should break we hope that Gingko's in the neighborhood has replacements. We really don't have a lot of greens in the house, but this is just enough. Unfortunately my flower garden was quite the bust this year. Otherwise, fresh flowers are simply the best. Maybe next time we should consider air plants. 

Moby Dick Bubbles

While we were away to England for a long weekend, our grandson was assigned the job of attending to watering the plants, checking the mail, and most importantly- feeding the Betta fish Moby Dick. Moby expresses his happiness by building bubble nests. Before we left, he was a merry old soul. I wasn't sure what I would find when we returned. I did tell our grandson that Moby likes conversation as well as food. Moby always responds when he sees you - even from across the room. He is nothing like our 100 pound Wolfhound Tatiana, but it is amazing that such a tiny creature has human characteristics. When we returned there were no bubbles in the bowl. So I knew he missed us. And even my husband is convinced there is something to this. Just a day after we returned, he began building his bubble nest again. It's hard to leave a pet when you go away, but nice to know he misses you, even if he is just a tiny little fish.

The sunlight projects an interesting cascade of light

Moby loves his plants

Moby starting to build his bubble nest again

Michele Obama's Target

We were in need of a mug/drinking glass that has a cover. After lunch, we went to Crate and Barrel where we had found one that we liked when we first moved here. But, they did not have anything. As we were also in need of fish food for Moby, we then drove to Crystal City/Alexandria to the Target and PetSmart in the Potomac Yard Retail Center. This is the same place Michele Obama did some undercover shipping a few months back and is also the location of the PetSmart that the President did some dog supply shopping/photo op. It's probably the closest Target to the White House and easiest to get to from DC. As usual, we had luck finding what we were looking for- in fact, there was a huge selection. Since we are not Costco customers,  Target is the next best thing for good buys. That was the same in Milwaukee as it is here. We did not however, happen to run in to anyone incognito. But I guess that is the idea.

Located on Jefferson Davis Highway - we are in Virginia after all

Located at the very end - a new condo/housing neighborhood is
under construction. It is right next to Reagan Airport.

A great selection of whatever you need

Reminds me of the Saturday Night Live skit

A Sad Day

My Betta fish, GW, died this morning. He had a very difficult life and was a courageous little guy. He was the inspiration for my first children's book. I will miss him a lot. I hope I did everything I could to keep him comfortable. I did not have a chance to say goodbye... but I did wish him a good night. Now he can finally rest.

G'e first night in his new home