FRI 27 DEC 2019 to TUE 31 DEC 2019
FRI 27 DEC 2019- Made plans with a friend from choir for breakfast tomorrow and seasonal fun. Missed the first class, so attended the second class (water exercise; arthritis) taught by C today. Worked on the Corning Ware pot with burnt-on spaghetti sauce while I ate lunch chez D and M. Back home, then dinner with D and M, who had dinnies (dinuguan). I had homemade ginger cookies by ND after dinner.
SAT 28 DEC 2019- S, my sectionmate in choir, and I went to Pie for Breakfast for our first meal today. We ate, she had 2 no-antibiotic no-hormone eggs with cheesy grits. I had the same as she, with (vinegar-y) greens and pickled beets. I "took-out" or "took-away" a slice of maple-bacon pie. We then headed to visit the Carnegie Trees in the awe-inspiring Hall of Architecture. We were spotted by DR on the way there, who was picking up optometric stuff on Craig Street. Photos all around, including one selfie of us both in front of the Presepio portion of the Pastoral (scene). Then time for timesheet for me, while she went to the art museum gift shop. A quick nap at home, then time for lunch with D and M. Ordered some items for water exercises for the New Year via the Internet.
SUN 29 DEC 2019- Fr John Pf...celebrated the noon Mass at Cathedral. Ted W and Luke served, Brian (1) and I (2) read/ lectored. Shane cantored, DKF led the choir, Ken D was at the Beckerath console.
Music included:
Antiphon for Holy Family Sunday
Entrance Hymn- What Child Is This
Christmastime Gloria- arranged by Dan Laginya
First Reading- Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Responsorial Psalm- Psalm 128
2nd Reading- Col 3:12-21
(Which, by the way, was the first reading I ever proclaimed [Colossions 3: 12-17] in a church at then-Saint Mary's Church as a third grader.)
Gospel Acclamation- Christmastime Alleluia- James Chepponis
Gospel Reading- Mt 2:13-15, 19-23
Preparation of Gifts- Coventry Carol- M. Shaw
Eucharistic Acclamations from the Community Mass- Richard Proulx
Agnus Dei- Plainsong, Mass XVIII
Communion Antiphon for Holy Family Sunday
Communion Hymn- See Amid the Winter's Snow- J. Goss
Communion Meditation- Angel Voice Richly Blending- Robert Farrell
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament- O Salutaris Hostia
MON 30 DEC 2019- I attended 1.5 water exercises classes. S asked a lot of questions about my medical problems. I had a midday physical therapy appointment with TD.
TUE 31 DEC 2019- k and K arrived around noon at M and D. We had lunch, and everyone took a nap. Lunch included kare kare, dinuguan, rice, and more. D, M and I went to the 5:15 PM Oratory Mass celebrated by Fr Paul, and served by Br Leo and another Oratorian brother. Dinner was kare kare, dinuguan, rice, pancit, baby bok choy and oyster mushrooms, vegetarian lumpianitos, dips, and light finger food for desserts (Ferrero Rocher, Hershey Hot Cocoa kisses, Medjool dates, etc.) We are all looking forward to the stroke of midnight, when we welcome in the new decade!
...At the last half minute I sneaked back to the back of the room and caught D, M, k, and K hugging for New Year's/ New Decade, before hugging everyone in return. We had more snacks, then I left to go home.
Saint Stephen's Day 2019
Did some recumbent bicycle exercise this morning--15 minutes of recumbent cycling, with two sets of intervals:
[ (30 sec of fast pedaling, 20 sec of slow pedaling) X 3 reps] x twice, all to
William Tell overture, 4th movement of Winter in Quattro Stagione, and
Made spaghetti sauce with ground turkey and beef, garlic and onion, ~4 tomatoes, and 4 containers (small) of pasta sauce. Made a very large spaghetti squash, and a pound of elbow macaroni. Chatted with a friend by phone whilst putting away the pots and pans, and utensils.
