Morning Mass
I attended the morning Mass, which Fr. Raymond Utz celebrated, lectored by Bob H., music ministered by Ryan, and which Dad provided camera service for the television ministry for the home-bound and shut-ins. I met Shao-Y., a student, after Mass and gave her information about the Newman Center, too.
I had breakfast with Dad this morning.
~~~~~~~~~~
Took a nap this afternoon, and went for a walk with Maureen to cash in her Get Go coffee cards. I settled on a white tea peach flavored iced tea. We also tried out her Prantl's almond torte sampler. How good was that!
William, Bea bea and Solomon joined Dad, Mom, and I for dinner. I departed early for choir practice.
Regina gave me a lift home, and I caught up on important correspondence this evening.
I'll call it a night since I was up at ~5.45 this morning.
Rising earlier
So, I've been hovering around the 5:30-5.40 mark for rising the past few mornings. Trying to adjust my body clock.
Two-hour long nap
Besides the previous post, which describes my day before 13.00: After lunch and a two-hour-long nap, I walked to meet Maureen. We had passed each other on the same street (different sides of it, with a construction zone), and so I back-tracked to the neighborhood church at the corner of Ellsworth, where she was sitting on a bench waiting. We sat and chatted, saw moms with strollers (including Hayley and her mom),headed to get her a smoothie, and then for me to help Mom and Dad with their correspondence.
I then attended to catching up with my correspondence and telephone calls, and updating my lists for July. Spoke with Regina about plans for this weekend.
Whew! A long day. Time to sleep.
Maureen's Birthday
So, it was Maureen's birthday. This was dad's first morning Mass since returning from Russia. After morning Mass we went to her car, drove to our favorite bakery in Lawrenceville (stopping to retrieve cold and hot drinks at the Get Go on the way), and sat on the edge of the City Cafe's terrace (where we were greeted by a man who reminded us of the benefit of using reusable cups for beverages). We met the doggies Bernstein, Olive, and Oscar.
I went to appointments and to campus Cathedral computer lab yesterday afternoon. Maureen and I walked after 19.30, I said hi to 2 of my former students, Yolandi and Carly, and ran into Dorina from choir and Yvonne (formerly of Bible study).
We scoped out new photos on Facebook, and chatted for a bit.
~~~~~~~
Today, I attended morning Mass: Frs. Nick V. and Brian Noel concelebrated the Mass (Ss. Peter and Paul). John was the altar server, Don provided the music ministry from the choir loft, and Dad was working television ministry. Dad and I chatted with Fr. Brian Noel's parents after Mass.
I worked on adjusting my packed bags and their corresponding lists this morning, then listened to the alto practice CD. I met up with Don to practice several songs: Sicut Cervus, Locuste Iste, and Donde Hay. He mentioned key places to provide support of breath, separation of notes. He also mentioned generally vowel shape, taking effective breaths, no sliding of notes, etc.
Very helpful!
Feast of Corpus Christi 2011, Pittsburgh Biennial at the Carnegie Museum of Art
I attended the 8.00 morning Mass this morning with Fr. Nick celebrating, and Christina and Ken providing music ministry. Fr. Nick greeted me after Mass and I chatted after Mass with Charley, a retired Pittsburgh firefighter.
~~~~~~~~~~
After a lunch in the Fossil Fuels cafeteria (during which I ran into several former coworkers) Marissa and the children and I went to the 2011 Pittsburgh Biennial at the Carnegie Museum of Art. We spent a good bit of time watching a glassmaking video at the entrance to the exhibition. Marissa and I particularly liked Lenke Clayton's Maternity Leave, 2011, an off-site durational performance about British v. US policy on Maternity Leave.
We visited Andrey Avinoff: In Pursuit of Beauty in the CMA's Works on Paper Gallery on the way through the galleries. After visiting Beatrice's favorite piece of artwork in the galleries and finding the two van Gogh paintings in another gallery (one not so obvious), we visited the Art Cart that one of the student docents, Katelynd, explained the differences between earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain clays, and explained the process of using a kiln and firing glazes for the children.
