The Long Loud Silence

I thought I’d add my short piece to Peter’s words.

Since going on holiday for two weeks (in Arizona) all sorts have happened. As Peter has indicated, one of the two much loved grandmas has seriously deteriorated and now has to have 24 hour care. The time and work involved in making the necessary arrangements is quite amazing, though certainly not resented – grandma has given so much to my generation and particularly to my son Peter’s, and also to my grandchildren.

Things are ‘smoothing out’ now so life isn’t quite so hectic. I’ve managed to respond to comments on the blog and to entries on the forum.

My reef aquarium is doing well. I’ve just done a routine seawater change and the fish as usual attempted to obtain food by begging. The time sequence – that is the time periods that the aquarium receives for maintenance – has been completely out but it’s coming back on track.

As Peter says, we’ll start writing again soon. It’ll probably be me first as Peter is embroiled in projects and work considerations. I keep my fingers crossed for him.

So thanks for your patience.

We’re Still Here – But Very Busy At The Moment!

I thought that I would pop a post out to explain why we have not posted any articles recently.

Myself and John are both very busy at the moment but for two very different reasons!

I have found myself in a position where the company I work for has a very doubtful future and I am spending a lot of my time trying to keep my job. I am working long hours to try and impress etc so that I can hopefully be seen as as asset to the company. Unfortunately in the current climate there are not a lot of other positions in my field available and the ones which are available would involve me either working away from home or relocating the family – neither of which I am willing to do. I am working on other ventures at the moment as well to try and safeguard a future for myself and my family which is taking a lot of time when I am not performing my ‘day job’. When you mix in spending time with my family as well as doing the various jobs required around the home it does not leave a lot of time for other things.

I also had to make a hard decision. In an attempt to save money to put away for the future we have cut back on various things – one of which was my reef tank. Whilst I still have a huge passion for this hobby I am now reefless. It broke my heart to see it go but when things settle I know that I will start a new one.

John on the other hand, whilst retired is also very busy. John’s sons, myself and Michael live in the same area and John looks after both of our children – taking them to and from school, looking after them during school holidays etc. He is also looking after two aging ladies – my grandmothers – his own and his wifes (my mums) mothers. They are both now at an age where they need to be cared for and they are both doing a huge amount of work looking after them. It really is a shame to see people who I look up to and respect end up as what can only be said as being children again. They need to and will spend the rest of their lives with dignity and respect from everyone who knows them and they cannot have anyone better looking after them than my mum and dad. The passion and energy that they both show is truly amazing.

John still has his reef tank and it still looks as fabulous as ever. John pops onto Aquarists Online as often as he possibly can and answers questions in the forum as well as comments left on the site but at the moment when he is not busy looking after other people he is rather tired.

So please stick with us – there is a lot of information as well as other features on Aquarists Online and we will be back to post more content as soon as we possibly can – we promise.