Nancy C. and I went to Eugene O'Neill's play, A Moon for the Misbegotten at the O'Reilly Theatre downtown. It was brilliantly directed by Pamela Berlin, and the casting of Beth Wittig as Josie Hogan was superb. She held her lilting Irish brogue throughout the play's two acts, and was a believable tenant farmer's daughter. Our seatmate commented throughout the play (but in response to the action, so thus was believable):
"You tell him sister!" "Go ahead and have another drink" [upon the departure of Jim Tyrone's character] "Tha's love."
I saw mom & dad's neighbors Sally D., Nancy Co. and her friend after the show.
I'm writing this early hour because I'm still excited about its being the first full week of my summer vacation.
I'll organize and copy my picture files...also, I need to see if I can post recent videos taken on this blog...Getting permission to send photos to friends, so it doesn't clog up their email in-boxes.
Also, my mom and I are planning a vacation.
~~~ Wed--Went to the computer lab at work and copied some photo (.jpg) files. It's difficult to make the folders of photos fit onto 700Mb CD ROM disks.
~~~ 30 April 2009 Thursday-Awoke, wrote some correspondence long-hand to type into email, under my new lamp I got yesterday (with Mom). Mom says Kelly wants us to visit her. She also dictated some lists for email to me, which I dutifully typed. I sent my email correspondence out this morning, as well as my faxed authorization to obtain a CD ROM of MRI and of film images of my condition. Ate salmon with teriyaki sauce for lunch with mom & dad. Went to physical therapy. I am updating/copying photo files, etc. for archiving at the computer lab in the campus library. 22:20 Thursday-Had dinner, then headed to choir practice. There will be no choir at the noon Mass this Sunday due to the Pittsburgh Marathon street closures. ~~~ 1 May 2009 Mom, Dad, and I went to First Friday Mass this morning. Fr. Breier celebrated, with John and Matt as servers, and Ken providing music ministry at the portative organ. It was a rainy morning.
Kelly called right before lunch--she had been attacked last night by a guy stealing her cell phone. She still has all her teeth in her head! (So much for the K. division of the NY Tourist Board.)
I took a nap right after lunch. Necessary.
Went to wine & cheese at the Oratory. Met C, Karina, Christina, Donna, Tom Mc., and Fr. Mike. Chatted for a while with the gurls @ education.
Went to physical therapy today. Also watched a show with Mom about Niagara Falls ("Good location for a vacation," she implied).
At 19:30 Karina and I went to Troy Hill for St. Anthony's Novena (patron saint of lost causes). During general intercessions I prayed "For those unemployed and underemployed," for I knew most of those present would not mention it.
We went to her home for chai masala (homemade) and chatted, and looked at photos of her family, old and young.
So, thus starts my first full week of summer vacation. Mom had me look up the travel timeshare place for sooner-than-later openings. We may go to the shore soon. That will be fun.
Also, I photocopied some correspondence for Mom and Dad and Pat in the office faxed it downtown.
Did some email checking and copied video (.avi) files onto my jumpdrive for burning onto disks. This was not possible at Mom and Dad's home, so I'm sitting in the computer lab in the campus library working on it. ~~~ 23:30 Tuesday Monday, went to the last faith-sharing of the semester. Christina, Fabiola, Chad, Jose, and I prayed the novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Then we discussed a recent reading (1 Jn 2,4-5a):
Those who say, "I know him," but do not keep his commandments are liars, and the truth is not in them. But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.
I stated that I thought that commandments did not just encompass Mosaic law or the decalogue, but activities beyond simple faith---loving one's neighbor, too. I also said early on that I thought that it is not necessary to have faith in God to follow God's commandments.
Karina and I met for dinner---we took a bus to our favorite sushi place in Oakland, where I had an unagi bowl. Dee-lish!
Mom and I will dine out after noon Mass (with choir in front of the congregation). Dad will return from his spiritual retreat this afternoon.
Looking forward to dad's return, but also to spending time as "just us girls" over lunch. ~~~ So, it turned out that Dad joined us for lunch...we went to Eat N Park on the east side of McKnight Road.
Today I spent a relaxing day listening to music, calling friends, and vegetating. I walked up to Fannie and Don's home to join them, Theresa, Christoph, and Ashraf for a celebration of Don and Ashraf's birthday.
