Where Did Summer Go?

It’s hard to believe summer is coming to an end already. I keep trying to blame it on just getting older but I’m not really convinced about that anymore. I think we all live life much faster nowadays. I think the computer generation and instant information access makes it all move faster.

Even though the end of summer is here mosquitoes still abound. I have a small pond in my backyard that I ALWAYS keep mosquito fish in. And the fact that Alameda County (most counties probably do this) mosquito abatement will deliver them and place them in your pond or fountain for free makes it mandatory in my book. I don’t want mosquitoes biting me and maybe transmitting West Nile Virus to me or my family. I also want to be a responsible neighbor and make sure my neighbors are all safe as well.

So if you have ANY type of water feature on your property please, please take advantage of this service. And spread the word (better than spreading West Nile Virus) throughout your neighborhood about this service. Also, if there are any vacant houses that you know about report them to the county mosquito control staff. The staff that delivers the fish is very cordial and more than willing to answer any and all of your questions.

You do have to treat your pond or fountain water with something that will remove chlorine. But this can be found at any pet shop, hardware store or plant nursery. The chlorine will definitely kill the mosquito fish. I found this out the hard way by not treating my pond water and the day after I had a few mosquito fish placed in my pond they were all dead. This does make me wonder why it is considered okay for us to drink the water but it kills other living things. A definite pet peeve of mine! “Sure it’s safe – drink up – but don’t look at the dead fish floating in the same kind of water out in your pond. C’mon, they’re just fish.” Doesn’t make sense, but that is a whole other topic that I won’t go into here. Let’s just suffice it to say that I have a theory that humans are actually the aliens on this planet. We’re the inhabitants that are continuously producing products and chemicals that do not naturally exist — like plastic, etc. No need to worry about aliens landing here – we’re here!

And I must say that even though I felt very guilty about having more mosquito fish placed in my pond, because I feared being scolded for killing the last ones, the guy just smiled and asked if he had just delivered some previously. When I sheepishly smiled and said “yes” he just said okay, here’s some more fish for you. Whew!!