Saturday- Nancy and Maureen's Birthdays
Yesterday (Saturday) after Nancy sang and Dad was a Knight of Columbus at the Mass for the priest's installation, Nancy, Maureen, and I went to the pizze/gelati restaurant in Shadyside and dined al fresco next to the chalk-painting-and-drawing kids in the street. We soaked up the sun, and then did a little window shopping. Maureen picked up a pastry, too.
I took a nap and shower when I got home, had dinner, and helped Mom with some of her organizing her class reunion. I am definitely staying to help with that, I decided earlier Saturday. Mom and I watched Driving Miss Daisy (one of her favorite movies, which I had not seen the bulk of until last night) Saturday night.
Friday, Mom's Eye appointment and the Mall in encroaching weather
Mom had an early morning appointment with the eye doctor, and then returned a borrowed wardrobe item from a friend, R. We went to Macy's to return the Father's Day suspenders of Dad (which he already had), make a purchase, share a large sub sandwich, then head to Best Buy to pick up her computer. The weather was not holding out for us, so we quickly departed and had dinner chez Mom and Dad. At about 5.30 to 6.00 PM (close to the time that PAPAGP was to perform at the WYEP Summer Fest) there was a thundershower/ thunderstorm. Marissa also called Mom to tell her that the group had found cover and there was no music...rain-out.
Maureen and I went to Whole Foods (after briefly running into Stacy, and then seeing her and Vladimir at Whole Foods) for a snack, and I gave her the ID holder/wallet/ keychain a-sparkle for her birthday. We chatted for a while.
Mom and I worked on UST "Class with Class" correspondence after I got home.
Wednesday- Rest and Read, Clean/ Organize and Recycle
Rested this morning, as my orthopedic boot and the rainy weather did not cooperate. Read a book and helped Mom prepare her delicious meat loaves. Went home and napped a bit, then cleaned/organized my reference paper files and Maureen came over with three big binders to share and she gave me another perspective on the most-used side of my closet. I weeded out one big bag of clothes (about 8-10+ items), and I'm pleased that those items I'm not getting much wear out of may find an owner who gets more wear/ pleasure out of those clothes.
Friday- Shopping with Mom; Sunday, Multiple Picnics
Went shopping with Mom in Bloomfield.
Went to the anticipated Mass Saturday.
Sunday, didn't feel so great early, and it was hot, so I didn't go to K's graduation picnic with Mom and Dad. Went to the building picnic, won BINGO, and left with Monica and Karl for the choir picnic chez Kelly.
Monday, lay low in the heat with my orthopedic boot.
Tuesday (today) brought Dad to meet with Tito Larry for their golf game. The car lights were left on, so we called AAA. Matt kindly provided a new battery (with a fee), with a six-year warranty for us. Had lunch at Eat n Park, where Heather M and her family were dining, too. Went to Best Buy, where mom went to Geek Squad and I copied recent files onto my external hard drive. Then went grocery shopping at Big Bird's Palenke (Market District). Picked up Dad on the way back. Enjoyed SWEET corn after a thunderstorm.
Visiting Kelly
Visiting Kelly was particularly fun. We spent time catching up, and even discussed religion, morals, and ethics all on our ride back to her home the first night.
We spoke of family dynamics, and we shared our concerns about our family. We even spoke with Auntie Chi, too.
Sunday- 'Twas the last choral Sunday of the season...etc.
This past Sunday was the last choral Sunday of the season. Fr. Mike R. thanked us during the homily.
Monday I prepared for my trip to visit Kelly. The good part of Tuesday was spent on my first Megabus ride to New York City. It was raining through northern New Jersey, which turned to drizzle as we headed through the Lincoln Tunnel, and was drizzling when Kelly came to pick me up. We ordered Indian food, and a famished-appearing Indian dude on a bicycle delivered it to her door after more than an hour. We were famished, so the food was not just good, but especially delish.
Wednesday was spent travelling (with boot) to Manhattan to renew my passport. I spent/ killed some time at the Barnes and Noble bookstore, while waiting to travel back. I had lunch, napped, and read the beginning of Life of Pi while waiting for Kelly to end her workday. She called, went to the store to get dinner makings, and we made courgettes with garlic plant on rice. Delicious...Kelly ate so much that we made licorice tea for after-dinner.
The next morning, Kelly went out for fresh bagels with plain (on our everything) and green onion (on our sesame seed) cream cheesed bagels. We enjoyed them before making our respective baons. We made flax-wrap egg salad (with ginger and other herbs & spices), flax wrap PB & J, organic peaches, dried organic Turkish apricots, an orange, diluted Yogi licorice tea, and some curried cashews. Yum Yum! My small backpack's weight was half baon!
Friday- Bathing Beauties, Saturday- Ordination of 25 Deacons
Yesterday (Friday) Mom and I watched Bathing Beauties with Esther Williams and Red Skelton.
