Monday, January 06, 2020

Epiphany 2020 to FRI 31 JAN 2020

MON 06 JAN 2020- Attended 1.5 water exercise classes with CT. Had a small lunch in Oakland before attending my physical therapy session with Katie, as directed by TD. Met Rebekah.
Worked on the RMA for swim items.

TUE 07 JAN 2020- Day before Elvis's birthday. Mailed some prayer cards (3) for M, helped with calling for orders of other prayer requests. Also mailed to J, G, M, and B the Creche from the G family, our neighbors. Mailed an RMA box with 2 items.  Got 20@ 50cent Forever stamps for M, 2 sheets of T. rex stamps for myself. Got M a gold chain for her necklace items from JO. Had mussels with sauce and rice for dinner. Watched Jeopardy! on time delay; we thought that there would be a Tournament of the 3 champions (Holzhauer, Jennings, Rutter) starting tonight, but to no avail on the local NBC affiliate.
Dialed in to ~as for our SEED committee meeting.

WED 08 JAN 2020- Went with D to Bible Study. Readings read and studied were for this Sunday, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
I read the first reading: IS 42:1-4, 6-7
the 2nd reading was: ACTS 10:34-38
the Gospel reading was: MT 3:13-17
 Lively discussion with Fr Mike D, Bros. Joel H and Mark L +11 lay Oratorians.
Went back, Tnsha stopped by.
I worked on phone correspondence, organizing my room, and making appointments this afternoon.
Made (with M) Stuffed Bell Pepper Steak with Rice for dinner. Watched Jeopardy! on the local NBC affiliate; same champion as last night. Still no "3 Champions Tournament." Making plans for the weekend, such as preparing for work this week.

THU 09 JAN 2020- Wrapped ceramic hands (3) and a plaque with wise words from a wise woman for transit. Worked on attaching/ making a pin for a gift, and finishing a wooden neighborly LASER-cut (with threaded laces), then preparing magnets for either A. use as a pin or B. use as a (refrigerator) magnet.
Finished 1 out of 7 files for NRP.
Watched the Greatest of All Time Jeopardy! shows (2) on ABC this evening (3rd of 3 nights) with D and M. GOAT was Ken Jennings, who topped James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter via a 2 out of 3 nights winning points.

FRI 10 JAN 2020- Went to get groceries this morning. Received delivery for D and M, whom I joined for lunch of burgers, fries, and shakes in Shadyside today. Made cauliflower pasta macaroni and cheese for dinner, enjoyed that with bell pepper steak with rice for dinner whilst watching Jeopardy! with D and M.
Called colleague, S, regarding Anzu wyliei and common questions we get about it.

SAT 11 JAN 2020- Worked at the museum, spotlight (Anzu wyliei) 2hrs: 61, most visitors were from the greater Pittsburgh area, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh/ Carnegie Mellon University, and one was from a local high school.
Attended the afternoon anticipated Mass with M at the Oratory. Fr Josh Kibler celebrated the Mass, assisted by Br Leo Dornan and Fr Peter Gruber. M and I went to buy supplies at the local drugstore, then had dinner chez D and M (kare kare), and watched Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time episodes 1/3 and 2/3, as we had watched 3/3 on THU. Typed notes of my work, then blogged self-referentially now.

SUN 12 JAN 2020- There was no choir at the noon Mass today; M and I had already attended Mass yesterday. Relaxing day; Emailed SL re: the exact process of reviewing applications.

MON 13 JAN 2020- Called SL re: reviewing apps.
Water exercise classes (1.5), then to physical therapy (with lots of questions).
Started heating a quiche (which I had made) back from the "frozen tundra" of my freezer.  D and M had gone to Costco. Finished reviewing 5/7 applications. Great pace, 4/4 during 19.00 to 21.00.

TUE 14 JAN 2020- Finished 7/7 app reviews this morning. SHRED time! Visited with a friend, TM, in Oakland. Went for a med appointment after. Prepared further for work later this week. Delicious dinner of chicken, bell pepper quiche, green beans, and various vegetables. Watched Jeopardy! with D and M after dinner.

