Wednesday, December 01, 2021

WED 01 DEC 2021 to FRI 31 DEC 2021

WED 01 DEC 2021
Met at SPC with KJ to find out COVID protocols and to review Mass timings for Masses throughout the week. 
Updated my UG online community profile.
Dinner consisted of delicious leftovers, including pepper steak and smoked bangus, among other things. Did not attend the budget meeting, for which I supplied questions. Bible Study was cancelled at the last.
From today's 17.25 edition of The Washington Post:
"Health officials on Wednesday detected the first U.S. case of covid-19 linked to the omicron variant. Scientists identified the pathogen in a patient in California who recently returned from South Africa, where the first cluster of omicron cases was identified last week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Officials were expecting this, and more cases could be spotted soon as scientists continue to search for the variant using genetic sequencing. Fortunately, in this case, the CDC says the patient has mild symptoms that are improving and that all their close contacts have tested negative."

THU 02 DEC 2021
ndr showed up ~50 minutes early and stopped after 1' 20". Went for an appointment with Jennifer Corbll. Went with D to get groceries in Friendship/Shadyside on the list. The only non-list items were 2 avocados. After dinner, NBC Nightly News, Jeopardy, (and Wednesday Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help) were watched (some by only D and M). Afterwards, I watched an online movie by Little Monster Film of National Geographic called The Rescue (02 SEPT 2021, USA at the Telluride Film Festival), which was absolutely riveting:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9098872/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
The Rescue is the story of a dozen Thai tween/teens and their soccer/football coach rescued from the depths of early monsoon-flooded limestone cave at Mae Sai in June 2018. The Thai Navy Seals soon found that they were skilled for other types of diving than for this rescue operation, and thus enlisted the help of weekend cave divers from around the globe (the UK, USA, and Belgium), who were flown in and transported to the cave entrance. The team was welcomed by a banner, "Welcome to World Best Cave Divers." The film consists of documentary shots, as well as interviews of the cave divers and provides their perspective of the multi-day rescue effort, which consisted of a chaotic atmosphere outside the cave entrance, brought on by the international  press and the early onset of monsoon season; and a calm inner cave. There were pumps removing cave water at a high rate.
SPOILER ALERT
The dive consisted of narrow, murky passages that led to a series of small chambers underground. There was whitewater, making for chocolate-colored, murky waters, and man-made obstacles, making it like "being in space" in some of the inner passages. The cave divers were prepared, with one of them stating that the sport is "2  parts ego, 1 part curiosity, and a need to prove oneself," and it requires one to "control emotions and fear."
The parents and families of the trapped children were praying outside the cave entrance for the success of the operation. Meanwhile, the cave divers took on the great responsibility of bringing out the soccer teens out alive. A holy man, Kruba Boomchum from Myanmar arrived on Rescue Day 8, and the rain stopped. On Rescue Day 9 and 10 there was a continuous line that was not maintained by one of the international divers. There were blessed nylon bracelets with the saying "Believe" on them for the kids. On day 12 a doctor dove in, they brought food into the cave with between 100-200 rations. Derek Anderson, a US Seal, asked, "What does impossible look like?" the oxygen level in the occupied chamber was at 15.2 per cent, as they noted that 18 per cent was the usual lower end of the O2 range. Many of the cave divers, as did some medical personnel, did not think the children should be sedated as they were withdrawn from the cave.
On Rescue Day 14, thoughts included, "I thought about my own children," "the coach (had them) meditat(ing)." A balance between the lack of oxygen and the impending monsoons forced the decision that "If (they) don't dive, everyone will die." None of the Thai Navy Seals would dive, and so the cave divers simulated the extraction above ground. The boys had all decided that those who lived farthest away would leave the cave first, so that they could tell the families of the others that the others were on the way as they went. The equipment for each child included a wet suit, a tank on their belly (for ballast, too), a positive pressure mask, and dosing of Xanax (for anxiety), and of atropine. When the last and smallest guy, who was about 29Kg, was to be extracted, he was small, and worried the diver. When he and the coach were extracted and all had been spirited away in individual ambulance vehicles, a sigh of "Mission Possible" was made. The widow of the one former Thai Navy Seal who perished in the operation stated, "All you need is generosity" through her bleary, teary eyes. One of the cave divers stated that after the operation that he was "babbling" and that his Dad had died just a few hours earlier, and that the rescue was a way to "celebrate Dad." Another diver, upon receiving a medal from Prince William, was asked by his friend, An, "What did he say to you?"
In the credits, it was noted that: Soon after the completion of the rescue extraction procedure, a neighboring town flooded; and that the faces of Thai special forces were blurred to protect their privacy. The nylon blessed bracelets from Kruba Boomchum with "Believe" emblazoned on them, had lifted the spirits of the team. What an uplifting story in the end---a group of quiet, introverted cave divers helped the Thai Navy Seals and civil engineers to rescue a teenage soccer team and its coach from the ravages of an early monsoon season which poured rains into an underground cave!

