TrulyGrace

Went through one box of papers. Had lunch chez M and D, then drove M to Squirrel Hill for a haircut by A. After, we went to Homestead for groceries, and then we put them away, some at my home. Dinner, then time for choir rehearsal. Well into Advent and Christmas, which we have been working on for some time. BG will be away this Sunday for a funeral; KD will play and conduct Sunday. Talked to AW before practice about how I organize my choral folder.

After lunch drove M to medical appointment in the South Hills. Good news from the doctor: No changes. Stopped at our neighborhood drugstore to pick up supplies before heading home. My fellow docent/interpreter, Jerry R, passed away this morning after having lived a full life of 95 years.  He was a coworker until 2021, when he retired at age 93. 

Watched Jeopardy! with M with D. Cris from NJ is still on his winning streak.

Yoga Zoom class with SCN and ~7-8 in her class. D prepared around noon daing (isda), strong of odor.

Prepared a 7+-page-long history for the medical appointment this week.

The stupendous soccer/football star Pele has been transferred to palliative care:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/fifa-world-cup/football-star-pele-transferred-to-palliative-care-in-sao-paulo-reports/ar-AA14Rcsi?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=8415760cf03c43ace43217b7ea2b096b

This morning I went to D and M's home to change into the Moro women's dress, in black and gold. M and I had picked it out yesterday evening. The fact that I needed to attend a wake/visitation in the late afternoon made this choice clear.

Ken  played the organ and conducted us in the loft, as Brian was at his Tia's funeral today.

Fr Kris Stubna celebrated the Mass (for the 2nd Sunday in Advent, Cycle A), with Deacon Tom Berna. There was the welcoming of one RCIA individual, Hunter, during this Mass. Scheduled to lector at this Mass was Justin Gugliuzza. Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers scheduled were Deacon Tom, Diane Dougherty, Gerry Gasperella, and Carloz Gil.

Music and Readings at Mass included:

Prelude: Sleepers Awake!

Entrance Hymn- On Jordan's Bank

Reading 1- Is 11:1-10

Responsorial Psalm- 72- Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever

Reading 2- Rom 15:4-9

Alleluia

Gospel Reading- Mt 3:1-12

Offertory Anthem- Comfort, Comfort O My People- Claude Goudimel, Text- Isaiah 40:1-8

Sanctus- Chant

Mystery of Faith, Amen, Lamb of God from the Order/s of the Mass

Communion Antiphon- Chant- Baruch 5:5; 4:36

Communion Hymn- For You, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits,... - Marty Haugen

Communion Anthem/Meditation- Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming- Michael Praetorius- Isaiah 11:1

Recessional Hymn- A Morning Star Draws Near

Got help to don my large beaded necklace and bracelet (with help from EH), then headed to the Nationality Rooms Open House with a friend from choir, D. 

After stowing my winter coat at our food booth, I headed to our Nationality Room, passing CR who was the merchant of various gifts. We said hello to each other.

Tita T greeted me, stating that she was happy to see me, and then guided me into the room, professor's chair, and pointed out the microphone. I started my 14.00 curator shift early, hosted various roomfuls of visitors (including my friends LP and P), as well as various Pinay pamilyas. At 14.30 and at 15.30 in our Nationality Room there were dances demonstrating the uses of the malong, a garment that can be used from birth till death, and for various purposes in between. I retrieved my winter coat about 2 hours after I had dropped it off.

I caught a bus to the visitation/wake of Jerry, a former coworker who passed away Friday. He looked great, for being 95 and having passed. He had his eyeglasses and a tiny plastic dinosaur in his hands. I saw Pat H and Marisa T there, and caught a ride to M and D's for a late lunch and started blogging, then turned my attention to setting up their and my Google Meetings with my siblings (sans k and K).

SCMA wanted to start a book club, and J O suggested that we all read a short story, such as "The Gift of the Magi," and discuss. SCMA, WA, J O, and I  all took turns reading the paragraphs of the short story written in 1906. Afterwards, J O asked SCMA the meaning of various parts of the story. D thought that the gifts all had good intentions affiliated with them. I said that I liked the last 1/3 of the story, which mentioned the giving of gifts---which were meant to supplement the other's most highly cherished possession----gifts obtained by sacrificing their own most highly cherished possession. Both M and I thought that the last paragraph mentioned how this married couple living in a simple flat in New York  City were as wise as the Magi of Old because they gave unselfishly, thinking only of the Other. Soon after, the Google Meeting ended.

