I'm Awake Again: About those Potholes
Took a looong nap yesterday afternoon to catch up on sleep. I'm awake again now.
The (major) intersection by Saint Paul Cathedral and the Rand Building has had some pretty deep potholes since the first wave of storms at the beginning of this month. I just noticed yesterday that the potholes were repaired, speeding up traffic through the intersection.
MUST go back to sleep, into the warm comfort of my bed...I'm currently losing my voice (my students and colleagues commented on it yesterday), and need all the rest I can muster, along with the cough syrups, gargling with warm salt water (thanks to Grandpa's suggestions), and cough drops with plenteous fluids, both warm and cold.
Labels: cold, Grandpa, health, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, transportation, voice, weather
Late Night/Early Morn Letter
Hi all from (currently slushy-road) Pittsburgh,
I live in the same town as my brother, WIlliam, and experienced the snows slightly differently.
I live near the campus where I work and have been taking photos every day until Wednesday (after the second wave of storms--see Wm's comment, below). Bundling up and wearing sufficient traction (early on after the snows) and sufficient traction and waterproof footgear (now) has been important. Having had two total hip replacements, I use a cane for security from falling in the snow and icy slush.
I've been to Mass at St. Paul Cathedral every morning since Monday. The 10.00 am Mass on Sunday was well-attended, but it seemed composed mostly of students / people arriving on foot.
I didn't venture out in a car until Friday (yesterday) at lunchtime, with a friend who has a heavy automobile with snow tires.
I was on a bus from downtown Pittsburgh Friday night when the first wave of storms hit--I ended up walking ~1mile from the highway exit to home, as cars and buses were stuck in the snow.
I am thankful...I remember the days growing up in Ohio when I was the main snow shoveller in my immediate family and REVELLED in it (!)
Labels: cold, family, seasons, weather
Snowbound 7 Thursday
This is the first day the University of Pittsburgh will resume normal operations.
I went to morning Mass this morning. Fr. Utz celebrated the Mass, Fred lectored, John served at the altar, and Don provided music ministry. Approximately ~24 people received the Eucharist in the congregation. I talked to Don after Mass about choir practic, travel, travelling the roads, and preparedness for snow storms.
I plan to stop by campus today.
~~~
19.15
After breakfast, I promptly went home and took a long nap. Auntie Benita woke me up with a phone call. We chatted for a bit, mostly about being snowbound.
I went to M + D's to make some photocopies before heading to campus with Maureen to drop off my students' papers and to notify them of that fact.
We dropped off my DVDs at the Carnegie public library, and then we looked for travel books and DVDs. I saw and said hello to Kathy, head of the music library, and chatted for a bit with her and HK, one of my students who was glad that we were off from class this week.
Maureen and I peeled off our boots/clogs to warm up (with the help of some tea), and then I asked her to take some of my magazines. We headed out, she to her home and me to meet Charles for dinner.
Charles and I enjoyed dinner and I a coconut smoothie at the pan-Asian restaurant. I gave him a keep-the-house-warm housewarming gift, and we chatted for a while.
I stopped by Mom and Dad's place, and am checking my email and catching up on my blog.
Labels: blogs, Carnegie, cold, dining, email, library, Mass, music, school, seasons, traction, transportation, travel, weather, work
Snowbound 6B, Wednesday into Thursday, Announcements
Announcements...Maureen found out yesterday afternoon that Pittsburgh Public Schools were closed Thursday, as well. She found this out on Facebook.com, and I noted that that site is currently ranked as the fourth most popular site for receiving news...it apparently used to be Google.com News, but the position has been usurped by people getting information from the online grapevine, instead. (from the WSSH radio airwaves, Wednesday morning)
Posted on both the pitt.edu and the my.pitt.edu websites Wednesday night was the following announcement:
In the absence of extraordinary circumstances, the University will resume full operations tomorrow, Thursday, February 11.
This announcement was accompanied by an attached one-page letter from the Chancellor, Mark Nordenberg's desk.
~~~
I spotted a Humvee on the bus ride home Wednesday early evening. Must've been the National Guard helping to clear the streets of snow, slush, and ice.
Labels: cold, radio, school, seasons, weather, work
Snowbound 6A, Wednesday
This morning the Cathedral was locked up except for two entrances on the side. I entered Mass and Fr. Bill was saying the Kyrie (in English). Audrey C. was the lector, and John was the server. Seventeen parishioners received the Sacrament of the Eucharist this morning.
