:: Fizzling

Every now and then I go through a patch where Things Break Down. I've been in such a patch for a while now. First there was the car -- new ignition, new starter motor, and not too long after I'd spent a few hundred pounds getting it through its MoT (WoF). Then there's the garden tap -- sudden total failure of the washer, something I must get seen to before I go on holiday (in case there's an early frost and a repeat of the Great Flood of 2000/2001).

In the study things are not going well either. My printer's ink tank ran dry not long after being installed. Reconditioned and bought on the cheap, a classic case of false economy. I got a new one by mail order. The firm sent the wrong one. Cue long battle to get a replacement. Eventually it transpired that they're out of stock. Sigh. Cue long battle to get my money back.

Meanwhile, I succumbed to temptation and bought a portable digital radio. It arrived quickly, it was fabulous! One slight problem -- the volume went up to maximum at random. Alarming with earphones and probably dangerous. Cue long battle to get replacement. Eventually it transpired that they're out of stock. Sigh. Cue long battle to get my money back.

Now it's my computer. I bought a new printer -- which is fabulous and more importantly works -- but for some mysterious reason my computer now "hangs" during bootup for five minutes or more. It goes all right once it's booted, but something's wrong somewhere.

In other news, I've just had four days off in a row. Very relaxing and enjoyable. Yesterday the weather was stunning so I threw Bertie in the car and drove to Tentsmuir Forest. Lots of people were there walking and picnicking and sunbathing (no-one was swimming -- it's the North Sea, after all!) but it's such a big area it didn't feel crowded at all.

Back to work today. I also have a meeting with the boss to talk about my pay rise. Wish me luck!