Rural Life

Life is difficult sometimes!

Two excuses, actually probably three, for why updates are slow at the moment on both blogs.

First off, my main desk top computer gave up the ghost - I think the technical term was a boot drive failure, anyway it is taking ages to sort out.  While we have Windows reloaded, we haven't got an Internet connection on it, and while I have downloaded the driver for the ADSL box, I need an ISO reader to get it to work, which the lovely Internet Provider a) don't bother to tell you, and when they do, b) don't provide a link to one.  So far I have only found ones to download that work with Vista or need an Internet connection to run, which I haven't got as I need an ISO reader to make the link between my computer and the ADSL box.  Someone needs to do a computer update to the Flanders and Swan classic "The Gas Man Cometh" about computer assistance call centres.

Secondly, I have been off working and being trained quite a bit recently, which has reduced my sitting in front of a computer time nicely, and has also meant that while in front of said computer, I have had other priorities.

The final excuse is that when I do get to work on my computer, and as it is getting quite wintry now, two furry people think I am there for one thing - cat comfort.  As you can see from the photo below, doing anything under these conditions starts to get a bit fraught.  I will get this sorted out in December - I will!?

Slinky new outfit!

Things have been a bit quiet on the blogging front, partly as the hard drive on my main computer gave up the fight against cat fur and died, and partly as I am away on work travels.  However this weekend is a lull at one of my favourite places (Bants at Upton Snodsbury) before I go and get qualified next week.

While all good French rural folk are able to use a chainsaw by their fifth birthday and are fully convinced of the protective powers of bright blue gabardine, we Brits are not so relaxed (if that is the right word).  However we have had to come to terms with the fact that John cannot be totally responsible for the production of fire wood chez nous and that some jobs are done quicker when two are tooled up.  Consequently Anjouhousewatch has bought me my very own chainsaw and I will be attending Pershore College for the next two days, learning how to use it.

This new skills acquisition has also meant that I have shelled out £160 on a natty trouser/boot combo that makes my elegant lady friends in the UK worry for my fashion sense, while giving me some form of BS/ES norm protection when working.  I have fired up my nice new chainsaw (a Stihl MS170 helpfully called Svennnnnnnnn) a couple of times so I am not a complete novice on the course, but as the picture shows, there are lessons still to be learnt!!