I took some photos after Mass, and noticed that there were traction marks from the Trax on shoes in front of the Cathedral. I made phone calls this morning and walked with Maureen after noon Mass to Panera, where she had lunch and I bought bread.
We pondered the concept of taking a 54C bus to the ends of the line. I said, "I'll take the bus to the Allegheny [North side], but I won't go to the end of the South Side line." We discussed the possibility of selecting a bus that would slip and plunge to the depths of the South Side slopes. "What would our obituaries say?!" We talked about a possible headline and first sentence:
Pittsburgh Educators
Two Pittsburgh educators were found DOA at the hospital after using the 54C bus line to stake out road conditions during this past snowstorm. This was a natural extension from their daily walk to escape cabin fever in this, the sixth day of the state of emergency in the 'Burgh. The bus they were riding was found at the bottom of a ravine below the South Side slopes.
We plan to watch the DVD of Herb Alpert: Live at Montreaux.
~~~
19.50
We watched the DVD and chatted over white tea, as well. Maureen worked on a Reflection (I acted as administrative assistant and typist extraordinaire), and we enjoyed her brother-in-law's chili for dinner.
I waited for a bus, and one came fairly quickly. The snow was plowed clear to the curb sometime between when I had last travelled from that bus stop.
Labels: cold, humor, Mass, photos, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, transportation, weather
Snowbound 5, Tuesday
Bring it on! The snows start again at about noon today. Half a foot ~= six inches is predicted. We shall see. We shall see what foot gear I wear for this storm. The Doc Martens with crampons have given me small, quarter-coin-size blisters on each heel at the attachment of my Achilles tendon, despite double socks.
~~~
Just returned from morning Mass. Approximately 25 people in the congregation received Communion. We were sans music ministry this morning. Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass. He delivered a homily on tradition and how human constructs such as these do not trump the heart. John served, and Joan L. lectored. I spoke with Carmella about parish pastoral council issues at the beginning and after Mass.
Time for a hearty breakfast.
~~~~~
18.35
After cleaning a bit of my bedroom and a nap, I met Maureen after noon Mass for Eucharistic adoration (at the Oratory) and a walk to her home to view the movie "My Architect." Very interesting documentary produced by Nathaniel Kahn about finding his father's life. Louis Kahn was a man married to his work in many varied ways, including sleeping on a carpet in his office, in the way he treated his closest personal relationships, and in his passion for every detail of his work.
His son focussed on his hands, even in his last goodbye to his father. This reminds me of a short story entitled "The Hand" or "Le Main" from Colette's collection of short stories entitled L'Autre Femme. In one of the scenes which did not make it into the movie Louis Kahn is quoted as saying, "Our lives are accidental and filled by circumstance."
I caught a bus back home and am enjoying a dinner of pasta, meatballs, juice mix, and salad.
~~~~~~~
19.15
"...closed on February 10th...Full operations to resume Thursday February 11th."
---voice message from the campus Emergency Messaging Service
Pitt is again closed on Wednesday February 10, 2010. Essential personnel
are to report. Full operations to resume on Thursday February 11.
---email message from the campus Emergency Messaging Service
Labels: cinema, cold, dine, health, Mass, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, traction, weather
Snowbound 4B, Monday
So Maureen and I met up at the morning Mass this morning. Fr. Daniele celebrated, John was the altar server, and J.R. provided the music ministry, sans microphone from the choir loft. The homily examined the Gospel reading, how deep faith is necessary for true healing to occur. Approximately ~19 parishhioners in the congregation received the Eucharist.
We called Karina, who is busy studying, for breakfast, and ended up stopping near the Cathedral for Maureen's latte and continuing into the heart of Oakland for breakfasts of cinnamon crunch bagel and puff bacon and spinach souffle for breakfast. We did a little shopping, then took photos all the way home. Maureen found out soon after lunchtime that Pittsburgh Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, as well.
I went home to do some administrative work for my class, then took a brief nap around three o'clock right before all three of us decided to head to the public library for an outing. We found ourselves in the video section, and I borrowed two nonfiction videos, and Karina insisted that I watch one particular entertaining video. I said hello to Scott and Richard K, and Don W. in the "Reference" area, Tim in the Music Department, and Lisa R. in the administrative offices.
We headed up Craig Street for pizza slices and casserole serving, and then continued up the street for some more shopping, including at the new Indian grocery mart. WE ran into Jen and her daughter K. walking down Karina's street. They were on their way home. We shared tea and sympathy chez Karina, and then Maureen and I continued home.
I received a call shortly before 18.00 from the University indicating it would be closed an additional day, and that essential personnel need to report (I guess I'm non-essential).
