Has the bell gone yet?

A chance question as I exited left at the school gate this morning from a pedestrian parent looking a little late got me thinking about Time. I stopped wearing a watch some years ago, truth be told I never liked the feel on my wrist. I have one, it's one of those kinetic things that runs off energy created by the body's own movement. I remember thinking at the time that this was a most excellent idea and getting a little sentimental as I thought about how I would be able to pass on this watch, powered by my energy, to one of the kids and they in turn could feel that part of me was always with them. I haven't worn it for several years although it doesn't take long to strap on and warm up so if I get close to death I can always call for it. Hardly famous last words though are they "pass the Seiko" (exit stage left).
Time is still important to me though. I like to be punctual, I hate being late for anything. Many of the closest people around me are constant thorns in my side when it comes to this. My wife, bless her, she tries but an inability to get dressed and presentable in less than three hours often causes friction. My brother and his wife, lost causes, permanently late, so late you can set your watch by them. Nor do they appear to have any concept that people might get frustrated by this or that chronic lateness is a disease that can be treat. Conscience? nah, raise the issue of lateness and you have to "chill out" or "stop getting excited". I'll get him back though, I'm going to have instructions written in my will that the undertaker is to ensure that I turn up at least 30 minutes late to my funeral and give my brother a message saying "Payback for all those times you kept me waiting".
On the plus side I am learning that having time with your kids is time well spent. The rewards aren't always immediate and occasionally look like punishments but there is no more valuable way to fill some time.