This year is the first time that the Pittsburgh Biennial extends beyond the Pittsburgh Filmmakers and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts to the CMA, Andy Warhol Museum, and the Miller Gallery at Carnegie Mellon University.
Afterwards, I attended the informational talk at Synod Hall regarding a midsummer's event.
I took a nap, then went to a building ice cream gathering hosted by Janice and Hanson. It was great fun and informative. Lots of folks attended.
Catching up on correspondence now.
Walking Girls
Yesterday (Friday) morning Maureen and I attended morning Mass. Loretta S lectored, John was the altar server, and Don provided the music ministry from the choir loft.
Friday morning after Mass Maureen and I went for a walk. We also went for a walk that PM. The AM walk we ended up at Trader Joe's and Staples after walking to Maureen's car. The PM walk we found the Schenley WYEP festival.
~~~~~
We'll be walking this morning before the temperatures top out at about 80 Fahrenheit today.
We went for a walk in Shadyside and I purchased a croissant from a bakery on Ellsworth---TOO old and hard---and one from a bakery chain near Big Bird's Palenke on Centre---too soft, not flaky.
We met again later in the afternoon for a voyage to Ross Park Mall and environs. I was in search of a light layer for this summer. Maureen's sparkly eyes sought out sparkles.
Grits (singular or plural?)
Maureen and I met after Mass this morning (celebrated by Fr. Raymond Utz, served by John De, lectored by Nancy K, music ministry provided by Ryan, and Eucharistic minister was Noreen D.) to walk to a cafe for coffee and cheesy grits (is that singular or plural?). Grits "be" my favorite morning breakfast at that location. We chit-chatted for a while, until I recalled not taking my phone ring off "silent" setting since Mass. I had missed a call from Dad & Mom recently. I called them, and we agreed to talk again later this morning after I had gathered more information together.
I donated some items (after clearance from Mom by telephone), and returned two instructional language CDs from the Carnegie Library.
After a leisurely lunch of green salad with tomatoes, slaw dressing, sliced cheese, and grapes on the side, I am tired and will take a nap.
~~~~~~~~~~
What a wonderful dinner with Parish Council. The conversation, company, and food were great. I rode over with Karen and had a chance to chat with her before and after dinner. I enjoyed the duck ragout entree with a side of mashed sweet potatoes. Chocolate cookies and an orange liqueur were our desserts.
Inception
I dined with Regina and John on General Tso's chicken and Pad Thai, then watched the outdoor movie from last summer, Inception. Saw lots of advertisements for the movie in train stations last summer, as well.
We watched the movie further up the hill than Letters to Juliet last week. We spent much time listening, watching, and smelling the others in the open air theatre space:
A group of Portuguese-speaking young people taking photos of each other and themselves and the movie screen WITH flash before and after dark....lighting up a cigarette every five minutes toward the end of the movie when there is NO breeze to blow away the smoke from their neighbors (that's US);
A young couple, the man who fell asleep during the last hour of the movie, and was snoring (loudly) throughout;
A dog who sounded like someone was stepping on its little tail at regular intervals for less than half a minute (yet it sounded like an eternity);
Namely, sitting on the back 1/3 of the hill means to share it with non-serious movie watchers---people who "are using the movie as atmosphere," as Regina aptly put it. ["What's that all about?!" as I am wont to say.]
I told Regina what I shared with Maureen yesterday---that I have a fear. This fear is much like the themes in the film Inception. I know that Regina and Christina and I will spend a lot of time together this summer. I also know that we may walk a distance beyond which I can comfortably walk back from...and I will be stranded. I suggested that we take the public transit to the neighborhood of interest to us and then walk about the neighborhood, then take the public transit back. That way, I don't get too far away from home base/the hotel when I get tired.
Walking Gurls
Yesterday early evening Maureen and I went for smoothies at our favorite place. I enjoyed a mango smoothie, she a coffee one. We walked past the church toward the Oratory.
