Science Museum

I had a good weekend, pretty social this past weekend. Spent most of Saturday with some friends from Nipissing (teacher's college) who are all teaching in London like me. Two of the four of us had just arrived within the last two weeks, so were still getting over jetlag. I had brunch with Erin at a lovely crepe place near the museum, and then we met Theresa and Jess at the Science Museum. There was lots to see there, beginning with a materials exhibit--we saw some housing material that had been fashioned together from all kinds of different materials (from carpeting to wood to plastic and foam). That is to say, each layer was fastened together to make very heavy and well-insulated walls. We also looked at a display which showed all the different materials that are used to make replacement body parts, from dissolvable stitches to pins for hips and knees to stints to keep blood flowing through one's veins. The high heels made out of carpet were a highlight, as was the evening jacket made out of steel wool.

We also saw an interesting exhibit outlining different inventions that have changed our society over the last 1000 years, and a favourite of mine, showing the progression of "things" in our homes over time--from the wash tub and scrub board to the oldest washing machines to a contemporary one; and similar displays for irons, lamps/lights, stoves, etc.

Toasters!
Me, Theresa, Jess, Erin.
the progression of agriculture:Massey combine harvester, circa 1953, I believe.

Sunday I got to the London Mennonite Centre for their monthly lunch, and then played piano at church. I was able to sign the "leaving book" for the LMC hosts who are heading back to the States in just over a week's time, and then skeddaddled on home to do some schoolwork which I had left largely undone for most of the weekend. Finding the right balance between wanting to go in prepared Monday morning and needing time off to relax too is something I'm still working on. My kids are quick to comment every time I forget to change the daily schedule or the day's helpers or the behaviour board! Happy late January to you....