WED 15 JAN 2020- Bible Study with Fr Peter G with D (+ 10 total). We read the passages for this Sunday, the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. We read and discussed the Gospel first, then the 1st reading (Dorothy), then the 2nd reading. I was honored to proclaim the Gospel reading.
Gospel reading-   Jn 1:29-34
1st reading-  Is 49:3, 5-6
2nd reading-   1 Cor 1:1-3
Tnshia stopped by.
Organized some kitchen cabinets and oven space.
Organized my boxes, ate dinner at home.
Organized late-month brunch meeting with MVK, CPA, and JM
DR pointed out a contestant for America's Got Talent Champions who was the 2011 Pilipinas Got Talent winner. Spoiler alert...
https://fox8.com/2020/01/15/man-shocks-americas-got-talent-judges-by-singing-a-duet-all-by-himself/

THU 16 JAN 2020- Got to an appointment, it was cancelled today.
Started weeding clothes today. Two key guidelines: Does it fit? Are there duplicates (except for uniform-like skirts)?
D and M received a shipment of Maryland blue crabs---and had WA's family and me over for dinner. Delicious dinner, fellowship, and fun. Helped clean up after, handed off their Christmas gifts and MM's birthday gift, too. Left for choir practice.

FRI 17 JAN 2020- Spoke by phone to my friend before the day.
Attended 1.5 water exercise classes taught by CT. Ordered bag online.

SAT 18 JAN 2020- Super Science Saturday Polar Party at work today! Lots of people because of this, and because the weather was particularly "under the weather"...snow, then sleet, then a warmer rain. I spoke with over 99 people about the Mountain Goats scene/ diorama (99+ : 2 hr) today. Most were from PA or WV, specifically local, greater Pittsburgh, Butler, and Morgantown folks (additionally, MD, CT, NJ, GA, NY, and Argentina). Rested up, then watched a recording of this season's America's Got Talent Champions 2, in which Marcelito Pomoy, the winner of the 2011 Pilipinas Got Talent contest (Spoiler alert...)

makes it to the semifinals of America's Got Talent Champions, as determined by the SuperFans.

SUN 19 JAN 2020- Woke early and weeded some blouses from 2+ boxes of clothing. Made cinnamon buns for D and M and me for breakfast. Saw some of the Mass on TV with M, Fr Pf celebrated Mass, with Becky cantoring. Scanned some papers to " 'electrify!' " them.
Went to the DR. Marin Luther King Jr. Celebration Mass: The Struggle Continues. I was greeted by CS. The poster winners (3) and essay winners (3) sat in the central eastern front row. Several rows were reserved for their families and for their teachers and administrators. The Mass of Peace and Justice was celebrated by Fr. Kris D Stubna, assisted by Deacon Tom Berna. Music was directed by DKF, with Ken at the console. The St Paul Cathedral choir with Linda O cantoring provided the music. Lectors were Michael Nichols of St. Maria Goretti Parish (1) and Nadine Powell, of St. Charles Lawanga Parish (2nd reader). Luke, Luca, and Eleanor served.
Music included:
Prelude- Lord, I Want to Be a Christian - American Spiritual
Entrance Hymn- In Christ There Is No East or West
Gloria- C. Andrews
Psalm 40- Call and Response by Linda & the Choir- Michel Guimont
Gospel Acclamation- Alleluia- Jacques Berthier
Preparation of the Gifts- Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen- arr. by J. Bell
Holy, Holy, Holy- People's Mass- J. Vermulst
Acclamation- Danish Mass- Kraehenbuhl
Great Amen- Danish Mass- Kraehenbuhl
Lamb of God- Richard Proulx
Communion- If You Believe and I Believe- arr. J. Bell
Communion Hymn- There is a Balm in Gilead
Recessional Hymn- Lift Every Voice & Sing- James Johnson (text) Rosalind Johnson (music)- Anthem

Went to the drug store for cold supplies, etc.

MON 20 JAN 2020- Took 1.5 water exercise classes with CT teaching. Went for my physical therapy appointment with TD. The impeachment trial begins tomorrow; had an interesting political discussion this evening..

TUE 21 JAN 2020- Had a great museum Interpreter meeting, meeting the associate director and acting director. Had fun with color that afternoon.

WED 22 JAN 2020- Slept in; Tnsha stopped by and will be leaving soon.

THU 23 JAN 2020- Attended choir practice.

FRI 24 JAN 2020- Attended 2 water exercise classes with Do teaching. Caught a ride back with my neighbors, L and N. Received a small luggage delivery.

SAT 25 JAN 2020- This afternoon DR and I visited Mummies of the World: The Exhibition
exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center. We also sat in on a presentation, It's Alimentary,Watson in one of the theatres there.
Dinner was at the Pan-Asian restaurant on Craig Street. We enjoyed Asian pasta dishes.

