Paying Bills, Making Barbeque, Susan's Surprise Party, VHS to DVD
Today I have been taking care of things at home: Paying Bills, helping Mom make BBQ and mung bean soup, picking up VHS and slides converted to DVD from a business in town.
I got a haircut yesterday while it was raining. I shampooed my hair (again) today. William and I went to Susan's surprise birthday party (chez Deb's). She was truly surprised, arriving via bicycle from the gym downtown, after which it literally poured from the skies. She was surprised to see me there ("I thought you were out of town!") and pleasantly tickled by all the different factions of people who were present...and truly SURPRISED. Various savory salads, spanakopita, dips, and LARGE "petit"/ grand fours were present. Charles and Deb did a great job!
I'll retire early tonight.
Memorial Day 2012
Today is Memorial Day. At Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum there was:
a War on Terrorism Memorial Ceremony and
a Cornerstone and Time Capsule Rededication
The Memorial Ceremony was earlier, and Mom, Dad, and I had brunch before taking the PAT transit bus to the noon Time Capsule Closing Presentation. The museum curator and his staff donned white gloves and loaded into the capsule each item, explaining it one by one. Afterward, William delivered a presentation on time capsules and on this time capsule, in particular, which I video-recorded digitally. William took my photo with the fellow from the time capsule company whilst I held the pressure gauge as the capsule was evacuated of incident air and argon gas was pumped in. William expressed an interest in having a picture with his kids, and I went to go retrieve them. Mark took a picture of me with William and his children, and when Marissa showed up I took a few pictures of the four of them. I also took a picture with William and Dad.
The children were tired, hot, and hungry, so we made our way to Lolo and Lola's home, meeting them there, and then had egg salad sandwiches, peanut butter and jam preserve sandwiches, and watermelon drink. They departed when William indicated that he was at home.
Dinner tonight I had retrieved from the grocery store: Fried chicken with mixed green salad and sliced mango. Pretzel Klondike bars will be our snack later tonight.
Pentecost 2012
I was able to sing again in the choir for Pentecost. We sang:
Veni Creator Spiritus (Maurice Durufle)
Entrance Hymn: Come, Holy Ghost
Kyrie (Chant)
Gloria (John Lee)
Psalm 104 (Proulx/Gelineaux)
Pentecost Sequence: Vene Sancte Spiritus
Gospel Acclamation (M. Vulpuis)
Preparation of the Gifts: Christ Sends the Spirit (Richard Proulx)
Acclamations by Richard Proulx
Agnus Dei (Chant Mass XVII)
Communion:
Hail Thee Festival Day (R.V. Williams/ J. E. Bowers)
Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether (H. Friedell)
Recessional Hymn: Creator Spirit, Lord of Love (tune: Lasst Uns Erfreuen)
I particularly like the Christ Sends the Spirit piece.
~~~~~
Sunday at about 5.30 I picked up post-surgery Maureen and we walked about the church building before Mass. She spotted her friends, the Sullivans, and after Mass we ran into Stephanie, who told us that John De was departing. We stopped by to say goodbye to him, said hello to Ken as well, and then walked around the perimeter of the church building, running into Fr. Barry, and Tita Lucy in our rounds. I dropped her off at home and then Mom, Dad, and I had a late dinner (~20.00).
At the Pool; Home again, Home Again, Jig-a-dee-jig
Friday after 9 am I walked to view the Lazy River next to the Water Park. The Lazy River was only one foot deep...for children. So I walked around the other (north) side of our building A (to avoid the catcalling people on the balconies on the south aspect). I did my water exercises for my hips in the pool from 9.20 to 10.00.
Saturday we left the condo at about 8.30am and dropped the keys and the surveys off. Then, we started off on 501 North until there was a police block on the road. We improvised a detour behind some sport motorcyclists (different from the other bikers we saw last Saturday). I drove ~70 miles of the ~630 miles. Dad drove the rest. We made it home at about 9pm Saturday.
