My dad's funeral was Monday. (I am back home now.) Imagine 500 people at the open casket showing and Catholic Mass. We are a family of seven girls and four boys. Ten of us greeted the "mourners" as they entered the viewing room. I was first in line and it was my job to transition the sad faced visitors for the riotous atmosphere of the room. It was not your ordinary viewing. My brother quipped "Yes, just like an Irish wake- one less drunk." My sister is a nun. My dad sold church goods to priests. Both my brother and I were in the seminary when we were young. My uncle is a priest. The room was filled with religious- maybe 20%. Lots of laughing and joking- but exhausting. My father would have loved it. I traveled with my oldest son. Two major firsts for him: His first Catholic Mass, first open casket funeral (and first time a pall-bearer).
http://www.philamuseum.org/
The following day my son and nephew, Matt, visited the Philadelphia Art Museum. Middle of the road special Rembrandt exhibit- lacked the spontaneity of Rembrandt's greatest works- portraits and large pieces- mostly small careful portraits. Overall the collections in this museum are world class. It has some of the most important works by Marcel Duchamp, massive facades and building looted from Europe, and a whole rang of international works. Maybe I'll publish a few photos here from the trip soon.
Below: Duchamp
