SUN 01 OCT 2023 to TUE 31 OCT 2023
SUN 01 OCT 2023
Choral Mass at SPC. Mass for the 26th SUN in Ordinary Time, celebrated by Fr Kris Stubna, lectored by Jeff Sch, cantored by Alex DiC, and music directed and played at the Beckerath console by Brian.
Music, and other parts of the worship included:
Entrance Hymn- Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service- In Babilone
Lord Have Mercy- Chant
Gloria- Gloria Simplex- Richard Proulx
Rx Psalm 25
Alleluia- from Notre Dame Catedral, Paris
Homily
Offertory Hymn- Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring- JS Bach
Holy, Holy, Holy- Vermulst
Mystery of Faith, and Amen- Krehenbuhl
Lamb of God- Richard Proulx
Communion Antiphon- Be mindful of Your Word, O Lord...- Chant; text- 119:49-50
Communion Hymn- Be mindful of Your Word, O Lord...- A Motyka
Communion Anthem- Sicut Cervus- Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina; text- Psalm 42:1
Prayer to St Michael the Archangel
Recessional Hymn- The Kingdom of God- Laudate Dominum
Organ Voluntary- I Cieli Immensi- Benedetto Marcello
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z-cFUeNwgw
The Homily started off with a story of the 2 wolves told by a Cherokee Tribal Leader (...which wolf do you feed?) and included discussion of the 3 readings today, as well as a mention of the Latin root of obey---obedire, which means to listen and follow. MV had memorized a good portion of the Cherokee story, which he shared with us over lunch at the Church Brew Works, 19 of us, including C and R V-K (more group photos by inlaws)!
MON 02 OCT 2023
Walked to the museum with DVM. Went to an appointment with a friend in Oakland. Got another vaccination. Headed back to D and M's for food and to see if anyone wanted to go to the St Anthony's Chapel. (Only Uncle J., who then opted out). So I met up with the museum crowd and we went on a tour of DITT, Base Camp, and a quick walk-through of Hillman Hall of Gems and Minerals. Then to the gift shops, we also spotted MS,P.
TUE 03 OCT 2023
Had a work All-staff Zoom meeting. Had Breakfast Bagel. Drove DVM back to the hotel for luggage load-up. A Chi joined us and we filled up the gas tank. A R had an online work meeting. I left for a meeting with a friend in Oakland, then another meeting with dM and 4 others. Got back to D and M's in time to drive A Chi, A R, and DVM to the airport. At the 20hour they were in ATL.
WED 04 OCT 2023
Make appointments. Order auto parts.
THU 05 OCT 2023
Attempt (yet again) to iron out fun Plans in the course of a month.
Making plans with M for later in the year...Adv
Rehearsal today, with our seating in a melange of voice parts. Invited AW to the musical this weekend.
FRI 06 OCT 2023
Picked up a device and a Bulletin from Mass. Filled it out and returned it this morning.
SAT 07 OCT 2023
Zoom Yoga from New Brunswick. Drove AW and I to the City Theatre on the South Side. Spotted Cheryl and her hubby and Ronna there, too. We went to see the musical Somewhere Over the Border, by Brian Quijada. It is "a family-friendly musical about the power of determination, family, and love" set in Chanmico, El Salvador to San Diego, USA. It was a co-production with Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and People's Light (Malvern, PA).
Key individuals included:
Playwright Brian Quijada
Director Laura Alcala Baker
Music Director Michael Meketa
~~~
CAST, in order of appearance
Antonia (Mama)/Leonia Gloria Vivica Benavides
Reina Isabella Campos
Adan (hermano)/Cruz, Dance Captain Jerreme Rodriguez
Don Napoleon/ Silvano Bobby Plasencia
Narrator Arusi Santi
Julia Ariana Valdes
A joyous, delightful production full of talent and desire to serve fellow people.
