SUN 01 SEPT 2019 to MON 30 SEPT 2019
SUN 01 SEPT 2019- DR and I met up with Mijung for a visit to the van Gogh in Bloom exhibition at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens this morning.
We noticed the botanical rendering of VvG by the admissions desk, and vowed to get a group photo. Mijung went in search of coffee before we headed to the elevator (no dice---at least until 10.00). Then it was up in the elevator for us and a very young boy and his adults. We were greeted at the Palm Court by a floral rendering of a solar being, as was painted by VvG (Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun, 1889).
We enjoyed two botanical versions of VvG paintings in the Serpentine Room---Wheat Field with Cypress (including Shrimp Flowers), completed in 1889, and Starry Night, 1889. Of these two paintings, the second was more of a stretch, with the cypress there just to guide the eye. Walked and photographed within the Fern Room, Orchid Room, Fern Room (again), and Stove Room (Walang paru-paru/ papillon/ mariposa/ schmetterlinge/ butterfly)
Then it was off to the South Conservatory (where the Phipps places its railroad for its Winter Show), with a version of the House at Auvers, 1890. Up to the Cuban rainforest, with a stop at the Cuban Taxi first. The rainforest was fun, with tins with botanical scents, the slopey walks, a docent, and a pond below falling water populated by enormous koi. We took the elevator up, went to the Gallery Room with activities for the younger set, took a gander at the edible garden, and into the Desert Room..to a version of The Night Cafe (1888) in the Sunken Garden. A night scene with a boat was set up in the Victoria Room. A rendition of VvG's Sunflowers was found in the Broderie Room, and the East Room housed a botanical version of The Red Vineyards near Arles, 1888. Then it was time to take the elevator down, and have a group photograph of us in front of the VvG Self Portrait (in straw hat).
We had drinks in the Phipps Cafe, and stopped in the gift shop, too. Time for one more photo, in the parking lot, and then fond farewells to Mijung, who is heading off to Boston this afternoon for a conference.
Finished a library book, Goodbye Things. Very process oriented.
MON 02 SEPT 2019- Labor Day- D and M's door painted. Typed up post-Spotlight curricular notes for Triceratops this morning. Will be back at a Spotlight today!
Had great fun at my Spotlight today, near a fox (1-3, 121)---had visitors from as far away as Taiwan and Turkey, as well as Upstate NY, New York City, Michigan, Kansas, from the greater Tri-State area, including university students. I spotted visitors whom the oldest one in the group looked like L-MM doppelganger! Nancy S and Valerie stopped by to say hello at my Spotlight. As per usual, I mentioned membership to appropriate visitors.
TUE 03 SEPT 2019- Took care of communications/ correspondence this morning at D and M. Had an appointment early this afternoon, DR won tix to a Broadway show Downtown! Took a short nap late this afternoon, too. Went to assemble Pittsburgh for a committee meeting---Nina, Kathryn, and I were at the brick-and-mortar location and everyone else dialed in. Was so kind and appreciative after this meeting. At home: Tying up loose ends on a proposal/ask on which I had been working.
WED 04 SEPT 2019- Attended Bible Study led by Fr Mike + 2 Oratorians (Bros. Joel Hammer and Leo Dornan, who each read the 1st and 2nd reading for our group) + 13. Great discussion for the 23rd SUN in Ordinary Time. Dorothy mentioned that the "End Game" is to be Christ's disciple. Tnsha stopped by. Helped M with correspondence.
Met up at ~ 18.20 with DR, who won the lottery for Disney's The Lion King tickets yesterday! We were there for opening night, and I was particularly impressed by
Young Simba - Richard A. Phillips, Jr. and
Young Nala- Brilyn Johnston
The performance was through the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, PNC Broadway, Pittsburgh.
Outstanding was the shout-out during the performance by a hyena character to "Pittsburgh['s] Heinz ketchup."
The show was well-written, well-produced, well-sung and just plain well-performed. DR and I had a chance to give kudos to the technical staff, including sound engineers and the dance captain, as we were seated by their backstage entrance.
I was just plain entranced by the movements of
Cheetah- Sasha Caicedo
THU 05 SEPT 2019- Helped M more with correspondence, Pat helped us further.
Got ready to sign up for my pool pass, signed up through UPMC and through the pool location. Sara kindly helped me this time, too.
Coconut milk/squash/shrimp ginger sopas for dinner with eggplant torta!