Christmas Day 2019
Prepared a handy toolkit of supplies to run the games chez Tita T and Tito L this afternoon. After we arrived, some photos were taken. Then there was lunch. First, we ate from a great buffet spread of stuffed chicken, sweet small lobster tails, various vegetable dishes,...followed by desserts which included custard/shortbread/apple-y cinnamon trifle, mangoes flower-cut by Tita Nene, mango sorbet, Otap (Buko Pandan flavored), and D's flan. After cleaning up a bit and taking some more photos, we played
ANNIE GAMES:
1 Celebrity (3 rounds) (2 teams)
2 Trivia about Annie, the Broadway musical (2 teams)
3 Mad Libs (all skate)
4 Who am I?/ “Name on my Back” (cooperative game)
We all had great fun, and took a number of photos of the 2 Annies (Titas ND and TP), Miss Hannigan (M), and Molly (myself). JAA called during one of our photo sessions.
After packing the trunk with the help of Tito L, I drove D and M home, chatted with JO's family and with k and K.
Christmas Eve Day 2019
TUE 24 DEC 2019- This morning I prepared games and activities for our Christmas Day celebration. Some I typed up after lunch. Accompanied D and M to haircuts by L on Centre Avenue.
D, M, and I went to the Mass at 4 PM (16.00) at the Oratory chapel. Fr David A celebrated the Mass, with Br Mark L, and one more Oratorian brother serving. Music, fully a capella, included:
O Come All Ye Faithful
Chant of various prayers and acclamations
Joy to the World
Saw Claire G, and several fellow Bible Study members at that Mass. Also greeted Br Joel before Mass.
Had dinner with D and M. Watched the NBC Nightly News and Jeopardy! with M. I worked more on the games and activities for our Christmas Day celebration.
Watched the evening Mass at St Paul Cathedral, celebrated by Bishop David A Zubik, concelebrated with the Cathedral priests. Don directed the music, with Ken at the console and the Cathedral choir. Marianne Cornetti sang "O Holy Night" with the Cathedral choir as part of the Communion meditation.
I greatly enjoyed Bishop Zubik's homily, which included these concepts:
Preaching the Word of God is an honor and has responsibility.
In 1977 there was a [Billy Joel] song, "I love you just the way you are."
Infant Jesus [represents] profound innocence and simplicity.
2019: Bethlehem needs to happen right now; to
take residence in our own hearts. God heart as we are right now.
[Like the reading of] St Paul to Titus- addressed him as "beloved"...the experience of Bethlehem. The motivating force is the Peace of Christ.
It is true...God's [message] "I love you just the way you are"...that relationship calls us; challenges us to change.
Hum the hymn "Joy to the World":
The Lord has Come, ...Every Heart Prepare Him Room.
Our hearts prepare the room for Him.
and then, after replaying "O Holy Night" for M, we opened our Christmas presents from family near and far away. This was followed by noshing on Kyle's homemade drunken fruits fruitcake, boutique bakery cranberry pecan bread, cheeses, and dips.
3rd Advent Sunday (A)= 15 DEC 2019, to the 4th Monday of Advent, MON 23 DEC 2019
SUN 15 DEC 2019- Went to Mass, Fr Kris S celebrated, Gerry G and Deborah D lectored, Christina McC cantored, Ken was at the console of the von Beckerath, and the choir sang from the loft, with Don at the helm. It is the 3rd Sunday of Advent (A), and the sung music included:
Entrance Antiphon- Rejoice in the Lord always...
Entrance Hymn- O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Kyrie- from Mass VIII
Responsorial Psalm 146- J Chepponis
Gospel Acclamation- Alleluia- J Berthier
Preparation of the Gifts- Alma Redemptoris Mater- G Palestrina
Sanctus- from Mass XVIII
Acclamation- Save us, Savior of the world....- The Roman Missal
Amen- Community Mass- Richard Proulx
Lamb of God- (call and response) from Missa Emmanuel- Richard Proulx
Communion Antiphon- Say; take courage... - Robert Farrell
Communion Hymn- Take Courage and Do Not Fear- A. Motyka
Communion Meditation- Comfort, Comfort O My People- C. Goudimel
Immediately after Mass, there were 2 Baptisms; there is one later in the afternoon, as well.
