Early morning to get to the airport for Budapest. Flight was smooth, immigration quick, and we were at the conference centre by 3.00 pm. Driving in Budapest is the craziest I’ve seen anywhere – cars weave from lane to lane, road markings are obscure and hard to follow and the roads are narrow (even by UK standards) and in poor condition. I’ve happily driven in Paris, but I’d hesitate for the first time ever here.
We got the stand set up quickly, then sweltered in the heat, not only from the weather, but from the lights on the stand.
Back to the hotel, we showered, changed, then went out to see the city (pics on fotopic) and find a little late lunch. Never have we (I’m with the MD) visited a city with so many extremely attractive looking women wearing such provocative clothing. It’s frequently necessary for me to look away, and I simply can’t relax and enjoy the ‘sights’. We eventually find a café and have a couple of beers and goulash soup (rich, beefy and spicy). Back to the conference, we renew relationships with existing customers from the US and UK, which is the real reason we’re here.
The mobile doesn’t work, no net connection in the hotel room. Nuts!
After the welcome meal we head back to the hotel, only to find the bar full of professorial types declaring how they have no interest in football, but yet mysteriously riveted to the TV with England Vs. Portugal. There seemed to e a lot of anti-English sentiment, with every attack by the Portuguese being eagerly cheered. Eventually England throw in the towel, courtesy of Beckham, and we go to bed. TV is odd, with CNN and the BBC world service, plus a lot of German channels, and if you go too far on the hand set, the porn channel in all it’s graphic display of anatomy.
Sleep.
Monday, 28 June 2004
Wednesday, 23 June 2004
Another mad day
Doing my "azure posterior'd arthropod" bit this week. It's very satisfying to get so much done, but also knackering.
My main technician (who runs the routine screening service) is on holiday this week, so I'm carrying her work, plus I'm off to Budapest tomorrow, and I've had to organise the stand, prepare the kit for shipping, all on top of a busy production support process.
Never mind. Nearly done now - just one assay running a little late.
I also had an hour or so out this morning. There was a presentation this morning at Sarah's school, and she was to receive a Platinum award (the highest they can receive) for achievement and attitude etc. She played it down quite a bit, but she was the only one in her form who received that level of award, and we felt that she should see we honoured her for it.
Talking of Budapest, I'll try to take some pics there, if I get time out of the exhibition.
My main technician (who runs the routine screening service) is on holiday this week, so I'm carrying her work, plus I'm off to Budapest tomorrow, and I've had to organise the stand, prepare the kit for shipping, all on top of a busy production support process.
Never mind. Nearly done now - just one assay running a little late.
I also had an hour or so out this morning. There was a presentation this morning at Sarah's school, and she was to receive a Platinum award (the highest they can receive) for achievement and attitude etc. She played it down quite a bit, but she was the only one in her form who received that level of award, and we felt that she should see we honoured her for it.
Talking of Budapest, I'll try to take some pics there, if I get time out of the exhibition.
Tuesday, 22 June 2004
Monday, 21 June 2004
It's been around a while, but still funny.
Announcement made jointly by the DVLA and DSA, Tuesday 15 June 2004 at
10:00 BST.
Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency DVLA Press Office, Longview
Road, Morriston, Swansea SA6 7JL. Telephone: 01792 782318. E-mail:
press.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk
Driving Standards Agency Stanley House, 56 Talbot
Street, Nottingham NG1 5GU. Telephone: 0115 901 2500. Fax: 0115 901
2510.
In order to assist other motorists in identifying potentially
dangerous drivers, it is now compulsory for anyone with low driving
ability to display a warning flag.
The flag (comprised of a red cross on a white background) will be
attached to the top of at least one door of their vehicle.
For drivers of exceptionally low ability, additional flags are
required.
10:00 BST.
Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency DVLA Press Office, Longview
Road, Morriston, Swansea SA6 7JL. Telephone: 01792 782318. E-mail:
press.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk
Driving Standards Agency Stanley House, 56 Talbot
Street, Nottingham NG1 5GU. Telephone: 0115 901 2500. Fax: 0115 901
2510.
In order to assist other motorists in identifying potentially
dangerous drivers, it is now compulsory for anyone with low driving
ability to display a warning flag.
The flag (comprised of a red cross on a white background) will be
attached to the top of at least one door of their vehicle.
For drivers of exceptionally low ability, additional flags are
required.
What's all the fuss with pooball?
When Brits are winning world cup rounds and leading over all. In Austria, no less. Steve Peat is heading the world cup for downhill riding, and Liam Killen won a NORBA round in the US.
Next weekend sees a round in Canada.
Next weekend sees a round in Canada.
Blummin 'eck
I ache this morning.
Did a short, easy ride with Ben last night, about 16 miles (mostly off road, no big hills). My knees are more-or-less OK this morning (which is great) but my leg muscles are complaining very loudly! This ageing game isn't clever.
There is a hill on the last section before the village that he now consistently beats me up, although that fact that I'm on a plush 5" travel susser while he's riding a light hardtail might have a little to do with it. However when it comes to riding back into the village (really fast downhill) I can still pass him - a reversal of off road performance :-)
Did a short, easy ride with Ben last night, about 16 miles (mostly off road, no big hills). My knees are more-or-less OK this morning (which is great) but my leg muscles are complaining very loudly! This ageing game isn't clever.
There is a hill on the last section before the village that he now consistently beats me up, although that fact that I'm on a plush 5" travel susser while he's riding a light hardtail might have a little to do with it. However when it comes to riding back into the village (really fast downhill) I can still pass him - a reversal of off road performance :-)
Sunday, 20 June 2004
Good feelings today
Went to the outlaws yesterday and instead of simply buying Chris's father a present, we planted a rose (birthday present) and re-did a flower bed in their front garden. Before it was a circle about 7 feet across, showing little but bare clay soil in winter and a profusion of weeds and grass in summer. We completelt dug it over, de-weeded and then reduced it with a wooden edging and then laid new turf to cover the bits outside. We also put a bizzie lizzie and some lavender in to help fill it out.