FRI 06 SEPT 2019- D and M went to Cathedral for First Friday morning Mass---I held down the fort. Then I drove to the water exercise class, drove back, and took the bus to work on glaze projects (spotted a doppelganger) before taking care of computer correspondence and having a grand dinner with D and M: Pancit noodle, coconut milk/squash/shrimp ginger sopas for dinner with tortang talong and kanin. M and I watched a repeat of Jeopardy! The final game of the Champions' team tournament. Team Brad won the prize. Helped out with e-books for M.
SAT 07 SEPT 2019- Awoke early, took care of some e-correspondence, had breakfast very very early...then went back to sleep. Called HelpDesk (S), and called Comcast with M. Stated the situation. Will go for burgers soon with D and M.
SUN 08 SEPT 2019- Went to the late morning Mass, Fr. Steven L celebrated, with Carole deC lectoring and Br Leo serving. We arrived late, so dispersed, then came together to greet Tita Rose and Tito Roger. Spotted another doppelganger that afternoon. Ran errands with D and M in Homestead, attended DKF's organ concert. Thanked him afterwards, chatted with Jessica S, Doug, Judi, Adam, Lisa and Ken, and Kiersten from choir. npo after 20.15
MON 09 SEPT 2019- Drove to lab work in the morning. Pool exercise class afterwards. Met Sandi, Ann, Joyce, Lola, Loretta, Ann, et al. Drove back.
TUE 10 SEPT 2019- 9.30 to 13.30-- Carpooled with Cynthia, Nick, and Jerry, and Julie for a half day at the Frick Environmental Center, Forest and East Classroom. Carya (Mike) Cornell led the interpretive hike/walk (with hemlock, spice bush, and hickory teas), as well as the interpretive slide presentation. The hike was made possible by equipment borrowed from Pat H. Mandi L handed out papers for us to reflect and give feedback while we ate our own brown bag lunches. Pat supplied and plied us with cupcakes!
Helped M wrap a postal package for JO and pamilya. I mailed it, got bananas for them, and got first aid supplies for them from CVS. Had a ginger ale.
WED 11 SEPT 2019- Patriot Day. Even the NBC Nightly News covered the health issues of first responders on that fateful day in 2001. Bible Study with Fr. Mike, 3 Oratorians +9. Lively discussion about the two readings and Gospel readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C). I read the 1st Reading, a selection from Exodus, Chapter 32. The Gospel passage was the one from Luke 15:1-32, with 3 parables, ending with the parable of the Prodigal Son. I think a key concept of the Gospel reading is that "God meets you where you are."...[you just have to turn to God]. Fr. Mike mentioned a book by Henri Nouwen about the Prodigal Son that focuses on the painting by Rembrandt van Rijn.
Tsha stopped by; I biked for ~14 minutes.
THU 12 SEPT 2019- Spoke with Traci this morning. Got my haircut in North Oakland by L. Mom had a laser procedure this afternoon. "Held down the fort." Got chicken and oranges and orange juice in Bloomfield for use towards dinner. The resident NG said, "[Everything] started to fall apart with political correctness." I stayed quiet and let them use their Constitutional right, broadcasting to the customers s/he was serving. Some people mistake standard politeness and neighborliness for political correctness. W
FRI 13 SEPT 2019- Helped M with post-laser issues. Made lunch to bring. Went to my water exercise class with Cathy. Had my lunch (Jarlsberg cheese with mayonnaise and mustard on bread, little yellow tomatoes, and an apple). ***** Ocular migraine---see notes, below. Worked on glazing a couple of desk accessories, and wrapped my 3 finished products in my slightly damp towel. C, D, and I problem-solved, working on obtaining replacements for chairs. C shared a quote, "May the Good Lord take a liking to you..but not too soon." Ran into S on the way, and she shared with me that Active Minds had an exhibit (only until later this afternoon) titled Send Silence Packing (R). It is an exhibit that has visited around the USA to end the silence around mental illness and suicide. I descended from the bus to the lawn between Heinz Chapel and the Cathedral of Learning. There were backpacks arranged as spokes in a wheel, encircled with more backpacks. Each backpack included personal stories from people who have lost a loved one to suicide. I took photos of some of the backpacks (including the first one I saw in the exhibit), and of some of the signage, as well as interacting with K, one of the representatives from Active Minds. K was at a booth near Heinz Chapel, full with information from Active Minds, as well as from the University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center (for which I was always certain to give the contact information at Nordenberg Hall to my students on the first day of class).
activeminds.org/sendsilencepacking
WA stopped by D and M's. We chatted family business. Had dinner with D and M.
