Winegum

Oooops! Meant to thank you Pierre and thanked Cedrillion instead !! But thanks to him too.

Thanks Cendrillon, I was going to try using it but your comment about the lead has me a bit worried! However I also bought a six-cup aluminium pot in perfect condition, with the same bits inside. So I'll see if I can get that one to work instead. The little one is cute enough to just sit on the shelf. Many thanks

[IMG]http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab193/ACoPilotsView/DSCF9754e.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab193/ACoPilotsView/DSCF9757e.jpg[/IMG] This is what it looks like. It's only big enough for one cup.

Silly question time! I bought an old, single -cup cafetiere (percolater?)at a brocante today (about 1940's) but am having trouble deciding where to put the coffee. There are two baskets with holes in - one deep one with tiny holes in the bottom that fits in the main body of the pot. The other much shallower basket is only about half an inch deep, it has much bigger holes and fits into the top of the deep basket immediatly below the lid. There is no tube to carry water up to the top as are in some cafetieres. I've experimented with the coffee and tried both baskets but am still only making hot water! Any help appreciated.

We retired on my husband's minuscule RAF pension and relied on savings until my pension came through at age 60. We've taken nothing out of France, other than the enjoyment of living here. We spend our money here and pay our taxes. We're not rich but we are time millionaires. And we're never idle! More like idyllic!

I could imagine Daniel Craig as Reacher, I think he's got the right face! Tom Cruise - No way!

Thanks for all replies everyone. I travel back and forth on Ryanair about twice a year and am well aware of the rules with regard to hand-luggage. I just never figured duck pate to be a gel, a liquid, or a paste. It is after all in a sealed tin with a manufacturer's label. And besides, in order to blow up the aeroplane with my exploding pate I would surely need a tin-opener, which I don't carry because of the rules regarding 'sharp instruments'! The customs man at Stansted checked the contents of my bag one time and chuckled at my two large pork pies. No probs bringing those over here! And who knows what I could have lurking under that pastry. Oh well, you live and learn, and my friends won't be taking pate through again. Gardian - my friends were also elderly and on their first visit to to France. I think, like me, they could be forgiven for not considering a tin of pate to be one of the banned items.

Friends recently returning to the UK with two small tins of duck pate in their hand luggage had it confiscated. It wasn't a weight issue. They didn't argue as they didn't speak a lot of French. Has anyone else had this happen?

Just absolutely LOVED this!! Now I want my bike back - to heck with this camper-van lark. Winegum x

I had exactly the same circumstances as Simon, and followed the same method. It all works fine. I can buy and download from Amazon U.K. I am absolutely thrilled with it too. I pretty much had to have a Kindle because I've just published my novel on it! Wanted to see how it all looks and I'm very pleased. Never thought I'd like reading anything other than books but I've honestly had to do a complete U-turn on that thought.

You jest! I couldn't keep up with an athletic hedgehog, let alone a greyhound! Lovely greyhound in the last round of the hounds at Crufts this week. But the Faro (spelling??) hound won in the end. And a fantastic little Scottie won the terrier class. He looked so proud and full of himself!

Thanks Mimi - I'll check it out. Love your doggie in your avatar! We have friends who have a lurcher. She's SO gentle. Not sure what breed yours is, but she has the same look about her (him?).

Mimi - Thank you! I have just checked out the dazer website. This gadget looks perfect. It apparently repels aggressive dogs but doesn't hurt them. A superb suggestion. It's something I could use while running, and it would be great because I wouldn't have to stop and spoil my target running time. I've no wish to hurt any animal, but just find being chased very nerve racking. Many years ago I was once bitten in the back of the leg by a collie - who I didn't even realise had come up behind me. In his case I know it's bred into them to nip at the heels of sheep - but I guess he didn't have his glasses on that day! As a general comment I feel quite sad that this thread has dissolved into an 'us and them' issue, ie 'runners v dog owners'. I wanted some advice for a specific situation. I wasn't criticising all dogs or their owners. Dogs are wonderful companions and do amazing things - you only have to see some of them on Crufts this week - which I love watching. However, it would appear some people have taken my request for advice on this specific issue as a personal attack on all dogs and dog-lovers, which it was never meant to be. Whether we are runners, cyclists, or walkers with dogs, we all have a right to use the public highway, and we should do so in a safe and courteous manner, with care, consideration, and respect for all other users.

