Well, it's here waiting to be installed! I have to disinstall the previous printer before installing this one, so am feeling nervous about it. What if I cant get it to work and then need to print something urgently? Just thinking about it puts me off working so I have found lots of other more important things to do this weekend, like entertaining friends, walking the dog several times, writing lists of work to complete this week etc! I keep telling myself that it's only a machine, but even that isnt' helping.
No doubt it will be fine. I must get it up and running by Wednesday as the seller is coming to the office to test the phone line, 3G reception and probably my scanner. I WILL do this. It's not going to beat me.
Do any of my readers have the same problem? I sometimes feel as if I am the only person on the planet that doesnt like new machines, which I know are designed to actually make my life easier.
I still remember seeing teachers turn the 'bander' handle at school, and the smell of ink as it dried on our copies: Surely the new printers are better than that, although I bet the teacher's of those days ha more muscles in their arms than those of today.
Perhaps I should start a club for technophobics like me, although I guess that many of them havn't actually moved on to the internet yet.
Ok, my partner's here now so I'm going to enlist his help. As a mechanic, I guess that between the two of us, we should be able to get this sorted.
See you tomorrow, with clean hands hopefully!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Printers!
Ok, I admit it! I am technophobic. I have hung on to my VHS cassettes, the VHS player, and my two tonne, take-all -the -space-on-your-desk scanner for long enough!
Tomorrow I will be installing a new up-to-the-minute scanner/printer etc which I am hoping will also be able to make cups of tea and massage my shoulders after a few hours at the keyboard. My french partner is on the whole fairly attentive in these matters, but all too often disappears off fishing while leaving me to 'relax' when my shoulders are hunched to a point that they almost meet in front of me!
Of course, I'll have to await my son's visit next week to explain how the scanner works and all the wonderful things that it can do, but at least I'm moving in the right direction.
I still can't get my iphone to work properly after 6 weeks, but that's just typical of me with new technology. My kids were able to programme the video recorder etc long before I could even co-ordinate the tv and satellite receiver! It seems to me that just as I catch up with the rest of the world, the planet does a quick spin to leave me trailing yet again. Thank goodness that my kids are on hand to help.
So how come I can use a computer without any problems at all? I can't remember the last time I had a major mishap, and fortunately my son set up a back up to save all my work.
When I was young, I thought parents had children to help them with the washing up and to look after them in their old age: Now I know the real reasons!
Nathan and Rebecca: Thank you for all your help with all things technical!
Ok, back to work on the admin site for
www.hotelsafloat.com
The Le Boat prices have arrived so I need to spend a few hours updating them ready for the 2009 season. Sore shoulders, here I come!
Tomorrow I will be installing a new up-to-the-minute scanner/printer etc which I am hoping will also be able to make cups of tea and massage my shoulders after a few hours at the keyboard. My french partner is on the whole fairly attentive in these matters, but all too often disappears off fishing while leaving me to 'relax' when my shoulders are hunched to a point that they almost meet in front of me!
Of course, I'll have to await my son's visit next week to explain how the scanner works and all the wonderful things that it can do, but at least I'm moving in the right direction.
I still can't get my iphone to work properly after 6 weeks, but that's just typical of me with new technology. My kids were able to programme the video recorder etc long before I could even co-ordinate the tv and satellite receiver! It seems to me that just as I catch up with the rest of the world, the planet does a quick spin to leave me trailing yet again. Thank goodness that my kids are on hand to help.
So how come I can use a computer without any problems at all? I can't remember the last time I had a major mishap, and fortunately my son set up a back up to save all my work.
When I was young, I thought parents had children to help them with the washing up and to look after them in their old age: Now I know the real reasons!
Nathan and Rebecca: Thank you for all your help with all things technical!
Ok, back to work on the admin site for
www.hotelsafloat.com
The Le Boat prices have arrived so I need to spend a few hours updating them ready for the 2009 season. Sore shoulders, here I come!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Sore shoulders and 2009 cruise prices!
There's nothing more that I like than the annual updating of my site ( NOT!)
http://www.hotelsafloat.com/ has been designed by an expert, Phillip Aldridge of http://www.imi21.com/, and the admin panel allows me to update the site myself. Just when the summer holidays are finishing and the children have returned to school, theoretically giving me some free time, I find myself inundated with literally 100's of prices to update, not to mention adding on the hotel barges that I have selected for the 2009 fleet. Yes, not all boats that I visit meet the grade as I only select hotel barges that I would like to cruise on myself, unlike some other agents with less scruples than me!
