TrulyGrace

Rainy day. k worked on 2 grant applications. K and R got Thai food for k. k and K and R stopped by WA to visit I and P sometime. No yoga class today, as there were plenteous visitors. K and R and I went to East Liberty to the PAPAGP annual dinner fundraiser. We got 10 dinner boxes and some desserts: 1  Pakbet, 2 Lechon Kawali, 2 Pancit Palabok, 1 Dinuguan, 2 Beef Caldereta, 2 Beef Tapa dinners. Dessert included Cassava Bibinka, and Biko. AM, MI, JP, and AA all said fond hellos and said to say hi to the parents, too. We had Pinoy food for dinner, enjoying every moment of it.

Attended the televised Mass with D, M, K, R at 10.00. Fr Kris Stubna celebrated the Mass. Alex DiC cantored, accompanied by the organist in the loft; CDiC lectored. Acolytes were the tow-headed (non-spectacled, now) young boy and the regular 10.00 acolyte high school-? student. Readings for the 26th SUN in Ordinary Time from this past WED Bible Study. 

Music included:

Entrance Hymn- We Walk by Faith

Gloria, Acclamations, Holy X3, Amen, and Lamb of God from the Mass of the Immaculate Conception, Peter J Latona

Responsorial Psalm- 95- If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts- Richard Proulx

Communion Hymn- My Soul Aspires- Andrew Motyka

Recessional Hymn- Lord, Help Us Walk Your Servant Way

Fr Kris's Homily focused on Faith, Faith in service to each other.

Eucharistic Ministers were Lynn and Tom B, and Judi N.

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We enjoyed toasted bagels with various schmears from Squirrel Hill for breakfast/brunch.

Afterwards, k, K, R and I went to the 58th Carnegie International. At the end, I went to the Anthropology Halls for some look-see and ran into Nancy S. On the way back home we got bubble teas, and k, K, and R stopped by the comic book store. I went to Ken D's Cathedral concert in the Cathedral concert series: All French composers: 

Grand Choeur- Theodore Dubois 

Selections I, II, and VIII from Eight Modal Pieces by Jean Langlais

Pastorale by Cesar Franck

Litanies from Variations on a Theme of Clement Jannequin- Jehan Alain

Suite on a Second Tone (I to VII)- Louis-Nicolas Clerambault

Variations de Concert- Joseph Bonnet

I particularly enjoyed le 2ieme mouvement des Litanies par Jehan Alain. According to Ken, that piece has been played by various artists, including Rock musicians. Les Variations de Concert par J. Bonnet ont un ouverture et un finale dramatiques.

Langlais, Franck both played at St Clotilde; Bonnet played at St. Eustace. J'ai visite St Clotilde quand je visitais CMJ a Paris.

Visited with LP and BG after the concert.

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I walked back to D and M's with PS. 

Dinner was many dishes; dessert was halo halo.

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Family Zoom ensued after dessert---MFMA ran Gen X/Z Trivia briefly until we played several rousing rounds of Mindmeld.

St Anthony helped me to find the vest I was lending to M in a brand new carryon bag I am lending her, as well.

Blogging now.

MON 03 OCT 2022

k, K, and R left for points south this particular morning. WA and I attended our Zoom clase de espanol. I ran errands and did house chores whilst D and M went to see the eye doctor in Shadyside.

Later, completed packing chez D et M.

TUE 04 OCT 2022

D, M, and I left at ~09.30 for the airport in D and M’s car, driven by WA. Sat next to a nice office manager from WV on the outbound flight to Logan. Pointed out the interesting landing at Logan International before we actually did. Dra Fe with her husband, Dr SV with his wife J, and we three rode in a minibus organized by Tita JV to NH. We arrived about 17.00, put the bags away in a room (30+ minutes), and joined the rest of the classmates for boxed dinners filled with Pinoy cuisine. Catching up with M’s classmates and their family members (salusalo) followed. Rehearsals for the class program were run after dinner by M. M taught the choreography and had organized the program, which was to run under an hour. All were tired, but our 2 rooms had to have fresh bedclothes before our little group could officially call it a night.

