I knew I was facing eventual retirement after 18 years of running a meat wholesaling business. My secretary, Melinda Ahmann, told me I should find a hobby and do craft fairs like she does. She made dolls and I knew I didn't want to do that.

But that craft idea wouldn't get out of my head. One day, as I watched my son taking apart a computer, I noticed how intricate and beautiful the parts were. Something clicked.

Or Maybe it ticked.

I thought “This stuff is really interesting to look at. A person could make something out of it.” Then I spotted a bent-iron candlestick holder in the same room. Suddenly I could picture a modern clock design made of computer parts and twisted black rod.

I started working with old hard drives, fitting them with battery-powered clock parts.I tinkered with CDs and floppy discs as clock faces. Eventually, I found a source for triple-dying the plastic CDs in vibrant colors.

I zig and zag the eight-foot lengths of 5/16 inch-thick black iron myself. It helps to have an extra pair of hands, so my grandchildren help me maneuver a pipe-bender.

Each clock takes two double-A batteries. Some have silent pendulums.

All keep perfect time.