The Polar Vortex gets colder!
Single Fahrenheit digits yesterday; started the day at 7 AM with (negative 7) degrees Fahrenheit. After lunchtime, it is up to 7 degrees Fahrenheit now.
Paid some bills, sent out correspondence to DDS, cancellations of meetings (with Shq, EECMs and lectors, and choir). staying warm and cozy now...One of my friends works in an office overlooking a bank, and the thermometer is perenially stuck at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
I made double chocolate brownies yesterday, and we are slowly enjoying them today---about halfway finished with the 8X8 inch pan.
WED 23 JAN 2019 to WED 30 JAN 2019- Welcome to the Polar Vortex!
WED 23 JAN 2019- Dad and I went to Bible Study this morning. The readings were for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C. Fr. Drew and 12 of us engaged in Bible Study. M and D got me sporting equipment at the Waterfront.
THU 24 JAN 2019- I went in the afternoon to have repairs! No choir practice today.
FRI 25 JAN 2019- Went for physical therapy with Candice this morning. ShqM came by.
SAT 26 JAN 2019- I did not win the last Pittsburgh lottery for Hamilton (this season), for the 27th of January.
SUN 27 JAN 2019- Got a lot of paperwork done today. Went by myself to the evening Mass at St Paul Cathedral. Walked L, a neighbor of M and D, out of the Cathedral and across the street.
The Mass for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time was celebrated by Fr Kris Stubna, with music ministry provided by Ken D at the console in the loft and by Christina Mc up front.
Music included:
Entrance hymn- God, We Praise You!
Penitential Act- Missal Tone
Gloria- C. Andrews
Psalm 19- Michel Guimont
Gospel Acclamation- A.G. Murray
Holy, Holy, Holy- from the People's Mass- J. Vermulst
Acclamation and Amen- Danish Mass
Lamb of God- Lucien Diess
Communion Hymn- This is a Holy Day- A. Motyka
Recessional Hymn- A Year of God's Favor
MON 28 JAN 2019- This morning I cleared half a box of files out by throwing out paper, putting paper in a pile for reuse, and doing the same for glassine sleeves/ plastic page protectors. I made some phone calls, caught up on some correspondence, and went to physical therapy after lunch. Helped Mom with her personal items, including correspondence and phone communiques. After dinner we watched the NBC Nightly News and Jeopardy! More phone calls, and I sent an email to my siblings.
TUE 29 JAN 2019- Computer work. Shared a dinner at the Indian buffet on Craig Street with W and S. Met up with MM and B to carpool with all (through single-digit Fahrenheit temperatures) to the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh show at the Benedum Theatre. B had constructive criticism of the production, as did all of us. All of us but MM had read the first Roald Dahl book. The production rarely strayed from the story line of the book.
In the production, Henry Boshart portrayed a luminous Charlie, with Benjamin Howes as a wonderful Willy Wonka. The early part of the show had the children exhibiting grabby-grabby behavior, seeking something external to themselves for happiness. By the end of the production Charlie sought happiness through the power of his imagination, from something internal---from within.
WED 30 JAN 2019- This morning brought ~7 degree Fahrenheit temperatures, requiring shoveling and sodium/ magnesium salting of driveways and streets to get to Bible Study with Dad. There were 7 of us with Fr Drew. We read and discussed the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C. Marilyn read the first reading, I read the second reading, and Sarah read the Gospel reading. The car thermometer read 7 degrees Fahrenheit after we left Bible Study and Eucharistic Adoration. Stopped so Dad could cash in his $2 lottery ticket winning $2. I told him the best way to win is by not playing OR by riding the bus (he is a senior citizen). Pittsburgh Public Schools were closed today (and will be tomorrow), Carnegie Mellon University, Carlow University, Chatham University, and University of Pittsburgh cancelled classes today. PITT has not cancelled classes since Snowmageddon in ~2006. Welcome to the Polar Vortex!
About those HS students and their response to Native American/ American Indian Drummers
22 JAN 2019
See
https://www.nbc.com/nightly-news/video/nbc-nightly-news-jan-21-2019/3866252
time point: 10min 58sec TO 12min 51sec.
On
the NBC NIghtly News this evening (22 JAN 2019), the Omaha Native American drummer
(Vietnam Veteran Nathan Phillips) stated that perhaps the students needed cultural education. I couldn't
agree more.
When I encountered Native students in California, I learned that the Creator gave to men the gift of drumming; men keep the heartbeat of the Nation
with their drumming, while the Creator gave women the gift of
childbirth. The weekend viral video of encounters with 3 Native drummers
showed HS students observing something that was sacred. They were not
behaving as if this were true. Sure, they were ignorant, but cultural
information & education could help them to understand and to become more culturally
sensitive....see the interesting take on how differently filmed videos
capture different truths.
