Posts Tagged ‘coo coo clocks’
Although cuckoo clocks are obviously the first things that come to mind when you think of birds and timepieces, these two seemingly dissimilar things have been connected for thousands of years. Around 250 BC, Ctesibius, a Greek mathematician, developed a timekeeping device that used a Rube Goldberg-esque model to make an owl move. Later, in the Middle Ages, there’s evidence of a mechanical clock which used a bird to sound the hours. Additionally, the Heritage Museum in St. Petersburg is home to a famous golden peacock standing over six feet tall.
Nobody knows for certain how or why bird began being used in clocks, but some breeds obviously make more since than others. Understandably, roosters have often been associated with timekeeping mechanisms for their habit of meeting the dawn with crowing.
Today’s my birthday
Actually, it’s both my wife’s and my birthday. Isn’t that neat, married and able to celebrate our birthday together? I sure don’t have any excuse for forgetting Mona’s birthday! Normally we go away and celebrate by exploring new territory. Not today, but later this month we will be celebrating in Barcelona Spain. Previously we celebrated in Hawaii, Germany, Austria and most of the 50 United States. We love to travel. Today, being Wednesday, I will continue my “How To:” articles. Today, “How to buy Cuckoo Clocks”, one of my loves (besides by wife).
Cuckoo clocks are an enjoyable accessory to have in your home. Features to look for when buying a cuckoo clock include the style, movement and music. Once you have an idea of the type of cuckoo clock you’re looking for, then finding one for your home will be a cinch.
First – Decide on the style that you’re looking for in a cuckoo clock. If you’re looking for a clock that looks like a house, then you’ll want to purchase a chalet style clock. Traditional clocks include built in nature scenes with flowers, animals or leaves. Novelty clocks include more unique colorful features and contemporary themes. Second - Consider the type of movement that you would like your clock to have. Cuckoo clocks have two movements: one-day and eight-day movement. One day movements will sound on every half hour and on the hour. 8 day cuckoo clocks sound on each hour of the day. Third – Determine whether you want your cuckoo clock to play music. Some coo coo clocks come with music and figures that dance while others do not. Some traditional clocks play Swiss music at either every half hour or by the hour. The music will depend on the type of movement and clock style you choose. Lastly - Browse shops that offer the types of cuckoo clocks that you’re looking for. Cuckoo clocks can be purchased online, at retail stores, auctions, and antique or thrift shops.
Kissing Lovers
Happy shopping, and “thanks” for celebrating with us.
Cuckoo Clock - cottage with squirrels
The Black Forest is a mountainous forest region in southwestern Germany. It takes its name from the dark, thick stands of spruce and fir that cover its slopes. The Black Forest lies on the east side of the Rhine River in the state of Baden-Württemberg and extends southward from Karlsruhe to the northern Swiss boundary. It is about 100 miles (160 km) long and covers an area of some 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2). The highest peak is Feldberg, which rises 4,898 feet (1,493 m) above sea level in the south. Both the Danube and the Neckar rivers originate in the Black Forest. At Triberg the Gutach River plunges more than 500 feet (150 m) in a rugged fall.
Lumbering and wood processing are major industries in the Black Forest. Wine grapes are cultivated on the lower slopes. The region is noted for handicrafts, such as carved wooden figures, coo coo clocks, music boxes, and toys. The beauty of the forest, the cool dry climate, and the many mineral springs make the Black Forest a popular resort area. Baden-Baden is the best-known of its many spas.