Theresa is a wedding planner from Taiwan, Ashraf is a doctor from Libya, and Christoph is from (choir and) Berlin. We dined on chickpea and spinach soup with Italian Breadworks bread, pasta with tomato, eggplant, caper, onion sauce, and mixed green salad with oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. Dessert was pastries from Salim's, paired with espresso and black tea.
We went up to the rooftop to take photos, marvel at the view and the stars, and to chat, including about our birthdays and Chinese horoscope animals. Don & Ashraf discovered they shared the same birthday. We took the elevator to retire to the table to present Don and Ashraf with candles to blow out for their birthday in a few days.
Ashraf drove us home, and I'll be checking mom and dad's snail mail shortly.
William and I went to the Philip Chosky Theatre at the Purnell Center at Carnegie Mellon. We saw The Illusion last night, by Pierre Corneille and freely adapted by Tony Kushner. As the play's director, Allegra Libonati, noted in the Play Notes, "the play is a fusion of these two writers, separated by centuries, but united in purpose: To venture deep into the cave of illusions to see what truth they may find."
Throughout the play one of the characters comments on the shifting nature of the magical scenes before him. I caught myself trying to determine "true" relations between the characters time and again during the play. The play went against the grain of Classical theater, and helped to usher in neo-Classical and Baroque theatre.
Brilliantly acted and produced, the piece raises questions about plays (pieces de theatre) and life (la vie).
Yesterday late afternoon, after a quick salad and sandwich (and a discussion where we agreed to meet Don for a brief sight-reading session at 6:45pm), S and I headed to choir practice. S and Don started the choir rehearsal evening with a performance of a two-movement piano & violin romance by Gade (a Danish composer)[see below for first movement]. S then sat and listened to our choir practice.
We practiced music for this Sunday, and then we had a group discussion about the excitement this past Sunday. Many suggestions were made. I suggested that we enlist help from Pittsburgh Mediation Center, if necessary. Then, it was time for apple/fig/grape cake and rice salad by Paolo's wife. We enjoyed discussing over this delicious spread, and S and Christoph enjoyed talking to each other. K. had even said that she appreciated S's sense of style/fashion. We headed home, tired, and chatted for a bit longer before we called it a night.
~~~ Today we arose early (my first day of vacation) and had our showers, tea, and breakfast. After a few hours of practice with both violins, S packed the bags (asking me what I thought the difference between the two violins are); and S and I headed out for air, sun, and walking to have sorbets (which I brought from home), coffee, and a brownie at Maggie's Mercantile. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed our snack. Then, it was time to head home to get the bags to go to the bus stop for the 14:00 bus...We caught the bus to the airport. Due to sufficient emotion management (and a couple hugs), there were no emotional cryfests. S did self check-in at the United kiosk, and I saw S go through security at the main security checkpoint. We waved several times, blew kisses, and saw the wand technique of the TSA worker before a final wave and a blown kiss.
I boarded the next bus back to Oakland, and met Lynna there, who just came from presenting at high school admissions fairs. We chatted about various things, including the phenomenon of the Network, and as you get older, more people know you through the Network. She knows William, and I told her about how Joyce and Greg met.
Landing at Mom & Dad's, Mom said she was happy to see me.
~~~ 17:20 William and Marissa just called me to invite me to a Tony Kushner play at Carnegie Mellon tonight...Marissa is tired, so I'll meet up w/ William. After I meet Karina at the Newman Center, I'll meet him there tonight.
Last night after tea at my home with Mom and Dad (and dinner at Mom & Dad's at their home), S and I picked up Christoph to head to Squirrel Hill for jazz. Really great, moving jazz. S commented on the physiologic reactions of the players. We enjoyed a few rounds of drinks.
We ended up at Mt Washington for the view. S and I chatted to the wee hours.
Today I awoke early, working on grades. I met with my boss, C., and then posted grades. S and I ate brunch/snack, and then talked to Don about doing a little concert. We are at the library doing research currently.
Last night Karina and I went to Troy Hill for the Novena. We picked up S, and headed to ceili music and dancing at the pub. Then Charles and Susan joined us, we all had dinner there. It was nice to see my old buddies from a while ago there--Dan and Kelly, Al and Frank, etc. We were welcomed properly with a "Failte!"
Today I awoke ~7am for tallying and recording scores. I need to have my meeting with C. tomorrow.
S and I will go to the Copy Cat to make copies!