Actually looked decent.
Gardening is a dangerous thing for me to become interested in - it could take all my time, energy and money. Fortunately I think I shall be able to resist, since I have a life. I must be getting a bit sad in my old age, if I can actually get interested in plants and things ;-)
Actually looked decent.
Gardening is a dangerous thing for me to become interested in - it could take all my time, energy and money. Fortunately I think I shall be able to resist, since I have a life. I must be getting a bit sad in my old age, if I can actually get interested in plants and things ;-)
Friday, 18 June 2004
Not quite perfect
This new firewall needs a little fixing though. I prevents me viewing comments, presumably because it prevents new windows being opened as part of pop-up ad blocking. I'll reply when I've re-configured it :-)
She got it!
Well done my squiffle. It's a tribute to her dedication to her work that she got this (since it was an internal promotion). Music practice turned into a blow out, so I took her out for dinner instead (Nando's - hot spicey chicken in piri-piri and a really sensible price).
More things
Chris has a job interview at 10.30 am this morning. She should get it easily enough, but confidence come before a fall.
Ben has finished his exams, and is now becoming a person of leisure - mostly.
I have another church music practice tonight, to which the keyboard player isn't coming, and the drummer has decided it's not worth the effort for 25 mins on Sunday afternoon (it's a guest service, hence the short time, I understand really).
I'm wondering if my role in the church needs to change too. I'm feeling a need to kick-start some kind of active outreach. Since I am about the least evangelistic person you'll ever meet, that's quite amazing. We've also been asked to consider going on a year-long part time pastoring course (Chris and I). She's not keen because of the time committment.
I also had a prophetic word from one of the elders last week. He had been reticent to share it initially because he started 'interpreting it for me' in a negative sense, and realised that probably wasn't helpful. He'd seen me standing on a jetty that stuck out into a lake, waiting. The word was "the boat isn't coming". Chris and I have been wondering if we were being prompted to move on for a number of reasons, but I think that at least part of this word is that the transport isn't ready to take us yet. There's more, but that's a part.
The cooler weather is MY fault! Had the climate control in the car fixed on Wednesday. Now it gets cool, but doesn't need to ;-)
Ben has finished his exams, and is now becoming a person of leisure - mostly.
I have another church music practice tonight, to which the keyboard player isn't coming, and the drummer has decided it's not worth the effort for 25 mins on Sunday afternoon (it's a guest service, hence the short time, I understand really).
I'm wondering if my role in the church needs to change too. I'm feeling a need to kick-start some kind of active outreach. Since I am about the least evangelistic person you'll ever meet, that's quite amazing. We've also been asked to consider going on a year-long part time pastoring course (Chris and I). She's not keen because of the time committment.
I also had a prophetic word from one of the elders last week. He had been reticent to share it initially because he started 'interpreting it for me' in a negative sense, and realised that probably wasn't helpful. He'd seen me standing on a jetty that stuck out into a lake, waiting. The word was "the boat isn't coming". Chris and I have been wondering if we were being prompted to move on for a number of reasons, but I think that at least part of this word is that the transport isn't ready to take us yet. There's more, but that's a part.
The cooler weather is MY fault! Had the climate control in the car fixed on Wednesday. Now it gets cool, but doesn't need to ;-)
Our broads are now very bandy.
and running at 512K :-)
Good deal from Wanadoo - £17.99 a month, including the modem. No connection fee etc, 1 year contract, 2Gb per month limit. Seems good to me.
Good deal from Wanadoo - £17.99 a month, including the modem. No connection fee etc, 1 year contract, 2Gb per month limit. Seems good to me.
Tuesday, 15 June 2004
Does anyone else get annoyed....
When M$ hijacks your computer through IE to tell you that you need windows updates?
I find it especially irritating since the W/U page takes about 1.5 mins to open over dialup. And it complains that active X is turned off (yeah, like I'd leave it turned on?). 3 hour download anyone?
Now counting the days till the arrival of broadband. I might just abandon the winbox once that's happened. Although Linux won't work with my connexant modem (drivers from linuxant cost more than the original modem!) it works fine with my ADSL device. And it'll force me to learn how to use an OS that really doesn't hold my hand. I'll only fire it up to play mechwarrior then.
Full marks to M$ for ease of use though. It really is just ssoooo simple compared to apparently 'easy' mandrake. Or maybe I'm just dim.
I find it especially irritating since the W/U page takes about 1.5 mins to open over dialup. And it complains that active X is turned off (yeah, like I'd leave it turned on?). 3 hour download anyone?
Now counting the days till the arrival of broadband. I might just abandon the winbox once that's happened. Although Linux won't work with my connexant modem (drivers from linuxant cost more than the original modem!) it works fine with my ADSL device. And it'll force me to learn how to use an OS that really doesn't hold my hand. I'll only fire it up to play mechwarrior then.
Full marks to M$ for ease of use though. It really is just ssoooo simple compared to apparently 'easy' mandrake. Or maybe I'm just dim.
More thoughts
Chris and I have been talking about bits from the heavenly man - she's nearly finished it, and I'll start soon.
She read the bit to me where Yun describes his feelings about western churches - having so much wealth and focus on possessions and so little of the power of God. I almost wonder if there's a negative correlation between how much you have materially and how much spiritually.
Remembering when I was first a Christian, I could recognise much of the same things in me that Yun was talking about. As a small group of spirit filled people in a rather un-friendly baptist church, we were aware of feelings of persecution. I think that we were genuinely willing to suffer for our faith (it was a time when the iron curtain was intact, and Vanya had just been published). And we did see God's power at work, quite clearly in our lives.
