Clock Bellow Tops

 

BLACK FOREST CUCKOO CLOCK COMPLETE WORKING    US $59.99

German Black Forest 1 Day Mechanical Cuckoo Clock    US $139.00

MUSICAL CUCKOO CLOCK GERMANY BIRDS NEST 3 WEIGHTS    US $90.00

German Black Forest 1 Day Cuckoo Clock    US $139.00

Original Cuckoo Clock MFG Vibrant Petite Wall Cuckoo    US $169.00

German Musical Cuckoo Clock Original CompleteServiced    US $189.00

ALL ORIGINAL NEW ENGLAND 8 DAY CUCKOO NEAR MINT RARE    US $145.00

Regula Black Forest Cuckoo Clock w Music Box Carousel    US $209.00

Black Forest Germany Cuckoo Clock Eight Day Dancers NEW    US $655.90

Black Forest 8 Day Cuckoo Clock    US $219.00

Special Operations Warriors Foundation Cuckoo Clock    US $1,500.00

Black Forest Cuckoo Clock 1 Day Fisherman    US $299.00

REBUILT REGULA 35 CUCKOO CLOCK MOVEMENT not parts    US $109.99

REBUILT REGULA 34 CUCKOO CLOCK 195cm MOVEMENT parts    US $99.99

GERMAN BLACK FOREST CUCKOO CLOCK FLAPPING WINGS CUCKOO    US $199.00

Black Forest 8 Day Cuckoo Clock with Wood Weights    US $269.00

Black Forest cuckoo clock 70 9 22cm 8    US $279.95

REBUILT REGULA 34 CUCKOO CLOCK 235cm MOVEMENT parts    US $99.99

REBUILT REGULA 25 CUCKOO CLOCK MOVEMENT not parts    US $99.99

FORESTVILLE Vintage CUCKOO CLOCK German BLACK FOREST    US $198.00

Vintage Cuckoo Clock w Deer Bird Rabbit Germany NICE    US $154.00

REBUILT 1 DAY CUCKOO CLOCK MOVEMENT not parts    US $89.99

Black Forest 8 Day Cuckoo Clock with Painted Flowers    US $255.00

Usec Cockoo Clock    US $125.00

HUGE LARGE GERMAN QUAIL CUCKOO CLOCK 2 BIRDS CA1890    US $800.00

Baroque German 8 day weight pendulum clock    US $1,290.00

Shield Clock Cuckoo 8 day weight pendulum clock    US $1,290.00

Carved Vineyard German 8 Day Cuckoo Clock    US $490.00

SCHMECKENBECHER RAGULA Cuckoo Clocks Need Serviced    US $95.00

Vintage Regula Black Forest Cuckoo Clock VGC EC    US $70.00

Petite Weight Driven Black Forest Cuckoo Clock Original    US $115.00

BLACK FOREST GEBRUDER KUNER TRAIN STATION CUCKOO CLOCK    US $159.00

REBUILT HUBERT HERR 1 DAY CUCKOO CLOCK MOVEMENT parts    US $99.99

Antique GIANT 25 CUCKOO CLOCK Made In Germany 2 Bird    US $163.00

Vintage 1970 HERR German Cuckoo Clock Black Forest    US $74.99

RARE OLD LARGE BLACK FOREST SIGNED 8 DAY CUCKOO CLOCK    US $60.00

Jaeger LeCoultre Atomos Mantel Clock    US $295.00

22 Great Things About Ez Money Making

1. You are your own boss you don't gotta worry about some jerk boss telling you what you do at all time.

2. Be on your own clock. Not any one else clock.

3. No more waking up to an annoying alarm clock. You can sleep as late as you like.

4. Save lots of money on gas by not having to commute to work every day you would work in your pajamas for all I care.

5. You don't have to spend anytime away from your home.

6. You don't have to worry about expenses.

7. You don't have to have any training what so ever.

8. You don't have to waist you life away working to make someone else money.

9. You are in control of your vacation time, you don't have to worry about any restriction. You control it all.

10. You never again have to spend time away from your family. You can provide and care for them all at once.

11.No more being told what to do. You are in charge.

12.Not only can you work from home but you can work anywhere you would like to.

13.You finally have a jog that gives you all the freedom you want.

14. You are can spend as much time with your family that you want.

15. You can get an income that will give you more money that you need.

16.You can travel when ever you want no matter where it is.

17. You can actually do something that you will enjoy and make and honest living.

18. You can easily make as much if not more then a doctor makes.

19. Not only will it be extremely easy but it actually works

20. You only have to work a couple hours a day.

21. You can make money wither you are working or not like an automated income.

22. You get to start to make money right away. No matter how much money you need.

Does this sound too good to be true? Well to almost everybody this is true. And this is the reason why I am making over a thousand dollars a day and I am only 18. And I am taking 18 credit hours in college. I definitely know that I am the richest kid my age around here that actually worked for all of my money.

Now if you are interested in completely changing your life around to benefit you in each and every way I suggest you click the link bellow not only will it take you to actual videos of whats happening and how to start doing it yourself.

If you don't believe me just check it out what do you have to loose?

If you're serious about making money, or just want a little something on the side then hit the link bellow.

http://laxermoney.com

About the Author

If you're serious about making money, or just want a little something on the side then hit the link bellow.

http://laxermoney.com

Clock Germany

What are some facts about the World's Largest Cuckoo Clocks in Germany?

The Black Forest is beside the Bavarian Forest the largest low mountain range of Germany. It is particularly famous for its expanded forests, valleys, little cities and nature-left rivers. Almost each village is an air health resort. But not only the environment gives the Black Forest its fascination – it´s one product that made this area so famous: the Black Forest Cuckoo Clock. see link for more details...www.cuckooclockworld.com/blackforest.htm

Record
Of the largest cuckoo clocks in the world, four of them are located in the Black Forest of Germany; in Höllsteig (Breitnau), Niederwasser (Hornberg), Schonach and Schonachbach (near Triberg). Another one is located in central Germany, specifically in Gernrode (where the "World's Largest Chocolate Cuckoo Clock" was made in 2006) and finally two of them are situated in the west of the country; in Sankt Goar where the world's largest free-hanging cuckoo clock is located and in Wiesbaden.

In America four of them exist as well, two are placed in the United States, in Frankenmuth, Michigan and Wilmot, Ohio, the other two are in Eduardo Castex and Villa Carlos Paz, both in Argentina.

Lastly in Japan, on the island of Hokkaidō, there is another one in Onneyu. Some of them have been awarded with the title of "World's Largest Cuckoo Clock" by the Guinness World Records.

As for the largest indoor cuckoo clocks, in 1986 the now-defunct manufacturer Dold built a custom clock for Champ's Clock Shop in Douglasville, Georgia, a bit smaller is the one currently manufactured by the Anton Schneider company. The smallest cuckoo clock in the world is made by the firm Hubert Herr.

Perched on the Deutsche Uhrenstrasse (German Clock Route), Schonach is home to Clock Park Eble, which you can't miss. Visitors can buy their own smaller version of the carved clock, or arrange to tour one of the nearby clock-making workshops to see the masters of the traditional craft at work.