FRI 03 DEC 2021
Attended an All-Staff meeting for work. Met some interesting people in my breakout room.

SAT 04 DEC 2021
Attended Zoom yoga class led by SCN. H made an audible "vocal appearance" during the class. I was sent out with a list to Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside for groceries. We enjoyed pritong manok for lunch, I had a nap, then helped M change a password. Caught up on this blog.

SUN 05 DEC 2021
Watched the 10.00 televised Mass from Saint Paul Cathedral. Enjoyed fried chicken for lunch.

MON 06 DEC 2021
Drove to physical therapy, went grocery shopping in Friendship/Shadyside, then stopped at the drug store in North Oakland to retrieve familial prescriptions. 
Had an appointment with CheRic, DeSim, and JuMac regarding an addendum to my 2007 document.

TUE 07 DEC 2021
On this eve of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM I received an email requesting a substitute lector. I accepted the post, called Judi M down the hall for directions, and headed out to the church at ~ 17.05. I parked, and a kind usher and his partner chatted with me until Fr Dan Walsh let us in the building, out from the cold. I initially tried to piece together the lector items from The Word Among Us periodical, the weekly bulletin, and the general intercessions booklet until I found the lectionary and the updated print intercessions. M was the altar server, and there was a gentleman who was a Communion minister. Music was provided by the loft by Janet the cantatrice and Chris at the organ console. Morgan kindly took photos of me at the altar after Mass. Janet helped me navigate out of the parking lot.
I particularly like the First (1st) Reading, Genesis 3: 9-15, 20, as it shows the Humanity of Adam and Eve, with all their faults, and their difference from the Divine, and from the animals (particularly from the snake).
Bolla bolla miswa sopa for dinner, with vegetable torta at kanin.