It's also interesting that my feelings about God and my approach to sharing with people at that time seemed to mirror Yun's. Yet I was completely culturally irrelevant to them, and despite all my best attempts, only ever saw 1 person actually make a committment apparently through my witness and discussion with them. In fact I was quite offensive to many people, in my determination to be righteous, and instinctive condemnation of the things they enjoyed.
Now I feel like I've softened and compromised in so many areas - I've reasonably well off, I tolerate vices in others and even have desires to participate myself. My steely determination for righteousness has become rusty, and crumbled in the face of temptations. I suffer the desire to acquire more and more, all un-necessary, if enjoyable. What's really weird is that I can now talk to people about Jesus (not very much - I'm too reticent now) and they listen a little, or at least don't throw it back in my face. Do you have to be culturally relevent to reach people? That's not how it seems in the bible, but that seems to be how it works round here.
Another area I really really struggle with is the near absolute apathy of such a large portion of the church. People just seem to treat body things as if they simply don't matter. We baptised some new Christians on Sunday, but it was a warm afternoon, and although there were quite a lot of their families present, at least 1/3 of the church didn't bother to come. I find the same things when we organise practices for the music team, or with house groups, or with outreach. Do people think the body of Christ is just a 'nice' thing to do occasionally, but not important compared to cutting the grass or sitting outside with a cold beer?
And why do people fall over 'under the Spirit' and then continue as if God never touched them? Chris and I wondered if it's just God's way of getting a few minutes of 'quality time' with their spirit :-)
Sorry for the rant. There's a lot of boiling happening inside. I just hope it results in some outward changes.
She read the bit to me where Yun describes his feelings about western churches - having so much wealth and focus on possessions and so little of the power of God. I almost wonder if there's a negative correlation between how much you have materially and how much spiritually.
Remembering when I was first a Christian, I could recognise much of the same things in me that Yun was talking about. As a small group of spirit filled people in a rather un-friendly baptist church, we were aware of feelings of persecution. I think that we were genuinely willing to suffer for our faith (it was a time when the iron curtain was intact, and Vanya had just been published). And we did see God's power at work, quite clearly in our lives.
It's also interesting that my feelings about God and my approach to sharing with people at that time seemed to mirror Yun's. Yet I was completely culturally irrelevant to them, and despite all my best attempts, only ever saw 1 person actually make a committment apparently through my witness and discussion with them. In fact I was quite offensive to many people, in my determination to be righteous, and instinctive condemnation of the things they enjoyed.
Now I feel like I've softened and compromised in so many areas - I've reasonably well off, I tolerate vices in others and even have desires to participate myself. My steely determination for righteousness has become rusty, and crumbled in the face of temptations. I suffer the desire to acquire more and more, all un-necessary, if enjoyable. What's really weird is that I can now talk to people about Jesus (not very much - I'm too reticent now) and they listen a little, or at least don't throw it back in my face. Do you have to be culturally relevent to reach people? That's not how it seems in the bible, but that seems to be how it works round here.
Another area I really really struggle with is the near absolute apathy of such a large portion of the church. People just seem to treat body things as if they simply don't matter. We baptised some new Christians on Sunday, but it was a warm afternoon, and although there were quite a lot of their families present, at least 1/3 of the church didn't bother to come. I find the same things when we organise practices for the music team, or with house groups, or with outreach. Do people think the body of Christ is just a 'nice' thing to do occasionally, but not important compared to cutting the grass or sitting outside with a cold beer?
And why do people fall over 'under the Spirit' and then continue as if God never touched them? Chris and I wondered if it's just God's way of getting a few minutes of 'quality time' with their spirit :-)
Sorry for the rant. There's a lot of boiling happening inside. I just hope it results in some outward changes.
Monday, 14 June 2004
Baptism yesterday
Joanne and David are both from non-church backgrounds, and became Christians over the last year or so. Naomi is Andreww and Linda's daughter, and they had the considerable pleasure of baptising her. At this stage in the church's life, it's really good to see new birth.
Pics are here.
Pics are here.
Sunday, 13 June 2004
I seem better now
but occasionally get reminded I've a little way to go.
Went shopping yesterday - boy, was I bushed when I got back. This morning I finished putting together a garden bench, again I'm hot, tired and have a numb hand (from filing the metal ends - trapped nerves again, I expect).
Talking of benches, if I was paid my normal salary while making it, that would cost as much as our settees. 3 years ago we bought a couple of cheap benches from homebase, and in a year most of the slats had rotted away. Being the kind of people that hate throwing good things away, it was decided I'd re-use the cast iron ends with some fresh (properly treated) timber. Only problem was finding some the right size. Eventually some turned up, salvaged from an old caravan. This was treated with brown preservative (which has left a brown, sticky residue!) and the iron ends painted dark green. Today I put it all together, ending up with a slightly ricketty bench that isn't very stable but looks OK. Frankly, far more hassle than it's worth. Wish we'd just bought a (really nice) bench seat for £40 from the place in town than spend £15 and several hours putting this shonky thing togehter. Oh well, you have to learn sometimes ;-)
Went shopping yesterday - boy, was I bushed when I got back. This morning I finished putting together a garden bench, again I'm hot, tired and have a numb hand (from filing the metal ends - trapped nerves again, I expect).
Talking of benches, if I was paid my normal salary while making it, that would cost as much as our settees. 3 years ago we bought a couple of cheap benches from homebase, and in a year most of the slats had rotted away. Being the kind of people that hate throwing good things away, it was decided I'd re-use the cast iron ends with some fresh (properly treated) timber. Only problem was finding some the right size. Eventually some turned up, salvaged from an old caravan. This was treated with brown preservative (which has left a brown, sticky residue!) and the iron ends painted dark green. Today I put it all together, ending up with a slightly ricketty bench that isn't very stable but looks OK. Frankly, far more hassle than it's worth. Wish we'd just bought a (really nice) bench seat for £40 from the place in town than spend £15 and several hours putting this shonky thing togehter. Oh well, you have to learn sometimes ;-)
Wednesday, 9 June 2004
Wurble, mutter mutter.