Fogged-In Beach: Last full Day at the Beach
25 May 2012, ~8.30
Yesterday (Thursday) we headed to Pauley’s Island and returned via Murrell’s Inlet. I even drove past where we ate dinner the other night with Joey. We ate an early dinner at the Chinese buffet at which we ate when we first arrived at Myrtle Beach. Naps ensued, then a walk on the beach for all three of us. We have had a great time during this trip.
This morning I took photos of the fogged-in beach. Then I took two walks on it. One from ~6.45 to ~7.15, and one from ~7.25 to 8am. The first walk, I focused on collecting shells and shell fragments. The second walk I had retrieved my camera and focused on taking photos of the foggy beach. I met some folks and they took my photos, thenI took pictures of them. I also got pictures of the service workers on the beach to bracket the other work.
I had oatmeal for breakfast and will take a shower shortly..
Solo Walk on the Beach
24 May 2012, 10.00
Yesterday (Wednesday) was a warm (~80 Fahrenheit) day and we spent it shopping, and resting, waiting for the thunderstorm warning for Horry County to terminate, and watching Betty White’s new television show.
This morning from ~7.20 to 7.45 I walked north on the beach. I was collecting shell fragments. I then turned around and headed south back to the place. My torn piece of my toenail fell off whilst walking. A man was washing the steps to the wooden bridge going over the inlet. I said, “I don’t want to mess this up again.” He then offered to spray down my feet and my shells I carried.
Breakfast and a paid television advertisement show hosted by Montel Williams on identity theft prevention followed, which Mom and I began to watch. Dad showed up to see the end of the show after rosary and Mass. I took a nap soon after, and now am recording my recent days.
Breaks from Sleep at the Beach
23 May 2012 9.00
The past two nights I’ve taken a long (at least 1.5 hours) break in sleep during the wee hours of the morning, despite the fact that I have gone to bed late (23.00 or later) and have woken up only about an hour or so later than I would normally.
I’ve been writing and checking email when I cannot sleep.
I will guard my sleep tonight and later.
Rock Around the Clock
23 May 23, 2012
Yesterday (Tuesday) I made breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, juice, and Vienna sausages, which we enjoyed before going on a trek to Sears…We stopped at Costco for some provisions and to ask if our headlight could be replaced there (it couldn’t). We also stopped at Sears Auto, who suggested an Auto Store…We drove to Auto Parts, where we were glad to see that they could replace the headlamp and install it for a lower cost. By the time we returned to the condominium, it was after 14.00…we rested, and then went to the Palace Theatre to enjoy Rock Around the Clock, a production featuring hits from Bill Haley, the Platters, Connie Francis, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more. Mom and Dad enjoyed talking with our seatmates about the large photo portraits of the recording artists lining the walls of the Kings Theatre before the show. The cast invited us to dance, clap, and sing along. Dad was invited twice to dance by cast members—once to the head of the aisle, and again to the aisle. He also had a conversation with one of the cast members on stage. It ended something like this:
Cast member: [referring to dad's dancing]...we might have to call a medic for you.
Dad: I am a medic.
The show was about an hour and a half, including a ten-minute intermission.
Dinner was arroz caldo, chicharron, mixed vegetable salad, and Watermelon (sweet and seedless, carved up by Dad).
We watched Dancing with the Stars (an encore show and the final decision show) afterwards. We were exhausted by the time the final results came out---Donald and Peta won, with Katherine and Mark as second, and William and Cheryl third (Maria and Derek were eliminated just before). Donald was particularly athletic, and executed amazing aerials and twirled Peta around his waist like a baton! Katherine was lauded by the judges for her exquisite technique, and William for his charisma, which time and again throughout the season brought the audience to its feet in standing ovations. Maria was particularly good at performing the demanding choreography Derek required of her each week. A special treat of the show was Gladys Knight, a competitor this season who performed a solo piece for the troupe dancers.
Basically, an entertaining evening.
Near the Beginning of Myrtle Beach Vacation Week 2012
Written 3.50 AM 22 May 2012
On Sunday, the 20th of May Mom, Dad, and I attended the 11.00 Mass at St. Michael’s in Garden City. We also went to the school for coffee and doughnuts, as well as for a small fundraiser.
