Back at work

As planned, I already went to the Embassy yesterday, to make a dent in the email backlog, and as always it helped diminish the first-day-stress considerably. OTOH, first-day-stress was considerably increased by having to deliver a (mercifully short and English, thank God) speech in Parliament. Not before all the MEPs, for which also many thanks to the fates, but the Speaker was present, and the public was numerous. Fortunately, stage nerves aren't really an issue anymore. One of the blessings that come with age and wisdom, I suppose.

Boss left for his Easter holiday today, so the Embassy is in my hands. (Be afraid)

Nothing more on the news front -- boyz survived my absence more than well, Embassy didn't collapse while I was away, and I've caught up on my work.

Tonight will be spent at home; tomorrow there's Madama Butterfly at the opera -- probably we'll be advocating an even earlier suicide after the first 30 minutes -- preceded by dinner and followed by Irish Pub. Sunday will see Irene and myself playing tennis together for the first time, if under Valentina's supervision.

My mailbox also contained an invitation by Eleni, the Greek colleague and one of the 5 infamous Belles Dames Sans Merci, for a weekend in Greece in 24/25 April. The Belles Dames will be joined by the male Dutch, Swedish and US no.s 2. I told Eleni I'd participate and suggested that she might invite Mr H. to join the party. Apart from being fun, it would also be an ideal occasion for testing the waters once again, unless of course they will have been tested beforehand. An occasion might arise on Monday, and besides my right arm is now sufficiently well so that I can accept the invitation for tennis, i.e. being mercilessly slaughtered by H. As always, please keep your fingers crossed.