Thursday 21st November 2024

And so to the final day of the audit.

I was up, as usual, at six. Had a shower, got dressed and went down for breakfast.

Outside, it was frosty again, and the frost very thick, so I had to clear the screen and side windows. Putting the heating and fans on full, got back in and drove off, to the main road, turning left ready for the turn down over the river, then up the hill to the ring road, then to the office.

For a change, I was first in, and was just making a brew when first Rune then Henrick came a few minutes later. With it being grim and grey outside, I took the chance to take the shot of the day then and there.

We have worked together for 12 years, and at first I was their manager. Either they have forged a great career to catch me up on the greasy pole, or I have been a lollygagger.

We prepare the conference rooms, and so all was ready for the half eight start when the auditors arrive and open up their notes.

The day progressed slowly, and we me neither auditor or auditee, just taking notes, I struggled to keep my eyes open, and I am sure, at times, I let out a low, quiet snore.

Half four we were done. So, the grand clean up began, making sure the rooms were neat and tidy, as our week there was done.

Our interim manager had arranged for us to have dinner in a nearby Italian place. I had the address, it was 1.4 miles away.

Did I need help to find it?

No, I have Google Maps.

Anyway.

The app took me across the main road, through a housing estate, and after several turns ended up in an unlit car park.

I went out, and Maps thought about it and took me somewhere half a mile away, where a small Spar shop nestled in the ground floor of a block of flats.

No restaurant.

I called Rune, and he said it was easy to find.

Easy for him to say.

Anyway, I turned and went down a narrow street with all parking spaces, and round the corner there was the restaurant, half of which was a sports centre, and inside the hall were several young ladies practicing volleyball.

Oddly, our table looked out into the sports hall, so on one side was the candle lit restaurant, and on the other a sports class!

Odd.

Anyway, the others ordered either steak or pizza, while I had lasagne, which I can never be bothered to make the two sauces for.

And as we were all driving, no wine or beer was supped.

As I got up to leave, what with it being nearly half seven and me about to turn into a pumpkin, they pulled out a large parcel as a gift for me, as I am soon to hang up my auditing notebooks.

Seldom am I at a loss for words. But I was this time.

Everyone so darn nice.

I drove back to the hotel, the streets quiet and few cyclists about, the best way. I find a spot to park near the hotel, buy a glass of vin rouge from the bar to take to my room, and take the glass elevator to the executive floor.