Beatrice's Dance Class
After lunch and before picking up Mom's medicine in Shadyside Dad, Mom, and I joined William's family (upon an invitationn from Marissa) at Beatrice's dance class. As per usual, she was absent for the photo (taken usually around Thanksgiving), but she is a good imitator and her teacher, her assistant, and the accompanist are all greatly talented at engaging all of the students. Beatrice's mirror dance partner was Sonora. They have learned the two first ballet positions, chassee moves, and basics of modern dance.
We all went to Vanilla for cupcakes afterwards. Our selections ranged from Fudge Chocolate, Chocolate Buttercream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Red Velvet, to Cinnamon Scone and Pistachio Almond Nougat!! Solomon finally got his wish for a red cupcake like Beatrice's. I swung around to pick up Mom and Dad after our cupcake interlude.
Labels: Beatrice, Calorie, chocolate, dance, dining, family
Missed Choir Practice, Choir this week
I missed choir practice & choir this past week, due to a lingering sore throat.
Friday I joined Jennifer & Mike, Regina & John at drumming.
I handed in the last of my wreath fundraising for choir today.
I missed singing for the Feast of Christ the King, but enjoyed the music from the congregation. I did sing the Lotti Agnus Dei (alto part).
Bishop William Winter was the main celebrant, with many other priests concelebrating. (Bishop Zubik is in Rome for Cardinal Wuerl's ordination.)
This morning I wrote letters of support for two former students and completed their PharmCAS reference letters this afternoon.
I will join up with John, Regina, and her parents to celebrate his birthday for dinner.
Labels: Choir, dining, friends, health, music, singing, Spain, St. Paul Cathedral
"Hail, Our Alma Mater..."
Wednesday late afternoon (after our Jeopardy! class for Introduction to Arts and Sciences) Jenny CD and Linda I arrived from the airport and from Cleveland, respectively. After dropping off Jenny's luggage, we headed to Victor's new restaurant, where we enjoyed 2 lamb dishes, a shrimp dish, a salmon dish, and a vegetarian dish with Amanda MS and Charles. It was great to see everyone again, and to have a photo....
We all stood outside, Jenny and I in thin sweaters as the temperatures had dipped from the 60s Fahrenheit to the 40s to 50s as the sun went down. Jenny drove Linda and I back to my parking lot, where we bid Linda a fond goodbye and safe trip. Jenny and I tucked into our respective beds by 23.30, and I awoke about 6.30 Thursday.
Thursday Jenny and I visited St. Paul Cathedral and my workplace. We walked to get eggs over easy, Lyonnaise potatoes, bacon, and wheat toast as well as croissant French toast (and coffee for Jenny). We then headed to the Cathedral of Learning, touring the higher floors before the lower floors of Nationality Rooms first. We then toured the Frick Arts Building (the library, the Jello courtyard exhibit, and the U Pitt Museum Studies Class's exhibit SLAG: What's left after industry?), and the Carnegie Library and Institute. As we left the Carnegie, we opened the door for Marissa and Solomon, and Beatrice and Les.
After loading Jenny's bag into the car, we departed; I for work and she for lunch with her husband's former intern.
Labels: art, Beatrice, biology, Carnegie, dining, international culture, library, Marietta, mountains, organ, organizing, painting, photos, Pittsburgh, reunion, school, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Sunday--Celebrate Mom's Birthday with William's family
After singing with the choir at noon Mass on Sunday, we drove to pick up William and to go to Fox Chapel for dim sum. (Traffic was horrendous going there and back, so) we met Marissa and the children at Millvale to check their car and to redirect our meal efforts.
We ended up at Pusadee's Garden (formerly La Filipiniana), which had remodeled their side yard to include two decks. It was a real treat, and William and I enjoyed the sauce on the tilapia dish.
A two-and-a-half-hour nap ensued upon arrival at home.
