Connections.

By way of explanation: we are staying at the home of my cousin Roland's family, in their absence. They graciously offered its use while they are on their own holiday trip. We are also enjoying the use of his wife Vivienne's car (theoretically, we might use Roland's BMW, but perhaps have not the courage to brave Italian roads with it).

We also have the unusual facility of a broadband (ADSL) connection, which is still rare in Italian homes. We have hooked up our own laptop and operate like at home, except for the time difference and the fact that Google insists on displaying Google and Blogger in Italian-language versions.

The repairman came and got the riscaldamento functioning again, so we're back to normal.