HAMAS took hundreds of Israeli people hostage today, mostly civilians including young people at a music festival, the hospital-bound, and those in an agricultural kibbutz. Note that HAMAS is an extremist Muslim organization, not representative of most Muslim people. The hostages who survived were brought to the underground, the tunnels beneath Gaza City.
SUN 08 OCT 2023
No SPCC this Sunday. Holiday. Showed up at about 11.20 to lector, said hello to TW, NS, FB (Sacristans) and a deacon? informed me that there were special readers for the Bishop's White Mass for Healthcare Professionals, and that I would not be needed for this Mass.
Headed to D and M's, watched a Mass on the computer. Then WA brought Chinese cuisine from across the Allegheny River. Deelicious! (esp the Egg Foo Yung.)
After WA left, we each took a nap.
No Zoom this week.
MON 09 OCT 2023
Heard Jessie Ryker-Crawford speak at the Moriarty Speakers series today. She spoke about her research work with indigenous peoples.
TUE 10 OCT 2023
Supplanted a B vitamin and a fat-soluble vitamin for a multivitamin this morning.
D and I dropped the car off at WA (and also SLH)'s auto shop for a repair of a taillight and for emissions and inspection.
Had a meeting with friends in Oakland.
WA drove me to pick up the car.
WED 11 OCT 2023
Biked 30 minutes while doing language DuoLingo.
Saw the DuoCon keynote speaker, Malala Yousafzai, interviewed by Luis Van Ahn, CEO of DuoLingo. Music and Math are this year's addition to DuoLingo's offerings.
THU 12 OCT 2023
Biked 45 minutes while doing language DuoLingo.
D was retrieved by the study which he is in for a scanning test this morning. He and I went to Bible Study in person, while M stayed at home to look for the missing handset for their telephone.
I went to return some items at the local drugstore for M and D, went grocery shopping at Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila in Shadyside, and picked up double cheeseburgers, drinks, and a pumpkin shake for dinner.
Rehearsal this evening. AW (and C) provided plenteous of my favorite cookie from the PdMA bakery.
Contacted DW re: his extended family friends visiting various locales around Pittsburgh.
FRI 13 OCT 2023
Biked 15 minutes while doing language DuoLingo.
Called the legislators for the 2nd time this week (had called and emailed earlier this week). No answer back. Probably too busy from the impending (thankful it didn't happen) government shutdown earlier this month, selection of the Speaker of the House, and the warring factions in the Middle East.
Made more phone calls.
Went to see the staff sneak preview/soft opening of Life in One Cubic Foot. I was surprised that the time for collection wasn't mentioned, even for research studies (I assume it was held constant). I had a blast chatting with Currier W, Christine M, Cooper, Jordan, and others about the exhibit before us. Christine M and I even chatted with Steve K and his staff member, Anthony about various organisms in the Powdermill display portion of the exhibit. I enjoyed my sandwich and fruit outside before heading back.
Had nilaga and also salmon with onion and tomatoes over rice for dinner. (Can't hold a candle to M's cooking!) Jeopardy! after dinner.
SAT 14 OCT 2023
Recap of the past week:
HAMAS took hundreds of Israeli people hostage last Saturday 07 OCT 2023, mostly civilians, including young people at a music festival, the hospital-bound, and those in an agricultural kibbutz. Many of them were used as human shields. This had been planned by HAMAS for at least a year, including the paragliding descent by HAMAS militia onto the music festival. Note that HAMAS is an extremist Muslim organization, not representative of most Muslim people. The hostages ranged in age from children in small beds to the elderly and infirm. The Israelis who survived the beheadings, killings, and rapes were brought to the Gaza Strip, bordered on the north and east by Israel and bordered on the southwest by Egypt. Gaza has about 2 million people. It is believed that the hostages were brought to the underground tunnel system. Israeli forces sealed Gaza off, not allowing the flow of food, water, fuel, medicine, etc. into Gaza. There were retaliatory air bombs to Gaza by Israel. This week leaflets were dropped warning people to leave Gaza, as the Israeli and other military ground forces will soon descend upon the area. Televised news footage near the end of this week showed families leaving Gaza en masse in gas-driven cars, on foot, and in carts drawn by donkey/burro (ABC News); leaving for the South to escape certain terror, and possibly even death.
https://abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/israel-gaza-hamas/blinken-our-focus-now-is-on-helping-to-create-safe-zones-in-gaza-103964470?id=103804516
I heard on the television as I entered my parents' home.