It's 4.15 am more or less. I've been awake most of the night, courtesy of the interferons generated by my cold. The throat has practically set and the nose is not a nice place to be. When I talk I sound like the guy in the Carlsberg advert (probably the best lager etc) except I can't stop sounding that way.
:-(
Just tried to email Australia at an address I haven't mailed for a year or 2 because of an order they placed (the wording is along the lines of "we'd like 100 things please"). It contributed to my wakefulness because the need to clarify it wouldn't stop running through my head (which hurts).
Crap
I HATE doing the 'helpless with a cold' thing.
:-(
Just tried to email Australia at an address I haven't mailed for a year or 2 because of an order they placed (the wording is along the lines of "we'd like 100 things please"). It contributed to my wakefulness because the need to clarify it wouldn't stop running through my head (which hurts).
Crap
I HATE doing the 'helpless with a cold' thing.
Monday, 7 June 2004
A variety
Well, we saw my mother OK on Saturday. It WAS good to see her again, but these days there's always a sense of poinancy whenever I go. I know she won't be around forever now, and so does she; to the point of arranging all her papers etc for easy investigation if she dies suddenly.
She also went to a Christian 'health centre' (Burrswood) earlier this year, where they did an 'overview' of her life and health. This was available in a written report, and made quite difficult reading for me. It's often quite difficult to see your parent's emotional needs in the same way that you view other peoples, and I definitely suffer this inadequacy. They also mentioned hurts that went very deep, from many years previously, and these produced a feeling of helplessness in me (helpless to help her).
We have a good relationship, and are able to talk freely about many things. I just want the comfort of feeling like I'm doing something to make her feel better. Just selfish I guess.
-------------------------------------
Broadband has arrived in the village, and ours should be arranged in a couple of weeks for us. Wanadoo are doing BB for £17.99 per month - too good to miss. If I'm feeling brave, I may try to set up a wireless network at home, with access for the kids in their rooms.
-------------------------------------
And talking of which, I've just set up a wireless network here. One of the sales guys had a laptop die, and the replacement came with 802.11b connectivity built in. We bought a 3com access point, and after 1 brief false start, it installed and configured with no trouble. Configuration was easy, and set to accept only specified MAC IDs, and using 128 bit encryption, it should be secure too. If this proves a success then I'll convert the other mobile computers, and probably also install wireless cards in a couple of (presently un-networked) PCs in the lab.
-------------------------------------
I've been reading odd snatches from 'The heavenly man': the story of a christian in China. Yun suffered severe persecution for his faith, and in turn, saw God move in tangible ways. And it's recent - we're talking about him leaving China in 1999. This is really what I signed on for when I first became a Christian - not singing 'nice' songs in church. I don't want to talk too much now, because there are various things going off inside, and I'm going to have to read the book properly, methinks.
She also went to a Christian 'health centre' (Burrswood) earlier this year, where they did an 'overview' of her life and health. This was available in a written report, and made quite difficult reading for me. It's often quite difficult to see your parent's emotional needs in the same way that you view other peoples, and I definitely suffer this inadequacy. They also mentioned hurts that went very deep, from many years previously, and these produced a feeling of helplessness in me (helpless to help her).
We have a good relationship, and are able to talk freely about many things. I just want the comfort of feeling like I'm doing something to make her feel better. Just selfish I guess.
-------------------------------------
Broadband has arrived in the village, and ours should be arranged in a couple of weeks for us. Wanadoo are doing BB for £17.99 per month - too good to miss. If I'm feeling brave, I may try to set up a wireless network at home, with access for the kids in their rooms.
-------------------------------------
And talking of which, I've just set up a wireless network here. One of the sales guys had a laptop die, and the replacement came with 802.11b connectivity built in. We bought a 3com access point, and after 1 brief false start, it installed and configured with no trouble. Configuration was easy, and set to accept only specified MAC IDs, and using 128 bit encryption, it should be secure too. If this proves a success then I'll convert the other mobile computers, and probably also install wireless cards in a couple of (presently un-networked) PCs in the lab.
-------------------------------------
I've been reading odd snatches from 'The heavenly man': the story of a christian in China. Yun suffered severe persecution for his faith, and in turn, saw God move in tangible ways. And it's recent - we're talking about him leaving China in 1999. This is really what I signed on for when I first became a Christian - not singing 'nice' songs in church. I don't want to talk too much now, because there are various things going off inside, and I'm going to have to read the book properly, methinks.
Friday, 4 June 2004
We're off to see my mother
The plan was she would come to us last night, but she's got a sick cat (literally -YUCK!)
TTFN
TTFN
I'm coming home
Frankfurt airport is a dam’ funny place, considering it’s in the heart of a nation that prides itself on functional design and efficiency.
Courtesy of a hiccup with air traffic control at Heathrow this morning (to err is human, you need a computer to REALLY foul things up) the flight has been delayed. This could have been far worse – the flight before mine was actually cancelled, and although I’d have really quite enjoyed another night in Sinsheim, good German cooking, pleasant company etc; the family needs me too.
Now, theoretically the plane is due to leave in 15 mins. There are no signs of departure at the gate yet, but who knows – stranger things than a flight leaving on time can happen.
But about Frankfurt airport or ‘Fraport’ as they like to call it: it was apparently designed by an architect that knew he’d never use it. Airports in the UK are fairly functional outside passport control, with the odd bar, shop etc. But go past the barriers and they have a miniature village inside with food, stores and all kinds of things to entertain the traveller and separate people from cash.
Frankfurt has bar-restaurant Laxx. If the name doesn’t put you off (needs an ‘ative’) then the promise of the ‘Laxxburger’ should. Apart from that, there is a kind of ‘deli’ for tourists, at which I bought a litre of Coke, some potato crisps and a pack of ‘jaegerwurst’ (dried sausage – usually smoky and good rather than rubbery and fatty, but hey – it’s meat). One upside was that a minature coffee bar in the seating area was closed and I found a free socket at which I could charge my phone, so thumbs up for that.