 

Chelsea Clock Co 4 1 2 Custom Mahogony Display Base    US $150.00

Chelsea 1966 8 Inch US Navy Ships Clock A Find    US $72.50

Kassel Black Forest Cuckoo Clock Made In Germany NEW    US $146.50

Mauth Atlanta Zodiac Motif desk wall clock Germany    US $74.57

AN NICE LOOKING QUAIL CUCKOO CLOCK    US $500.00

Royal Bonn Germany Clock Ansonia Movement Hand Painted    US $500.00

ITALIAN PORCELAIN 3 PC CLOCK CANDELABRA SET GREEN $2400    US $634.99

ITALIAN PORCELAIN 3 PC CLOCK CANDELABRA SET BLUE $2400    US $634.99

Antique grandfather clock Germany 1890s 1900s    US $61.00

WATERFORD CRYSTAL GERMANY CLOCK BRAND NEW BOX PAPERWORK    US $149.99

Vintage Hubert Herr Clock Cuckoo Quail Restored    US $154.01

Antique German Chain Weight Brass Copper Wall Clock    US $229.99

LCHATZ CLOCK MADE IN JAHRESUHRENFABRIX GERMANY 49    US $99.99

Schatz Original 400 Day Clock from Germany Model 11003    US $75.00

Seth Thomas 1938 Ships Bell 4 Ships Bell Clock    US $57.50

CUCKOO CLOCK Black Forest MADE IN GERMANY    US $93.00

NEW Braun AB314 sl Travel Alarm Clock Made in Germany    US $96.00

J Kaiser 400 day Universe Clock    US $102.50

Old Black Forest Cuokoo Clock    US $72.00

SUHR SCOTTIE DOG ROLLING EYES CLOCK OSWALD GERMANY    US $114.00

OLD WALL CLOCK COMTOISE CLOCK LOUIS JAQUINE ST ETIENNE    US $152.50

HERMLE MANTLE CLOCK WITH KEY    US $200.00

Original Quarter Call Cuckoo Clock with 1day movement    US $59.95

HOWARD MILLER 612 436 CLOCK    US $550.00

Hamilton Tempus Fugit Mantel Shelf Clock Wind Up Key    US $99.99

BLACK FOREST CUCKOO CLOCK COMPLETE WORKING    US $59.99

scarce antique comic mechanical monkey alarm clock    US $85.00

Phillip Haas Sons Black Forest Teutonia Cottage Clock    US $98.95

Vintage SCHATZ 400 Day ANNIVERSARY Glass Dome CLOCK    US $89.95

Vintage 76 W Haid Westminster Chimes Mantel Clock    US $79.95

Antique R Schneckenburger Wall Clock approx 1890    US $321.95

Vintage Schatz 1000 Day Anniversary Clock    US $89.95

ANTIQUE GERMAN BLACK FOREST WALL CLOCK WITH BUCKHEAD    US $106.50

Black Forest Cuckoo Clock By Kassel    US $108.00

CUCKCOO CLOCK OOMPAH BAND PLAYS AND DANCERS MUSIC    US $1,300.00

RARE ANTIQUE J OSWALD ROLLING EYE NOVELTY DOGGY CLOCK    US $172.50

Chelsea 1977 8 1 2 Inch 12 24 Hour Ships Clock A Find    US $64.00

Seth Thomas 1940 US Marine Corps Ships Clock    US $77.50

Seth Thomas Banjo Clock Good running Keep time well    US $129.99

VINTAGE GERMAN DECO REGULATOR WALL CLOCK STAINED GLASS    US $480.00

Chelsea 1910 Brass BOSTON Boat Clock A Find    US $97.50

Chelsea 1943 Radio Room Ships Clock    US $331.00

1890s Gustav Becker Mantle Clock    US $700.00

Hermle Mantle Clock Never Used    US $250.00

AWESOME Antique inlaid cuckoo clock Black Forest    US $224.72

2 GERMAN KUNDO 400 DAY ANTIQUE MANTEL CLOCKS EXCELLENT    US $72.00

KUNDO CLOCK WORLD TIMES VINTAGE MID CENTURY Germany    US $59.00

Atomic Clock Systems

An atomic clock provides an extremely accurate source of time. There are various types of atomic clock, mostly found in laboratories: Caesium Clocks; Hydrogen Clocks; and Rubidium Clocks. Most commercially available atomic clock time synchronisation systems utilise a radio or GPS time signal that is linked to an accurate time reference. In this manner a highly accurate source of time is readily available to everyday users, without the expense of installing highly expensive and complex equipment.

This article provides an overview of atomic clock systems with particular emphasis on their use with NTP server systems for PC and computer network time synchronisation.

Radio Atomic Clock Time References

Radio time transmissions such as the MSF-60 (UK), DCF-77 (Germany) and WWVB (US) time signals broadcast highly accurate time information from a radio transmitter. The time transmissions are derived from an atomic clock time reference, and can be received by timing equipment with a low-cost radio receiver. The MSF-60 radio signal is transmitted from Rugby in the United Kingdom with coverage of the whole of the British Isles and much of North-Western Europe. The DCF-77 time signal is transmitted from Frankfurt, Germany, and covers most of Central Europe. While the WWVB signal is transmitted from Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.

MSF-60 Time Transmission

The MSF-60 time signal is a long wave radio time signal broadcast at 60kHz from Rugby in the UK. The radio signal is maintained by BT Engineering Services. The MSF-60 time signal is generated from extremely accurate atomic clocks located at the National Physics Laboratory (NPL). When decoded, it provides a highly accurate timing reference for NTP servers, reference clocks and other computer timing equipment.

DCF-77 Time Transmission

The DCF-77 time signal is a long-wave radio time signal broadcast at 77.5kHz from Mainflingen, near Frankfurt, Germany. The radio signal is maintained by T-Systems, a sub-division of Deuche Telecom, and has been in operation since 1959. The DCF-77 signal is generated from extremely accurate atomic clocks located at the German National Physics Laboratory. When decoded, it provides a highly accurate timing reference for clocks and computer timing equipment.

WWVB Time Transmission

The WWVB time signal continuously broadcasts time and frequency signals at 60 kHz from Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. The time reference is maintained by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. WWVB has provided continuous time and frequency broadcasts since 1962. The signal provides a timing reference with an accuracy of less than 100 microseconds.

GPS Atomic Clock Time Reference

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a US military system for worldwide navigation. The system consists of 24 orbiting satellites, each satellite has a highly accurate atomic clock on-board synchronised to UTC time. The satellites continuously broadcast time and position information. The time and position information can be obtained worldwide with a GPS receiver and antenna. GPS works continuously in any whether conditions, anywhere in the world. Additionally, there is no set up fee or subscription charges to utilise the GPS systems. Many computer timing systems and NTP Server systems utilise GPS as an accurate external timing reference. GPS timing is generally much more accurate than radio based timing references.

Computer Time Synchronisation

Accurate computer time synchronisation can be achieved by combining a GPS or Radio timing receiver with a RS232 or USB interface. Software drivers can then be installed on the host PC to obtain accurate time and synchronise the host PC’s system time. Most PC operating systems can be synchronised, including Microsoft Windows 2000, 2003 and XP, LINUX, UNIX and Novell. In many cases, the host PC’s system time can be synchronised to within a few microseconds of the correct time.

Network Time Synchronisation

The standard protocol for achieving computer network time synchronisation is the Network Time Protocol (NTP). NTP is the standard way of distributing time around the Internet and other networks. Stratum 1 NTP servers obtain time from an external timing reference, such as GPS, MSF-60, DCF-77 or WWVB. The external time reference is then used to synchronise the NTP server system time. The synchronised system time is then used by the NTP Server to distribute accurate time to network time clients over an IP network. NTP operates in a hierarchical manner; lower stratum NTP servers obtain time from higher stratum devices.

NTP server systems can synchronise to within a few microseconds of the correct time. Depending on network traffic, NTP time clients can synchronise to within a few milliseconds of a NTP server.

About the Author

Dave Evans develops atomic clock time synchronisation systems to ensure accurate time on PC’s and computer networks. Click here to find out more about GPS NTP Server and Atomic Clock systems.

Thomas Clock

Help with the Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix game for the Wii?