~ ~ ~
Yoga Zoom class had 7 participants led by our facilitator, SCN, who was back at home.
Chatted with AA about later plans, including his and JA's kids.
SUN 15 OCT 2023
We sang at the Mass celebrated by Fr John Pfannenstiel, cantored by Debbie Zugates, and lectored by Gerry Gasparella. The Mass was celebrated for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Ken played a voluntary before the Mass by Craig Philips.
Music and Readings during Mass included:
Entrance Hymn- Word of God, Come Down on Earth- Liebster Jesu
Kyrie
Gloria- Gloria Simplex- Richard Proulx
Reading 1- Is 25:6-10a
Reading 2- Phil 4:12-14, 19-20
Alleluia- from Notre Dame Catedral, Paris
Gospel Reading- Mt 22:1-14
Homily
Offertory Hymn (choir)- O Lord, Increase Our Faith- Henry Loosemore; Text- Traditional English Collect
Holy...- Vermulst
Mystery of Faith- Krehenbuhl
Amen- Krehenbuhl
Lamb of God- Richard Proulx
Communion Antiphon (choir-T,B)- Remove from me all scorn and contempt,..- Chant; Text- Ps 119: 22,24
Communion Hymn- Gift of Finest Wheat- Robert Kreutz
Communion Meditation (choir)- If Ye Love Me- Thomas Tallis; Text- John 14:15-17
Prayer to St Michael the Archangel
Recessional Hymn- Father, We Thank You, Who Have Planted- Rendez a Dieu
Organ Voluntary
MON 16 OCT 2023
Day filled with electronic and phone communications. Got a call from Sen. JF's office re: visiting the legislative branch. Lector meeting this evening for current and new lectors.
TUE 17 OCT 2023
Got a ride from JoWi to work this morning. Our charter bus (organized by Patty D) left for DC a little after 9 AM. We made a stop for lunch @~11.30 in Breezewood. After dropping our bags off (TP-S was my roommate) at the Holiday Inn, we hopped back on the bus to take a tour of the Capitol Building. The tour began with staff informing us of what is prohibited, including food and drink. Patty had organized us to meet the tour guide at the astronaut statue, and we watched a movie and toured various rooms and rotundae bedecked in paintings and sculptures throughout the Capital. At the end, Patty's son, who works for a Representative from Philadelphia, had arranged for us to observe in the House of Representative gallery. We waited from ~13.07 until ~13.27, when we were informed that the HR was on recess, and that the next vote would be tomorrow (Wednesday 18th). Tara and I walked back to the hotel and enjoyed a meal together before retiring to our room, doing my online language lessons, leaving to get tomorrow's breakfast makings downstairs.
WED 18 OCT 2023
Tara's and my day started with our eating our breakfast in the room, doing my language lessons, asking the hotel concierge for directions from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History to the Capitol Building, and walking to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, where we met up with Connor and Marisa before (re-)entering the museum. Siobhan and her colleagues toured us through the Deep Time exhibit, providing tour information as well as exhibit development information.
After the tour, a bunch of us NHIs had lunch in the Ocean Terrace Café onsite. Met up with my cousin G, and introduced him to a small group of my colleagues. Then we decided to take the Circulator bus ($1) up to the Capitol building. Perpendicular streets were closed off by police cars, and the bus driver said that "(this) is the closest that (he) could bring (us) to the Capitol building. We then continued forward towards the Capitol Building, and could go no further, due to a demonstration for Free Palestine. The numbered in the thousands, and chants varied, depending upon what part of the demonstration it was. There were (mostly percussive) musical instruments punctuating the chanting. Some people carried posters or placards, most of which were on the theme "Free Palestine," with fewer signs with "Jews for Free Palestine." It was obvious that they had registered to march, were peaceful, and contained.
