MON 01 MAY to WED 31 MAY 2023
MON 01 MAY 2023
Meeting in the morning with a specialist.
Made calls in the afternoon for medical pavilion and insurances.
TUE 02 MAY 2023
Grocery shopping in Bloomfield in the afternoon. Helped M with retrieving online files. Made an appointment re: a medical reason from yesterday.
WED 03 MAY 2023
Helped M to print out online files. Dinner of leftover adobong baboy at manok atsaka kamatis, kanin. Watched the local news, NBC Nightly News, and Jeopardy! this evening, before Bible Study for the 5th Sunday of Easter. Fr Mike Darcy and 9 of us attended the Zoom Bible Study. I was honored to read the Psalm reading. Tonight's readings highlighted the building (by Christ, and by his followers) of the early Church, and the existence of the Trinity. I also commented on the last line of the 2nd Reading, 1 Peter 2:4-9, that is, "(he) who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." I stated how that was like the Easter Vigil Mass (when the darkness gives way to blazing light); like the Creation of the World, like Jesus (the Light of the World), the New Adam.
and, finally, I commented on the last lines of the Gospel Reading, John 14:1-12.
"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father."..I commented that, Jesus is like all good teachers, whose students go on to do greater things than their teacher (Christ was often addressed as "Rabbi," Hebrew for teacher. Fr Mike went on to talk about Global Evangelization, and how the readings were about the Creation of the Church as an Institution.
Herb Douglas, who was the oldest Olympian, died recently. A quote of his was highlighted on Pittsburgh's Channel 11 (NBC affiliate) early evening news:
"The meaning of Life is to find your Gift.
The purpose of Life is to Give your Gift away."
THU 04 MAY 2023
Attended the appointment made TUE, went to groceries on the South Side (near where I used to volunteer), had a meal from there for lunch. Got more groceries closer to my post-lunch appointment, went to that appointment after getting a scarf. Later in the afternoon got vegetables and garnishes for dinner tonight at a grocery store in Friendship/Shadyside.
Choir practice was in the loft. Dave brought snackage.
FRI 05 MAY 2023- Cinco de Mayo!
Early morning annual medical screening. Called IT at work re: installing an app on my phone for ease of reading work attachments.
SAT 06 MAY 2023
Woke at 06.00; went grocery shopping for lumpia fresca ingredients...Also attempted to get live alimangon in the Strip, was told that it was not the season in Louisiana any longer.
Morning Zoom yoga with SCN and ~7 of us, including C and I from work, and H and her relative.
The choir met next door for practice, then went to the loft to sing the Mass. (The choral Mass was moved due to the Pittsburgh Marathon and the succeeding road closures on Sunday.)
Fr John Pfannenstiel celebrated the Mass, Catherine H cantored, Ted Wojcik lectored.
Music included:
Entrance Hymn- Love Divine, All Loves Excelling- Hyfrydol; Text- Charles Wesley
Mass Parts/Service Music, including: Kyrie, Gloria, Alleluia, Sanctus, Mystery of Faith, Amen, and Agnus Dei- from the Mass of the Immaculate Conception, Peter Latona
Reading 1- Acts 6:1-7
Responsorial Psalm- Psalm 23 "Lord, let your mercy be on us..."- Richard Proulx
Reading 2- 1 Peter 2:4-9
Gospel Reading- John 14:1-12
Offertory Anthem (choir)- Christ the Lord Is Risen Again- J. Klug, Setting by Michael Burkhardt
Communion Antiphon (choir)- Chant; Text- John 14:9
Communion Hymn- God is Love, and Where True Love Is...- Westendorf
Communion Meditation/Anthem (choir)- Ave Verum Corpus- Edward Elgar; Text- attr to Pope Innocent III, 13th Century
Recessional Hymn- Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace- Beatus Vir, 16th C Slovak melody; Text Philippians 2:1-18
Fr Pfannenstiel spoke during his Homily about the readings this week and the coming Sundays from John 14, 15, 16, and 17. He said that we live in troubling times, but we are told "Do not let your hearts be troubled." But, we do get troubled. What should we do? We're going to have troubles...
Pray: (like Jesus did:) "Let this Cup pass from me," (Fr John Pfannenstiel spoke of the loss of his sister.) Some people are downright hostile to the Church.