WED 05 OCT 2022

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a 09.00 bus ride. Seeing people we haven’t seen since the pre-pandemic class reunion in Baltimore. Dr EZB brought her 2 daughters, and it was nice to renew friendships. Made new friends with J L-F, daughter of Dra.

Also befriended Dra LL and her daughter, from KC, MO.

Bus picked us up---Travel to Lincoln, NH for a fall foliage tour. Stop at the Loon Mountain Ski Resort for lunch including picnic sandwiches, chips, and various fig bars prepared by some reunion participants. After lunch, we immediately went back to Manchester, NH, skipping the planned Historical Museum, and at the end of the bus ride we viewed two homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Passed the largest-political-yard-sign I have ever seen in the neighborhood on the way to and from the 2 architectural homes. A local museum runs the tours of the homes, 8 visitors at a time…not do-able for our large tour bus driven by Ryan.

When we returned on the bus to the hotel before 16.00, more rehearsals ensued. There was time to change clothes before taking the bus to the dinner event at the Puritan restaurant, known for its fried chicken. We were to dine in the Pappas Meeting Room. It turns out that Brooke, one of the event planners, said that the owners of the restaurant have a son who is a politician (thus, the large political signs throughout town).

After a delicious dinner highlighted by chicken fingers and fish and vegetables, rice, salad, and raspberry and chocolate ice cream layered cake, it was time for the slide show presentation by Dr RaSe. Following the slide show was the program with song and dance numbers. M had titled the program “Octogenarians Just Want to Have Fun: Participation over Perfection.” The program included:

Paro Parong Bukid

Vocal Solo (When I Fall in Love)

Doon Po Sa Amin

Standing on the Corner

Pitong Gatang

ChorusNumbers: O Ilaw;  Heart of My Heart

Finale Numbers: Auld Lang Syne;   Good Luck, Good Health, God Bless You

Everyone had a great time, and the humor brought forth some chortles. The end of the program found the classmates, their spouses, and family members holding hands in a circle and singing the 2 finale numbers.

Various group photos were taken by family members and waitstaff right before we left.

A fine time was had.

Early during dinner I found out that Carolyn Bertozzi had won jointly the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2022. Way to go, Carolyn! Always pleased to hear when good people do exceedingly well.

THU 06 OCT 2022

Breakfast at the hotel was followed by 09.00 bus pickup by Ryan. We travelled to Kennebunkport to view Walker Point jutting into the ocean near where the Bush mansion is located. Passed through Hampton Beach to Route 1A scenic coastal road.

At noon we dined at the Weathervane restaurant in Kittery, Maine. R and M ZB took photos for me of various combinations of us with the pirate statue and with the 2 lobsters in which you can place your face in the front of the building. Even D and M got involved.

Before heading east to the reunion, I had asked WFC about the menu at the Weathervane, specifically the lobster roll. He indicated that it is VERY good. I opted for the buttery lobster roll over the mayonnaise version, and the double-stuffed roll. It was simply delicious!

We departed from the restaurant at ~14.30, and were back at the hotel by ~16.00. There was time to start packing, change clothes, and get ready for dinner at the Aloha Restaurant in Manchester. Then it was back to the Marriott Fairfield Inn for the Farewell program, which included classmates regaling each other with abbreviated life histories.

The New Hampshire classmate/hosts, SeAr and JoAr, caught COVID during the Reunion (MON 10 OCT 2022). So, too, did TeAw, OsLi, and FeLo. M and D on 09 OCT 2022. I tested negative on 09 and on 10 OCT 2022.