Labels: automobile, Birthday, dining, family, international culture, sleep
Friday--Five Guys in Fox Chapel
So, Friday lunch was meeting Marissa and Beatrice and Solomon to travel and meet Les and Cherie at Five Guys in Fox Chapel. We enjoyed burgers and fries before going to get orange juice ("so Lolo will have his orange juice when he arrives," I explained to Beatrice..."will you help me select orange juice for Lolo?") and other supplies at the superstore at the Waterworks Mall.
Labels: dine, dining, shopping
Friday's Art Crawl
Friday afternoon Charles and I met up with Susan downtown for my first experience at Art Crawl. We noted the skywriting, as well as the photos of skywriting in the gallery that had much silkscreened art. We tried the apple-almond paste tarts at the culinary school down the street, and experienced the gallery installation by the Carnegie Mellon University students.
Then, we headed to Wax on Ellsworth Avenue to Susan's friend's jewelry opening. She makes sturdy, artistic, whimsical whistle pendants. We all enjoyed chatting for a while, and then departed for our respective homes.
Labels: art, Carnegie, dining, friends, jewelry, school
Dr. Zoot, September 2010
Christina and I were the only ones from our group enjoying the band called Dr. Zoot tonight. Karina, Maureen, Regina, and Stacy all could not make it. I danced with Francois a couple of times and with Zack. I also bought a slice of pepperoni pizza to enjoy during the line dancing. I saw Frankie and Lisa, as well.
Christina and I left at the same time.
Labels: dancing, dining, friends, music, Pittsburgh
First Day of Fall Semester 2010
Today was the first day of fall semester, and I taught a 9.00 Monday morning laboratory.
Mom, Dad, and I ate at the Japanese and Chinese buffet on the way to the Waterfront. We ran into their friends from medical missions, as well.
Maureen and I went for smoothies at the Asian restaurant just a short while ago.
Labels: biology, dining, family, medical mission, neighbors, Pilipino culture, Songs, work
Pamela's Diner, Adam's Organ Concert, and Annual Building Picnic
Maureen and I went early to a branch of Pamela’s Diner for breakfast. I had the Lincoln Special—two eggs, meat, Lyonnaise potatoes, and two hotcakes. MMM good! We discussed a book I have been assigned to read by one of my friends, which explains why he doesn’t want to take photographs any more. (It’s a novel / roman). I am about half way through the novel, and it is slow going, as it is stream of consciousness, with no paragraph breaks.
I prepared for class tomorrow and I attended Adam J. Brakel’s organ concert, the close of the summer concert series at Saint Paul Cathedral.
He opened with an impressive piece by Max Reger, Fanasia and Fuge in d minor, opus 135b (double fugue), followed by
Komm, Heileger Geist, Herre Gott (Franz Tunder)
Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend (J.S. Bach) from Leipzig chorales
St. Francis of Paola Walking on the Waves (Franz Lizst) translated to organ by Lionel Rogg
Scherzo from Symphony VI (Louis Vierne)
Hamburger Totentanz (Guy Bovet)
Adam chose, as usual, pieces that showcased his virtuosity, especially the Lizst and Vierne pieces, with rushing cascading notes from the stiff-keyed von Beckerath instrument. I had a chance to chat with various others from the congregation space after the concert, including with Adam.
The annual building picnic was great fun, I sat with Margery and Cheryl from my floor, Nancy from the floor above, and Roger, Richard, and his wife as well. The food was delicious, as usual.
I am tired, and will retire early this evening in preparation to teach tomorrow.
Labels: dining, friends, music, neighbors, organ, St. Paul Cathedral
Resolving Issues---End of the Summer 2010
The end of this week (Thursday through Saturday) consisted of resolving issues, including health insurance, car maintenance, donating excess jackets, and loading my syllabus onto my (still unavailable) class. I went out with Maureen to the library and then we shared fries in Fox Chapel. I've been writing more, as well.