SUN 26 JAN 2020- I lectored for the noon Mass (1), which Fr. Peter Gruber celebrated. Perrin H lectored, as well (2), with Deborah Zugates cantoring. L and L with Ted served. The choir, accompanied by Ken at the console and Don at the helm, sounded great.
Music included:
Introit- The Lord, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers..
Entrance hymn- Word of God, Come Down on Earth
Gloria- from the Vatican Mass VIII
Liturgy of the Word
1st Reading- Is 8:23—9:3
Psalm 27- Richard Proulx
2nd Reading- 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17
Gospel Acclamation- Alleluia- Jacques Berthier
Gospel Reading- Mt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Gifts- According to Thy Gracious Word- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Holy, Holy, Holy- J. Vermulst
Memorial Acclamation- from the Danish Mass- Kraehenbuhl
Amen- from the Danish Mass- Kraehenbuhl
Lamb of God- Richard Proulx
Communion Antiphon- Look toward the Lord and be radiant- Robert Farrell
Communion Hymn- Follow After Me- A. Motyka
Communion Meditation- O Sacrum Convivium- G. Croce, text Thomas Aquinas
Recessional Hymn- You Walk Along Our Shoreline

SH and CM and I walked out together. C drove me home.

MON 27 JAN 2020- Early morning re-assessment of my electronic security. Attended 2 water exercise classes with Do teaching. Before I went to my physical therapy, I stopped by the 10th floor to check on the Rx for my weak joints. 2nd time, no dice. Worked on computer and bills this evening. Watched America's Got Talent.

TUE 28 JAN 2020- Paid bills. Had Syrian food with Jen H for lunch. Delicious! Took care of insurance issues for D and M this afternoon. Wrapped up some problems with "apple accounts" this afternoon. Watched Jeopardy! with D and M over dinner, watched Ellen DeGeneres's game show with twin guests this evening.

WED 29 JAN 2020- Went to Bible Study, facilitated by Fr. Mike + 9 secular Oratorians.
Tnsha stopped by. This afternoon worked on durable equipment issues. Watched Jeopardy! with M.

THU 30 JAN 2020- Visited with my friend this morning and worked on a grid project (similar to that group project done in BH's class). Bought togs in Oakland. Choir practice in the evening. JA and Lee and I walked together.

FRI 31 JAN 2020- Had brunch with Christina and Jeff in Squirrel Hill. J gave me a lift for me to make an exchange of tog. Plans for the weekend and beyond.





posted by Grace @ 1/06/2020 06:21:00 PM 0 comments

Sunday, January 05, 2020

Dusk, SAT 04 JAN 2020 to SUN 05 JAN 2020

SAT 04 JAN 2020- Started cleaning out a box of files today. BDay card for my neighbor, RF. Ready for a Skype interchange with a newcomer to the Burgh, then for an afternoon with KN at Mass and a choral concert.
We arrived so early that we were there before the priest who helped celebrate the Mass! We parked, then took lots of photos of the church, the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Polish Hill. Z Leszczynski and Marietta Trent had invited us. I had been in the church 3 times before---twice for the Epiphany Mass and the concert after, and once to sing at Maggie and Ken's wedding with Jen---all during Christmastide, when the decorations were in full flourish.
There were at least 2 full creches/belens/ Nativity scenes. One sported poinsettias, the Eastern Star, and the Little Drummer Boy. The main altar was surrounded with fir trees, all decorated with fine lights, and the high cupola of the dome had 4 garlands with lights suspended from it, above the highest stained glass windows,  cascading down. One lit garland ended at the pulpit. There were mini street lights on every 3rd pew row or so. One of the altars was dedicated to the Infant Jesus of Prague. One statue was of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus,with a quote, "I will spend my Heaven doing good upon Earth. I will let fall a shower of roses."
I greeted Fr Nick Vascov before Mass. He celebrated Mass for the full church. There was a priest concelebrating with him, and 2 altar servers.

