Saturday, January 01, 2022

SAT 01 JAN 2022 to MON 31 JAN 2022

SAT 01 JAN 2022
M and I prepared a shrimp ring, black grapes, fresh pineapple slices, crackers with plum jam, chocolate, and wine glasses filled with sparkling apple cider!
D, M, and I gathered around the television set, and watched ABC for the local news, and Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve. Photos/Selfies abound! A guy and his wife from Honey Brook, Pennsylvania won the multi-state Power Ball lotto, as declared on the same television program.

Slept great, as I slept separate from my smart phone. (Good idea for future reference!)

Got news from k and K very early this morning.

Attended SCN's Zoom yoga class at the usual time this morning, with 5 additional classmates. "A good way to start off the New Year," as noted.

I took a well-deserved nap this afternoon, learned and practiced my daily Spanish online, prepared the sweet potatoes for brulees-ing in a 9x13 inch glass dish. Yay! Pot roast and those for dinner tonight.

Chat with LM, dinner w D and M, M Viber to Uncle D.

SUN 02 JAN 2022
The cantor, Linda O, after greeting the congregation and making some announcements, read from parts of the following protocols mandated by Bishop David A Zubik in a news release on the Diocese of Pittsburgh website:
~~~~~
https://www.diopitt.org/news/important-covid-19-protocol-reminders-for-mass-attendance-in-the-catholic-diocese-of-pittsburgh

Important Covid-19 Protocol Reminders For Mass Attendance in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh

December 31, 2021
The current diocesan COVID safety protocols are:

As already widely communicated, the obligation to attend Sunday and Holy Day Mass in person was restored effective Sunday, August 15, 2021. That obligation remains in effect. Those who are sick, have a health risk, or are a primary caregiver, are excused from this obligation.
The practice of extending the Sign of Peace at Mass is suspended until further notice.
The distribution of the Precious Blood continues to be suspended until further notice.
Given the high transmissibility rates, mask-wearing is urgently encouraged for all attending Mass regardless of vaccination status.
Priests, deacons, and all Eucharistic Ministers must continue to wear masks during the distribution of Holy Communion, and at all times except when speaking.
All greeters and ushers must wear masks while welcoming parishioners, should maintain social-distancing, and should refrain from hand-shaking with fellow parishioners.
“As we mark the end of 2021 and look with hope to a new year filled with God’s continued blessings, please join with me in praying for an end to the spread of COVID-19, and for health and happiness for all,” Bishop Zubik said.
The celebration of the Holy Mass, where we gather to worship God and receive Holy Communion, is the heart of our Catholic faith. Given the recent record-breaking surge in positive COVID-19 cases in Allegheny County and surrounding counties, Bishop David Zubik is reminding everyone of the current diocesan safety protocols. He is doing so in order to safely continue in-person Masses throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh. This is also being done as an urgent request for everyone to do their part to remain vigilant and mitigate the spread of the virus.
~~~~~
The 10AM televised Mass was celebrated by Bishop David A Zubik. The altar servers were Erica Gamerro, Episcopal Master of Ceremonies, Luke, the usual 10 AM older teen, and the short, bespectacled student---all stalwart servers at Mass. Vince T was the lector, Ken was the organist from the loft. The Eucharistic ministers were Lynn and Tom B, Fred E, and one more woman. We celebrated Epiphany of Our Lord today. 
Fr Kris Stubna sent the congregation an email which stated, in part, 
"In worshipping, we too will discover, like the Magi, the meaning of our journey. And like the Magi, we too will experience “a great joy” (Mt 2:10).  That is God's promise to us."
Watched with M the end of "The Natural" with Robert Redford, Glenn Close, and Kim Basinger.

