Thanksgiving Days 2010-III
Today is Saturday, the last day of the liturgical year.
Yesterday, I awoke at ~ 4am and sent some email correspondence to friends far and near, as well as to my classes of students. After tying bows on wreaths with Judi, Jess, Don, Rocco, and Regina,
I exchanged an organizer near William and Marissa's home. Also I got a pair of shoes and lip gloss. I took two naps yesterday (~45" and 1'15"), between which was sandwiched a visit to a craft store across the river in McKees Rocks. After dinner with Mom and Dad, we went for a visit at William and Marissa's home, to return some items at a store near their home, and to return to play a Sea game with Beatrice that Lolo and Lola gave them. Solomon enjoyed playing a game with Marissa and Lola, whilst Beatrice won the Sea game she played with the rest of us by a close margin.
Upon returning home, we had a snack, and I forwarded a file from Rosie T. to some of mom's other friends. Had a long, 19+ hour day and was tired after it, as well.
Labels: Beatrice, email, games, jewelry, niece and nephew, seasons, shoes, shopping, sleep, Spain
Thanksgiving 2010
Thanksgiving this year was spent at William and Marissa's home, with their children and with Mom and Dad, Les and Cherie, and me as guests. We enjoyed side dishes prepared by Marissa, and the bird and some sides and a pie pre-prepped by Giant Eagle ("Big Bird"). There were desserts galore, including pies and cranberry crumble, all topped by fluff/whipped cream.
Labels: dine, family, family-Marissa, seasons
Thanksgiving Days 2010-II
Wednesday I did three loads of laundry in the morning, had an appointment, then Mom, Dad, and I stopped by William and Marissa's home (to make a house call). We also called Auntie Mimang and sang and drummed for her. We played and read books, and most of us headed for pasta in the Strip District.
This morning I attended Mass with Dad. Carmella and Bob's sons celebrated Mass, John was the server, and Don provided music ministry from the loft. I spoke with Carmella and Bob after Mass, and Don and I spoke about wreath issues for this, which is the weekend we distribute them.
I think a minimum of 2 people are necessary (one to tally inventory/keep track of the order sheet, the other to hand out wreaths/keep track of actual inventory). In addition to the inventory sheet, it is necessary to have post-its, a pencil, and ideally at least one runner. The Runner/s will retrieve wreaths from the garage for people.
Labels: family, health, laundry, Mass, Spain
Thanksgiving Days 2010
Yesterday (Monday) Mom and I went to the resale shop then went to pick up Dad for lunch at the Japanese buffet. A two-hour nap ensued, then I went to Bible Study led by Frs. Josh and Steve at the Newman Center.
We used St. John Newman's text, PPS 3:44-53, "Early Years of David." When we were asked what made David different from the other prophets and holy men who preceded him, I asked whether he was filled with the Holy Spirit---the psalms were inspired, vs. Moses and Abraham, who occasionally went to separate places to communicate with God the Father. Fr. Josh reminded us of the presence of the Spirit (as in the Creed).
Later in the passage I said in response to this we read, a passage written by Newman, "[David] had power put into his hands, in a sense in which neither Moses had it nor Samuel. He was charged with a certain office": "David was empowered by God."
~~~
Today is a busy day. I started off the morning lectoring for morning Mass. Princess greeted me, as did Carol and Donna. Fr. Bill Dorner celebrated Mass, Ryan provided music ministry at the portative organ, and Linda was the server. We found out that Linda will be moving in a couple of weeks. The Mass was offered up for the soul of Margaret W., a friend and neighbor.
Later this morning I will meet with several of my students, one of whom will make up some work, (I will return the last of the written work they have given me) and then I have a couple of appointments before joining William and Marissa's children for Thanksgiving decoration preparations!
Labels: appointment, art, Bible, Faith, lector, Mass, meeting, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Missed Choir Practice, Choir this week
I missed choir practice & choir this past week, due to a lingering sore throat.
Friday I joined Jennifer & Mike, Regina & John at drumming.
I handed in the last of my wreath fundraising for choir today.
I missed singing for the Feast of Christ the King, but enjoyed the music from the congregation. I did sing the Lotti Agnus Dei (alto part).
Bishop William Winter was the main celebrant, with many other priests concelebrating. (Bishop Zubik is in Rome for Cardinal Wuerl's ordination.)
This morning I wrote letters of support for two former students and completed their PharmCAS reference letters this afternoon.
I will join up with John, Regina, and her parents to celebrate his birthday for dinner.
Labels: Choir, dining, friends, health, music, singing, Spain, St. Paul Cathedral
Dancing Girls...
After spending the afternoon with Maureen shopping for her mattress set, going to Penne's, stopping at Wendy's for a Frosty, and shopping at Giant Eagly Market District (Big Bird's Palenke) and CVS. I made cole slaw for Mom & Dad.
They departed for their party at about the same time I left to meet up with Christina for swing dancing. I saw and danced with Philip, Fred, Ralph, Oleg, and Ralph and Fred again before I left. We saw Marie there and met Dominique.
A great evening.
Labels: dancing
"Hail, Our Alma Mater..."
Wednesday late afternoon (after our Jeopardy! class for Introduction to Arts and Sciences) Jenny CD and Linda I arrived from the airport and from Cleveland, respectively. After dropping off Jenny's luggage, we headed to Victor's new restaurant, where we enjoyed 2 lamb dishes, a shrimp dish, a salmon dish, and a vegetarian dish with Amanda MS and Charles. It was great to see everyone again, and to have a photo....
We all stood outside, Jenny and I in thin sweaters as the temperatures had dipped from the 60s Fahrenheit to the 40s to 50s as the sun went down. Jenny drove Linda and I back to my parking lot, where we bid Linda a fond goodbye and safe trip. Jenny and I tucked into our respective beds by 23.30, and I awoke about 6.30 Thursday.
Thursday Jenny and I visited St. Paul Cathedral and my workplace. We walked to get eggs over easy, Lyonnaise potatoes, bacon, and wheat toast as well as croissant French toast (and coffee for Jenny). We then headed to the Cathedral of Learning, touring the higher floors before the lower floors of Nationality Rooms first. We then toured the Frick Arts Building (the library, the Jello courtyard exhibit, and the U Pitt Museum Studies Class's exhibit SLAG: What's left after industry?), and the Carnegie Library and Institute. As we left the Carnegie, we opened the door for Marissa and Solomon, and Beatrice and Les.
After loading Jenny's bag into the car, we departed; I for work and she for lunch with her husband's former intern.
Labels: art, Beatrice, biology, Carnegie, dining, international culture, library, Marietta, mountains, organ, organizing, painting, photos, Pittsburgh, reunion, school, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Letters to Juliet (Girl's Movie Night)
Maureen and I drove yesterday to Christina's home for a girls' movie night of Letters from Juliet. Beautiful Tuscan scenery, and I called out people that the actors and actresses looked like.
The movie was supplemented by pepperoni pizza, soda (pop), chips, and homemade desserts by Christina and her mom.
Labels: cinema