Then it's tea/a light dinner with mom & dad. Then a meeting for my building at 7 pm during which S will practice again today. Then off to jazz with my friends in Squirrel Hill.
I'm currently checking my email at work. S is checking, too.
This morning was the memorial of St. Anselm, bishop & doctor of the church. Matt was the altar server, Fr. Breier was the celebrant, Don was at the von Beckerath, and Dad was at television ministry.
I graded (17/18) the final examinations. S and I had breakfast of breakfast sandwiches, Irish tea, orange juice, and oranges. We then walked to the Kresge Auditorium on the Carnegie Mellon University campus for a student chamber music recital (which was cancelled). Chris R. helped us to determine that the concert was cancelled. I called William, who was on his way to the pizza place on campus...we met up with him for a brief chat while he had lunch.
The 61A bus brought us to the Carnegie Library--Main branch for a search for music scores for violin prior to 1900. Joelle, Kathy, Harriet, and Rebecca were all helpful in our search. We enjoyed some drinks at the cafe afterwards.
We visited the Honors College, and are now at my work.
~~~ last night: We had dinner at the Pan-Asian restaurant on Craig Street, and a drink at the Panther Hollow Inn.
Picked up S from the airport this afternoon, amidst rain on the way home.
S. and I discussed issues of my journal from 1990 after a nap/grading (5/6) session. Now we are checking our email before dinner...in the 24 hour computer lab on campus.
I said that there is much useless, detailed information that I wrote in my journal twenty years ago...but it was fun to read. We talked about recording/documenting our teaching to students; how it is very difficult to find the time to document our pedagogy. I shared the Acid Rain Teacher's Guide, as well as the Schubert Lieder and we talked about Les Chansons de Faure, the first-ever CD I purchased.
We talked about the C-leg and how it works (its computerized mechanism) on the way to campus.
We compromised on the rate of walking, as S strides faster and I stride shorter, in order to accomodate our individual handicaps.
We talked about swimming, and other exercise, and voice lessons.
Yes, this year is a season of reunions. Linda, whom I hadn't seen since high school graduation, visited me last fall. S., whom I haven't seen since just before the Berlin Wall was torn down, is arriving today. And L.S., whom I've known since about as long as S., will be arriving around Memorial Day. Jenny, GY and JC's niece, will visit soon after.
I'm excited about S.'s visit, as it has been a while and much (much? Too much?) has happened for both of us in the meantime. After physical therapy and lunch today I'll be driving to the airport. ~~~
At it again--- I awoke in the wee hours of the morning to put away accessories and clothing, clean the bathroom, and make the bed for my guest this week, S. I figured out that I need to get bread, and perhaps chicken and vinegar (for adobo), and rice.
I'm going to grade final practicals next, then take a short nap.
~~~ 11.00 am Graded, napped, cleaned my bathroom and kitchen, primed the bedroom for guests, vacuumed, made my bed, and generally readied my home for the first wave of visits by my friends.
I will try to relax a little before some of us meet as a choir in the loft at approximately noon today. ~~~ 21:10 It was Ken, Betty T., Andrew, Lisa, Ornella, and I in the loft this afternoon. We descended to receive Communion.
After Mass, Mom, Dad, and I decided to go to Eat & Park for lunch. We ended up at the restaurant in Squirrel Hill as the rain started to get a little denser. I dropped them off after we finished dining, and picked up some groceries for the week at Giant Eagle and at Trader Joe's (breads and vegetables). I then went home for an hour nap, graded (10/18), and now it is time for sleep. I cannot let myself get over-extended this week, especially with the weather changing and being rainy. Prime weather for catching a "bug."
Forty-six hours until my friend S. and I meet again! (Gee, it's been almost twenty years!)
Today I arose before six AM and did laundry, dust, take out the trash, shred old bills, and clean out the refrigerator. Met up with Maureen to get shortbread (and a Penguin cakelet for Karina) at our fave bakery, then we headed to McKnight Road for cheese & cherry blintzes and a Dutch baby with strawberry sauce for my birthday celebration. We then headed to JC Penney, Tiffany's, the Chef store, Kate Spade, and Nordstrom's for shopping/window shopping. We shopped for groceries at Giant Eagle and at Trader Joe's. I went home to relax for half an hour and then to write the above notes. What a glorious, beauteous sunny day!