We found our way to just uphill from the bus drop-off point, then, we saw a temporary heavy metal fence surrounding the Capitol Building with signs that read, "Police Line: Do Not Cross." I asked an officer how we might get around the barricade, and he talked with us and asked a colleague to drive us in a golf cart to near the Visitor Entrance. We took the elevator to the Visitor Entrance, and eventually found our way to the HR Gallery Check-In Room, where we emptied our pockets of requisite items before proceeding to the HR Gallery. There, we found Patty, Marisa, and Joann already seated. We waited from ~15.07 to ~15.45 for there to be activity in the House of Representatives' Chamber...there were visible discussions just outside the Chamber, as viewed through the doors' windows. One Rep (from Central Kentucky) entered the HR Chamber and asked everyone in the Gallery, generally: (whence we) are visiting...There was a small group from the Carolinas, as well as other groups from around the US, and, of course, us. Shortly before 16.00 a guard informed us that there would be no activity in the House as far as they knew.
We walked to the Metro Station afterwards, and took the Metro to G's car. We drove the rest of the way to Auntie Rory's home, where A, J, A, and A were chatting with A's friend, L. Auntie Rory and V were glad to see me, too. A, he had had a recent birthday, and L had brought a "cruiser walker" for him. Dinner was a spread of delicious Pinoy and Chinese dishes, including adobo, crispy noodles, various seafood and vegetable dishes, and, of course, rice. A and J tag-teamed with V, depending on how the kids were doing. G played with A tag and other games (and her tablet) both before and after dinner. We made halo halo for dessert! G brought me back to the hotel, and waited whilst I brought gifts for the family downstairs. Shared with Tara how each of our days went before doing my online language lessons and turning in for the night.
THU 19 OCT 2023
Checkout before 11.00, then we boarded the bus to head to Constitution Avenue near 15th Street. Anita, Shelly B, Tara, and I headed uphill and took selfies of us near the Washington Monument (the Obelisk), which is also close to Ronald Reagan National Airport. Anita mentioned a "hop on/hop off bus" so I suggested that we take the Circulator bus, and we did to the Jefferson Memorial (which had a lot of construction around it, including a planned elevator), then to the Lincoln Memorial (with photos of the large Reflecting Pool and Washington Memorial in the background, then up the elevator to the actual Lincoln Memorial statue. Photos of each other abounded. We then took the Circulator back to our starting stop, for a pit stop and to check out various dining options for lunch before settling on a concession stand across the street from some Smithsonian museums. I was pleased with my fully dressed hot dog. We had just enough time to get back to our meeting place to hop on the charter bus at 15.00. Killer, slow traffic as we left DC on the highway.
We arrived in the Burgh, I dropped by bags off with D, before heading to the Volunteers' dinner. LP saved some food for me, Jeanette chatted with me, too, as did KS and TB before I left with LeP to head home.
FRI 20 OCT 2023
Spent part of my rainy morning at the specialist's office for a follow-up appointment. The fellow, Dr BF examined me first and then she, Dr JD' ordered an orthotic. Before dinner picked up medicines for M and other items at the neighborhood drugstore.
SAT 21 OCT 2023
Sang at Mary Louise Griffin's memorial Mass this morning. JM, JS, and I greeted her friends and family before the choral warm-up.
Fr Kris Stubna celebrated the Mass, Ted W was a sacristan, Daphne Alderson cantored. Ken D accompanied the choir, directed by Brian G.