I've been playing the Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix game for the Wii and i'm stuck. I'm at the part where they are trying to annoy Umbridge and Harry is helping Dean Thomas with screwing up the clock, so her lessons are not at the right time. I can't figure out where Dean wants me to put the wheels (cogs) after you use Wingardium Leviosa to take them down. If someone knows what i'm talking about and could help that would be great. I would need some detail of what to do

www.gamefaq.com
this site should help u

 

CHINA wood mantle parlor chime 8 day clock antique 17    US $69.00

Seth Thomas Mantle Clock    US $295.00

Seth Thomas Art Deco Mantel Clock AS IS    US $110.00

Seth Thomas city series Omaha    US $76.00

SETH THOMAS Westminster Keywound MANTLE Clock    US $250.00

Antique Seth Thomas Adamantine Clock Egyptian Lions    US $79.99

ANTIQUE NAUTIICAL STEEPLE MANTLE CLOCK    US $99.99

RARE ANTIQUE 1915 SETH THOMAS CLOCK W SPECIAL MOVEMENT    US $89.99

Seth Thomas antique mantle clock    US $199.99

1909 Seth Thomas Elect 8 day Clock 89H    US $299.00

Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime Clock No 14 Ca 1911    US $1,187.00

antique seth thomas chiming clocks    US $1,000.00

SETH THOMAS SHIPS OR LOCOMOTIVE CLOCK    US $69.99

SETH THOMAS WESTMINSTER CHIMES CLOCK A401 003    US $65.00

Antique Santa Fe Railway System Wall Clock    US $3,000.00

Seth Thomas 1938 Ships Bell 4 Ships Bell Clock    US $57.50

Seth Thomas Shelf Clock ca1886 Thomaston ALL ORIGINAL    US $59.99

VINTAGE STARBURST SUNBURST ATOMIC EAMES ERA WALL CLOCK    US $202.50

SETH THOMAS MANTEL    US $91.00

ANTIQUE SETH THOMAS CHIME CLOCK    US $99.99

Seth Thomas Reg No 2 Weight Clock Mahogney Case    US $811.99

SETH THOMAS SONORA FIVE BELL CHIME MANTEL CLOCK    US $233.50

Seth Thomas clock co 1880 mantel clock 95 G    US $100.00

SETH THOMAS CORSAIR SHIPS CLOCK AND BAROMETER ON STAND    US $66.00

Seth Thomas Adamitine Clock    US $66.00

Rare Seth Thomas mod LODGE novelty clock metal case    US $120.00

ANTIQUE C 1835 TRIPLE DECKER CLOCK    US $167.50

Danish Modern Mid Century Atomic Starburst Wall Clock    US $84.99

Antique Seth Thomas Mantel Clock 89    US $350.00

Old Antique Seth Thomas Regulator No 2 Wall Clock    US $775.95

Antique Seth Thomas Philosopher Open Escapement Clock    US $469.95

Antique Seth Thomas Kitchen Clock w Brass Pendulum    US $78.95

ANTIQUE SETH THOMAS GREEN ADAMANTINE MANTEL CLOCK AS IS    US $68.00

Antique Seth Thomas 8 Day Spring Column Clock w Mirror    US $249.99

Vintage Wall Seth Thomas Eclipse Ball Hanging Clock    US $289.95

Vintage Shelf Seth Thomas Dome Round Top Mantel Clock    US $89.95

Old Seth Thomas Beijing City Series Mantle Clock    US $249.00

Vintage Seth Thomas Brass Navy Ships Clock    US $229.95

Large Howard Miller Clock1050 020 Movement 8 Hammers    US $299.99

Huge Lot Clock Parts Motors Cases Gears Steampunk    US $3,500.00

RARE Antique Seth Thomas Clock Column Shelf VGC    US $128.50

Seth Thomas 1940 US Marine Corps Ships Clock    US $77.50

Seth Thomas Banjo Clock Good running Keep time well    US $129.99

Mantel Clock Seth Thomas Adamantine Label 295 D C1906L    US $179.99

Seth Thomas O Gee Shelf Clock Runs Early 1800s    US $75.00

Chelsea 1943 Radio Room Ships Clock    US $331.00

Antique Seth Thomas Adamantine Windup Mantle Clock    US $249.95

Alarm Clocks : Can They Survive The Challenge Of Cell Phone Alarms?

Some may hate alarm clocks, but the vast majority of people could not live their lives without them. They are necessary for people to structure their lives, and thus the proper functioning of society.

Alarm clocks have not always been a necessity though. Not so long ago, most people did not have access to clocks, never mind alarm clocks. The first mechanical clocks in Europe only appeared in the 14th century, and it was not until the 1600s that the first household clocks, sometimes with alarms, came into use.

Even then they were still relatively rare, and it took until the 1870s before bedside alarms really started to become popular. Those early mechanical alarm clocks have evolved into the electronic devices of today. For example, the first electronic snooze alarms hit the market in 1959. Other less successful ideas, such an alarm that woke people by pulling on their big toes, were also tried.

People can now choose from a wide array of alarms that offer a lot more styles and features. Popular alarm clock features these days include...

- Battery backups to ensure they still work in power outages.

- One-touch timers that allow users to set the clock to give them a reminder to go to sleep to in the evenings (and not just wake them up).

- The ability to set and save multiple alarm times.

- Remote controls so that the alarm can be turned off from a distance.

One significant change in recent years has been the addition of the capability to attach iPods and other types of MP3 players to alarm clocks. With so many things that can be downloaded online and put into a MP3 player, it is now possible for people to wake up to sounds of their favorite artists and bands. In spite of all their new functions and features though, the traditional alarm clock has actually been on the decline in recent years.

The reason lies primarily in the proliferation of cell phones in recent years. People are very familiar with, and attached to, their cell phones, and many do not see the reason to have another electronic device in their lives even if alarm clocks offer more features. Surveys show an increasing number of people ditching their alarm clocks and using their cell phones to wake them up.

Even so, there is no reason to expect the alarm clock to go the way of the dinosaur any time soon. As well as those who rely solely on traditional alarm clocks, there is a sizeable amount of people who like to have one at hand as a back-up, as cell phone batteries last just a day or two, and their boss has had the

About the Author

For information on modern alarm clocks that make waking up as pleasant as possible, visit 'Bose Alarm Clock', where you can learn about Bose alarm clocks and alarm clock features.

Clock Westminster

Westminster Clock?

does anyone know how to disable the clock from chiming

ask Parliament.!!

 

SETH THOMAS Westminster Keywound MANTLE Clock    US $250.00

New Haven Westminster Chime Mantel Clock    US $99.99

Howard Miller Mantel Clock Model 630 161NEW    US $349.99

Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime Clock No 14 Ca 1911    US $1,187.00