This morning Fr. Ed celebrated Mass, with John De serving and Audrey C lectoring. Ken provided music ministry and Noreen D was Eucharistic Minister. Maureen and I walked to our favorite pancake place on Forbes Avenue, and we enjoyed a stack of pancakes (my dish) and also an omelette with Lyonnaise potatoes and rye toast (Maureen's dish). We walked to Shadyside afterwards and did some shopping for a belt for Maureen's Monet dress. We decided that she needed to bring the dress with her for belt shopping.
A trip to the gas station ensued, including adjusting tire pressure, hearing a crunch, and getting a drink.
Got some information from the State Department website for Mom and Dad.
I am tired and hot. Will sit in a cold tub for a bit....
Summer Solstice 2011 - Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
I went to morning Mass today. Fr. Nick celebrated, John De served, Fred G lectored, Ken provided the music ministry, Sally D served as Eucharistic Minister. I met up with Maureen after Mass today, sharing my lists with her. She said that I have it down to a "science."
I'm working on lists to organize myself (this morning after breakfast), and then this morning I will catch up with correspondence, namely correspondence to plan for my Frosh Programs class this Fall.
If the rain holds out, I may go out for some errands this afternoon, as well.
Regina's Birthday Celebration
So, after a couple of naps today I joined up with Regina, John, and her parents for a birthday celebration at the steakhouse in the Waterfront. Regina noted that the stacks at the Waterfront would be great for a superhero movie. We chatted about how to prepare for travel, as well.
Located: Missing Peops
A follow-up of an earlier email from my choir friend, Judi, about her missing relative:
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi All,
Just wanted to update everyone that Angela contacted her mother on Friday to say they were in Iowa.
Judi
~~~~~~~~~~
So many prayers and good thoughts of safety went out to Angela and her family.
This Week's To Do List
This week I've got to
1. CLEAN MY HOUSE!
2. Recycle Clothing in the Auto's Trunk.
3. Get more items to recycle at home.
4. Do Laundry.
5. Pack Suitcase in Penultimate version.
6. Update Packing List.
This week I:
1. Practiced the Alto Line
2. Burned disks of the Alto Line
3. Had my Cinescopes "type" determined
4. Finished getting insurance for next month's adventures
5. Edited the FP 0001 (my interdisciplinary class) syllabus
6. Made initial contact for field trips for FP 0001
7. Developed a basic pantry of my own
8. GELATO
9. Visited the strip district: Replaced my spork, visited the Society for Contemporary Craft.
10. Went swing dancing with a live band (Dr. Zoot).
Letters to Juliet II
Today was the last day of choir for the season...Linda O. cantored, Ken played at the mighty von Beckerath, and Don directed. Lisa was back (Yay!) after a hiatus, and Andy, Michael B., and I dressed in all white ("Yay!" as Andy would say)...Don claimed that he "didn't get the memo."
Select choristers surprised Don during the singing of the recessional hymn....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Regina drove Christina and me to the movie on Flagstaff Hill in the park...we met Alina there, and the movie started at nine PM. Crazy cell phone lights on the hill there, just as at a theater. The movie tonight was Letters to Juliet, which Regina, Christina, and I had already seen (earlier). It is one of my top ten movies. A light drizzle started after the denouement after ten PM, I raised an umbrella over my lawn chair, and within a dozen minutes of the ending the projector went black. Alina turned to me and said, "What happens in the end?" I mentioned a balcony...
I had a snack of cheese and prosciutto strips wrapped around grape tomatoes, with ridged potato chips and dip.
Dancing tonight
Tonight went dancing with Christina and Maureen. The band was Dr. Zoot. I danced with my friends at the hall: Ralph, Philip, Kevin, Kyle, and Fred. A couple of them I danced with more than once. Saw Alina, Laura (from the Oratory), and Marie (from the Oratory) there. Met Jamie, who wants to join choir. Maureen and I had candy and pizza. Chatted with Kevin about his upcoming conference right before he left. Saw Bobby D's hovercraft (replete with camera, connected to his i-Phone).