*****Had a mild (Right eye) ocular migraine from about 12.35 to about 13.15 (~ 35minutes, total). The intensity and the duration were neither great nor long.*****
14 SEPT 2019- DR and I went to see comedian Ian Bagg at the Waterfront. He worked the audience, and interacted with folks as far back as the second row of tables. Jokes incorporating the work of people up front (credit union work, trucking, research on flooding) were rampant. It was a SRO house, with some seats from our table and from adjacent tables flush against the back wall and in the aisle in front of us.
https://ianbagg.com/about/
15 SEPT 2019- Fr Adam Potter celebrated the noon Mass today. I lectored (1) with Grace Hobayan (2). Becky was our cantor/ cantatrice and Ken provided music ministry from the loft. We had two servers, E and L. D was among the group of Eucharistic Ministers.
The liturgy for this 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time included:
Entrance Hymn: How Firm a Foundation
Lord, Have Mercy- Litany Tone
Gloria- Gloria Simplex- Richard Proulx
1st Reading- Ex 32:7-11, 13-14
Responsorial Psalm- Psalm 51- James Chepponis/ Gelineau
2nd Reading- 1 Tm 1:12-17
Gospel Acclamation- Alleluia Solemnelle- Cathedrale de Notre Dame
Gospel Reading- Lk 15:1-32
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus- The Roman Missal
Memorial Acclamation- The Roman Missal
Amen- from the Community Mass- Richard Proulx
Lamb of God- Richard Proulx
Communion Hymn- Yes, I Shall Arise- Lucien Deiss
Recessional Hymn- There's a Wideness in God's Mercy
D, M, and I went for Chinese lunch in Bloomfield, then grocery shopping in Friendship/ Shadyside. Took care of more reunion items for M on the computer and via email.
MON 16 SEPT 2019- Attended C's water exercise class. I chatted with her about the other aqua classes she teaches.
TUE 17 SEPT 2019- No calcium tablets/supplements, in preparation for my DEXA scan tomorrow. M skipped the webinar and the informational meeting in Ross Township, to go to the Blind and Vision Services appointment recently scheduled. M saw Dr E. M and I went for burgers and fries and shakes in Shadyside, then I picked up M's medicine in Friendship/ Shadyside. Dropped off my correspondence to Jessica and to JC. Chatted with JC, who was greatly helpful. Recorded America's Got Talent to watch later.
WED 18 SEPT 2019- Skipped Bible Study today to take the bus to go to have my DEXA scans. Had an arm and back scan. I hope the rads were low enough for the requisite body parts. The process went smoothly!
Tnshia stopped by. Said hi to P, chatted a bit with P.
Drove w D,M.
Talked to WA by phone.
Went to BK, Big Bird's palenke---both on the South Side. Returned at dusk.
Found some items this evening. Sent comedian emails to family and friends!
THU 19 SEPT 2019- Wished J O a very fine day very very early this morning to the landline. Chatted with RF for a while chez park this afternoon. Lunch, then catch up with communications.
~~
Just returned from choir rehearsal. Dave B is back in choir, after a hiatus due to a geographic work change. There were a few new choristers tonight, and Jonathan P will join us, due to a teaching visit at the University of Pittsburgh the next few days. DKF was in full form, directing from the piano, as Ken and Lisa are pres de la Seine. Judi prepared our music, and also choir snacks for tonight.
The Penguins won 4-1 at home against Columbus in their second pre-season game. Jake Shake time!
FRI 20 SEPT 2019- Waited about 1.5 hours to see the ankle doctor. He was pleased with my progress via his instructions and my at-home physical therapy and water exercise classes. I will have to get a letter to get entrance into the arthritis exercise class. Also will have to take the prescription to get further ankle physical therapy, as he is ordering.
Right after the doctor appointment, worked on a plaque based on what RF said to me yesterday. She left me a note on my door, as well, with a quote about Prayer.
Watched Jeopardy! chez D and M. Sifting through papers chez D and M.
SAT 21 SEPT 2019- After breakfast, I walked to work at the museum. Looks as if the clocks are separated...did a Spotlight on botanical research specimens....7 in all on 2 tables in the Cretaceous Seaway, with all collected in Pennsylvania. Invited visitors to see if they found any of the samples to be familiar, then we would talk about them. Talked about Mason H's work, and saw Lisa (Frankie's daughter); met Michael, a botany major. Mostly families (3 to 6 people) visited the two tables (12-2: 97) on Super Science Saturday: Fallfest, which was leached of potential visitors due to the fantastic weather!! Visitors hailed from the tri-state area, southern WV, FL, VA, NY, NJ, and from China. There were great apples for the tasting, and I skipped my break, as we were down one person on our team. Nancy was our lead today.