So, here I am with very sore shoulders and an aching back after 8 hours at the keyboard updating prices and deciding upon website changes.! Fortunately the day is now drawing to an end and I'll soon be off home to enjoy a glass of rosé in the evening, Burgundy sunshine after taking Chataigne for her daily 7 km run.
Cobie emailed me to say that my clients are lovely and having a good time on Etoile. That makes my day worthwhile, knowing that they are happy with their cruise in the Provence region, even if it is rather windy there today.
Right, home now before any more prices land on my desk!!!
http://www.hotelsafloat.com/ has been designed by an expert, Phillip Aldridge of http://www.imi21.com/, and the admin panel allows me to update the site myself. Just when the summer holidays are finishing and the children have returned to school, theoretically giving me some free time, I find myself inundated with literally 100's of prices to update, not to mention adding on the hotel barges that I have selected for the 2009 fleet. Yes, not all boats that I visit meet the grade as I only select hotel barges that I would like to cruise on myself, unlike some other agents with less scruples than me!
So, here I am with very sore shoulders and an aching back after 8 hours at the keyboard updating prices and deciding upon website changes.! Fortunately the day is now drawing to an end and I'll soon be off home to enjoy a glass of rosé in the evening, Burgundy sunshine after taking Chataigne for her daily 7 km run.
Cobie emailed me to say that my clients are lovely and having a good time on Etoile. That makes my day worthwhile, knowing that they are happy with their cruise in the Provence region, even if it is rather windy there today.
Right, home now before any more prices land on my desk!!!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Seeing Stars on the Etoile
Hi!
Sorry not to have written for a few days, but what a few days they have been!
Last Tuesday I took the train to Nimes, and then travelled on to Bellegarde in Provence to visit Cobie aboard her boat.
What a wonderful experience! As soon as I smelt the wonderful aroma of lavender and citronelle on boarding the boat, I fell under the charm of Etoile. Built in 1889 this Dutch passenger barge has been lovingly converted by Cobie to provide a home from home for up to 8 guests, in four ensuite cabins. Cobie and Nico kept me well entertained as they prepared our evening meal, while I enjoyed a glass of white wine from the Rully vineyards. What a meal! Friends of mine reading this blog will know that I have an excellent apetite. As one of four children, I was brought up eating as much as my brothers, who are 6ft as opposed to my 5ft4, and my mother liked us to finish everything on the table. Cobie presented me what she insists is a typical lunch aboard Etoile, but to be this sumptious meal was more than enough for a dinner. Clearly an excellent cook, Cobie served a variety of dishes including fresh melon with ham, a wonderful quiche and a prawn salad ( NOT to be confused with a prawn cocktail!) Easy conversation, wonderful wine and amusing anecdotes completed this evening. As I lay down on my 2m square, canopied bed, I noticed the stars on the ceiling before drifting off into a deep sleep.
Morning came far too soon, and after a breakfast of fresh pastries and croissants, it was time to take the train back to Dijon, and my return to the office.
I smiled all the way back, but came back to a potential disaster!
One of my charters due out on Sunday was under threat of cancellation as the Captain had had an accident during floods on the Saone.
My poor clients! A group of 4 octegenarians coming from Canada.
While I desperately searched for an alternative cruise for them, I didn't have time to call Cobie to advise her that I had returned safely.
On emailing her later that evening, she came to my rescue, offering me two cabins aboard Etoile for Sunday's guests, having had an unexpected last minute cancellation!
When I first met Cobie a couple of weeks ago, I sensed that we would be able to work well together, and that here was a woman that I could trust. Now I am certain of this.
My clients joined Etoile yesterday, and are now enjoying their Provence cruise.
A few days of frantic activity and all's end that ends well.
If you would like to see the Etoile, visit the following site:
http://www.bargingholidays.com/
Needless to say, the Etoile will soon appear on our site at
http://www.hotelsafloat.com/
Now, I must get on with my emails and all those Monday morning tasks.
Have a nice day, and to those that were wondering, yes, the Loire is fine and due to be returned to the wild this evening.
Sorry not to have written for a few days, but what a few days they have been!
Last Tuesday I took the train to Nimes, and then travelled on to Bellegarde in Provence to visit Cobie aboard her boat.
