TUE 01 SEPT 2020 to WED 30 SEPT 2020
TUE 01 SEPT 2020
Exercises, etc. before breakfast (coffee iced dessert, peanut butter and jelly). Email from Kimo J for volunteering. Let D know. Met with SH for a short walk to Starbucks and back to our folks' place. Did not stop at anyplace except at the French place to get a photo. Chatted about books for a bit (on the way to and) at our folks' place. Helped M with making appointments, then with correspondences. Chilled/relaxed a bit at home, popcorn played a role in that.
WED 02 SEPT 2020
Awoke and did exercises, as well as 15 minutes bicycling. Last-minute cancellation of Bible Study. Remote meeting with a friend during the late morning. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich for lunch. M and I went for her appointment (chatted in waiting room with a neighbor)...all went fine. The valet Z left an item in the car...I contacted him, and B held it for Z. Dinner, Jeopardy, go home, sleep, have a day, repeat! (Chatted with MVK for a bit this eve.)
THU 03 SEPT 2020
Exercises to strengthen, over to D and M's, lunch of miswa at bolla bolla soup, with empanaditas; shared a Moon Pie with red jelly with M, for dessert. Found some key paperwork for correspondences. Need to take care of those in a timely fashion. Made some phone calls, too.
No one can write the script of what is going on in our World now. (I just finished watching the NBC Nightly News.) Sang a HBday in 3-part harmony!
FRI 04 SEPT 2020
Went to Palenkeng Malaking Aguila in Shadyside, then to grocery shopping in Friendship/Shadyside, then to the drugstore for hair care in North Oakland. Whew! I was tired of being on my feet for a while. Stored some items in cold storage at my home. Watched part of a game with the "Beast" with D and M. Made some phone calls. It's feeling like the start of the long holiday weekend.
SAT 05 SEPT 2020
Easy morning, end of which was spent at D and M's. Ran an errand for M at North Oakland drugstore. Used a coupon at Shadyside drugstore. M had made pork pata with lily blossoms for dinner, which we ate before we watched the 146th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs with very few people, due to COVID-19 distancing. Tiz the Law was the 4:5 favorite, and the local community even posted the name of this horse below All-way STOP signs. Tiz the Law had won the Belmont and Preakness races, but Authentic, an 8:1 shot, ridden by ~30 year jockey John Velazquez, won.
While at home, I chatted with KRD, and traded images and photos.
SUN 06 SEPT 2020
Watched the televised Mass from Cathedral at 10.00. Fr. Dan Walsh, Spiritan priest, assisted by Deacon Tom Berna, celebrated the Mass. Audrey C (Rita M's mom) lectored, there was the usual young man server, and Debbie Z accompanied by the organist in the loft. We celebrated the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time (A), with the Gospel reading being Mttw 18: 15-20. Fr. Dan delivered these thoughts/ quotes during his short homily:
He mentioned the return to the Pittsburgh area (Hays) of Bald Eagles, signifying a renewed interest in nature and in caring for our planet, after events such as Love Canal. There are many young people, some of whom may be at Mass today, point(ing) out inequity and calling our attention (to injustice in our country). "We are called to be the best, (where) all are welcomed and all are loved. With ears and hearts open, we are called to reflect on a kingdom larger than our thoughts,...our imagination, (where) all are welcomed and all are loved."
Removed a rolling backpack of sundry items from M and D's home. Took a nap at home. Had a refrozen berry smoothie. Answered family emails.
MON 07 SEPT 2020
Labor Day! Chatted with LS in the morning. 97% Fat-free all-beef hot dogs for lunch, and Zooming with Lla and Llo and the siblings and some of the pamangkin. Nice day.
TUE 08 SEPT 2020
D drove me to my appointment with ophthalmologist. Saw Erica, then resident, Dr. C first, then saw Dr. W last. He said he would send an email re: my appointment to my specialist. Went to get skin cream before 08 from Shadyside.
Hurried home with a cart of sent files.