------------------------------------------------------
The passengers are now streaming off the plane that I’m reasonably confident I shall board in a few minutes. The time is 8.23pm and a couple of girls that I saw leaving a moment ago have just run back into the tunnel to get back on board. Ho hum. Now the girl on the desk has been called on her mobile and has gone back down the tunnel too.
I did feel as though my time was successful. The guys in the DSL Germany office were very sharp, and despite them having to speak English for me (they ALL speak some) I was able to compress training and installation into about 1.5 days. Most customers I’ve visited have barely learned to use the instrument in that much time. These people learned the installation side, plus how to program it as well as how to run the thing. Quite outstanding. One of them had used a similar instrument previously, but with a different software interface. I’m really quite impressed.
It will also be good to put faces to names. I frequently deal with different staff in that office, and this will make things so much easier.
One interesting thing about these people is how they don’t conform to the classic view of Germans. Far from being stodgy, solemn faced people marching in line (OK, that is a bit too stereotyped ;-) they are warm, friendly, smile and laugh at jokes. People make eye contact in the street and greet you if you do the same. They also use the greeting ‘Gross Gott’ that I had only come across in Austria, as well as ‘guten morgen’ at times. I’ve a feeling I shall look forward to my next trip to Sinsheim.
--------------------------------------------------------
It’s now almost 8.40pm (original departure time 6.45).
I’m still sat in the lounge by the gate.
Patience is a virtue, virtue is a grace and grace is a little girl with a dirty face.
I sit here feeling slightly grubby ;-)
We’re going!
--------------------------------------------------------
No we’re not. Made it to the plane OK, but once everyone was on board the captain announced that we would take off at 9.40pm.
--------------------------------------------------------
He told the truth. I got home at 12.30am German time.
Courtesy of a hiccup with air traffic control at Heathrow this morning (to err is human, you need a computer to REALLY foul things up) the flight has been delayed. This could have been far worse – the flight before mine was actually cancelled, and although I’d have really quite enjoyed another night in Sinsheim, good German cooking, pleasant company etc; the family needs me too.
Now, theoretically the plane is due to leave in 15 mins. There are no signs of departure at the gate yet, but who knows – stranger things than a flight leaving on time can happen.
But about Frankfurt airport or ‘Fraport’ as they like to call it: it was apparently designed by an architect that knew he’d never use it. Airports in the UK are fairly functional outside passport control, with the odd bar, shop etc. But go past the barriers and they have a miniature village inside with food, stores and all kinds of things to entertain the traveller and separate people from cash.
Frankfurt has bar-restaurant Laxx. If the name doesn’t put you off (needs an ‘ative’) then the promise of the ‘Laxxburger’ should. Apart from that, there is a kind of ‘deli’ for tourists, at which I bought a litre of Coke, some potato crisps and a pack of ‘jaegerwurst’ (dried sausage – usually smoky and good rather than rubbery and fatty, but hey – it’s meat). One upside was that a minature coffee bar in the seating area was closed and I found a free socket at which I could charge my phone, so thumbs up for that.
------------------------------------------------------
The passengers are now streaming off the plane that I’m reasonably confident I shall board in a few minutes. The time is 8.23pm and a couple of girls that I saw leaving a moment ago have just run back into the tunnel to get back on board. Ho hum. Now the girl on the desk has been called on her mobile and has gone back down the tunnel too.
I did feel as though my time was successful. The guys in the DSL Germany office were very sharp, and despite them having to speak English for me (they ALL speak some) I was able to compress training and installation into about 1.5 days. Most customers I’ve visited have barely learned to use the instrument in that much time. These people learned the installation side, plus how to program it as well as how to run the thing. Quite outstanding. One of them had used a similar instrument previously, but with a different software interface. I’m really quite impressed.
It will also be good to put faces to names. I frequently deal with different staff in that office, and this will make things so much easier.
One interesting thing about these people is how they don’t conform to the classic view of Germans. Far from being stodgy, solemn faced people marching in line (OK, that is a bit too stereotyped ;-) they are warm, friendly, smile and laugh at jokes. People make eye contact in the street and greet you if you do the same. They also use the greeting ‘Gross Gott’ that I had only come across in Austria, as well as ‘guten morgen’ at times. I’ve a feeling I shall look forward to my next trip to Sinsheim.
--------------------------------------------------------
It’s now almost 8.40pm (original departure time 6.45).
I’m still sat in the lounge by the gate.
Patience is a virtue, virtue is a grace and grace is a little girl with a dirty face.
I sit here feeling slightly grubby ;-)
We’re going!
--------------------------------------------------------
No we’re not. Made it to the plane OK, but once everyone was on board the captain announced that we would take off at 9.40pm.
--------------------------------------------------------
He told the truth. I got home at 12.30am German time.
Wednesday, 2 June 2004
Germany calling.......
However I'm definitely NOT lord Hawhaw.
"Es geht gut" or somesuch - that's about the extent of my german. But the people here seem good, quick to learn, friendly and as helpful as could be.
It's nice to be appreciated.
And it's completely embarrassing that they speak very useable English, while my German would probably get me ostritch feathers braised in sump oil if I tried to order my own food.
See you all soon
"Es geht gut" or somesuch - that's about the extent of my german. But the people here seem good, quick to learn, friendly and as helpful as could be.
It's nice to be appreciated.
And it's completely embarrassing that they speak very useable English, while my German would probably get me ostritch feathers braised in sump oil if I tried to order my own food.
See you all soon
Sunday, 30 May 2004
One bit of news
I've been looking for somewhere for us to stay this summer in France. So far found a couple of interesting places through chez nous that are still available and not too expensive. The one is in the French alps, about 100 kms south of Geneve, and 100 kms west of Torino, the other is in Burgundy, near Charolles.
