About noon “an old friend of twenty years standing” – called up, who proved to be “sergeant” Pearson, one of the camouflage boys at Camp Jackson. We made arrangements for him to come out on a Clinton was where I should meet him. (at 1:30).
Before he came, I thought it was ridiculous for us to meet again, for we had not been found of each other then – his was the second bunk from mine. What I remembered of him was that he was slow, plodding, and humor-less; imperious to the slights and insults Eskridge & I rudely offered him (E’s bunk was next to mine- ) There was a vague feeling too that there [89] was something else about him I did not like, but it eluded me.
But after all, when he came, I enjoyed the visit we had. And I was struck with how little he had changed in manner or appearance. When I drove up to the bus he was waiting — his whole posture, the way he work his hat etc. were so like his soldier appearance.
Two slightly cold days. An easy wind and ceaseless sweep-away of cold blue clouds. The ground does not freeze, except at night a filmy crust.
Crows have been cawing for several mornings past – I never hear them except at sunrise.
This morning I handed my essay in to Mrs. Tate and after she had examined it she cane back to my seat and said:
Distant rolling hills are patterned with blue trees on pale blue snow, except just below sun where it turns to glowing white –
Snowing – from the east. To station to get reservations. Daffodils & Blue Iris for B’s valentine.
"Hello, you ronyon” I said as I took up the receiver. “Hello you’roint, what are you going to do this morning?”
Afternoon – mild “softening” of the weather – When the thermometer showed 38 I decided to make an outdoor painting. The view from between ours + Albarella’s garage –
Evening – We wait for Cathie to come on the 8:00 bus, but when she failed to show up, B & A & I went to the Strand “Radio Stars on Parade” (very amusing), and “Cornered” (with Dick Powell) – a very tense melodrama of revenge on a German gestapo leader.
Spring in February: patches of melted snow on sidewalks reflecting the heavenly blue of the sky-cavern above, the snow on both sides of the walk honey-combed slantingly by the brilliant sun. The cawing of crows has taken on a new significance.