Dinner was arroz caldo, made by Mom and me.
Walked on the beach with Dad after dinner. It’s been the most relaxing thing I’ve done with Dad during this whole trip.
On Monday the 21st of May (yesterday) Mom, Dad, and I arose early for continental breakfast in Myrtle Beach. We attended a promotional event, and then we dined at the northern part of Myrtle Beach on pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, and onion rings. Mom and I returned, for we had forgotten something at Myrtle Beach. Mom’s ina-anak Joey arrived after, we departed for dinner after chit chatting until 20.45, and dined at a restaurant by the marsh boardwalk by the inlet. I had a crab cake sandwich with potato salad and fries. Joey stopped by for a short time afterwards, and we gave him some of the arroz caldo.
This morning we will arise later than on the previous days.
Myrtle Beach
Yesterday we arrived in Myrtle Beach. At the Information/welcome center we received some complimentary tickets for a show Tuesday night, and picked up some brochures. We will attend an event Monday for promotional purposes.
Had lunch at a nearby Chinese buffet. Checked in, retrieving the key and paperwork.
We got settled in last night and initially intended to drive down to see where the theatre is…we ended up noticing that the map in hand is not to scale…and headed straight for the Food Lion for provisions on the other side of the road.
Evening snacks included chips and onion dip, and ice cream novelties. We watched America’s got Talent on the flat screen.
Just sent some electronic correspondence out.
Time to get back to bed..right next to the balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The only annoyance are these small bugs that look like papaya pits on the porch.
Biltmore Estate
Day Two of Mom, Dad, and my journey through Carolina.
We had waffles et al. for breakfast. We also went shopping in the morning before heading for the Biltmore Estate. (I had purchased online tickets earlier last week.) We visited the walled garden and the rose garden and the conservatory as well.
We then headed into the house for the self-guided tour. Then I headed back to the house after we retrieved the car to retrieve the photos...We went to the Antler Hill Village for a visit to the temporary exhibit on the Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad, to the Village Green for gifts, to the winery for a tasting. and to the gift shop.
We stopped between Hendersonville and Spartanburg at Flat Rock, North Carolina to fuel the car and ourselves, and to make plans for lodging for the night.
Taking care of communiques in our room over cheese sandwiches. Tomorrow will be another (partial) travel day.
I'm Going to Carolina...
After the earliest Mass this morning, Dad, Mom, and I headed towards to Carolina. We stopped in West Virginia for a picnic lunch of pancit canton noodles with hard-boiled egg and banana supreme cake. We stopped in Marion, Virginia inadvertently and picked up a hotel advertisement brochure which led us to our hotel tonight. We ended our journey about 16.30 today.
People were extremely friendly where we went for dinner. Every person we met---from the woman in front of us in line to the cashier behind the counter---was friendly. We went window shopping at a mall/ TJ Maxx- or Marshalls-type store. We checked our emails, chess games, and library card accounts whilst watching Jeopardy! and Chopped! [a show about chefs].
Time to rest for our adventures tomorrow.
Pittsburgh International Children's Festival 2012
This morning I waited for Solomon and his grandparents by listening to the fisherman's tale from Germany as told by Sydelle Pearl under the big tent at the community stage. I met her after the story, and she handed me information about her new book.
I met up with Solomon and Les at the carousel. Solomon and I went to the petting zoo, and we got a small baby bottle for the animals to nurse from. We walked up to the nonchalant llamas, who remained so. The lambs, goats, and cattle swarmed around Solomon. "Hold on to it with both hands, buddy!" and "Hold it bottom up!" were exclamations from me. Les joined us after we had left (leaving in our trail baby animals ready to nurse) the pen. We observed the piglets, chicks, and ducklings, as well as the pony before we departed for the library. After a break on the first floor there (including a water break during which Solomon declared, "I Have a wet mustache!")(and in the children's room), we met up with Les under the big tent.