WED 08 DEC 2021
D and I went to his eye doctor appointment in the South Hills. We picked up burgers, fries, and shakes for us and M on the way home. Mom had an afternoon guest for Blind and Visions stop by, Stephanie. We're preparing for dinner now. 
~~~  Watched Jeopardy! (this week is Professor's week), I chatted with D, a choir friend, and then it was time for D and M and I to read and discuss the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent (Cycle C) with our Bible Study Zoom remote group (Fr Mike Darcy + 8). I had the honor of reading the first (1st) reading, Zephaniah 3: 14-18a, a rather "hopeful" passage.

THU 09 DEC 2021
ndr could not arrive in time, so we thought it best to postpone the arrival next week.
Drove and accompanied M to appointment at Mercy in the early afternoon (took route with lots of construction there). Good appointment. Went to WFH for groceries in the Strip District. 
Catching up on blog updates now.
M ordered online groceries and cleaning supplies at WalMart and Amazon.

FRI 10 DEC 2021
Did a merchandise pick up from WalMart with D. Went home via the zoo route.

SAT 11 DEC 2021
Attended Zoom yoga class led by SCN. Another fun(?) car drive with D.

SUN 12 DEC 2021
Watched the televised Mass at 10.00 with D and M. Loaded the grocery bags into the car, picked up SH, and headed to REI to pick up an order. We were fortunate enough to get a parking spot, and after having it delivered to us, seated outside, we tucked in next to the grocery bags and then went for a walk. 
Returned to D and M's for a meal, holiday snacking on J O's homemade cookie assortment, and a well-deserved Sunday afternoon nap. Family Zoom will start within the hour! 
Tomorrow is Sta. Lucia's Day!

MON 13 DEC 2021
I had a PT appointment, and a remote video-phone meeting with a friend. 
Wawa joined D, M, and myself for a lunch of homemade sayote and shrimp sopa, and smoked bangus with jasmine rice.
After the first Semi-Final round of Jeopardy! Professors Tournament, I chatted with JAH in FL. Ordered with M Christmas food from a store in the North Hills, for pick-up tomorrow. Also an REI order.

TUE 14 DEC 2021
This morning was devoted to a work NHI meeting on Zoom.
I retrieved the Christmas food ordered yesterday (and purchased more, at the North Hills store), and did some shopping for more slippers---chaussons de fourrure;;verre!---there. I arrived chez D and M to observe the decorating of Christmas.
The NBC Nightly News was just interrupted by a local affiliate which announced a SWAT team at the Waterworks Walmart. There were no injuries, but the person/s of interest escaped.
Attended an REI Cross Country XC webinar.

WED 15 DEC 2021
Had a remote/video meeting late this morning. Met with SCN and H for a slow walk along FR Trail.
Continuation of the Jeopardy! Professors Tournament Semifinals.

THU 16 DEC 2021
Met ndr at an entrance. Did laundry (2 loads). Tonight was the Jeopardy! Professors Tournament Finals (combined scores from tonight and Friday).

FRI 17 DEC 2021
I hosted the last Grants "Team" meeting of 2021 for PAPAGP. MB, AA, and MCL attended. It was quite productive. AA contacted KPac to update the contact chain. Tonight was the last Jeopardy! Professors Tournament Finals. Prof. Sam of the Operations Research Department at the Naval Graduate Program in Monterey, California won.
Sent a celebratory text to k.

SAT 18 DEC 2021
Slow day.

SUN 19 DEC 2021
Watched televised Mass from St Mary at the Point at noon. 

MON 20 DEC 2021
Late morning PT appointment. 
Made arrangements for S to receive a gift.
Went to run an errand with D across the street.
Soon we will get dinner.

TUE 21 DEC 2021
Afternoon medical appointment. Lab tests afterwards. More tests scheduled for later in the week.

WED 22 DEC 2021
Lunchtime drop-off of a gift for a friend in South Oakland. She liked that it could be shared with her whole family.

THUR 23 DEC 2021
The whole morning was dedicated to nuclear medical tests. T M administered the tests, with time to make a phone call and drink to hydrate and eat a fish and cheese sandwich for lunch between tests. D and M hosted WA and SCMA and myself for dinner.

FRI 24 DEC 2021
Gift for A, borrowed a large stock pot to make Rice Krispie squares with mix-ins (Not including candy chips this time). Used 12 oz of cereal and 1 cup of mix ins, and jimmies as well. Brought it over to D and M's. Wrapped/bagged presents. Picked up chicken and shellfish for lunch and dinner from Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside, and then had lunch. 
SCN and I met for FRTrail, and walked it with H. Stopped for gasoline on the way home. Enjoyed dinner with WA, SCMA, D, and M at the decorated place settings. Watched Amy Schneider win again at Jeopardy! M, D hadn't watched the stop-action animation show "The Little Drummer Boy" when we were younger, so all present watched. SCMA and WA then departed (they had decided, and announced this morning not to go on their transcontinental trip) for home. D, M, and I watch "Christmas Around the World," and at 22.00 will watch the Mass from St Paul Cathedral with Bishop David A Zubik.

The 22.00 Mass started broadcasting some minutes early. Bishop Zubik was assisted by the following priests: Fr. Kris Stubna, Fr John Pfannenstiel, another priest from the same order (a Fr Joe Landauer was mentioned at the end of the Mass?) perhaps there was another, auxiliary Bishop during the consecration. Altar servers included Nathan Sudie, Erica Gammero, Luke, Antonio, and the usual server at 10.00 AM Sunday Masses. Linda Ortenzo cantored, accompanied by the St Paul Cathedral Choir, Ken D at the Beckerath console, the Carnegie Brass, and the percussionist at the tympani. The EECM scheduled for the loft was Diane Mezza. The lectors scheduled were Carole DiClaudio and Peter Blume. Marianne Cornetti, an international opera singer and Artistic Director of Pittsburgh Festival Opera, was featured soloist for "O Holy Night" during Communion, and amazingly filled the Cathedral space, unmiked.