Christ prayed, "Not my will but your will be done," and "Into your hands I commend my spirit."
Jesus Christ is the Way---The Way is the Way of the Cross.
He said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
Our Faith conquered Death. Jesus on the Cross (is like us during Tough Times)---Ask God for help during Tough Times: Ask for the Wisdom and the Grace to ask what would Christ do...Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
SUN 07 MAY 2023
I covered for Carole DiC as lector at the 10.00 Mass. Fr Kris Stubna celebrated the Mass. Lucas, James, and the young, short student were servers. Catherine H cantored.
Music included (pieces similar to last nights' Mass, without the choral pieces, mostly):
Entrance Hymn- Love Divine, All Loves Excelling- Hyfrydol; Text- Charles Wesley
Mass Parts/Service Music, including: Kyrie, Gloria, Alleluia, Sanctus, Mystery of Faith, Amen, and Agnus Dei- from the Mass of the Immaculate Conception, Peter Latona
Reading 1- Acts 6:1-7
Responsorial Psalm- Psalm 23 "Lord, let your mercy be on us..."- Richard Proulx
Reading 2- 1 Peter 2:4-9
Gospel Reading- John 14:1-12
Offertory Hymn- Regina Caeli- #519
Communion Hymn- God is Love, and Where True Love Is...- Westendorf
Recessional Hymn- Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace- Beatus Vir, 16th C Slovak melody; Text Philippians 2:1-18
Said hi to Fr Kris after Mass, Mll said hi to me and gave me a brief tour of the television ministry. Said hi to Fr Stephen Palsa, too.
WA had homemade lunch, as usual, with D, M, and I. We had lumpia sariwa in lechugas, ginisang salmon, atsaka hipon at kanin. I reviewed/critiqued my readings in Mass this morning. WA went to a large group Meet-up afterwards. I took a nap and did some daily language classes.
After such a large lunch, I opted for a couple bowls of cereal with milk for a snack.
Family Zoom with WA, J O, D, and M. Catch up with blogging.
MON 08 MAY 2023
Went grocery shopping in Friendship/Shadyside. Afternoon physician's appointment for a check-up.
TUE 09 MAY 2023
Took M to the specialist's office. Dropped off prayer tracts et al. at the Oratory, with Carole D. M and I then went to the North Oakland drugstore, the bank, and to donate items across the Monongahela River. I went grocery shopping at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside in the morning. Had a meeting, (4+DM, welcome C). Also had to go back to the drugstore to pick up other household items.
WED 10 MAY 2023
Went to appointment in Oakland this afternoon. Lots of questions, discussion. Weather varying from the mid-40s to the low-70s Fahrenheit. Delicious homemade sinigang ang baboy for dinner! Watched Jeopardy! in real time with M, Hannah from Chicago won again.
Some Technical issues with Zoom this evening...waiting for the event to pan through. We'll see the rest of the group next week.
THU 11 MAY 2023
Choral rehearsal this evening.
FRI 12 MAY 2023
M and I went grocery shopping at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside..
Ich mache ein Nickerchen.
SAT 13 MAY 2023
Nice day, sunny and close to 80 Fahrenheit. Did a load of hand wash. Basic dinner with D and M. Looked after personal finances in the evening. MFMA earned a language award; tops in the state! M showed me K's new book cover. Lots of achievements. Wunderbar!
SUN 14 MAY 2023
Met WA with D and M for dining at Point Breeze. D and I had Eggs Benedict on Challah with Candied Bacon and Hollandaise. M had les gaufres de Liege avec sucre poudre', le sauce du chocolat belge, avec des bleuets. WA had les moules et des frites avec un baguette. WA walked to the local bookstore. D, M, and I attended the (recorded) noon Mass from St Mary at the Point. JO is calling M now. k is on the way here now.
MON 15 MAY 2023
Medical appointment at the new Pavilion complex at Mercy Hospital. Went grocery shopping near Bakery Square in East Liberty. UMW informational meeting by Zoom in the early evening. GP explained concepts to us.