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2019/01/viral-clash-students-and-native-americans-explained/580906/
WED 02 JAN 2019 to TUE 22 JAN 2019, inclusive
WED 02 JAN 2019- I had physical therapy in the late afternoon. Bought shelf paper after measuring my shelves.
THU 03 JAN 2019- No choir practice, no Shq M
FRI 04 JAN 2019- Early AM physical therapy appointment. Stopped by the PITT campus. Shq M stopped by. Wallpaper redoing starts.
SAT 05 JAN 2019- k and K won a lottery for Hamilton musical tickets! M and I watched Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford and Willem Dafoe.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109444/?ref_=nv_sr_1
SUN 06 JAN 2019- Epiphany! K prepared brunch of low-processed food, including the beef they raised and processed last year and seasoned, cauliflower "rice," broccoli, avocado, grape tomato, and fresh lime.
D and M and I attended noon Mass. Fr. Kris Stubna celebrated the Mass with Deacon Tim. Christina McC was our cantatrice/ cantor, and Sarah R and Geraldine G lectored. Saw the Ravano clan after Mass.
Music included:
Christmas Gloria, Dan Laginya
Psalm 72, Fr. James Chepponis
Christmastime Alleluia, Fr. James Chepponis
Preparation of Gifts, Where Shepherds Lately Knelt, Carl Schalk
Communion Processional, The First Nowell
...
Recessional Hymn, Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
Went to hear Erin Entrada Kelly speak about her books and her writing process, and answer questions from the audience at the Carnegie Lecture Hall this afternoon. She is a first generation Pilipina-American writer who has written for the tween audience. She won the 2018 Newbery Award for her book Hello Universe.
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal
I chatted with my neighbor, Emily, for a while in the booksigning line. I was the penultimate person bearing books to be signed, and got one book for B and S, and one book for me. Got photos with Erin, Amy, and me.
Takeaway fish sandwiches for all for dinner!
MON 07 JAN 2019- SEED committee meeting with Nina. Great ideas whirling around.
TUE 08 JAN 2019- Physical therapy, outpatient, midmorning. I was encouraged to wear my lace wrap when doing standing exercises. Paid one of my last beginning-of-the-month monthly bills. Logged in to the scholarship application evaluator online site. Prepared documents for correspondence. Tomorrow is Bible Study.
WED 09 JAN 2019- My ride for Bible Study left without me. Snow today. Ice, too. I got my share of student applications to review. Finished a quarter of them today...worked steadily next couple of days.
THU 10 JAN 2019- Shq noted again that the walls sans wallpaper looked haunted. Still no choir practice.
FRI 11 JAN 2019- Went to physical therapy with TD today. Wore my lace wrap again (second time) today. Finished reviewing the university student applications/ writing up my reviews. Worked on mom's application for something, as well. This week the painting team finished part of the wall by me.
SAT 12 JAN 2019- Spoke to SH today, regarding Donut Sunday. She's going to attend.
SUN 13 JAN 2019- Watched part of 10AM Mass via Christian Associates with Mom today. Fr. Joshua Kibler celebrated the televised Mass.
At noon Mass, Ted Wojcik was sacristan, there were four servers, Ralph Massaro and I lectored (2, and 1, respectively), and Debbie Zugates cantored. Dad served as a Eucharistic Minister. It was the end of the Christmas season, with white vestments and the homily pointing to today:
The Baptism of the Lord
Among other pieces, the order of worship included:
Entrance Hymn: To Jordan Jesus Humbly Came
Kyrie, Chant
Gloria by J. Lee
First Reading: Is 42:1-4, 6-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 29, with call and response by cantor and choir, by Proulx/ Gelineau
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38
Gospel Acclamation: Christmastime Alleluia, by James Chepponis
Gospel: Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
Preparation of the Gifts: sung by choir
Communion: The Spirit of God Rests Upon Me, by Lucien Deiss
Communion Meditation: Sing We Now of Christmas/ Now the Green Blade Rises, by Robert G. Farrell
Recessional Hymn: The Baptist Bore Witness
The Farrell piece sounded great from the front of the church. The piece features the choir singing a capella for various passages.
MON 14 JAN 2019- Easy, Chill day. Spent it at D and M's. Went grocery shopping after posting a letter and purchasing stamps. Purchased some gasoline. Was sous chef for chicken and pork apritada preparation. Enjoyed a great dinner chez D and M.
TUE 15 JAN 2019= Docent Meeting at work. After administrative announcements and after the 2018 Year in Review, Jennifer Sheridan presented a talk/ Powerpoint on various frog species in Borneo, et al. I assisted Dad with their laundry afterwards. Mom and I just finished watching a movie J O and Phyllis watched over Christmas break: Spotlight (2015), with Michael Keaton.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_10
Riveting film addressing serious societal issues.
