[LIVING LAB] Tadpoles and Salamander Nymphs

Our tadpoles and salmanders are thriving in the 'little ponds' on our deck. We have been adding fresh pond water every week or so and new vegetation to ensure there is plenty of organisms in the water for our salamanders to eat. We had been feeding our tadpoles fish food and noticed that the few that had made their way into our salamander bowl (they had been taken for show and tell with a salamander nymph and we decided to keep them together) are almost twice the size as the fish food fed little guys (and no it's not because they've eaten the salmander nymphs). We think it may be because this bowl has a lot of pond vegetation and a larger swimming surface, whereas the other bowl was low on vegetation and has a smaller swimming surface, but is deeper. So we have added a lot of surface vegetation to the tadpole bowl, and we'll see what happens.

The salamander nymphs have doubled in size, and their front legs are now quite visible. We will need to adjust their habitat to a large container soon, so that we can have a gradual ascent from the water as they develop further. We are really enjoying them.

We have added a little cluster of mystery eggs to our lab that we found on a leaf from our pea shoots. Our guess is ladybug...we'll just have to wait and see. So fun!!

Next up...caterpillars.

[GLAMPING] Wanderlust

Look what we bought last night...on a total whim. We were on our way to sushi and decided to stop and take a peak at a little homemade camper that was advertised on our local Buy Sell + Trade Facebook site. I had my doubts, as the picture in the ad did not do it justice at all...and it was $150.00. Was it really worth dragging the hungry, grumpy kids to - YES!

The camper was handmade by a local carpenter to fit on the back of his truck when out on site. It's a bit boxy looking, but that just means it will be that much easier for me to paint!

The interior is in perfect condition. No signs of leaking, no rips, tears or even scuffs on the linoleum and countertop. It has a little icebox, which we'll replace with an electric unit and a little double stainless steel sink. All the light fixtures are clean and free of rust and it's even wired for a stereo system. The interior is finished in plywood which I think looks great.

It has a sleeping loft that will fit two people and we'll need to modify the table so it can slide down, and we can add a piece of plywood and an additional cushion to make another bed for two. It shouldn't be too hard...or so I've been told.

Is it weird that I LOVE these cushions?? So vintage and in perfect shape. The seat cushions are also pretty good, but I think I may recover them with a denim or canvas. Window coverings are a must, so pretty little curtains will soon be on the way.

We do not have a truck, however, we do have a trailer that will fit this perfectly that we can tow all over this beautiful province. Yee haw...'Glamping' Pinterest Board here I come!!