Howard Miller Large Regulator Clock 612533 Hermle movt    US $79.95

Sligh Clock Movement Pendulum Face Weights Parts    US $365.00

SETH THOMAS WESTMINSTER CHIMES CLOCK A401 003    US $65.00

Pennsylvania House Regulator Wall Clock SPECIAL EDITION    US $149.00

Vintage Revere Westminster Chime Telecron Clock    US $59.95

Vintage 76 W Haid Westminster Chimes Mantel Clock    US $79.95

Sessions Self starting Westminster Chime Electric Clock    US $69.95

NEW Top Quality Wood Traditional Wall Clock Westminster    US $129.99

NEW Wood Napoleon Table Mantel Shelf Clock Chimes GIFT    US $89.99

Large Howard Miller Clock1050 020 Movement 8 Hammers    US $299.99

france westminster chiming mantel clock alsace    US $131.50

JUNGHANS WESTMINSTER CHIMING MANTEL CLOCK    US $122.50

SETH THOMAS CHIME 93 ANTIQUE WESTMINSTER CHIMES CLOCK    US $290.00

ANTIQUE NEW HAVEN WESTMINSTER CHIME CLOCK    US $99.99

F W Elliott London Asian Theme Westminster Whittington    US $299.99

ANTIQUE SETH THOMAS WESTMINSTER CHIME CLOCK    US $99.99

Howard Miller Lynton Mantel Clock 613 182    US $133.00

Vintage Seth Thomas Carriage Mantel Clock w Chime NICE    US $89.89

German JSGUS Oak Tall Case Grandfather Clock    US $1,200.00

Howard Miller Lambourn I Wall Clock 620 220    US $100.00

New Howard Miller Carly Mantel Clock 635 132    US $63.00

Howard Miller Mantel Clock 613 180    US $114.00

Howard Miller 625 468 Continental Wall Clock by    US $183.15

Antique Vintage Smith Empire Shelf Mantle Clock Chimes    US $125.00

MID CENTURY MODERN WESTMINSTER MANTEL CLOCK ROLLS ANCRE    US $370.00

ANTIQUE JAPY FRERES ALARM CLOCK RARE ROSKOPF    US $96.00

GUSTAV BECKER MINI ALARM CLOCK XIX CENTURY MASTERPIECE    US $599.00

MANTEL SHELF CLOCK FROM JUNGHANS NAPOLEON HAT SEE MOVIE    US $119.00

JUNGHANS SMILING GERMAN MANTLE CLOCK PENDULUM CHIMING    US $129.00

LADY JUNGHANS THE QUEEN OF ALL CHIMING CLOCKS SEE ALL    US $449.00

VINTAGE ORIGINAL MAUTHE WESTMINSTER MANTLE CLOCK EXC    US $260.00

Howard Miller Alcott Wall Clock Model 613229 w chime    US $299.00

MARSHALL FIELD Anniversary Mantel Clock by Hermle    US $359.99

New Howard Miller Thomas Tompion Mantel Clock 612 436    US $400.00

VEDETTE ART DECO WESTMINSTER CHIME FRENCH WALL CLOCK    US $240.00

REBUILT HERMLE 1051 030 45cm CLOCK MOVEMENT not parts    US $159.99

SETH THOMAS ANTIQUE MANTLE CLOCK WESTMINSTER ORIGINAL    US $128.95

RARE ANTIQUE RIDGEWAY WALL CLOCK SOLID OAK CASE GERMANY    US $174.99

Howard Miller Mantle Clock 940 020    US $90.00

howard miller model 612 436    US $240.00

WONDERFUL CARRIAGE ALARM CLOCK FROM JUNGHANS y1910    US $98.00

Seth Thomas Sonora chime shelf clock    US $400.00

Vintage Seth Thomas Westminster Chime Art Deco Clock    US $100.00

Clock Cherubs

 

ansonia mantle clock    US $125.00

Jules Foissey wall clock RARE Mary and Jesus Bronze GLD    US $500.00

Antique Morbier Comtoise French Wall Clock Wag on Wall    US $350.00

Antique Ansonia Denis Papin Statue Clock c1894 NR Nice    US $330.00

Cherub Mantel Clock    US $79.99

large antique black forest mantle clock    US $100.01

Baroque style ceramic w Narco W Germany clock cherubs    US $65.00

BRASS MARBE FRENCH MANTEL CLOCK WATERBURY CO    US $399.99

Japy Freres French Porcelain Antique Mantel Clock    US $400.00

Baroque Cherub Clock    US $115.00

3 PC MANTEL CLOCK CANDELABRA SET MARBLE BRONZE BRASS    US $1,099.00

Gilbert Carved Wood Case Key Wind Calender Mantle Clock    US $380.00

vintage cherub mantle clock    US $499.00

Imperial Clock by Brevettato    US $200.00

SEVRES STYLE PORCELAIN BRONZE MOUNTED FRENCH CLOCK    US $1,250.00

Antique1882 Ansonia Gild Iron Brass Cherub Mantle Clock    US $245.99

Beautiful Cupid Mirrorside 8 Day Parlor Clock    US $100.99

1906 ART NOUVEAU CHERUB CLOCK MANTEL GILBERT BRASS GIRL    US $299.99

Antique French Gilt brass Clock set garniture 19th C    US $2,500.00

NOUVEAU CHERUB NOVELTY CLOCK PORCELAIN DIAL GILDED    US $155.00

RARE THE LARGEST WARMINK 2 WGT ZAANDAM WALL CLOCK    US $595.00

BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUE STYLE FRENCH BAROQUE CHERUB CLOCK    US $69.99

1700s Steel Plate Crown Escapement Clock    US $1,400.00

Antique Gilbert Clock w Angel Cherub    US $82.89

Victorian stl JEWELED Battery Mantel Clock Cherub Putti    US $99.99

F KROEBER GILDED ORMALU CHERUB IRON CLOCK C1870    US $895.00

French PH MOUREY SEVRES Porcelain Clock Candelabra Set    US $2,995.00

ANTIQUE SPELTER BRASS CHERUB CLOCK C1900 ORNATE DETAILS    US $250.00

Absolutely stunning Ansonia 3 piece clock set    US $455.00

Antique 1885 Figural Cherub Bronze Mantle Clock WORKS    US $1,550.00

BEAUTIFUL ART NOUVEAU LADY CHERUBS FLOWING DESK CLOCK    US $225.00

1906 MODEL 600 CAST IRON CLOCK 17 T X 12 W    US $99.99

German Selfix Jewelled Art Nouveau cherub cast clock    US $125.00

Louis XV styleDore bronzeGrandfather Clock Royalty    US $17,430.00

Metal Coach 4 Horses Mantel Electric Clock United    US $109.99

Clock    US $950.00

Antique French Bronze SEVRES Porcelain Clock w Putto    US $1,800.00

French LPJapy Cartel Wall Clock Demon Lions Cherubs    US $2,450.00

Victorian stl JEWELED Figural Mantel Clock Cherub Putti    US $125.00

Platform Miniature Table Clock With Key    US $1,300.00

Sterling Embossed Miniature Grandfather Clock    US $2,900.00

Early Verge Fusee in a Silver Mini Grandfather Clock    US $2,300.00

Amazing Silver Embossed Grandfather Miniature Clock    US $3,300.00

Brass Cherub Cutaway New Haven Desk Clock    US $375.00

MAJESTIC BAROQUE CHERUB ANGEL SHELF MANTEL CLOCK DECOR    US $173.39

Old LARGE Exquisite NEW HAVEN CHERUB Art Nouveau CLOCK    US $264.99

Antique Lanshire Porcelain CHERUB Mantle CLOCK Old    US $65.00

A Week in the Life of the Single Working Mother

A Week in the Life of the Single, Working Mother

“It’s ok,” you think. “Nothing to worry about, really!”  I mean who doesn’t occasionally put their panties on inside out?  It can happen! The cottage is relatively dark in the morning and the bathroom has no light in it, so even if you went to the toilet you wouldn’t have noticed. No problem there. But then you go to the bathroom at work for the umpteenth time in the morning (you suffer from a weak bladder) and only then do you notice, staring back at you from the mirror,  a moron who is wearing two different types of earrings! Not two similar earrings, that may be understandable, but two totally different decorations. “Are those warning bells?” I think, listening intently.  “Or is that just the sound of me losing my mind”. I stride back into the office, laughing – you must do this in these situations -  and tell everyone the story. It’s funny, really, I mean, who doesn’t occasionally put two different earrings in their lobes?

All might have been well if I hadn’t remembered the keys! “Try to forget the key story!” I tell myself.  But no, a nagging imp-like, pest of a voice insists that I remember the keys. So, warily I cast my mind back to this morning’s debacle.  On leaving the cottage this morning, I absolutely know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I looked at the keys on their hook. I removed them from said hook and walked up to my car with three of my four children. Imagine my frustration and absolute impatience (I’m very impatient with ineptitude), when I couldn’t find the keys. This followed having to squeeze into my car (it was parked too close to my brother’s car), loaded with bags, trying to balance on my high heels that kept sinking into the soft earth. The keys! I just could’nt find the blasted things! We all looked, all four of us, while I muttered all the while that I definitely took them off the hook. Jarred, my nineteen year old, decided, very quietly, not to believe me, and wandered off to the cottage. He reappeared shortly after, keys in hand. Had I dropped them on the way? Did I put them down after picking them up? No, nothing that simple. I was flabbergasted to discover that they were still, in fact, hanging on the hook. Those damned fairies. Jarred knew better than to comment.

