SUN 01 MAY to TUE 31 MAY 2022
SUN 01 MAY 2022- Marathon Sunday
Cheered on runners at about the halfway point of the Marathon, pacing at 4:10 to 4:30. It had poured earlier in the morning, so it was cold and damp. I was informed that the chips were in the runners' bibs.
I saw Cheryl and others from the neighbor-hood, then headed in to attend the 10.00 televised Mass.
MON 02 MAY 2022
Rode the bus as close as I could get to the Oakland Post Office. Asked a few questions, then dropped off my paperwork to make its way to the Elections.
In the evening, there was a United Museum Workers (UMW) union meeting led by our parent union, United Steel Workers (USW). The Zoom meeting addressed Family and Medical Leave Act and American Disablity Act Leaves.
Our Muslim brothers and sisters are observing Eid al-Fitr starting tonight.
TUE 03 MAY 2022
All-Staff meeting in the morning, followed by my driving M for a visit to Dr Erica H. Then, there was Zoomed Spanish Class. We had burgers, fries, and a shake.
In the evening watched an episode of Monk (Season 4, Episode 11): "Monk gets bumped in the head."
WED 04 MAY 2022
After lunch I stopped by the Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside. Pre-dinner choir chat. Heard strains from the Beckerath by AHREUM HAN from the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, Texas on the way to and from my meeting (Emoll-T a G-S). Her concert this Friday will include Widor, and contemporary sounds, including a ragtime piece. Quite impressive. I understand that her parish may have a von Beckerath, as well.
THU 05 May 2022- Cinco de Mayo!
Dropped D and M off for his appointment. I got halfway to the grocery store, when I got a phone call that I should turn around and head back, as there was some missing paperwork. Went grocery shopping at Friendship/Shadyside, and at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside. When I got near Winchester-Thurston school at release time, I got a call from M. I parked at the office and waited patiently with M for D. We had 2 supreme pizzas for dinner, the smaller one had a cauliflower crust.
FRI 06 MAY 2022
Went to St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral for their 60th Annual Greek Food Festival. I left ~ 16.00 for an early dinner of Lamb Shank braised in a tomato wine sauce with vegetables and Greek seasoning over rice. I also got 2 Galatoboureko for extended dessert. The Lamb was new this year, and I gather that they had taken some time off during COVID-19, as the tri-fold brochure reads, "We're Back!!! So let's eat Greek.....We're happy to be back! Come and Enjoy our food and hospitality."
I have a phone appointment with my college buddy ELH for "The Paper Chase," but it may not happen....
Watched a recording, delayed, of tonight's Jeopardy! Spoiler ALERT- Mattea Roach ends her reign as Jeopardy! champion.
ELH and I rescheduled for next week.
SAT 07 MAY 2022
Yoga Zoom class with the typical geographically diverse/worldwide crowd. CV, GF, and I hailed from CMNH. There were 4 more ladies in the class, and SCN taught the class, as usual.
I had the rest of the Braised Lamb Shank for breakfast/lunch. I saved the second galatoboureko for M & D for their dessert later.
Watched Lion (2019) with D and M. Recommended by LS: A movie based on a true story. J O said it is not a feel good movie. I beg to differ:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3741834/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_7
SUN 08 MAY 2022
I was reviewing a video sent to me by a family member when I received a text message from a friend that her "mom died last night." I sent her a prayer, "May the angels take her to Heaven. May she rest in peace." We texted back and forth for a while.
I spent some time clearing a file box in my room. After my morning ablutions, I headed over to D and M's to make a card for the Mother's Day gifts I bore, and presented the package after breakfast of bread and cheese. She liked the facial spa stone and jade roller and the Platters and Drifters CD. Attended the televised noon Mass at St Mary at the Point with D and M. Fr Chris Donley celebrated the Mass.
Omicron subvariants: New, fitter Covid-19 viruses begin to drive their own waves - CNN
Why I continue to remind Dad &Mom to hunker down and wear masks:
https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/More sadness for Ukraine:
WA, D, M, and I headed out to Grand Concourse for lunch, cancelled our reservation soon after arriving, then went for Belgian cuisine finally. Plenteous moules frites, with a grilled salmon plate, and lamb shank ('tis the season; can't get away from it) at our table!
Stopped at TJ's after Lunner for premium coffee ice cream, then shortly after everyone went to their respective homes to have our weekly family Zoom session, which went from 18.00 to after 20.00. Blogged for a bit, listened to a WQED interview online.
