Well, I thought Saturday was going to be fun as the second opening for the Bloom exhibition was taking place, but when we left the house (using a cane that Amy got me that morning), I fell down the front steps and damaged my knee, chin, lip and little finger on my left hand. Luckily, our next-door neighbor and two of his friends were outside and rushed over to lift me up and get me back into the house. This muscle weakness is not fun!

Amy cleaned up the cuts and bruises, and I told her to go into the gallery. Little did I know she had called my brother, who had come rushing over. Amy called our good friends Randi and David Rosen, who took her to the city, went to the exhibition, and stayed in NYC until the show ended. I decided to go to sleep (about 4 hours), and it turned out that my brother stayed in our living room and even had his wife bring some pizza over for me so that when I woke up, I had something to eat. A loving and caring brother (or sister) is something everyone needs. He stayed until Amy and our friends came home … the friends stayed for dinner.

During the day Harry, a client and very good friend, informed me that he had ordered several different jars of syrup since I finished the Dailey ones.

I woke up on Sunday, pretty late, and my shoulder was bothering me a little, but the knee had some small cuts (nothing serious), the left finger seemed fine, the lip had a little scab, and the chin had a larger one. I decided there was no way I could shave so I figured I would have a beard for the Phili show … memories from my young days. I also stepped on the scale and was down to 160 lbs. Losing weight is not a good thing … gotta start eating more. Oh, I did not work out.

Around noon, my friends Neil & Jill Cohen came over … Neil was an attorney (he just retired but still can notarize documents). I had to give my wife a Power of Attorney.

That afternoon, Alyssa, Adam, and the two grandkids came for an early dinner. It was so nice to see them, and I was able to eat my food … even though that little Teddy had me laughing at times. Oh, my brother and his wife came over for a while; they love our grandkids.

An Amazon box arrived as well … filled with different types of syrup … thank you Harry!! I will be trying them when I return from Phili – well, I will try one on Monday morning. Our farmer also stopped by with a new frame for one of Rasa Kluonius’s new paintings.

After the kids left, Amy and I started packing for our trip to Philadelphia. I had to pack a separate bag filled with all the things I needed for my medical condition – medications, tissues, etc. So crazy!

Monday morning was a typical beginning, medication, working out, eating (I did try one of the new syrups — very tasty). Then Amy packed up the car (something I would normally do) and suggested I go out through the back sliding door. That way, I would not have to deal with the front steps – great idea. Do note that she contacted another next-door neighbor who is a contractor, and he will be installing railings.

I pulled up and got out since we had several things to deliver to the gallery in the morning. Amy then parked the car … a little less walking for me. The family prepared everything for ArtWay to pick up for the upcoming show. I just sat at my desk, and there was not a good feeling that I was not helping. Later that day, Amy drove us to Philadelphia. We got there around 5:30, checked in, and then went to the local supermarket to get all the stuff I needed … pineapple juice, applesauce, napkins, cups, etc. We got back to the hotel, and the gentleman at the front was very nice, helped us unpack, and brought everything up to the room.

Tuesday was a very busy day … for Amy. First, she got us breakfast – some of the softest waffles I ever had. We then headed to the show, and Huntley (the woman who runs the show) set up a parking space just outside the tent. Amy then worked with several guys from ArtWay to get the historical side done; they did a great job while I sat in a chair messing with the computer. Not something I was happy about. She made me a little lunch – a Philadelphia cream cheese sandwich and my drink. I did a little work and helped rearrange the way the boxes were set in the closet – yes! We then headed back to the hotel. Amy went out and got some food and just relaxed.

Wednesday, Lance arrived, and we went to the show to set up the contemporary side. He and Amy did all the work; I just sat on a chair with the computer, ate my cream cheese sandwich, etc. They did an amazing job, and we were basically done. We went back to the hotel, had some pizza for dinner, and later that night, Lance came by with some vanilla ice cream – a little treat.

On Thursday, Amy and I stayed at the hotel and relaxed. We got to the show around 3:30, cleaned the tables, and finished adding labels. Then the event started, and it had a nice opening. Towards the end of the night, I got up to walk, and Lance insisted on accompanying me (I do love that he wants to help). Well, that set off my laughing issue. My brain tells me I do not need help; the reaction is loud laughter. We got back to the hotel, and Lance came to our room. His comments made the laughter even louder, and there was coughing and gagging. He left, but the issue continued for at least 5 hours. I finally fell asleep around 2 am- not sure when Amy went to sleep. Oh, I did take a gummy – not sure if it actually helped.

Friday morning was quicker than most. I got up after 8:30 and had to be on the road to the show around 10:30. The show opened at 11:00 and people were coming by. Will be here until 7 pm. The show continues through Sunday, and then we pack out and head home.

I will say that the muscle weakness is continuing to progress. It is harder now to stand up straight; the left leg is weaker, and I can see some shaking in my hands.