TUE 16 MAY 2023
Off-site work meeting at PNR. Rode up with GF and RF-F. After an introduction by Lauren Horner, we walked behind the Visitor Center. Lunch followed, potluck by all of us. We then went to the Avian Research Center, where Luke DeGroot spoke to our group both outdoors (explaining the buildings and structures on the grounds) and indoors (regarding tracking birds by banding and other means). Turns out the United States Geological Survey is the international organization which tracks banded birds. Bands have just a number on them. Soon after his presentation, we departed for the museum.
I voted in the primary election later that afternoon.
WED 17 MAY 2023
Late morning grocery shopping in Bloomfield and at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside. During the afternoon went to the Waterfront to prepare more than a handful of cell/smart phones for donation. Went to Target to get info and to make a purchase. Also visited a garden store.
THU 18 MAY 2023- Ascension Day
Did 3 loads of laundry early a morning this week.
Mid afternoon M and I went to Bloomfield for groceries.
Choir for Ascension Day. The evening Mass was celebrated by Fr Steven Palsa. The cantor was Deborah Zugates.
Choral music included:
Entrance- Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise- Llanfair
Gloria- J. Lee
Reading 1- Acts 1:1-11
Responsorial Psalm 47
Reading 2- Ephesians 1: 17-23
Gospel Reading- Matthew 28: 16-20
Offertory Hymn (Choir)- Most Glorious Lord of Life- William H Harris; Text- Edmund Spenser
Acclamations from the Mass of the Immaculate Conception- Peter Latona
Communion Antiphon (Choir, T,B)- All power has been given to me on Heaven and on Earth- Chant
Communion Hymn- This is the Feast of Victory
Communion Meditation (Choir)- If Ye Love Me- Thomas Tallis
Recessional Hymn- A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing- from Koln, 1623
FRI 19 MAY 2023
Return items to East Liberty from Wednesday; Go grocery shopping at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside.
SAT 20 MAY 2023
Worked in the Dinosaurs exhibit and in Cultural Halls around lunchtime. Focusssed on two of my favorite exhibits: One that includes a holotype, and one which includes the ice house. Involved in elucidating the Scientific Method and drawing Critical Thinking skills out of the visitors, all while having fun.
Stopped at the library to see if a requested book were present.
D and I picked up two pizzas, then I went directly to rehearsal for Mass.
The choir sang the late afternoon anticipated Mass for the 7th Sunday of Eastertide. Bishop David A Zubik celebrated the Mass, with Fr Levi and a deacon assisting. Catherine cantored.
Music included:
Entrance Hymn- Lord, You Give the Great Commission- Abbot's Leigh
Lord, Have Mercy- Chant
Gloria- Peter Latona
Reading 1- Acts 1: 12-14
Responsorial Psalm- Psalm 27- H Hughes
Reading 2- 1 Peter 4: 13-16
Alleluia
Gospel Reading- John 17: 1-11a
Offertory Anthem (choir)- This Joyful Eastertide- Dutch carol- arr by William H Harris
Eucharistic Acclamations
Communion Hymn- Magnificat! My soul rejoices in my God- Leo Nestor
Communion Meditation (Choir)- Ave Maria- James Biery; text- Marian antiphon
Recessional Hymn- Go To the World- Sine Nomine; Ralph Vaughn Williams
Eucharistic Adoration- Salutaris Hostia
Eucharistic Adoration Meditation/Anthem (Choir with Fr Levi, soloist)- Steal Away- arr by Moses Hogan; Text- Traditional Spirtual
Praise and Worship- Glory Revealed- performed by Praise Nation:
The Master- Joe Jacobs
Here as in Heaven- CCLI Song #7051506
et al.
SUN 21 MAY 2023
Very early watched excerpts from the WC commencement. Went to the fishmonger in the Strip District and grocery shopping in Bloomfield in preparation of lunch with D, M, and WA. We had fried rice and white rice, nilaga, mackerel, and more. Grocery delivery accepted by WA and me.
Family Zoom at the usual time---k and K were on the promotion of the book with Amchila.
More grocery delivery expected.
MON 22 MAY 2023
Made phone calls; picked up DME.
TUE 23 MAY 2023
k, K had dinner chez M and D (and me, too). It included nilaga, vegetarian Spam, omelet, fried and white rices, and plenteous water. We spent the next few hours discussing Amchila and K's book on compassion in the doctor-patient interaction. We also spoke about the unfortunate way in which the media presented HRH the Dalai Lama---a total misrepresentation of the situation.