This morning I joined up with our Zoom clase de espana, con LC, y HD, KC, y WA. After lunch, I attended a Zoom conversation at Wellesley College with President Paula A. Johnson and Julia Gillard, chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership.

From the emailed invitation:
On October 9, 2012, Gillard, Australia’s prime minister at the time and the first woman to hold the position, delivered one of the most impassioned and iconic speeches in the history of that nation’s politics.

Gillard’s “misogyny speech,” as it became known, reverberated around the world. Her words were a call to arms—misogyny and sexism should no longer be tolerated, she said, because women are entitled to a better standard in private, public, and professional life. Ten years later, her speech continues to inspire and challenge us to call out sexism and misogyny in every field.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCNuPcf8L00

Had a relaxing afternoon at home today.

Attended a Zoom All Staff (work) Meeting in the morning. For a little under an hour went to Ken's students' organ concert at Heinz Chapel, presented by Pitt organ students Alexander Ganias, Oleksii Kucherenko, and Benjamin Sommer. Each student showcased the organ capabilities in a different way. Alex, a graduate of Bard's Early College program highlighted different use of the stops and console than did Oleksii (who stressed the emotions that could arise from the music), or did Ben, who used many stops, even using the tinkly bells which arise from near the loft and near the narthex. 

Went grocery shopping at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside, running into and meeting F'csca, a Pinay immigrant, then went grocery shopping in Friendship/Shadyside. 

k and K and R arrived chez D and M today. I went to an appointment in Southside with CT-E, who called over her husband, KE, and we three chatted for a short time.

Nice visiting with k, K, and R, who had dropped off I and P for during their visit.

D, M, and I watched the morning Mass from Cathedral on television. k, K, and R prepared a kopita, a Greek spiral composed of mashed potatoes, cheese, and phyllo dough. I had a Zoom meeting soon after, which lasted about an hour. Our visitors, k and K and R had left by then. I had a brief phone discussion with a work colleague; my doctor's appointment was cancelled, so I went to choir rehearsal, which prefaced the evening Mass celebrating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The celebrant was Fr Kris Stubna, with the emcee as Erica Gamerro, and other servers including Tamika. Linda O cantored; Carole DiC lectored. Scheduled Eucharistic Ministers included Rosemarie DiNardo and Diane Mezza.

Music and Readings included:

Entrance Hymn- Immaculate Mary

Kyrie- Chant

Antiphonal Gloria- J. Lee

Reading 1- Gn 3:9-15, 20

Responsorial Psalm- 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4    Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

Reading 2- Eph 1:3-6, 11-12

Gospel Reading- Lk 1:26-38

Preparation of the Gifts- Ne Timeas Maria (Tomas Luis de Victoria)

Sanctus- Chant

Amen- Chant

Communion Hymn- My Soul Rejoices, My Soul Rejoices in My God

Communion Meditation- Alma Redemptoris Mater- Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Recessional Hymn- Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above

During the Homily Fr Stubna highlighted 4 words: Favor with God, Obedience (Mary was a "Tabernacle of Salvation"---St. Ambrose), Joy (Mary's hopeful prayer, the Magnificat), and Service (Mary pleads our cause). 

Brian has stressed the deep, ecstatic religiosity of "Ne Timeas Maria," by Victoria, who was a contemporary of St Theresa of Avila, and El Greco. I hope we sounded fine to the congregation.

Time to watch recorded Jeopardy! with M.

This morning I walked to a lab testing facility---they were booked solid for today, sent me away with a slip of paper labelled with instructions to request "home lab testing." I was nonplussed. Went to D and M's, did some computer work, printed out a document for work. Had lunch, then took the bus to an appointment in South Oakland. Went for lab testing uphill, then caught the bus to work, where I dropped off a document and got further instruction on using the timesheet function. Went to D and M's, where I helped out with electronic correspondence. Dinner was Deeelicious leftovers, from K and k and R's visit.

Zoom (international, as usual) yoga class led by SCN.

Left at ~ 14.20 to go to swim; at 15.00, swam 10 laps (<10 min), break of ronde de jambe- type bilateral water exercises (~03 min), 10 laps (Total time in the pool, 25 min). Saw S, from the neighborhood, as I was leaving. Got to D and M about 16.00, ran errands at Home Depot and the drugstore in their neighborhood. Helped make linguini and capelli d'angelo in frutti di mare sauce, and made a mixed green salad, too. We 3 enjoyed dinner. Checked M's social networking online now.