We walked to the Porch, to meet Cherie, who shared her Manhattan clam chowder and grilled cheese sandwich with all of us. Les went off to get children's sunscreen for Solomon. We ordered a pepperoni pizza and a milk for Solomon, and a homemade seasonal strawberry-mint soda for me. We were waiting for the Steel Drum Band performance from the local (Obama) school. Cherie heard the steel drum band warming up, and I headed for the big tent whilst the guys headed for the carousel. The three of us enjoyed the music, and danced, and had fun.
When the meter ran out we walked to the car and met Cherie there. I got a ride home with them, and I delivered about a dozen bags of clothing, toys, and housewares for donation to the South Side.
I'm ready for a cool, quiet rest-of-the-afternoon.
Preparations
Yesterday I looked into the Google Legacy account, phoned the newspaper about discontinuing service, prepared updated lists, and printed out internet files.
Today, I called the credit card company, recycled a pair of black Levi-Strauss jeans, and went with Nancy on a tour of the Impressionists exhibit at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Hal/Al/Harry led our tour, and it was informative. Impressionism is one of my favorite movements in all of art history. I was surprised to learn that so many works from the show were from the Carnegie collection.
Trip Planning
Took care of directions for my voyage with Mom and Dad. Auntie Chi was unable to make it, so I am taking her place on the voyage.
I've already got directions, have printed out reservations, etc.
Mother's Day 2012
Today I sang in choir as usual, and Mom, Dad, and I met up with William's family and Les and Cherie for a Mother's Day breakfast buffet on Lytton. There were a lot of delicious foods, including smoked salmon, proscuitto, salads, an omelet and crepe station, about a dozen hot foods, a carving station, a dessert station, a sweet breads station, and they had opened up the dividers in various meeting rooms to join them together. We particularly enjoyed the custom crepes with whipped cream and/or ice cream. The kids were MAGICIANS for me, too!
William came over afterwards to pick out varied surgical instruments to use as tools around the home. We all went home and had a long nap. I am too full to eat right now.
Mom and I will probably watch Celebrity Apprentice and Cash Cab later tonight to round off Mom's Day.
Trip Packing, Talking with Maureen, Groceries, Laundry, Lunch, and Donations
Trip Packing, Talking with Maureen, Groceries, Laundry, Lunch, and Donations
This morning I awoke later, packed for my trip and spoke with Maureen on the phone. I went grocery shopping for the lunch today of lumpia and pancit noodles. I did laundry of my cumut and beach towel. I had lunch of pancit noodles. I will donate some clothes and shoes from my home...I placed them in Mom and Dad's trunk.
I've been writing this blog post and others, as well since then.
Time to update my first list for trip packing...
~~~~~
Went dancing with Christina. Met up with Chris and Kevin there, too. Danced with several new people, including the bookends: someone who helped the dance group grow with his now-spouse at Arlene's alma mater, and a worker from another department at Pitt who is looking to go to law school. Saw Christina's friend Sean there, as well.
My three friends and I stayed until pretty close to the end, and I had pizza, too.
Dancing Last Night...Strangest and Stranger and Not-So-Strange Lead Dancers
Christina and I went salsa dancing last night, I for the first time in this locale, and she drove.
The first half hour to hour was a basic--> (leading into) an intermediate dance lesson. My partner, whose name I have blocked from my memory, was the strangest lead I met that night. He wanted to improvise, and when push came to shove, he refused to follow the directions of the teachers. "Why don't we just do the basic step?" I gently encouraged, when he would start wildly jerking his hips in time not to the music playing over the speakers (there was a great DJ). He then stared, smiling at the floor adjacent to our feet. Truly an ODDfellow. [Strangest of the evening---no, of the month---...awardee.] I was relieved to find him not present to dance with less vocal follows after the lesson.