~~~ 21:00 At 18:00 Karina, Maureen, and I met on the steps of St. Paul Cathedral to hear the gist of Karina's journal slide talk (due on Monday), to go for a walk, chai and coffee at Starbucks, and to enjoy Karina's "87" Penguin cakelet. We went for Tea/Chai Masala at the Indian grocery store, and chatted in my parents' lobby over the PAMS Inaugural Ball book. We also discussed dyes vs. indicators (over hydrangeae).
Today I administered my last/final practical final examination for the semester. On my walk home Marissa called me and invited me to join her, Solomon, and Beatrice at midway at Carnival at Carnegie Mellon University. After having lunch, I headed to the midway.
I took pictures of Beatrice "driving" in the car (leaning left and right whilst holding the steering wheel), riding with Lauren in the lady bugs/granny bug, and Marissa took a picture of her before/after one pass in the roller coaster (a little too much for her now). Solomon slept peacefully throughout. Lauren and her daddy rode in the ferris wheel while Marissa, Beatrice, and I rode in another cab of the ferris wheel. Lauren returned for another ride (this time with her mom), and Beatrice and I rode on the carousel (she rode on the zebra).
Marissa told me how Beatrice had bumped her head earlier, and the people in the emergency trailer examined her, then told Marissa to watch her for changes. Well, Beatrice was extremely quiet...unusually so.
"Beatrice," Marissa asked her, "can you talk?" "I can't talk," Beatrice replied. "Why not?" "Because everyone is talking So Loud, I can't talk."
["And so we knew she was okay," Marissa stated.]
I scoped out the location of the concert next week in the College of Fine Arts, shopped at the sidewalk sale by the University Center, and walked home to take a nap. Nancy and I spoke about our evening plans tonight, I checked my email, had a snack of pita and butter, Otap and capucchino, and decided to grade a little before heading out for the evening. I will meet up with Nancy, Karina, and Maureen at the Newman Center and then it's off to the symphony for Nancy and me...for some Rachmaninoff. ~~~ 21:45 Friday No Rachmaninoff: Girls Dine Out Met up with Karina and Nancy at the Newman Center---we went for sushi for dinner on Oakland St. We chatted about job hunting and volunteer work. It was great fun, enlightenment for some of us. We decided feeding our souls is important. I am listening to a piano symphony on WQED currently, Piano Concerto #3 (Finale) by Rachmaninoff, with Denis Matsuev on piano and Leonard Slatkin conducting.
I need to grade, do laundry, clean house, and grocery shop before Monday. I can't believe how I have procrastinated before S.'s arrival!
22:00 Mr. Matsuev is playing an encore---from Hall of the Mountain King(, a Rachmaninov version of the Grieg piece, according to WQED).
Gave another final practical today. Students today were quiet in the hallway before the examination. Took a nap afterwards, had macaroni and cheese for lunch. I went to physical therapy this afternoon (second time back in the pool, did neck/shoulder stretches, too). Took a nap afterwards, ate dinner, went for a walk with Maureen down residential streets to Carnival at Carnegie Mellon University, and ended up getting smoothies at our favorite fruit smoothie place on Craig Street.
I enjoyed the weather today (60 degrees Fahrenheit, and sunny), as it was a change from the cold, rainy weather before. It is to be like that through the weekend, and supposedly "r"-y this coming week, when my friend S. comes to visit.
S. and I are communicating the last plans we have---namely, where we will meet when I come to the airport, etc.---by email this week.
Graded another station from the exam...Administered this afternoon's exam...took an hour nap. Checked my internet, and found yet another British Perfect Moment: Susan Boyle, from a small town in Scotland, sang "I have a Dream" for Britain's Got Talent. Yes, she's led a quiet---no, sheltered---life, living in the same home she grew up in for her 48 years, never had a boyfriend, and enjoys life with Pebbles her cat. But, as she said, she wanted to "rock" the audience, which she did.
Okay. Time for more grading... ~~~ Joyce sent us the link to Miranda's after-school gym program. Photos of Miranda practicing gymnastics are seen on top of the homepage and in the "Competition" section of the website. I still think (as Auntie Mimi) that she should consider cross-sport training in diving, too (less stress on the joints). Besides, there is a diving camp at Pitt for youngsters in the summer.