Polly said: Why does the winter being cold & wet stop you running? I walk every day whatever the weather, and I haven't put on any weight for years! And you still haven't told me why runners look so mis. Ah Polly, you must be one of the lucky ones! Unlike me you obviously possess great self-discipline and an excellent metabolism. I'm a wimp, and dislike thrashing my lungs running in icy wind - because it makes me wheeze. In winter I slide into eating things like home-made steak and kidney pie, and steamed treacle pudding and custard; and then I watch the rain belting across the valley and enjoy writing my book - which inevitably means growing a spare tyre. A simple case of energy in and not a lot of energy out! It takes all sorts. Like Sue I'm retired and only do what I want to do, when I want to do it. I've never noticed runners looking miserable! Concentrated maybe, even determined or possibly in pain - but not miserable. Possibly if you watch sport you'll notice that most athletes or competitors tend to have serious, concentrated expressions. They're usually pitting themselves against something and rising to a challenge. Some of us need that sort of a challenge - even if it's just getting a better time when running a distance. If you seriously want to know the answers to your questions try running 10K - when it's below freezing!

Polly said: 'Why run anyway?' Well I started about 20 years ago, just to keep fit and lose weight. Then it became addictive. If I don't go I end up feeling like a slug, and get quite irritable. Running brings in new and invigorating energy for me and makes me feel fantastic. I agree you don't see the countryside in detail - although yesterday when I struggled slowly up a hill I did see a wonderful long-tailed fieldmouse. But I have other hobbies - like photography where I study all the flora and fauna in detail. I also run because at 62 I want to continue keeping fit so I can enjoy life to a ripe old age. I tend to believe: 'If you don't use it you lose it!' Sue said: 'I have acquired 3.5 extra kilos that have appeared over the winter'. I know just how you feel. The winter was so long and wet and cold that I didn't run at all. I was glued to my computer trying to finish a novel, and grew a great spare tyre! Hate it! But at least I finished the book and am just editing the last chapter - Hooray! Carrying dog treats - Hmm! Yesterday I'd have had to have fed six dogs! Not too sure if hefting a couple of bickies over my shoulder would have dissuaded the big dogs from coming after me. Currently I've taken some advice from a dog-lover friend who advocates: no touch, no talk, no eye contact. And stop running because they think you're 'prey'. (praying more like!). I mean do I look like a flaming rabbit? I suppose it's similar to walking through a field of cows - if you run they run after you, but cows do it because they're nosy. Maybe if I run the same route enough they'll all get bored with me!

I absolutely agree Sue, it's all down to owners. But after today I decided there are just too many to take action against. Maybe I should just keep running when I get chased, but I'm worried that it's an invitation to excite them more, and possibly get bitten. Hey, my 10K time would still have been awful! First long run after 3 months of winter, and I'm SO out of shape. Thanks for your support.

Well I guess we're all different and have had different experiences. I know JR's are little sods, and often disobedient, but I've always thought of them as 'gutsy' as opposed to aggressive. Probably a misplaced belief because they're small! Either way I'd rather be chased by a JR than a German Shepherd! And I've never (yet) met a Lab' that didn't wiggle all over when you make a fuss of it. But again there are obviously exceptions to the rule. I've decided to give up worrying about the 'dog problem'. It's hopeless. I did a 10K run this morning and had to stop four times. First was a mangy Heinz 57 that must have run 300 yards to tell me I was on his patch. Lying sod. Fur was stuck up like a bottle brush and teeth bared! Fortunately he was medium sized and I despatched him with rocks. Next were two large critters - can't you always tell by the bark! They came hurtling up behind me from farm buildings and I immediately slowed to a quiet walk. Thankfully the farmer called them back. Thirty yards from them the usual suspects were waiting (shepherd and hound) but were with owners so only minimal barking. Last but not least a mobile mop (who thought it was a Great Dane) threw itself after me from a lady's yard. Mop was cute as a button and we had a chat and introduced ourselves. He looked a lot like Will's dog - who posted on this thread. So needless to say with all my stops my 10K running time was crap. Guess I need a less rural route.