MON 09 MAY 2022
Went to part of a Zoomed movement class. Mid-afternoon I had a discussion with my boss 2 levels up. "Not to chastise, just to inform." Spoke with JAH this evening. Boy, was I tired.
TUE 10 MAY 2022
On BBC News this morning heard that early returns indicate that Ferdinand ("Bong Bong") Marcos, Jr.
had won the Philippines's Presidential Election against Leni Robredo/ Manny Pacquiao/ et al. Sadness and stress for many-a-Pilipino/a. The son of one of the greatest/most infamous dictators of all time allegedly won the election at the beginning of this week. I saw a posting that the actual vote tallies AND the statistics did not match up to make common sense. Sayang, naman! Seems like the very young voters think martial law was actually Good for the country?! This outcome was probably manufactured by revisionist history, not only through education in schools by various media (including books); but also through social media, which the young adults embrace.
I saw a documentary (The Kingmaker) in which Imelda Marcos was handing out cash to people, and handing out ATM cards, promising to load the cards should "we win the election."
*sigh*
Went through Evacuation training which involved moving throughout the building and viewing egresses. Stopped in Human Resources on the way out to present a letter of support and allow my passport to be scanned.
Took D to an annual specialist check-up. We retrieved some poke bowls for D, M, and my dinners.
Did 20 minutes of lane swimming. Major feet cramps. Ended up breast-stroking and water striding, then stretching my feet for the second half of my time slot.
WED 11 MAY 2022
CMJ cancelled our Viber conversation for later (she's very busy). I was graduated from physical therapy (on my on recognizance) today. Bought face lotion and a dessert. I had a medical appointment, as well. Went to Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside to retrieve groceries, including fresh sweet corn for dinner(s). After dinner, spoke with DW, also drove to visitation for SLH's mom in North Oakland. Bible Study was cancelled.
I hope to go to bed earlier tonight, to catch up on lost sleep the last 2 nights.
THU 12 MAY 2022
I lectored at Joan Hoffman's funeral. Fr Dan Walsh celebrated the Mass, Ted Wojcik was the sacristan serving, Christina McCann was the cantatrice, Ken was at the Beckerath console, Brian directed the small but strong choir which included Judi M, Jess S, and Lee P. The entrance hymn had the theme of Good Shepard (The King of Love My Shepherd Is).
The first reading was proclaimed from Revelation 21:1-5A, 6B ff.
The second reading was proclaimed from 1 Corinthians 15:50-52ff.
The hymn for the Preparation of the Gifts was an old choir chestnut, as was the Communion Hymn.
We sang over the incensed casket, then the
Recessional hymn was the hymn with the Gustav Holst tune from "Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity."
I chatted briefly with Stacy, Judi, and Jess after the Mass on the lovely sunny front steps of Cathedral.
Had lunch and chatted with DW before I prepared for my Annual Review with Blaire and Mandi. Everything went smoothly. Blogged for a bit, and then prepared to exercise.
Arrived at exercise early; spoke with the lifeguard who, it turns out was B/M's sometime Bestie. We reminisced on the Mary Poppins birthday party in Lawrenceville, and I promised to mention her (E) to our family. I asked about starting early on my lane swim time slot, which is fine, so I started 10 minutes early and I swam mostly breaststroke (with some backstroke) slowly for the whole of 35 minutes. I was relaxed the whole time. Better than Tuesday.
Dinner back at the ranch was fresh sweet corn and sio pao. Delicious. These were chased by Super Premium Coffee Bean TJ's ice cream and Tortuga Chocolate Rum Cake (a Mother's Day gift from MM). Jeopardy! followed, and unpacking of boxes from an over-the-counter order from a drugstore. M and I put the items away and then I blogged some more.
FRI 13 MAY 2022
Chatted by phone with KR re: Infrastructure committee and general issues affecting Pinxys. Sent friends links for The Kingmaker, Easter Sunday (with comedian Jo Koy), and Yellow Rose (with Lea Salonga). Had lunch, took a quick nap, then chatted by phone with ELH as I purged files from workplaces in Pittsburgh. Went grocery shopping in Friendship/Shadyside, then took out burgers, soda, and a shake for dinner. This was enjoyed with ice cream as dessert. Met up with SLH for a chat pres d'un petit lac, then walked and chatted and sat, where we were discovered by Gail and Richard. It was a G appreciation night.
