Not the 1st time we think about it but my friend Chris and I are seriously considering entering next year’s edition.
We would have the ideal car for it…
Decision has been taken and we are going to do it. There is a limitation on the number of cars so let us hope we are not too late.
I am happy to report that we have been accepted, so now the detailed planning must start …
Looking forward to the special stage at the Col de Turing
Time to start the detailed planning
Seen in Brussels airport a few years back by a good friend
Further to my previous post on the subject of artificial intelligence (AI), I now have upgraded to ChatGPT 4.5 which is even more powerful and has up to date data and of course a small price as opposed to the 3.5 version I have written about which is free of charge.
Here are some of the “Prompts” you can use. It is only a tiny proportion. In fact you can ask any question going through your mind and you will have an immediate answer.
It even answers in French to me
The short season has started. Bought my first 3kg at the market this morning.
Nothing is better that fresh almonds on a bit of camembert like creamy cheese
I would have liked to go there again, especially when I see the Peugeot 404 cabriolet on the poster. Unfortunately, although I should not complain, I shall be in Portugal 🇵🇹 at that time.
Quite a buzz word these days. I am not sure however that Artificial Intelligence is a correct definition of what is actually happening.
What most of us have heard about is ChatGPT which describes itself as:
ChatGPT is an example of an artificial intelligence (AI) system. It is based on the GPT-3.5 architecture developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT is a language model that uses AI techniques, including natural language processing and machine learning, to understand and generate human-like text responses. It has been trained on a vast amount of text data and can provide conversational and informative responses on a wide range of topics. While ChatGPT is an AI system, it’s important to note that it is a tool created by human developers and relies on pre-existing knowledge and training data.
I have been experimenting with ChatGPT for a few weeks now and I have to admit it is quite impressive especially since it is free of charge.
The question however is: What can you do with ChatGPT, what is it for?
For one it is getting better on a daily basis, I use / test it to summarise books, articles, videos. I ask for definitions, explanations of what things are, write letters, translate etc etc.
The beauty of it all, is that the replies are instataneous and in a language I understand.
How do I access ChatGPT I hear you ask?
There are a few apps available for mobile phones and tablets (Genie is one of them) but I use my web browsers the most. Just type:
You will have to create an account which is completely free of charge or you can use your Apple, Google etc accounts. You will end up with this screen:
There are quite a few commands which are useful. I shall prepare a list a them as well as examples of possible questions and will post them in a not too long future.
After yesterday’s discovery and as expected a GRDF technician came this morning and changed the existing gaz meter with a brand new one. The counter starts at ZERO…
That of course does not change the astronomical reported daily consumption which has got to be a software issue. Not too sure how this will end up.
Checking our current energy consumption we came across the latest daily report on line.
Have you spotted the 9 mistakes?
I have been in touch with EDF without a satisfactory result so far.
Last week of what has been a fairly busy month which simply flew by.
For the new few days we are expecting hand workers to be busy with the installation of a PAC (Pompe à Chaleur / Heat exchanger) . The decision was taken a while ago but due to missing parts the actual installation had to be postponed a couple of times.
Is it the right thing to do? Time will tell. If only I was allowed to install Solar Panels I could be self sufficient as far as heating and hot water for the house is concerned. Anyway, this is already a big step towards eliminating our dependence on gaz.
Although our PAC is a Thermor, when it was unloaded from the truck I did not react the same way as the kids in the current TV advert for that product.
Some of the elements have been mounted and connected together.
More work is being done in the cellar area today as well as inside the house as the old heating system is being taken out.
Miles of new pipes have been laid through ceiling, floors and walls. Holes have been drilled to allow all that. A temporary (for the night) hot water system has been installed.
The last equipment piece has been delivered. I assume it will be installed tomorrow. to be installed tomorrow.
The “Engie” boys are back this Wednesday morning. As far as I understand, one of the main jobs today is to purge the complete existing heating circuit, pipes and radiators. Quite a messy job I am given to understand.
A lot more wiring has been done today as well as even more pipes and valves. The evaporator (double fan unit) is now in its final position. Last day tomorrow for the final set-up and tests.
There is a lot more to it than I originally thought. On top of all the new equipment required, the links to the existing water system (in and out) is quite complicated which is to be expected in a century old house which was never designed to that effect.
It is taking 4 experienced men 4 full time days to complete the job
Today is Thursday and they are back to hopefully complete the installation.
3pm and they are starting to pack things up Switching on the beast and moment of truth is near.
But first a brand new and modern on line thermostat
Quite a neat installation and set-up, a lot more than I anticipated
And it works… Now we need to adjust over time the temperatures required for maximum efficiency and minimum energy needs. A job well done.
And for those who understand German
It is a short ride from Le Soler / Perpignan and despite a noticeable increased holiday traffic on the motorway we made it home in just over an hour.
Brilliant sunshine and very hot 🥵 here in Carcassone today.
So it is take easy time for the weekend and recuperate from an excellent “Birthday Week” in Spain 🇪🇸.
I do it my way 