A Week of Firsts

This week's motto for me is "Firsts", and I will show you why.

Nothing out of the ordinary on Monday; it was cold but sunny, and I managed to put in a 1.5 hour walk between work and an online conference in the early evening.

On Tuesday, I was up bright and early on my way to the eye clinic in Stuttgart, where my eyes were thoroughly examined and we planned my operations. 

Contrary to my regular doctor's suggestion, the clinic are not willing to operate both eyes at the same time. Now I have two dates; June 16 for my left eye and July 13 for the right one. In between, I probably won't be able to work - it depends on how my brain can cope with the big difference between the eye with the new (artificial) lense and the yet-to-be operated eye. 

Right now, my shortsightedness is at about -14 (left) and -9 (right); already a big difference, making it hard to focus properly and judge perspective. With the left eye at around -2 after the operation, but the right one still at -9, the difference will be even bigger. We'll see! (in the true sense of the word.)

After both my eyes have new lenses, I will of course need new specs. Glasses are usually not ready within a day or two, so it will take some more time before I shall be able to work again. Well, it is what it is, and I have told my clients so that they know what to expect from me (or not) over the summer.

The first "first" of this week was on Wednesday: The group of volunteers I am part of had our first meeting (online, of course) with our town's Mayor. We are working towards improving the overall situation at and around our train station, which is a disgrace, to put it mildly. The meeting was constructive and pleasant; now we hope that at least some of what Mr. Knecht promised will come true.

On Thursday, I went to my parents for my lunch break. As usual - definitely not a first! - my Mum had prepared delicious food for us; home-made mashed potatoes, Sauerkraut and Schäufele (that's the name of the meat you see in the picture).

But there was a first later that same day: For our after-work walk, for the first time in many months, my sister and I were able to visit the palace grounds again! They are now open for the public with certain restrictions as to the maximum number of people allowed, leaving your contact data at the entrance and wearing a mask throughout (which is not strictly necessary out in the open, but that is their rule and so we stick to it - we're just happy that we can go there again!).

They are getting everything ready for the proper opening of the season on March 19. As you can see, work at the temporary flower beds is in full swing. It will no doubt look very beautiful once it is finished; it always does, although to be honest I don't actually need all that - the palace and the gardens are wonderful enough anyway.

Friday brought another "First": I had my very first corona test! It was one of those quick tests where you learn the result after about 15 minutes. As expected, mine turned out negative. 

A one-way system has been established to get in and out of the testing venue. Usually, this is a popular beer garden right in the middle of town.

Getting closer. I decided to keep this picture, even though it shows a person I do not know and whose permission I have not asked - the young man in front of me is not recognisable anyway, especially not to my readers here.

I did this in view of the last "First" of this week: On Sunday, I am volunteering at one of the many venues dotted around town where people can vote for our federal state parliament. Two of the 16 federal states of Germany are holding elections this Sunday, and I have wanted to be part of an election for many years. The corona test was not required, but offered, and although I know I could still catch the virus in the time that passes between the test and Sunday, I decided to have it done anyway, even if it is just for my own feeling of safety.

Oh, and another sort-of first is that for the first time in months, O.K. and I are spending the weekend apart - with me being out all Sunday (and having to get up awfully early), it just makes no sense for him driving 150 km to be here only for the Saturday. Of course I miss him, but I will use the day to catch up on household things that I won't get round to doing tomorrow.