Playday

Up early for an ultrasound examination, to check whether the widely fluctuating bloodtest results indicate a problem in my guts. The specialist confirms that my liver, gall, pancreas, stomach and kidneys are all as and where they should be. Good.

The day being lovely (warm, blue sky, gentle breeze) and myself being damned hungry (one must arrive for the examination on an absolutely empty stomach), I decided to have breakfast outdoors at the Cafe Eberhard, and there met Slim. We talked for an hour while Larry was at a child psychologist across the street, and decided to continue to meet there on Wednesday mornings for as long as the fine weather and his sessions continue. She's looking very well, happy and healthy again after a rough spell last year.

Then walked on downtown intending to go to the river to see if last week's cranes were still there, but got distracted by the newly half-reopened Staatsgalerie. The collection has been entirely rehung, featuring many works that had previously languished in the cellars and mixing old and new together: rooms are now hung by subject or style rather than by age or country of origin. There are some wonderful pieces on display, and the arrangement is thought-provoking and occasionally amusing. Highly recommended to any Stuttgarters who haven't been lately; however those living further afield are advised to wait until after December 13, when the last few rooms will be opened and the renovation complete.

In the course of the renovation, the Herrenberger Altar has been moved to a larger and more central room, where there is now space and light to appreciate the rear panels (i.e. the opened-out wings). Since these were the outer "weekday" sides, they have faded considerably, but are still quite fascinating. I shall have to go back for another look, and will nab one of the little folding stools.

In other news the first competition was sent off with twenty minutes to spare yesterday. It looks very good, I think we have a fine chance of being in the money again with this project. That was our fourth third competition this year, and G is looking to do two more. Personally, I think he's crazy, but who am I to get between a man and his idea of fun?