19 March 2004
The quest for perfecting the Master Horologist continues.
The results of the Escapement phase of testing have been reported. We have learned that the scoring process is conducted utilizing a microscope. The images are then projected.
How terrorfying! How frightful! The absolute dread of such a procedure. Some students witnessing this process have had myocardial infarctions. Some have been reported to turn instantly, prematurely gray. One student walked past the grading laboratory to witness a pivot magnified 400X onto a plasma screen…The pivot was bent!
Oh the horror, the trecherous anticipation of learning the outcome of this meticulous scrutinizing....
Alas, Kent did survive the experience. Not only this but he has even learned that he earned a quite respectable 4.25! This includes a perfect 6 on 11 of the 20 required areas. Most of these perfect scores regarded the cleanliness of the movement. His balance was perfect, his end shake was perfect and the jewels were set immaculately. His second highest score was 5.5 on the passage. We hear that he invested most of his time poising the balance wheel. This investment has certainly paid great dividends.
And as is true of all Horological geniuses, there were a few mistakes...yet we shall not think of such things at this moment.
In extracurricular activities, we have visited the Neuchatel musee. Here we stood within 20 inches of the three oldest working automata in the world. The detail is extravagantly completed and quite complicated. They are basically in mint condition after all these years. These exquisite creatures defy description. Therefore you must visit with us to appreciate such.
We have also attended the Minerale and Fossile Expose' (gem and mineral show) at the Poly Expo in La Cheaux du Fonds. It is the same as those in Abilene with the added feature of French and German books. We bought small candle holders carved from (??) can't remember the name (something that sounds like "aphrodite"). Their snack bar has expresso versus our hot chocolate and croissants versus our hot dogs. The shoppers bring pets along…one’s eyes have great difficulty adjusting to little white dogs with red toenails strolling through the aisles…The children know the names of most of the minerals, especially the boys.
Another experience you must share with us.
The weather improves daily...soon transportation will be conducted by bicycle only with the warm sea air moisturizing our hair.
Au Revoir!
Signed,
Kent's Fan