Lisa took selfies by the altar flowers---of us, and with Fr Kris, who stated that there is always time for a photo...it's a tradition! Jorge A and Ken D also took photos for us with both our phones.
After dropping off and picking up D and M for Mass at the Oratory, we went grocery shopping in Bloomfield, and for burgers, fries, and shakes at Shadyside.
MON 16 DEC 2019- Took 1.5 Water Exercise classes with Cathy. Received a gift from her. Got some kibbee from Nelly's Restaurant. Visited with a friend in S Oakland; caught up after a hiatus. Back home to switch shoes (It's sleeting out)...
TUE 17 DEC 2019- Brought apple pie for the potluck following the NHI meeting at work. Lots of diverse, healthy, plenteous food! Neither stayed to stop by the gift shops, nor to attend the work party. This evening went to the composting meeting for the building! (Skipped Jeopardy!)
WED 18 DEC 2019- Texted toogies and called with D and M, not a "very deep subject." So I stayed close.
Tnshia stopped by, gave candy for the Christmas, Holidays.
Stayed home in the late afternoon and forward...
Building party, and chatted with people from my floor (DS, JM), as well as with others. More delicious food!
THU 19 DEC 2019- Physical therapy was cancelled, visited with a new friend in S Oakland for most of this morning. Lunch with Jen H (whom I know via choir), I had an Impossible Burger with beets and goat cheese. Ran an errand for M in Shadyside/ Friendship area. Last Thursday choir practice before Christmas...DKF had us order our music, starting with the prelude pieces, then practice them! Jana made snacks for us, homemade rye sourdough 16-hour bread made from her 6-year-old local base.
FRI 20 DEC 2019- Early morning procedure for M. D and I accompanied. Took ~5 minutes total. We waited. Also was seen by Dr JL. Dropped me off in time for my afternoon project on a LASER-cut pin/magnet. Decorated sparsely with Sharpie markers. Spray-shellacked the wood. Selected 2-ply embroidery thread to enhance the surface.
Went back, had lunch, and then took a nap. MM stopped by with pot roast for us! We handed off yummies/munchies for the family. Watched NBC Nightly News, then watched Jeopardy! with M after MM left.
SAT 21 DEC 2019- Party at Dr Pat's home for the holidays. Brought a very large tray of eclairs. Lots of delicious, mostly Pinoy Potluck food. When they broke for their (PAMS) meeting, Mtta, her boyfriend, Katrina, Myrna, and I enjoyed dessert. Some of us decided to attend the Epiphany-week Mass and Polish choral concert, in which Mtta will sing.
SUN 22 DEC 2019- 4th Sunday of Advent! Fr Steven Lowery from the Oratory celebrated Mass. Ted W was the sacristan for the morning. Luke, Luka, and Eleanor served. Perrin H (1) and I (2) lectored the readings. Angelo cantored, Ken provided music from the console of the von Beckerath, the choir sang (also from the loft), and Don conducted the music.
The music included:
Entrance Antiphon: Skies, let the Just One come forth like the dew,...
Entrance Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (verses 6 and 7)
Kyrie: Mass VIII
1st Reading: Is 7:10-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24- Richard Proulx
2nd Reading: Rom 1:1-7
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia- Jacques Berthier
Preparation of the Gifts: Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming- Michael Praetorius
Sanctus: Mass XVIII
Acclamation: Save Us, Savior of the World
Amen: Community Mass
Lamb of God: Missa Emmanuel- Richard Proulx
Communion Antiphon: Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son- Robert Farrell
Communion Meditation: The Angel Gabriel- Arr. Austin Lovelace/ Text Sabine Baring-Gould
Recessional Hymn: Awake, Awake and Greet the New Morn
D had brought the Baby Jesus from the creche/ belen to be blessed after Mass. He said that ~ 50 people were having their Baby Jesus blessed.
Chatted with S after choir (re: the Virgin of Guadalupe).