Spork, Society for Contemporary Craft, Carnegie Library...
I awoke at approximately 5.30 this morning, took an hour nap around 8.00, and joined Maureen for a donut run (sitting at the coffee shop, and with jimmies---she's a donut purist). I gave my donut to the church raffle lady, who looked pleased to receive it!
We walked in the Strip District to get my second spork in two years---William stressed the importance of getting a metal one vs. the bamboo one I had selected when Luce visited. Maureen and I tried the curry ketchup while there, and then visited a couple of craft shows: The second one was at the Society for Contemporary Craft.
At the SCc, we enjoyed the exhibit space, whice included Bridge11. One of the most evocative installations I have seen is one we saw today at SCC, The Captains Congress, an installation of stoneware, wood, acrylic, and paper by Anne Drew Potter.
As the noon hour struck, I headed back for a noodle dish and green salad. A nap ensued, and then I walked to the Carnegie Public Library to meet up with Marissa and the children. On the way I ran into Rich, from the Cultural District and Carnegie Museums: I mentioned a need for this Fall for students to register to vote or to obtain absentee ballots. I also saw Miss Mae, my buddy from the Carnegie Institute. When I arrived at the Carnegie Library, I sidled up to Marissa and found her chatting with my former classmate and former coworker, Dave. She was enrolling the children in Summer Reading.
We walked part way to their car ("Bea Bea, look where you are going when you walk...you don't want to end up like Auntie Mimi with a scraped elbow...") Marissa recounted the fact that she visited the Emergency Room last night due to her burnt foot.
I am relaxing now before joining Christina for dancing with a live big band tonight, with the group we have organized with Kevin.
~~~~~~~
Lunch Out, Choir Practice; Lector at Mass
Yesterday I had lunch out with Marissa and the children. We both got side salad bars, and, thus, the children enjoyed them, too.
We accomplished much at choir practice last night, despite my yawning!
~~~~~
This morning I lectored at morning Mass, Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass, John was the server, and Ken provided music ministry at the portative organ. Sally D. was the Eucharistic Minister, and about 30 people from the congregation received Communion.
I went to Big Bird's palenke this afternoon, and saw Brs. Paul and Dennis as we all headed into the building.
Finished the first go at reservations for field trips and guest speakers for my Fall 2011 First-Year Student Programs (i.e.-- Freshman Programs) class. How fulfilling was that?
I drove William home late this afternoon, where Marissa had prepared a dinner of pasta and salad (which I assembled). The children enjoyed (?-- some more than others) the Smiley cookie. One of them was sent upstairs for enjoying at another's expense.
Solomon and I read some books together. I was informed of Beata's acceptance into the Pittsburgh Public Schools' Montessori program. After hesitantly given hugs, I departed to go for a walk with Maureen, but not before wishing them all a safe trip.
Maureen and I walked down Walnut Street and then down Ellsworth Avenue's shopping districts. We stopped in at the NEW gelato place, which employed one woman and several more young men. I had a small gelato of Tiramisu with Vanilla Custard atop it. Maureen had a cone of chocolate coffee gelato.
We walked back to my car, and I drove around the block to give her a ride home.
~~~~~
We talked about how, to be in a relationship, one must be open to engaging in a relationship. I noted that the "neighborhoodies" on an open-air wooden patio deck at a local sandwich shop/ cafe appeared to be absorbed by their computers, and would probably never look up from their work to meet/ chat up someone.
Morning Mass and Practice Sectional CDs; Edit Frosh Programs Syllabus
This morning I went to Mass and agreed to copy the practice sectional CDs that Don made yesterday---just his singing and playing the piano the alto line and, on a separate CD, the bass line.
Time to compare my lists to what I still need to do....
~~~~~~~~~~
Took a nap after a lunch of samosa. Went shopping in Bloomfield and Shadyside for groceries. Took another nap and spoke with Marissa to make plans for this Friday.
