[ADSL has arrived...but very limited!]

[quote user="ErnieY"]

I reiterate my earlier comment though that @ 3775m and 56.625dB attenuation your line would seem somewhat under par. There could be many reasons for this but I don't know if you'd be able to get FT do do anything about it. It may be that it's a very old line and just poorer quality cable in which case you're probably out of luck [:(] Do you have any problems with it, crackling or interference perhaps, enough to report it as a fault ?

[/quote]

Funny you should ask...that's why I have had FT out 4 times in the past 12 months. The last few months have been really bad with regard to line quality, so we have even had the line put in underground between the road and our house,as overhead branches had been blamed previously. An hour after FT had finished the work, there was still a lot of interference so I called them straight back out again. They then told me there was a lot of fibre optic cable work going on in the village which may be causing the problem but couldn't tell me when it would be finished. A day or so later the line was much clearer and has been okay (touch wood) since then (2 weeks).

[quote user="Ernie Y"]

Interestingly it says READSL was due to be available last month and if it were then I'd say that you could be better off with that which at least guarantees 400kb as opposed to ADSL which should always be read as "up to", be it 2mb, 8mb or whatever !

[/quote]

There was no ADSL available at all until 2 weeks ago which ties in with the READSL time line - but I don't know what READSL is or how to get it. As mentioned I'm a complete novice at this!

Thanks

 

[ADSL has arrived...but very limited!]

Hi ErnieY

Have sent you a PM.

 

With regards to what I have been offered in the way of ADSL, does anyone have any experience of the operators listed below?

 

ALICE - are the only operator to offer me a 'degroupe' which sounds quite interesting but they have persistenlty phoned me over the past few days to try and get me to sign up with them, which I find a bit off-putting. I want to do some research before commiting myself! Also, they can't understand some of the questions I want answers for (my limited French I'm afraid!) Although I keep my FT number, will it still appear in the 'Pages Blanches' each year or will I have to pay extra for that?

ORANGE

CLUB INTERNET

BUDGET TELECOM

FREE

The last 4 can only offer a 'non-degroupe' service and vary quite alot price-wise. I've heard a few people complain about Orange recently, but does anyone have any personal experience that they can share (within the Forum rules please!)

Many thanks

 

 

[ADSL has arrived...but very limited!]

At long last ADSL has arrived in our village...hooray! However I live 3775metres aaway from the 'exchange' (according to a 'test your ADSL compatibilty' thingy) which I presume means that the further away from the exchange your are, the slower the line. I know nothing about ADSL stuff so wondered if the estimated 512kbps debit speed is actually going to be any quicker than my existing dial-up connection?

I'm also curious about the non-degroupage and degroupage. If I go 'degroupage' I understand that I won't have to pay France Telecom for line rental ...is that right? If so, what happens if there is a fault on the line? Who do I call - France Telecom or the ISP? Who will pay for repairs if the overhead cable gets damaged between my house and the main exchange? I probably sound paranoid but since I've had to call France Telecom out 4 times in the past 12 months I'm a bit wary about paying for repairs etc.

Any advice mcuh appreciated!

Emma

[Ellie needs a home...please!]

Another plea please for Ellie...

Unfortunately the 3 possible homes for Ellie have fallen through for various reasons (none of which was to do with Ellie herself!), so I am still desperately looking for a home for her.

She's having the time of her life here and loves meeting all the other dogs that come and go but I cannot possibly keep her as the kennels are fully booked and my own dogs would strongly object to yet another adoptee!

Thanks for the advice Chateaud...her owners have declared bankruptcy but they are trying to pay the bill in installments. I usually do take a deposit and ask for monthly payments but these have been regular customers for over a year so I wasn't expecting any problems!

So, if anyone out there can help with finding Ellie a new home please e-mail me directly at [email protected] (the e-mail link doesn't work from this forum apparently).

Many thanks

[Ellie needs a home...please!]

Hi Rita

Please check your PM inbox as I seem to have a problem getting my e-mails through!

Thanks

[Ellie needs a home...please!]