 My doctor says I’m stressed. My therapist says “Duh”! So, I decided that I would look at a week in my life and try to discover if I am indeed stressed, tired, overworked and hence abnormally distracted!

A week! How do you determine a week? My life seems to run from one chaotic moment to the next, forming hours, days, weeks and years. My absent-mindedness began on a Friday so I decided to capture my week beginning with the previous Sunday.

This week began relatively normally on Sunday evening when my eleven year old realized that he hadn’t completed his project that had been due for the previous Thursday. Nothing too complicated, just a moving greeting card! No need to panic, especially as he also had to look for every letter of the alphabet (in differing fonts and sizes), and stick them onto a piece of paper.  Ok, so I panic a little! Who wouldn’t?  Try finding a “Q” or a “J”. The card is cut out, his cricket players look like aliens and the family is in fits of laughter while my seven year old daughter draws something of a Rembrandt version of his picture (she is very bright). He doesn’t mind, just shrugs and continues to be glued to the TV, while I bellow, “Homework! Vincent, your homework!”

This situation could, in itself, be bearable but for that fact that it is happening at 6.30pm. This is the beginning of hell night. It is bath time accompanied by more bellows, “Get in the bath! Vincent, bath water! Katie, GET IN THE BATH!” It is school lunch time, but more on that later. It is uniform preparation time and goodness knows what else. There is always something of great significance that pops up out of nowhere to cause chaos and disorder.  There is also supper. After a huge lunch of prawns and rice the little angels are hungry. I’m not hungry! So I throw chicken pieces, covered with tinned tomatoes into the oven and put on a pot of rice.  I am functioning on three planes. My friend is there for a visit with biscuits, dips and wine – very sophisticated, my kids are between nakedness and pyjamas – very bohemian, my food is slowly overcooking and I am trying to engineer a moving cricket bat that will hit a ball across a card. As I’m sure I’ve mentioned, there is absolutely no need to panic – much! The kids end up going to bed halfway through the E-TV movie which, of course, is too late! I am a failure of a mother!

By 9.30pm, school uniforms are ready, hanging over chairs but sandwiches must be made. I usually make amazing lunches but tonight there is no bread. If there was bread there would be no filling. I am, however, supermom, and I have a plan! Tuckshop! Godsend! Tomorrow I will make that new sandwich filling : sweet corn, tuna and mayonnaise. The kids are already moaning about that one. I tell them that they have to broaden their horizons! Then I get “make us an extra sandwich, in case we don’t like that one”. My kids, the connoisseurs! Tuna - not good enough.  Ham – only fine alone, no mayonnaise or, for Katie and Jarred, with mustard. Vince wants salami, no mayonnaise. I tried pilchards and cucumber. My little ones tried to be kind saying,  “Mom, we didn’t really like the lunch today”. Jarred said it was wonderful but he that he couldn’t take it to Varsity anymore because : “It STINKS!” How subtle! One day they love chocolate spread, the next they don’t. One of them, can’t remember which, hates cheese spread but my twenty-two year old could live on it.  One loves peanut butter, the other shudders at the thought. The only thing I seem to get spot on are the chocolates and sweets that I provide.  Jarred won’t eat those though! He’s trying to diet!

Monday morning dawns and I have to drag myself out of bed at 6.30 after I’ve changed the alarm setting twice. I realize that I’m playing with fire as Jarred must be at University by eight and we have to drop the little ones off first. He will be furious if he realizes how late we got up. Little ones don uniforms (this takes about half an hour – no idea why), with me shouting about how they should stop dawdling and have breakfast. Needless to say, they suck down their cocoa pops while big brother rants about how late he’s going to be. I decide that I can’t possible make it to work. My neck is in agony, I am exhausted and constipated and signs of haemorrhoids are beginning to emerge.  My boss will spontaneously combust as she has told me that today I am getting a written warning for a mistake made on Friday.  Could my physical symptoms be psychosomatic or am I merely skirting the threshold of severe and irreversible stress? I phone the office, make excuses to my colleague (it’s easier) and go to bed, after telephoning the doctor to make an appointment for my daughter and myself. Katie has been getting waves of extreme tiredness and I’m really worried. It’s never anything curable, when it’s your child, is it? The mind of a mother is a very frightening place sometimes.

Monday wears on. I fetch Katie and her friend from school at 1.00pm. We go home, relax a bit, read and I smoke hubbly bubbly, (it relaxes me, ok!). She has raided my purse because she wants a pie for lunch. I have no money save R40 in the car for petrol! Jarred has my card. Three fifteen p.m. and it’s time to fetch Vincent from cricket (back to the school I left  two hours previously). I give in and buy two pies and put twenty rand petrol into my car. We pick up Vincent, nearly get hit by a stray cricket ball and head off to the doctor for our 4.00pm appointment. The fun has just begun! Kaitlyn must have a blood test. Have you ever tried to hold down a ten foot, rabid, thrashing and peculiarly terrified Anaconda? I’m sure not but I think it would be a breeze!  It would certainly be easier than holding down a terrified, stubborn, bucking bronco of a seven year old. I won’t go into detail – it’s far too traumatic – but it played out like a scene from a Tarantino movie.  Three adults (all in various phases of shock) holding down a tiny child whilst one of the adults sticks a 10cm thick, 1 metre long needle into her arm and  proceeds to suck all the blood from her body. She, all the while, screaming “Mommy! Mommy! Please!”.  I tell you, if you have never felt like a heel before and have an odd desire to do so, I fully recommend this as the way to go about it.

In the midst of the screaming chaos, Jarred phones. “You can fetch me now”, he says nonchalantly. The little pulsing blood vessel in my temple seems to explode as I explain as calmly as possible, why he has to wait. Meanwhile, Vincent has disappeared to the toilet in the front of the doctor’s rooms. He does not emerge until the screaming, from the far end of the building has subsided! Once the torture is over, she is shaken but laughs as I joke about how strong she is and how hard she can kick. She is not the only one trembling. The doctor grins nervously at me saying that he knows it seems barbaric, but honestly, it has to be done. Then he rushes from the room. The nurse just fumbles for words and I sit there hugging my daughter until my heart decides to return to my chest.

It is now five o’clock and Jarred is waiting at the University in Parktown. I rush off, still shaken but trying to play it down and make jokes. Katie sits unusually quietly on the back seat. I hardly notice the hellish traffic, I can handle anything after the past hour. We get to Jarred and he, very foolishly, says : “Why do you make appointments at five when you know you’re fetching me?” Is it really necessary to explain or will my feral death stare suffice. It does! Katie revives and excitedly tells Jarred about her nightmare experience. In record time it becomes an adventure and by Wednesday I will be relieved to know that my baby is doing well and that she probably just has worms.

In the blur that is my life I make supper, get the children bathed, eat, sort out homework, uniforms and sandwiches. The ex-husband telephones the children and says something inane to Katie like : “If you go to bed early you won’t be so tired and need blood tests.” Although I contemplate smashing the cell phone against the wall, I realize that it is mine and so I pour myself another glass of wine! The quiet breathing of my sleeping children, the studious attitude of my middle son, and the comings and goings of my eldest make it all worthwhile – most of the time! Thank God Monday is over.

Tuesday begins much the same way with me pulling my comatose body from the sleeper couch (don’t ask). Today there is a cricket match for Vincent (he finishes at about 5.00), and netball and  P.E. for Katie. I am organized. All is well. The usual shouting routine ensues in a fast-forward blur and I appear, miraculously, at work. I am angry and defensive due to the fact that when my friend called for me at work on Monday, my boss told him that I was scared to come to work. Scared? Of work? I’m waiting for blood test results, if you really want to know what fear is! I am called into the “big boss’s” office. I am given the poor work performance lecture and am prepared to receive my letter of warning. I decide to completely ignore my boss - dislike her right now - pull myself together and try even harder at work.  I am so happy when my friend calls and says that I don’t have to do lift scheme and that Kate can play with “Scarlie” today. A breather!  Jarred, however, finishes early so I have to take him home and come back to work. What is it they say about no rest?