MON 03 JAN 2022
Emailed message to the Cathedral choristers received from Brian, Cathedral music minister and choir director, stated that we pause choir activities until mid-month. (I had heard that the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant is expected to start to wane approximately mid-month.)
After Jeopardy! M and I watched Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It (2021). Stars listed were (first) Lin-Manuel Miranda, (then) Rita Moreno. How did Rita get second-billing in a documentary on her own life? I suppose Yoko Ono's statement about women is true (c1969), even today. Well, it was a compelling movie, award-nominated and award-winning, and we enjoyed it:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10741846/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3

TUE 04 JAN 2022
A Mel spoke with M this morning after Mass.
D, M, Wa's fam, JO and GMc, K and k, and myself  chatted and problem-solved via Zoom this evening (EST). 

WED 05 JAN 2022
This evening D, M, and I had our Bible study Zoom meeting---Fr Mike Darcy with 8 of us. Readings were from the Baptism of Our Lord (Cycle C). We read and discussed:
1st Reading--  Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7 (over Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11),
2nd Reading--  Acts 10:34-38 (over Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7),
Gospel Reading--  Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22

Fr Mike pointed out that the reading from Isaiah was from the "Suffering Servant" series. Laura asked about the passage in Is 42:6, about the forming and setting you by God. I said that that passage refers to Jesus: The Lord formed  Jesus, and in Is 42:1 Jesus is mentioned, and then in Is 42:1-4, his qualities are mentioned. In Is 42:6, about the form{ing} and set{ting} of {you} as a covenant of the people, the writer refers to Jesus Christ....The Lord formed Jesus, and Jesus and His followers are referred to in the remainder of the reading, that is, Is 42:7. D mentioned that Mt 12:18 echoes Is 42:1 very closely, almost word-for-word. (Perhaps the foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus in the older book?)

After Mary read the 2nd reading, we discussed various topics in the reading, including how Jesus removed various societal/cultural boundaries: between Jews and Gentiles/Goyim, hagarim, sojourners (what might be called auslanders in Germany, currently)...Jesus removed boundaries between these various groups of people. Makes me wonder whom they considered to be "outcasts" (lepers, orphans, widows, etc.) and whom do we call "outcasts" currently (people on the fringe of society). If Jesus were physically present here now, how would He treat these different people? And we, as followers of Christ, how are we to treat people who are different from ourselves, given that we are Christian?

After Fr Mike read the Gospel reading, we discussed various topics. I mentioned that in Lk3:21-22, the Baptisms of John the Baptist were "concrete" (and with water). The Baptisms of Jesus were "abstract," utilizing the Holy Spirit and fire. Fr Mike mentioned that that same passage noted a rare presence of the Trinity: The voice of God the Father; the Baptism of Christ, the Son; and the presence of the Holy Spirit, in the "form like a dove." 
A reproduction of the painting, "The Ark Passes Over the Jordan," was shared with the group by Fr Mike.

THU 06 JAN 2022
This is the 2nd day or so of hearing about the attack on (Democracy and) the Capitol Building a year ago. Seems like a former Pres tweeted and egged his supporters to storm the Capitol Building to interrupt the verification of ballots there. And that they did. A police officer died in the process, I heard one state recently that they can't raise their arm to this day. A Pennsylvania woman stole a computer from a Senate Office building. People just ran amok: Windows were broken, doors were stormed through, "Support Trump" flags and banners were waved. So much for Democracy.

But Democracy as we know it did prevail, and the ballots were counted.
~~~~~
ndra stopped by this morning.
Made fried rice and seafood torta with M for lunch.
Will chat with LI from NE OH this evening.

FRI 07 JAN 2022
This morning I was proud to BFRinse! This afternoon, I had a telephone chat with another friend. Changes imminent at work! 

SAT 08 JAN 2022
Morning Zoom Yoga Class, SCN (today, with H) and 7 others. Did my daily Espanol lessons, learning, and practicing. Helped out M with the computer and computer communications. Took 2 very short naps. Enjoyed some Irish Breakfast tea with milk. 

Glad to receive an email re: Choir from BG, our Music Director. We are now in a Choir Pause(/hiatus), and the following updated Diocesan guidelines will be met when we emerge:

~~~~~
https://diopitt.org/news/diocese-of-pittbsurgh-announces-updated-covid-19-safety-protocols
          January 7, 2022
In a continuing commitment to care for the health, safety, and spiritual well-being of the faithful in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop David Zubik announces the following updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols for diocesan parishes.  These practices are effective January 7, 2022, and are to be continued until further notice. 
The diocesan protocol updates are based on the dramatic surge in community spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, and will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis as more information from the CDC and local healthcare officials becomes available.
“As Christians and community members, we have a responsibility to protect ourselves, each other and our neighbors.  When we all follow these steps, it will slow this virus, help us keep our churches open and move us toward the day when can once again associate with others more freely.”
Pope Francis, Bishop Zubik, and other Catholic bishops across the world continue to encourage all who are eligible to get COVID vaccines and booster shots as an act of love for all people, especially the most vulnerable. 

Effective immediately and until further notice:
  • As leaders in their parishes and in the community, unless extraordinary circumstances warrant otherwise, all priests and deacons must wear masks during the celebration of Mass at all times, including when preaching and at the altar.
  • Everyone entrusted with the distribution of Holy Communion must wear a mask.  They must also sanitize their hands immediately prior to distribution, and throughout distribution as necessary. 
  • Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, servers, greeters, ushers, lectors and cantors, must wear a mask.  In addition, faith formation leaders, catechists, and those who visit the sick or homebound must wear a mask.
  • Choir members must wear masks at all times.
  • The presentation of the gifts is suspended until further notice.
  • As already directed, the practice of shaking hands to offer the Sign of Peace is suspended until further notice.
  • As also previously directed, those attending Mass are urgently encouraged to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. Based on their age, health history, and family considerations, parishioners must make prudent decisions regarding getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, and staying home if not feeling well. As a reminder, anyone who is sick, feels they are at risk, or is a primary caregiver, as well as those who have serious anxiety about being part of a large group at this time are excused from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass (CCC #2181).
  • It is strongly recommended that any parish events outside of Holy Mass are to either be cancelled, rescheduled, or be held virtually.
  • Livestream Mass options are to continue, to serve those who are not able to come to Mass in-person.
“I am grateful for the faith, love and patience that our people have shown throughout this pandemic,” said Bishop Zubik.  “Please join me in prayer for all of those who are ill and who have lost loved ones. We also pray that God will continue to guide the medical researchers and health care professionals to bring about a swift end to this pandemic.”

~~~~~
Note, too, updates to the Choir protocols are as follows(, note the edits from the 06 Oct 2021 protocols), to reflect the current (08 JAN 2022) protocols:

###
  1. Everyone should feel free to take a break at any time due to Covid concerns, no questions asked.
  2. We may pause Choir rehearsals or liturgies as needed, regardless of mandated quarantines or contact tracings.
  3. Protocols are always open to review.
  4. Communication will be crucial: I will share the information I have, and I hope you all feel free to share any information you may have that might inform our decisions.
  5. For rehearsals in Synod Hall: everyone is encouraged required to wear the Singer's Mask, regardless of vaccination status.
    1. No one will be required to present proof of full vaccination as a condition for participation in the Choir.
    2. It is presumed that individuals who are not fully vaccinated would always wear a mask in Choir.
    3. The wearing of a mask is not mandated as a condition for participation in the Choir, per January 7, 2022 Pittsburgh Diocesan Guidelines.