The message on the pitt.edu websites state:
News 2/8/10
Given the increasing likelihood of more severe weather tomorrow and in light of a request from the city's public safety director, the University of Pittsburgh will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9.
Because of our continuing need to maintain critical services, essential personnel are again asked to report for work.
We urge all members of the University to exercise caution and to make safety their top priority.
~~~~~
23.10
Just finished watching the movie Karina recommended for me, He's just not that into you. An all-star cast. Right now, I'm very tired and I'm not certain that I "got" the lesson I was supposed to learn from this movie, except that the rule is that the guy is supposed to go after you if he really likes you. [That's it, isn't it, Karina?]
Labels: Carnegie, cinema, cold, dining, Faith, library, Mass, school, seasons, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, weather, work
Snowbound 4, Monday email Letter
Here's part of a letter I sent overseas:
...[T]he snowstorm has created a state of emergency in Pgh.
They have cancelled ...my class... for the WEEK. We received 1.5 feet = 0.5 m of snow total, and some melted, and it is currently 4 degrees F out. Needless to say, I am wearing my YakTrax on my Doc Martens. Bishop Zubik gave a dispensation from Mass this past weekend. Many people attended 10 am Mass Sunday at the Cathedral, but they were mostly students, arriving on foot. Only Noreen and Sally [neighbors] were Eucharistic Ministers.
And late last night:
All Pittsburgh campus classes have been cancelled for Monday, February 8. Offices will be closed. Essential personnel are to report to work.
---from the www.pitt.edu website, late last night.
Labels: cold, computer, diocese of Pittsburgh, email, neighbors, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, weather, work
Truly Snowbound 3--anticipated Monday
All Pittsburgh campus classes have been cancelled for Monday, February 8. Offices will be open.
---from the WWW.pitt.edu news on the www.my.pitt.edu website
The sun melted the snow and the deicer applied to the sidewalk did, as well. It's going to be seven Fahrenheit tonight. Thus, there will be ICE on the sidewalks tomorrow.
~~~~~
22.04
All Pittsburgh campus classes have been cancelled for Monday, February 8. Offices will be closed.
---from the www.pitt.edu website, NEWS section.
~~~~~
22.30
All [of our class] labs are cancelled for the week. All labs will be pushed back one week for the remainder of the semester. You will be completing Lab #4 the week of Feb. 15. The last week of the semester, the week of April 12, was to be a review week. The review week will now be replaced with the last lab exercise of the semester... If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you.
---from Meredith, one of our course coordinators
Labels: cold, Pittsburgh, school, seasons, weather, work
Yak Trax--Snowbound 2, February 2010
So, in the sun the snow is beginning to melt, with the help of deicer salts (calcium I imagine) and without the help of temperatures, but with the help of the sun. Tonight, temperatures will go to the single digits.
The Pittsburgh Public Schools website announces that school is cancelled for Monday the 8th of February. Maureen is thrilled.
We went to ten o'clock Mass, and then walked to the pancake place to get breakfast. We then walked to the computer lab for me to print out [administrative] sheets and for us to check the status of the public schools.
A walk back home, save some snow photos for Maureen on her USB key / jump drive, then time for a nap.
~~~~~
17.45
A few buses were seen to be running this afternoon in the heart of Oakland....Port Authority has restored service and restored changed service for some routes.
Labels: cold, computer, dining, Mass, school, seasons, traction, transportation, walking, weather, work
Properly Shod...
Wore my Rocket Dog clogs last night because my hiking boots---despite their sufficient tread---lacked the material on the soles (Rubber Soles) to prevent slipping. Wore the thick-soled clogs again today with jeans and gaiters to keep the snow out.
Haven't yet used my YakTrax crampy-crampon thingys. I'm waiting for more ice...
Labels: cold, Pittsburgh, seasons, traction, weather
And to think that I saw it...
Today I saw:
a bootless immigrant (grad?) student walking around with plastic grocery bags around his shoes.
a cross-country (Nordic) skier heading north on Craig Street
a tobogganer on his belly heading south on Craig Street
Today I heard:
"Pittsburgh...a state of emergency."
In response to my singing on Bayard Street, "You're much too [joyful] about this," from a shoveller.
Bus service cancelled for the city.
Labels: cold, Pittsburgh, seasons, transportation, weather
Dispensation
According to an email from Don, our music director,
"If you haven’t heard via the media: Bishop Zubik has cancelled the obligation to attend mass this weekend. He will not be at Sunday’s 10am and/or noon mass."
meaning an off-day or snow day from choir. Don't have to pop a side shovelling, so to speak.
