It is half time for me - two weeks since I have been back from my May holiday at O.K.'s, and another two weeks to work before the first eye OP on June 15 (the second is four weeks later, on July 13).
As always, easing back into the daily routine of getting up early and spending the day at my desk with a more or less tight schedule of virtual meetings to work through, with tasks to work on before and after each meeting, was a mix of "it feels as if I've never been away" and "I want to keep the relaxed mindset from my holidays a while longer" - I am sure you all know that to some extent.
Right on my first day back at work (Monday, May 17), I was scheduled for an appointment with my eye doctor, which meant taking time out of work to get to Stuttgart and back on top of it all - not exactly convenient, but necessary. There is one more appointment waiting before my operation: meeting the anaesthesist. That is going to happen the week after next, a few days before the OP.
I wish I could report that I have also an appointment for my first Covid jab, but the situation here is unchanged; far too little vaccine for far too many who want to be vaccinated. I keep trying, but there are others who really need it much more than I do, and I am not in a panic to get that jab at all cost.
During that first week back, I had something lined up after work three evenings in a row and was glad when Friday came round and I had the evening to myself. O.K. had a very busy week, too, and worked long on Friday so that he decided to come to my place on Saturday. That weekend was very pleasant with more sun than what we'd seen all week, several walks and a family meal at my parents' on Sunday evening.
Thursday (May 20), a quick and drizzly after-work walk with my sister 
Saturday (May 22), on the fields just after 5:00 pm 
Monday (May 24), at the former royal horse stables 
Wednesday (May 26), Azalea spotted during an after-work walk
 |
| Thursday (May 27), just before sunset |
 |
| Saturday (May 29), Castle Hohenasperg |
 |
| Same time, same place, the view across Asperg towards Ludwigsburg |
 |
| A few hours later, resting on the grass |
 |
| Yesterday (May 30), a few minutes to sunset |
The following week (we're talking about last week now) saw me visiting my biggest client at their office for the first time this year. I spent several hours there, some of the time on my own at "my" office, but the largest part of the afternoon with two others dotted around a very big meeting room and two more joining us online. While it was actually good to be at the office for a change, the train trips to and from work were as chaotic as ever. This made me once more glad that I can work from home most of the time!
We had a sunny weekend at my place with good long walks both Satuday and Sunday. It is finally warmer, and of course everybody was out and about; too many cyclists fighting for space (and usually winning against pedestrians) on the paths around my town, but I understand their desire to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. After all, that is exactly what we wanted, too, only that I would avoid certain paths by bike on a sunny Sunday afternoon; it is not much fun riding your bike when you have to swerve around groups of people all the time. And with a bit of consideration from both sides, it should be possible for all to have a good time.
Stay safe from Covid.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat! Whenever I can not keep a safe distance to others (and sometimes even then), I wear an FFP2 mask. Working from home helps! I would have liked to be vaccinated before going to the clinic for my op, but I trust their hygiene level is high enough to keep patients and staff safe.
DeleteWould wish that as a patient scheduled for an OP, you would be a priority for the jab, but as you say, must trust that their level of hygiene will protect you and the staff. Imagine you are very busy trying to get everything set in place--work and home-wise--before the OP and yet preparing for it at the same time. Good that you have had so many lovely places to walk off some of the inevitable stress, as well as enjoying family interludes. Happy that your weather is finally a bit more on the sunny side. Wishing you all the best.
ReplyDeleteThe weather has indeed been gorgeous for the past few days, and is forecast to peak tomorrow with the warmest day of the week before once again some rain and maybe a thunderstorm is possible. We shall see!
DeleteThank you for your kind wishes. I am sure all will be well at the hospital, and I am glad I won't have to stay there but can go home the same day.