I started a great book recommended to me by Liz--Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. I finished reading half the book in one evening, it is so compelling. The subtitle is "The Story of Success." He has written The Tipping Point and Blink as well.
I've been catching up on communication (email) and writing more essays, as well.
I just finished a big double bar of chocolate from this summer (with almond and cashew paste).
Labels: automobile, computer, dining, donate, email, health, library, read, school, writing
Computers and Computer Training
For the past two evenings Maureen and I have been researching and buying her new toys (computer external hard drive and new notebook). So we researched and went to Staples in our neighborhood and up by Nancy C's neighborhood. We sat at Starbucks and enjoyed cool drinks in the cooling night air, and quickly escaped the cigarette smoke at the quickly-occupied next table last night.
I helped her back-up her ailing computer last night, and helped her do a skeletal set-up this evening before going to help Mom with travel computer questions. I also made reservations tonight for a fantasie musical.
Today for the best part of the morning involved a group training computer class. Renae was there, it was fun to see her again. Quite useful information.
Labels: addiction, computer, dining, friends, music, school, theater, transportation, travel
Delivering Fenton, the automobile fiasco, Beatrice's bike, the Student Prince
Tuesday I was to go with Maureen to Ross Park Mall. We planned to meet Nancy C there. I volunteered to drop off a package of art glass to Joyce (she left it in Mom and Dad's car) at Gene and Phyllis's home. I went to the gas station, filled up the tank, then went to the coffee shop across from Maureen's home. When attempting to start the car, it wouldn't. Dad came by and waited for the tow truck for us, bringing the other car.
Maureen and I stopped by Gene and Phyllis' home, saying bye to the the whole family. As 79 S was backed up, we took 19 S and picked up Krispy Kreme donuts on the way. We met up with Nancy at Ross Park Mall, and I got quilting pins for Mom at Jo-Ann's Fabrics.
I received good news in snail mail today.
Wednesday, I went to the Newman Center for discussion of this Sunday's (Assumption) readings. Spoke to some of my friends in the evening. Car still in the shop.
Thursday, I spoke with my health coach (I had lost weight and had gained it back in the same time period---time to analyze in a 2-day span my caloric intake). Mom had a hairstyling appointment at 10.15. Mom, Dad, and I had burgers across from the Park where we went at ~12.40pm. Beatrice won a lottery to get a bike and helmet from the City. The Mayor presented it to her. Lolo, Lola, her mommy and brother, and I were there.
I picked up a book at the library, my "homework" to read, c/o S.
I watched the silent film, the Student Prince, based on a book called Old Heidelberg.
Today we picked up my car at the garage from repairs. I later met Marissa and children at the restaurant across from her exercise facility. We had fun eating 18.00-20.00! I then watched Lisa Kudrow on the new show "Who do you think you are?"
Labels: automobile, bicycle, Carnegie, cinema, dining, Faith, farewell, friends, library, niece and nephew, politics, repair, shopping, snacks, TV
Letters to Juliet
Nancy, Maureen, and I drove to the movie theater to meet up with Christina and Regina. On the way, we stopped to get Mexican food (I did, actually).
We watched Letters to Juliet, another great movie with Vanessa Redgrave, such as Evening, which Maureen and I viewed with Karina last year. We all love Ms. Redgrave, who seems so natural when acting.
We finished the evening at Bob Evans, where Nancy and I got yogurt berry crepes. On the way home we had interesting discussions about our summer.
Labels: cinema, dining, friends
Themes
Painting (Oil and Watercolor)
Art
Hot Weather
Music--Bernstein's Requiem, My favorite movement of all Vivaldi pieces, sacred acclamations from the Mass
making muesli from grain
Hornflakes
Panoramic Paintings
Hot weather
Meeting Jehovah's Witnesses
NOT climbing tower/s
Good food
Good Thai food
Seeking relief from the heat at a pool
seeing political leaders
Good company, throughout
Good homemade food
Good homemade Thai food
Good Indonesian rice table
assistive technology for exercising
Labels: accessibility, art, dining, exercise, health, list, love, music, painting, shopping, water exercise, weather
This Week Sleep
3, 9, 5, 7
These are the times I have arisen this week...Today I arose at 7 (but awoke and went back to sleep at 5).