I have just been badly let down by the owners of our long-term boarder, Ellie. They have now decided that they won't be coming back to France to collect her (and have left me with 6 months unpaid boarding fees!)

Ellie is a 2 year old GSDxLab, black and tan, with a superb temparament. She prefers to live outdoors (even given the option of being inside she would rather stay out!). She gets on well with most other dogs, except if they try to steal her favourite ball. She is what I would call a 'busy' dog and is pretty energetic. She would love to be part of a family and is fine with my 2 year old son.

Ellie has been in kennels since February and is desperate for a new home. Likewise, I won't have room for her as the kennels are fully booked, and I also have 3 dogs of my own (one of which is Monty who was featured in this forum earlier this year!) so I need to find her a loving home as soon as possible.

If you think you can give Ellie a bit of TLC then please call me on 02 33 49 63 22 or e-mail me at [email protected]. We are on the borders of South Manche (50), Mayenne (53) and Orne (61).

I hope you can help...

[HOME URGENTLY WANTED FOR MINIATURE SCHNAUZER]

It sounds like Bix is going to thoroughly enjoy his new home and will have plenty of friends looking out for him.

I tried to explain to him that he will be going to a new home at the weekend but he was far too busy dancing around my legs to take the blindest bit of notice! Even when he did stop prancing around on his hind legs for a minute it was only to follow McGregor to make sure that he didn't miss out on any scenting activities. Occasionally he is spooked by Ellie (our long term boarder) and Bijley as they compete with each other to see who can run the fastest up and down the field. (Needless to say the lurcher ALWAYS wins!)

Bix is completely oblivious to all the heartache and anxiety he has caused and is contentedly watching Bonnie plod around sniffing out any new smells, or Lucy as she desperatley tries to get me to throw her ball (just one more time...!)

It's a dogs life...!

[HOME URGENTLY WANTED FOR MINIATURE SCHNAUZER]

It sounds like Bix is going to thoroughly enjoy his new home and will have plenty of friends looking out for him.

I tried to explain to him that he will be going to a new home at the weekend but he was far too busy dancing around my legs to take the blindest bit of notice! Even when he did stop prancing around on his hind legs for a minute it was only to follow McGregor to make sure that he didn't miss out on any scenting activities. Occasionally he is spooked by Ellie (our long term boarder) and Bijley as they compete with each other to see who can run the fastest up and down the field. (Needless to say the lurcher ALWAYS wins!)

Bix is completely oblivious to all the heartache and anxiety he has caused and is contentedly watching Bonnie plod around sniffing out any new smells, or Lucy as she desperatley tries to get me to throw her ball (just one more time...!)

It's a dogs life...!

[HOME URGENTLY WANTED FOR MINIATURE SCHNAUZER]

TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR BIX! CAN YOU HELP?

Due to circumstances Bix has been staying at my kennels for the past few days, and in this short space of time I have seen him change from a timid and worried recluse to a bouncy, playful little chap. He is a real little character and I'm glad I've got to know him.

His owners have desperately tried everything to sort out his problem, but if he stays with them it is doubtful that it will be resolved. They know the best thing for Bix would be to find him another home, where a change of environment may help him overcome his problem. Unless a new home can be found they know they don't have any alternative but to have him put to sleep and this decision has been the hardest they have ever had to make. He needs a new home by Friday but PLEASE don't offer a home unless you really think you can help - he has a problem which Iris will explain in full detail.

His owners are finding the whole situation terribly upsetting so if you are genuinely interested in helping Bix, please contact Iris directly.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and in the meantime I'm going up to the kennels to give him a big cuddle!

[cattery in Montbourg]

[quote]I visited to have a look arround. The owner really does care about the animals she looks after but I was concerned about the level of hygene. The cats had large pens (for up to 5 cats from the same fa...[/quote]

Hi Diana

PLEASE don't accept those standards as the norm. If the cattery is registered with the French Service Veterinaire then the owners have minimum requirements to adhere to, one of which is that cats must be supplied with litter trays which must be cleaned out at least once a day and more often if 'soiled'. I would be most surprised if they would allow a grass/earth run for the cats as it would be impossible to clean and disinfect.

