TUE 01 DEC 2020 to WED 23 DEC 2020
TUE 01 DEC 2020
This Science article came across my phone early this morning:
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/11/absolutely-remarkable-no-one-who-got-modernas-vaccine-trial-developed-severe-covid-19
and at 8.00 the BBC News update in Pittsburgh stated that the USA is in the "worst stage" of the SARS-Covid-2 virus since its outbreak (early in 2020). Dr. Anthony Fauci was interviewed, with his stating that we must "wear a mask uniformly,...avoid close contact,...and (stay) out of crowds." All wisdom we have heard before, but so difficult to do as a country.
Right before the top of the hour, WQED broadcast the song "Around the World in 80 Days," a favorite tune for D to whistle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3llx6XK0Ew
Mid-morning I registered for a seminar at the University of Pittsburgh, and received sad news from the leader of our museum, Steve Tonsor. Here is a large excerpt from his email to all colleagues:
~~~
Dr. Mary R. Dawson (February 27, 1931–November 29, 2020) was a member of the curatorial staff of the Section of Vertebrate Paleontology at Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CMNH) from 1963 until her retirement in 2003, including service as Curator and Section Head for most of those 40 years. Upon her retirement, Mary became Curator Emeritus and continued to visit her CMNH office to conduct research and socialize with colleagues every weekday until the COVID-19 pandemic forced the museum to close this past March, a total span of 57 years of stellar contributions to the paleontological world and Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Mary is widely recognized as one of the foremost vertebrate paleontologists of the modern era and a pioneer who helped forge a path for women in science. In 2002, Mary became the first American woman to receive the Romer-Simpson Medal, considered the highest honor bestowed by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP). She was also only the second woman to serve as SVP president, from 1973 to 1974. SVP’s Mary R. Dawson Predoctoral Fellowship Grant, which recognizes and supports graduate student research, is named in her honor, as is an endowed curatorship of Paleontology at CMNH.
In accord with her family’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. Those wishing to honor her career and lasting effect on CMNH’s success can contribute to the Mary R Dawson curatorial endowment. Please send checks to Clark Crowley-Bunyard, director of development for CMNH.
~~~
I used to spot Dr. Mary Dawson in the breezeway, either coming or going at the end of a day with the fossils at the museum. She sported a cane and a slow limp, we spoke a couple of times about geology, probably because of our matched speeds. She is a true treasure to the museum and paleontology!
~~
Signed up for a seminar at PITT, and emailed several individuals at PITT regarding teaching/doing curriculum development to teach teachers in my area of expertise. Set up an appointment for later this week with a faculty member.
Busy ~as meeting, and a meeting with NMB after for ~ half an hour. I'll be presenting a seminar in FEB. Pretty exciting!
WED 02 DEC 2020
Bible Study for the 2nd SUN of Advent. Study led by Fr Mike Darcy. D and I attended, along with a handful of others, including Laura D, who read the 2nd reading and commented on Mad Max, the 1st reading by Isaiah, and the 2nd reading by Peter. Wow. The readings for Sunday will be:
2 PT 3:8-14 and
Gospel Reading- MK 1:1-8
I made a comment after discussion of the Gospel had started, noting that it was interesting that John the Baptist mentioned a motion of stooping down to loosen Christ's sandals, for on Holy Thursday Jesus mentions a New Commandment to love one another: As (he) stoops down to wash their feet, (they) must wash each other's feet. "We must Do Good Deeds and Serve Each Other," I stated. I also noted that the 1st and 2nd readings mentioned events within geologic time ("...The rugged land shall be made a plain..." Isaiah 40), which I said indicates that "God is here to help us overcome obstacles...God is in it for the long haul." Finally, I mentioned that "in the desert (one) can see the history of the planet Earth (as opposed to more highly vegetated places). It is there that (one) can meditate on the relation of (one's) self to God, others, and the Earth."
