FRI 01 APR to SAT 30 APR 2022
FRI 01 APR 2022
After dinner watched Jeopardy! then Season 6, Episode 8 of Monk with M. Great episode.
SAT 02 APR 2022
The morning, attended Zoom yoga class led by SCN, including CV and GF.
In the evening I attended the livestreamed Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Concert for Peace: Humanitarian Relief for Ukraine. There were various musical pieces, punctuated by spoken parts, read by resident artists of Pittsburgh Opera. Guest artists included Duquesne University Voices of Spirit, Leif Ove Andsnes on the piano, Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, and speakers Dr. Stephen Venham, Madeline Ehlinger, Andrew Turner, Veronique Filloux, Yazid Gray, and Jeremy Harr. Particularly emotionally moving was Marta Krechkovsky's violin solo of Myroslav Skoryk's "Melody."
The evening was recorded, and can be heard and viewed here:
SUN 03 APR 2022
D, M, and I attended the 10.00 televised Mass from St Paul Cathedral. Readings were from the 5th Sunday of Lent, Cycle A.
Grocery shopping with D at Friendship/Shadyside. M called in a Chinese order, which we picked up in Bloomfield. Chinese cuisine for lunch and dinner.
MON 04 APR 2022
Reported in the Wall Street Journal, about Carnegie, PA:
The headlines of the New York Times "The Morning" today have stories that include "Putin's Fifth Column." Here, I read about the far right, Putin-aligned, autocratic-tending politicians in Hungary, Serbia, France; and Trump with his right wing cronies in the main articles, today. We all recall how Trump dismantled our long-standing alliances with post-WW2 European allies, and how he became fast Friends with Putin. As President Zelensky says in one of the articles, Don't be silent.
Noontime Newsweek headlines from the Associated Press:
TUE 05 APR 2022
Morning All-Staff Zoom meeting. Evacuation Zoom training afterwards. Conversational Spanish Zoom class. Rode to the clinic to catch up on inoculation and to retrieve a prescription.
Watch Jeopardy!'s Never-Before-Seen 1964 Pilot Episode and See How the Show Has Evolved:
Jeopardy! Announces TWO New Hosts to Fill Alex Trebek's Role, Including the Show's First Female Host
https://parade.com/1247387/jerylbrunner/jeopardy-new-host/
Missed Jeopardy! tonight for the Musician's Session for the Synod on Synodality. Good, positive meeting led by BFG and attended by ~9 musicians, including 2 neighbors who are choristers, a couple of cantors/cantatrices, and choristers. Good snackage.
WED 06 APR 2022
Felt slight pain everywhere. Cancelled my physical therapy appointment. Took acetaminophen in the evening.
THU 07 APR 2022
Retrieved fried and also broiled chicken, cinnamon buns, cake, soda/pop and seafood from Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside before lunchtime for a small gathering this evening. Went shopping in Bloomfield. Chatted in the afternoon with a church friend via telephone. Had a multi-way phone conversation with JO, GMc, and k about good movies.
Sent photos to the siblings of our tropical fruity cake. D, M, and I enjoyed it after dinner, which included spaghetti. Watched the 2021 version of West Side Story, with Rita Morena!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3581652/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Here is the link to the 1961 rendition, with Natalie Wood as Maria:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055614/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3
The 2021 version had more dialogue, and shared the Leonard Bernstein music with the original movie. The newer version also had more dance sequences in interesting locales, such as at a broken-down pier jutting over the water. More dance sequences were en plein air, instead of on a sound stage. The setting was the slums---soon to be displaced by Lincoln Center---where the Jets and the Sharks battled for territory. Quite moving, and the story line seemed to stay close to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet fairly closely.
Crashed chez D and M.
FRI 08 APR 2022
Need to winnow/weed work papers from former workplaces. Seriously.
Helped M with her Telemed appointment after lunch.