WED 09 SEPT 2020
Made a call to FP, then to my wireless service. Had to go chez D and M, because of WiFi necessity while asking for wireless help. D, M, and I skipped our Bible Study group/ zoom meeting today. Scanned some files, including island dance files. Peanut butter and jelly for lunch!
THU 10 SEPT 2020
More neatening up.
FRI 11 SEPT 2020
Patriot Day- commemorating 09/11/2001. More neatening up.
SAT 12 SEPT 2020
Went to N Oakland to get sundry items at the drugstore and the variety store. Flossed this evening! Chatted with JM by phone about COVID impacts on our lives.
SUN 13 SEPT 2020
Grandparent's day. Watched the Mass at D and M via televised service. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Kris Stubna, with two servers (including our usual young man), the scheduled lector was
Jennifer Pease, and Linda O cantored, accompanied by the organist in the loft (DKF?) for this 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
In his homily, Fr. Kris mentioned 9/11 and the National Day of Morning for unborn Children.
He mentioned a prayer that he saw when he visited, a prayer at the entrance of Auschwitz:
O Lord, remember not only the men and woman of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all of the suffering they have inflicted upon us:
Instead remember the fruits we have borne because of this suffering—our fellowship, our loyalty to one another, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown from this trouble.
When our persecutors come to be judged by you, let all of these fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.
Fr. Kris noted that Pope John Paul II, after being shot and nearly killed by an assassin, visited him in Regina Caeli prison.
Peter asked, how often should one forgive another? Seven times? Jesus Christ responded: 77 times! We should have a compassionate heart, and mercy; as pride and violence closes us to Grace.
He mentioned that some people believe that if they behave well, that God will then love them.
But "God loves you already."
We should be "able to love our enemy. Love always wins in the end."
~~~~~
Things have been different, due to the COVID-19 issues: Only some churches (buildings) are open, no Offertory, no collection, no sign of Peace, Communion is distributed to the masked congregants at the very end of Mass, an Act of Spiritual Communion is prayed for those watching the Mass at home, the priest (and deacon or seminarian) cleanses hands before distributing communion (each time), the kneelers are asked to be placed in the down position so that those cleansing the pews know which pews to cleanse, every 4th or 5th pew is open for worship (others are taped off).
~~~~~
Listened on WQED to DKF's concert recorded on 07 AUG 2016. Great entertainment!
MON 14 SEPT 2020
More Cleaning chez D and M. Watched first show of the new Jeopardy! season.
TUE 15 SEPT 2020
Evening Zoom Meeting was canceled. Went home early. This afternoon spoke by phone with MVK, and bicycled for one hour (1 hr) during the phone call!
This evening chatted with JHy, compared COVID-19 hunkering-down notes.
WED 16 SEPT 2020
More cleaning up/ organizing. Watched a pre-recorded lecture on music appreciation, by Professor Orin Grossman, who specializes in George Gershwin's works. He spoke about melody, with respect to W.A. Mozart's "Come to the Window" from Don Giovanni (about which Emperor Josef stated about the opera, "too many notes"- !); J.S.Bach's "Concerto for Oboe and Violin" (which demonstrated how JS Bach could sustain a mood with a dialogue of melodic fragments); the Beatles's John Lennon's singing "Girl," which utilized Elvis Presley's audible intake of breath; Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," as sung by Ivy Anderson in 1932, and the brass/baritone was provided by Harry Carney; L.v. Beethoven's 7th Symphony (he discussed how it was highlighted in the scene from King George's speech on the eve of World War II in the movie, The King's Speech), with its chord rhythm, and repeats of same, introduction of a second melody, which is repeated with the first melody, which, when repeated forte and fortissimo, makes the piece more dramatic. Melodic fragmentation and played by various instruments builds an intensity. And, finally, he discusses George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," which embraces the Blues, Latin/Cuban beats, Ragtime, and Broadway. He mentions the "clash and blend" of cultures as Gershwin takes a Blues melody to a Ragtime style; Ragtime melody to a Blues style; and a Broadway melody to a Latinx/Hispanic style. Twelve substantial questions followed, which he answered in his office in front of a Degas print/reproduction. In answering questions, he mentioned that Paul McCartney "never read music,....he hired people." (This I did not know about Paul McCartney!)