SUN 09 OCT 2022

Went to Edison James’s baptism. Fr Drew Morgan had a sense of humor about elements of the baptism. When it was over, photos were taken of various groups, including EJ and parents, EJ and parents with his side of the family, etc. etc., and finally with the choir. Fr Drew had us sing "Hail Holy Queen” in celebration. Walked with Lee to the reception, albeit slowly. Met the family of coworkers, and grandma on his Dad’s side (transl: Lotus). Got a whiff of the myrrh-imbued Chrism oil on his head.

Two of my siblings were cautionary and appalled by my proximity to D and M during the Family Zoom, despite my being doubly masked. I left soon after those comments.

MON 10 OCT 2022

Did 3 loads of laundry early this morning. Many stores are closed, due to the Columbus/ Indigenous Peoples/Mental Health Day. Because I was not chez D and M due to COVID, I was unable to attend the lecture on Diplodocus carnegii, and also the recorded All Staff meeting, today. Made dinner at home; went for a walk with SLH in the ‘hood. Took haircut photos. Helped M with bedtime routines. Blogged the dates 03 through 10 OCT 2022.

Two separate news reports this morning---one online about Ukraine, claiming the tides were turning and that the Russian troops were getting weary (that read before 06.00). Another, BBC radio news short report that the Russians had bombed 12 Ukrainian cities today. I awoke early this morning to notifications from M's family. After putting away clean laundry, I joined up chez D et M to help with electronic accounts. Had chocolate fudge birthday cake for lunch, and then went to a class with neighbor J. We had a fun time. Helped M and D by printing Bible study readings for them and by ordering items online for them. Inserted text for this blog from my file completed yesterday.

Mid-morning brought the Zoom clase de espanol, including LC (the instructor), WA, and HD. I went grocery shopping in Friendship/Shadyside and at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside. Bible Study was cancelled due to technical difficulties.

I viewed the recorded All Staff meeting from the first TUE of the month. Reached out to the health research team. Choir rehearsal was this evening.

Chatted by  phone with a friend this morning. Went to the cobbler's store to get a fitting and to iron out issues. Also sent them some paperwork.

Yoga class with a half dozen attendees. Swam for ~25 minutes (10 laps, 10 rondes de jambes au tierre, bilateraux, et repetees). Although I did not attend, today was the opening of the Moonshot Museum on the North Side.

Today was to celebrate the 29th SUN in Ordinary Time, AND my first SUNday singing in the loft since---probably sometime in 2019. Fr John Pfannenstiel celebrated the Mass, Linda O cantored, Justin Gugliuzza lectored. Music included:

Gloria, Holy, and Acclamations from the Mass of the Immaculate Conception- Peter J. Latona

Responsorial Psalm, 121- J. Schiavone

Offertory- O Lord, Increase My Faith- Henry Loosemore- a cappella

Communion Antiphon (T,B)- O Lord our governor- Psalm 8:2ab

Communion Anthem- If Ye Love Me- Thomas Tallis- Jn 4:15-17- a cappella

BG played at the Beckerath console and also directed us choristers, as KD was absent.

D, M, and I sang for the LV celebration. We moved the Family Zoom to 15.00 EDT, as it was preempted by a powerful play acted by a highly talented cast: A Raisin in the Sun by a young woman, Lorraine Hansberry. (As someone in our front row quoth during intermission, "A dream deferred, (as) a raisin in the sun.") JS drove us to the O'Reilly Theater Downtown. The play moved at a fast clip, and it was intermission before we knew it. 

CAST that night:

Travis Younger, Walter's son- Tose Adewumi

Ruth Younger, Walter's wife- Dedra D Woods

Walter Lee Younger- Rico Parker

Beneatha Younger, Walter's sister- Hope M Anthony

Lena Younger, Walter's mother- Tracey D Turner

Joseph Asagai, Beneatha's Nigerian suitor- Kevis Hillocks

George Murchison, Beneatha's rich suitor- Brenden Peifer

Karl Lindner, Neighborhood Welcoming Committee- Ken Bolden

Bobo- Richard McBride

Moving Man- Samual S Lothard

Moving Man- Brian Starks

Paid bills this morning, had a sandwich for lunch, then took the bus to an appointment in Oakland.