I met Christina's friends Sean and Todd, and danced with each of them and with Harold and with Dave [who stated that he had run the marathon last Sunday under 4'50".] I also met and complimented the dancing of Kathy by the water vessels, and then later danced with Steven, who skateboards. I sat down for a moment with Christina and Sean, and one of Sean's acquaintances, who fluffed Christina's hair, and invaded our table. After I got him to stop calling my friend by a generic moniker, he invited Sean out to Primanti's with Cathy and himself. ...Kathy then showed up at the table, inviting to Primanti's. [Oh, That Kathy,]
These incidents were somewhat typical of Pittsburgh:
~ The desire to go to Primanti Brothers for sandwiches after a late night out dancing
~ Everybody knows each other
~ Experienced leads are generally friendly and willing to dance with newbie or intermediate dancers
~ One can [and probably will] meet the gamut of dancers.
~~~~~~
Yesterday, I was also glad to work on my first list for travel, as well as to check off those packed items.
~~~~~~
A nice piece for les exercises de ronde de jambes is Chopin's Waltz No. 7 in C# minor.
Labels: dance, dancing
Friday in the Fifth Week of Easter
Today I woke early and brought the newspaper over to my parents' home. I noticed a map of diocesan real estate sale on the front page of the paper, and mentioned it to Fr. Raymond Utz, our morning celebrant for Mass. John DeF. was our server, Don provided music ministry from the loft, and Sally D. was Eucharistic minister. Dad and Martha M. provided the television ministry. I lectored. About forty people received communion at this Mass, on Friday of the fifth week of Easter.
The microphone for the pulpit was off at the very beginning of Mass (only), and I saw a friend in the congregation craning her ear, so I projected to the side of the microphone the title and the number of the entrance hymn, "Joyful, Joyful We Adore You."
The Mass celebrated was for L. D., and I noted to John that there were two more Masses for her next week, as well.
The recessional hymn was "Christ is the King."
Labels: lector
Hips Don't Lie...Shakira, Shakira
I asked my choir friend, C, before I departed from snackage (by Monica & Carl), what were the three things he should remember about his hip operation. He recounted:
1. Pray to Ss. Cosmos and Damien [to guide the surgeon's hands],
2. Do what they tell you for physical therapy, no matter HOW painful it is,
3. Don't get the IV drip placed in your hand (you'll be using a walker soon enough).
We will be hip people!!
Preparing for Journeys
I bought advance tickets for our vacation before our departure. Auntie Chi is unable to join Mom and Dad on their adventure, so, I am taking her spot.
~~~~
I awoke early again today, to write a recommendation letter for a colleague, H. She liked the letter, saying it was "perfect."
Today is choir practice...
Mom and I, Yesterday
Yesterday, Mom and I went to the waterfront to stop at the Verizon store, Costco, and Michael's. We headed home via the South Side, and donated on our way home.
Up Early to Deliver the Newspaper, etc.
I was up early to deliver the newspaper, etc., to Mom and Dad's home.
Mom has been adding beads to her Pilipino formal dresses, beads we got this Sunday.
Lunch with Solomon, Sam, and Marissa
Lunch was chez Solomon care of Marissa. Sam also had lunch, as well. Solomon and I had grilled two-cheese sandwiches, raw carrots, and homemade berry smoothies. Marissa had all but the cheese sandwiches. Solomon and I were coloring the elephant coloring sheets from Trader Joe's. Marissa asked me to explain how I color.
First, I started on the elephant, because the elephant is the focal point of the piece.
Then, I started coloring the face of the elephant, because that is the focal point of the elephant. I started near his eyes, because that is of interest, and color his face sort of like doing makeup. I color his trunk next, then his ears, body, and legs. Then, I'm finished coloring the elephant.
The mouse is next. I chose a color that was different and had a different value, a different lightness, blue, for the mouse. Then the coconut palm tree and then the tropical flower.
Finally, I color the letters above,finishing with some background marks [and may watercolor the rest of the background].
I went home and took a looong nap.
Then I helped Mom prepare dinner. We waited until ~20.30 for Dad to begin eating. He arrived five minutes after we had started at 20.35. We had leftovers of fish, pork, steak, tomatoes, mung beans, and rice.
Mom and I watched Dancing with the Stars.