Third Sunday of Advent! Gaudete Sunday! 

Fr Kris celebrated the Mass, James Hayes lectored, and Linda O cantored with us, the choir with Brian, and Ken at the Beckerath console.

Entrance Hymn- O Come, O Come Emmanuel/ Veni Emmanuel, Stanzas 1, 4, and 5

Kyrie- Chant

Reading 1- Is 35:1-6a, 10

Responsorial Psalm- 146- James Chepponis, Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Reading 2- Jas 5:7-10

Alleluia

Gospel Reading- Mt 11:2-11

Homily

Offertory Anthem- And the Glory of the Lord- Georg Frederic Handel, Text Isaiah 40:5

Sanctus- Chant

Mystery of Faith- Save us, Savior of the world,...

Amen

Lamb of God

Communion Antiphon- Chant (English)- text Isaiah 35:4

Communion Hymn- Take courage and do not fear, our God will come and save us- A Motyka

Communion Anthem- Rejoice, O Jerusalem, Behold Thy King Cometh- Healy Willan, text Romans 13:12, and 2 Advent antiphons

Recessional Hymn- Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus- Stuttgart

KD took a photo of Vicki and me in our Gaudete Sunday garb. Talked to JH about his family's loss after Mass.

D, M, and I had a late dinner of nuggets, and burgers, and shakes, O my! via D and I going through a Shadyside drive through.  Peppermint shakes were a great treat! 

Auntie Pacing called at about 21.00 to announce Ninang L's niece on a CBS-TV movie. We recorded all but a couple of minutes of it to watch later.

Cancelled medical tests today, as I had samples taken on Friday.

D had just received a document on which to work.

After dinner, D, M, and I watched the thoughtful and empathetic characters on the CBS Christmas movie recorded SUN night. 

Since today is Santa Lucia day, I prepared for my parents homemade pancakes with various toppings to be selected, mixed and matched: Whole milk yogurt, butter, ube spread, sweet orange marmalade, strawberry jam, and honey. How colorful (and tasty, too)!

This afternoon I brought gifts for more team members.  Joined up with my group to work on individual projects. I realized that we had just missed yesterday's celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

At about 19:30 D and I headed for tacos and burritos from the North Side. Brought our taco pack back for M and us to enjoy for dinner.

Tomorrow I plan to clean/organize my home.

Mostly helping M with chores until dinner time, also did some research into savings vehicles, TBContd tomorrow.

17.00 to ~17.30 I watched a webinar of a tour of Phipps Conservatory's Winter Show.

Bible Study for the 4th Sunday in Advent (Cycle A). There were Fr Mike Darcy and 8 of us Zoomers. Readings were:

Reading 1- Is 7:10-14

Reading 2- Rom 1:1-7

Gospel Reading- Mt 1:18-24

(not included in our study was the Responsorial Psalm- Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6.)

I was honored to read for the group Readings 1 and 2. Fr Mike read the Gospel reading.

Went for PT with CT-E, today was Brady's last day. Went grocery shopping at the South Side. Put together a red bowl of macaroni chicken salad, and brought a shrimp ring as well to D and M's building  party. We brought a plate up to M, who was busy taking care of administrative home work and decorating their home. 

Choir practice had us all deep into Christmas music! A delicious spread, though GB could not join us today.

Helped D print a new emailed document. D, M, and I went shopping and for hot dogs at the bulk goods warehouse in Homestead. Watched Jeopardy! 

Super Science Saturday at work today: Light. I worked two Spotlights, "Light as a Feather" near the Solnhofen Archaeopteryx, and discussed dinosaurs, birds, and pterosaurs, O my! as well as "Fluorescent Hyalite Opal." Much fun was had by all.

Came back to D and M's, had lunch and a nap, typed up work notes. Almost time for dinner (18.00).

A politically driven meal, by D and M.

Attended choir rehearsal, then sang at Mass, which was celebrated by Fr Kris Stubna, readings 1 and 2 were proclaimed by Gerry G, and Linda O sang as cantor. 