They should also insist on seeing your cats vaccination records to ensure that all jabs are up to date.

Our dog kennels have a grass exercise area (as well as individual concreted runs) but the dogs are exercised under supervision and I clear up after them as soon as they have done their business.

I think we are probably too far away from you to be of any help, but if you are not happy with what you have seen try and find somewhere else!

Good luck!

[Sheep Change of Ownership]

I don't know what deprtment you're in but if you are in Manche you need to write to:

Association pour l'Identification des Animaux de la Manche

Avenue de Paris

50008 SAINT-LO CEDEX

Tel: 02 33 06 49 25

Ask them for a 'Bon de commande de boucles d'identification pour ovins et caprins'

This is essentially an order form for ear-tags, and there is a space to indicate that you want to be registered. They will then send you your tags with a specific number allocated to you. They will also send a Register book and it is in here that you record all the movements of your sheep (comings and goings, not bodily functions!) Whoever sold you the sheep would have had to indicate in their own Register that the sheep have left their premises and details of who they went to.

There is no need to remove the old tags - you can add your own tags. Tags are essential if you plan to breed them and send the lambs to the abbatoir.

We've had sheep and lambs for the past 3 years and although I was very reluctant to eat the lambs at first, I am now converted and have never tasted such delicious lamb. I'm also happy in the knowledge that they have had 5 acres to roam around and that the journey to the abbatoir was only 20minutes and stress-free.

Hope this helps

[Good homes needed for Monty, Holly, Billy and Blanchette]

Hi******o

As far as I know there are some people buying the house/business but not sure when it all goes through.

We're in Buais (about 5-10 minutes from Husson) and I would be happy to show the kennels to your friends before they decide to book. I've just had my (unnannounced) visit from the Services Veterinaire who inspect the kennels and make sure everything is in order. I'm pleased to say they were perfectly happy with everything here and will be back again next year!

If your friends would like to e-mail me I can send them an information leaflet, booking form and directions to the kennels.

Thanks

[Good homes needed for Monty, Holly, Billy and Blanchette]

[quote]Now isn't that always the way!!!!! I visited one of our neighbours today, who I recommended use Paws Awhile about 18 months ago when they first had to leave their puppy "Monty" for a trip to the UK. ...[/quote]

Sorry******o, Monty is here to stay! He's settled in so well and we're really happy with the way things have turned out. I think William (my little boy) would have something to say if his playmate was to disappear!

But thanks anyway

[French motor insurance]

I am in the process of changing to French motor insurance but have come across a stumbling block. In order to benefit from the French 'no claims bonus' (the maximum is 50%) I have to prove that I have been insured and not had any claims in the UK or Jersey for the past 13 years! They need me to take along every single Certificate of Motor Insurance issued over the past 13 years. Now, I know I hoard loads of stuff but these documents are not the usual stuff I keep (added to which we had a house fire in Jersey 4 years ago in which everything was lost). I don't know about you but I used to shop around for the ceapest insurance cover each year and their recommended course of action (asking each past insurance company to send an attestation declaring how long I was insured with them and my no-claims situation) is going to be a mammoth task! Any suggestions...?

[Good homes needed for Monty, Holly, Billy and Blanchette]

Just to give you all an update...Holly is settling in okay into her new home, the goats seem happy in theirs, and Monty...well...despite my pleas and over 500 people checking out this post no-one was able to offer him a home, so, we've adopted him! He's now having the time of his life playing with my 22month old son aswell as our 2 springers. He's not at all phased by the chickens or sheep and loves following me around as I go about my business.

I would like to thank the anonymous benefactor who very kindly left a bag of dog food on my doorstep. I haven't managed to find out who it was but I am very grateful (and so was Monty!)

Thanks also to everyone for all the messages of support and for trying their best to find homes for the animals in such sad circumstances.

