WHEN I NEVER GOT MY 100-GALLON AQUARIUM

I had an opportunity and a place to put a 100-gallon aquarium one time back in the 70's. Like a lot of my great ideas, it was vetoed by my wife. If you haven't heard when my wife and I have a disagreement she has a vote, I have a vote, and she has the tie breaker. In every case. I got that piece of advice from our pastor's father, Carl Wagner, and it has served me well.

Actually, we disagree so seldom that it's spooky. But hey, we've been married a long time and will mark yet another anniversary next week. So I guess we should think alike.

But I wanted that aquarium back then. It didn't help much when some friends of ours took it and placed in their house. It never looked quite right there because it belonged in our house at #2 Northbrook Dr.

I'd hear Glenda, the owner of the aquarium, complain about having to keep it cleaned and equipment going bad and an expensive fish or two or more dying. And I had sympathy. Somewhat. I knew the problem was that it should have been in my house. Keep in mind that goldfish in a gallon or two fish bowl was the closest thing to an aquarium that I'd ever had.

One day while they weren't home, the tank sprung a leak. A huge leak. All 100-gallons on their living room floor. Carpet--ruined. Tank--busted. Fish--dead, of course.

My wife was right again. Sometimes I'm glad she has the tie breaker.