I could stick to running from home, but we live up in the woods and I have one route - a sort of two and a half mile loop. It's a rough track and a steep hill. I often run it - well - walk the hill! Run the rest. It's nice to have a change, and run on the flat, on proper road. And of course psychologically it's great to start a run, running towards home! I take your point about being eco friendly! - We do have solar hot water!! Re the dogs, I'll just have to walk past the drive. Something running seems to invite the need to give chase. Why can't they have a nice old Labrador or a cute little Jack Russell!  NickP - Love your wife's comment!

Don't be silly! He doesn't do running! He only does things with wheels and wings! Come to think of it, I would bet just about any money that the dogs in question chase every motorbike that goes by as well. Will have to put my thickest leathers on and test it out.

Thanks Pat F and WoollyB I will definitely consider the maire - when I find out which one the house comes under. It's a shame, I love my jogging and only have a limited number of routes. The dog problem is on the quietest and prettiest. I get my hubby to drive me about 4 miles and then I run home. Maybe I'll get him to sit in wait just past the drive with a camera and snap the culprits when they come after me. It would be some evidence for the mairie! Thanks for all your helpful suggestions

Thanks to you both - Will and Frederick Just to say we live in the middle of nowhere, right in the heart of hunting country. We have returned lost hounds on two occasions to hunters. I have no problem with roaming dogs, and fully accept the French traditions and ways. But large, aggressive dogs, that chase me when I'm on a public road - not on their property I kind of see differently. One of the dogs is a German Shepherd - a guard dog, not a hunting dog. They are simply very frightening. It can't be right that I should feel the need to carry pepper spray or a water-pistol to defend myself every time I pass this one house. I never thought of going to the Mairie, it's a good idea. Thanks.

I thought of that but would have to go in the car as there's no way I'd attempt to go to the house on foot. I'm also inclined to assume (maybe negatively) that the type of people prepared to let their dogs barrel out on to the road every time someone goes past, are not the type to listen. The house is some way back off the road and the dogs run the full length of the drive, and come down the road, barking. The two of them, being big dogs, kick up a hell of a din. The owners must be aware of what's happening - unless they're blind and deaf! Maybe I'll talk my hubby into coming to talk to them with me. He can go and knock on the door!

Thanks Guys! I didn't know pepper spray was legal - and I do actually have some - found left in the loo when we bought our house five years ago. Having never encountered the stuff before, and unable to read a word of French at the time, I assumed it may be some sort of deodorant - and gave it a quick squirt!!! Needless to say I did a rapid exit!! I assume the canister still works after 5 years. I'm now wondering about the term 'actual attack' that you've mentioned?? Would this only be when the German Shepherd is actually 'attached' to the seat of my running shorts? Or maybe has its jaws firmly secured around my left ankle? Personally I think it would be best not to wait till that point. I don't want to upset the owners; but I really don't think they're playing fair.

Can anyone advise me as to the rules on owners controlling their dogs. I have just started jogging again and on my circuit (on a country road) I have to pass a house with two dogs. Last week, on my first run, I was absolutely terrified. I had passed the end of the drive to a house and was promptly chased by a German Shepherd and a very large hound type dog with a stubby tail. They came tearing down the road and right up behind me, barking. I slowed immediately to a walk and didn't turn around and they eventually went back. It was really frightening. This week I ran again, but made sure I walked quietly past the house, hoping they wouldn't hear me. They raced out, but fortunately I was quite a way past the drive. We live in an area where there are many dogs due to the hunting. Generally people keep their dogs in kennels, or in a secure area which is fenced, and the dogs are extremely well behaved. I wish the owners of these two would do the same. It wouldn't be so bad if they were small dogs, but these two are really intimidating. Can anyone tell me if there is a law which governs large dogs running loose on a public road? I would change my route for running, but because we live isolated there a very few options and this is a lovely quiet country road. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks Pickles Unfortunately we're nowhere near an IKEA here or at my UK destination, so will definitely go 'Bag-Lady-Style'! [:D]