Watched Jeopardy! with M, headed home after.
THU 17 SEPT 2020
New Moon! More cleaning up/ organizing chez D and M.
FRI 18 SEPT 2020
D and I take care of errands for me to visit the PO. Grocery buying at Friendship/Shadyside. Backyard pizza party at WA and MM's home with their family. D, M, and I came over, and k and K drove up with Ira. Marissa got three different pizzas for the 3 households' tables. We also enjoyed soda/pop and individual Pringles snack packs. k and K were to camp out! (The temperatures have dropped from the 80s to the 70s last weekend, then this week to highs in the 60s. It was in the low 40s when we departed.) D, M, and I departed around 19.30, and as we were preparing to leave, BF indicated that RBG had passed away:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg-dies-87-n670701
We all expressed our sadness, and Chris Scalia, the youngest child of Antonin Scalia (a colleague and great friend of Ruth Bader Ginsburg), was on Fox TV News (Saturday morning) espousing friendship with others who have differing opinions. What a great takeaway message. Justices Scalia and Ginsburg shared a keen friendship, replete with photos of them atop a large mammalian land animal, and their appearing onstage in a DC opera!
SAT 19 SEPT 2020
An obituary on RBG's life, written from the point of NPR's Nina Totenberg:
https://www.npr.org/2020/09/19/896733375/a-five-decade-long-friendship-that-began-with-a-phone-call?utm_source=pocket-newtab
M and D and I sang to J O via phone today. D and I went to WA's family for dinner, including corn cooked in the backyard by K, from Natural Sweet from S and B's farm. It was only necessary to cook it ~ 5minutes, and butter was not necessary. The corn was sweet, with no starchy notes, and really juicy! We Zoomed with the birthday girl as a group. Brought some blouses and a batik midi skort for BF and MM. Salad was homegrown tomatoes and basil with mozzarella and pecans. Pasta bake was there, too. We all enjoyed Lolo's leche flan. K said it rated 97%!
SUN 20 SEPT 2020
Today is the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A). The televised Mass that D, M, and I watched at 10.00 had Fr. Kris Stubna celebrating, assisted by Deacon Tom Berna. Tamika was the server, Peter B was scheduled to lector, and Debbie Zugates cantored, accompanied by the organist (DKF, perhaps) in the loft.
The antiphon for the entrance was "God is Love, and Where True Love Is, God Himself is There"
Fr. Kris's homily opened with a quote from Maya Angelou's grandmother, who owned and operated a convenience store in Arkansas, who told young Maya not to complain or whine about anything, for
"when you don't like something, change it;" or "change the way you think about it."
Some of the workers in the Gospel reading (Matthew 20: 1-16a) were skilled at complaining and whining, finding themselves at the center of their own universe. They did not find it easy to be happy for their neighbor. They exhibited envy, ingratitude, lack of respect, and hatred. St. Ignatius of Loyola stated that a lack of gratitude is the beginning of evil. God is generous, and in the parable gives out of goodness. In Genesis, the serpent tempted the human pair:You shall be as gods (self-sufficient).
In the first reading (Isaiah 55:6-9) it says to seek the Lord, who gives us what we don't deserve. When we go to Confession or Communion, each receives the same gift, no matter who we are or what we have done. This (ideally) will change us into Jesus. We are very undeserving, seeing the glass as half empty, rather than seeing it as half-full. The Eucharist is to "give thanks."... Pope Francis has a sign on his office door, in Italian, "Whiners and complainers forbidden from entry."...Open the way to an abundance of God's grace.
The hymn during the Preparation of the Gifts was "Amazing Grace."
The antiphon at the end, during communion, was "Here am I, Lord; Here am I Lord; I come to do your will."