21.38
Just returned from Bible Study, where we read the first week of readings back into Ordinary Time after Easter Tide. The themes seemed to be how to prepare oneself and one's community for the reception of God...to be peaceable; to welcome God in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and to welcome God in direct relationship to God, but also in relationships to others and how the Spirit moves one to do good....to not reject God, or Christ, because there are consequences for that.
~~~~~~~~~~
23.07
Just completed editing the tentative syllabus for my Frosh Programs class this fall. I started working on the syllabus mid-May. I need to contact the various offices to make arrangements for my field trips.
Morning Mass and Altoid Line Practice
Attended morning Mass, and saw Jess., and my neighbors, as well.
Greeted Princess after Mass, and met up with Don. He played on the piano and sang the alto line for the songs with which I am most unfamiliar (a goodly portion of them). I sang along, just for good measure and to anchor it.
Received my receipt from the insurance today, following our discussion yesterday.
Fully Insured!
As far as I know, after insuring all my reservation costs, I am now fully insured for this summer.
Just need to renew my insurance for my home, too.
Noon.Oh Five Mass Today
Today I attended the noon Mass, celebrating the Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua from Lisboa. Fr. Jock Baird celebrated the Mass, Carole served, Nancy K. lectored, and Audrey was the Eucharistic Minister.
Top Ten (or so) Favorite Movies List II
There's a method behind the madness....Regina told me about a book she has, called Cinescopes (a cross between your favorite cinematic films and horoscopes). The book has you determine your "Cinescope" type from a list of your favorite movies. There are sixteen "Cinescopes." And Regina told me that I am clearly one of the archetypes...and that she and John are clearly the SAME cinescope type.
To the Library after Pentecost Noon Mass 2011
Today was Andrew's birthday and his last day at choir. He is moving to Joyce and Greg's town now, where he has a job waiting for him.
Today is Pentecost, ONE of my favorite holidays in the liturgical year. Today we sang
Christ Sends the Spirit, Richard Proulx and
Come Holy Ghost
Two of my favorite hymns for this day of the year. I like the way that Christ Sends the Spirit sounds like "vast beating wings of wind that rocked the house: The gale of God, the singing fire of life." Definitely one of my favorite hymns of all time.
Jennifer H had an upper respiratory problem, and she didn't sing in choir today. However, she did join up with me and Regina and John for the Summer Reading Extravaganza kick off. She and I picked up Vitamin Water and Eat N Park Smiley cookies before we met up with Regina and John, who drove to the front lawn of the Carnegie Library.
I saw lots of former colleagues there, and after making purchases at the used book sale, we headed indoors to the Foreign Language CDs and DVDs for Regina. We also had Jennifer list her favorite movies, as well, and I found the book of interest to Regina (which she carried a copy) for Jennifer after asking Don W the location of items of its call number.
We then checked out the craft booths in Schenley Plaza Park. I appreciated the whimsy in some of the jewelry designs, "charmed by nature," by Lynne Kropinak; and the poppy and rose hair clips and pins (made for the daytime Emmy Awards) by bel monili design.
Jennifer and I walked back to the Cathedral afterwards, where I took some photos for two ladies enjoying the Holy Family garden outside in the lightly breezy, sunny weather.
~~~~~
Maureen and I went for a walk---I walked and met her midway, we walked through Shadyside business district to Big Bird's palenke. We dropped off the food at her home and then drove to TJ's. We surfed Facebook (after looking up PubMed information), and I also saw her Monet dress.
Went home and took care of correspondence.
Had a Hankering....
Had a hankering for ridge-cut thick-cut potato chips with sea salt and that onion-y dip, so I went grocery shopping at Trader Joes and at Market District.
~~~
me, hurrying for the elevator: Oh, wait, please...
as I arrive, a couple says:
he: I can never figure out which of these [buttons] is to hold the doors open
she: and I can't read Braille...wait, this one [she says, indicating a button] seems to be "doors open"...
he (rhetorically): But, what do these two buttons mean?
