Poppy

Many thanks for the offer Ernie, will keep that in mind as we are 'lost' just about 8k from Prayssac. All channels are fine this morning so didn't dare touch anything before the race. Picture will probably break up 5 mins before the start [:D]

Many thanks Sue and Tim for your suggestions. Will get the ladders out early tomorrow, it's getting dark here already.  Will try and sort it before the race -we haven't got French tele [geek]

Thanks for the reply Tim Problems earlier in the week were exactly the same, breakup of picture etc but only on ITV. We have had a few storms over last couple of weeks with gusty wind but nothing too strong. We have a Grundig skybox. The system test shows strength about 60% and the quality is wavering between 10& 15%. Last weekend in order to watch Grand Prix we unplugged at mains and picture on ITV lasted for a couple of hours before breaking up. This afternoon after posting we lost all channels so unplugged at mains and picture on all channels lasted for a couple of hours. All channels have now either broken up or technical fault etc. The picture after unplugging is perfect.

Have started losing ITV1, 2 and 4. Picture breaking up on ITV1 and message 'technical fault' on 2&4. Have probably had the problem on and off for about a week. OH is distraught, couldn't watch the qualifying for Grand Prix today and reception looks doubtful for the big event tomorrow [:'(] Any help would be great. All other channels are perfect.  

Ian, the additional items might be covered under your household rather than car insurance. Is your house insurer MAAF?

Lovely picture, typical male attitude [:D] Great happy ending and well done Twinks.

Great news, Debs is coming on leaps and bounds and by the sound of it will soon be doing leaps. She is strong and determined, I'm sure she will be home for your birthday and what a party that will be [:D] Take care & keep smiling. Jan

Thanks Teapot for the info re phosphates [:D]

Chem geek  for  first 10 years we had an in ground tiled pool, for last ten years we have had an in ground vinyl pool. Yes we definitely know the size of the pool and litrage. The filter is sand and we backwash as necessary [:D] We can definitely 'feel' whether the water is right and funnily enough so can our 'French ' friends, it is something they comment on. Must be a French thing.

There is something in the agricultural 'air' in our area which means whatever we do the pool is black at the start of the season. We empty about 25% and shock with chlorine, no other choice. Can't see any difference between javel and expensive chlora choc. It clears within a few days we then balance the ph and from then on just test once a week with standard testing kit. A couple of chlorine tablets in skimmers once a week is the usual dosage, no other chemicals. We do have the filtration on 24hrs from mid June to end of August. As the water 'feels' so good I don't think there is a problem with calcium hardness. Have been in other pools and 'felt' the difference. If you pardon the pun I 'feel' the magic factors are the ph and filtration.

Great news Ian, definitely a sharp corner turned and the winning line in site. Thinking of you both and sending very best wishes  Jan PS Talking of photos better not mention the one in the mini dress [6] It is lovely though.

 I have to say this [6]  Have had a pool for 20 years in France and never had a problem as long as we keep the ph level correct. A few years ago we took Poolguys advice re using liquid chlorine (javel 9.2) to start the pool off each year and have saved a fortune. About 25% of water is replaced each year. Our pool sparkles all the time and water 'feels' right. I have 'A' level Chemistry & Physics and OH has a degree in Chemistry but we have forgotten most of it and certainly have not needed it to keep the pool sparkling.

Fantastic news Ian. Enjoy today and keep smiling [:D] Best Wishes Jan

Strangely Twinks this thread did make me think of you. So pleased it all worked out and that you had a great holiday in her special place [:D] See dreams do come true Ian, and all turns out well. Jan

Thanks for the update Ian and so pleased it is good news[:D] Take Care Jan

So pleased the mystery has been solved. Well done Puzzled on catching the biter so that it could be identified. I know people do not believe me when I tell them the flies bite [blink]

Great news that you made contact with Debs, lovely time [:D] The breathing problems probably mean she is starting to breathe under her own steam. I remember some very scarey moments  when OH was sedated-covered in tubes etc. but all turned out well in a very short time. It did seem forever at the time, as though time was standing still, but from entering hospital to full recovery was less than a couple of months. Have a nice warm milk and brandy for bed Ian, there are lots of people thinking about you and sending best wishes. Jan

Yes that's the blighter, probably a bit smaller than average house fly. Forgot about the dots but yes they are definitely spotty, have had a quick Google and come across the 'stable fly'

So pleased the Forum is helping you Ian. You need all the help you can get at the minute, just take it. It is worse for the person who isn't ill. Can remember how awful I felt when OH was in hospital sedated for a couple of weeks and he can't remember a thing. Hopefully with all the rest Deb's body is getting the recovery will be very quick. Best wishes for big improvement when you next visit. Keep the reports coming.

Many thanks Betoulle for information re the deerfly. Have just had for the last week the most unbelievable itchy bites with blisters. Even kept me awake for a couple of nights.

Yes Puzzled the bog standard french house flies do bite, it was something that amazed us when we first moved here. They nip but don't leave any mark or reaction. We used to have a Gite and guests often complained about fleas. We explained it was flies and from look on their faces I'm sure they didn't believe us.

[quote user="ErnieY"]One could undoubtedly conclude that it had improved by €0.0056 [blink] Sorry sweets, two rather large jugs of Sangria talking not me [6] [:D] [/quote] I did see someone outside the bar in Prayssac this afternoon with a jug of Sangria and thought it strange,  I quickly say the Sangria that is not the person.  Was it you Ernie [:D]

Fantastic news, you must be feeling so much better Ian. Will be thinking of you both at 15.00 tomorrow. Best Wishes Jan    

Odile, depends what you mean by bury the hatchet [6] [:D]

Many thanks for the update Ian. very strange about the MIL but great news about move to Le Mans. As said earlier OH was very heavily sedated in life threatening circs. He was under for about 10 days but once he came round the recovery was miraculously quick. Perhaps the rest of the world should be told about these induced comas. Best wishes to you both Jan PS When he came round first thing he asked for was a ciggie, when this was refused he went under the blankets and wouldn't speak to anyone for hours. Obviously or maybe I should say hopefully drugs played a big part in his behaviour but it was funny.