WA arrived at about 21hour, and we all enjoyed homemade banana cake, angel food cake, and salted caramel ice cream. Soon, WA drove k and K, and they are happily on their way.
WED 24 MAY 2023
Spent many hours on the computer to gather information/do research.
Met up on Craig Street with JH and Emmy, who is a 2D artist from Northern Vermont.
Requests and questions for the airlines.
THU 25 MAY 2023
Accompanied M to Uptown medical appointment.
Choir rehearsal of all pieces until the end of the season. Rick and Don hosted snacks, which included Mom and Pop pizza from South Oakland.
FRI 26 MAY 2023
Appointment in South Oakland, then took the bus to North Oakland for sunscreen items. Walked chez M et D afterwards.
SAT 27 MAY 2023
Communication with SCN prior to class; Yoga class with SCN, 8 attendees.
Short nap after lunch.
Went grocery shopping at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside. Will go for a walk with SLH in a little while. Both were airing out incidents with hiking boots.
SUN 28 MAY 2023
Attended most of the televised Mass with D and M. Fr Doug celebrated with Deacon Tom Berna. Linda O cantored, and Vince T lectored. Great Homily by Deacon Tom.
Attended rehearsal, then the choir sang for the noon Pentecost Mass. Fr John Pfannenstiel celebrated the Mass. Deborah D lectored, and Alex DiC cantored. Nancy M was scheduled for the loft.
Music included:
Entrance Hymn- Come, Holy Ghost- Louis Lambillotte
Mass Parts/Service Music, including: Kyrie, Gloria, Alleluia, Sanctus, Mystery of Faith, Amen, and Agnus Dei- from the Mass of the Immaculate Conception, Peter Latona
Responsorial Psalm, 104- Richard Proulx
Sequence- Veni Sancte Spiritus
Offertory Anthem (Choir)- Christ Sends the Spirit- Richard Proulx; Text- Luke Connaughton
Communion Antiphon/Chant (Choir) Text- Acts 2: 2-4
Communion Meditation/Motet (Choir)- Come Down, O Love Divine- William H Harris; Text- Bianco de la Siena
Recessional/Exposition Hymn- O Salutaris Hostia
Met up at D and M's for lunch with WA, consisting of lumpianitas, pancit Canton, tuna Torta, kanin, atsaka pastelitas.
I took a nap, then some language lessons. No family Zoom, just a week's break from it.
MON 29 MAY 2023
Memorial Day 2023
Drove past Soldiers and Sailors monument with D that afternoon.
TUE 30 MAY 2023
Saw medical specialist who was very thorough. Met up with a group this afternoon. Called and made appointments for later this week.
WED 31 MAY 2023
Went for a medical appointment in Shadyside early. Made phone calls to a medical provider. Watched An evening documentary movie online: Unconditional (2023),
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20860856/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
about 3 families living with a family member who has mental illness. Directed by Richard ("Ricky") Liu, a NBC correspondent, who shares his relationship with his father with Alzheimer's, and the impact on his family. Two other families (of veterans) were shown, as well. Maria Shriver was one of the executive producers of the movie. This film is unrated.
SAT 01 APR to SUN 30 APR 2023
SAT 01 APR 2023-- APRIL FOOL's DAY! Poisson d'Avril!
Yoga class led by SCN. M and I then went to drive through the bank, and to the drugstore in North Oakland. I got inserts, M bought some items for D, and some for C'm, a friend's young son.
Lunch.
Planning for Easter Week.
Brought my list items over yesterday, and am fine-tuning my list.
SUN 02 APR 2023
Rehearsal and the choir provided full music for two Masses on this Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion: 10.00, with Bishop David A Zubik; and noon.
At the 10.00 Mass Bishop Zubik celebrated the Mass with Fr Kris Stubna. At 10.00 Lectors scheduled were Peter Blume and Mary McCrory. Linda Ortenzo cantored, with Ken at the Beckerath console, the choir in full force, with Brian directing the music.
At noon Mass Fr Kris celebrated the Mass and the scheduled lectors were James Hayes and Jan Grice. Thao Dinh served as the Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister for us. Rebecca cantored, with Ken at the Beckerath console, the choir in full voice, with Brian directing the music.