The Mass was followed by a concert of Traditional Polish Christmas carols, presented by the Karuzela Chorus of Pittsburgh, directed by Dr. Neil Stahurski, who also occasionally accompanied the group on keyboard. Mary-Ann Warholak accompanied on keyboard, Debbie Frauenholz accompanied on violin. The group performed 16 Christmas carols, with only a short break for a free-will collection after a piece in which Margie Gowaty was the lovely soprano soloist. Later in the program, the group performed
"Hymn Bozego Narodzenia" , which shares a tune with "O Holy Night,"

and the last piece was sang by all present. The only members of the choir who did not use sheet music were the handful of children, who sang a few pieces at the beginning and at the end of the program. Fr Nick was seen to be taking photos and/or recording video of the concert.
After the concert, we met up with J and LP, LS (who said that Cristi was there for the Mass), and Margie. Photo ops!
Chatted via Skype with Rafi F.

SUN 05 JAN 2020- Stopped by after 14.00 to say hello to Rose F for her 100th birthday party. Mano po'ed Rose, then explained the tradition to her. Chatted with Judi and with Bettina. Sat and ate lemon cake with  Claire G and Nancy W. Chatted with JAH via phone.

posted by Grace @ 1/05/2020 06:55:00 PM 0 comments

Thursday, January 02, 2020

WED 01 JAN 2020 to Daylight, SAT 04 JAN 2020

WED 01 JAN 2020- Went for lunch with D, M, k, and K to Taiwanese cuisine. The last time we (K, k, and I) were there was with WA's family. We loved the appetizers, but the entrees were salty this time. Probably a different chef. K and k left soon after.
Dinner at ND and BD's, with L-A and E/B C, their friends, there, as well as Tita T and Tito L, D, and M. Tito B came around and brought us there, with appetizers and drinks and crown roast with wild rice and crab cakes and  pork 'n' sauerkraut (it was sweet-ish) and roasted vegetables and jumbo shrimp and coated smelts anddeliciousplenteousness for the new year and new decade. Desserts included
homemade suman with mango flowers by N
leche flan by D
Lindt spherical bonbons/ truffles/ les pralines/ les truffes
Yum!
We caught a ride home with L and T P.

THU 02 JAN 2020- Slow day. Worked on the books in the bookcase in the master bedroom. DR and I went to dinner at Benedum Hall downtown, catered by Big Burrito, before watching Jesus Christ, Superstar.
Dinner was delicious, with homemade bread and dense butter, mixed greens salad dressed with a vinaigrette, wine for those who desired it, and ice water to start the meal.
I had the white fish (sea bass?) on a bed of black beans with cooked pungent root vegetable, perhaps parsnips or radish. Dessert was strawberries compote layered with Angel Food cubes, topped with house-made whipped cream.
The show had a couple of moments reminiscent of the Last Supper, namely, Downstage left and later, Midstage right on the large three-dimensional cross on the floor, the second time with plates.
I was disappointed by the lack of two thieves, and, thus, by the lack of the line, "Jesus, Remember me, when you come into your Kingdom." I was disappointed by the lack of mention or presence of Resurrection. Were those not in Christ's teachings?
All in all, the title of the musical was greatly telling: Jesus Christ, Superstar. In short, the musical play was written to make the "Gospel according to Matthew" palatable to late-20th Century and, too, early-21st Century secular masses. One could draw a parallel to the rise and fall of any pop superstar. But here's the glitch---Christ is much greater than that, and He is beyond that, and perhaps that is why I am disappointed in the lack of the presence of key elements of the faith in the musical. Both DR and I found several scenes rather disturbing. We both found it necessary to decompress after watching the show.
Perhaps the show will make some in the secular audience curious about dominant elements of the faith that were lacking in the production. Perhaps. 

FRI 03 JAN 2020- Heard on the news this morning that POTUS ordered the killing of a top general of Iran via an airstrike. There will surely be retaliation, as discussed by US news analysts, Iranian officials, etc. We are not pleased. Must pray for no/ low retaliation.
Attended 1.5 water exercise classes by CT. Ate lunch at home. Received a mailing with some swim togs. Need to return one of the items. Saw P at M's house. Received a small pewter image of Saint Bernadette with Our Lady of Lourdes from M. Will hear from KN for planning for tomorrow soon...we got in touch with  each other, and made arrangements.
M and I watched Jeopardy! on television, and D, M, and I noshed on dinner, which included vegetable lumpianitas, shrimp ring, dinuguan, and kare kare.

SAT 04 JAN 2020- Started cleaning out a box of files today. BDay card for my neighbor, Rose F. Ready for a couple of Skype interchanges, then for an afternoon with KN at Mass and a choral concert.

posted by Grace @ 1/02/2020 04:27:00 PM 0 comments