Right before Bible study there was a last-minute time reschedule for early afternoon Zooming with Cassie Q. After CQ and my Zoom session, I pored over M's shopping lists and consolidated them, then headed out to grocery shop at Friendship/Shadyside, then to do the same at Shadyside (chez Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila), then supplies shopping in North Oakland. Dinner was sushi rolls/ nori. M, D, and I watched the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree, followed by an hour of the Rockettes. Or, should I say, mostly vintage seasonal Christmas footage from Radio City Music Hall of the famous chorus line. They dance, they sing, and they are multi-talented. The footage featuring their toy soldier act was one I recalled from on of our Christmas visits to New York City.
THU 03 DEC 2020
Leisurely morning. For breakfast, I heated up (with an egg) the heel of the bread I made earlier this week. Had lunch chez D and M. Worked at home for a bit. Headed to D and M's, did some computer desk work. Washed another one of my many face masks (as usual), and my bandanna head gear as well.
Since Jeopardy! was preempted yesterday by the Steeler game (Steelers are 11-0 this season-!), M and I were pleased to see Jeopardy! back on the air here. Then, D, M, and I rented and watched The President's Lady
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046204/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
a movie about Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the USA. The film starts with the meeting of his future wife in Tennessee, and ends with him as as President, in 1829. Since they married---and lived in---what was then the frontier, there were adventures galore for the couple. The interactions with the Black help, and their adoption of an orphaned Creek baby were notable during the film. The protagonists, Andrew and Rachel Jackson, were portrayed by Charlton Heston and Susan Hayward (who at times bears a striking resemblance---in appearance and manner---to Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind).
FRI 04 DEC 2020
I awoke early to make a list of items to accomplish today. Retrieved the frozen chicken, and (after a lunch with D and M of toasted everything bagels with cream cheese and lox, paired with Arnold Palmer's fresh tea drinks), we started preparing arroz caldo. Boiled 3/4 dozen eggs for sandwich makings for tomorrow's lunch. Set up the daily Mass for M on her computer; she ended up watching the recorded episode from this morning on television at ~17.12 instead. We enjoyed the arroz caldo for dinner, M and I watched Jeopardy! afterwards, and moved items in the guest room around.
SAT 05 DEC 2020
Helped M with 2 emails. Since they had received some bedding today, I helped them to register their purchase. Sent an email to a friend. Went home (thanks to D), spoke with DR, who will stop by tomorrow afternoon.
SUN 06 DEC 2020
Went to D and M's to watch the 10.00 Mass. All adults and people on the altar for the Mass wore masks---Black or dark gray for the priest, altar servers, and the cantor; the lector wore a white one. Fr Kris spoke about the importance of wearing masks during the service. The scheduled lector was Gregory Thomas. There was a tall young man as one of the acolytes, and the very young towheaded boy with glasses was the other. Linda O was our fearless cantor, with the organist.
We sang
Entrance Hymn- Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you O Israel
as well as various other parts of the Mass. There was no Gloria (it being Advent, and all).
Fr Kris made certain to mention all 3 readings in his homily. He spoke about being successful in various endeavors or fields, and how they all require a good deal of training....but how we don't think about that with respect to our spiritual life. He also spoke about Advent, Comfort, John the Baptist, St. Augustine ("I fear Jesus will pass by me, unnoticed") , and Eternal Life with God.
At the end of Mass, Fr Kris mentioned that the wearing of masks was required (for all attending Mass) in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Had lunch of egg salad sandwiches with D and M for lunch. DR stopped by, and now I have an Art Deco glass brick that sparkles; I am thankful for it, the snowman design, and the light it will throw into these last few days before the Winter Solstice.
Made up a list, checked it twice (against M's list), just to find out what to get at the store. Headed out to get groceries---this time got at least twice as many groceries---at the Friendship/Shadyside grocery store. Also returned what I had got for M (chez Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila), and got some makings for pasta sauce, as well, there.
Dinner with D and M, work on a table to keep track of stuff, did some trivia games with M on the computer. Time for sleep!
MON 07 DEC 2020
D and I attended the Mass via the television ministry. Today is Auntie M---g's anniversary, as we were reminded by Auntie EV. I wrote in reply:
(Remembering) Auntie Mimang!
