Sunday, July 31, 2011

Pneumonia


I recently resurrected our old fish tank and got a Betta fish for Diya and Aadi. Diya has named the fish Splash.

It's working out well so far.

Diya helps me with feeding the fish, and keeping the tank clean (and gets some free Chemistry lessons as a part of the deal). And Aadi is satisfied with banging the fish tank a few times every day, scaring the hell out of the Splash, and then consoles it with some "gentle touch".

Unlike the previous times, a Betta forces us to keep only one fish in a relatively big tank. So, the water remains clean for a longer time.

Anyway, here's the story ....

Diya got up this morning, and as soon as she came downstairs, she exclaimed, "Baba, let's do the 'pneumonia test' ".

It was totally out of context, and I had no clue what she was talking about. Well, she has been coughing for a few days, so I thought maybe she was thinking of a previous clinic visit. But, it still didn't quite fit.

When I asked her what she meant, she explained, "Well, yesterday we were testing the aquarium water. The pH was too high and so we put some chemicals. So, today we should test again."

Suvo: Ok, so what does that got to with pneumonia?

Diya: Actually, we don't have to do that as it was fine. Also, the nitrite was fine ... so we only need to do the pH test.

I got it finally ... it all makes sense if you replace the word 'pneumonia' with 'ammonia'!

I am yet to decided whether I should correct her, or get another kick out of that (ok, I know that's a mean thing to do) ... that is ... if she makes the same mistake again. She has already started avoiding the 'pneumonia' word, when I bring up the context of testing the aquarium water!

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