Thanks again

[Shopping in Jersey]

[quote]Thanks for the info everyone, we went yesterday. The B&Q store was in a mess as they were refitting, and as usual we had a hard time getting anyone to assist us, they always seem to be rushing aro...[/quote]

I moved to France from Jersey 4 years ago and don't regret it at all! I first moved to Jersey in 1995 and in the 6 years I was there I couldn't believe the rate it was changing. Back then the population was 89,000 which, for an Island measuring 9 miles by 5 miles is rather alot! You can safely add a few thousand more to this in the summer with the tourists. I feel the Island is getting itself into trouble though becuase it is SOOOO expensive and the tourists are staying away. The reason why there are so many cars there is because the bus system is pretty awful (and expensive) ... if you want to go from St. John in the North of the Island to St. Ouen in the West you have to catch a bus into the town centre first and then another one out (each trip £1.40)Also, since there is no raod tax or MOT in Jersey most people can afford to buy and run cars. Car insurance is also fairly cheap. By the way, the speed limit is 40mph on the only dual carriageway section (which runs for about a mile!), 30mph for main roads and 20mph in built up areas, although try telling that to the wealthy Ferrari, Porsche, and Lotus owners!

Give me the laid back life in France any day (mind you the drivers HERE are more prone to lunacy than in Jersey!)

[Good homes needed for Monty, Holly, Billy and Blanchette]

At long last Holly the cat is having a 'trial run' in a loving and caring home. Let's hope that she settles in okay.

Now, poor Monty is still looking for that someone special who has it in their heart to give him lots of walks and cuddles. He's getting most confused when all the other dogs go home with their owners and can't understand why he can't go too, so if you can offer him a good home please let me know as soon as possible. If you want to see how adorable he is, just e-mail me and I'll send you a photo!

[Good homes needed for Monty and Holly]

I have already posted this message on the Pets forum and despite an overwhelming number of views, no-one has yet been able to offer a home for Monty and only 2 'reluctant' offers for Holly (neither of which are ideal situations...dogs, major house renovations etc!). This is a long shot but I hope somebody will read this and take pity on these adorable pets.

"Regular LF forum members in the Normandy area will be greatly saddened to hear of the recent death of Clive from Paws Awhile kennels. He was a lovely man and completely potty about animals. I know for a fact that my dogs loved staying with him as he treated them as his own. It's only right therefore that we return some of the kindness he showed by finding good, caring homes for his own pets that have been left behind...

Monty is an 11 year old tri-colour long-haired Jack Russell. He is very spritely and in good health. He would be better placed with a man, although would settle quite happily in a family environment. Although used to other dogs he may appreciate some quality one-on-one attention in his autumn years!

Holly is a 3 year old black and white domestic short-haired cat. She can be a bit timid if she doesn't know you but sooon responds to a stroke and a cuddle. She likes her own independance and doesn't take kindly to being 'over-handled' - she will sit on your lap when she's good and ready but not before!

Please, please, please...if you can help find homes for any of them contact me as soon as possible."

Both Monty and Holly are staying here at my kennels in Buais (50) and you are welcome to come and meet them before making any committment. I have a home for Monty in the UK but he hasn't got a passport so will need to wait 6 months or so before he can travel. Whether you feel you can 'adopt' him for a short-term period until then or if you feel you can offer him a permanent home here in France, please let me know.

Neither of them want to stay in kennels indefinitely.

Many thanks

[Good homes needed for Monty, Holly, Billy and Blanchette]

[quote]Do the animals have passports? This may help someone decide.[/quote]

Sadly, no, although Monty is fully vaccinated (including rabies jabs). Holly is also up to date with her regular jabs but hasn't had any rabies jabs.

Had Monty already had a passport he would be in the UK by now as someone was happily able to give him a home there. Such a shame...

[Good homes needed for Monty, Holly, Billy and Blanchette]

Hi Dick

Yes, it is Clive from Husson. It's unlikely that Glynis will carry on with the kennels as the house and business were on the market before all this happened. It's a complicated situation which is why we need to find homes for the animals as soon as possible. It seems we have possible homes for the goats but still desperately looking for Monty and Holly. As Coco said Monty is adorable and even though he seems old at 11 he acts like a puppy and is very active, so if you know of anyone willing to give him or Holly a good home please let me know.