After work I fetch Katie from Scarlet (where she did her homework – whoopee) and Vincent from cricket.  I finally get the kids into the bath while I cook supper in the house (again, don’t ask).  It’s a rather difficult task as I have to keep running back to the cottage for the ingredients that I have forgotten.  I try to do this really quietly because if the bathing darlings hear me, I am yelled for. This usually happens when I’ve made it into the cottage undetected and am halfway back to the house, thinking how cleverly I have eluded them. The word, “MOM”, uttered very loudly, causes me to stop dead in my tracks. Like a secret agent I attempt to melt into my surroundings. I become very quiet, I tip-toe up the stairs and into the kitchen. Made it! They soon forget that they have called me and I am congratulating myself when a raucous cacophony emerges from the bathroom and the air is filled with shouting and wailing.

“Jarred!” I scream, “For goodness sake, sort them out!” 

They are fearful of him until he turns his back and then Katie begins to sob and gesticulate hysterically. It appears that Vincent has ‘accidentally’ wee’d in the bath and then, just as ‘accidentally’, has splashed all the wee-filled water all over her.  All fear of terminal illnesses vacate my mind as I threaten to drown the children in the bath. My yells of “GET OUT! PUT NEW WATER IN,” to Vincent are heard blocks away while Katie adamantly refuses to get back in the bath with him and wanders around sopping wet and wrapped in a towel.

I somehow make it through the evening, tidying my cottage, packing my mom’s dishwasher with my dishes and watching that Vincent completes his homework. All memory of long division has long since been erased and I battle to help him with his maths homework.  I quickly pack Katie’s ballet  clothes – where the hell are those character shoes – and convince her that, because the shoes are too small,  I will get her new ones.

“Feel where my toe is,” she says convincingly to me.

Vincent has P.E tomorrow, so does Katie, but he refuses to wear a Speedo and so I must pack him some long shorts. While I fully applaud his fashion sense, I doubt that the school will believe his excuses for much longer.  I sigh when, miraculously, the atmosphere is infused with the even breathing of sleeping cherubs. I am just relaxing into a wine-induced oblivion (of course I’m exaggerating) when Gary, my eldest grabs on to my security gate from outside shouting, “Mom, Mom, hurry, open up! Quickly! Hurry!” My heart leaps into my throat. Someone is dead? Someone is chasing him? It’s obvious that something truly horrible has happened”.

“What is it? I somehow blurt out.

“Hurry! Open up! It’s Prison Break”.

How I’ve actually made it to Wednesday is beyond me. Perhaps it’s those “happy pills”, maybe the fact that I’m eating better, or more likely, I am simply functioning on auto-pilot.  Things go relatively smoothly this morning. I think I’m used to the chaos and I arrive at work only to realize that I must go shopping to cater for the afternoon meeting.  My boss is subjected to grunts, nods and head shakes from me as I refuse to be civil to her. I do a few things in the office and then head off to the shop to buy the eats. Today is not my lift scheme day and I look forward to a nice quiet lunch with my colleague from my previous job.  It’s really nice and I get back to work relaxed after a glass of wine and a tramezini.  I have a few invitations for the evening (kids are out Wednesday evening with their dad), but I decide to stay home and do my ironing that has been building up for weeks.  I buy myself a bottle of wine, make no supper because I’ve eaten and sit down with a magazine on a chair that I hardly move from for the entire evening. Jarred sits with me doing his homework. I help him because it’s English and I’m not bad at it. When I look for the wine I realize that I left it in my car, which Gary has taken. I sigh! I will have it at 7.30 when he gets home and hubbly will do in the meantime. I make sandwiches at the table and sort out school clothes. Needless to say, I do absolutely no ironing and have a glass of wine at 7.30. I continue to do the Sudoku that I have been doing the whole evening. Vincent and Katie get home at 8.00 and I have to rush them through a bath and then homework.  In bed late again! Jarred then begins to play guitar and make up a song about the politics of the country. I am excited and write down the words. Katie and Vincent listen from their beds.  By bed-time I’ve had about three glass of wine and am sleepy. Uncharacterisically, as I lie down the room begins to spin, and spin, and spin! I end up sick in the bathroom and fall asleep almost immediately.   What an end to my night of semi-solitude. They say, those very wise “they” people, that alcohol affects you more when you’re stressed. I wonder….! It’s a damn good excuse though.

I am pretty sure that I don’t have to mention that the vacating of my bed on Thursday morning is no easy task.  I do, however, succeed! Today we leave with only school bags. No tog bags, no cricket bats, no tackies, no ballet things, no extras at all. I feel free, wild – nothing to forget. The euphoria is intoxicating. This must be Heaven. I am even energized to go grocery shopping this evening. My friend says that she is free this evening. She asks if we should get together. Frankly the idea of wine or any other alcoholic drink, after last night, induces fear and trembling.  I decline.  Work is quiet as I continue to ignore my boss and 2.00 pm brings about my usual lift scheme.   I drop the little ones off, practically begging them to tidy the cottage and go back to work.  I don’t recall this but they say that I told them they could go shopping with me if they tidied up.  At about 4.00pm Jarred arrives at the office and I take him home. I have since decided that I should shop alone, leaving the little ones at home with Jarred to bath and do homework. The outcry that results from this suggestion to Vin and Kate is something I am not qualified to deal with.  I deflate and collapse into my car seat and meekly say, “get in”. They inform me that they “even cleaned the cottage”, in order to be able to go.

Shopping to me is a sadistic ritual.  I cannot comprehend those perverse individuals who actually enjoy the dreaded ordeal.  Add on two children who want everything in sight and who, after pleading to accompany me, want to go home after half an hour. Include fist-fights, sibling verbal abuse and disappearances every five minutes for free samples, and the whole thing intensifies ten-fold. I arrive at the shop at about 5.00 pm and get home by 7.30.  I am comforted by a well-meaning woman who tells me that my two fighting little maniacs are completely normal.  This is after she hears me yelling hysterically at them to “STOP IT!” and “I TOLD YOU TO STAY AT HOME”, accompanied by several other expletives. I tell her that I’ve had to go through it twice, having two older sons as well, and that I must have done something particularly evil in a previous incarnation.  She tells me that I look too young to have two older sons and I almost kiss her.  I feel haggard and worn, but decide to preserve the tiny morsel of dignity that I have left.  

I arrive home in the dark with two tired children who have not as yet bathed or, horror of horrors, done homework. Supper is no problem. MacDonalds, I love you! The cottage is in a dismal condition and if they had indeed tidied it up, a hurricane has since swept through it.  I try to tidy while Jarred brings a few shopping bags from the car. We eat and Katie takes ages to finish her food while I jump around uneasily trying not to think of bathing and homework.  Vincent gets stomach ache and needs the toilet but can’t find matches for the candle that has replaced the broken light bulb.  He eventually decides he has to go in the dark but five minutes later is wandering around bare-bummed looking for a torch! Jarred is ranting about how unfair it is because no-one will help him unpack the car and I am cleaning, packing away groceries and emptying the garbage bin, while yelling at Vincent to get back into the pitch black bathroom and onto the toilet. Katie, meanwhile continues to eat at two chews per minute and Xena, my Doberman, runs in and eats Vincent’s burger! Thank goodness Katie has two burgers, having got the special in case Gary is home for supper.  This extra one is given to Vincent. When I remind my daughter that she is taking an abnormally long time to eat she throws down her burger saying, “Fine, I will starve”. This results in me telling her what a “princess” she is!

Add to this chaotic evening the fact that there is a really young and persistent man that I know who keeps phoning me at the most inconvenient times and you have the makings of a true farce. I kid you not, to the delight and bemusement of my children he phoned and let it ring for a full seven minutes. They, and I, were absolutely amazed. My little ones know all the excuses in the book now when he calls, but this time we just let it ring – our amusement for the evening.