    4. We have a new set of Singer's Masks.  If you received one previously, please clean it and bring it with you to rehearsal.  If you know you need a new one, please let me know.  We had these masks in Albany; I believe handwashing and soaking in warm water with dish soap for 10min and air drying did the trick.
  1. For liturgies in the Cathedral, those who are fully vaccinated and who feel comfortable to do so are welcome to remove their masks to sing "choral" repertoire.
  2. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Covid-19, please plan to get tested.  If you feel "under the weather" (displaying some symptoms of illness) but test negative for Covid-19, you are welcome to consider observing rehearsal from the auditorium seats of Synod Hall, well-distanced from the main group.  This is a welcome and productive way to participate in the rehearsal process by hearing instructions and studying your scores.

I understand that it will take time to develop confidence that these singing protocols are indeed safe.  Ultimately, the Cathedral Choir is a ministry of the Cathedral Parish, and these guidelines need to be reasonably consistent with the guidance at the parish level.  At this time, we certainly will not commit to anything less than Diocesan/Cathedral guidelines, and we cannot impose anything beyond those guidelines.

###

Hallelujah! (I was somewhat worried for BG, with all the choristers spewing, unmasked, towards him!)

SUN 09 JAN 2022
Watched the 10.00 televised Mass with M and D. 

We took some naps in the afternoon. Family Zoom with WA's family, JO, G, and BAM, and k and K (back from their travels in India). 

MON 10 JAN 2022
Brought M and D for appointment with ABL-J in the afternoon. An Baking class for banana muffins and for energy drops/balls in the evening.

TUE 11 JAN 2022
We watched a Netflix movie, Dark Waters,
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9071322/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
which is based on true events and people, and involved "the largest epidemiological study" (n=thousands!), according to a line in the movie.

WED 12 JAN 2022
Attended a midday webinar on Personal Finance for People with Disabilities.
Attended Bible Study hosted by Fr Mike Darcy with ~8 attendees. We read the readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C), this Sunday's readings.
1st Reading- Is 62:1-5
2nd Reading- 1 Cor 12:4-11
Gospel Reading- Jn 2:1-11

The first reading, is an Epiphany reading (of which there are three---The Star and the Magi, The Baptism with the Trinity, and the Gospel Reading for this Sunday- The Wedding at Cana), found in the Divine Office, as stated by Fr Mike. I noted that Isaiah 62:4 points out the difference of being "alone" (or shunned) vs. being "in relationships, which is important for any community." Later in our discussion, Fr. Mike noted that Betty White, who would have been 100 on 17 JAN 2022, said her last words as her husband's name, then breathed her last.

I was honored to read the 2nd Reading- 1 Cor 12:4-11, which mentions God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; as well as the Spiritual Gifts.

The Gospel Reading- Jn 2:1-11 was read, then we discussed it. We spent some time discussing Christ's addressing Mary in "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come."
Jesus was most likely referring to Mary as the New Eve, as Eve in the Garden of Eden said "No" to God's Plan. Jesus is the New Adam, as Jesus said "Yes" to God's Plan for Him, over and over, including in the Garden of Gethsemane....the two Eves in Biblical history are related to each other as film photographs and photographic negatives are to each other. Likewise for the two Adams in the Bible (Adam and Jesus).
I noted that key individuals in this Gospel passage (other than Jesus and his Mom) were the servers and the headwaiter...referring again to Service, the Suffering Servant, and Christ's Mandatum on Holy Thursday (as I have washed your feet, you should wash each other's feet).
Fr. Mike noted that Christ said at the Crucifixion:
(to Mary): "Woman, behold your son"
(to John, the youngest disciple): "Behold your mother."
Thus establishing many as the mother of the Church. 

THU 13 JAN 2022
ndra stopped by this morning.

FRI 14 JAN 2022
Had two PT appointments. Went grocery and other shopping in East Liberty.
Set up TV to watch some Lucille Ball television shows with D and M. Recorded a Betty White tribute on PBS this evening.