Went back to D and M's, sent a Google photo album to JEP. Bound (for the second time) with M the ponytail plant that has problems. Time to call it a night.
SAT 14 MAY 2022
Morning yoga with SCN and 6 of us. Views of English and Pittsburgh gardens!
Slow day with Duolingo and Drops Spanish classes, as usual. I took a nap, then helped prepare green beans for a hipon dish for dinner. Watched NBC Nightly News, then had a piece of Tortuga Coconut Rum Cake (from MM and SCMA)...a taste of the Caribbean! Heard a thunderclap recently, will head home soon.
SUN 15 MAY 2022
On this 6th Sunday of Easter, D, M, and I attended the televised Mass at 10.00. Fr Doug Boyd celebrated the Mass. Linda O was our cantatrice, and Nathalie Berry lectored. The servers were Antonio, the usual server of 10.00, and the short bespectacled kid. Eucharistic Ministers were Judi Nocito, Rich DiClaudio, and an additional woman.
Fr Doug Boyd's homily discussed first the 1st reading ("by Nathalie"). He mentioned Barnabas ("the encourager"), and the Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 145. He plucked a quote from the Gospel reading according to John: "(People) will know you (are my disciples) if you (have) love (for) one another," and quoted, "I am the vine, and you are the branches."
He also brought up that John lived to ~100 years old, and, in his old age, quoted the basics. He is said to have prefaced his quotes with, "I don't want to misrepresent Jesus..." and then continued on to say, "Little children, like Jesus says, 'Love one another.'"
The Hymn for Preparation of the Gifts- Regina Caeli.
Communion Hymn- God is Love and Where True Love is Found, God Himself is There
Recessional Hymn- Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace
Fr. Doug Boyd was rather inclusive, mentioning during the Mass both the lector and cantor by name, and during the recitation of the Creed, said, "(Jesus) became one of us." D, M, and I appreciated these little touches.
~~~~~
Offered my Carnegie Mellon University Music Department for Ukraine ticket to several of my friends ...with the caveat that Allegheny County is Currently CDC yellow. No takers. (The event includes many Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra members, Andres Cardenes, former Concertmaster of PSO, Marianne Cornetti of Pittsburgh Opera)
Family Zoom at the usual hour.
MON 16 MAY 2022
Missed my movement Zoom Class in the AM. LS's Birthday. Assisted M (as a League of Women's worker would) with her Primary Ballot; did mine as well. We two drove to the County Election Building, parked, and I handed off our Ballot envelops and the copies of the Designated Agent form to the ladies just inside the door. They time-stamped everything and handed back to me one of the copies of the Designated Agent form. We were given "I voted," stickers, mine of which I put in a usual place after wearing this afternoon.
I turned in my Carnegie Mellon University Music Department for Ukraine ticket.
TUE 17 MAY 2022
Attended via Zoom a long hybrid All Staff meeting. Gretchen led the meeting, and Maggie Hartnick showed up in time to participate, despite rushing to Pittsburgh from New York.
As our Interpreter meeting was cancelled, I just attended the last Zoomed Spanish class session with Ricardo; LC announced a hiatus whilst applying for professional school. WA had joined for several sessions before, including this one.
Lane swimming this afternoon. Started at 03 after the hour and ended my BrS/EBS/SS session at about 44 after the hour. Swam a total of 41 minutes. Arrived chez D et M to have torta, and tilapia in black bean sauce over rice. M and I watched recorded Jeopardy! Watched the end of the CMU for Ukraine program.
Here is the link to the CMU School of Music event for Ukraine, for those of us who missed it:
 | The Carnegie Mellon School of Music presents a special concert to benefit the Ukrainian people, featuring 17 members of the faculty and musicians of the Pitt... www.youtube.com |
Faculty, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Musicians and Guests:
William Caballero, horn
Andrés Cárdenes, violin
Marianne Cornetti, mezzo-soprano
Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida, oboe
Jeff Dee, trombone
Marylène Gingras-Roy, viola
Nancy Goeres, bassoon
David Harding, viola
Micah Howard, double bass
Marta Krechkovsky, violin
Alexandra Lee, cello
Michael Lipman, cello
Ricky Manning, tenor
Luz Manríquez, piano
Don Marinelli, narrator
Lorna McGhee, flute
Ron Samuels, clarinet
Peter Sullivan, trombone
Gretchen Van Hoesen, harp
Student and Alumni Performers:
Austin Blower, trombone
Tess Cayton, trombone
Yu-Tien Chou, trombone
Yijing Fu, piano
Juliette Greer, violin
Daniel Ryan, double bass
Madalyn Sadler, viola
Julia Timmons, soprano
WED 18 MAY 2022
Slow day. Woke at 05:00 and made a mini cherry pie to share with D and M for breakfast. Blogged.
