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Wales Journal
(Keith)
In Wales we watched a t.v. show that delved into the deep cultural differences
between Britain and American - "The Scrap heap Challenge".
This challenge pitted two teams of mechanics (one American and one British) against each other in a contest to build a machine to crush a car . . . a redneck's dream. Each group had to build their machine from items found in a scrap heap. The differences in the machines' designs were hilarious.
The British team developed a "press machine"; this device squeezed the car in various places to slowly, but methodically, crush the car. Their contraption had several levers to adjust the crushing bar and the Brits slowly moved their machine to various stress points to obtain maximum crushing ability.
As expected, the American team built a huge motor driven hammer that bludgeoned the car with reckless abandon. The Americans welded a huge I-Beam to a level arm that could be raised via a pulley system. This machine relentless pounded the poor car until it was less than a foot thick. It was hilarious to watch as this device hammered and hammered.
Although close, the American hammer design won by several inches.
(Lea)
Because of the cold weather in Wales we had more free time than normal.
Usually we stay out walking all day, but the wind was biting so we spent our
afternoons playing chess, trivial pursuit, reading and, my favorite,
writing. I have always loved to write. I have written in
my free time since 1st grade and this year has been wonderful because I have had
so much time to spend on my stories. The sights we have seen and
adventures we have experienced have provided me with great inspiration. At
any rate, with Keith's support I have made a big decision. Rather than
resume my IT career, I am going to give my love of writing a full time
chance. I plan to start work as a writer this next year focusing
specifically on children's stories. The idea of doing this is both
scary and exciting, but I know I would regret it if I did not give it a
"go." It goes back to the list of life dreams Keith and I made
when we were married. This trip was one for both of us. Writing a
book was one of mine. I believe that when you know what your dreams are
you need to actively make these dreams come true.
Check out our Wales Photos.