I like the idea of the alps more for the mountain biking - the ski lifts are adapted to take bikes up, so you don't have to spend 3 hours climbing for 20 mins descent. Nice :-)
The place in Burgundy is more rural (which I also like) and at least 2 hours drive closer to home, but it's also more expensive.
I'm waiting for a few more replies to my enquiries, but so far I think the alps has it.
I like the idea of the alps more for the mountain biking - the ski lifts are adapted to take bikes up, so you don't have to spend 3 hours climbing for 20 mins descent. Nice :-)
The place in Burgundy is more rural (which I also like) and at least 2 hours drive closer to home, but it's also more expensive.
I'm waiting for a few more replies to my enquiries, but so far I think the alps has it.
I just visited most of the blogs in my blogroll
and didn't post anything. The nearest I came was Jordon's blog, where I thought about posting how I was glad he had a conventional job. Decided against that because I don't think he'd understand, and feel I was trying to dig at him for being a 'pastor'.
It's an unusual day when I've nothing to say to anyone. Oh well, Harmony central calls.
It's an unusual day when I've nothing to say to anyone. Oh well, Harmony central calls.
Friday, 28 May 2004
Mandrake 10.0 CE
Well, I was so impressed with the ease of setting up madrake on the work PC that I decided to do it at home too.
What especially impressed me was DVD playback. The PC I used was an old celeron 300 (:-) and using software decoding with Totem, I saw the sharpest, clearest DVD pictures I've ever seen on a PC. Granted it was a little jerky, but still, full screen using software on a PC of that spec is a moajor processor burden.
Anyway, I've replaced the old DVD drive this week with a new Liteon unit, and suddenly all those discs that were 'difficult' to play work really well. However, the new drive came bundled with 'powerDVD' and using this produced the fuzziest images imaginable! I was using MGI softmax before, but the audio delay wasn't really acceptable (Actually I've NEVER seen good audio:video synch, even with dedicated players).
So I thought I'd try Mandrake, since I wanted to learn how it worked anyway. 1 Hour later my drive's partitioned, software installed, boot manager configured printer recognised (not the modem :-( and Linux runs great. Pop a DVD in and nothing. Eventually find how to make totem look at the DVD drive, and it says it can't run it. Neither can any of the other multimedia players :-((
And so the learning curve has just steepened a little more. I'm sure this is good for me, in the same way doing crosswords is supposed to keep the brain from deteriorating.
What especially impressed me was DVD playback. The PC I used was an old celeron 300 (:-) and using software decoding with Totem, I saw the sharpest, clearest DVD pictures I've ever seen on a PC. Granted it was a little jerky, but still, full screen using software on a PC of that spec is a moajor processor burden.
Anyway, I've replaced the old DVD drive this week with a new Liteon unit, and suddenly all those discs that were 'difficult' to play work really well. However, the new drive came bundled with 'powerDVD' and using this produced the fuzziest images imaginable! I was using MGI softmax before, but the audio delay wasn't really acceptable (Actually I've NEVER seen good audio:video synch, even with dedicated players).
So I thought I'd try Mandrake, since I wanted to learn how it worked anyway. 1 Hour later my drive's partitioned, software installed, boot manager configured printer recognised (not the modem :-( and Linux runs great. Pop a DVD in and nothing. Eventually find how to make totem look at the DVD drive, and it says it can't run it. Neither can any of the other multimedia players :-((
And so the learning curve has just steepened a little more. I'm sure this is good for me, in the same way doing crosswords is supposed to keep the brain from deteriorating.
Wednesday, 26 May 2004
Just built a Linux box here at work
Only took 2 goes to get it working ;-)
Now to try to sort out that old scsi scanner.
Now to try to sort out that old scsi scanner.
A new addition to the blogroll
Sarah has an interesting blog, especially if you're into Home Education of children. When I first visited her site there was much talk of HE. As a child of the 60s HE stood for one thing - Health and Efficiency - a nudist magazine.
Nothing to do with Sarah's kind of home education, I'm sure!
Nothing to do with Sarah's kind of home education, I'm sure!
Just read Randall's blog
About his Grandfather's life. Interesting how often much more than just build and hair colour gets inherited.
His family seems to have had someone in church leadership for generations. My family likewise, although to a lesser degree. I'm sure there is a big element of passing the blessing down the generations, and often healthy living can be passed by training of children.
But what about those that don't have that background? How can we see God break in for them and build a new family inheritence in their lives? Reading some blogs where people have come from a very un-christian background, I'm say it's a painful process often. There is much cutting away at the inheritence they have from their unrighteous families, and this is frequently painful.
Sometimes it's easy to take our inheritence for granted and risk sqandering it.
His family seems to have had someone in church leadership for generations. My family likewise, although to a lesser degree. I'm sure there is a big element of passing the blessing down the generations, and often healthy living can be passed by training of children.
But what about those that don't have that background? How can we see God break in for them and build a new family inheritence in their lives? Reading some blogs where people have come from a very un-christian background, I'm say it's a painful process often. There is much cutting away at the inheritence they have from their unrighteous families, and this is frequently painful.
Sometimes it's easy to take our inheritence for granted and risk sqandering it.
Nice to see blogger's working again
It was up and down like a fiddler's elbow yesterday.
Actually I've just moderated my own post. A common phrase round here is "up and down like a whore's drawers", and that's the expression I first used. Spoken quickly this sounds fine, but written it looks really coarse. I wonder if I'd moderate my speech significantly if everything I was going to say could be written out and presented to me?
Probably.
This wasn't what I was going to blog about at all :-)
I was reading Ephesians this morning. Y'know, the bit MCPs use to beat their wives into 'submission'.