Made a crunchy noodle and fried onion green salad with Muenster cheese for consuming with my lunch. Yum!
Helped M with email correspondence. Shared with M the Viber post from Auntie E, regarding designer Patis PAMINTUAN TESORO's experience voting at a school during this election.
D, M, and I attended Bible Study, led by Fr Mike, with 6-8 people attending. I was honored to read the 1st and 2nd Readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter (Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; and Rev 21:10-14, 22-23, respectively).
THU 19 MAY 2022
Early rising; did NYT online puzzle this morning. Chatted with DW this morning, as well as a birthday chat with JAH. Made sandwiches with M for lunch with D and M. I took a long nap in the afternoon, then went lane swimming for 43 continuous minutes: mostly BrS and EBS. Longanisa at pina for dinner. Yum. D, M, and I started watching Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri, starring Frances McDormand:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5027774/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
I left after the beginning of the scene of her ex-husband beating her up.
FRI 20 MAY 2022
After a relaxing morning, I went to mail a family vase to JO, and went grocery shopping at Friendship/Shadyside and at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside. Ran into D and M's kapit bahay (B and S) at the second store. Bus pass stuff. After a small lunch and a short rest I went for my lane swimming. On my way into the building I greeted Fr Tom. We chatted for a short time, and he said to say hello to my parents. After lane swimming---40 minutes of continuous swimming and water exercises---I prepared and left. I picked up a Double Chocolate Nutella cookie for a later snack/dessert. Ate ~~half of it after dinner. Brushed, Flossed, and Rinsed (BFR) this evening (sweet corn with dinner).
SAT 21 MAY 2022
Yoga ZOOM class with about a half dozen of us, including Monica hailing (this time) from Finland. SCN led the class handily in her floral tank top. Had lunch (including a navel orange, some Tortuga pineapple rum cake, and half of a Double Chocolate Nutella cookie), took a short nap, continued my Spanish Duolingo learning, then chatted with DW by phone.
Some of gma quotes about Faith (generally) and Church (specifically):
"(Make sure your life) reflects on Christ."
"The Gospel: Easy to listen to, harder to understand, (for most people,) and
Really Difficult to Live."
"(As believers,) it is our duty to Uplift Everyone... Everyone."
My friend noted that "Hurt people hurt people."
Quite notable.
SUN 22 MAY 2022
D, M, and I attended the televised 10.00 Mass for the 6th Sunday of Easter from Cathedral. Fr Dan Walsh celebrated, there were 5 servers (including Luke, the usual 10AM server, and three additional young men), the cantor was Alex DiC, the lector was Carole DiC. There were 2 Eucharistic Ministers, Rich DiC (and also Marie B was scheduled).
Music included the hymns:
Entrance Hymn- That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright
Communion Hymn- Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord
Recessional Hymn- Love is the Law that I Taught (#699 in the Red Hymnal)
I went to Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside for lunch and bakery items, as well as WA's favorite fruit juice, nee circa 1985. Well-appreciated nap after lunch. Walk with SLH in our 'hood before the Family Zoom, which included planning for later this summer.
MON 23 MAY 2022
Online Zoom Movement class in the morning.
Had lunch and drove with M to have her hair cut in the North Hills, while I retrieved a summer top and summer SOCKS! at the mall. Picked up M, we went to pick up a grocery order, then headed to Pittsburgh for grocery shopping at the Asian market in the Strip District.
Dinner consisted of sopa de miswa at bolla bolla, at sio pao. Ich mache ein kleine Nickerchen. Joined Ellen, Dale, and Kelly for an online Information Management Google meeting---will see them and perhaps some of the rest of the committee at the online Infrastructure meeting later this week.
TUE 24 MAY 2022
Brought M to an appointment uptown, through (seemingly eternal) construction. Interesting (circuitous) route, as usual, to get there. Had lunch with M, chatted with a choir friend (mentioned the hymn "Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether," and philanthropy), later on in the afternoon I attended a work Celebration of Life via Zoom of the entomologist John Rawlins. With M as the chef, I was the sous chef (as well as D, who prepared the sayote squash for the pot). WA joined us chez M and D for dinner. We had sopa de miswa at bolla bolla de alimangon; atsaka sayote at camarones grandes; all on kanin. Dessert (Himagas) consisted of manggas deliciosas, at galletas. After dinner WA and MM chatted, I helped M with the computer, and I blogged a bit.
