Office Week

Years before the Covid pandemic meant an almost total retreat into working from home for many people, I had been working from home quite a lot, sometimes for weeks on end, travelling to a faraway office only once a month. I was used to this and never had a problem structuring my day or organising my tasks, unlike some who kept telling me if they were to work from home all the time, they would never get out of their PJs.

The end of the regulations in connection with the pandemic saw lots of people returning to their offices while still working from home one or more days a week.  I usually work on-site on Wednesdays, since my department's Jour Fixe is that day, and often I manage to organise other "live" meetings (as opposed to online) for that day to make the most of the trip.

Last week was an exception in that I went to the office the full three days I work for this employer (my second employer does not have an office for me). I had a hot lunch at the canteen on each of those three days, something I am not used to. Some important stuff was finished, but I actually get more done when working from home - fewer interruptions, a much earlier start and no time lost on the trips to and from the office.

Monday, 12 February, was a quietly efficient WFH day (for my 2nd employer). I also rang my former neighbour who moved to a Senior Residence last autumn. She is 92 years old, and while her body is getting frailer, her mind is as sharp as ever. We had a good chat and agreed that I shall come visiting her again some time soon. Her garden and house are what I see every day when I look out of my kitchen window; it is sad that the house stands empty, but good to know her nephews (my age) take turns in looking after it.

I ended the day with a walk not long before sunset.

Tuesday, 13 February, was a typical early spring day: 4C/39F in the morning, 11C/52F in the afternoon and plenty of sun. 

After work, I got off the train in Zuffenhausen and walked the rest of the way, taking in the cemetery where my Dad's and friend R's resting places are, and arriving at my Mum's a little before 6:00 pm. It was good to see her and catch up on the latest goings-on.

I was back at the office on Wednesday, 14 February. Valentine's Day is not something I observe, but our canteen had a special dessert on offer, shaped like a swan; apparently really delicious (one of the ladies said she'd had two, and bought more to take home) but not something I was keen on.

In the afternoon, a young colleague fell ill very suddenly. I found her on the floor in her office, clutching her tummy and moaning with cramps. At first she did not want me to call someone from the company's emergency team, but eventually I did, as I was really concerned for her. She said that she often has stomach cramps and all she needs are her tablets and a rest, but when her face became paler by the second and it looked like she was going to faint, I called for help. Once they arrived and I knew my colleague in competent hands, I went back to my room and waited for news; a couple of hours later, she was well again.

Thursday, 15 February, was the warmest day of the week so far at 15C/59F. It was cloudy but remained dry so that I was able to walk home from Kornwestheim, one stop before mine. At 7:00 pm, I attended an online meeting in connection with my volunteer work. It was a long day with many hours spent sitting at desks and staring at screens, and I was glad I had at least walked that bit after work.

It was even warmer on Friday, 16 February, but very unsettled with a mix of clouds, sun, rain and wind. Luckily, it remained dry for the time it took me to walk to my Mum and back; she had invited me, her friend and her friend's brother for lunch. The four of us enjoyed a delicious Szegeden goulash and coffee with shortbread afterwards.

Back home, I finished work, did my usual cleaning, packed my little red suitcase and was off to the train station just after 6:00 pm. My long-distance train was on time, but the overall situation around Stuttgart main station was chaotic, and for a little while it looked as if I was not going to make it. But I did, and O.K. and I rang in the weekend with our customary meal of salad, cheese, bread and wine.

We were expecting a group of friends for the evening on Saturday, 17 February. Preparations of the room (shifting the table to the middle of the room, setting up more chairs etc.), the food and drink began at 3:00 pm. That way, we still had time for a little walk around the village around lunch time, and even a brief rest afterwards - often, 20 minutes of closing my eyes is enough to restore my energy.

One of three such trays ready to go into the oven. We cut rolls in half and spread them with three different mixes, containing grated cheese and other delicious things that work well when baked.

The evening was fun and relaxed with everybody enjoying our food and their contributions, drink, chat and laughter.

Sunday, 18 February, was another mild day, not quite as warm at "only" 12C/53F and very windy, but dry after some rain during the night and early morning.

After a good, late breakfast, O.K. and I were off for a walk, part of it leading along a winding beck where plenty of snowdrops grow. The look of the fields, trees and gardens as well as birdsong and plenty of avian activity made for a definite spring feel, and those two hours outside felt very good.

It was not as dark as it appears in this picture - in fact, we had been walking with the sun warming our backs less than an hour before.

Back at the cottage, we had coffee and cake, a brief rest and then a cosy afternoon and evening, eating yesterday's leftovers and watching a TV documentary about the Bavarian Forest where we'd been for a hiking holiday in September 2018.