I’ve spent some time this week experimenting with Claude Code. I’m not using the latest models from Anthropic, but rather keeping things local and trying out different models. I spent most time with gpt-oss:20b and qwen3-coder:30b. I’m routing all requests through Tailscale Aperture to keep an on how different models affect token usage. The results were surprising. Using the same tool, Claude Code, the two models result in significantly different token usage patterns. Model providers are in complete control over how many tokens we can expect to consume to achieve a given output.
The current crop of coding agents are impressive, even when paired with local models. But there is something about the approach that feels crude. Instead of taking advantage of semantic analysis of the language, the models are fed with a textual representation of the language. It is interesting to see initiatives like Moderne Prethink emerge to try and address this. I’m continuing to explore tools and models but am not ready to declare software engineering dead.
We had our first parents’ evening for Oscar this week. This was our first in his current school and we weren’t sure what to expect. I loved how the majority of the evening was devoted to the theme of curiosity. We didn’t talk test results, exams, or even the curriculum. We explored ways we could provide an environment that allows Oscar to follow his curiosity. Two areas we could help more:
- Touch typing / mouse skills
- Oscar really, really wants to play the drums
Without a drum kit to hand, and with the sofa already starting to show signs of wear and tear from all the pillow drumming, I introduced Oscar to the idea of sequencing with this tutorial from Ableton.
My parents came over on Sunday we ended up visiting the Orchid Festival at Kew. We thought the boys would find the whole thing boring and hurry us round the displays. It turns out they both loved it! The exhibition is really well done but I’m absolutely gutted I grabbed the camera but forgot to bring spare batteries. The camera died as soon as I turned it on.
We wrapped up the weekend by decorating the house for Chinese New Year. The boys went all out, covering the walls with anything red. Anything to break up the monotony of grey wet days we’ve been having. Next week it’s the half term dance where the balance between work and parenting is put to the test for families all over the country.
I’ve takn to planning my days with pen and paper
“He’s standing on a car. Is he not afraid of falling down?”
“我要做ABC的那个”
Behind closed doors
Learning to type
A sunny day at last
Ready to decorate