What a wonderful experience! As soon as I smelt the wonderful aroma of lavender and citronelle on boarding the boat, I fell under the charm of Etoile. Built in 1889 this Dutch passenger barge has been lovingly converted by Cobie to provide a home from home for up to 8 guests, in four ensuite cabins. Cobie and Nico kept me well entertained as they prepared our evening meal, while I enjoyed a glass of white wine from the Rully vineyards. What a meal! Friends of mine reading this blog will know that I have an excellent apetite. As one of four children, I was brought up eating as much as my brothers, who are 6ft as opposed to my 5ft4, and my mother liked us to finish everything on the table. Cobie presented me what she insists is a typical lunch aboard Etoile, but to be this sumptious meal was more than enough for a dinner. Clearly an excellent cook, Cobie served a variety of dishes including fresh melon with ham, a wonderful quiche and a prawn salad ( NOT to be confused with a prawn cocktail!) Easy conversation, wonderful wine and amusing anecdotes completed this evening. As I lay down on my 2m square, canopied bed, I noticed the stars on the ceiling before drifting off into a deep sleep.
Morning came far too soon, and after a breakfast of fresh pastries and croissants, it was time to take the train back to Dijon, and my return to the office.
I smiled all the way back, but came back to a potential disaster!
One of my charters due out on Sunday was under threat of cancellation as the Captain had had an accident during floods on the Saone.
My poor clients! A group of 4 octegenarians coming from Canada.
While I desperately searched for an alternative cruise for them, I didn't have time to call Cobie to advise her that I had returned safely.
On emailing her later that evening, she came to my rescue, offering me two cabins aboard Etoile for Sunday's guests, having had an unexpected last minute cancellation!
When I first met Cobie a couple of weeks ago, I sensed that we would be able to work well together, and that here was a woman that I could trust. Now I am certain of this.
My clients joined Etoile yesterday, and are now enjoying their Provence cruise.
A few days of frantic activity and all's end that ends well.
If you would like to see the Etoile, visit the following site:
http://www.bargingholidays.com/
Needless to say, the Etoile will soon appear on our site at
http://www.hotelsafloat.com/
Now, I must get on with my emails and all those Monday morning tasks.
Have a nice day, and to those that were wondering, yes, the Loire is fine and due to be returned to the wild this evening.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Post weekend blues
HI everyone.
Hope that you all had a good weekend. I certainly did thanks to two very fine bottles of wine received from a client on Friday evening as thanks for her cruise. Thank you Mary!
We drank the rosé on Saturday, and the red yesterday, before heading out for our usual Sunday afternoon walk with Chataigne, our adopted dog, along the banks of the river Saone and the Canal de Rhone au Rhin. Peace, perfect peace.
Apart from preparing to update the Locaboat self drive cruise pages ready for 2009, I tried to find some me time during the weekend knowing that today would be busy. I'm not disappointed on that front, and infact was very pleased to see a number of enquiries for the end of this season. So, having worked on those all day, I am now going to upgrade the Locaboat rates before the phone starts ringing with over seas clients!
And to those of you wondering, the Loire is doing fine!
Tomorrow I am heading to Nimes to inspect a hotel barge offering fun cruises for families, and will let you know how I get on when I next write, probably on Wednesday after my return.
Hope that you all had a good weekend. I certainly did thanks to two very fine bottles of wine received from a client on Friday evening as thanks for her cruise. Thank you Mary!
We drank the rosé on Saturday, and the red yesterday, before heading out for our usual Sunday afternoon walk with Chataigne, our adopted dog, along the banks of the river Saone and the Canal de Rhone au Rhin. Peace, perfect peace.
Apart from preparing to update the Locaboat self drive cruise pages ready for 2009, I tried to find some me time during the weekend knowing that today would be busy. I'm not disappointed on that front, and infact was very pleased to see a number of enquiries for the end of this season. So, having worked on those all day, I am now going to upgrade the Locaboat rates before the phone starts ringing with over seas clients!
And to those of you wondering, the Loire is doing fine!
Tomorrow I am heading to Nimes to inspect a hotel barge offering fun cruises for families, and will let you know how I get on when I next write, probably on Wednesday after my return.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Early morning start!
After a busy day yesterday, I had to head off to Dijon this morning at the unearthly, pre-coffee hour of 8.30 ready to meet some guests. Mr Huon and his group of 19 friends had just spent 7 days cruising on the Burgundy canal on the hotel barge Litote. It was great to meet this man from down under having emailed him so many times over the last year to help him prepare his trip to Europe. The group had obviously had a good time, and I was pleased to hear that the cruise had been wonderful, and the food fantastic!
If you fancy enjoying the same cruise, have a look in the Luxury Cruises section at
www.hotelsafloat.com
Litote is one of the most popular vessels cruising on the Burgundy canal, and is very well known for her crew's hospitality.
Mr Huon and Co are now on their way to Switzerland for a walking holiday, before they head to Tuscany. How lovely to have so much time to travel. Roll on my retirement!