SAT 09 APR 2022
Stayed up until ~0400. Cleaned my durable medical equipment this morning. No Yoga today. Went to the Oakland drugstore for family prescriptions and lotions; also got sundry supplies at the Dollar store for all 3 of us.
SUN 10 APR 2022
Mass via televised Mass. Haircut from A, Supercuts north of me.
Watch the video. See the newest Park, from March 2022.
See how the US scapegoated people during WW2....Note how the previous administration scapegoated people,... doing nothing to stop hate crimes, allowing---nay, encouraging---the attack on the Capitol:
"Colorado Experience: Amache (full length)" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/CmQoOcamxJwMON 11 APR 2022
Attended a Question-and-answer session with Robin Wall Kimmerer remotely by Zoom. She is affiliated with the State University of New York (SUNY-ESF), and was brought to the auditorium at Carnegie Museum of Art by CMoA and Carnegie Museum of Natural History. She answered questions on indigenous knowledge. Breakout room with VK and GF after.
TUE 12 APR 2022
Los examenes de Lauren preempt Clase 6.
I attended Zoom Drawing class out of Carnegie Museum of Art this evening.
WED 13 APR 2022
Right after lunch I attended a remote telemed physical therapy session.
SCN and I dined out, enjoying dinner at Casbah. Absolutely delicious food:
lemon aioli, crispy parsley, Fresno chilies, agrodolce
Saint-Veran Mâconnais, Burgundy, France 2019
roasted breast, braised leg, potato gnocchi, rapini, rhubarb, thyme, fig jus
Sea Island red peas, green beans, shiitake mushrooms, quince yogurt
THU 14 APR 2022
Slow day. Attended the end of the televised Chrism Mass with D and M.
Sang with D, M around lunchtime.
FRI 15 APR 2022 - Good Friday
Today I drove M to a medical appointment. We got a delicious cauliflower crust pizza on the way home for both lunch and dinner. We dropped off a book that was long overdue at the library bookdrop. Then, I left some prayer tracts at a local chapel. Jeopardy! as per usual, then the end of Tenebrae at Cathedral with readings and blessings delivered by Bishop David A Zubik and other religious leaders from the greater Pittsburgh community. It included the Cathedral schola and Ken at the Beckerath console, as well as a duet of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Pie Jesu."
SAT 16 APR 2022
Back to yoga class with SCN. Was one of 3 coworkers attending; one of 5 in the class.
Late morning to early afternoon I went grocery shopping in Friendship/Shadyside and at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside, for Easter and multiple celebrations! After resting a bit and retrieving my mail, M and I prepared pancit atsaka hipon and sweet potatoes brulees. We enjoyed this with D, for dinner. Watched a Jeopardy! rerun and Some of us are tired, and choose to rest before the big day tomorrow!
Chatted with Auntie Chi about language learning, food, and medical stuff, too.
Attended the Cathedral 20.30 Holy Saturday Mass via television. Bishop David A Zubik celebrated the Mass, with various other priests (including Cathedral rector Fr Kris Stubna). Erica Gamerro, Episcopal Master of Ceremonies, was thankfully present to assist. Cantors were Nathan S and Linda O. The Cathedral Choir was accompanied by Ken D, and was directed by Brian G. Bishop Zubik delivered the homily after the Gospel reading was proclaimed by Deacon Tom Berna.
Highlights of the homily included mentions of:
Many of us relish certain routines. (His) weekly routine includes a 30 mile journey to Holy Savior Cemetary, where his parents are laid to rest. These visits are always filled with memories...And Mary Magdalen and her two girlfriends, as well as James and John were filled with memories and expectations when they went to Jesus's tomb....But "Jesus has raised them to new life."
This "story is current--the story is Real...Jesus calls us to get rid of routines (which do not serve what he is calling us to be and to do).
"Easter is a verb. Easter us, O Lord." The Homily went to about 22.18, Followed by the Baptisms, at the baptismal font adjacent to the main altar, and the Tabernacle. Water from the font was used for the baptisms.
