Link to todays posts Thursday, June 21, 2007

Fuji F31df

My new camera arrived today that I ordered online a couple of days ago. However, it was a bit of a saga.

Originally I ordered a Fuji F30 (based on Internet reviews and I only want a basic digital camera) from www.multe-pass.com (french site) on Sunday. Paid a little extra for delivery in 24hrs and thought it would be really useful for blogging and the Summer holidays with the kids.

I checked my order Monday on the website but it didn't seem to have been processed! It didn't instill confidence but then I got a email at about 11:00 saying that the order is being processed, thank you etc. Checked online and good, order is there. Rubs hands. Obviously a manual system and data entry happened Monday morning. Bit primitive.

Much to my annoyance I then got an email a few hours later saying 'For your protection blah blah.... we need two proofs of address/identity... Your order is on hold...'. The order is being delivered to the Credit Card address so whats the beef. Anyway pissed off I decided it was nonsense and anyone could Photoshop an ID/Utility bill, so I sent a snotty email to cancel the order. I mean what is the point of 24 hour delivery if you have to snail mail proof of ID. Come on France wake up to the Internet.

I thought maybe they would forgo the check and send me my stuff. However checking later the order was canceled and I got a mail to confirm it. Damn, they called my bluff.

On the bright side, undaunted I went shopping again and found another site, www.digit-photo.com and ordered a Fuji F31fd (basically the same camera but a slightly later updated model for the same price). Plumped for 48Hr delivery this time and with no hassle and instant web status/email updates it arrived today. Tracking the package online was good. Obviously much better IT systems.

Camera charging as I type.

|   8:35:52 PM  Use this to link to this item Fuji F31df   
Link to todays posts Monday, June 18, 2007

PdC receipt

In the post today I received a receipt for the Permis de Construire from the Marie in Ploubalay

|   8:20:52 PM  Use this to link to this item PdC receipt   
Link to todays posts Monday, June 11, 2007

Permis de Construire submitted

All the necessary paperwork has been filled in and submitted to the Marie (town hall) in Ploubalay. There was a little confusion about the application for the septic tank because my paperwork received from the soil study said to submit it with my PdC, but the lady at the Marie said not. Anyway she said she would forward it on to the correct place.

There was also question about why I was submitting a PdC instead of a Declaration de Travaux when I was only creating less than 20 square meters of new habitable space. Well according to the DDE and my architect I did need a PdC, so we submitted it anyway.

I should get a decision within the next two months

Full details of the Permis de Construire

For the planning application I had to submit four copies of the following along with a covering letter from the architect :-

|   8:22:42 PM  Use this to link to this item Permis de Construire submitted   
Link to todays posts Friday, June 08, 2007

Plans reviewed and ready to go

I had a meeting with the architect and he OKed the plans but suggested a couple of very minor adjustments to the plans. I forgot to add the floor and ground levels (datums). That's now been done and I've got 5 copies of everything ready to submit for planning.

Also as part of the Permis de Construire I had to print photos of the house from various views. For elevations that are being changed also used The GIMP to 'Photoshop' the images to add the new windows/doors and Veluxes etc.

The complete package has been dropped back round to the architect to fill in the forms ready to submit for planning.

|   6:21:22 PM  Use this to link to this item Plans reviewed and ready to go