Clair

[quote user="mogs"]I think I just downloaded it, didn't recall being asked if I wanted to download as an extension to Firefox. oh dear, not really very technically minded so what should I do, uninstall and try to reinstall?[/quote] Uninstall then get it from HERE.

[quote user="AnOther"]Doesn't work for me with Firefox Clair [:(][/quote] It's working fine for me as an extension on FF18.0.1 and Chrome under Windows7. Did you install it as a FF extension or did you use "download for Windows" on the download page?

[quote user="Chiefluvvie"]McAfee site advisor is telling me this site / link is not safe to open so can't comment.[/quote] No problem on either of our laptops. This add-on has been checked by Firefox to make sure it doesn't have security problems.

Mr Clair has just downloaded this on his Mac, and it works on Windows with Firefox and Chrome too. Hola Unblocker is a browser extension that removes region locks and allows you to watch BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hula, Pandora, and more regardless of where you live. It doesn't require any set up and works right out of the box. Just install the extension, and Hola Unblocker does the rest. You don't need to reboot or change any setting in your browser. Currently, Hola supports Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, BBC iPlayer, iTV Player, CBS, and Fox. (source) http://hola.org/unblocker.html

[quote user="NormanH"]Thanks for that explanation Clair. It explains a few things I won't go into [:$] I didn't know they had "pay on invoice" accounts and "monthly debit" accounts.... I bet a few companies tear their hair out over me[:-))][/quote] It may be down to a simple change of code on a computer system to indicate the method of payment, but if it avoids aggro, it's worth a quick phone call [:)].

[quote user="NormanH"]That is a very helpful letter Clair, but why contact the EDF in this case? Surely if you just stop the prélèvement at the bank that is the end of the matter? Once it is stopped they can't do anything about it.[/quote] Yes, once the bank has received instructions, it's the end of the matter, but EDF will not know to change the account to a "pay on invoice" account from a "monthly debit" account. All they'll know is that the DD is being refused and the red letters will start coming through the letterbox. IMO, it's best to tell them about the change in payment (once it's done with the bank) and ask for the account to be amended accordingly.

[quote user="victor"]Clair wrote the following post at 23/01/2013 22:14: victor wrote: ... And I have asked Claire if, given that EDF did stop the prelevement, we still should write the letter to the bank. Emphatically yes. You have authorised them to help themselves to your money. I would advise you to snap your wallet shut ASAP. Clair, OK Claire. I will draft the letter tomorrow. May I email you my draft for you to look over? Victor[/quote] Yes, no problem. Here's a sample letter you can adapt to suit: [quote] Prénom Nom (victor) Adresse Code Postal Ville                                                                         Banque                                                                         Adresse                                                                         Code Postal Ville                                                                         (name of town where you live), le (date of letter) Ref client : (your bank acc number) OBJET : Résiliation d'un prélèvement automatique   Madame, Monsieur, Un prélèvement automatique d'un montant de XX euros est effectué chaque mois sur mon compte au credit de EDF, sous la référence (edf payment ref n°). Par la présente lettre je vous informe que conformémént aux articles 2003 et 2004 du code civil, je ne souhaite plus autoriser ce prélevement automatique à partir du (date of letter+1day), Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées. signature NOM PRENOM (victor) [/quote] Give them a 3-4 days, then you can pop in to check that this has been acted on. Then you can contact EDF (phone or letter) to inform them that the DD has been cancelled and that you wish to be invoiced every 2 months. Don't forget to register for the Relevé Confiance service so you can give them your meter reading and there'll be no more nasty surprises.

[quote user="victor"]... And I have asked Claire if, given that EDF did stop the prelevement, we still should write the letter to the bank. [/quote] Emphatically yes. You have authorised them to help themselves to your money. I would advise you to snap your wallet shut ASAP.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-great-french-stench-gas-leak-in-rouen-leaves-foulsmelling-cloud-of-gas-wafting-over-southern-england-8461793.html

[quote user="minnie"]Does anyone know where, in France, I can buy Pathclear (not round-up)? I want something strong for the drive.[/quote] Roundup do a "path" version of the weedkiller, called ROUNDUP Allées & Terrasse.

To cancel your prélèvement, you must contact your bank, preferably in writing (registered post + proof of delivery) to tell them you wish to cancel the monthly prélèvement made by EDF. Make sure you give them the correct payment details (these should show on your statements and on your EDF paperwork) and make sure you time your letter according to the current payment schedule. In your letter, write that the request is "selon les articles 2003 et 2004 du code civil, qui dit qu’un mandat est révocable à tout moment." Send me a PM if you need help with this. The bank will not charge for a cancellation, but do not use the words stop or opposition, as these may give a green light to the bank to charge for stopping (as opposed to cancelling) the debit. Why a registered letter preferably to face-to-face? Because when EDF next tries to take money from your account, the bank may let it go through, and unless you asked someone at the bank to stamp and sign a copy of your request, you won't have proof that you asked them to stop paying, and you'll be out of pocket. Then call EDF on 09 69 32 15 15 (Mon to Sat 8h00 tp 21h00) and tell them you want to change your method of payment to cheque. They will probably come up with various reasons why you shouldn't, but stick to your guns as it's your right to do so. Then you can register online with EDF, sign up with the Relevé Confiance and pay your bills online. As far as payments are concerned, I pay my bills on their website with my bank card. And it's 6 times a year (an invoice every 2 months.)