I spent the afternoon and evening grading and attending the Faith sharing group and Bible study group (both at the Newman Center). We discussed Easter and Holy Week during the Faith sharing group (Karina, Chad, and Jose attended). We discussed and read excerpts from St. Paul's letters to the Romans during the Bible study group. It was our last meeting for the semester, as next week there will be a finals study hall in our usual meeting place. ~~~ Today I cleaned house and graded this morning, went to an appointment at UPMC, then had lunch and graded more before going to physical therapy. <9/18 for first section> ~~~~ 9pm Tuesday 14 April 2009 Maureen drove with Karina and me to St. Anthony's Chapel on Troy Hill for the St. Anthony Novena this evening at 7:30pm. It was beautiful, with the church almost full, a deacon leading the prayers and allowing veneration of a relic, and providing a homily. The general intercessions allowed individuals to voice out their prayers and intentions.
A beautiful service, ending with our singing Tantum Ergo Sacramentum.
So, as I celebrate Eastertide and as I administer and grade final exams, I patiently await the arrival of my friend, S., who is currently giving master classes and rehearsing for a concert at the end of this week.
It has been nearly twenty years since I have seen S. (We were "just children" when we first met.) It was the fall of the Berlin Wall descending, the fall of 1990, an exciting time to be traveling in Europe. I remember distinctly my visit to Eastern Germany (GDR) a few weeks before the Wall was torn down. I also distinctly remember meeting people who have become my lifetime friends during that trip to Europe.
Something that perturbs me is that I cannot find my slide photos of my first visit to S.'s city---photos of the Cathedral, out windows, and one of S. in particular. My friend reminded me that it doesn't matter that I cannot find those photos---S. is coming here! (I suppose she is right.) But I think it would be nice to show S. the photos, too.
The Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil Mass started with some choir members ringing bells in the darkness of the Church after sunset (20:30 h), following Don's lead into the Church. There was a bonfire outside the main (south) entrance, from which some candles were lit. There were members of the Carnegie brass providing music, too.
The Service of Light started with the blessing of fire and lighting of the candles, procession with the invocation by the Bishop "Christ our light" and our response "Thanks be to God", followed by the Exsultet sung by Bishop Zubic.
The Liturgy of the Word: Reading: Gen 1:1-2:2 We sang the response to the psalm 33, with Daphne with Linda singing the verses Reading: Ex 14:15-5:1 We sang the response to the psalm Exod 14, with Linda with Daphne singing the verses With the Gloria (Peter Jones) the Cathedral was then bathed in light. The bishop sang the alleluia, the epistle was Rom 6:3-11 We sang the Easter Alleluia & Ps. 118 (Good News Acclamation, J. Chepponis) Gospel: Mat. 28:1-10 Homily by Bishop Zubik (he talked about Mary and her girlfriends finding the tomb empty at the beginning of his homily)
Liturgy of Baptism and Confirmation (during which Judith, a chorister, was confirmed): Litany of the Saints was led by Daphne and chanted responses by us *Blessing of the Water "Springs of Water" (by Don) was led by Linda and sung responses by us Celebration of Baptism (for five candidates) "Alleluia" (by Don) was led by Linda and sung responses by us Renewal of Baptismal Promises (said by the Bishop), and the congregation was sprinkled whilst Linda led "Springs of Water" and sung responses by us. *Reception into full Communion of baptized non-Catholics "Amen" (by Don) General Intercessions
Liturgy of the Eucharist Preparation of the Gifts "Hallelujah!" from the Mount of Olives (L. Beethoven) Eucharistic Acclamations: Proulx and Agnus Dei by D. Isele Communion: "Be Known to Us, Lord Jesus" (C. Schalk) and "Hallelujah" Chorus from Handel's Messiah Blessing and dismissal: "Thanks be to God, Alleluia" Recessional Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today Postlude: Widor's Toccata, Symphony V
~~~ I was in the choir loft at ~11.00 for Easter Sunday Mass, in time to catch the end of communion, the final blessing and dismissal, recessional hymn, and postlude (which E., Ken's daughter was recording), as well as some excitement/shenanigans. The brass played with us again that day. The entrance hymn was four verses of "Jesus Christ is Risen Today." Gloria (Peter Jones) Ps 118 This is the Day (Carol, French) Easter Sequence: Alleluia response by A. C. Dohms Gospel Acclamation "Good News Acclamation," J. Chepponis Gospel, renewal of Baptismal Promises "Springs of Water" by Don
Preparation of the Altar: "Hallelujah!" from the Mount of Olives (L. Beethoven) Eucharistic Acclamations: by Proulx, and Agnus Dei by D. Isele Communion: Be Known to Us, Lord Jesus (C. Schalk), and "Hallelujah" Chorus from Handel's Messiah Blessing and dismissal: "Thanks be to God, Alleluia" Recessional Hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today (Llanfair) Postlude: Widor's Toccata, Symphony V
I had a doctor's appointment in Monroeville late this morning. I was pleased to hear the outcome/results.