Today I spoke with Pratima then hurried to the ordination of 25 deacons. The principal celebrant and homilist was the Most Reverend David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh. I arrived in time for the homily, which was followed by the
Promise of the Elect, where Bishop Zubik questions them of their readiness to assume the Order of the Diaconate,
Promise of Obedience, where the elect go, one at a time, and kneel before the Bishop and promise respect and obedience to Bishop Zubik and his successors.
Invitation to Prayer for the ordained
Litany of Supplication, where the elect prostrate themselves as the cantatrice (Mrs. C. Rudolf),
Laying on of Hands and Prayer of Ordination, followed by a sung Amen,
Investiture with Stole and Dalmatic,
Handing On of the Book of Gospels to each of the Deacons,
Fraternal Kiss, by the Bishop for each new Deacon, and for the Deacons to each other,
~~~Liturgy of the Eucharist~~~
~~~Prayer after Communion~~~
~~~Granting of the Faculties for Deacons and Presentation of Assignments~~~
(one is assigned to the Cathedral)
~~~Dismissal~~~
I said hi to Joan K,. some ushers, and to Frank C., and to Dad. Dad and the other Knights of Columbus provided color to the ceremony, and the servers were diocesan seminary students, Fr. James Chepponis led the music and Don played the organ. Fr. Nick V's cousin, Deacon John A. V, was ordained today.
Wednesday and Thursday- Imitation of Life (1959)
Stacy and I tried out the Rose Tea Café for a snack. I went to get Mom, Dad, and me an order of sweet potato fries, MmmM!
After dinner Mom and I watched the newest version of Imitation of Life, which differed from the older version I had seen in college. Parts were quite tragic. I told Mom that I had written an essay in college that stated the two women who had built a home together played the role of father and mother for the household.
Today Mom and I went to get gasoline at Costco, suspenders for Dad at a department store, and to pick up her computer from the computer store. Turns out Dad has two bowties, and already (also) has a set of suspenders. I have to return these to the store...
Tuesday- Flames of Love
Last night Mom, Dad, and I went to a charity showing sponsored by the Philippine American Performing Arts of Greater Pittsburgh (PAPAGP) of the Pinoy film, Flames of Love. The movie deals with the moral issues confronting four families, and how their faith sees them through their problems. The movie is in Tagalog and English, with English super- and subtitles. This movie does not skim lightly over the problems of these families, but meets them head-on as they struggle with various topics such as pre-marital sex, infidelity, addiction, and incest. Few American domestic movies choose to address all of these topics at once in a single movie, as this movie does.
Recommended by Philippine Archbishops and Bishops groups, Flames of Love is a movie that answers the call for the media to address the Year of Faith put forth by Blessed John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The characters in the movie make choices that reflect their faith and beliefs in Life.
This movie would be a good choice for discussing values and relationships. This movie would also be a good choice for starting discussions with groups of at-risk teens.
Flames of Love gathers some of the finest actors in Philippine cinema, including actors Christopher de Leon and Dina Bonnevie, Rep. Lani Mercado, actor-director Ricky Davao, multi-awardees Jaclyn Jose and Allen Dizon, young stars Megan Young and Mavi Lozano, and in her biggest role yet, the sensational Valerie Concepcion. The screenplay was written by Baby R. Nebrida, who co-directed the film with Gigi Alfonso. (this paragraph from the official news release)
Baby Nebrida and one of the actors from the movie stayed after the show to meet and discuss the film, as well as to sign autographs and to pose for pictures.
Plated light snacks were available, as were popcorn and baked goods. Nancy joined me as we watched this film at the renovated Hollywood Theater in Dormont.
The proceeds from the showing of the film will benefit the Payatas Project, which helps the poorest of the poor of Manila, who route through a large landfill (Smoky Mountain) for items they can hawk at junk shops. "This will be Philippine-American Performing Arts of Greater Pittsburgh's first big charity project as a way to honor and celebrate Philippine Independence Day (June 12) as well as our first anniversary," said Justina Purpura, who serves as Ways and Means director for PAPAGP.
More Doughuts after Mass, Into the Pool
Sang at Mass today in the choir. Tom sang as cantor. Sat at a table after Mass with other choristers/potential choristers: Paolo and his wife, Emily, Judi, and Jon. Most of us enjoyed donuts and or cookies. Don joined us later.
After lunch, fixing dad's computer, and a nap, I spent ~twenty minutes in the outdoor cool pool. I spent ~8 minutes pool
walking, ~8 minutes side stepping, and battement tendus to the affected leg to
the front, side, and back 2 X 10 reps.
2nd Annual Pittsburgh Wellesley Club Mini-Reunion
Today was the first day of the second annual Pittsburgh Wellesley Club Mini-Reunion (a.k.a. "Reunion Away from Reunion"), a concept brought to fruition last year by Amy A. This mini-reunion welcomed alumnae, current students, and incoming students to the Class of 2017.
