Technology: In the Wash Up

It takes some time for children to get used to the processes of washing clothes, such that over the past months some of their technology has spent some time in the washing machine - connected to the Drive washing powder. Caleb set the ball rolling when his USB key found its way into the machine... when discovered it continued to work perfectly, and continues to do so two or three months on. His efforts have now been surpassed!

Rachel's mobile phone appeared in the ironing pile late last week, having survived the same wash-spin-rinse-spin cycle before an hour or so in the drier. Early signs were not good, as pressed keys brought no response and the screen looking somewhat psychedelic even in its inert state. I finally plugged it into its charger, whereupon it began vibrating - the first signs of life. I consoled Rachel with the thought that she now owned her own personal massager. With perseverance (and heat) I was eventually able to switch the phone on and connect to the network, and even make a call, the phone continuing to vibrate mercilessly. Rachel set off with said phone in her bag yesterday, battery disconnected so that it didn't vibrate in her bag all day. At three this morning, Ev woke me to ask how to turn off the vibration as the noise from her school bag had kept her awake. In the darkness and drowsiness of semi-consciousness I disconnected the battery and went back to sleep.

This morning - after the kids had gone to school - I noticed Rachel had left her phone behind. I reconnected the battery... the phone vibrated again for a few seconds, then stopped! Six days after its journey through the Fisher and Paykel, it is now apparently none the worse for wear, and clean! Isn't technology marvellous!