dooon't stop, believin' (oooh-ooh-ohhhhhhhh!)

The fishies have had a day or so to get settled in, and we have some issues, folks. As I mentioned before, I bought a water heater for the main tank so that the platies would be nice and warm. Since they don't really sell a teeny version of that for Clementine's bowl, and Clementine would, in all likelihood, immediately ninja-kick the stuffing out of my other fish, were I to put her in with them, I have moved Clementine's bowl over right next to the main tank so it stays relatively warm during the day while I am outside freezing my butt off in the snow. (This morning's lesson: black ice is fun, and full of spontaneous disaster!)

So while I would love for Clem to stay on my desk, for the time being -- until it warms up a smidge -- the setup looks like this:


The problem with this is that every time I look over to see how my new little dears are doing, I think, poor Clementine! She cannot participate! And she must be devastated!

You doubt? The upsetting photographic evidence:

First, the fishies in the tank -- happy! Thriving! Having a wee town meeting in Aquaville!


And Clem. . . pines.


And the tank -- they go about their business! They meet up for coffee!


And Clem. . . mopes.


And the tank! They frolick from side to side!


And Clem. . . plays her Journey albums in the corner.


STILL DON'T BELIEVE ME? I utilized my expert Supernanny-taught skills, coming down to Clem's level, and asked her DIRECTLY how she feels. THE RESPONSE?


That's right. Clem is not only related to the great Allie Brosh, SHE IS ALSO DISTRAUGHT. Unfortunately, there is still no way for me to put her in the tank with the others! And, I suspect that even if I did, it may not go well. Sunshine Daisies, for one, is not enchanted by her new friends:


Yep. JD Salinger here is refusing to leave the bunker. ("But Stephanie! I cannot! They are all PHONIES!" she protests. . .) Maybe at some point she'll be a little more social, but for now, Sunshine is shunning her peers while Clem lusts for a little lovin'. What a tragic soap opera we have unfolding.

I will, as always. . . keep you posted.

Your Intrepid Fishy Reporter,
Stephanie