WED 16 JAN 2019=Bible Study, to which I drove D and myself, this morning at the Oratory. Emily set up for our meeting, led by Fr. Mike Darcy (Provost of the Oratory), and attended by 14 additional attendees.
I had physical therapy with TD later in the afternoon.
Completed 3 additional applications reviews for this FRI.
THU 17 JAN 2019- Completed the last 2 additional reviews of applications for this FRI.
Shq helped me in the PM. Attended a lecture on geothermal heating in my building's lobby. Very similar to WC's hydrothermal heating and cooling. With Mom, made spaghetti with clam sauce for dinner; fresh salad, as well, with onions, Roma tomatoes, raisins, and mandarin oranges. Champagne dressing, a la J O. Enjoyed NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt and Jeopardy! as accompaniments to dinner with Dad.
FRI 18 JAN 2019- Physical therapy mid-morning. Went to the Waterfront for burgers, fries, and shakes for dinner with Debbie. We went grocery shopping afterwards. Boy, were we full!
SAT 19 JAN 2019- Went to M and D's early, to beat the incipient winter storm. Sorted through a box of paper files before lunch.
D and M and I went for the 6PM Mass celebrated by Fr. Mike Darcy. Debbie read the General Intercessions and was clear as a bell. Don provided the music ministry.
Music included:
Entrance hymn: Jesus Come! For we invite you
Gloria- C Andrews
Psalm 96- R. Kreutz
Gospel Acclamation- A.G. Murray
Holy, Holy, Holy- People's Mass- J. Vermulst
Acclamation and Amen- Danish Mass
Lamb of God- Lucien Diess
Communion Hymn- Lord, You Have the Words- Richard Proulx/ Polan
Recessional Hymn- We Walk by Faith- Henry Alford and Dunlap Creek
D and M and I went for burgers in Shadyside afterwards.
SUN 20 JAN 2019- An easy day, and a Super Blood Wolf (Full) Moon. It was more of a PINK Moon at full umbra. SH and I stayed in touch by txt as it approached full hiding/ umbra.
MON 21 JAN 2019- Martin Luther King Day! A day of Joy...
UCLA’s Katelyn Ohashi rediscovers her joy of gymnastics and becomes an internet sensation
https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-ucla-katelyn-ohashi-20190117-story.html
https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/Sports/story/ucla-gymnast-entertains-wows-perfect-10-floor-routine-60374978
Saw Katelyn on the news this weekend, and saw Marie Kondo also on NBC Nightly News on Sunday. Both individuals exude and/or express joy. Helped Mom with their correspondence today. Had a snack of cream-filled brioche with Mom, spoke with JAH by phone. Prepared M and D letters for mailing/posting.
TUE 22 JAN 2019- Early AM visit for a med evaluation (Dad drove me to it), took the bus to physical therapy with Candice, and two more meetings/appointments.
New Year's Day 2019
New Year's Day 2019, 01 JAN 2019- Dad, avec cold, was greeted by me mid-morning at their place. He listened to my lungs. My PCP and pharmacy are closed today. We three enjoyed pizza for lunch. Need to catch up on bill paying.
I thought about Eudora Welty this past month, and today. Among other items, I have been unable to locate a book by her, which she and I discussed briefly while visiting at WA's and at my undergraduate institutions. She was a wonderful person.
More dairy products. Fewer meat products. Put more good into the world....
To paraphrase my Mom, "As goes New Year's Eve [and Day], so goes the New Year."
Ending 2018
MON 31 DEC 2018- On this last day of 2018, I awoke with a case of laryngitis. Marissa handed off my gift from LS and DS in the parking lot, before I skittered off at about 9.45 to pick up L and D from their hotel at the far side of Oakland. We loaded their luggage into the car, visited the Carnegie Science Center admissions desk, then spent the rest of the morning at UPMC Sports Works.
We then drove through the rain to the Strip District, passing a full parking lot for the fishmonger's shop/ fish kitchen before we headed to Oakland for Pie for Breakfast. We enjoyed:
Seeing G, a fellow alto, and her hubby,
and eating
Chocolate Chess Pie
Vinegar Pie (Much like pecan pie sans the pecans)
and Sweet Potato Pie
Cheesy Grits
Pickled Beets
Scrambled Eggs
Braised Greens (Swiss Chard?)
Mujadara- Spiced Rice and Lentil Pilaf, Caramelized Onions
Spicy Cocoa- ~ Mexican Hot Chocolate
I dropped them off at the Carnegie Mellon University bus shelter to wait for their 28X Airport bus, with tickets in hand. I later found out that they missed their connecting flight at O'Hare.
Mom and I went grocery shopping after the 5.15PM Anticipated Mass for the Solemnity of Mary. Fr Joshua Kibler celebrated the Mass. We prepared pizza for dinner.
Right at midnight I quickly switched the television channel to the ABC Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve, and M, D, and I clinked glasses of sparkling white grape juice. We enjoyed a light repast.