Lovely photos as always! I so understand having to be careful of bikers. On our trails here, they are meant to be shared by bikers and walkers. The bikers are supposed to say. "On your left" as they go past but most do not. The paths are very wide and yet, Richard says that the bikes come very close to him, inches he believes. Since we have some high hills and curves, this is a danger for bikers and hikers.Our paths at Arabia and Panola and Stone Mountain that are actual dirt trails, no bikes are allowed. Heavenly! Although with those, you have to be cautious of dogs!😳It's always something!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what Richard means! More often than not, a cyclist will rush past me only inches away from my elbow, with no forewarning, even when the path is wide enough to keep a bit more of a distance. It can be very annoying and I am actually amazed that there aren't more accidents happening.
DeleteWhen I have a choice, I rather walk the dirt trails or grassy bits between two fields, but these aren't always available or leading in the direction I want to go.
It is ironic that here we have the vaccine and many that do not want it, so large vaccination sites are being closed as they are not needed. It seems as if in this time of technology we should be able to coordinate with countries around the world to make sure that all of the people that want a vaccine could get one sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are so lovely and I am glad you get out so often to enjoy the beauty around you. You have such a positive spirit!
My parents took my sister and I out for walks right from the start, which is how we learned to appreciate what's around us. If I could not go walking after work most days, I'd go nuts!
DeleteEventually, I will get the vaccine. The whole program has been managed very badly here, it is truly disappointing.
Good luck. I had a hospital appointment recently for some tests (nothing serious, all ok, blog post soon). Two days beforehand, I had to go for a covid test. Then when there they gave me another. All as safe as possible.
ReplyDeleteGood to know all is ok, Tasker!
DeleteHere, we are required to produce a negative test result no older than 24 hours when we want to go to a restaurant, the hairdresser's or do non-essential shopping. Self-tests are not allowed for that, but self-testing twice a week is now regularly happening for most employers who can not work from home.
How I wish I could send you a vaccine. We have more than enough here. I'll be wishing you all kinds of luck with your operation! ❤
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer, it is much appreciated! :-x
DeleteYou have so many lovely photos here! I love the one of you next to the field of flowers. I will be keeping you in my thoughts when you have your eye surgeries. I'm sure you will be happy when both are done and behind you. Have a good work week!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bonnie! It is another short week, as Thursday is another bank holiday - the last one until the autumn.
DeleteYes, I will be happy when those surgeries and all the post-op appointments are over.
Add my very best wishes for a successful outcome with your eye surgeries.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Jill!
DeleteLovely views. Azaleas and rhododendron are in bloom here too now. I'm still having allergy problems though so in spite of summery weather lately I haven't been out as much as I'd want to.
ReplyDeleteIt's been really beautiful weather here since the weekend, feeling almost like early summer (which it actually is now that we're in June, right?). From this afternoon onwards, though, there are showers and thunderstorms forecast for the rest of the week and all through the weekend, while it remains warm. The combination of mild nights and wet days will make trees and fields and gardens very happy!
DeleteYou've seen some beautiful things on your walks. I'm not doing as much as I wish with my back but keep on trying! Good luck with the eyes.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, keep trying; I find that my walks help my back enormously after I have spent a day at the computer.
DeleteWhat a beautiful place for walking. Our area is mostly buildings and streets full of cars. We have mountains and the sea nearby but it's getting too hot to go out. We are in zona GIALLA so the lockdown is practically over but people are too used to staying home so you still don't see crowds in cafes and restaurants. We stell need to wear a mask and keep distance.
ReplyDeleteIsn't the slight breeze from the sea and the fresh mountain air helping a little, Francesca?
DeleteHere, masks and distance are still mandatory as well. But people staying home? No way! They are out and about as much as they can, clearly sick and tired of being cooped up in their homes.
In Germany, do cyclists have to have bells on their bikes to warn pedestrians that they are approaching?
ReplyDeleteYes, I think so. But not everybody uses them, and some of those who do, wait until the last possible second and then their shrill bells ring when they are already practically at your elbow.
DeleteFascinating view! Love the photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rachel. The top of the castle hill always makes for good views.
Delete