Lunch afterwards at M and D. Sent photos of the spinning German creche/ belen to J O and K.
MON 23 DEC 2019- Water exercise class with Ann, Sandi, Pam, Ilana, etc. as led by D. Got description of the exercises. Tried some peach flavored Silk almond milk yogurt right before my physical therapy appointment with TD. Changes coming, due to my two compression contraptions. Had dinner with D and M, watched Jeopardy! k and K arrived, LM stopped by to drop off presents from WA's family. We enjoyed more food, including spinach/ artichoke/ parmesan and blue crab salad dips, freshly debrided sweet pineapple, and K's homemade fruitcake with drunken fruit. We exchanged gifts, and k and K gave me a pair of earrings made from lamp glass, by Pam Roberts. I love the color, because I wear and make jewelry of this dark teal color.
Advent Sunday 01 DEC 2019 to SAT 14 DEC 2019
SUN 01 DEC 2019- Watched the midmorning Mass with M via television ministry. D was EECM at noon Mass (and for us).
MON 02 DEC 2019-Made a dental appointment. Attended two water exercise classes (led by substitute teachers Doug, and Mary Beth, respectively) early today. Made two sharp cheddar-red and yellow bell pepper-zucchini quiches for dinner. Signed up for another year with the As-Pittsburgh SEED committee, during our meeting. (I dialed in). "We did all we said we can do!" declared B and K, I replied that's good [for us].
TUE 03 DEC 2019- Did my work self-evaluation online this morning. Also took care of some work reporting. Had more quiche for lunch today. Typing and crafting FBook post for family.
WED 04 DEC 2019- Went to Bible Study for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, cycle A. Fr Mike D and 11 Secular Oratorians and 2 Oratorian Bros Joel and Mark attended. I proclaimed the Gospel reading, Mt 3:1-12
for the group. I brought up a point re: our discussion of the 2nd reading (Rom 15:4-9)
the "house of sand," and the fact that Christ draws us close/ holds us together; and there is a reading from Peter that says we are the "living stones" of the Church. A point I was not able to bring up in the discussion was how, in drawing us together, Christ is the opposite of entropy (the way of the world), which is visible at work in the cinematic movie Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance. Christ is the invisible glue that holds us together, in harmonic relation to each other...the grout, no, the mortar that draws us, the living stones together.
Tnshia and trainee Mchll stopped by today.
Went to a meeting and to get gifts for the holidays today.
Cleared up questions about the two new phones from this weekend.
Made plans for after the New Year.
Tried on my Jedi outfit for the museum's After Dark: Star Wars event...Ironed two cotton items in preparation.
THU 05 DEC 2019- Had a morning physical therapy appointment, then another appointment in South Oakland. Choir practice for Christmas and the remainder of Advent.
FRI 06 DEC 2019- Set an appointment, then went to it late morning. Went to work at the museum's Star Wars Episode X: Dippy Strikes Back for the After Dark's Friday event. My Jedi costume was rather convincing; I think one of the admissions staff thought I was a visitor arriving early, at first.
Anita took photos of those of us in Star Wars outfits before we went to the floors. My Jedi outfit was composed of a polyester layer, my aikido gi, an acrylic long cardigan with hood, and a "Jedi" robe, all over a pair of khakis with a smalll lightsaber, and a pair of black gloves. AL thought that I had purchased a Jedi Knight costume; "no, just items from my wardrobe" I told her.
The Intergalactic Specimen table was my headquarters for a good portion of the evening; Christine did an excellent job of gathering specific information about the specimens, aka "Earth-based specimens which are similar to specimens which may be found in the Star Wars movies," as I stated to the visitors. There were botanical (notably Mollusca and Plantae), geologic, and insect specimens at our end of the table, along with Star Wars antique paraphernalia, and bobbleheads from J's personal collection. During my two assigned breaks I visited
Lightsaber training by Corsair, a local Pittsburgh fencing club
Ewoks of Endor in Dinosaurs in Their Time, with a visual message from Princess Leia
Dinosaur Light Show
Kyber Crystal Spectroscopy Demonstration
all over/surrounded by the sounds of the Music of DJ Bill Jakub of PVU Event Group
Nancy transported me afterwards.