(a beat)
me: that one in the upper right corner seems to be a butterfly!
he (gesticulating his hands like a pair of butterfly wings)
~~~~~
I run into them again, in the candy aisle....They are bantering back and forth about whether or not to purchase orange-colored and -flavored slices. I try to mind my own business in the gummi section.
she: ...that's just junk.
he (ad libbing): but it's good, and tasty.
(They continue their banter for a bit)
she: ...it's made from BONES!
(a beat)
he: ....Oh, it has gelatin.
he: Wait,...(reading the packages) the first ingredient for all of these is corn syrup....Do these have gelatin in them?
(a beat)
me: The more protein!
(after several beats...)
me, grabbing a bag of gummis: This is the third time I've been here in the dollar bag section in a month, and every time I get at least two bags.
(They continue their discussion, and...)
me, continuing down the aisle and wishing them well: Good Luck!
~~~~~~~
Sometimes interactions with strangers can be stranger than fiction, and friendlier than most interactions. I'm glad I had these friendly interactions today.
Top Ten (or so) Favorite Movies List
Regina encouraged me to list my top ten movies about a week ago...I came up with (quickly):
1-5
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (With Gene Wilder)
The Wizard of Oz
Dead Again (with Kenneth Branaugh and Emma Thompson)
Letters from Juliet
Sliding Doors (with Gwyneth Paltrow, and with parallel, alternate endings)
6-10, while sitting on a park bench:
6. La Cage Aux Folles
7. The Sound of Music
8. Dim Sum Funeral
9. Murder on the Orient Express (with alternate endings in different theatres)
10. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (filmed in Germany)/ Shawshank Redemption
Amelie!
I forgot:
Caroline? (my favorite television movie, on Hallmark Hall of Fame, with Patricia Neal and Stephanie Zimbalist)
Entrapment (with Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Sean Connery)
Rear Window (Hitchcock, despite his creepeey personality---with Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly)
The Princess Bride ("T'woo Wuv...")
Life is Beautiful
And, my all-time Doris Day favorite: The Man Who Knew Too Much (Thanks for reminding me, Mom!)
Donut (a.k.a. Pastry) Run
Maureen and I made a pastry run this morning to Lawrenceville and Millvale. I tried the éclair a la pistache, and also picked out un pain un chocolat et un croissant. Maureen was second in line, and when there was a malfunction of the credit card machine, we joked, "You stand between us and our pastries," with the couple who were first in line.
We tried lots of samples at the second place, where Maureen picked up our favorite cake.
A journey to Pep Boys to fill air in her tires ensued.
I'm catching up on correspondence online this morning.
Reservations II, Ocular Migraine, Potstickers (gyoza), and BuRGeRs
I finished making reservations for summer today.
I had some dark chocolate-covered almonds with sea salt and turbinado sugar (on an empty stomach) and I think THAT's what set off an ocular migraine. I walked with mom and dad's neighbor, Dorothy, to my previous address, where Maureen and I rendezvous-ed for our walk. I told her I was experiencing an ocular migraine (shimmery net-like visions) and told her the only other time I had one I thought one of two things was happening to me: 1. I was having visions of the Virgin Mary, and/or 2. my retina was detaching itself from the back of my eye. Because of the possibility of the second option; the first time I experienced this, I called the eye doctor, who examined my eyes and interviewed me. I was warned to stay away from fermented foods / chocolate in large quantities.
So we called Regina, and decided to meet her for Pan-Asian food and smoothies---I enjoyed potstickers, and my friends, they each enjoyed a smoothie. We then went to East Liberty/ East Side to enjoy burgers and fries. While waiting for our table, we checked out the site of the new Target store.
Those BuRGeRs and fries were good.
