The first step was to open the drain and let the water run out of the fish tank to make it easier to catch them. He still had all thirty of the channel catfish. None had died.
The water in the sump tank, which is the lowest point of the system and provides additional water storage, needed to be pumped up and out. No water could be left or it would encourage mosquito breeding.
Since it takes a while for about 600 gallons of water to drain from both tanks, posing for pictures for a teary-eyed Mom alleviated the boredom.
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| Ain't he cute? |
As the water poured from the open pump, it filled the surrounding hole around the sump tank. This caused it to float up high which made it easier to pick up and dump out the remaining water.
The catfish were not happy about the water level dropping so they grouped together in a school.
To reach the fish in the bottom of the tank, it was easier to turn it over on its side.
Reese began scooping them out with an empty CD container because it was close at hand. (That is code for "it was the closest thing in his pile of stuff that would hold water"). We don't have a fish net so it worked perfectly.
They were surprisingly curious and would swim inside the case to check it out. This made it easy to catch and dump them into a five-gallon bucket lined with a trash bag and holding an air stone.
The rest of the water was poured out of the fish tank by a big, strong, handsome man! Oh, my!
Dirt was dumped into the sump tank hole to begin filling it back up.
He repeatedly said he was not crying but that the sun was in his eyes. He also insisted he knew I would post the picture and say he was crying when he rubbed his eye. A mother has every right to take advantage of her children whenever possible.
Then began a mad dash to the nearest creek to drop the fish in the water before the oxygen ran out of the water in the bucket. Originally we thought we would put them in the river but decided there were too many fish in the small amount of water to travel far.
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| Don't rush me. I will not drive fast and get a speeding ticket. |
This was the chosen perfect spot for their new home. We all agreed they would be happy especially since they were raised in a hatchery and had never been in a real creek.
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| Home Sweet Home |
Then he returned home, packed his truck and left today for another adventure.
Reese returns home for a visit
Yup! Definitely bawling like a baby! (you, I mean, although that one picture does look suspicious on his end!)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure he will miss you, too, and miss your cooking.
That little creek looks like a perfect spot for fish to enjoy their lives. I love creeks. They are so pleasant. There have been a couple of times in my life when I lived near creeks and I enjoyed them tremendously.
Hang in there. The sun should start to shine soon, and you can get out there in the garden again--your favorite place to be, I think:)
Good morning, Becky. He drove all night, slept in his truck when he could go no further, then was to be at the apartment office when they opened their doors. I talked to him at 5:00 am this morning and he was stopping for some sleep. When he gets his key and gets unloaded he is to call home before he collapses. Hopefully the electric has been turned on....
DeleteI am awaiting his call right now. Does being a Mother ever get easier?
It is so hard when the first one leaves the nest. And yes, it does get easier, especially after they get married. Don't do what I did when my youngest moved into her first apartment. We drove to St. Louis with her and helped get her settled and then came home. When we got home, I called and she didn't answer. The next morning I called and called and she didn't answer. Finally, I called the apartment office and asked them to go check on her. She had left her phone in the car and was sooooo ticked at me. I will say that she never left her phone in her car after that. lol
ReplyDeleteWas he raising catfish? I can't believe they went into the container willingly. When we have to drain our pond or tank for cleaning, we always have to chase down the goldfish.
I would have called the office and been very upset too! However, mine would never leave their phone in their cars because it is permanently glued to their fingers.
DeleteReese was raising channel catfish because they are hardy and can be sold when they become large. It was another revenue stream along with the vegetables grown in the system. We found it odd that they went inside the cups willingly but they were curious.
Postponed is not abandoned. (Do you say it this way in English?)
ReplyDeleteThese first experiences with this interesting theme could be helpful for him
in later times.
Now you know he has arrived safely and will start his job. That is a good feeling for you.
Christel
You are correct, his dreams are postponed (put away for a while) but not abandoned (left for good.) The purpose of the job he accepted is so he can gain experience and save money to help him reach his goals. He does not want to wait but wants to start his business now. That cannot happen.
ReplyDeleteI spoke to him this morning, he was in his apartment and was pumping up his air mattress so he could sleep. He was tired. After he rested he wanted to drive to work and find the best route. I already miss him so much but I am very proud of what he has accomplished.
Ah, it is tough when the babies move farther away!
ReplyDeleteDo I spy Scooter contemplating being a stowaway??!
Or is he trying to figure out how to flatten a tire? ; )
I think he was about to sniff the car tire, then leave his signature. We are so accustomed to him being part of the family that I don't notice him when snapping pictures. I did not realize he was there until I loaded up the pictures. Of course I chose the one shot with him in it. I told Reese, Scooter was saying good-bye in his own way.
DeleteAnd yes it is tough when the babies move away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today is Reese's first day at his new job. We are hoping he will call tonight and let us know how it went. Bill said he probably go to his apartment and collapse from exhaustion.