SAT 07 DEC 2019- Went shopping in Bloomfield with M. Chatted with Sarah R in the early afternoon while waiting for DR to go to see Frozen II at the Dolby Cinema at the Waterfront. Excellent movie! Into the Unknown!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4520988/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1
Pot Roast for dinner tonight.
SUN 08 DEC 2019- Relaxing morning with physical therapy exercises at home, went with D and M to the Oratory for an afternoon Mass. Fr Paul Werley celebrated the Mass, assisted by Br Joel. Pot Roast for dinner again.
Language/ Vocabulary Lesson:
The odor of rain on dry soil is petrichor = alimoong [Tag]
MON 09 DEC 2019- Water exercise classes led by Cathy (1.5) today. Went with TMc, D, and M to a healing service in Mville. Quite moving, especially for M.
TUE 10 DEC 2019- Dental cleaning appointment with T @ Dr G's office, with a check-up by Dr G. Hmmm...
MVK and I met for lunch, at Big Bird's palenke. Gave her a book of recipes which she would like.
Watched Jeopardy! with M.
WED 11 DEC 2019- Bible Study, with Fr Mike D, 2 Oratorian Bros Joel and Mark, and 17 Secular Oratorians. Fr Mike, et al. brought up the issue that a fertilized egg, a.k.a. a zygote is the beginning of life, as there is the genetic code for an organism, namely, in this case, a human; and how it is supported scientifically. I then pondered the fact that we refer to the "primordial soup" from which the genetic material arose as "the beginnings of life." Hmm. Something to consider.
Tnshia and Mchll stopped by. Ran into my neighbor, RF, too.
Stopped by at work, ran an errand in central Oakland afterwards. Went grocery shopping in Shadyside/Friendship, and also reloaded value on my bus pass afterwards. Contributed sushi maki to dinner of broiled pollock and vegetables and rice.
THU 12 DEC 2019- Called Dr G's office. Went to physical therapy, Katie assisted me, with TD discussing an experiment. Took a nap in the late afternoon, waited for D and M whilst they attended their building Holiday party. I watched part of the Mass of Our Lady of Guadalupe from St Paul Cathedral on television. Bishop David Zubik celebrated the Mass. Ken was the music director. Music, mostly sung and accompanied by choir (in which I spotted Chuck M and Cathy B-A) and mariachi band, punctuated the Mass.
First there was the procession, then veneration of Our Lady (with many participants presenting her with long-stemmed roses), then canciones, the Liturgy of the Word (the Gospel was proclaimed by Fr Jay, as well as his heartfelt, interactive Homily). There were prayers said in Spanish and English directly after the Homily by two young students, and various of the General Intercessions were proclaimed in various languages, including en Espanol, Deutsche, Portuguese, and Tagalog. El Condor Pasa was played, with liturgical lyrics, soon after the Intercessions ended, and also as the Offertory hymn.
I spotted Judi M and Tante Mimi in the congregation, which was smaller by at least half (than just a few years ago). Maybe people are fearful of being deported, or have already been deported. What a shame that some cannot worship openly. This country was founded by people under religious persecution...
FRI 13 DEC 2019- Went for a water exercise class, led by Cathy. Had lunch, then worked on some hand-sized sculptures, stopped by D and M, to see if they needed assistance. Got a haircut by L. Dinner over the NBC Nightly News, and Jeopardy!
SAT 14 DEC 2019- Stayed overnight to avoid the sirens circling the block.
Saw with DR a sneak preview of Spies in Disguise, an animated film with Will Smith that will open 25 DEC 2019.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5814534/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
It was a delight to see it with an audience of predominantly children and their families. The puns and the jokes---both visual and not---were hilarious. Music was appropriate for the film.
Off to the North Shore with DnM again today, for lunch at a tea and coffee house. Plans for tomorrow gelling. This evening, off to an annual party in Garfield.