Note that the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has some musicians out on sick leave, so:
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:Chamber concert tonight, January 14, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. at Heinz HallFree to the public; no ticket required
Tonight, Friday, January 14, at 8:00 p.m., the Pittsburgh Symphony will offer a special, free chamber concert led by guest concertmaster Daniel Chong together with pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. The chamber concert program, which includes Pittsburgh Symphony string musicians, will feature:
  • BRAHMS Selections from Three Intermezzi for Piano, Opus 117
  • BRAHMS Piano Quintet in F minor, Opus 34
  • MENDELSSOHN String Octet in E-flat major, Opus 20
This concert will be approximately 90 minutes and is free to the public (no ticket is required). Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
I received the above in an email, but chose not to attend.

SAT 15 JAN 2022
Attended Zoom Yoga class lead by SCN. Easy day.
Caught up on blogging.
Returned some items to the store in East Liberty. Went grocery shopping in Garfield/Friendship. The store was so full that the half-life of an unclaimed shopping cart was seconds. Drove back, shared with D and M, as usual, and brought my dairy products home.
We have 2 different kinds of oranges, a large golden yellow pineapple, and I snagged the last bag of tomatoes, among other grocery items. The impending snow warning for Sunday PM and Monday has people scrambling for groceries. Sandwiches for dinner; watched a biography of Betty White recorded last night from PBS-TV.

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 11 inches.


SUN 16 JAN 2022
We attended the televised 10.00 Mass, which celebrated the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary time. The celebrant was Fr Kris Stubna, and Luke and the usual 10AM server were the servers. Kimo Jung lectored. Tom and Lynn B were Eucharistic Ministers, with Nancy H. 

I brought over frozen chicken, so M prepared afritada with the fresh green peppers I got yesterday. Deelicious for lunch!

MVK and I spoke for a while by phone, and I told her about the updated prediction of 8 to 11 inches of snow before 13.00 Monday. 
At 15.45 The snow has only made a light dusting on street curbs.
16.15 Less than 1 inch has accumulated. There is a light dusting on cars.
16.20 Big Flakes are falling.
16.35 Approximately 1 inch has accumulated.

Right now, at ~20.30, there is quite a bit of accumulation, even after there was plowing early in the evening.

This evening, for 2-2.5 hours we had family Zoom. I explained to MBFMA my butterfly story, as he explained that I looked like the latest Disney protagonist.  The Zoom also highlighted a great Vimeo video of a ski area near k. At 18.21 I received a message that "All four Carnegie Museums will be closed tomorrow, January 17, due to weather. Any scheduled activities are cancelled."

We talked about various movies, including a movie about Liberace, Behind the Candalabra (Steven Soderbergh, who did another WVa movie, Bubble). We talked also about A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, (the story of MisteRogers, with Tom Hanks in the lead role), and FRV's favorite movie, You Are Always in My Heart.

We talked about the benefits of double-masking vs. KN95 masks.

We talked about the case of Novak Jokavich--- The number of cases in Australia (~2K), is lots fewer than a place with a comparable population size, Florida. We surmised that this may be true due to Australia's stringent rules and enforcement of those rules.

It was noted that Barasoain Church, M's family's neighborhood church, was the site of the signing of the R ng P Constitution signing. An image of the church structure is found on the old Peso bill---with a national hero, Mario Mabini, a paralytic, on the verso.

More discussions of Grandpa's relatives in the future.

MON 17 JAN 2022
Chaired a successful first meeting for the PAPAGP subcommittee. Sent Update & Agenda before the meeting and to send Minutes after.

TUE 18 JAN 2022
Monthly NHI meeting for the museum...virtual Zoom meeting. PH will join us in our ranks at our level soon. P ROCKS! Breakout rooms at the end of the meeting---R F-F and I worked well in the breakout room.

WED 19 JAN 2022
Lunchtime meeting with TMc. Lots to discuss.