Music included:
Entrance Hymn- I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say- Kingsfold, harmony by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Entrance Hymn- I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say- Kingsfold, harmony by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Gloria- Gloria Simplex- Richard Proulx
Rx Psalm- The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want- Dale Wood; Text- Lectionary for Mass
Alleluia- Plainsong, Mode 6
Offertory- Brother James's Air- Gordon Jacob; Text- Psalm 23
Holy, Holy, Holy; Memorial Acclamation; Amen- from A Community Mass by Richard Proulx
Agnus Dei- Roman Missal, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, c. 2010
Communion Hymn- And I will raise you up...- Suzanne Toolan, SM
Ave Maria- sung by Daphne
Saints of God, come to her aid...Receive her soul and present her to God, to God the Most High- Richard Proulx; Text from Order of Christian Funerals, alt. by Richard Proulx
Going Home
and at the end, Daphne's lovely a capella contralto tones singing, "In paradisum deducante angeli...."
After choral Communion some of us went to Craig Street to enjoy lunch and memories of Mary Louise over sandwiches, soups, and salad bowls.
Watched the film La Bamba (1987) with M and D on the television. The story of Ritchie Valens (Lou Diamond Phillips) nee Valenzuela. M was nonplussed that the movie was dubbed into Spanish, and that the subtitles, when turned on, were en Espanol, too.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093378/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_5_nm_3_q_la%2520ba
SUN 22 OCT 2023
Today we celebrated the Solemnity of the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral (in 1906). I watched part of the 10.00 Mass M watched on television and D attended in person. That Mass was celebrated by Fr Kris Stubna.
The choral Mass on that day was celebrated by Fr Kris with Deacon Tom Berna. Alex DiC cantored. Music and readings included:
Entrance Hymn- How Blessed is this Place- Rockingham
Kyrie- Chant
Gloria- Gloria Simplex- Richard Proulx
Reading 1- 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30
Rx Psalm- 131:1,2,3- How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place...
Reading 2- 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17
Alleluia- from Notre Dame Catedral, Paris
Gospel Reading- John 2:13-22
Homily
Offertory Hymn- O Sing Joyfully- Adrian Batten; Psalm 81:1-4
Holy, Holy, Holy- Vermulst
Mystery of Faith, and Amen- Krehenbuhl
Lamb of God- Richard Proulx
Communion Antiphon (choir and BFG)- My house shall be called a house of prayer- Chant; Text Mt 21:13, 7:8
Communion Hymn- Church of God, chosen people,...- M Daley
Communion Meditation- Locus Iste- Anton Bruckner; Text- Gradual for the Dedication of a Church
Prayer to St Michael the Archangel
Recessional Hymn- The Church's One Foundation- Aurelia, Samuel S Wesley; Text- Samuel J Stone
MON 23 OCT 2023
Specialist doctor's appointment after lunch. Got a splint for use during the day and at night.
Jeopardy after dinner.
TUE 24 OCT 2023
Today's Technology (about Cell Phones today) was led by Elizabeth Burnette. Great online class. Left before 10.00 to go to the NHI meeting, with talks from the invertebrate department group led by Albert Kollar, followed by a gallery talk in the Triassic and Jurassic by AK. Walked to a class afterwards, then to get my splint adjusted. Bussed back to take care of personal finance issues at M and D's.
WED 25 OCT 2023
Personal finance issues today.
Mike Johnson (R, LA) was selected by the House of Representatives to be the Speaker of the House.
After Jeopardy! the news declared that there was a mass shooter in Lewiston, Southern ME this evening; the footage of the suspect looks very clear and as if he is in a bowling establishment. I sent an email to WFC this evening, hoping he and S are well.
THU 26 OCT 2023
Took care of more personal finance issues before joined M and D to pick up ophthalmologic supplies in the South Hills, then headed to the Chinese buffet near the High-Level Bridge to have lunch with WA. Got back just in time to set up M's Zoom Bible Study session, and to set up my Zoom language class. More personal finance issues before dinner and rehearsal in the loft.