Four catechists were baptised in Franciscan brown cloth ponchos, then, after, they changed into Baptismal white albs. Meanwhile, the congregation was sprinkled by Bishop Zubik, with the aspergillus. Erica G assisted throughout. Soon after prayers, the four were anointed with Chrism oil and confirmed. They were the first congregants to receive Holy Communion during the Mass.
SUN 17 APR 2022- Easter Sunday 2022
M and I prepared more Easter dishes; I prepared a deviled eggs plate. M made sopa de hipon at spinach. We heated a whole smoked bangus as well as a whole apple pie. Of course there was rice (jasmine). I prepared the candles for our celebration with WA.
WA arrived, and we enjoyed our repast, including the candles. WA appreciated receiving the VHS videocassette tape of his Cornell Commencement. I took a nap soon after, then blogged now, then went for a short 25 minute walk in the neighborhood during the 19.00 hour.
MON 18 APR 2022
The heat was turned off in my building about a week ago. Sleeping has been cold, as temps have been in the 30s and low 40s Fahrenheit at night. Some days this week the day temperatures have been as high as 70 Fahrenheit. Now, this week will be cold and Saturday will reach the high 70s Fahrenheit. "Roller coaster weather" I call it. My hot oatmeal with yogurt was just perfect for this weather this morning.
The Co-A women stopped by, bearing Easter dinner leftovers. We enjoyed them for lunch, I took a nap, then chatted with my friend DW for a bit. The Co-A siblings stopped by again, bearing mangoes from Whole Foods---yum! Paid the end of a bill this evening.
Dinner was afterwards, and then Jeopardy! followed by Duolingo (I scored a #1 spot!). Started planning for my return to onsite work (I mentioned possible dates to our program assistant & scheduler last week).
TUE 19 APR 2022
Work Zoom meeting for NHIs. Presentation by Mason Heberling. Flurry of emails after the meeting.
Conversational ESP class afterwards.
Before dinner tonight SH called me, to share CM's passing. I had always thought that CM would recover, and CM, J, S, and I could get together again...
Upon receiving KD's announcement, I responded to all of our mutual friends:
CM was a true mensch. Such a giving person. I am sad to hear of his passing, but the Eastertide is a great time to go. Follow Jesus, C!
God's Peace,
Grace
I certainly hope that his family is okay.
Watched Monk, Season 5, Episode 15 with D and M after dinner. Excellent episode!
WED 20 APR 2022
Lunchtime Physical Therapy session drove to the office. Also got some sunscreen. Also, Bible Study was cancelled. M and I watched Jeopardy! and two episodes of Monk (those Monk "and the End" episodes):
Season 8, Episode 15 and 16.
THU 21 APR 2022
Medical appointment in the morning. Went grocery shopping with M at the Asian mart and the fishmongers at the Strip District. Brought M to a medical appointment in the afternoon. We chatted with Dr Anita and with Dr Andrew. Had fresh nilaga for dinner, with lots of bok choy, carrots, and green beans. Delicious. Watched delayed Jeopardy! and an episode of Monk, Mr Monk Is a Best Man, Season 8, Episode 13.
FRI 22 APR 2022
Annual screening today. I drove and arrived ~08.10, and had returned by 09.10. Even ate my oatmeal! There was a bus accident upon my return.
SAT 23 APR 2022
Watched a televised Mass in memorium of U Rico with M. Took a quick video of Vince T reading the General Intercessions. Took a few photos of M at the television, with Fr Steve Palsa after celebrating the Mass. Sent these to A Mel and M's siblings.
Attended yoga class with SCN.
