The last events that appeared on Mayor Thomas Menino’s public schedule, before a trip to Italy and stays at two hospitals, were a classic twinning of old and new: A ribbon-cutting at a West Roxbury apartment complex and a food truck contest in Dewey Square.

That was Friday, Oct. 12. On Thursday, for the first time in weeks, the once-daily schedule returned, giving notice of the mayor attending a School Committee member’s swearing-in ceremony on Friday at Beacon Hill’s Parkman House, where Menino is staying due to its elevator and proximity to City Hall.

The notice followed a round of interviews at City Hall with reporters who foraged for news – Vice President Biden pledged to him to act quickly on gun control! The 70-year-old incumbent hinted about a sixth term! – and shot footage of the mayor flanked by top aides while seated at his desk.

Menino, who was diagnosed with a variety of ailments while at Brigham and Women's in November and then moved to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, briefly spoke with the Reporter on Thursday as he was leaving his office and on his way to physical therapy. He said he was “back in action.”

His press secretary, Dot Joyce, added, “Part-time.” She then amended her statement, saying it was the mayor’s version of part-time, an allusion to his early-morning-to-late-evening schedule in previous years.

What that means for future public schedule entries is unclear. January is typically a busy month, especially with a State of the City planned near its end. In the past, Menino has also unveiled his legislative priorities in a mid-month meeting with State House lawmakers.

Asked whether he planned to attend the first City Council meeting of the year, slated for Monday, Jan. 7, Menino said he will be there.