The AA man arrived this morning and eventually he gained access to the Focus (see previous post). Apparently the car had been reprogrammed by a passing signal or transmission and refused to recognise the auto remote signal emanating from the key. Eventually we were able to enter the car and to drive it. He couldn't explain the fact that the key wouldn't turn in the lock and suggested that was something Ford needed to sort out.
This morning I drove car to Ford dealer and hopefully it will return tomorrow all sorted!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
My Ford Focus
I had arranged to exchange my Mondeo for a newer Focus in FEbruary. As chance would have it the date arranged clashed with my operation, so I had to ask Ingrid to collect the new car for me. Ever since it has sat on my drive.
I wasn't allowed to drive it for the first 4 weeks so had to be patient. When this deadline finally passed, imagine my anticipation as I approached the stationary car. Unfortunately neither the auto remote worked nor would any of the keys turn in the lock. I contacted the dealer and they have checked the keys, which are okay. They cannot understand how the situation could have arrived as it is not one they have encountered before. They did comment that at least the security of the ford focus was not at issue.
Another suggestion was to call out the AA/RAC to see if they could gain access or even transport the car back to the dealer in Chichester.
If anyone reading this has any suggestions to make on gaining entry to a thoroughly locked Ford Focus, I would appreciate the help.
I wasn't allowed to drive it for the first 4 weeks so had to be patient. When this deadline finally passed, imagine my anticipation as I approached the stationary car. Unfortunately neither the auto remote worked nor would any of the keys turn in the lock. I contacted the dealer and they have checked the keys, which are okay. They cannot understand how the situation could have arrived as it is not one they have encountered before. They did comment that at least the security of the ford focus was not at issue.
Another suggestion was to call out the AA/RAC to see if they could gain access or even transport the car back to the dealer in Chichester.
If anyone reading this has any suggestions to make on gaining entry to a thoroughly locked Ford Focus, I would appreciate the help.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Shakespeare Sonnet 29
When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
I all alone beweep my outcast state
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
Letter in newspaper
Yesterday an edited version of the following letter appeared on page 47 of the Portsmouth News.
Following the old football dictum that the best defence is to score more goals than the opposition, I am pleased to see that Harry Redknapp is looking anew at the Pompey strike force. Lack of firepower has put undue pressure on the side. This is not to downplay the present forward quartet's contribution to our position in the Premiership. However, for my money, they are all second string strikers - we lack the forward that strikes fear into the opposing defence.
We match Chelsea recently for football and approach work but we lackeda Drogba!
Mr Redknapp seems to be targetting "someone strong, quick and raw, a young African playing in Europe somewhere." (quoted in the News page 54 Tuesday March 6th). Im pressed by his acknowledged track record in transfers, he may very well be successful. However, foor a club with ambitions, should Pompey not be looking at Dean Ashton? He is a proven Premiership striker who many football analysts think could have rescued West Ham if he had been available to them this season. Yes, he will cost millions but he will help the club to make millions. You have to spend to get.
With Ashton as our main striker supported by a Kanu or Lualua, we would be a force to be feared.
I also wanted to add that David Nugent of Preston would make a good substitute striker for when Ashton is not available and could play in cup competitions giving Ashton a rest.
Following the old football dictum that the best defence is to score more goals than the opposition, I am pleased to see that Harry Redknapp is looking anew at the Pompey strike force. Lack of firepower has put undue pressure on the side. This is not to downplay the present forward quartet's contribution to our position in the Premiership. However, for my money, they are all second string strikers - we lack the forward that strikes fear into the opposing defence.
We match Chelsea recently for football and approach work but we lackeda Drogba!
Mr Redknapp seems to be targetting "someone strong, quick and raw, a young African playing in Europe somewhere." (quoted in the News page 54 Tuesday March 6th). Im pressed by his acknowledged track record in transfers, he may very well be successful. However, foor a club with ambitions, should Pompey not be looking at Dean Ashton? He is a proven Premiership striker who many football analysts think could have rescued West Ham if he had been available to them this season. Yes, he will cost millions but he will help the club to make millions. You have to spend to get.
With Ashton as our main striker supported by a Kanu or Lualua, we would be a force to be feared.