Well, it is a Good Thing Maureen and I made it to Mass this morning at ten.
Labels: cold, Mass, seasons, weather, Zubik
SnowUNbound February 2010
Maureen telephoned me soon after I posted my last post...she invited me and also Karina to ten o'clock morning Mass at the Newman Center. As I walked up the street, I sang "I'll be home for Christmas." We were two of the five parishioners who celebrated Mass with Fr. Drew. I prayed during the general intercessions for my parents' current mission. Then, we walked south on Dithridge to Fifth Avenue, taking photos all along. We enjoyed the warmth of the Cathedral of Learning, and Maureen dried off and applied a plastic bag to her foot. We walked south to Forbes Avenue, headed east to Craig Street, where Maureen got a cappuccino at Kiva Han. We enjoyed lunch at the pan-Asian restaurant, and invited Karina to join us. We enjoyed telling stories and looking at pictures/photos.
I am tired from my slight lack of sleep and my escapades in the snow. I will take a nap before I continue along in my day.
Labels: cold, dining, Faith, Mass, medical mission, Philippines, prayer, seasons, sleep, tea, weather
Snowbound
As a foot and a half (half a meter) of snow fell and stuck last night, there were a number of comments about it:
"I am from Austria, the Alps, so, ... the snow." --Manfred Honeck addressing the Pitt crowd.
"If you have to get off the bus, be careful." --Annabelle Clippinger addressing our bus of students as we discovered that we were snow- gridlocked at Forbes just east of Craft Avenue.
"Snow! It's snowing! It's so beautiful." --me, exclaiming with delight at the outset of our evening.
"It's still snowing out there." --me at intermission at the PSO.
Labels: cold, PSO, school, seasons, weather
Anne-Sophie Mutter at the Pittsburgh Symphony
Maureen and I braved the snow to go to the Pittsburgh Symphony tonight. We met up at the Student Union to get our tickets and to board the buses to Heinz Hall. Anne-Sophie Mutter accompanied the PSO in Brahms's Concerto in D for violin and orchestra. Manfred Honeck conducted, with Andres Cardenes as concertmaster. Maureen and I recognized the theme in the third (last) movement. Absolutely wonderful, Ms. Mutter's chords were played clearly. A rousing standing ovation ensued, which welcomed her back for a solo encore.
The second half of the evening featured the PSO in Mahler's Symphony No.1 in D major. There was a movement reminiscent of "Where is Thumbkin" or "Frere Jacques." The PSO will take the Mahler Symphony on tour to Carnegie Hall in New York, and further afield. We were pleased to be the hometown audience, and the whooping for the standing ovation showed it.
A post-concert dessert and brief talk by Manfred Honeck (Well, if you have no questions to raise, then, it is time for cake) who asked a very young musician,
Do you play an instrument? Violin, perhaps?
(quietly and shyly) Piano
We rode the buses to Forbes and Craft Avenues, and we all disembarked after asking Annabelle if we could ("If you walk, go carefully.") I was glad that I had my cane, and took photos the whole way home.
Labels: cold, Honeck, music, photography, photos, PSO
St. Blaise, Midweek, Early February 2010
After teaching and having a handful of students visit my office hours, I went home, made some phone calls and left a message for Maureen. I called Karina and invited her, as well, to a Mass for the memorial of Saint Blaise. Father David ended the afternoon Eucharistic Adoration, celebrated the Mass, and blest each of our throats.
Karina and I walked through the dry flurries to the burger shop in Oakland to meet up with Maureen for dinner. We then walked back to the Newman Center to warm up and to chat and look at books. Called Marissa, to check on her and her "Di" move she took (this phrase brought a smile to her voice), to make certain that she is okay.
Labels: biology, cold, dining, Faith, health, Mass, phone, weather, work
Friday in the Third week of Ordinary Time 2010, Coco
Today I lectored at the morning Mass. Fr. Breier celebrated Mass, John served, and Don provided the music ministry. The first reading was from 2 Samuel, the passage about David's asking to put Bathsheba's husband in danger during wartime. There was at least one audible "tsk" that I heard from the congregation when reading that key phrase. Fr. Breier delivered a homily primarily about God's grace.