Monday Dad drove Mom and I to get our hair/s styled. We went shopping afterwards (I got a small calculator), and had lunch at the Chinese buffet.
Tuesday I spoke with my health coach in the morning. Mom, Dad, and I went to the Waterfront to update our cell phones. Maureen and I met Jeff to celebrate her birthday over BBQ chicken pizza. We had fun chatting.
Wednesday I had an orientation meeting with Laura D's office. I met with Stacy at 19.00 hours for smoothies. We also went to the Frick Fine Arts building to bask in the setting sunlight. Last night, Mom and Dad brought home summer sweet corn from Robert.
Labels: Birthday, computer, dining, hair, health, ice cream, phone, shopping, sleep, work
Putt Putt Golf
I've been up since ~ 4.00 this morning.
Last night Nancy and I met up and went to putt putt golf in North Park. It was great fun. We played both courses (I even got a hole-in-one on the 16th on the Tropical Course), and watched the mini Grand Prix, bumper boats, and carousel.
We went for a snack of rolled Caesar salad at a bar/cafe which her hubby will most likely not visit soon, as there was a smoky atmosphere there, and he has recently kicked the habit.
Mom, Dad, and I sang a "Happy Anniversary" to Joyce and Greg into their answering machine last night.
~~~
Napped from 7.00 to about mid-morning.
Labels: addiction, anniversary, dining, games, jewelry, phone, singing, sports
Father's Day 2010
Mom, Dad, and I met up with William's family at a pub on the South Side for brunch. Beata was overstimulated by the shouts and chanting during the World Cup game televised on several TV sets in the pub. I had the lamb shepherd's pie, which was rich and delicious.
We went for ice cream afterwards. When we returned home I helped Mom and Dad with cruise plans. I took a 2+hour-long nap, then did some computer work. Mom, Dad, and I attended the 21.00 Mass at the Oratory, then had dinner of crab claws and shepherd's pie. Dessert included fresh fruit. Yum.
Labels: dining, ice cream, international culture, list, Mass, sleep, sports
Eatin', Eatin', Eatin'
Last night went out with Maureen and Karina for appetizers/dinner and dessert at a pub in Station Square. LOVE those calamari and the chocolate indulgence cake (takes you straight to Heaven!)
I had picked up Maureen because she had inadvertently locked her keys in her home. We also went to Squirrel Hill for her to purchase new sandals for the summer. She and I had a "slumber party"at my house afterwards, reviewing and culling through my wardrobe for this summer. We also looked at Facebook.
Today will be a grand day with Mom and Dad and William's family starting with brunch on the South Side...
Labels: computer, dining, family, friends, home
Up Early II June 2010
I've been up for ~ an hour this morning. I've been reading about Omega-3 fatty acids on the web.
Yesterday was a long day. Will have to write more about it later.
Today Mom and I will be babysitting Beata and Solomon. Marissa has jury duty. We'll have great fun with the children.
Labels: dine, dining, family, health, niece and nephew, sleep
Up Early on a Sunday in June 2010
I'm up early on this Sunday in June. I'll go back to sleep to get more rest. Had a long day yesterday. A continuation of my day yesterday is below.
After an abbreviated lunch yesterday, I helped Mom and Dad with vacation plans, took a two-hour nap, and chatted by phone with Luce and Nancy. It was girls' night out last night with Christina, Karina, and Nancy at an Italian chain in the strip district. We dined and chatted for about three hours. Great fun.
I returned home (thanks to Christina) and had a nice chat with Pratima.
Labels: dining, friends, phone, sleep, travel