Music and Readings included:
Entrance Hymn- Hosanna to the Son of David!- Plainsong
Gospel Reading at the Procession of Palms-
Mt 21:1-11Hymn- All Glory Laud and Honor- St. Theodulph
Offertory (choir)- Christus Factus Est (Latin)- Felice Anerio, text- Philippians 2: 8-9
Sanctus- Latin Plainsong
Mystery of Faith- English Plainsong
Amen- Richard Proulx
Agnus Dei- Latin Plainsong
Communion Antiphon (choir T,B)- Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass away from Me,...- Latin chant; text- Mt 26:42
Communion Hymn- Parce Domine- Latin Chant
Communion Motet/Meditation (choir)- Ave Verum Corpus- (Latin) William Byrd; text, 13th C, attributed to Pope Innocent III
Recessional Hymn- Lenten Prayer- Passion Chorale
Prayer to St Michael the Archangel
Attended a Wellesley College Alumnae Association webinar presentation by Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Associate Professor Stanley as she presented on Antarctica. Went home to retrieve DME. Met with SLH for a walk to the library to drop off a book; greeted C the security guard there. Walked about Schenley Plaza and went for chilled Chai Masala and brownie. Family Zoom with WA and D and M. Organizing a dinner for later this month. Caught up on blogging.
MON 03 APR 2023
Had a last-minute Zoom with k and JO at 14.00.
TUE 04 APR 2023
k arrived after I had slept. We left ~03.40/0400.
Met JO at our baggage claim. She drove MM's car to H, where P (from OH) gave me a haircut, and they got their nails done. We had lunch at Kuya BBQ, went to a cafe where I had an ube latte, went grocery shopping at Seafood City, got baked goods at the in-house bakery, visited MM's school and retrieved her there. There was a fence in front of a yet-to-be-developed area. MM then dropped us off at our AirBnB. We got settled in and watched part of the movie Ocean's Eleven (2001)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0240772/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_7_nm_1_q_ocean%27s%2520
We had a reservation for Hell's Kitchen at Gordon Ramsay's stand-alone restaurant at Caesar's Palace. JO and I enjoyed meals of seared scallops, beef wellington (le boeuf en croute) with root vegetables, and toffee cake a la mode. k enjoyed the same dessert as we did, with a lobster risotto with white truffle essence/oil. It was a cold, windy evening! Rideshare there and back.
WED 05 APR 2023
We 3 gals enjoyed Eggslut at the Cosmopolitan for brunch, where I enjoyed a turkey sausage et al. brioche sandwich. The egg yolk was the color of the cheddar cheese on the sandwich! We then headed to the (still) Bellagio fountains and their lobby for views of the Dale Chihuly glass art flowers on the ceiling. I went by taxi to the Museum of Natural History, where I met M at the front desk. Cool animatronic dinos, replica of several rooms from Tut's tomb, and I chatted with from there.
Took a rideshare back.
MM and SC picked us up to go to Container Park, where we had tacos and burrito indoors (still cold). I enjoyed lengua, pescado, y nopales tacos con arroz y frijoles. A few minutes later, we were at the Neon Museum for combo tours. MM and SC dropped us off, MM taking more of our items this evening, too.
THU 06 APR 2023
Enjoyed leftover Wellington for breakfast. We carried all our items until the evening. Bellagio conservatory, photo opportunities. Met JO at the Bellagio fountain, after which we went to Secret Pizza, where we were the second party of two---the second party in line for our slices. We enjoyed pizza al fungi. We separated to go shopping. I went to a few stores above street level, where I got touristy gifts and met a fellow P woman, and chatted for a while. Waited outside Mon Ami Gabi for JO and k, where I chatted with some people about the parada. We took plenty of photos of the dancing fountain at the Bellagio. We walked to the Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage. All three of us agreed that the production was quite wonderful. MM picked us up. Interesting billboards on way.