As the temperature this morning was six degrees Fahrenheit (well below freezing), and windy and sunny, I took my breakfast then proceeded to take a long winter hibernation for the good part of the morning. Karina and I had lunch at the Japanese-Korean restaurant in Oakland, stopped at the post office to pick up stamps and to mail Jonathan's birthday card, and stopped at the campus and public libraries for computer lab work and for Karina's items on hold. I stopped by at home to check my messages, send a fax, and then met up at Karina's to produce the first in my earth-water-wind-sea necklace and matching bracelet series. Karina had prepared a cup of spiced chai for my enjoyment when I had arrived out of the cold. Maureen arrived when I had completed stringing about two-thirds of my necklace. I felt a great sense of accomplishment, and Karina shored us up with her homemade soup for the long evening.
We stopped at the bookstore in Shadyside to run an errand, then proceeded to the Mall in West Mifflin for the MaxiSaver movie, Coco before Chanel. We decided on a stop for fast Mexican food first, then watched the movie in a practically empty theater.
Coco Avant Chanel was about the rise of the phenomenon of Coco Chanel from personal setbacks and tragedies. It focusses on her personal life, as the title suggests, before she made a household name for herself; before Jackie Kennedy wore a signature Chanel suit to meet the President of France. Her personal life and ensuing decision to focus on her career in a time when a typical French woman was expected to become a wife was touching. Coco Chanel was a woman with a particularly striking visage who entered the fashion field when it was still dominated by men. She made a name on simple, practically austere looks and elegant, simple lines. She changed women's fashion from binding Victorian corsets and rules to flowing, comfortable lines. The music in the movie was particularly moving.
After the movie we went to a large superstore and went grocery shopping. Boy, it's late.
I'm pleased to have received an email verifying that the health emergency Thursday afternoon has resolved itself.
Labels: art, Carnegie, cinema, cold, dine, dining, health, jewelry, lector, library, Mass, painting, shopping, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, tea, walking, weather
Gentle Ball Exercises
It was below freezing this morning, so I took the bus to work.
After teaching my lab, I started office hours with Heather, Lyndsay, and Tiffany and ended them with Marnin. I shared an email from Ken about "The Mousetrap" with Marnin, whose name means "one who creates joy."
I wrote a little of a student's reference, worked on grade sheets and attendance sheets, walked home, took a nap, had a small dinner, and then walked with Maureen to the gym, where I bicycled ~ ten minutes, then did three ball exercises for a total of fifteen minutes. Maureen and I walked together, I attended a chinwagging poetry meeting (where we discussed "Invictus", poems by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Blake, Wordsworth, Shakespeare, etc.) Now, I'm blogging...
Labels: biology, blogs, cold, email, exercise, name, poetry, walking, weather, work
Up Early January 2010
So, I'm up early this morning. Wrote an email, now I'm going to write about yesterday:
Yesterday, I woke at ~7.15 (boy, was that difficult) to the strains of my alarm. I did some computer work, then joined up with Mom and Dad for a late breakfast. Mom and I watched a movie with Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married. In the afternoon I went to a bookstore and then to Trader Joe's for some groceries. Then a nap... After dinner it was time for pastoral council. Matt and I wrote closing and opening prayers, respectively. One of the fun activities we did was to write a want ad for pastoral council. We shared a lot of topics, and ended soon after an hour, as the weather dictated our actions. We spoke about the "Grace problem" of first Wednesday conflicts, as well. Roseann, Elaine, and I slip-slided all the way home. A discussion ensued with Mom and Dad, then a nap, then some document editing.
Today, I'm up early for this last full weekday of vacation before the semester starts. Tomorrow holds a meeting, as well as a bit of administrative work. I don't have anything in particular planned for today, although I should be doing laundry soon, not because of need, but because of desire (or something). It's the first morning in a few that I've not heard the men plowing the snow in the parking lot in the wee hours of the morning. No plans for today, but Now time for another email. No plans for today, but now it's time to check my email for plans, as well as to make plans, all for within the next couple of years.
~~~~~
21.55
I took a nap ~7:30-9:30, had a late breakfast, early lunch, then took a nap, then was awakened by a call from Karina to walk to the library. She hung out in the magazine room, and I went to the campus libe/computer lab to print out some documents. I received a call from her---she had lost a bracelet her sister had just given her. She retraced part of her steps that we had taken to the library. I then renewed a book and met up with her: She hadn't found it when we got to a parking lot near my building.
I was pleased to receive a call from her stating that she had located the bracelet!
The evening was spent with Mom and Dad working on medical mission documents.
Labels: biology, cinema, cinema tv, cold, dine, email, jewelry, laundry, library, medical mission, meeting, music, pastoral council, Philippines, prayer, sleep, travel, weather, work