Dashed back to see how our latest baby was doing..... a tiny Loire which we found on the patio yesterday, almost drowning in the torrential rain. She seems to be doing well and likes the kitten formula that we are feeding her on. For those of you not familiar with Loires, they are rather like squirrels but smaller, with a zorro mask and striped down the back. Fortunately they dont grow too big, but they are excellent climbers so if she survives, Chance will soon be dashing around the house teasing the dog and our pet rats, Silver and Stuart.
Work beckons so I have to get on now!
If you fancy enjoying the same cruise, have a look in the Luxury Cruises section at
www.hotelsafloat.com
Litote is one of the most popular vessels cruising on the Burgundy canal, and is very well known for her crew's hospitality.
Mr Huon and Co are now on their way to Switzerland for a walking holiday, before they head to Tuscany. How lovely to have so much time to travel. Roll on my retirement!
Dashed back to see how our latest baby was doing..... a tiny Loire which we found on the patio yesterday, almost drowning in the torrential rain. She seems to be doing well and likes the kitten formula that we are feeding her on. For those of you not familiar with Loires, they are rather like squirrels but smaller, with a zorro mask and striped down the back. Fortunately they dont grow too big, but they are excellent climbers so if she survives, Chance will soon be dashing around the house teasing the dog and our pet rats, Silver and Stuart.
Work beckons so I have to get on now!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Giving in to that nagging!
HI and welcome to my blog!
'At last', I hear you cry!
Yes, I have finally given in to all those clients and friends who have been nagging me for so long and have created my blog. A bit late, I know, but with a business and family with 4 kids to manage, time is of the essence!
The summer is coming to an abrupt end here but I did finally manage to get a one week holiday in late August, when I headed off to Moissac in the south west of France to spend a glorious week on the easyvie, a hotel barge with a difference! No set itineraries, no set times to be at the table, no set times to go to bed , great company and of course, plenty to eat and drink!
To all of those who know me as a workaholic, I did actually find a couple of afternoons for sunbathing, but have to confess to taking my iphone and pc with me.
Moissac is a beautiful, unspoilt small town on the banks of the Tarn and the Canal. I spent plenty of time exploring the numerous boutiques, visited the glass blower, and relished the market where fresh produce was really fresh, probably picked from the garden that morning in many cases.
Or course, the hardest part of the holiday was having to come back to normality and work. As a way of bringing part of the region back with me, I tried to adopt another dog to take home, but Bouba, my partner, seems to think that one hound is more than enough so I had to make the journey home alone! 7 hours later I was back in the office and at last able to say that I have visited the south west of France, an area that has been on my wish list ever since I became involved in cruising 8 years ago.
Take a look at the half board charter boat, "easyvie" on my site at
www.hotelsafloat.com
Isn't she just so inviting?
I enjoyed my stay so much that I would have been tempted to stay but my current clients were due to arrive, so I had to vacate. The Hasleps are now enjoying glasses of rose wine with Sue and Tom and remembering how to relax while on holiday! With just two weeks holiday per year, they definitely deserve the easyvie!
'At last', I hear you cry!
Yes, I have finally given in to all those clients and friends who have been nagging me for so long and have created my blog. A bit late, I know, but with a business and family with 4 kids to manage, time is of the essence!
The summer is coming to an abrupt end here but I did finally manage to get a one week holiday in late August, when I headed off to Moissac in the south west of France to spend a glorious week on the easyvie, a hotel barge with a difference! No set itineraries, no set times to be at the table, no set times to go to bed , great company and of course, plenty to eat and drink!
To all of those who know me as a workaholic, I did actually find a couple of afternoons for sunbathing, but have to confess to taking my iphone and pc with me.
Moissac is a beautiful, unspoilt small town on the banks of the Tarn and the Canal. I spent plenty of time exploring the numerous boutiques, visited the glass blower, and relished the market where fresh produce was really fresh, probably picked from the garden that morning in many cases.
Or course, the hardest part of the holiday was having to come back to normality and work. As a way of bringing part of the region back with me, I tried to adopt another dog to take home, but Bouba, my partner, seems to think that one hound is more than enough so I had to make the journey home alone! 7 hours later I was back in the office and at last able to say that I have visited the south west of France, an area that has been on my wish list ever since I became involved in cruising 8 years ago.
Take a look at the half board charter boat, "easyvie" on my site at
www.hotelsafloat.com
Isn't she just so inviting?
I enjoyed my stay so much that I would have been tempted to stay but my current clients were due to arrive, so I had to vacate. The Hasleps are now enjoying glasses of rose wine with Sue and Tom and remembering how to relax while on holiday! With just two weeks holiday per year, they definitely deserve the easyvie!
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