One Fish, Two Fish, Three Fishes?

It’s been a busy week. The Victoria Day long weekend was fabulous and it was followed by a busy Tuesday that ended with a phone call to come home quickly because something was wrong with the baby.

Turns out, after a trip to the doctor, the baby was affected by the large amount of pollen in the air coupled with the humidity, which caused his eyes to become swollen, red and itchy. All is well now.

So Wednesday was a day off, Thursday was a catchup day and Friday was a busy interview day, including an interesting conversation with the head of maintenance at the University of Toronto and what turned out to be a fantastic interview with the curator of fishes at the Toronto Zoo and .

Fishes.

Now there is an interesting word.

While doing research on sustainable fishing, I came across a number of sites that said fishes.

So I asked Cindy Lee, the curator of fishes, if that was the correct word for fish plural.

Lee tells me that when you are talking about multiples of the same type of fish, for example 20 goldfish, you would say fish. However, if you are talking about a number of different fish species, for example cod, salmon and catfish, you would call them fishes.

So now you know.

Happy Memorial Day weekend to all who celebrate it.

The Itch

My gums are itchy.

Yes, that’s right, my gums. I would like to pull out my teeth, take a steak knife and scratch back and forth with that knife over my gums, particularly beside my back molars.

I do not know why I get itchy gums. I have had it for years. The doctor suggested visiting the dentist, and the dentist looked at me like I had two heads.

So know one knows what causes it or what I should do to help it. You know, other than running my fingernails back and forth - and down - into my gums.

I figure it might be allergies, as itchiness is a symptom I get with seasonal allergies.

However, when ragweed is done for the year, what is the excuse then?

Hello

Hello allergies.
Hello runny nose.
Hello itchy throat.
Hello itchy eyes.
Hello itchy nose.
Hello itchy gums.
Hello reminder that summer is over, that fall is here and winter is not that far behind.