FRI 27 OCT 2023
Travelled with PS and T to DW's Mom's funeral Mass at Ss Simon and Jude Church. There were a handful of us choristers (RiDu, JeSu, JuMa, PS, and me) accompanied by KeDa at the organ. BG also joined us. ChMcC cantored. RePo was in the congregation. Music and Reading were:
Entrance Hymn- O God Beyond All Praising- Gustav Holst (The Planets, Jupiter)
Reading 1- Wisdom 4:7-15
Rx Psalm 25- To You, O Lord, I lift my soul; to You I lift my soul.
Reading 2- 1 John 3:1-2
Gospel Alleluia
Gospel- Jn
Homily
General Intercessions
Offertory- (cantor) Ave Maria
Holy, Holy, Holy; Memorial Acclamation; Great Amen
Lamb of God- Richard Proulx
Communion- Prayer of St Francis
Remarks of Remembrance/Eulogy- Dorothy's nephew
Farewell Song- Saints of God
Recessional Hymn- The King of Love My Shepherd Is
On the way back, T and P played a music mix on their car speakers. We played SongBurst/Name That Tune. Great fun!
Took care of various email and other correspondences for the rest of the day---and helped D with problems.
SAT 28 OCT 2023
Yoga class with SCN and 8 participants.
After, spent a good portion of the day at PU with M and D.
SUN 29 OCT 2023
Rehearsal con guittaras y percussion in the loft with Mia,, our cantatrice al altar. Bishop William Waltersheid with Fr Stephen Palsa celebrated the Mass for the Feast of El Senor de los Milagros, a centuries-old Peruvian celebration which Bishop Waltersheid stated has the largest procession yearly in Lima, Peru. Music included:
Entrance hymn- Himno al Senor de los Milagros- Peruvian
Kyrie
Gloria- Gloria Simplex- Richard Proulx
Reading 1- Exodus 22:20-26
Rx Psalm- 18- I Love you, O Lord, my strength
Reading 2- 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10
Alleluia- from Notre Dame Catedral, Paris
Gospel Reading- Matthew 22:34-40
Homily
Offertory Hymn (Choir)- Te Ofrezco el Blanco Pan- El Condor Pasa, Peruvian
Holy, Holy, Holy- Vermulst
Mystery of Faith, and Amen- Krehenbuhl
Lamb of God- Richard Proulx
Communion Antiphon (choir)- Pan Divino, Gracioso- Francisco Guerrero, arr and ed, Brian F Gurley
Communion Hymn- Bread of Life
Communion Meditation- Instrumental interlude
Prayer to St Michael the Archangel
Recessional Hymn/ Procession of Icon- Tu Reinaras- Francois Xavier Moreau
During the Homily the Bishop spoke in English and in Espanol. He spoke of muchismas personas attending the Feast day's procession in Lima, Peru; the icon (of which we had a reproduction today) is an "icon of love. We are made for love, by God. We...live...los palabras de Jesus....Icon the world needs today....(We are) overwhemed by Love itself." He explained that the icon depicts Jesus, his mother Mary, and Mary Magdalene. Mary shows how to love Jesus. Mary Magdelene, repente, is full of contrition....The world so needs to learn to love: Selfless, limitless (sin limites) Love (amor) del Senor (Jesus).
During the General Intercessions we prayed for people affected by violence around the world, including en la Tierra Sancta, y en Ukraine.
I had a sandwich for lunch at M and D's and took a long nap. WA brought Chinese food for dinner for all four of us. No Zoom today.
MON 30 OCT 2023
Helped M with LWV info for decision-making. Paid more (minor) bills.
TUE 31 OCT 2023
Morning online class on Current Technology with ElBu teaching.
Help with work Internet by De right after.
Went to class, and did some 2D conceptual landscape.
Went to the neighborhood drugstore to get M's Rx's, and snacks, as well as pencils for the Trix & Treats for the kids at SaRi's apartment building.
Pizza, Mandarin oranges, and mozzarella sticks were partaken of by us. No Trick or Treaters. We watched the Nightmare Before Christmas, which neither of us had seen yet.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107688/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_7_nm_1_q_nightma
posted by Grace @ 10/03/2023 07:59:00 PM
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