It was talking about how the church obeys Christ like wives obey their husbands, and naturally my thoughts flicked to the divorce rate. But the following section talks about how husbands should look after and do good things for their wives as if they were themselves, and the thoughts lingered longer on the divorce stats that time.
As a couple, we have watched a lot of other couples, both in and out of the church. Now everyone has to build their own relationship in a way that mutually suits them. But there are a lot I've looked at where I've had severe mis-givings. I am honestly surprised (although quite glad) that I know relatively few christian marriages that have come apart. The way to make a happy marriage seems so obvious to me, yet it evades some people no matter how they try to find it. Usually because of worship to the god of ME.
Actually I've just moderated my own post. A common phrase round here is "up and down like a whore's drawers", and that's the expression I first used. Spoken quickly this sounds fine, but written it looks really coarse. I wonder if I'd moderate my speech significantly if everything I was going to say could be written out and presented to me?
Probably.
This wasn't what I was going to blog about at all :-)
I was reading Ephesians this morning. Y'know, the bit MCPs use to beat their wives into 'submission'.
It was talking about how the church obeys Christ like wives obey their husbands, and naturally my thoughts flicked to the divorce rate. But the following section talks about how husbands should look after and do good things for their wives as if they were themselves, and the thoughts lingered longer on the divorce stats that time.
As a couple, we have watched a lot of other couples, both in and out of the church. Now everyone has to build their own relationship in a way that mutually suits them. But there are a lot I've looked at where I've had severe mis-givings. I am honestly surprised (although quite glad) that I know relatively few christian marriages that have come apart. The way to make a happy marriage seems so obvious to me, yet it evades some people no matter how they try to find it. Usually because of worship to the god of ME.
Friday, 21 May 2004
People
I've been thinking about the differences between christians and non-christians recently. And what it actually is in practical tangible terms (forgiveness and faith may have tangible outworking, but can also be invisible).
I KNOW there's a difference, but it's a lot harder to spot in the analysis that I'd thought it would be. Both groups do stupid and cruel things. Both can be kind and loving. Some from both groups go to church and some don't. It appears the full panoply of human behaviour is displayed, almost regardless.
So, what is the external difference?
I KNOW there's a difference, but it's a lot harder to spot in the analysis that I'd thought it would be. Both groups do stupid and cruel things. Both can be kind and loving. Some from both groups go to church and some don't. It appears the full panoply of human behaviour is displayed, almost regardless.
So, what is the external difference?
Tuesday, 18 May 2004
A few thoughts about the weekend - touching Heaven, changing Earth.
I was looking for a place to record some of the events from my observation point, and this is probably the best place. This is a bit of an essay, so either skip to the end or be patient.
The Friday night meeting - the first in the series with the Arnotts - was interesting in many ways. Martin Lacelle (I think that's how it's spelt) from Vineyard lead the worship with his band. Slightly unfamiliar spin on familiar songs, but I managed to tune the band out some of the time and worship. After that John Arnott's time was interesting. He is by no means a 'preacher' and is partially chat show host, partially concerned elder brother. It would be fair to describe this time as ordered chaos, where rather than deliver a steady message, he's instead giving opportunity for words of knowledge and people to be prayed for. Good by me!
People around us were being prayed for over things like asthma, damaged limbs (a spine in one case) concussion and a whole pile of things. We saw a girl with a fractured vertebra turn a cartwheel between the rows of chairs and a guy that had a long history of debilitation through asthma jogged a couple of laps of the hall, to his amazement. Chris and I were on the prayer ministry team, and when a couple in front of us were prayed for we became involved, praying for them while they were 'out' on the floor. They seemed touched, both by God and us praying.
Saturday night we were back again (there had been daytime stuff too, but couldn't get away). There were a lot of testimonies, but like the previous night, these were frequently interrupted by words and people being prayed for. There was a testimony from another guy that had asthma for 40 years previously - he was astonished not to have used an inhaler since the previous evening when he'd been prayed for. There were a lot of other testimonies that I didn't get to hear because we had another 'word of knowledge' moment, and I got involved praying for someone for some time.
Toward the end of the meeting effectively everyone wanted to be prayed for by the Arnotts. There were fewer people on the paryer ministry team that night, and we ended up running around madly, organising several hundred people into rows so that a) they were accessible for prayer, and b) so that when they fell over they had enough space behind without hitting anything. It was interesting to watch, with the majority, though certainly not all, falling. People displayed more outward signs when Carol prayed for them - or even just went near them. There were a couple of times where people were obviously under the influence of the Holy spirit, swaying, eyes shut tight, when all she'd do is blow in their direction and it was like they moved up a gear.
As well as catch falling bodies, due to sheer numbers I ended up praying for someone. Not being quite a s powerful in the Spirit, I ended up spending about 15 minutes. At first he felt a tightness in his chest, then a tingling over his whole body before finally his knees buckled. This was particularly interesting as he was familiar with this type of thing but said that it had never happened to him before, and didn't think he was the type to fall over :-)
On the Saturday evening during a 'bio' break I bumped into Mark Soppitt, who lead worship that night. In conversation I mentioned I was envious of him being up there (in a good way ;-) playing in the celebration. He asked why, and I explained how there's something special about playing for a larger meeting, and how I enjoyed working with new musicians. So I got an invite to sit in Sunday morning.
The band from the Wantage church that Mark leads has a strong (and V good) keyboard player, and they tend to be very tight, with a spartan, open sound - kind of showtime rock n roll. Mark was quite strict about what I could do: no chord work, just do fills, keep (musically) out of the way of the other players and don't play in the slow worship songs. Gulp, OK. They also didn't react at all well when I unpacked 3 guitars (each sounds different) so one went back in it's bag off stage and they relaxed a little. Guess they were nervous I was going to try to 'make my mark' and dominate or get in the way.