Watched Jeopardy! (Second Chance) with M (haven't watched regularly since the air time was changed from 19.00 to 19.30). Blogged for a while after.

On-site museum NHI meeting. It included an in-place discussion about Bone Hunter's Quarry, as well as a Q&A by Matt Lamanna on all things vertebrate paleontology. He stated that he receives lots of emails (to which I responded, "Sorry!" as I am one of the NHIs who fields questions for visitors and questions about science articles that get posted to our database).  Have a 3-person meeting, facilitated by DMc.

Choir practice was in the loft tonight, and V and I hosted snacks, sweet and savory!

In-person meeting with S, and my Precision Medicine appointment was cancelled (soon to be postponed for later). Bible Study on Zoom with Fr Michael Darcy went on without a glitch.

Prior to the mid-afternoon Zoomed 5-person small group meeting (with RF-F, GF, SCN, and CV) I emailed the latest copy of my Anthropocene Tour 2 stops for sharing. I took ~ 0.5 hour for the meeting. 

I attended the Cathedral Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. A diverse group of people sat at my table---3 Faith educators/ other functions (including acolyte, chorister/lector), two Extraordinary Eucharistic Communion Ministers, and several choristers, and myself. Tom G and Lee P sat on either side of me at dinner. Had a chance to iron out an issue with the University Nationality Rooms and choir scheduling, too.

Took care of phone and email correspondences.

Beautiful day in the high 60s Fahrenheit.

Zoom Yoga class led by SCN. CV attended, as well. H had just had surgery Monday, but was mobilizing quite well. SCN had a total of 7 of us in the class today. Got an answer via email for one of the correspondences. Lovely 70+ Fahrenheit day. After prepping the green beans, I went for a 40-minute neighborhood photo walk. Just a stunning Fall day!

Today is the Anniversary of the Dedication of this St Paul Cathedral. Fr Kris Stubna celebrated the Mass with Deacon Thomas Berna. Mia cantored, I sang with the other choristers with Ken D at the Beckerath and Brian at the helm. Readings included:

1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30

1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17

Gospel Reading-- Matthew 16:13-19

Music included:

Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen, and Agnus Dei--from the Mass of the Immaculate Conception-- Peter J Latona

Entrance Hymn- How Blessed Is This Place- L M Rockingham, Text- Ernest E Ryden

Responsorial Psalm- Psalm 84:3, 4,5 and 10, 11 How lovely is Your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God

Offertory Hymn- O Sing Joyfully- Adrian Batten, Text- Psalm 81:1-4

Communion Antiphon- (in Latin) My house shall be called...,and all who knock shall find the door opened. Text- Matthew 21:13, 7:8

Communion Hymn- Church of God- S. Daly

Communion Anthem/Meditation- (in Latin) Locus Iste- Anton Bruckner. Text- For the Dedication of a Church

Recessional Hymn- For Builders Bold Whose Vision Pure- Ellacombe, Text- Herman Stuempfle

During the Homily Fr Kris spoke about the Day of Dedication of St Paul Cathedral: 24 Oct 1906. Salt and holy water were sprinkled outside the building to ward off evil. The 12 locations in the church today that were illuminated by candles were sites that the Bishop at the time of the dedication had anointed with oil. He spoke about the sacrifices and love needed through time to sustain the Church. He spoke of Bishop Zubik and the cathedra.  He spoke of all in the parish family exhibiting grateful faithfulness, and giving their time, talent, and treasure toward the good of the parish. Fr Kris spoke of the first reading, about Solomon, and how the word Tabernacle means "to pitch a tent."

God wants to dwell with us: in Church, in our hearts, and in our lives.

Church is a living being---has living breath, as part of the Body of Christ, through Faith and Grace.

Fr Kris spoke of a 2nd Reading: the Living Stones of St Peter.

How the Presence of God is visible in the church buildinge/edifice through the Sacramental Life of the Church.