Music and readings for the choral Mass included:

Entrance Hymn- O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Stanzas 1, 6, and 7

Kyrie- Chant

Offertory Motet- Ne Timeas Maria- Tomas Luis de Victoria, text: Luke 1:30-32

Sanctus- Chant

Mystery of Faith- Save us, Savior of the World

Lamb of God

Communion Antiphon- Chant- Isaiah 7:14

Communion Hymn- A Virgin Shall Conceive and Bear a Son- A Motyka

Communion Motet- Alma Redemptoris Mater- Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, text: Marian Votive Antiphon, Advent and Christmas

Final Blessing

Prayer to St Michael the Archangel (usual since before COVID-19)

Recessional Hymn- Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn- Marty Haugen, text: Rejoice, Rejoice (Haugen)

~~~

During the Homily, Fr Kris talked about working at an elementary school near the beginning of his career. The school had a Christmas play, and the 4th grade girls were to be the angels. One of them had to be Mary, the mother of Jesus. All the girls wanted to be angels. None of them wanted to be Mary. After several days of convincing, one girl agreed to be Mary. 

Note that this same girl, the day before the Christmas play, decided to be an angel. When asked, she reasoned,

"It's far easier to be an angel than to be the Mother of Jesus."

...Fr Kris said that, when Mary was asked to be Christ's mother, she responded, "Nothing is Impossible with God."

He noted the words of the Magnificat, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your Word." He noted that it took Humility to say that, and she had Trust that God knows best. Fr Kris noted that now we say "Yes, Let it be done," so that Jesus may be born in our souls, in our hearts, and by the fruits of God.

~~~

This afternoon D, M, and I met up with CR and LW to take care of administrative issues.

Watched the original version of the film Double Indemnity (1944)with Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, and Edward G Robinson. M noted from the beginning of the movie that the actor Fred MacMurray spoke quickly, and was hard to understand because he slurred his words together. We recognized him from My Three Sons fame.

Today took care of some administrative items, answered some email correspondence (including to GB and to EH), and contacted the medical insurance re: cards for current and new programs.

Watched the webinar from work of Jay Hasled, a biologist from Juniata College who is known for his graphic novels and comic books. I asked a few questions re: Gary Larson, his influences, comics about Lepidoptera, etc.

I called a few medical offices today.

This morning was the meeting of NHIs, taken up mostly by our doing curriculum development. My main contribution was a suggestion to Rotate cart collection items, so that items change every so often. I brought a shellfish ring to the NHI potluck which followed. 

I went to the South Hills for my semi-annual dental appointment.

We had BBQ short pork ribs for dinner. Watched Jeopardy! today.

Franco Harris passed away. I learned of this fact in the 0900 hour. He was apparently a great guy both on and off the field---The author of the Immaculate Reception, and started a delivery service for school-age children to receive food. I have somewhere his autograph from the gathering of people at the Point to sing "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," on a sunny, pre-Millenium day to celebrate the impact of Fred Rogers.

I headed to D and M's and took care of scanning and copying administrative paperwork for D and M. D and I went to mail it at the post office, I made some calls, and we decided to get water and groceries in Bloomfield, filled up the gas tank in North Oakland, went back to D and M's home, we had lunch, then I went to pick up family prescriptions in Oakland. 

Looked up donations and helped M with them. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with US President Joe Biden at the East Room of the White House. They took turns speaking to the Press and, at the end of his presentation, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated, "We want to win together.....Not want---(to be) sure."

Had leftover BBQ short pork ribs for dinner. Watched Jeopardy! afterwards. Bible study was cancelled.

Went to the lab across the way from the labs in which I used to teach. D, whom I had seen conduct my labs in the past, was there today. Saw a bunch of men adjusting the Christmas scene/ creche/ belen in front of the Cathedral.

Took care of administrative issues with M this morning and early afternoon, as we were able to do so. I took care of various additional on-line issues for M. Midway I paid my cooperative fees. Had lunch somewhere in there. Lunched properly at 15.30. Sent more holiday emails (for immediate family, work friends, and friends).

Chilled out for a while at 17.00. Finished sending holiday emails (all of which had a link for photos) by 18.15. Time for a snack and the TV news before heading to choir rehearsal.

After warm-up, the choir only rehearsed first, rehearsing:

All this Time- Walton

Where Shepherds Lately Knelt- Schalk

All Bells in Paradise- Rutter

O Holy Night- Adam

Then, we rehearsed with the Carnegie Brass:

 Latin Gloria in Alternatum- Missa de Angelis, with DKF polyphony

Good News Acclamation-  Chepponis

Ne Times, Maria- Victoria

Joy to the World- Jenkins

The choir retired to the Hall to enjoy JS's Chocolate Cake to celebrate BG's birthday whilst the Carnegie Brass rehearsed with BG.

Took 2.5 hours early this morning to do 3 loads of laundry. Ran into my neighbor/floormate, MP, doing laundry as well.