FRI 07 APR 2023
Went to the bakery for senoritas, ensaiymadas, and hazelnut- and cream cheese-filled senoritas; made a quick stop for snack tacos. k and I went to the dollar+ department store for supplies. JO, k, MM, and I had a great time at the Mob Museum, (officially the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement)
https://themobmuseum.org/
with early evening timed tickets. JO and k went for the Firearm Training Simulator, where neither of them killed innocent people. I joined them for the Crime Lab, where we examined a virtual corpse, did DNA analysis, fingerprint analysis, and gun barrel/bullet analysis; as well as heard explanations of various skulls. A fun time was had by all, and we enjoyed Lucille's BBQ for dinner. Chocolate cake was shared and enjoyed.
SAT 08 APR 2023
We went to Cactus Joe's for a visit to the cactus garden and the shop. Made two stops in the Red Rock area---Oak Creek and Calico Basin, where we chatted with the rangers...(note the Boardwalk y agua y codornices!), where many photos were taken.
We stopped for four pizzas at Dom DeMarco's (margharita, eggplant, di Fara special sauce, and mushroom white truffle), then went to the Mermaid show at Ag. Beautiful scuba techniques, diving, and bubbling techniques demonstrated for our families!
Went with JO to the 19.00 Easter Vigil Mass at St Francis of Assisi. Church was bathed in dark blue light for a good portion of the service (seemingly all readings, at least through Ezekiel, were read. Even Pittsburgh Cathedral reads less than 5 of the optional readings.) Returned and spent time with the younger set.
SUN 09 APR 2023
Egg dye-ing by all that morning---dipping (with and without resist), and marbling. More craft time---designing and making two sets of Dixit cards for MM and k's family. Played You've Got Crabs, Contact, and Cracker Barrel (rhyming game). For dinner, we celebrated SC's birthday with a pasta dish and no-gluten brownies, with strawberry and with cookie dough ice creams!
MON 10 APR 2023
Time to go! JO left earlier for the airport. I cleared space in my rollaboard for baked goods. MM drove k and I to the bakery for more senoritas. I packed them next to the ube polvoron from JO and the champorado mix, too. I got a spinach and cheese pastry for on-board. (No ensaiymada made today.) The 2 flights went fine. k drove us to M and D's---we saw police presence at Hillman Library on our way home.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 11 APR 2023, front page headlines:
Unfounded calls for active shooter at the University of Pittsburgh prompt massive police response
TUE 11 APR 2023
Spent a good portion of this day resting, putting items away, sleeping, etc. Went for a meeting, which had been cancelled.
WED 12 APR 2023
Blogged. Sang over the miles today (late). Prepared items for Bible Study tonight. Lunch with M. Helped D with computer stuff.
Dinner at Casbah with L-PB and SCN. Great food (appetizers and entrees) and even better company!
Bible study was cancelled.
THU 13 APR 2023
Arranged for M's haircut near Wendy's. A cut her hair. We went to WFH for Asian groceries and the fishmongers in the Strip; went to get additional groceries in Bloomfield. I went for a walk with SLH to Tepper; rehearsal was cancelled earlier.
FRI 14 APR 2023
Emailed a message. Had leftover lamb for lunch. Watched a recorded All-Staff meeting detailing our museum's upcoming exhibitions this afternoon. Finished off the lamb for dinner. Watched Jeopardy! with M and D---Ken Jennings has been the regular host for a while. Ben C, a university philosophy professor, won for the third day in a row.
Watched Judy Blume Forever (2023) an Imagine Documentaries/Amazon Studios production afterwards:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18787516/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_0_q_Judy%2520Blume%2520Forever
SAT 15 APR 2023
Yoga Zoom class with 6 of us facilitated by SCN. H's niece, J'a... joined us from Baltimore. Had a well-deserved rest then helped M with Banana Loaf Bread/ Cake. Now, time to get some things done at home.
SUN 16 APR 2023
It was Divine Mercy Sunday: The Octave Day of Easter. Fr Kris Stubna celebrated the Mass; Rebecca cantored, the choir sang, accompanied by Ken and directed by Brian.