SUN 24 APR 2022- 2nd Sunday of Easter = Divine Mercy Sunday
Attended the 10.00 Mass for Divine Mercy Sunday. Bishop David A Zubik celebrated the Mass, with various Auxiliary Bishops and priests concelebrating. Becky cantored, the St Paul Cathedral Choir sang, accompanied by Ken. Erica Gamerro served with Tamika, Luke, Antonio, a seminarian?, the short tow-headed bespectacled kid, and a new short girl. Cardinal Wuerl was present, as well. Two women lectored; the first was Germaine, the second was unknown.
One of the priests proclaimed the Gospel (The passage from Jn: doubting Thomas states, "my Lord and my God!"), and the Bishop himself delivered the Homily. Passages from the Homily included,
"The Word of God is Living....(he was) wearing a cross from his mother at a mall in Florida. A woman asked him where did he "get that trinket"? After some discussion, it was determined that she was not aware of the social or the religious significance of the Cross. Then, Bishop Zubik said
"How can it be that one of them did not believe?
"How can it be that Mary Magdalene mistook Jesus for the gardener?
"How can it be that Peter and John didn't believe it was Christ they saw?
"How can it be that Peter and John didn't believe it was Christ they saw?
"How can it be that the apostles on the road to Emmaus (initially missed) the Christ Jesus?
"How can it be that Peter and the other apostles did not recognize Jesus on the sea shore?"
"(We notice) other peoples' seemingly dropping the ball.
"How can it possibly be that Easter people hold (years-long) grudges, or
How could it possibly be that we (discriminate) based on others' color, or economic status, or political or religious beliefs? Does the world have to revolve around us?
The answer to these questions can be found in resolution in today's Gospel.
The 2nd time in the upper room, (Jesus answered ) without anger.
"He did so with Mercy---an understanding only with his Mercy.
At the beginning of the Gospel, the apostles were On Mission (with Mercy).
Jesus calls you and me to be His true disciples with His Mercy.
St. Faustina heard God say to her, "I do not wish to punish humanity. (Jesus) presses you to his loving, sacred heart."
Hopefully, fewer people will come to you and say, "Hey, (what's that) trinket around your neck?"
~~~~~
Cathy Wojcik passed on this week, too.
Cathy Wojcik passed on this week, too.
The Communion hymn refrain was "Nothing is Impossible With God...who raises the lonely
and strengthens the weary with Everlasting Love."
~~~~~~~~~~
Went after lunchtime with SH to CM's graveside funeral service at Temple Sinai Memorial Park in Plum. A Psalm was read, lyrics by the psalmist (Frank) Sinatra were read, two to three more psalms, including Psalm 23 were recited, his son M delivered a great eulogy, and JM, K, SH, and I all agreed over the register book that we all heard CM (echoing) through the service.
MON 25 APR 2022
Have a movement class with Millie via Zoom this morning. Lunchtime Richard Moriarty seminar with Gabriela Farfan of the Smithsonian Institute's Geology Department. Asked several questions online; and prompted some responses about clays, etc., too.
TUE 26 APR 2022
Online Spanish class (Lauren estudia en la biblioteca.) Went to Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's kickoff event for Beethoven in Your Neighborhood: Beethoven at Carnegie Science Center. Spotted Tania's hubby, Jeff. Chatted with Lorna M, and with the maestro himself, Manfred Honeck, who had invited young people to listen "up close and personal." What great fun, and good company, too.
WED 27 APR 2022
Annual meeting of my building in the evening. I asked a question about a section on p. 11 of the independent auditor's report. Bible Study was cancelled by Fr Mike Darcy.
THU 28 APR 2022
FRI 29 APR 2022
Grocery shopping in the morning. Bus to visit with a friend in South Oakland after lunch.
SAT 30 APR 2022
Morning Yoga with coworkers CV and SCN (our fearless teacher), and a few more women from around the globe. Went with D to North Hills to pick up a grocery order. I got a farmhouse pizza on cauliflower crust from Oakland to bring home for us to eat.
posted by Grace @ 4/04/2022 01:37:00 PM
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