Auntie
Mimang today, right before the Immaculate Conception. We love you,
Auntie Mimang, but that pales to the love of God for you. You are
eternally with God now. We will attend Mass by TV now, with you in our
minds & hearts.
Love, MAfter lunch of macaroni and cheese, I brought some chicken legs and chicken thighs to my freezer for storage. I listened to NPR's Fresh Air with host Terry Gross interviewing Kate Winslet. Headed to D and M's, with 4 out of 5 parols lit for the Advent/Christmas season at their home. While M attended the (pre-recorded morning) Mass, I was sent on an errand to search out the embroidered runner for their chest. No dice.
What 7 ICU nurses want you to know about COVID-19 in the Washington Post.
What seven ICU nurses want you to know about the battle against covid-19.
Also from this afternoon's electronic Washington Post:
Rudolph W. Giuliani, President Trump’s personal attorney, has contracted the coronavirus. The 76-year-old, who is being treated at Georgetown University Medical Center, traveled to Michigan, Arizona and Georgia last week and met indoors with state lawmakers to persuade them to overturn the election results. Giuliani was not wearing a mask during the meetings. The Arizona legislature is closing for a week because of the exposure.
Rudolph W. Giuliani, President Trump’s personal attorney, has contracted the coronavirus. The 76-year-old, who is being treated at Georgetown University Medical Center, traveled to Michigan, Arizona and Georgia last week and met indoors with state lawmakers to persuade them to overturn the election results. Giuliani was not wearing a mask during the meetings. The Arizona legislature is closing for a week because of the exposure.
After dinner, M and I watched Jeopardy! with Alex Trebek. Then, helped M with sending some emails.
TUE 08 DEC 2020
Maggie Keenan, 90 going on 91, of the United Kingdom,was Patient A---the first non-trial patient to receive Pfizer's COVID vaccine early this morning (BBC News via radio). This morning, I caught up with work for a future presentation, emails, and Spanish lessons and practice; had a work mini-MEGA meeting for my Education sub-department, retrieved my cane-chair, and went with SH to the post office and main branch of the library for boxes and for a book pick-up. Round trip was from 11.30 to 13.00. After lunch M and I with D packed 3 Christmas boxes for Uncle Dino's family, for J O and GMc's family, and for k & K. Too late to deliver them to the post office today. Looked up cost of mailing 3 large boxes (base prices). Helped prepare and eat dinner, after which we watched Jeopardy! and at 20.00 I watched the pre-recorded Mass from St Mary at the Point in Downtown Pittsburgh. Fr Ed Muge and another priest celebrated the Mass, with a guitar music provided by a young woman. It was followed by Eucharistic Adoration now. Worked more on my future presentation, helped M with the laundry sorting, and helped D prepare written materials for Bible Study for tomorrow morning.
WED 09 DEC 2020
Awoke to set up D on M's computer for our morning Zoom Bible Study meeting. I set up my computer in their dining room to Zoom, as well. The readings were for this coming Sunday, Gaudete Sunday (B). I was honored to read the 1st reading from Isaiah. Great discussion points. Afterwards, we had lunch, I sealed the last of the 3 boxes for shipping Christmas gifts: J O and family, k and K, and Uncle Dino. Then, D and I loaded 2 in my rolling backpack, and he carried the last large Priority Mail flat rate box. When we arrived at the post office, the line wrapped around the building into the parking lot. We also got stamps, in addition to purchasing additional insurance for 2 of the 3 boxes. I dropped D off at home and headed to Friendship/Shadyside and then to
Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside for food and dinner tonight, resulting in 4 large boxes and one bag. I, alone, loaded and unloaded the trunk with all those items. M is watching the 17.00 Mass before dinner. Just waiting for all of us to be ready to eat dinner. While watching WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh's NBC affiliate station, I just learned on the 6 PM News Program that Governor Tom Wolf tested positive for COVID on Tuesday and is isolating and working remotely from home. He wrote a letter (Press Release?) that stated that no one is immune to COVID-19.
Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside for food and dinner tonight, resulting in 4 large boxes and one bag. I, alone, loaded and unloaded the trunk with all those items. M is watching the 17.00 Mass before dinner. Just waiting for all of us to be ready to eat dinner. While watching WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh's NBC affiliate station, I just learned on the 6 PM News Program that Governor Tom Wolf tested positive for COVID on Tuesday and is isolating and working remotely from home. He wrote a letter (Press Release?) that stated that no one is immune to COVID-19.
Dinner chez D and M was take out sushi. M and I watched Jeopardy! then I watched a National Geographic TV Channel episode called Scammers while M spoke with J O after D dropped the capiz shell wreath. Quite interesting television show. M called me back to the library/study to see the email for a remote appointment for D tomorrow, and the scam protection email, too.
THU 10 DEC 2020
Fielded a morning call for D's appointment today. Breakfast included a taste test of two shapes of sourdough bread. Sent MMc a recipe for latkes to make while waiting for their Christmas care package to arrive. I'm making time for Duolingo shortly. Helped D prepare for the virtual doctor appointment. Helped M by typing the 2020 Holiday Greetings.
New emailthis afternoon from our boss, Steve Knapp, stating:
"Governor Wolf today outlined new
mandatory restrictions in response to the dire spike in COVID-19 cases
throughout Pennsylvania and the entire country. As a result of these new
statewide restrictions, our four museums will be closed to the public
effective this Saturday, December 12, through Sunday, January 3, 2021."
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, right before 5.00 this morning:
The NBC Nightly News tonight reported 3103 USA deaths due to COVID on Wednesday. M and I will watch Jeopardy! tonight, soon.
FRI 11 DEC 2020
Took care of some computer business this morning. Lunch of leftover stuffed multi-color pepper steak with rice. Went to the library to pick up a book. (Retrieved the electronic reading of the book later today.) Dropped off some items at home (no mail yet). Also left items on the donation shelf, including a CD RW drive, and some bottles of hard contact lens cleanser. CMJ and I Zoomed, comparing notes of COVID in the USA and Europe. Emailed my Gaudete Sunday buddy, LP, this: "Because my parents are homebound now, I am the go-fer/errand person. I get a thrill every time I go to the grocery store!"
After dinner of combination pancit with pepper steak, we watched the NBC Nightly News, and pause the program that follows it, which is Jeopardy! I suspect that M and I are watching this partly because the host, Alex Trebek, has already passed away and we want to see the last episodes with him in them, those episodes leading up to Christmas, when his last recorded episode will be broadcast. We look forward to each episode leading up to Christmas, at the same time dreading Jeopardy! without Alex Trebek.
After a while, watched part of an episode of Carol Burnett with M!
SAT 12 DEC 2020
Slept in/well. After morning readiness, did some language lessons online. Also signed up for my alumnae Book Club! Read some of The Other Americans (I'm at chapter 2), by Laila Lalami, paired with the audio book, concurrently. Made fresh, homemade guacamole (sin cilantro) as an appetizer for dinner. After dinner, M and I watched a Jeopardy! recent-season rerun. Enjoyed some mango. Borrowed a book on Learning Styles by Howard Gardner.
Seems to me that many politicians are engaging emotion, at the expense of allowing voters to consider logical argumentation. One Sad state of affairs. The words "sedition" and "emperor" have all been used to describe a politician. On national television, nonetheless.
Worked on a presentation for teachers.
SUN 13 DEC 2020- Happy St. Lucy's Day, and Gaudete Sunday!!
Woke early to check email and to practice language lessons online. Also worked on a presentation.
Attended the televised Mass from the Cathedral with D and M. Fr Michael Darcy from the Oratory celebrated the Mass, with Deacon Tom Berna. The two servers were Luke and our regular acolyte. Pamela Iannitto was the scheduled lector. Christina McC was the cantor, with Ken D accompanying her from the Beckerath console. Fr Mike discussed the "I am-"-ness and the "I am not-"-ness of the Christ, and of Christ's followers, including John the Baptist and Peter. There were echoes of discussion topics from our Bible Study this week woven into the homily.