This year, thanks to the manager Josh, we set aside a set of tables for our group, which consisted of seven of us: Peggy, Betsy, Laurel, Amy, Debbie, Michele, and me. Our class years spanned from 1947 through to 2001. Tara deftly served us. I had selected a new item on the menu, the smoked duck salad with local foraged produce and pickled ramps. Conversation flowed easily, and we had some photos taken of our group outside. A beautiful sunny day greeted us for this event. Deb was kind to slowly walk with me to within a block of my final destination, even though I took some rest breaks along the way.
When I went to Mom and Dad's, Solomon and Beatrice were there. We all had a grand time together, even watching the full movie version of Gnomeo and Juliet, produced by Sir Elton John.
Friday- Ross Park Mall, B & S's School Fair, Busy Friday, Back in touch with Nancy & Jim
Yesterday (Friday) Maureen and I celebrated National Donut Day with a visit to GetGo to get our favorite donuts, which we enjoyed right there. We went to Ross Park Mall, and environs, where I got a gift for Marissa (early) and afterwards, I got some bric-a-brac for soon-to-be cutoff jeans. I stopped by Mom and Dad's for my shoe (to drive them about), and we three picked up William to go to Beatrice and Solomon's school fair.
We went home for Mom to take care of her eye drops, and I drove them to 7th Street / the Benedum Center for their show 42nd Street. I went home to watch the last of the games between the Penguins and the Bruins for the Stanley Cup Playoffs (0-1). Picked up Mom and Dad afterwards (amid the Jazz Crawl, PSO closing weekend, Benedum Center, and construction downtown.
Today I also received an email from Nancy L, wife of Jim L. It's great to be back in touch with former instructors.
Thursday- Day of Activity
Today I went to get laboratory tests (the usual yearly tests) early in the morning. Dad and I then went to Mass, where Fr. Mike R celebrated the Mass. Nancy K lectored, Ryan provided music ministry, and Oscar was part of the television ministry team. I went home for breakfast (then did some cinema and medical association work,) and lunch, then Maureen and I went to Whole Foods, Starbucks, and Trader Joe's. I went home, caught up on correspondence, and had a small snack.
Wednesday, Bruins vs. Penguins Third Game
Yesterday was a mellow day. Very relaxing, and we had dinner chez Lolo and Lola---steak, smoked whitefish, and teriyaki salmon with side dishes. Beatrice, Solomon, and I surprised William when he arrived, which was after Marissa had left for her exercise class. We, in turn, surprised Marissa when she returned from exercise class.
After they left, we watched the Penguins play the Bruins in Boston last night. Hmmm. I went to sleep after the first overtime. The score ended up being 2-1. Bruins have won 3-0 of their games against us.
Tuesday- Weed my References file, Lunch and Shadyside with Maureen
Today was Maureen's exit interview. I worked on weeding my recommendation/ references file. Then, after her interview was finished, we went to Eat and Park for brunch. I had liver and onions. After, we spent some time in Shadyside.
Today, I had used my MBT shoes and wore inserts for both feet.
Monday- Singing to Joyce's family, Organizing my Home
Yesterday morning I worked on sending information / news release to some places for the performing arts group.
I organized my living space, and Mom, Dad, and I sang to Joyce's family!
Body and Blood of Christ Sunday, Mom and Dad back
Sang at Mass in the choir loft on Sunday, the Body and Blood of Christ. After Mass I had spaghetti for lunch and went back downstairs to help M and other neighbors cut out images of bones for a Science Center project. Mom and Dad sneaked into the building, and I helped them for a bit. Went back downstairs to see M and others packing up to go.
Mom and Dad had gone to Uncle Nani's funeral. They stopped by Fifth Street, and said hi to M. and K., and their daughter A. M cried when she saw her friends, and her husband explained that she cries when she is happy.
FroYo and a Drive-In Movie!!
Yesterday afternoon I went with Marissa, Beatrice, and Solomon for Razzy Fresh frozen yogurt treats for "dinner" (at least for me). I had two flavors, triple chocolate and chocolate chip cookie (all with toppings), and Beatrice and Solomon had three flavors: The previous two, and vanilla (with gummier toppings).
Later that evening, Debbie and I went to the Twin Hi-Way Drive-In Movie Theatres in Robinson
http://www.twinhiwaydrivein.com/main.html
to view the new Iron Man movie (Iron Man 3). Even though I had not seen the earlier Iron Man movies, and had not seen the Avengers movies, it was still an entertaining flick. True to the post on the Internet, the very end of the credits were interesting, funny, and entertaining.
We were disappointed to find that the Penguins had lost, 3-0, to Boston
last night as the movie credits rolled.