I went to get some supplies from the North Oakland drugstore, ordered lunch from Chinese food in Bloomfield, and promptly picked it up. M and I had a late lunch; k and K and I. Lax came by, I fetched some items k might want, who riffled through them as we sat in their parklet as D, M, and I looked on.
The flowers from their garden and S and B's garden were pretty. I. was relaxed.
MON 21 SEPT 2020
Had a brief breakfast. K and k and I. Lax stopped by for a bit; k and M chatted about an upcoming appointment, K, D, and I chatted about their farm and environs. I. Lax relaxed; all of us in the parklet.
We sent them off, then there was squash-shrimp-coconut milk-onion-ginger soup chez D and M for lunch. I was the designated driver for M and D to go to M's 9S appointment. I picked them up afterwards and made egg pasta-olive oil-tuna-tomato-chopped artichoke hearts-fresh homegrown basil-and a sprinkling of capers dish!
TUE 22 SEPT 2020
After spending most of the morning at home, visited D and M to look into tracking packages from Friday and from 9/11= Patriot Day. Also called e-FAX, and looked into the phones problem, as well as the male that keeps trying to phish for information. I keep saying that FTC could be contacted.
Contacted a bureau today. TUE or WED sat in the parklet with M in the afternoon.
WED 23 SEPT 2020
Attended the Zoom Bible Study with Fr. Mike D (+ 5 or so), for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. As usual, set up M's computer for D to participate, too. Near the end of the discussion, the philosopher Norris Clark was brought up, who spoke of "lived contradictions," what one says vs. what one does.
Also mentioned, after reading the 2nd reading, was the statement by Fr Mike that "the Mass is a memorial of the death by Christ on Good Friday; a Remembrance." The Last Supper is celebrated in Anticipation of Good Friday. The accidents of the Eucharist (the 2 Species of Body and Blood of Christ) recall Good Friday. When, during Mass, we receive ONE of the species, we are, in effect, receiving both species: Body *and* Blood of Christ.
We remember the meaning in retrospect---the suffering/death/ AND Resurrection. The Cross of Christ is central: According to St. Paul, the Cross is key to all else. As Francisco stated during the Zoom session, "We should compare ourselves to Jesus Christ (as in Philippians 2: 1-5), (whom the) Church has at the Center."
Watched a webinar delivered by Catherine A Sanderson of Amherst College on "The Science of Happiness" in the late afternoon/early evening.
Watched Jeopardy! with M afterwards. Watched the first hour out of 3 of America's Got Talent. Headed out. D made certain I went safely.
THU 24 SEPT 2020
Chatted with a friend via video chat. Called the bureau again today to clarify matters. Did the intake forms for my doctor.
Watched Jeopardy! with D and M.
Prayed for CM, who has tests.
FRI 25 SEPT 2020
Did 15 minutes of bicycling: 5 min slow, to warm up:1 min very fast: 3 min slower: 1 min very fast: last 5 min slower, to cool down.
Prayed for CM, who has tests.
Zoom All Staff meeting for us. Great information.
Met up before lunch with SH--stopped at the store for yogurt. Chatted for a bit by Our Lady near the Cathedral.
Afternoon will be devoted to correspondences for M.
SAT 26 SEPT 2020
Did 15 minutes of slow bicycling in the morning.
Errand to Palengkeng Malaking Aguila in Shadyside, then for burgers, chicken nuggets, fries, and shake in Shadyside. Enjoyed this lunch with D and M.
Attended an Oratory Zoom web lecture/ webinar given by Fr Mike: "Hear, then, the parable of the Sower..." on the work of Vincent van Gogh.
He presented evidence that the cut left ear was NOT self-inflicted, but that it was done by his soon-to-be former housemate, Paul Gaugin (Father of the Fauvists). Fr Mike pointed out a doodle by van Gogh of a fish, with ICTUS scribbled around it (ictus being a fencing move, and a play on the Greek word, ICHTHUS). He mentioned a book by Naifeh and G. W. Smith, that was on the New York Times Bestseller list, that mentioned that van Gogh was largely self-taught. Vincent used a text saying that painting arises from drawing. These thoughts about painting were becoming passe at the time that he painted. Fr Mike provided facsimiles of not only drawn studies, but also of paintings that van Gogh produced.
