Thursday, August 21, 2008

Tick-Tock: the Heart of the House


The pendulum of a German Arts & Crafts wall clock at The Bunny Bungalow
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An old pendulum clock in the house is like a heartbeat: the sound of its tick-tock has a comforting rhythm; counting its chimes has a calming effect. It's predictable and reassuring unlike many events in our daily lives. It's as soothing as a mother's heartbeat is to her own baby.


Note: The R & A on the pendulum are generally thought to stand for "retard" and "advance," as the nut beneath these letters is used to adjust the movement so the clock keeps the correct time. The first pendulum clock was designed and built by a Dutch scientist, Christiaan Huygens, in 1656.

Also Note: Tall Husband had to take the mechanism apart and repair our clock, though we had been assured when we purchased it that it was in good working order. He insists that it was not a clock but rather a "clock kit." It now keeps perfect time. Our bungalow has a healthy heartbeat.

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