Back to the Office

Posted on September 18, 2020 by vanbraman

Today I went back to the office for the first time in over six months.

dublin office, six months away, covid-19When I was last at the office it was spring time and now it is almost fall. The trees will be changing color soon.

It was very interesting to go back into the office. Of course, there were temperature checks, a check-in. We have to wear a mask in the office and there are many hallways that are one way only.

Double-Double, In-N-Out, AOC Burger Challenge, FriesIt was nice that our cafeteria was open and I had a hamburger for the first time in six months. The picture is not the burger I had for lunch 🙂 I just needed a picture of a burger. I would have rather had the one in the picture.

I was able to get a bunch of work done, and in the afternoon headed back home.

route home, traffic, altamontI snapped a quick picture of my screen in the car. The first time I have used Waze in the last six months also. The traffic was not too bad for a Friday.

route home, traffic, altamontIt was a bit weird to be driving on the highway again. I have not been out on the highway for six month. I drove more today than I have in the last couple of months combined, and had to use gas for the first time is six months.

route home, traffic, altamontI was soon climbing slowly up the Altamont and then it was time to cruise downhill toward home. I can can usually crest the Altamont with a couple miles left on EV and almost make it the 13 miles home without having to use any gas.

Some first in awhile moments for me today:

First time in the office for six months.

First time to wear socks in probably five months.

First food I have eaten that was cooked by someone else in six months.

First time more than five miles away from home in last six months.

and more….

I will need to go to the office every so often now, but not for at least three months as I have remote courses coming up that I will do from home.

It has been an exhausting day 🙂

Steven

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Mowing after Dark

Posted on September 17, 2020 by vanbraman

Tonight I did some mowing after dark.

Mowing, tall grass, yardwork, Mowing after darkI took a picture of my yard on my way back from the mailbox earlier today. I really wanted to mow earlier in the day, but was very busy with work today.

Mowing, tall grass, yardwork, Mowing after darkYou can see that the grass is thick and tall, especially in the side yard.

It has been awhile since I have been able to mow because of the very bad air quality. I think also that the falling ash has also helped fertilize the yard.

The last couple days has shown a great improvement in air quality and with the AQI down to 25 I knew I needed to get my mowing done.

However, I have a Psalms study I go to on Thursday night that went for almost two hours and then Jeopardy! was on. I got dressed for yard work during the commercials and was ready to grab a mask and head outside once it was over.

There was still some light from the sky, and I was also able to see some areas from the garage and street lights. I quickly mowed, but will have to do more work this weekend to edge and clean up a few more things. The backyard is even worse and will need to be mowed 🙂 But no one sees it but me so it can wait.

Mowing, tall grass, yardwork, Mowing after darkMy camera is real good at capturing light so doesn’t really show how dark it was when I was done. However, you can see that the grass is shorter.

Mowing, tall grass, yardwork, Mowing after darkYou couldn’t see the grass this well without the camera, but it looks like I did a pretty good job. It will be interesting to see how it looks in the morning. Did I miss anything.

I was able to see enough with the garage and street lights to sweep the sidewalk and driveway. The wind was blowing a bit which helped move the grass, leaves and ash along.

charging car, hybrid, juicing it upIt was a good thing that I was in the garage as I discovered I hadn’t plugged my car in from my last trip to the library. I will need a full charge tomorrow as I will be heading to the office for the first time in six months. I will also need to use gas for the first time since I drove home that last day from the office before the shelter in place.

 

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