There is reason to believe that a 16-year-old "punk" enamored with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, which toured in France, delivered the shot that eventually killed van Gogh. Rene Secretain is believed by some to have shot Vincent. Fr Mike delivered a counter-argument that (1) an author of the 1960s noted that a rusted revolver was found in the field which van Gogh painted his last painting, and (2) Vincent's brother, Theo, was not told at his deathbed that Rene Secretain was the one who shot Vincent.
It is thought that Vincent was relieved to pass into the next life, being riddled with grief from his father's passing in 1885, his apparent failures as an artist and in a desire to become a preacher, and van Gogh "exacerbated his problems with lust" (Fr Mike Darcy).
We heard and discussed Vincent van Gogh with respect to the Parable of the Sower (after viewing artistically-rendered images by Millet and van Gogh). Fr Mike stated that the seeds and the sower in the parable show how God operates: The parable describes the fate of Christ's seed in us, and how Christ calls us to be sowers---like God (sows Christ in us). "God sows Goodness to create sowers of the world (Fr. Mike Darcy)." Bonum Est Diffusivum Sui, or, Goodness Shares Itself, ...therefore attracts people to itself.
Pollarded Willows and Setting Sun (1888) by van Gogh reminded me of Grandpa Henry, who, by demonstrating pruning to me taught me how prudent pruning can help a plant to efficiently use the Sun's energy (Henry Delima, circa 1988). Fr Mike had pointed out earlier in the talk how van Gogh's Sower series always featured the Sun, a giver of Goodness to the Earth.
Headed home by myself.
SUN 27 SEPT 2020
D and M and I participated in the televised 10.00 Mass celebrated by Fr. John Odeyemi, with Deacon Tom Berna assisting. Two servers helped, Jeff S lectored, and Christina McC cantored, accompanied by the organist (DKF?) in the loft. Deacon Tom read the Gospel reading and delivered the sermon.
After lunch chez D and M, I did some computer work, took a nap, and went home for a colorful project. Went back to D and M's to help with computer, pay a bill, and to have dinner with them. Planned sweet baked goods for this week.
Chatted with the 2 sistahs today with whom I went to college. Caught up on the personal and family news (theirs and mine).
MON 28 SEPT 2020
Bicycled 11 minutes today (7 minutes slow, 1 minute faster, 1 minute Fast, and 2 minutes to cool down). Helped M with the hutch contents. Breakfast of oatmeal. Made Double Chocolate Fudge with Strawberry Jam Layer Cake. D dropped me off for my medical visit in-person.
Walked home after dinner. Today was the last day for very high 70s/low 80s Fahrenheit temperatures. The temperature was ~75 Fahrenheit when I arrived at home.
TUE 29 SEPT 2020
Bought groceries at Bakery Square for celebration food, then went to Friendship/Shadyside, then to Palengkeng Malaking Aguila in Shadyside, for three-vanilla ice cream as part of our lunch and dinner desserts. Treated them to pork shiu mai and chicken lumpia for lunch. Double Chocolate Fudge with Strawberry Jam Layer Cake (made by me) with Golden Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, and Vanilla Ice Cream was our delightful dessert.
After a nap, I went to get dinner in Bloomfield---Chinese lo mein and shrimp and vegetables. We 3 enjoyed those, plus the cake and ice cream. Soon, time for Jeopardy! I have started work on a project for ~as. It turns out that I may have to direct my energies somewhere else. Went home after dinner. Received a package that may have to be returned this evening.
WED 30 SEPT 2020
Bible Study was cancelled at the last moment today. Took care of some electronic issues/questions. Helped out with the vacuum cleaner. Had lunch, with more cake and ice cream. Time to catch up on even more emails...then for a short little nap, then to resolve a water boiler issue and bank issue.
posted by Grace @ 9/01/2020 10:12:00 AM
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