[quote user="victor"]...whether the bill is correct or incorrect, we will be reading our meter every month and every time we receive a bill actual or estimated. It appears that one can now send EDF the meter reading by computer. I am checking this out. We appreciate your comments and we definitely will be reading the meter. [/quote] Victor, You can give EDF your own meter reading a couple of weeks before the bill is produced. You need to register with Relevé Confiance on their website. Once you've registered, they will send you a letter or email 2-3 weeks before they invoice. You read your meter, then go on their website to enter your reading. You can also do the same on their automated phone system (09 69 32 15 15). If you do not send your own reading, they will do an estimate. This service is not available if you pay monthly or if you're invoiced only every 6 months. Also, EDF are required to read the meter at least once a year and the date of the reading is stated on the back of the invoice. Can you check yours and see if a meter reading visit is stated? I have 2 meters and they are read twice every year. As it happens, I had a letter last week to advise me of the technician's visit next week.

Their market is yoofs and skinny-minnies. I haven't been able to call myself either of those for a while now.

I've always called it un économe, never un épluche-légume... [:)] Carry on sharing, please. Your enthusiasm makes me smile [:)]

[quote user="Chancer"]There is a weekly or monthly spending plafond on all cards, doesnt matter that you have €10000 in your account, if you have spent more than €1000 that month (some banks higher some lower) then the card will be refused. Tha banks claim that it is for our own protection should the card be stolen, yeah right! The French seem happy to swallow this lie and the contradictory "if you pay a higher monthly card fee we can raise your limit"[/quote] After a quick chat with the bank manager, both the spending and withdrawal limits on my card were raised without any difficulty.

I haven't seen any in the supermarkets I shop in. A biocoop or health food shop should have them as well as others made from chestnut, quinoa, rice or buckwheat flour.

No additional snow here, but there' s a topcoat of slippery ice on the existing/remaining 5 inches. Overnight low -10°C. Current temp -3°C. I've had to switch on the oil-filled electric radiator in the attic/bedroom. Thank goodness for thermostats! It's now a more comfortable 14°C.

[quote user="Clair"]We're down for an overnight frost (-8°C for the next two nights) and Mr Clair will know about it when he drive to work at 5am tomorrow...[/quote] The thermometer showed a low of -6.9°C for last night...

 Now you're making me blush! [:$] [kiss]

[quote user="Araucaria"]... thanks again Clair. Mind you, the state of the roads getting there was hair-raising![/quote] You're welcome, but really, you don't need to thank me for reminding you of a shop you already knew about! [:)] I've dealt with them before Jøtul and Weber parts, and have always found them helpful. You sure picked your day to drive to Aurillac! I had to drive 3.5km and back on a steep, snow-covered ice-rink to get to the main road this afternoon, and I before I left, I asked Mr Clair to come and get me if I wasn't back on time, and not to forget a tow-rope!

I made it out and I made it back! As expected, the minor roads are just like a downhill piste, but thankfully the newly-fitted winter tyres did their job without a hitch. We're down for an overnight frost (-8°C for the next two nights) and Mr Clair will know about it when he drive to work at 5am tomorrow...

[quote user="sweet 17"]... whilst still snowing here, it's sort of half-hearted snow...[/quote] I like that! [:D] Nothing half-hearted about our snow and I've had to clear the steps AGAIN, and in front of the garage door, as I have to drive out this afternoon. And it's still falling! Luckily, the main village road is listed as prioritaire and is always cleared as soon as the snow or ice appear. My problem is going to be how to get to the village, as the voie rurale  to the hamlet and the D-road leading to/from the village have not been cleared and are covered by 8 inches of fresh snow... and they're both quite steep![blink] A few years ago, one of our neighbours ended up (down?) in the ditch on his way to the B-road and after we pulled him out, we all had to drive around the hamlet on cattle roads to get to our houses! I guess that's one way to find out if the newly-fitted (and expensive) Goodyear winter tyres are up to the job![:-))]

[quote user="Clair"]I have just cleared the steps down to the garage... [/quote] Well, that was a bleeding waste of time and energy! [:D] The steps are totally covered again! Never mind, it's only snow for now... I wonder if the post-office van is going to make it up the hill today... [blink]

[quote user="AnOther"]Make no mistake I hold you lot personally responsible for this !!![/quote] Poor AnOther![:P] I have just cleared the steps down to the garage... It's just about 5 inches and still falling...

[quote user="Christine Animal"]Ce sont les livres d'Alexandre ? or Ce sont les livres de Alexandre ? I still believe the second is correct (no d' in front of a nom propre).[/quote] no d' in front of a nom propre Never heard of that[:)] I'd say the first is correct. The usual grammar rule applies: On fait normalement l'élision devant un nom propre s'il commence par une voyelle ou un h muet. Le gâteau d'Anne; le fils d'Hélène.