Good Friday Service will be celebrated at 13:30. I will be in the choir loft by 13:00. I must walk home and pick up my choir folder.... ~~~ (written 8.30 Saturday) I made it back to Oakland in time to check my email at the main campus library, walk to get my choir folder at Mom & Dad's home, and get to the choir loft by 13.00.
During the veneration of the cross we sang probably the first celebration of "Crucifixus" by Bob Farrell (definitely a first at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland). Jennifer H., who stands next to me, and I agreed that it is a powerful piece of music to sing and hear sung. ~~~ The bishop processed into the Cathedral in silence. The first reading was Isaiah 52:13, 53:12 The psalm was Ps. 30, (Chrysogonus Waddell), with Don singing the solo from the loft. Second reading was Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9 Gospel acclamation was "Glory to you, O Word of God," by Proulx The Passion was read by various people from the altar. We sang "Jesus, Remember Me" by J. Berthier Presentation of the Cross was sung by the Bishop "Behold, Behold the wood of the cross, on which hung salvation." to which we respond, "O come, let us adore." We sung "Were You There (spiritual)," "Crucifixus" (R.G. Farrell), "Adoramus Te Christe", and "Jesus So Lowly" during the Veneration of the Cross. O Sacred Head Surrounded (#434) was sung for the collection Attende Domine was sung during Communion De Profundis (W.A. Mozart) was the choral anthem. There was no closing blessing; people departed in silence. ~~~~ After the service, I took a nap and then Mom & I picked up William at Carnegie Mellon for the celebration of my and Solomon's birthday. We were planning on celebrating at St. Bartholomew's parish fish fry in Penn Hills, but there was no Good Friday fish fry. St. Irenaeus in Oakmont and 'Mac' in Bloomfield did have Good Friday fish fries, but we decided on making Solomon happy at the Penn Hills Eat N Park.
We enjoyed our meal (I had the whitefish sandwich and the salad bar), we gave Solomon his gifts (I gave him colorful wooden keys and a lock on the keychain), and Beata made me her second card for me (which I photo-documented) and presented me with their gift she had personally selected from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (a handmade Kenyan necklace).
Dad called us from the hospital on our way home (a medical emargency on his way home from television ministry), was happy to see us when he arrived home, and we watched a small portion of 20/20 on ABC, and then I collapsed into bed.
After physical therapy I had a short meal and headed to Synod Hall for choir practice.
Holy Thursday service was celebrated by Bishop Zubic. We, the choir, sang:
Lift High the Cross Gloria from the Notre Dame Mass (D. Isele) Psalm 116 "Our Blessing Cup" (M. Guimont) Gospel Acclamation "Glory to You, O Word of God" (R. Proulx) Preparation of Gifts, "At that First Eucharist" Sanctus from the Vatican Mass XVIII Acclamations from the Danish Mass (D. Kraehenbuehl) Agnus Dei chant Communion: God is Love (A.G. Murray), Ave Verum Corpus (Gounod) Transfer of the Holy Eucharist: Pange Lingua Gloriosi Adoramus Te, Christe (Q. Gasparini) ~~~ Stripping of the Altars
Just a few minutes ago the police funeral motorcade for three officers killed this weekend passed in front of my building on Fifth Avenue.
I see: police cars parked on Fifth Avenue as far as the eye can see---the farthest cruiser is from Maryland, I saw PA State Police cars, Tonawanda, Strabane, etc.
a little girl looking out her window, rolled down, of the travelling van, saluting, her face tear-streaked,
I see through a veil of tears the three hearses, each followed by cars, vans, and minibuses filled with family and friends.
An emotional moment. ~~~~~ On the way to and from physical therapy this afternoon, I saw a cruiser from Rochester, New York; and an officer from New Castle, PA waved at me outside the window.
Sunday and Monday---restful days, went shopping with Mom and Auntie Chi. Both days were warm.
Tuesday---Mom and Dad's computer were still not working. I went into campus to check my email, took Auntie Chi shopping on Ellsworth. We enjoyed pancit, sinigang by mom, and pisa, too. Auntie Chi left soon after, I took a nap, and then finished grading papers before the final practical.
