Sadly, orandas are easy prey even for animals/birds that can't catch comets or other faster swimmers who can dive deep quickly. Make sure your pond has somewhere for them to hide, plant cover or a floating island planter, something so it isn't totally exposed to view. I've had an electric fence against raccoons for years. They do make a terrible mess. They routinely trash my container ponds and small liner ponds even though there are no fish. I have seen a kingfisher swoop down and carry off a six inch plus sized fish. It was very early in the morning. He nearly cleaned me out until I added a large floating island planter and a lot of floating plants. Unfortunately one seems to have got me this past winter as almost all of my fish are gone without a trace. Bullfrogs and water snakes also leave no trace and no disturbance of plants. Cats may be attracted to an oranda wiggling at the surface, and might get lucky but isn't likely to eat it without leaving fins and scales. I lost a fan tail that way years ago but the cat played with it and bit it but didn't eat it.

The figs were easy. Pour some balsamic vinegar into a pan and over a med-high heat, reduce it by half. Cut figs in half, and place them cut side down in the balsamic reduction to marinate. I left them there for a couple of hours, I guess. Then, right before putting them on a hot grill, dip the cut edge in olive oil and rub a bit over the skin side as well. It doesn't take long to cook them...you want them warm through, but not mushy. Mostly, it's just the nice flavor the grill marks add. I turned them over and let the other side cook for a short time as well. Then, the figs are served with your grilled meats, drizzling the leftover balsamic reduction over both. Raita is one of those things that everyone makes just a wee bit differently. I use my home made, plain yogurt, which I drain for a while so it's good and thick as the fruit will add liquid and I don't want it watery. Mix in your choice of chopped fruits. You can add a pinch or two of cumin if you like, or toasted cumin & mustard seeds...or some very, very finely minced serrano pepper. Fresh herbs are another option. Cilantro, mint or any of the mint relatives are very nice. Sometimes a little garlic is nice or minced green onion. The other night though, I just used the fruits, yogurt, and julienne mint leaves. A raita is a wonderful compliment and foil to spicy hot foods as the yogurt cools the burn in your mouth (in this case, I leave out the serrano!)

I like a few seedless grapes and a bit of cheese lately it has been the baby bell light I love those little things. On occasion I will add some sort of beef stick or sliced deli meat with it. It takes care of the sweet and salty all at once. I do like chips and salsa or guacamole

Late night snacking urges come from endocrine and metabolism imbalances. If you want to find out how to get rid of Cravings for good read the book Mastering Leptin. Or you can look up 5 rules of the leptin diet online. The most important thing is not to eat after dinner or 3 hours before bed. If you do the 5 rules, POOF go the cravings like magic. It really does work. If you just are so hungry for something sweet, try fresh lemon juice in warm water and see if your craving will pass. You NEED an empty stomach when you sleep so your liver can do its work releasing stored fats and repairing tissues and giving toxins the boot. You lose all of that great stuff when you snack.