Spring Forward (Ahead of Time)
I awoke about an hour ago to work on personal paperwork on the computer.
Yesterday after lunch dropped the car off for inspection, repairs, etc. New brakes, brake sensors, windshield washer pump, and lightbulbs for the dashboard were done. Then I picked up the car at about 16.00, picking up William from work for a late lunch/early dinner. We drove to the fish fry uptown next to the Civic Arena (soon to be gone for a newer arena). We enjoyed a fish dinner and mac & cheese, and he brought an order of pierogies for Marissa and the children.
I dropped him off at home, proceeded to TJ's for groceries, then went home to change before heading off to the symphony with Maureen and Karina (meeting Nancy there). We were all in good spirits, and the program was
Classic Tales
Gianandrea Noseda, conductor
Benjamin Hochman, piano
The PSO played
G. Rossini La Cenerentola, Overture
W. A. Mozart Concerto No. 19 in F Major for Piano and Orchestra, K. 459
(with Mr. Hochman)
~Intermission~
P.I. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 3 in D major, Op. 29 "Polish"
Mr. Noseda literally danced when conducting: Predominantly lyrical dancing, with some "popping"-type moves occasionally. He was a joy to watch.
Mr. Hochman was light and delightful with the Mozart piece. A standing ovation ensued, and he played a solo encore. Andres Cardenes joined the PSO for the last piece, Tchaikovsky's only symphony written in a major key.
We all retired to the Greek restaurant across from the Renaissance Hotel and Byham. Nancy and I each enjoyed a plate of Greek food and salad, my main dish being the phyllo-enrobed lamb, exohito. Maureen and Karina both enjoyed desserts.
~~~
About the heading on this post:
Yesterday I set my clocks in my bedroom ahead, so that I can practice "Spring Forward" daylight savings time a day ahead. Thus, "springing forwards ahead." That does not, of course, preclude the fact that I'm slightly tired right now....
Labels: automobile, dining, fish fry, international culture, music, organizing, Pittsburgh, PSO, repair, shopping
Good Friday 2009
I had a doctor's appointment in Monroeville late this morning. I was pleased to hear the outcome/results.
Good Friday Service will be celebrated at 13:30. I will be in the choir loft by 13:00. I must walk home and pick up my choir folder....
~~~
(written 8.30 Saturday)
I made it back to Oakland in time to check my email at the main campus library, walk to get my choir folder at Mom & Dad's home, and get to the choir loft by 13.00.
During the veneration of the cross we sang probably the first celebration of "Crucifixus" by Bob Farrell (definitely a first at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland). Jennifer H., who stands next to me, and I agreed that it is a powerful piece of music to sing and hear sung.
~~~
The bishop processed into the Cathedral in silence.
The first reading was Isaiah 52:13, 53:12
The psalm was Ps. 30, (Chrysogonus Waddell), with Don singing the solo from the loft.
Second reading was Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9
Gospel acclamation was "Glory to you, O Word of God," by Proulx
The Passion was read by various people from the altar. We sang "Jesus, Remember Me" by J. Berthier
Presentation of the Cross was sung by the Bishop "Behold, Behold the wood of the cross, on which hung salvation." to which we respond, "O come, let us adore."
We sung "Were You There (spiritual)," "Crucifixus" (R.G. Farrell), "Adoramus Te Christe", and "Jesus So Lowly" during the Veneration of the Cross.
O Sacred Head Surrounded (#434) was sung for the collection
Attende Domine was sung during Communion
De Profundis (W.A. Mozart) was the choral anthem.
There was no closing blessing; people departed in silence.
~~~~
After the service, I took a nap and then Mom & I picked up William at Carnegie Mellon for the celebration of my and Solomon's birthday. We were planning on celebrating at St. Bartholomew's parish fish fry in Penn Hills, but there was no Good Friday fish fry. St. Irenaeus in Oakmont and 'Mac' in Bloomfield did have Good Friday fish fries, but we decided on making Solomon happy at the Penn Hills Eat N Park.
We enjoyed our meal (I had the whitefish sandwich and the salad bar), we gave Solomon his gifts (I gave him colorful wooden keys and a lock on the keychain), and Beata made me her second card for me (which I photo-documented) and presented me with their gift she had personally selected from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (a handmade Kenyan necklace).
Dad called us from the hospital on our way home (a medical emargency on his way home from television ministry), was happy to see us when he arrived home, and we watched a small portion of 20/20 on ABC, and then I collapsed into bed.
Labels: alarm, Choir, Church, dining, fish fry, gift, health, jewelry, music, mystery, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, TV, walking, Zubik
Fish Fry Lent 2008
William called me up this afternoon to see if I were interested in attending a fish fry in Oakmont with him and Beatrice. I said yes, and headed to their home. Marissa has been under the weather of late with the flu.
We had both the baked and fried fish, haluski (made by Lucy at our table), onion rings, macaroni and cheese. Beatrice sampled some mac and cheese, and bread, and !black olives! She "told" the story of this evening with her limited vocabulary, including the parts about meeting the baby and the nice lady. It also turns out that Lucy and I know someone in common. What a great evening of good food, drink, and fellowship.
Labels: Beatrice, Choir, dining, family, fish fry, friends, niece and nephew
Beatrice, Fish Fry
Beatrice and William and Marissa visited on her 5-month birthday this Friday. It was fun to see her and to present her with the musical "keys" in which you can insert various pictures, so she has friendly faces to look at while teething.
Soon after, my birder friend and I went to a feesh fry Uptown. DEE-lish. We shared fish, fries, cole slaw, haluski, and pierogies accompanied by fountain soft drinks. As the temps fell during the day, the rain changed to sleet changed to hail changed to snow. My hiking boots started skidding slightly in the snow as we made our way to the bus stop.
Labels: Beatrice, cold, fish fry, traction
Communion and Liberation
I attended another meeting of Communion and Liberation this week. Joe, Marie, Mike, and Fred and I engaged in enlightening conversation about Luigi Guissani's book, The Journey to Truth is an Experience. Afterwards, we went out for snacks and drinks and discussed varied topics, including parishes for Lenten fish fries. This is apparently a Pittsburgh phenomenon, in which even non-Church-goers seek out fish fries all over Allegheny County.
WIlliam and I attended a fish fry last Friday at Sacred Heart Church; he had the fish, I had the shrimp. We both were pleased with how our meals tasted.
Labels: C and L, fish fry