Music included:
Entrance Hymn- O Come, All Ye Faithful
Kyrie
Christmas Gloria
First Reading- Isaiah 9:1-6
Responsorial Psalm #96, Different Melody from previous years
Second Reading Titus 2: 11-14
Gospel Reading, Luke 2:1-14, proclaimed by Fr Kris
Welcome Interfaith: Rabbi, Muslim Imam/Leader, and Mennonite Community Members, Bishop Zubik
Homily- Bishop Zubik
Offertory, During which Bishop Z wore a mask and face shield, and also embraced the offertory folks.
Offertory- Christmas Lullaby- John Rutter
Holy, Holy, Holy
Acclamations
Communion:
The First Noel
Silent Night
O Holy Night, Marianne Cornetti, featured soloist at ~23.30
Recessional Hymn- Joy to the World (at ~23.35)
Deacon Kevin Lander was mentioned in the onscreen notes. There was also another priest who was from ~the same order as Fr Pfannenstiel.
The video for the music preludes through the recessional hymn (Joy to the World) is linked here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvtc3f61OpU

SAT 25 DEC 2021
I awoke ~ 6.35, headed to D and M's home, and then I went to retrieve healthcare equipment from the neighborhood drugstore. As D and M and I watched The Wizard of Oz, 
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/?ref_=vp_vi_tt

from TRIVIA from this website:
When the wardrobe department was looking for a coat for Frank Morgan (Prof. Marvel / The Wizard), it decided it wanted one that looked like it had once been elegant but had since "gone to seed." They visited a second-hand store and purchased an entire rack of coats, from which Morgan, the head of the wardrobe department and director Victor Fleming chose one they felt gave off the perfect appearance of "shabby gentility." One day, while he was on set in the coat, Morgan idly turned out one of the pockets and discovered a label indicating that the coat had been made for L. Frank Baum. Mary Mayer, a unit publicist for the film, contacted the tailor and Baum's widow, who both verified that the coat had at one time been owned by the author of the original "Wizard of Oz" books. After the filming was completed, the coat was presented to Mrs. Baum.

we munched on lunch (mostly chicken and either macaroni chicken salad or pancit). Chatted with a choir friend. Napped ever-so-briefly. Blogged before (now) preparing for a family Zoom at 19.00 EST.
No W & S here today, everyone Zooming.

SUN 26 DEC 2021
Mellow day. Tons of leftovers, so we ate some, including a version of macaroni chicken salad made with casarecce. No Zooming today. Nap in the afternoon.

MON 27 DEC 2021
Same Jeopardy! champion as before the Jeopardy! Professors Tournament. Amy (trans, she/her/hers) is fast with the buzzer, and is often correct. Her obviously pert manner belies a noticeable smugness and lack of sporty behavior toward her competitors. Some are tired of her attitude. She continues to move up the ranks of Jeopardy champions. *sigh*

Earlier today administered a test to T. All okay.

TUE 28 DEC 2021
Zoomed for ~3/4 of an hour with JAD. Chatted about everything. 
Went grocery shopping in Friendship/Shadyside for end-of-Christmas-season goodies and other, more substantial fare.

WED 29 DEC 2021
Biked 15 minutes this morning indoors. 
Dinner was picked up from Chinese restaurant in Bloomfield.
No Bible Study tonight.
Sent CLR festive wishes.

THU 30 DEC 2021
Sent an invite to siblings and a friend for a Revue of Jazz performances online in 2021. 
I checked that out, as well as a set by Richard Marx, but after getting grocery supplies at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside.

FRI 31 DEC 2021
Arrived at D and M's to go out to Walmart for supplies. Stopped at the drugstore for more supplies. Had bread (unbraided challah) baking meanwhile.

Almost time for a Happy New Year. Colleagues are mourning the loss of John Rawlins, the former head of Invertebrate Zoology, who was into Lepidoptera, helped organize and build up the department, ...and chatted with Mick Jagger late one workweek....and the stories keep coming. 
We've been exchanging well wishes for the New Year by email with each other, and likewise for members of choir, which I have been unable to attend in person since the initial lockdown. Jana supplied us, her fellow choristers, with a link to her recordings of Christmas Eve Mass (at 22.00). A lovely set of recordings of our ole chestnuts and a rendition of "O Holy Night" with Marianne Cornetti, who sings from the loft without a microphone, filling the Cathedral. Our new Music Director, Brian Gurley, did a great job of balancing the sound of the choir, and the sound of the choir with Linda O cantoring a block away at the main altar at the other end of the nave.
I'm doing a load of laundry for D and M, with a bit of assistance from D. A little over half the load was Christmas items.
After dinner of arroz caldo, M and I watched the last 2021 episode of Jeopardy! then watched a movie based on a book written by the protagonist's wife, A Man Called Peter (1955), about an immigrant Scotsman's life as a preacher on the Eastern seaboard of the United States. Notable were the silences of the movie character's wife Catherine, especially during key decision-making moments for the family, and also when countered against the outspoken voices of the female old guard at the New York Avenue Church congregation in Washington, DC.
It being 22.57, we have sparkling white and red apple cider/grape juice chilling in the refrigerator, as well as coffee chocolate. We are just chilling with D for the New Year!

The Lead-up to the New Year will be discussed in the 01 JAN 2022 post!
Betty White, beloved actress and wife of Allen Ludden, died today. This was announced on the ABC 11PM News.






posted by Grace @ 12/01/2021 08:28:00 PM 0 comments