Lunch was burgers, fries (bacon and no salt), and a shake.
Made an errand run for hair care, cold remedy, and oral care. Shared drops with D and M. Set a recording for Snoopy and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" tonight, on PBS!! This will be followed by a Board Meeting for a nonprofit which with I am affiliated. The meeting lasted 1.5 hours, and was quite productive, with ideas for fundraising during SARS-COVID-2. MAM had some awesome ideas, too. Sent some electronic Christmas and Holiday cards!
MON 14 DEC 2020
Awoke early, did some language lessons, updated some access for M online, and signed up for an online promotion, worked on some online issues, had lunch, sent more electronic Christmas and Holiday cards, took a little nap, got an email with a link to the kids' performances at the nonprofit. How delightful was that! (I had helped M to make adobong pata and also to make Jell O.)
On the NBC Nightly News I observed a nurse from Long Island become the first USA person to receive the Pfizer SARS-COVID-2 mRNA inoculation this morning. She sounded as if she were of Jamaican origin, or from the Caribbean.
Soon, we will watch a delayed recording of Jeopardy!
Practiced language online and signed up for a meeting.
TUE 15 DEC 2020
Practiced my language online, after eating breakfast. Then attended a Zoom meeting with Sarah Leavens from the University of Pittsburgh who led a class on communal poetry making. Great class!
Then had lunch, and headed home, making phone calls to the phone company. When I arrived at D and M's I collected a list of items for the end of Advent and for the Christmas holiday. Went to Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila for our food supplies. I was disappointed to find that the cabbages marked $0.99 per pound were actually $1.50 per pound (seemed almost like a bait-and-switch, or something!)...I realized that in another time they would have given me the item for free, since a whole bunch of them were mislabeled, but these are not "normal" times.
After dinner and watching Jeopardy! we opened the box delivered from the county Agency on Aging for M, with supplies for COVID: toilet paper and paper towels, packets of alcohol wipettes, a thermometer, a pump bottle of hand sanitizer, lip balm, and hand cream. They really want to keep the senior population well! Disposed of shipping boxes from the holidays. Listened to approximately an hour of my book club book. A full day. Will prepare for the Bible Study tomorrow morning before bedtime.
WED 16 DEC 2020
Bible Study Zoom meeting for the readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent 2020 (B). There were 8 of us, and Fr Mike as facilitator and Emily as techie. I then did a couple of lessons of language online. After lunch, D and I ran some purchasing errands, and to the bank drive-through window. I checked the mail, got a hair care product, and walked with MMcI, with whom I discussed the State of the Snow, and how more would fall tonight. Enough fell today to build a snow pet or snow child. We had an early dinner, to accommodate my work Zoom meeting/informal gathering. Pleased to hear many at the meeting chiming in to encourage SN to write a book. I departed the meeting soon after PH regaled us with stories of being a Jeopardy! contestant ~35 years ago, and we discussed potential timing of vaccinations for us ("Always leave a party on a high note"). Sprinkled my online language lessons throughout the morning and evening, and listened to ~ 1:20 of the book club book. Time to call it a night.
THU 17 DEC 2020
After breakfast I met up virtually with a friend to make a plan and then to share part of my presentation with her. Had pimiento cheese sourdough sandwich for lunch, and, at 13.00, I had a Zoom webinar (presented from the West Coast by Ricardo), then helped M with insurance issues. Headed home to plan how I will organize my papers, etc. during the end of this week.
After dinner, helped D with setting up his KofC Zoom session. Read another 30 pages or so of my book club book. M and I discussed Pfizer vs. Moderna immunizations; storage temperatures and side effects. Time to call it a night.
