Music Plus: Concert Series at Saint James-- Trio Verlaine
Nancy invited me to a concert by Trio Verlaine at Fr. Tom's newest parish assignment. She heard about it through a mailing list.
Trio Verlaine consists of three friends, David Harding, Lorna McGhee, and Heidi Krutzen, playing respectively viola, flute, and harp together. They played
Four movements from Tombeau de Couperin (arranged by Morlock) by Maurice Ravel
Trio for flute, viola, and harp (commissioned for their group) by R. Murray Schafer
Sonato for Flute, Viola, and Harp by Claude Debussy
The commissioned work was sandwiched betwixt two works from around World War I, evoking many moods and emotions. Nancy and I especially enjoyed the second piece...I explained to Lorna afterwards that the color and emotion was evocative and that they played well together. At moments, the viola even sounded like an Australian didgeridoo playing chords. Also chatted about Scotland, music at Carnegie Mellon, etc.
Heidi explained by the harp at the altar that this harp was on loan from an[other: Pablo's] orchestra.
Nancy and I also spoke with David. We chatted about sound and the space, and we elucidated his hockey alignments by the end of our conversation together. I made certain to welcome Heidi and David to Pittsburgh.
Nancy introduced me to her friend, Sharon, who is one of the music directors at Fr. Tom's parish. Also met Donna, who was instrumental in bringing the group to the church, as well.
A wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
I also enjoyed the shortbread heart-cutout cookies dipped in dark chocolate.
Second Sunday of Lent
Today we celebrated the Mass of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. The choir, directed by Don and accompanied by Ken on the organ and led by Sean cantoring from the altar, sang:
Entrance Hymn: Transform Us
Kyrie: Missa Brevis, Antonio Lotti
Psalm 27: H. Hughes
Acclamations: R. Proulx (for Lent), including Sanctus (Vatican Mass XVIII)
Preparation of the Gifts: Hide Not Thou Thy Face from Us, O Lord (R. Farrant)
Agnus Dei: Missa Brevis, Antonio Lotti
Communion Antiphon: Tell no one about the vision you have seen until the Son of Man has risen from the Dead
Communion: Grant to Us (L. Deiss)
Communion Choral Anthem: Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God (C. Mueller)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: O Salutaris Hostia
~~~Exit in Silence~~~
Clean and Organize and Donate
Yesterday (Saturday) I spent about four hours cleaning and organizing my house. I worked on my hallway and by my bed. Prepared for donation shoes, clothes, and books.
My friend Grace told me
If you're not using it, get rid of it.
My reply, in kind, is
If it is not useful to you, or it does not make you content, or there are no memories, get rid of it.
Give it away/ donate it so someone else does (find it useful, find it gives them pleasure, or can make memories).
My friend Grace says:
If you're not using it, but you have good memories of it, take a photograph and then let it go/ donate it.
I donated about five + bags/ boxes of clothes, books, and household items, and mom donated about two. I have lost about nine pounds in about as many months, so I donated some of my over-sized clothing. I got a skirt and pants (black and white print, and black), and am pleased with my purchases. I also got some organizing materials this week and weekend (all recycled):
~ A plastic "chest" of organizing drawers (with caster wheels)
~ A homemade hanger for scarves, etc.
~ A a few cushioned hangers
Mom and I watched part of WQED's fundraising, including programming by Lawrence Welk and by Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth).
Dad's Birthday Week
Kelly arrived from New York City Monday night. We all went out for Japanese sushi buffet on McKnight Road Tuesday night. They sang and played the gong to "Happy Birthday" and we sang along while Dad blew out the candle on the pile of mocha cake. Thursday, Kelly's friend drove up for a meal with Mom and Dad, and they both caught the Megabus to New York (but not before he snapped a few photos of Kelly and me in our winter hats). Friday, all of the instructors for my laboratory course set up the midterm practical exam. I skipped out of our meeting early (at 2.30 pm) to administer a midterm to an athlete.
Meanwhile, Maureen is spending more time with her family out of town.
Fish Fry 1, 2013
William's family invited Mom, Dad, and me to a fish fry. It was great. We got our choice of fish (fried or baked) or eggplant, choice of hot pasta side (mac n cheese, haluski, or pasta e fagioli), side dish (coleslaw or applesauce), and it came with a roll with butter, a drink, and dessert! We enjoyed each other's company over the food, and chatted with some of the people of the parish, as well. All the food was simply delicious.
The kids loved the chalkboard afterwards, and I found out about chewing necklaces...
Ash Wednesday/ Beginning of Lent 2013
Went this morning to Ash Wednesday Mass. Oakland Catholic High School was celebrating the liturgy with Fr. Kris and Fr. Robert George. I sat next to Rita D., and behind Joe and Tina, all neighbors.
The music liturgy consisted of:
The Glory of these Forty Days
Psalm: Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Offertory: Hosea
Acclamations by the keyboardist and their choir
Communion: Jerusalem, My Destiny
Recessional: Again We Keep this Solemn Fast
Only two sections to grade!
The only grading this weekend that I have to do are two sections of quizzes. I've written a recommendation last night and this morning for a current student who is in the process of applying to a bachelor program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. I just need to fine-tune the letter.
Finally, this weekend I need to prepare for class by going over lesson plans and notes carefully, and fine-tune the agenda.
I hope to grade the quizzes this morning.
Warm (40+ Fahrenheit) today!
The temperatures have been sub-freezing for the past few weeks. Finally, today, the temperature topped at above 40 Fahrenheit! After a spate of grading, I took a walk to the Main Branch of the Carnegie Library to read off the shelves to Mom (via cell phone) the titles of James Patterson large print novels...she chose two she has yet to read, and I checked them out. I then walked to Stacy's office, and we walked to our parents' home, she to spend some time with her mom, and I to spend time with Mom and Dad.
Afterwards, I walked at the front of St. Paul Cathedral and found a fellow marvelling at the Church. I held the door open for him to go inside. We spoke for a while, and I introduced him to Jim, who told him when the church would be closed. I invited him to "pray, or sit quietly, or just sit and reflect." He explained that he was from Russia, and I stated that the Orthodox church is one of the few Churches closely aligned with the Roman Catholic Church. Stacy stopped by, and I introduced him to her, as well.
Stacy and I went to choir practice, where we enjoyed practice, and Emily and Libby had made King's Cake (sans Bebe Jesu) and Cookie dough bites.
I am currently listening to WQED, where Patty Halverson of Chatham Baroque is playing some of her favorite classical music on the air. I told my friends S and L about this, L told his agent about the show, and they may listen via Internet.
I've had a long, productive day. Time for a break and some liquid refreshment and sleep.
Been Busy...
Been busy at work, and work-at-home (a.k.a homework) for the past few weeks, so unable to have time to write. Back at choir after a short hiatus.
That Japanese/ Chinese Buffet
So, after work last Monday (28 January 2013), Mom, Dad, and I went to the Japanese/ Chinese buffet for the last Monday in January this year, which was the last full day/night which had half-price dinner all day. It. was. crowded. Take-a-number crowded. But well worth the wait.