Started doing computer printing of electronic files of important documents at  ~11.30. Ran into a snag at ~ 13.38 and called a computer help desk. Solved the problem after ~one hour. Had a snack, put my choral music in order, and took a small nikkerschen (sp?) Had dinner with D and M after printing some documents. Took care of gift cards for WA's family for M and D. Time for Jeopardy!

Attended the ZOOMed Yoga class led by SCN; there were 6 of us in attendance. Holiday wishes were shared, as were words in Yiddish. After the meeting, while waiting for the grocery list, I fell asleep, being tired.

Went grocery shopping at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside. Holiday foods, including several slices, for each of us, of Maple Ham. Selected photos and sent Christmas cards to friends far away. Helped M by typing her Christmas greetings for her USTFMS classmates. Gently blogged, will practice Spanish for my 700+++ consecutive day, take a short nap, get a water bottle for salabat, eat a little, then be ready for Christmas Eve Mass.

~~~

Christmas Eve Mass rehearsal started at 20.00, ended at 21.00. We went to the loft and started the prelude at 21.30. 

The prelude included these artists- St Paul Cathedral Choir, Ken Danchik at the Beckerath organ, the Carnegie Brass Ensemble and tympani, Marianne Cornetti mezzo-soprano, and Brian Gurley conductor:

O Magnum Mysterium- G Gabrieli, arr for Brass and Organ by S.D. Wolff

All This Time- William Walton

L'Homme Arme Messe de l'Orgue, III. Gloria- M. V. Sandresky

...

Maria Wiegenlied from "Simple Melodies," Op 76, No. 52- Max Reger; Original text, M Boelitz; English version, E Teschemacher featuring Marianne Cornetti and Ken Danchik

Ne Timeas Maria- Tomas Luis de Victoria

Where Shepherds Lately Knelt- Carl Schalk

Mass for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord was celebrated by Bishop David A Zubik and Fr Kris Stubna, with Deacon Tom Berna. Alex DiC cantored, and Carole DiC lectored.

The Mass commenced with the Proclamation of the Birth of Christ sung by Bishop Zubik.

The Mass included:

Entrance Hymn- O Come, All Ye Faithful- John Wade

Kyrie- Gregorian Mass XVI, mode III

Gloria- Missa de Angelis, plainsong, mode V, polyphony arr by Donald K Fellows

Reading 1- Isaiah 9:1-6

Responsorial Psalm- Ps  96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13- Nikolaus Herman, adapted by B Gurley

Reading 2- Titus 2:11-14

Alleluia- from Good News Acclamation- James Chepponis

Homily- by Bishop Zubik, thoughts included the following.

The bishop talked about acquiring from a community near Ocean City, Maryland a wax Nativity set that included the innkeeper and his wife. He mentioned Jesus's parents' search for a safe and warm birthplace for their child...how the Nativity crib led to the Cross of Calvary. Which points to the meaning of tonight...In our own ways, each of us does not allow Jesus into our hearts. Yet, he opens his heart to us. We must be grateful. (We can ask the question:) who is it in our lives (to whom) we close our hearts to?

We have (in the past) shared gifts. Pay attention to the gifts, (which include) Mercy, Love, and Compassion. Jesus was born...it is not just a story in history. (He was born) to change our hearts. 

We become like Jesus, who was born for us.

Offertory Anthem- All Bells in Paradise- John Rutter

Preface Dialogue; Holy, Holy, Holy; Mystery of Faith; Amen- from A Community Mass- Richard Proulx

Our Father- Traditional Chant, adapted by Robert Snow

Agnus Dei- Roman Missal, ICEL 2010

Communion Carol 1- The First Nowell- English Melody

Communion Carol 2- Angels We Have Heard on High- French Carol

Communion Anthem- O Holy Night- St Paul Cathedral Choir; Marianne Cornetti, solo; Ken Danchik, organ

Prayer to St Michael the Archangel

Recessional Hymn- Joy to the World- ANTIOCH, CM; arr from G F Handel, in T Hawkes' Collection of Tunes; setting by Joseph Wilcox Jenkins

Postlude Organ Voluntary 

In dir ist Freude BWV 615- J S Bach

At about 00.20 I arrived at D and M's. We enjoyed Maple thick-cut ham marinated in honey and pineapple tidbits, (Gouda) keso de bolla, sharp cheddar, egg bread rolls, tuna salad, etc.

Then it was time to open presents. I think M appreciated my gift of the Prose and Poetry (Collection), and D definitely liked the 3 large loaves of Panettone I gifted early on. Everyone liked my Cnidaria/Mollusca/Squid moppet from J O! She said they are Yip Yips--as seen on Sesame Street, aliens from Mars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfwBEWBkxEY

I retrieved vegetables from home to make green bean casserole. We enjoyed lunch from leftovers at ~ 15.00. Caught up on electronic community. Posted 2 Facebook posts for M. Practiced my 747th day of Spanish on Duolingo; with an hour left, I am ranked 5th in the Obsidian League.