Wednesday (today)---I wrote a recommendation for one of my students before and during office hours. I notified my students about the papers returned to them for studying.
Mom and Dad's computer has been on the fritz all this week. I typed up Dad's speech for his induction/inauguration as the Philippine American Medical Society's president. (He and "Tita" Lydia N. have been going on PAMS medical/surgical missions since the inception, for ten years.) I printed out the speech Friday, Dad and I drove to Upper St. Clair to pick up my car from the shop, then went to Kinko's (now FedEx Office) to pick up the program booklets and a few packs of push pins/thumb tacks and a memory card for taking photos. Mom, Dad, and Auntie Chi attended the continuing medical education at the golf club near my last secondary school employment.
I was in charge of picking up Kelly at the airport Friday at (conceivably) 5:40pm. After multiple delays, she didn't arrive until about eight o'clock in the evening. We drove back to Mom and Dad's place (where she stayed), ate, and chatted to catch up with our latest do-ings. ~~~~~ Saturday, I awoke at 5:00 and did four loads of laundry! Maureen, her sister, and her niece drove to the bakery in Millvale (I followed them, where I got a cream custard croissant, almond brioche, and also an Easter poppy seed roll for Auntie Chi. I then drove to the golf club to deliver the papers with two copies of Dad's speech (one stapled, the other loose leaf sheets) to Mom and Auntie Chi there. I also saw Rose V. there. I went to Mom & Dad's home, where Kelly had left shortly before to meet with friends for lunch and opera short excerpts. I then took a nap, and Mom returned my call. I indicated that Sonia had called for Dad---and Mom said that I need to pick up the snacks for tonight for her.
There is poor parking hunting where Sonia has her business, so I enlisted the assistance of William before Kelly was to return at Mom & Dad's at approximately 16:00. So I picked up William, we stopped at Chia-Pih's favorite Asian Grocery Mart for him to pick up some snacks and supplies, and then we proceeded to Sonia's. We retrieved three trays of food from Sonia and her family. Kelly called, indicating that she was ~five blocks away. We waited for her and all drove to Mom and Dad's to pick up our clothing, dropped off William on the way to to Golf Club, then Kelly and I attended the anticipated Palm Sunday Mass with Fr. Utz from the Cardinal Dearden Center. He indicated that it was "an honor" for him to celebrate Mass with our group.
Kelly and I changed in the locker room into our formal attire...Tita Tina arranged my hair for me, and lent me some eye makeup.
Dinner followed; Auntie Chi emceed the event; William, Kelly, and I introduced Dad (with Mom doing a speech, too) before he delivered his speech; and Mr. Hingson from Brothers' Brother was the guest speaker. There was a band that provided music through dinner and during our snack time after...and a DJ for group dances, including the chicken dance, the "Hokey Pokey" (Beatrice turned to me, her face lit up, and stated the dance name to me!) and the Electric Slide. We all had fun dancing.
The night was cold (~35 Fahrenheit, and clear as the night sky).
The snack boxes and grape juice were a hit! Kelly and I returned slightly after midnight. Tired, we said our goodbyes after I handed off the schedule and then I handed off the bus coupons to her.
~~~~~ I called her on her phone at about 7:20 this morning to wish her a safe voyage. ~~~ First Sunday, April 2009
This was a day of rest. This evening William's family, Les & Chere, Mom, Dad, Auntie Chi and I dined together at Mom & Dad's home. We had singing and dancing after dinner, then it was time for the children to go home and to get to bed.
Auntie Chi, Mom, and I told stories after we all cleared the table.
This was the last week our laboratory classes met as a class before the practical exam. It is photosynthesis week, and, as usual, I dress in the colors of a spring leaf, replete with green photosynthetic pigments (Chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a) and yellow/yellow-orange photosynthetic pigments (namely, the carotenoids---the xanthophylls and carotenes): The predominant pigments and the accessory pigments, respectively. It is a week chock-full of activities in lab and accessory to lab, and not completely relaxed. I had two current students request recommendations from me for summer or next-school year's plans. They also spend some time at the Phipps Conservatory doing lab activities before the final practical exam.
Auntie Chi arrived yesterday afternoon. We dined together before I left for the April Parish Pastoral Council meeting, duing which Fr. Breier was taking a rest, and Fr. Kim and Fr. Andrew joined us.