First Summer Choir Practice
Practiced, in order, a proposed repertoire:
Salve Mater (O. Jaeggi)
Magnificat (J. Michael Thompson)
Cantate Domino (H.L. Hassler)
Exsultate Justi (L. Viadana)
Locus Iste (A. Bruckner)
Kyrie and Agnus Dei (A. Lotti)
Some evening sight reading:
Spirit of God (L. Valenzi)
Ubi Caritas (J. Biery)
Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling (D. Cherwein)
'Tis the Gift to Be Simple (folk song arr. by Nicholas Micchelli)
Possibilities:
Ave Maria / Angelus Domini (Biebl)
A Spiritual song, of the likes of "Wade in the Water" (Linda O and my fave)
Bucket List...
Just read on MSN about a young person's bucket list.
Funny, I never really had a Bucket List....
Had a list of items for my Perfect Day, at one point, in my early- to mid-twenties. But no bucket list.
Also, during an interview this spring, I was asked what I can NO LONGER do, due to my total hip replacements...I listed the activities:
No horseback riding
no ice or roller skating, no roller blading
no downhill skiing ("no toe-ing in")
no rockclimbing
no Aikido
("basically, nothing where there is a danger of falling")
(no standing for long periods on concrete floors...Hey, wait! That's my work!)
(no 2+ G rides at amusement parks)
I guess I'm a 'take every day/month/season as it comes' type of person. No Bucket List here.
Ditto, Wednesday...
...and then some.
After my chores I took a nap,
Watched public access television (WQED), where I saw the end of a Josh Groban concert, and a Great Performances episode with Jackie Evancho, the 11-year-old little girl with the big voice. She's from the Pittsburgh area and was showcased singing with David Foster at the piano and occasionally with Conrad Tao at piano or violin. Jackie has such poise when she sings, she sings with such talent and emotion.
I'm enjoying a humid, hot afternoon.
Chores (Laundry)--- Oh Yeah!
Chores, Laundry this morning. Also paperwork planning for this summer. (Up early.)
Walking to Carnegie Mellon University and to the Library
Maureen and I just went for an hour-and-a-half walk to Carnegie Mellon University to the radius chairs, gardens, and College of Fine Arts. We arrived at the Carnegie Public Library in time to snag two city books off the shelf, for this summer. We sat on the low wall next to the Department of Education Building and flipped through the books. We saw Anu (from Church), Ellen (from work), and Tara (from Church) heading to and from the library.
Hair Cut, Early Dad's Day Celebration; Bank errands
Mom and I went for haircuts yesterday (Tuesday). Then, we picked up Dad for an early Dad's day celebration at the sushi buffet in the North Hills. I then drove to the eyeglasses place for Mom and then to the bank in Oakland.
We prepared macaroni chicken salad and nilaga last night.
~~~~~
It was a cooler morning today, with torrential rains around lunchtime.
After lunch, Mom and I went downtown for bank errands, and then went home so she and Dad could get LOVE stamps at the post office.
They are preparing to have guests for dinner tonight.
First Sunday of June 2011
Sang in choir for noon Mass today...after seeing Liz again, chatting about her graduation next week, this summer, and school in the fall; and after choir practice.
Met Susanna and her mother, Lillian, after Mass as well, in the loft.
Mom, Dad, and I went to a Chinese buffet in the South Hills for a late lunch today.
I walked towards Maureen's neighborhood and we met to walk about her neighborhood and Walnut Street, where we saw a lot of doggies, very young children, and other people walking about. We chatted on a park bench for a while, then headed to Maureen's place to view photographs of her end-of-the-week in New York City.
I am helping Mom with planning for the next few weeks for her.
Dancing, Early June 2011
Yesterday Regina and I joined a large group of people wrangled together by Kevin: Christina, Phillip, Nico, Alina, and Aurora.
I danced with Ralph, Andrew, Kevin, Gregory, Nico, and a couple of times again with a couple of them...
We picked up Maureen (Regina and I) from the bus stop after we chatted in a parklet about our top ten favorite movies. We then got a prime parking spot near the burger place in her neighborhood, only to find that the kitchen was closed. So we headed to Eat and Park at Squirrel Hill, just in time to escape the lightning followed by a torrential downpour.