Many thanks

[Good homes needed for Monty, Holly, Billy and Blanchette]

Annie,

Thanks very much for the offer of a home for the goats. We now have 2 possible homes for them within the area so we're going to follow these leads up first. If all else fails then I'll certainly keep you in mind although the distance may be a problem. Thanks anyway...

Anne,

Thanks for your reply - we're all still trying to come to terms with it but I guess it will take a while. I know you've got your hands full with the new arrivals so I appreciate you taking the time to ask around!

The latest I've heard from Clives friends is that Monty and Holly will probably have to go the SPA if homes can't be found. I haven't had any dealings in France with the SPA so I hope they don't have a policy of putting animals down if they are considered too old to rehome (thinking particularly of Monty). So another urgent plea...if anyone knows of a good, loving home for either Monty or Holly please get in touch asap.

Thanks again

[Good homes needed for Monty, Holly, Billy and Blanchette]

Regular LF forum members in the Normandy area will be greatly saddened to hear of the recent death of Clive from Paws Awhile kennels. He was a lovely man and completely potty about animals. I know for a fact that my dogs loved staying with him as he treated them as his own. It's only right therefore that we return some of the kindness he showed by finding good, caring homes for his own pets that have been left behind...

Monty is an 11 year old tri-colour long-haired Jack Russell. He is very spritely and in good health. He would be better placed with a man, although would settle quite happily in a family environment. Although used to other dogs he may appreciate some quality one-on-one attention in his autumn years!

Holly is a 3 year old black and white domestic short-haired cat. She can be a bit timid if she doesn't know you but sooon responds to a stroke and a cuddle. She likes her own independance and doesn't take kindly to being 'over-handled' - she will sit on your lap when she's good and ready but not before!

Billy and Blanchette are a pair of goats. It's these that we feel will be most difficult to find homes for as not many people are willing to take on goats or livestock. Billy was hand-reared so is very tame and gentle. He's also quite protective of Blanchette in that he will stand between her and a dog in the same field, but he's not aggressive.

Please, please, please...if you can help find homes for any of them contact me as soon as possible.

Many thanks

Emma

[Dog Sitters / Boarding Kennels]

[quote]Anne, If you're going down to the Alps why not spread the net a bit further and see if there is anyone on your route that could give you a good deal. Possibly even somewhere near to where you will be...[/quote]

On the face of it this sounds like a good idea but I would consider a couple of things.

Firstly, if you're looking for kennels via the internet and find some for the region that you are going to stay, you will probably need to book well in advance for that period of time which means you may not be able to inspect the kennels personally before you leave the animals there.

Secondly, animals quite often get distressed and confused if their owners come to visit them during a kennel stay. They obviously can't understand why they can't go home again when you leave.

I would always insist on owners checking out our kennels before they leave their animals, so they know exactly where they will be staying etc., and although it may sound harsh I discourage owners from visiting their pets whilst here as it really can cause distress once they leave again.

Anne, I hope our revised rates were of interest to you, but I fully understand if you want to try and find somewhere nearer to where you will be staying.

Good luck

Emma

[Car Boot Sale]

There is a Car Boot Sale at Virey (just outside Saint Hilaire du Harcouet) on Sunday 12th September, which is, I quote, "opened to any sales" and in honour of the "English Year". No idea how much a pitch is, but it starts at 8.30am

[Runner Beans]

This is the first year that I have grown runner beans, and unfortunately the veggie patch has become a bit neglected over the past couple of weeks. Needless to say therefore, that when I went to harvest them, most of my runner beans are past their best. I now have about 6lbs of beans and don't know what to do with them. I tried cooking some but they are so fibrous, tough and stringy. Can anyone suggest what I can do with them. I have read that you can dry them and use the beans as 'haricots' but they need to be attached to the plant still...mine are all on the kitchen worktop! Is there anything I can do with them or do I have to persuade the sheep and hens to eat them?

Many thanks
Emma