I also wanted to add that David Nugent of Preston would make a good substitute striker for when Ashton is not available and could play in cup competitions giving Ashton a rest.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Ingrid and I disagree
In a previous blog I mentioned the fact that I had been contemplating standing as a candidate in Bedhampton in the local elections in May. On Wednesday I was visited by the County Councillor and two local councillors to discuss the next stage of putting this plan into action. As you can imagine, I was flattered, even seduced, by the idea of being approached to stand and the trio were talking up my chances of even succeeding. It did my ego and my morale no end of good but I was conscious that I hadn't really talked it over with my best beloved, Ingrid. You see I spend days which mount into weeks thinking things over but have not had the opportunity for a good discussion with Ingrid. She has been very busy with the play and we have only caught glimpses of each other when the councillor idea was coming to a head. Therefore, she felt rather left out and somewhat taken aback by the speed of events.
The night of the delgation's visit we managed to talk and Ingrid was able to let me know her feelings on the issue. She is unable to understand my motive and I have failed to convince her that it would be something I would want to do. Her concerns are that she is taking early retirement to spend more time with me and yet here I am getting involved in something with which she cannot share my interest – she fears becoming a council widow. She knows that I am an impulse buyer and that I will throw myself wholeheartedly (not a pun) into any project. I pride myself on not giving less than 100% and often a whole lot more. Naturally this would level out as I got to grips with the post and responsibilities, but she feels that my health could suffer until I have fully completed the recuperation prescribed. She also believes, rightly or wrongly, that the post of councillor will prove stressful and in many ways replicate some of the reasons why I had heart trouble in the first place.
I don’t agree with all her points but can understand them. My debt to Ingrid is enormous. I certainly wouldn’t be here now except for her loyalty and support. If I cannot convince my very best and first supporter of my intentions and reasons, I don’t feel ready to take on the campaign.
I decide to withdraw my candidature and was left feeling very low on Thursday. My life is in limbo and I feel too well in myself to play the invalid for too much longer. Physically I still run out of steam and need to rest when that happens but mentally I need a focus.
On Friday I saw the consultant about the hole in my chest. He cauterised it and pronounced it well on the way to recovery. In the afternoon I saw an ex=colleague who left school a couple of years ago to form her own company as a living history enactor in schools and museums. After talking with her I was re-invigorated to think more carefully and deeply about the touring theatre company idea. She even gave me practical tips on starting up a new business. She even offered guest slots as visiting living history enactors to Ingrid and I so we could test the waters. Hooray! Onward and upward!
The night of the delgation's visit we managed to talk and Ingrid was able to let me know her feelings on the issue. She is unable to understand my motive and I have failed to convince her that it would be something I would want to do. Her concerns are that she is taking early retirement to spend more time with me and yet here I am getting involved in something with which she cannot share my interest – she fears becoming a council widow. She knows that I am an impulse buyer and that I will throw myself wholeheartedly (not a pun) into any project. I pride myself on not giving less than 100% and often a whole lot more. Naturally this would level out as I got to grips with the post and responsibilities, but she feels that my health could suffer until I have fully completed the recuperation prescribed. She also believes, rightly or wrongly, that the post of councillor will prove stressful and in many ways replicate some of the reasons why I had heart trouble in the first place.
I don’t agree with all her points but can understand them. My debt to Ingrid is enormous. I certainly wouldn’t be here now except for her loyalty and support. If I cannot convince my very best and first supporter of my intentions and reasons, I don’t feel ready to take on the campaign.
I decide to withdraw my candidature and was left feeling very low on Thursday. My life is in limbo and I feel too well in myself to play the invalid for too much longer. Physically I still run out of steam and need to rest when that happens but mentally I need a focus.
On Friday I saw the consultant about the hole in my chest. He cauterised it and pronounced it well on the way to recovery. In the afternoon I saw an ex=colleague who left school a couple of years ago to form her own company as a living history enactor in schools and museums. After talking with her I was re-invigorated to think more carefully and deeply about the touring theatre company idea. She even gave me practical tips on starting up a new business. She even offered guest slots as visiting living history enactors to Ingrid and I so we could test the waters. Hooray! Onward and upward!
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