Helping Maureen, Dancing with the Stars, West Side Story
This noontime I walked to Maureen's home to help her craft her evaluation responses. Later in the afternoon we drove to get pan-Asian food in Oakland. We each ordered the same thing.
I had an ice cream bar at Mom and Dad's home, went home for a long nap, and shared dinner with my parents.
Mom and I watched Dancing with the Stars and we voted for her top four picks tonight. We watched the movie version of West Side Story. It ended less than a half hour ago.
Pittsburgh Marathon Sunday 2012
I went Sunday morning to Mom and Dad's to pick up my camera for the Pittsburgh marathon. Anyone can run the Pittsburgh marathon, it is often used by runners to qualify for another marathon. Approximately 25000 runners officially ran yesterday. Among them were some of Stacy's friends and Lauren, Maureen's niece.
I walked from Fifth and Craig toward South Craig Street and ran into Stacy, who was on her way to Starbucks for a coffee. I spotted Charles there, seated at a table with prime real estate---with a pristine view out the windows of the cheering cheerleaders at the turn toward the halfway mark. We encouraged Charles to join us outside, cheering the runners, as he waited for Susan, who was at eight o'clock Mass. We had fun whoooo-ing and cheering them on. I took a few photos, one or two of each of Stacy's runner friends. I caught myself, and I commented that it was necessary to stop cheering so enthusiastically, as I was to read at the next Mass that morning. Charles departed around nine o'clock to join up with Susan, and soon after we ran into Don, who was on his way to Starbucks for coffee. We chatted with him both before and after his coffee run.
Right before the 1.57:00 time mark at the halfway point I spotted Lauren. I yelled, "Go Lauren!" to her and she slowed down, pulling off her sunglasses for a photo. I concurrently ran alongside her, struggling to keep up on the sidewalks. I got a pretty crappy photo of the people running in her group as she moved along.
~~~~
I also read at Mass for Sr. Marietta, as she would have had a difficult time getting to the church building from home during the Marathon. Fr. Raymond Utz celebrated the Mass; Becky and Don provided music ministry from the altar and the loft, respectively; John DeF served; and Fr. Donald Breier gave his announcement about his departure from his post as rector of our parish.
Mom and I went to Michaels, for snack at Target, and Ross Park Mall JCP and shopping for beads (again), lunch at Panera, and a hunt for a tea kettle at Ross.
Boot repair and Bakery Breakfast
I helped Maureen retrieve her repaired boots in Squirrel Hill and then we went in her neighborhood for a bakery breakfast. I got some croissants and a cheese danish. We chatted for a bit, then I helped the parents to enroll for our family reunion planning.
First Friday, May 2012
Yesterday was first Friday Mass. Mom and Dad attended. I lectored, Anu served, Don provided music ministry from the loft, and Fr. Steven Palsa celebrated the Mass. It was Friday in the fourth week of Easter and first Friday of May 2012. We sang "That Easter Day with Joy was Bright," and "Be Joyful, Mary," was the recessional hymn. The Mass was offered up for the intentions of our bishop, David A. Zubik. About 44 people received Communion.
Grading Meeting, Posting Grades for Spring Semester 2012
We just had our grading meeting this morning. No curve. High averages. An inordinate number of high scores for course grades. I handed in the campus computer I have been using, as well. Carried my lunch back. Delicious cupcakes by my coworker, Stacey.
Time to start summer, time to turn into the cleaning fairy, time to clean house.
Dancing with the Stars Tuesday, Errands Wednesday
Mom and I went to the South Hills. We also watched the end of Dancing with the Stars.
Today I went for a donut run with Maureen, organized and copied my organization lists, and then Maureen and I went to Bakery Square for groceries, and to an office supply store, the nregarding her membership to her health club. I went for an errand in Squirrel Hill regarding VHS and slide to DVD transfer. I waited by the Channel 11 van for Maureen.
Went to Sacred Heart parish and finally met Stephanie, one of the facilitators of the Bible Study for the readings for this Sunday, which I will be reading Sunday.
Went to Big Bird's palenke for a snack run before helping Mom with her eye meds and her sewing.