WED 25 MAY 2022
Phone calls about medical appointments this afternoon. One appointment was rescheduled; another was made. Lane swim this afternoon. After 25 minutes of BrS, arch cramps. Did some standing water exercises, alleviated somewhat. Dinner of leftover sopas, the sayote dish, and then watched (delayed) Jeopardy! 9th day of winning for the fellow from Philadelphia with his lucky beads.
THU 26 MAY 2022
D to Cathedral to return pict; got swept in to Mass by the Oakland Catholic crowd---was away for 50 minutes.
Brought M to an appointment uptown. M passed all tests with flying colors! Got another annual appointment for a year from now. Afterwards, we wended our way through traffic to a South Oakland drugstore. Finished my lunch, then caught up on correspondence. Rest and a nap before acting as in loco parentis for an orientation meeting for MFMA for volunteer work this summer.
FRI 27 MAY 2022
Had a Zoom meeting with the Founder of a company from which I purchased two items. I am pleased with the performance of one of the items, and am not pleased with the performance of the other item. They offered another product, at a discount.
Generally mellow afternoon: Lane swam, punctuated by 2 bilateral rond de jambe-type exercises in the middle and at the end of my 43-minute-long BrS session.
SAT 28 MAY 2022
I arose at ~~0500 to make breakfast casserole. I finished at ~~0800, and D and M tried the casserole, as well. Delicious. Used 5 eggs and substituted whole milk yogurt for the sour cream.
Zoom yoga class---SCN and 6 of us yoga ladies! More casserole for a "second wind brunch serving."
Sweet, relaxed afternoon.
SUN 29 MAY 2022
D, M, and I attended the televised Mass from Cathedral at 10.00. Fr Steven Palsa celebrated the Mass with Deacon Tom Berna, who read the Gospel passage. Julie Beroes was the lector, and there were 4 servers: Luke, the usual 10 AM server, the not-so-very-short-anymore bepectacled boy, and a seminarian. Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers were Deacon Tom, Tom G, and Nancy H. We celebrated the 7th Sunday of Easter---nestled between "Ascension and Pentecost," as Fr Steve mentioned in the Homily. Fr Steve also discussed the Spiritans, a brief history of them, and their recent mission work, including the work by Vince Stegman in East Africa with the bedouins, and Fr Dan Walsh in the Amazon. (M mentioned the work of Sr "Sipin" O, the sister of my ninong, she who was retired from mission as a Spiritan nun.
Open (one's) gifts, the Holy Spirit will stir them up, stir them up in the fire. The missionary Church is for all of us!
Nearby clay was used to fashion the bricks to build Old Main at Duquesne University, whose motto is "One Heart and One Soul."
The Communion hymn- Lord, Your Have the Words of Everlasting Life
Communion Meditation - Go To the World
Recessional Hymn was America the Beautiful, with lyrics by Katharine Lee Bates, an illustrious woman in her own right.
MON 30 MAY 2022 Memorial Day
Must curtail "blue light" device (my smartphone) use around bedtime. Didn't get much hours of sleep this past evening/morning.
WA had fallen branches (up to 100# each) in the front yard.
SLH and I took a walk to the Frick Fountain, chatted over iced Chai at Starbucks, and parted after a bit. It is one humid day. We discussed how the CDC COVID levels in Allegheny County have gone from green in March, to yellow within the last few weeks, to RED most recently. I informed my building's Environmental Committee; thus, they posted updated signage since March on the elevator walls and mail room, indicating a "substantial" risk currently (i.e., RED CDC risk= Community Level is HIGH).
I had some brunch casserole; took photos of crystal/glassware with M; chatted with DW by phone; will eat more and have a nap....I spent the rest of the afternoon on the computer devices. Did Duolingo Espanol. Dinner was mussels with rice and vegetables. Dessert included chocolate sandwich cookies with milk. Piano emails. Saw the end of Mr. Monk and the Cobra, an episode of Monk.
TUE 31 MAY 2022
Phone calls this morning (especially pour les dentes), and a 40 minute swim later in the afternoon.
posted by Grace @ 5/06/2022 07:40:00 PM
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