As we are committed to Faith and Building the Church. We are here as a family, sent out to share the Good News; we've come to believe what Jesus Christ brought to us. We have come to believe it uncompromisingly. So, we witness the fruits of the Holy Spirit. And we are Persons in Service of others....Through Jesus Christ we have the Sacraments of Salvation, and gain Eternal Life forever in time.

After Mass, told Ken about KR comin' to town.  Had a photo by one of the 12 lit candles throughout the congregation. Walked out of Cathedral and ran into Md' and S on the sidewalk. Macaroni and cheese for lunch, a small nap, helped M with correspondence, went with D to pick up a big-o pizza up the street.  M and I took care of online correspondence after dinner. Was planning to go to the neighborhood drugstore with M.

Zoom clase de espanol. la maestra, LC, dropped off soon after we started. Los estudiantes charlemos de arte.

Clase de arte cancelled.

Saw the doctor, who ordered a test and physical therapy. 

Bible study with Fr Mike and 6 Zoom attendees read and discussed the readings for the 31st SUN in Ordinary Time, Cycle C. I would lector the readings we discussed on this date on SUN. 

Costco with D and M. Went for a swim and water exercises after we arrived back. Got foot cramps. 

After dinner, went to choir rehearsal. For part of the time soprani and altoids practiced with BFG at the portative organ for sectionals.

A slower day.

Went to work at the museum as a character from a Disney movie released about 11 months ago. I was bedecked in clip-on and pin-on mariposas y flores. Mi falda es negro con flores, y mi camisa es rosa con un upplique de mariposa y con mariposas clip-on y pin-on, y tengo una bolsa  cross-body, tambien. I met up with Polly D, niece of a friend from choir. It was fun after conducting interactive programming at Fred the Quartz Crystal Skull (and at the poison sumac site) to guess the kids' costumes, and to have them guess who I was (I haven't seen the movie yet!)

The evening featured a party hosted by JS. Her food was a.maze.ing. Favorites included a nutty-bacony-sweet appetizer, pierogies with sour cream, and the dessert table, which consisted of pear trifle, meringue bones, shortbread fall-themed cookies, etc. Continuous feeding. Sydney the Cat wandered about freely during the party. We watched Beetlejuice, a movie chockful of famous personalities, including Alec Baldwin and Gina Davis. (I thought Betelguese was the title of the movie, having never seen it until this evening.) R and M's son made a guest appearance at the party,

Fr Stephen celebrated the noon Mass today (31st SUN OT-C). There were 3 acolytes, guided by Ted W, the sacristan. ADi cantored. I had spotted KD before Mass, who played the end of Mass so that BFG could get to choir rehearsal for noon Mass on time.  Quite handy. BB and Thao were among the EECMs. I lectored both the 1st and 2nd readings. There were beautiful hymns and songs as part of the noon Mass (see below):

Entrance Hymn- When Jesus Passed Through Jericho

Lord, Have Mercy-, Gloria, Alleluia, Holy (Sanctus), Memorial Acclamation, Amen, Lamb of God-- from the Mass of the Immaculate Conception- Peter J Latona

Responsorial Psalm 145- I will praise your name forever...

Offertory Anthem- My Eyes for Beauty Pine- Herbert Howells, text by Robert Bridges

Communion Antiphon- Psalm 16:11 set to Chant

Communion Hymn- Gift of Finest Wheat- R Kreutz

Communion Motet/Meditation- Sicut Cervus- Ps 42:1- Text, Psalm 42:1

Closure- O Salutaris Hostia for the start of Eucharistic Adoration this afternoon.

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Attended a Zoom WCAAA Webinar on "Growing up AAPI."

Family Google Meeting for an hour.

This morning Zoomed clase de espanol con LC. 

Medical appointment at Uptown. So Happy to hear that all my inspected parts were Normal. Discussed Sci Method and its importance with the attending (EWxn). Delicious afritada by M. Watched the beginning of the final rounds for Jeopardy! Second Chance.