Music included:
Entrance Hymn- That Easter Day with joy was bright
Kyrie- Plainsong
Gloria- in alternatum- Missa de Angelis, plainsong, mode V
Reading 1- from Acts
Responsorial Psalm- 118- Chrysogonus Waddell
Reading 2- from Peter
Sequence Hymn- Surgit in Haec Dies, 12th Century
Alleluia- Plainsong, Mode II
Gospel Reading- from John
Preparation of the Gifts (choir)- This Joyful Eastertide- Dutch Carol arr. by William H Harris
Holy, Holy, Holy; Mystery of Faith; Amen- Richard Proulx, A Community Mass
Agnus Dei- from the Roman Missal, ICEL 2010
Communion Antiphon (choir)- Stretch forth your hand - Gregorian Chant, mode VI; Psalm 118
Communion Meditation (choir)- Christ is Arisen, Let Us Sing, Alleluia!- Volckmar Leisring, arr by Kenneth T Kosche
Go forth, the Mass is ended
Recessional Hymn- At the Lamb's High Feast we Sing- Salzburg; Jakob Hintz; harmony by J S Bach
Family Zoom as per usual this evening.
MON 17 APR 2023
Had a followup medical apppointment this afternoon. Went to the drugstore in South Oakland to get supplies for M.
TUE 18 APR 2023
In the morning had an NHI meeting--JoAW and PM presented a talk, as did team Egypt Hall Renovation. Had lunch with SCN and with RF-F at the yet-to-be-renamed cafe downstairs. Had a meeting (5 + DM), and caught a bus, then transferred to go to Bloomfield for shopping.
My cousin Allan passed this morning. He was a caring, bright, insightful person who loved all of us. May his soul rest in Peace.
WED 19 APR 2023
Lunchtime physical/medical appointment on the South Side. Went to the South Oakland drugstore for P/F supplies. Helped M and D with electronic correspondence.
Went to a talk sponsored by Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures and my work for a talk and booksigning by Suzanne Simard, a New York Times bestselling author (Finding the Mother Tree) who is also a forestry expert. She was unafraid to speak as a scientist. I had front row seating, and my seatmates were just as excited as I was to be there. Saw GrBa and SlMac there, too.
THU 20 APR 2023
I had a floor shift at work, and spent part of the time in DITT, and part of the time in Culture Halls. In between I visited the Foster Overlook, where 2 University of Pittsburgh art classes had a pop-up gallery showing of entomological subjects. I was fortunate to meet Len, who depicted 2 Madagascar hissing cockroaches and a mite. Len was accompanied by their very proud parent, and I took pictures of Len with their work.
No rehearsal tonight.
FRI 21 APR 2023
Early this morning, took public transport; I had an eye doctor appointment, part of which was for a prescription. Had waffles, then had a meeting in South Oakland.
Made some medical phone calls, then went to the North Oakland drugstore to purchase some custom supplies. Watched Jeopardy! with M after dinner.
SAT 22 APR 2023- Happy Earth Day!
Yoga Zoom class (SCN + 7 plus) this morning. Spent the day with M and D. Had a nap this afternoon. Went grocery shopping in Bloomfield and Friendship/Shadyside for M, mostly. After dinner I watched the movie It's You I Like, a documentary of Fred Rogers.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8200998/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_It%27s%2520You%2520I%2520Like
It was quite touching, seeing clips from the Real, Genuine, Authentic Mister Rogers.
I had the pleasure of meeting him in the late 1990s. He is the Real Deal. I remember his effect on the very young, even informally, at a museum.
Mister Rogers told---nay, sang to---kids that they could do marvelous things---including embracing their feelings---no matter how they are; no matter how different they are from others.
Pretty powerful stuff.
SUN 23 APR 2023
Attended the televised Mass with M and D. JuMa's Dad, WM, was whom the Mass was celebrated in memoriam. Prepared the capelli d'angelo for the pasta and fruits de mer/frutto di mare dish. Also was sous chef for this dish and others. WA will arrive for lunch, after mowing the lawn.
Enjoyed good company and good food for lunch---at M and D's with WA; mussel soup, capelli d'angelo with clam sauce, lumpianitos atsaka hipon at alimango, uvas/ grapes, banana lava cake, et les gaufres avec la sauce d'ube.
WA and D did some vacation planning. The hand-off of deliveries was made. Mentioned my plans for a project.
Family Zoom in a couple of hours.
M contacted Uncle A re: the Novena for Allan....Uncle S gave us the link.
almost time for Family Zoom!
Family Zoom lacked k and K.
M, D, and I attended the Novena for Allan tonight.
MON 24 APR 2023
Lots of phone calls in the morning; mainly to follow-up from last week. Printed Bible Study readings/psalms for D and M.