Set M up for Zoom meeting with the sibs---hosted by Kaye. In celebration of MRV's birthday. Sibs liked my hairstyle (!)

THU 20 JAN 2022
ndra stuck at home. Worked on PAPAGP subcommittee online.

FRI 21 JAN 2022
Cancelled my appointment early---It was 12 Fahrenheit, with a windchill/ feel real temperature of 02 Fahrenheit. Bitter. 
Worked on PAPAGP subcommittee online, spoke briefly with AA,  sent link again, and will talk later today.
First night of Wordle--6/6 tries, Success within 20 minutes while listening to the radio.
 
SAT 22 JAN 2022
Groceries at Friendship/Shadyside and at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside with D. Fish sandwiches from Shadyside for dinner. At 10.00AM Sunday, there was a Funeral Mass (which D,M, and I attended). A Cindy's sister's mom-in-law passed away. I went home before the Rosary novena.

SUN 23 JAN 2022
Snowy, cold, blustery day. Snow fell throughout most of the daylight hours, but accumulations were not predicted to be more than 0.01 to 0.02 inches per hour. I took an hour nap in the afternoon. Pancit for dinner. Family Zoom. M talk to A Melba. The miracles of communication! Chatted with a friend in PA and spent an hour bicycling.

MON 24 JAN 2022
This evening I attended an Ergonomic moves class---quite good! I even later got the link to the recording of the class, led by Maureen.

TUE 25 JAN 2022
This afternoon, D, M, and I went to the South Hills to get new computer peripherals and I got a back chair. We then went to the Strip District to go to the fish mongers, and to 2 Asian grocery stores. Sio bao for dinner! 

WED 26 JAN 2022
I attended a webinar during the lunch hour, and D, M, and I attended Bible Study with Fr Mike in the evening.

THU 27 JAN 2022
ndra and I agreed to cancel our meeting today.
37 minutes bicycling.

FRI 28 JAN 2022
Early morning appointment with the specialist. D went with me. "Wait and see." 
Heard about the Forbes Avenue long bridge over Frick Park collapsing this morning, 10 people received non-fatal injuries...a 61 B bus was on the bridge at the time. SCN, H, and I were near there, at the dog run, the penultimate time I went on a walk with them last month.
Web video appointment to South Oakland before lunch. Spoke with D Payne regarding grants.
The NBC Nightly News showed Pres. Biden touring the bridge collapse site---he was in Pittsburgh to talk about infrastructure improvements.
Worked on GReat items for PAPAGP. Chatted by phone with a vaccinated friend with a mild case of COVID.

SAT 29 JAN 2022
Attended yoga class, led by SCN. Someone noted that there were 2 joggers present who were assisting the first responders immediately following the Braddock + Forbes Avenue bridge collapse. I noted that our Senator Casey has been promoting buttressing the existing bridges and roads/infrastructure for years, and that Congress is now looking at it. Also that more than any other city in the world, Pittsburgh has more bridges of a certain span length.(..if one counts footbridges, Venice, Italy has the most bridges). SCN noted that ~ a hundred bridges in Allegheny County are rated "poor." And then we had  our gentle yoga class.
I now recall a worker at the office early yesterday noting that there were So Many emergency vehicles (she was probably on her way to work, passing close to the accident site).

News from yesterday:
Neighbor interviewed about bridge collapse yesterday. This is the bridge I used to take last year for my weekly walk in Frick Park...
https://triblive.com/local/photos-bridge-collapse-in-pittsburghs-frick-park/

3 Videos from CNN yesterday:
Bridge collapse - Pittsburgh
FOX NEWS, former anchor
https://www.cnn.com/videos/media/2022/01/28/gretchen-carlson-fox-rhetoric-russia-ukraine-sot-dip-vpx.cnn/video/playlists/top-news-videos/

Police WiDOW gives EULOGY
https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2022/01/28/slain-nypd-officer-widow-speaks-at-funeral-newsroom-vpx.cnn/video/playlists/top-news-videos/

In the evening, bicycling 10 minutes.

SUN 30 JAN 2022
Talked by phone with a choir friend before heading to D, M's home to watch the 10.00AM Mass from the Cathedral. Bishop David A Zubik celebrated the Mass, assisted by the Very Reverend Kris Stubna. 
Grocery store, Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside, as well as supplies at the drugstore in North Oakland. D helped me unload groceries.

MON 31 JAN 2022
This morning I bicycled 15 minutes.
Union meeting for work; Weingarten Rights- via Zoom.

posted by Grace @ 1/01/2022 12:31:00 AM 0 comments