FRI 18 DEC 2020
I read some emails, did some language lessons online, and D,M, and I called k early, who was cross country skiing at the time. I worked on my presentation, and applied some sunscreen stick to counteract the computer. After a lunch of pimiento cheese sandwiches, M and I heated and glazed the cooked half ham. Then, we carved out sandwich slices and bits for rice and for other dishes. MmmmMmmm, delicious! I tucked some away in my freezer for future use.
SAT 19 DEC 2020
Worked on my presentation, and on online language lessons....I'm getting into a daily groove/rhythm. Also made certain to read the book club book.
Worked on my list of tasks to accomplish---and ways to approach---home organization.
Ran some grocery errands and also to pick up a replacement part.
Watched A Christmas Story until late.
SUN 20 DEC 2020
Today we celebrated the 4th Sunday of Advent (B). Fr John Odeyemi celebrated the 10.00 Mass, with Deacon Tom Berna. The two acolytes were the young male student (regular), and the very young towheaded male. The scheduled lector was Sally Busch, and Kimo Jung was the sacristan. Becky cantored accompanied by the organist, who was at the Beckerath console.
During his homily, Fr Odeyemi addressed why the 4th Sunday of Advent exists, and stated that "God's Promises are always fulfillled," and that the "Church will always be here," stressing that the Church is our "relation to God,...not (our relation to) people."
During this time, he also gave an abbreviated version of the Fall of Adam and Eve, including the "Blame Game." The 4th Sunday of Advent is about how "God's Promises never fail." A young woman said "Yes" to God.."Humanity keeps us from saying yes."
My thoughts on the Homily were that: young Mary was not Catholic, was not raised in the Church. She LIVED to help create the Church and respond to the Call of God...And we should, too. As Saint Peter wrote, we are the living stones of the Church.
I went to get some fried chicken for lunch, which was simply delicious, as I dined with D and M.
Pieced together a list of items to tackle for home organization from 3 articles viewed online.
Got the wrong date's Zoom link for my language discussion. (?)
Zoom celebration of kk's birthday!! Fun chats, stories, and fun games...
MON 21 DEC 2020
Woke early, focused on my morning routine of physical therapy, online language lessons, and to read the book club book. At home I organized summer blouses into categories, and stored them in packing cubes in a large storage tote. Organized my vitamins, too. After a quick lunch, I helped M get ready for her virtual appointment with Dr A. Read some stories for online language learning. Sent my recent organization files to a friend.
TUE 22 DEC 2020
Sent virtual Christmas greetings out to friends old and new, and far and near.
Returned a compilation of short stories to the library today. Also picked up some more books there. C was nice enough to take my return!
I had a virtual meeting with my friend, then had lunch, went shopping at the fish market at the Strip District (see television news article, here:
https://www.wtae.com/article/last-minute-holiday-preppers-pack-pittsburghs-strip-district/35056909
)
met up with SN, a coworker friend, to pick up a fiction book about Mary Anning, discussed Mary Anning and the recent movie release with Kate Winslet as the protagonist. Checked my messages. Enjoyed an older episode of Jeopardy! with M. Organized Christmas photos. Helped M with more Christmas greetings for others. Printed the readings for Bible Study for D.Worked some on my presentation for later, in 2021.
WED 23 DEC 2020
Attended Bible Study, as did D (set up his Zoom meeting for him, per usual). Fr Mike Darcy and Emily ran the meeting, and I left early to attend to car repairs. Headed to Shadyside (chez Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila) to get supplies. Helped M with insurance issues; texted k and K regarding meeting them (really)! After some hiccups, mostly due to telephone calls, package deliveries, and a scheduled (then rescheduled) Zoom meeting; D, M, and I drove to meet up chez WA and MM's place, where k and K already were. MM, SC, k and K, D, M, and I convened at first...WA joined in later, and BF waved from the window. We were all so surprised by how tall the young'un was. Gifts were given, chat was had, and helpful hints for storage of presents were exchanged!
Sushi was enjoyed for dinner, D's bunsu called, an older episode of Jeopardy! was watched, I practiced more online language via lessons. I got within 40 pages of the end of a book.
posted by Grace @ 11/30/2020 10:07:00 PM
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