TUESDAY CHAT

Last week when I chatted I was complaining about the weather and the fact that our ducted airconditioner had broken down.  We couldn't get our repairman Derek here till yesterday and then we heard the bad news.....the motor (actually I think he called it the compressor) had burnt out.   When the temperature tops 42.5C (108F) that is something you don't need to be told.   I said I wouldn't complain again about the weather and I am not going to even if we do have another two days of 42C and one 41C to look forward and very little of a cool change in sight and definitely no rain.

After being told about the motor, I immediately telephoned the insurance company and yes, we are covered for fusion.  Was asked if we'd had the aircon for more than 11 years and was able to truthfully answer it was less time than that.   It was installed on 16 October, 2006 so well within the time limit.....big sigh of relief.

Derek said once we had a claim number he would work out quotes for repair and/or replacement of the unit and email the results to the insurance company.  He is very good and I would imagine that email would be sent quickly.  We then wait to hear from our 'claim manager' within 7 working days who will discuss the claim with us.  The wheels grind slowly at times.

We are not even sure whether parts are available at this brand of airconditioner is no long produced so perhaps a replacement unit which could mean us having to pay the difference but hopefully that won't be the case.

We are just managing with the two small airconditoners but the bedroom and kitchen only have overhead fans.  The one in the bedroom is quiet and seemingly more efficient that the other and the kitchen is like a furnace and will be till the end of the week when the weather cools a little.  No cooking will take place for some time but then we love salads so no problem.

I know all insurance companies must be very busy with the horrendous fires that have happened in Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria and the floods in other areas so I was surprised to have to wait 35 minutes until I was able to lodge the claim.  I must admit the young lady was very polite and efficient which always helps and you are less inclined to be cross about waiting.

One good piece of news is that Phil's blood test and ultrasound results all came back as being OK.  He'd not had a call up from our GP following having the tests done so just to make sure he rang the surgery yesterday and was relieved to be given the all clear.   We are now sure the UTI he'd suffered from prior to the first lot of blood tests caused the suspect result.

I am seeing our GP this week but that is another story and I won't go into it now.  Just about a blood test I had and I am confused about the results as not at all what I expected it to be.  I am sure all will come clear when I see Dr Ken.

Rotten news is there is another out of control fire near Harvey quite near where those disastrous fires occurred recently (when the town of Yarloop was virtually wiped out with two deaths as well).  I can't even imagine what it would be like to be out there fighting fires in these weather conditions.  The wind keeps changing which is making it difficult to maintain containment lines.  I take my hat off to the men and women who risk their lives trying to control the fires and at the same time protect people and their homes.  I feel they all deserve medals.  Incidentally another smaller fire nearby was determined to have been deliberately lit at three different ignition points.  Makes you wonder about folk at times doesn't it?