First Friday of June 2011
This morning I emailed my friend Caro about our plans for this July. I then headed over to church to lector at Mass. Fr. Jock Baird from Johannesburg celebrated the Mass, Anu and I chatted before the Mass (which she served), and Don provided the music ministry. Don and I chatted after Mass about performance tour incidentals.
Mom and I went to try out her new check debit card at the local ATM this afternoon. We decided against having smoothies.
Dad and I went to CVS to retrieve his and mom's prescriptions, and for my:
Burt's Bees lip shimmer
Colgate Total Toothpastes (two tubes)
and hair and skin care items
The cashier A had forgotten to ring my lip shimmer. She ended up refunding all my items and then ringing them all up again (except she had a quandary about the 25% off coupon, which was solved by the attending manager). Then, Dad and I realized that we had forgotten Mom's prescription: I asked at the pharmacy for it, Mom spoke via phone to the pharmacist, and it was filled. I ended up paying for it, and Dad and I headed home.
Had chocolate (in various forms) for dessert after dinner today: Foiled milk chocolate Easter eggs (from Sarris Candies), Trader Joe's Dark chocolate almonds with sea salt and turbinado sugar, and Ritz crackers, etc.
Just tired tonight.
My Greatest/ Biggest Fear...almost came true Yesterday!!
At 12.20 yesterday I was crossing Centre Avenue (in the crosswalk) and was nearly killed by a motorist. What saved me was
1. the fact that he had his window rolled down
and
2. my big mouth yelling, "HEY!!!" REALLY loudly at the dude.
He responded out of the window with a "Sorry," after having almost hit someone in a loud print of black and white dress and a large suitcase on wheels.
Two gentlemen dining at a restaurant at the same corner saw the whole incident. I addressed them, saying, "He was AIMING for me!!"
"Yeah, I know," one of the fellows responded.
How delicate the balance is, between life and death.
I said to Mom soon after that too many people forget that they are driving a two thousand pound bullet when they get behind the wheel of a car.
Labels: life
Little Birdies Singing in the Trees
I awoke super-early today, probably because I left the radio on last night as I fell asleep and I awakened to it this morning. I awoke to the music and info-tidbits show that plays very early in the morning on WSHH.
O, and I'm bringing Maureen to the bus this morning (we scoped it out Tuesday night), replete with magazines to read and share with her sister and niece. The bus driver she spotted indicated to "be there [an hour before departure] because people line up."
So, it's breakfast for me, then a trip to pick up Maureen and bring her to start her adventure!
As for the title of this post/ entry, I have heard, since the end of April (= the end of grading Spring season) the birdies arise and sing earlier and earlier each week. I remember them last month (May 2011) starting to sing at about 04.30. Today, I noted (above the din of a neighbor's air conditioning unit) the singing at approximately 4.15. I expect the singing to be earlier (despite the presence of waning darkness and clear stars still visible in the sky) in the morning until the summer equinox.
Time for breakfast!
~~~~~
21.23
This morning Dad and I attended Mass celebrated by Fr. Jock (of Johannesburg), served by Anu, and music ministry provided by Don.
Today Mom and I recycled clothing in Maureen's neighborhood, recycled some more, went for Mom's dental appointment, recycled, and then Mom went to Mass at 18.00.
We ate dinner, then went to Bernie B's talk on mediation. Quite informative. I never knew the differences between all the types of mitigation.
Labels: seasons
Reservations....
I've been working on reservations for July, for land travel. I made a booking, and will confirm with my friends across the miles before I purchase. The times and places stayed the same as my second version of my itinerary, so I called it Itinerary 2'.
I'm comparing my packing lists with my two small bags' contents...hmm, pretty pretty close.
Don has asked us choristers to set aside dates in June for practices for our performance tour. I can attend all but one date, which was preempted by pastoral council.
~~~~~
I attended Bible Study, this time led by Christine. We read this Sunday's readings, the 7th Sunday of Easter (7ET11). Father Grecco stopped by after watering the plants to discuss with us, too.
I just investigated the costs if Mom and Dad change their trip plans to the (first stop) East Coast.
