07 02 2010

Any other grandparents reading this post will realise the full import of the suitcases above..... indeed the arrival of grandchildren for a 'sleep over' . We love our grandchildren dearly however it still requires a check-over of the house to ensure that they will remain safe and in my case that there isn't too much 'tech stuff' lying around as there is usually!

I have also added a few pictures of our four year old's art work which has become controlled and recognisable over the past month since her fourth birthday.

It is fascinating watching the development in drawing, writing and speech of the little ones!

06 02 2010

It has been quite a horological few days for me, on my main blog I posted on the fabulous 'Bulbdial Clock' yesterday having come across in current UK issue of WIRED magazine. On a visit to my parents house today I was talking to them about how this love of 'time pieces began for me way back in 1975 ( when I was 18) when my father bought the kit version of the Sinclair Black digital watch, I can still recall the care with which he put it together. It actually worked for a while before it became somewhat erratic and eventually became consigned to a draw...... Mum even believes that it still in a draw and I firmly believe that on my next visit it may yet emerge. It is possible that this Sinclair experience led to my first computer purchase of a ZX81 ( 8192-byte ROM, and either one 1024-byte RAM chip, or two 1024x4 bit RAM chips.) which went to college with me in 1981 - not quite up to even a modern day non smart phone!

Back to the clocks - above and below is a clock which is still at my parents house - I have been doing some research this evening and believe that it may be an example of a Charles Féry or perhaps a Brillié clock from the early 20th Century. It was acquired by my grandfather Robert Stanley Harrington during his time with the Post Office following the Second World War with a view to restoring it..... never quite achieved.

The clock is driven by a very large cylindrical battery ( missing) this power source drives the pendulum which is made of wound copper wire. The movement of the pendulum powers a ratchet mechanism which can be seen through the centre of the clock face above and this drives the hands of the clock.

If anyone out there knows any more about this type of clock please do get in touch Dad and I would be very interested to find out some more about it and others like it.

06 02 2010

Coming to the IB next Wednesday 10th February 'Salsa'........ for beginners! Looking at the requirements I believe that I will qualify, I certainly do have two left feet!!!! The event is another from the IB Social Committee (SOCCOM).

Today the IB in Cardiff held a 'Coffee Morning' in aid of the DEC Appeal for Haiti. These events have become legendary for their amazingly wonderful cakes and biscuits( all made by staff) the event today raised in excess of GBP £800 which was an amazing total well done to all who were involved in the organisation of the event. Coming soon 'Chinese New Year' lunch, where staff will again bring in their own dishes for the wider community to sample ( yum!!!!).

It is a busy time in Cardiff at the moment with many visiting teachers in over this weekend and coming weeks as curriculum development and examination paper setting gets into swing ahead of the May session examinations.

04 02 2010

Back on form today, we have had a possible explanation for our headaches this week. Our next door neighbour's had the fire brigade around this morning following a carbon monoxide scare from their new woodburner! It might just be coincidence but you never know....must buy a carbon monoxide alarm.

03 02 2010

I sincerely hope that there won't be too many days like today when a migraine hits.......normal service will be resumed tomorrow!

02 02 2010

The main focus of the blog today is a book I must finish readingit is Lt. General Romeo Dallaire's "Shake hands with the devil". Lt Gen Dallaire was the UN force commander for the troubled Rwanda from July 1993 to September 1994 through the worst of the atrocities. He spoke eloquently at the 2009 IBA Conference in Quebec. ......I am determined to finish reading this difficult and troubling book before the end of February.

01 02 2010

Today 01 02 2010 is a palindrome day for UK readers. It was also the day I helped my daughter Sian and Aussie boyfriend Paddy move up to their new flat next to the Thames in Fulham. The view below is only 10 metres from their front door and looking North, in the distance is Hammersmith Bridge - great positioning for the University Boat Race which starts just downstream at Putney Bridge.

Below are the new residents in Millshott Close.

Bonus, I was home in time for programme one of the new series of The Gadget Show on Channel 5 (UK ) - result!