I'm ready for our meeting this afternoon.
~~~
22.15 There was LOTS of food, no, Lots and Lots of food at our potluck meeting. I carpooled with Tito and Tita A, the 2 P women, and, as at most any Pinoy gathering, there was (did I say this before?) Lots and Lots and Lots of food. We covered Almost as much ground during the NP business portion of the meeting as there was food. And there was eating before, during, and after the meeting....and as we packed away the food for takeaway.
SUN 22 SEPT 2019- I woke early, and added my thoughts to the thread re: our last meeting yesterday, and planning for future events.
Met up with Tita and Tito V on my way into Cathedral for noon Mass. Fr Peter Gruber celebrated, DD lectored with a new lector, Ted W and Luke served, Christina cantored at the front, with Don conducting the choir from the loft and from the von Beckerath. Lemony Snicket, a series of events ensued. Enjoyed the choir, particularly the Ave Verum Corpus.
Chatted with the V's after Mass, was followed around within the Church and outside the church by someone.
MON 23 SEPT 2019- Annual appointment with Dr AL. I received my flu shot. Went to a restaurant on Craig Street to meet JP for lunch, miscommunication led to no meeting. Spent a good portion of the afternoon on texting with other BOD members. Watched NBC Nightly News and Jeopardy!
TUE 24 SEPT 2019- Awoke early, spent some time cleaning and organizing the living room. Worked on BOD work. Had lunch.
WED 25 SEPT 2019- One quarter of a year (3 months) until Christmas. Saw Andrea before I went to Bible Study. Fr Mike facilitated the Bible Study for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. There were 11 of us, and Bros. Leo, Joel, and Mark. When we got to the Gospel reading (Luke 16: 19-31), Tyson had mentioned the question of whether our our fallen nature is because of the mercy of God? We also talked about the chasm between the rich man and Lazarus, postmortem(, which made me think of Dante Alighieri's Inferno.) I noted that God gives us Free Will. I also spoke about how the chasm reminds us of other parables of Faith and of Service (such as the parables of faithful servants and of the virgins with oil in their lamps....As we are to develop our Faith, and act on this Faith through Service to God through our Service to others.
Tnshia stopped by. Spent most on the afternoon texting to the group about event plans for this Fall, interrupted by a visit by MB and I to a venue, followed by grocery shopping in Friendship/Shadyside.
Went for a walk about sunset-time to have brownie sundaes with Stacy. We had fun, food, and fellowship...and full tummies, too, by the end of the evening.
THU 26 SEPT 2019- Ran an errand to the South Hills. Gave some cake to M, who had great pictures of the race in Cincinnati. Had lunch, went to Blind and Vision Services, where I picked up M's supplies. Dr EH adjusted the 2 magnifiers. Went to do water exercises for 30 minutes.
Took care of electronic correspondence, talked to D and M, and prepared for choir practice tonight.
FRI 27 SEPT 2019- Met with a couple of friends today. Discussed various issues of the day/week/month/years which are pressing. Getting ready for the fundraising event for the BSA! (It should be fun...)
Spaghetti Dinner with the BSA at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, Morningside neighborhood. Spotted BF first, busily and (mostly) silently serving the ladies from the nearby high rise apartment structure first. A choice of beverage, spaghetti with marinara sauce, (with an option for meat balls,) green beans almondine, salad, and your choice of cake. Both the girl's troop and the boys' troop served. SC and MM showed up later, so then it was time for me to order my meal. WA showed up, too. Shannon served us, and Louise, a nice lady from the high rise, dined with us. Photos were taken, and as some of us ended serving shifts, I spoke with WA and MM about pressing issues. Went home by driving past the zoo.
SAT 28 SEPT 2019- A day to have Dr Katelyn P, DMD take a look at my teeth. Occlusal mouthguard/ nightguard was suggested. Tita N and Tito O drove me to the wrapping event for lumpianitas and lumpia. It went from 16.00 to the night.
SUN 29 SEPT 2019- Stood outside for a short time to cheer the Great Race runners---Natalie spotted me on the sideliness. Chose to attend the Mass where Elaine was the lector, and her husband Andy was the organist. We chatted about fellowship and common interests.
Called Mom and Dad. Worked on applied wardrobe list.
MON 30 SEPT 2019- Happy Sweet New Year to our brothers and sisters who celebrate at this time of the year!
More work on applied wardrobe lists. Parking podium/meter activity.
posted by Grace @ 9/01/2019 01:53:00 PM
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