Eventually, eventually, eventually clean, educated and well-fed children are lying in their beds.  Unfortunately there is some good stuff on T.V. and the little darlings keep peeking at the screen. Death stare time! Eyes shut! And peace reigns supreme.

Friday, FRIday, FriDAY! Happy days! It’s Friday!!!! I have made it. We have made it. We are breathing and relatively sane. One more day to get through. Should be a breeze. And all appears to be fine but looks can be deceiving. I am organized! I am Supermom! Katie’s ballet clothes are ready, lunches are packed into cases and it’s time to go. But dizzyingly quickly we return to the Friday day I lost my mind!  The keys, the panties, the earrings – all effects lasting temporarily however.  My initial horror gives way to amazement as I realize that my distractedness appears to have come along with a burst of genius. I have managed, quite extraordinarily, to work out how to put seven separate documents onto one document on Excel. This involves a lot of copying, pasting, (making small), renaming and finally coming out with a whole new document. I am so impressed with myself that I forget to sulk and run to my boss to tell her how wonderful I am.  She agrees that I am very clever and I see no reason to continue the argument.

After the initial shock of all my weird activities of the morning, I begin to feel relatively relaxed.  Katie has ballet and so does her friend, so the other half of the lift scheme does the lifts today.  I do, however, still have to take Jarred home. This changes when he telephones to say that the pub at Education Campus is opening today and he will come over later, probably around three. This all seems fine until my boss, whom I have just made friends with, decides that we can go home early – at three. I try to call Jarred. Surprise, surprise – his phone is off. I have to wait. I can’t very well go storming into the pub to yank him out. In the meantime his older brother calls. I must meet him at home and then take him to Vodacom to sign for his new SIM card. The problem is we must do this by 5.00 as the shop will probably close. The other problem is that I have no idea what time Jarred will put in an appearance.  Gary laughs hysterically when he hears the situation, telling me that I’ve got a long wait ahead of me. I little while later the little ones call me at work to ask if they can make me a surprise from their recipe book. I agree to this asking, as nicely as possible, that they clean up after themselves.  At about 3.30 Gary phones, asking where I am and Jarred eventually arrives at four o’clock. At four fifteen Katie calls, asking how far I am from home because the surprise is waiting. I drop Jarred at home and Gary takes his place in the car. Katie runs out asking where I’m going and saying that the surprise is ready. I assure her that I will not be long. We get to Vodacom, sign the papers and are told that it will cost R65.00. Gary and I look at each other incredulously. Neither of us has money on us.  He decides to drop me at home, as I’m really anxious to have my surprise before the babies’ dad fetches them for the weekend. Gary will fetch my bank-card and go and pay the account. Miraculously we find the card in the car. At home I have a sosatie stick with strawberries, pineapple, banana and dates (because I have given up chocolate for lent) waiting for me on a plate with ice-cream and custard.  Children have an amazing way of erasing a week of stress in an instant, by a simple gesture of love so pure that it melts your insides and touches you to the very core of your being!

 Reality, however, has a nasty way of intruding on the most special of moments. My friend arrives to take me for dinner but my ex has not yet collected the children. The place is unbelievably noisy. There is a ridiculous modern musical blasting from the television and Jarred is showing everyone his political song. The atmosphere is mildly crazy but very enjoyable. The ex hoots at the gate for the little ones. Unfortunately at this precise moment my father and brother decide to have a very heated altercation. I do not want my children’s father to hear or see anything about the argument (long story) so I rush the children out as soon as possible.  It is a scene from a black comedy. The more I tell them that they must leave quickly, the more times they return to fetch something that they have forgotten. It is unbelievable! Finally they leave and I breathe a sigh of relief. My eldest son’s girlfriend has been ushered into the cottage to escape the argument inside.  My friend and I leave, I tell Jarred where to hide the keys and I, naively, believe that I am due for a quiet and peaceful weekend.

Dinner is uneventful except for when I go to the bathroom, get confused with the doors and end up exiting the ladies and entering a sushi restaurant that I hadn’t been eating at. After the initial confusion, I make a hasty retreat and find my friend outside, waiting for me.  While on my way to the bathroom I discover that Jarred has called me twenty-two times and I have finally heard the phone on the twenty- third try. He tells me that there is trouble at home and on top of this he has dropped my cottage keys into the cottage and cannot get them out. My friend and I end up getting into the cottage by unscrewing one of the security gates, at the same time releasing my Doberman who has been prisoner in the cottage for goodness knows how long. In the meantime I go to find my brother who has passed out in the garden and attempt to help him. The rest is a long, involved and futile story and is best ignored and forgotten.

My peaceful Friday ends and I fall into bed and into a deep sleep.

I have big plans for Saturday. I am going to get myself out of debt. I will get up relatively late, go to the bank and draw the money. I will then pay off my clothing accounts, my T.V. and buy my daughter and my friend their birthday presents. I have, however, discovered that in life that you should never plan anything. Go with the flow. That way you can never be irritated! This I have discovered but unfortunately I have never actually learnt from it.

I arrive at the bank. None of the banks at the mall have electricity. I swear, various expletives, under my breath and head off to the other mall. I think that I am very clever but at the same time have a sense of foreboding about what I will find at that bank. I am astounded beyond my normal ability to be astounded! The queues begin at the tellers inside the bank (far, far inside the bank), out the door and all the way down to Woollworths, which is about half a city block away. All the other banks have the same problem. I mutter some more swear words, this time including some obscenities about the state of the country and decide on retail therapy, which I most certainly cannot afford.  I head home, make a hubbly (yes, again) and tidy my flat. I am busy with this when my brother’s weird girlfriend starts yelling out my name. Jarred is amazed to see me hurl myself across the room, jump out of my shoes and fling myself onto Katie’s bed, at the same time begging him to tell her that I’m asleep. I close my eyes tightly, praying that she won’t come in.  Jarred, the horror, lets me lie like that for a few minutes, choosing not to tell me that she is gone. I continue to hide for awhile then poor myself a glass of wine (yes, again), put on a load of washing, set up the ironing board and complete all my outstanding ironing. I am Superwoman! I am Wonder Woman! I am Mother! I put washing on the line and it rains! I am Exceedingly Irritated Woman.

I, being so damn popular, have three invitations for Saturday evening. My haemorrhoids are agonizing at this stage and I decide I cannot go to the braai. I also don’t feel like visiting the young obsessive phone caller. I decide to surprise my friend and go to him to watch a DVD. The evening is uneventful except for the fact that my eldest son keeps phoning me to yell about how unfair it is that he has to lift my middle son to a party. He rants about how far it is and how it’s unfair to use his girlfriend’s car.  At about ten o’clock I go home and sit with Gary in the cottage until he leaves to fetch his girlfriend. I bath and, exhausted, climb into bed. The cell rings at 12.30. That dreaded call that will inform me that Jarred cannot get a lift home and I must fetch him. I am half asleep and ask Jarred to call me back with directions. Gary calls and tells me where to go. I put my dog in the car – she is astounded (as astounded as a dog can be) and we head off into the unknown, with a set of directions on my lap. I am in some God-forsaken place in the middle of the night but I eventually  find the place after a few more phone calls to Gary. I find the street but not the number. There is no number eighteen. Fortunately I am not alone in my stupidity as the taxi driver who has just arrived is also driving up and down the road in search of number eighteen.  I find it, eventually, around the corner - something that must have slipped the minds of both my sons.  I then spend about ten minutes outside waiting for Jarred to appear, anger causing all my arteries to pulse unusually. I cannot call him because, surprise, surprise, his phone is off! I cannot go in because I am in my pyjamas. I am on the verge of an embolism when he appears at the gate, glass in hand. I am irritated. I am tired. I tell him to throw the drink out.  His friend then proceeds to vomit next to my car. I am petrified. He cannot puke in my car. He sits in the front, window wound down and proceeds to tell me, in a very elevated tone, how much he loves me and what a good person I am. I am almost deaf when we reach home. I flop into bed at 1.30 in the morning.