Well, Sunday morning I didn't play especially well (hardly surprising, I'd got really nervous) and some of the songs I hadn't seen before, but I think I made a positive contribution despite not being able to relax. Did badly on the one hymn of the session, and also a kind of rock n roll style song (never could do RnR). It was good to be up there though, and it did seem to encourage some of the other Bicester worship team too. So Mark, if you read this, thanks for the opportunity.
All that aside, the Sunday morning was a little quieter. John spoke the most clearly of any occasion I'd heard him that weekend, however in the middle of the message he still gave an 'altar call' (we don't have an altar :-). Actually that was a characteristic of every meeting I was in - he'd always get some that put up their hands for salvation, and I'd guess that in total about 20 people went forward on the 3 occasions I was there. Excellent.
Sunday evening I didn't go. I had a pile of things that needed to be done and Sarah had homework too, so Chris and Ben went while I stayed home. I gather it was basically good stuff again. Ben appears to have been touched, although he tends not to talk about such things especially. However since I couldn't be there I can't really comment further.
Overall then, I'd say a quite special weekend.
The Friday night meeting - the first in the series with the Arnotts - was interesting in many ways. Martin Lacelle (I think that's how it's spelt) from Vineyard lead the worship with his band. Slightly unfamiliar spin on familiar songs, but I managed to tune the band out some of the time and worship. After that John Arnott's time was interesting. He is by no means a 'preacher' and is partially chat show host, partially concerned elder brother. It would be fair to describe this time as ordered chaos, where rather than deliver a steady message, he's instead giving opportunity for words of knowledge and people to be prayed for. Good by me!
People around us were being prayed for over things like asthma, damaged limbs (a spine in one case) concussion and a whole pile of things. We saw a girl with a fractured vertebra turn a cartwheel between the rows of chairs and a guy that had a long history of debilitation through asthma jogged a couple of laps of the hall, to his amazement. Chris and I were on the prayer ministry team, and when a couple in front of us were prayed for we became involved, praying for them while they were 'out' on the floor. They seemed touched, both by God and us praying.
Saturday night we were back again (there had been daytime stuff too, but couldn't get away). There were a lot of testimonies, but like the previous night, these were frequently interrupted by words and people being prayed for. There was a testimony from another guy that had asthma for 40 years previously - he was astonished not to have used an inhaler since the previous evening when he'd been prayed for. There were a lot of other testimonies that I didn't get to hear because we had another 'word of knowledge' moment, and I got involved praying for someone for some time.
Toward the end of the meeting effectively everyone wanted to be prayed for by the Arnotts. There were fewer people on the paryer ministry team that night, and we ended up running around madly, organising several hundred people into rows so that a) they were accessible for prayer, and b) so that when they fell over they had enough space behind without hitting anything. It was interesting to watch, with the majority, though certainly not all, falling. People displayed more outward signs when Carol prayed for them - or even just went near them. There were a couple of times where people were obviously under the influence of the Holy spirit, swaying, eyes shut tight, when all she'd do is blow in their direction and it was like they moved up a gear.
As well as catch falling bodies, due to sheer numbers I ended up praying for someone. Not being quite a s powerful in the Spirit, I ended up spending about 15 minutes. At first he felt a tightness in his chest, then a tingling over his whole body before finally his knees buckled. This was particularly interesting as he was familiar with this type of thing but said that it had never happened to him before, and didn't think he was the type to fall over :-)
On the Saturday evening during a 'bio' break I bumped into Mark Soppitt, who lead worship that night. In conversation I mentioned I was envious of him being up there (in a good way ;-) playing in the celebration. He asked why, and I explained how there's something special about playing for a larger meeting, and how I enjoyed working with new musicians. So I got an invite to sit in Sunday morning.
The band from the Wantage church that Mark leads has a strong (and V good) keyboard player, and they tend to be very tight, with a spartan, open sound - kind of showtime rock n roll. Mark was quite strict about what I could do: no chord work, just do fills, keep (musically) out of the way of the other players and don't play in the slow worship songs. Gulp, OK. They also didn't react at all well when I unpacked 3 guitars (each sounds different) so one went back in it's bag off stage and they relaxed a little. Guess they were nervous I was going to try to 'make my mark' and dominate or get in the way.
Well, Sunday morning I didn't play especially well (hardly surprising, I'd got really nervous) and some of the songs I hadn't seen before, but I think I made a positive contribution despite not being able to relax. Did badly on the one hymn of the session, and also a kind of rock n roll style song (never could do RnR). It was good to be up there though, and it did seem to encourage some of the other Bicester worship team too. So Mark, if you read this, thanks for the opportunity.
All that aside, the Sunday morning was a little quieter. John spoke the most clearly of any occasion I'd heard him that weekend, however in the middle of the message he still gave an 'altar call' (we don't have an altar :-). Actually that was a characteristic of every meeting I was in - he'd always get some that put up their hands for salvation, and I'd guess that in total about 20 people went forward on the 3 occasions I was there. Excellent.
Sunday evening I didn't go. I had a pile of things that needed to be done and Sarah had homework too, so Chris and Ben went while I stayed home. I gather it was basically good stuff again. Ben appears to have been touched, although he tends not to talk about such things especially. However since I couldn't be there I can't really comment further.
Overall then, I'd say a quite special weekend.
Monday, 17 May 2004
Somerton May day celebrations
The images are here. Amazingly quick - fotopic checked them and moved them through in barely a minute.
A little glimpse of a side of rural England that is fast disappearing. There are only 5 or 6 people left that know the May songs, and most of them can't agree on the tune any more. I'm not sure if I'll be glad to see it go or not. It's all pagan based stuff, but I guess it's no worse than a culture based on TV soaps, reality shows and lots of curry.
A little glimpse of a side of rural England that is fast disappearing. There are only 5 or 6 people left that know the May songs, and most of them can't agree on the tune any more. I'm not sure if I'll be glad to see it go or not. It's all pagan based stuff, but I guess it's no worse than a culture based on TV soaps, reality shows and lots of curry.
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