My "Technician"

  A couple of days ago, I mentioned that a tall, Grandfather Clock was delivered to our front door.  The deliveryman was kind enough to haul the huge thing inside and uncrate it but that was as far as he was going with the clock.  "Nope.  A "Trained Clock Technician" will be here to set it up.  I can't do it for you."  He did say that he thought anyone could assemble the last few pieces and set the clock.  "It ain't that hard", he said.  Hmmm?  This was the second time that I heard tell of this trained professional clock setter.  I assumed that the clock needed some special touch but by looking at it, I saw no need.  It was just a battery operated clock with no pendulum or gears.  Well, I waited.  Mark called the clock place and was told this time "We just have to deliver it...nothing more."  So much for that titled professional!

  When I told our son, Michael, of the situation, he snickered. "Don't worry, this "Untrained Clock Technician" will handle it."  And he did.  It took a grand total of about ten minutes for Michael to have the clock installed, running and set with the correct time.  He, also, found the glass shelves (which were stored under the clock and were held in place by a thin strip of cardboard.)  After mounting the shelf supports, he slid the shelves in place.  "There.  All finished." he announced.  Ahh, the clock was ticking away and the shelves were in place albeit empty.  

  Elizabeth came after work and decided to poke a few things on the shelves.  "We can't have empty shelves, Mom!  Lets decorate!" she exclaimed.  (Notice here that no exclamation points were used in Michael's conversation but Elizabeth's is full of them.  That is just about the way they talk.  He deadpans, she emotes!)  Now the clock sits in its full glory in the spare bedroom.  I have to admit that the thing is growing on me.  At first, I was unsure that I needed another clock but each time I pass the room, I find myself admiring the thing.  Yep, that sure is a pretty clock now that it is a working timepiece.  Big...but pretty!