Sunday - wonderful Sunday. I get up late. I go to breakfast with my friends. Have a wonderful Pina Colada (spelling) and then head home. I must go shopping for my friend’s present, but decide to go with him so he can choose it. Then we see a movie. I am relaxed for the first time in a week!  He drops me at home. I iron the load of washing on the line and put on another load. The older boys are home and have toast, biscuits and dips for supper. This is my day, this is my moment, this is my time! I am tired. I am relaxed and I must preserve the last iota of strength that I have to begin this routine all over again!

The conclusion of this pitiful but ultimately fulfilling tale - : I am tired, I am stressed but hey I do these things for the people that I love. I love and am loved and nothing is too much  - although it sometimes seems that way.

And Monday I want to start gym again! Wish me luck!

About the Author

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Beer Drinker Musical Cuckoo Clock Quartz CC 417 QM    US $318.95

Schneider 12 Cuckoo Clock 2 Beer Drinkers Water Wheel    US $474.91

GERMAN BLACK FOREST 1 DAY CUCKOO CLOCK 12 09P NEW 12 09    US $270.00

Schneider 13 Quartz Cuckoo Clock Tudor Style House    US $475.20

Calories in Alcohol - Why Alcohol Can Affect Your Weight

Ever wondered how many calories are in your favourite alcoholic drinks? We have matched the calorie content of alcoholic drinks with a fatty food equivalent and uncovered some shocking results.

Surprisingly, many people would not be able to tell you how many calories are in their drinks, and recent NHS research certainly surprised many by highlighting that alcoholic drinks often contain as many calories as an unhealthy meal.

Below are some of the more surprising calorie comparisons.

Beer & cider

The average beer drinker consumes five pints of medium strength lager a week, which mounts up to around 44,200 calories a year - the equivalent of 221 doughnuts.

One pint of strong lager = 330 calories. Same as a four ounce fillet steak.

One pint of average strength lager = 200 calories. Same as one packet of crisps.

One pint of premium lager = 250 calories. Same as a small chocolate bar.
One pint of cider = 200 calories. Same as one fried chicken drumstick.

Wine

If they don't work off the calories from their wine, the average wine drinker will put on half a stone per year.

The average wine drinker now consumes 2,000 extra calories a month - the equivalent of 10 bags of crisps
Large glass of medium strength dry white wine = 190 calories. Same as two and a half digestive biscuits.

Bottle of medium strength dry white wine = 570 calories. Same as chicken with cashew nuts and egg fried rice.

A bottle of average strength red wine = 644 calories. Same as 14 Jaffa cakes or McDonald's cheeseburger and medium fries.

Half a bottle of average strength red wine = 313 calories. Same as a Snickers chocolate bar.

Spirits

One shot (25ml) of vodka or gin = 55 calories. Same as a 25ml serving of single cream

Large Bailey's (100ml) = 320 calories. Same as a Snickers Bar.
Baring in mind that these comparisons only factor in one alcoholic drink, adding up a total at the end of an evening could leave you clocking up as many calories as a multi-pack of chocolate bars or crisps.

Snack attack

Snacking on crisps while you're out drinking to tide you over till you get home is all too tempting, and combining this with a drink puts you well on your way to 500 calories - a fifth of the 2500 recommended daily calorie intake for men, and a quarter of a woman's. After a couple more drinks and maybe a take away on the home, you're way over the recommended calorie intake.

Burn baby, burn

If you're starting to feel like you can never drink again without worrying about the calorie content of your drinks, there is a solution. Preparing your body for the night ahead by exercising will help burn up some of the extra calories you are about to consume - even if it's just a power walk to the pub. Failing that, a good exercise session the next day can really help.

In the bag

Planning ahead a little can help prevent you reaching for the pork scratchings. Try packing a few healthy snacks in your bag beforehand. No doubt you'll find yourself chatting outside the pub at some point, which gives you the perfect opportunity to have a nibble.

It's what's on the inside that counts

Alcohol and calories have been dominating the news stories recently, which highlights that it's high on people's list of concerns when they think about the effects of alcohol.

With this being at the forefront of people's minds when they order a drink, there is a danger that more harmful effects of alcohol, such as damaging organs like the heart and liver may be pushed aside. Stay informed of the effect of alcohol by visiting our health facts area.

About the Author

Drinkaware - for the
facts about alcohol
. Calculate the
calories in alcohol
at Drinkaware.co.uk.

Clock Birds

My cuckoo clock bird is looking a bit peckish, what shall I give it?

Some trill

 

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AN NICE LOOKING QUAIL CUCKOO CLOCK    US $500.00

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Old Black Forest Cuokoo Clock    US $72.00

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RARE OLD LARGE BLACK FOREST SIGNED 8 DAY CUCKOO CLOCK    US $60.00

Swiss Cuckoo Clock R Lotscher Edelweiss Lauras Theme    US $59.99

HOWARD MILLER FRANZ HERMLE KEY WESTMINSTER CHIME CLOCK    US $249.99

Antique Grandfather Tall Case Longcase Clock 1820    US $2,786.00

BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUE SETH THOMAS MANTEL WIND UP CLOCK    US $75.00

BLACK FOREST 1950S MADE IN WEST GERMANY VINTAGE    US $199.00

German Black Forest 1 Day Mechanical Cuckoo Clock    US $139.00

Franz Hermle German Mantle Clock Painted Birds Flowers    US $100.00

Bird House Buying Tips

All bird houses sold on the market are not suitable to birds. These bird houses will not attract any birds and re detrimental to the bird's health. Please make sure you read the following tips and use them when you buy that bird house:

1. Dimensions: Different birds need different sizes of bird houses. Depending on the birds you want to keep check the area inside, the size of the entrance hole and the ground clearance of the hole. These are very important to attract suitable birds.

2. Ventilation and Sanitation: Make sure the bird house is well ventilated so that it does not heat up too much in summers. Also heck the sanitation and drainage holes to make sure that the baby birds do not drown.

3. Access: The insides of the bird house should be easily accessible so that you can inspect and monitor the nests. One side of the bird house should be hinged and easy to open.

4. Construction: The bid house should be properly constructed with non-toxic material. It should also be properly insulated with unpainted wooden board to keep out the cold and heat. If painted, the paint should be non-toxic.

5. Other Precautions: The entrance hole should be shaded by a roof extension to keep out the rain. No perches should be kept outside the entrance hole as it will encourage predators.

Bird Feeder tips

Before embarking upon a mission to buy a bird feeder, it is important that you assimilate knowledge on what kind of foods the bird you want to attract eats and the plants that attract it. Accumulation of some knowledge about the species of birds that frequent area would also help immensely. Placing the attractive plants in the garden along with the bird feeder will increase your chances of attracting the bird. Be ready to accept that the birds frequenting may not eat from your feeder but may feed on the insects and fruits of the plants you have placed for some time.

The most important factor of using a bird feeder is that the feeder should be placed in the same position for a long period of time and it should be regularly filled with food like clock work. Birds are creatures of habit and when they find food in your bird feeder, they will return regularly to it. If they do not find food there, they will move on to greener pastures.

Bird Feeders are of various kinds. The most common is the "Hopper" feeder. This feeder is built with a platform along with walls and a roof so that the food is protected form rain and wind. Always make sure the bird seed never gets wet, since it would drive the birds away.

The "tube" feeder is a transparent tube of plastic or glass designed to feed many birds at the same time. The "platform" feeder is a tray on which the bird seed can be placed. These feeders are incapable of protection from predators, squirrels and the natural elements. Some squirrel proof feeders are also available.

Make sure the bird housing and bird feeders are always cleaned regularly.

About the Author

Make sure the bird housing and bird feeders are always cleaned regularly.