Appointment in South Oakland.
More phone calling in the afternoon.
TUE 25 APR 2023
More follow-up calls this morning. Meeting in South Oakland; went to North Oakland drugstore to get shampoo and skincare ingredients. A was a very helpful manager. Ordering food and correspondence for Mass cards with M. Dinner of shio pao; atsaka manok, repolyo, at ramen sopas. M and I watched Jeopardy!, where a new champion (a fiction writer/adjunct professor) was declared. Caught up on blogging before the Novena for Allan.
WED 26 APR 2023
Ordered a suite of DME online this morning.
Installation in the morning.
Mailed a Mass card to Ly and CeNo, for her brother.
Building Annual Meeting; had presentations by RoGy and MiCe; we elected 3 board members. During questions I asked about the Fire Safety Committee, formerly headed up by JaWo. Also noted that the building nearby last night had a Fire Extinguisher Training.
It was the last night for Allan's Novena. The regulars showed up: Uncle Alex and Auntie Baby's family (with Christie leading the prayers), Auntie Vicky and others, Auntie Chi, M, D, and I; kea joined up then, too.
THU 27 APR 2023
Slow day. This afternoon, I spoke with MVK, caught up on happenings. Time for dinner and rehearsal soon.
Rehearsal went well. Prepared all the way to the end of the Easter Season. IsTo said that he had seen the verbiage on my T shirt on a balikbayan box (and sent an email with photographic evidence on Friday).
FRI 28 APR 2023
A morning CMNH All Staff meeting with Steve Knapp, our fearless leader of the 4 Carnegie Museums. Discussion topics included Climate Refuges, COLA (answered completely without Direct Dealing---since there is now a union in place), data digitization and storage issues, C neutrality, Steam plant fuel, solar panels, community biodiversity conversations, parking lot questions. Met with DeS from IT with my smart phone after the meeting.
Helped M and D with various communiques, laundry, and cable television issues.
SAT 29 APR 2023
Lost ~ 2 hours of sleep this morning. Did some online language classes. Headed to yoga this morning---small group of us in Zoom yoga this morning. I fell asleep during the last part of class. Headed home; took a nap to catch up on sleep and prepared a breakfast ovo-lacto vegetarian casserole for later cooking. Went to M and D's to catch up on items for work (ruminations on my last floor shift; follow-up on my Thoughts on an Egypt Paper DRAFT; clocking hours, etc.)
Dinner of longanisa, squash risotto, jasmine rice, and apple cinnamon pie.
SUN 30 APR 2023
Started off the morning of the 4th Sunday of Easter as the lector for a morning Mass. Fr John Pfannenstiel celebrated the Mass, Tamika and 2 young students were the servers, Mia cantored, and Brian/Ken were at the Beckerath console.
Spoke with Kimo after Mass.
Went to choir rehearsal afterwards; the choir sang at the noon Mass. Fr Kris Stubna celebrated the noon Mass.
Music included:
Entrance Hymn- Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain- Gaudeamus Pariter- text, John of Damascus
Penitential Act, Gloria, Alleluia- from Mass of the Immaculate Conception- Peter J Latona
Responsorial Psalm- Psalm 23- Richard Proulx
Offertory Anthem (choir)- Brother James's Air- Gordon Jacob
Sanctus, Mystery of Faith, Amen, Lamb of God- from Mass of the Immaculate Conception- Peter J Latona
Communion Antiphon (choir, T,B)- I am the Good Shepard, alleluia- Chant- Text, John 20:14
Communion Hymn- Gift of Finest Wheat- Westendorf- Text, Kreutz
Communion Anthem/ Meditation- The Lord Is My Shepherd- Thomas Matthews- Text, Psalm 23
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament- O Salutaris Hostia- Dieudonnet DUGUET- Text, Thomas Aquinas
During Fr Kris's Homily, he mentioned the lack of intelligence of sheep; and their "complete and total loyalty to the shepherd."
Fr Kris mentioned Saint Paul's quote to "not be lukewarm---either be hot or cold."
One should be "on Fire (with Christ)."..."Jesus picks us up---Easter teaches us that we are never alone: God is always with us."
"Only listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd, the voice will lead us home."