Started watching the Knives Out movie, Glass Onion. Only got ~34 minutes into it. Kinda slow now.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11564570/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Had a Floor Shift consisting of a DITT and a Botany/Mammals of North America Spotlights. I love the T Rexes Spotlight---it showcases our collections, whilst the visitors learn about the Scientific Process and about how specimens make it to our museum floor. It was so busy---nay, crowded---this afternoon that I saw some families/groups at the three Spotlight stops I was stationed. Great fun!

Chicken nuggets and crab torta (the second leftover from yesterday's dinner) were enjoyed by us for dinner.

 Watched Jeopardy! with Mom and the 7-day champion, Ray Lalonde.

Watched the rest of the Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Stunning Movie. Daniel Craig was perfect as Benoit Blanc. Janelle Monáe was awesome as Andi Brand. Many more, and many cameos, as well.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11564570/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

 

SPOILER ALERT:

I called out the key to the ending early in the movie, by stating, "He's a Liar."

Mon Papa Belge passed away. J'ai recu un lettre electronique de CMJ. Nous sommes tres triste. Le situation etait comme la situation de ma tante, OVF. CMJ m'a ecrit, 

Chatted by smartphone with JAD about family, the holidays, current movies, and plans for the end-of-summer, which may bring her et al. to da Burgh.

Did in-person and electronic banking, including asking questions by telephone. 

Early morning medical appointment in Shadyside. The woman who did the tests for me was a former student of mine, TM, nee H. We talked about how difficult the class was, for both students and those teaching the class.

Went grocery shopping at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside, bussed back to D and M's to bring them food.

Made some phone calls after doing some electronic detective work. Did 4 questionnaires for my early evening medical appointment with CTE. Did some shopping in the South Side before my medical appointment.

During my medical appointment exercises were made tougher by adding more repetitions, and especially by adding more weight. Went grocery shopping in the South Side, getting items of the Christmas ilk for New Year's celebrations. Saw Jeopardy! with M over a plate for dinner, made by D. Time to go to sleep early, for I have an early day tomorrow.

I walked to my dermedical appointment with my products in my tote. Had brunch at the classic pancake place on Forbes Avenue. Greeted Mel on her way in, and said hi to AVG, who stopped by to talk for a while. Went to my GP appointment, and M's favorite phlebotomist said hello to her.

After watching Ray Lalonde of Canada win Jeopardy! yet another night; D, M, and I watched Ticket to Paradise (2022) with George Clooney and Julia Roberts.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14109724/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Excellent film---we enjoyed it, some of us liked this movie more than Crazy Rich Asians (2018).

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3104988/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Drove D, M to get their program and health center registration. Stayed to swim ~38 minutes. Swam 10 laps (<10 min), break of ronde de jambe- type bilateral water exercises (~04 min), 10 laps (~11 minutes), then water exercises--Total time in the pool, 38 minutes.

Ran into B (of Be and El), as well as Marnn with Igr's mom, on the way home.

Electronic medical correspondences completed.

The University of Pittsburgh (PITT) defeated the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) this afternoon. PITT, under the direction of coach Pat Narduzzi. Today PITT had its greatest comeback during a bowl game (of 14 points). Ben Sauls (90) made the final PITT field goal during the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at El Paso, Texas.

D, M, and I watched Charade (1963) this evening with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, James Coburn, and Walter Matthau. Awesome movie. Music by Henry Mancini.

Note that Barbara Walters passed away today, too late to make the 6 o'clock evening news programs:

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/barbara-walters-trailblazing-tv-icon-dies-93/story?id=41435083

Barbara Walters broke through glass ceilings for women, and was an epic icon of television broadcasting.

Slow day. Took care of electronic communications, and phone calls. The Pope emeritus, Benedict XVI, died this morning.

https://abcnews.go.com/International/pope-benedict-xvi-died-age-95/story?id=17967239