Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, January 24, 1963

January 24, Thursday –

Up at nine; - -4° and the wind almost a gale – From all over the nation are reports of the bitter cold – In Kentucky -30° - On the Gulf of Mexico +10° ect. ect. – Said to be the coldest wave of this century.

Took the car to Nenner – he examined the heater lever – his verdict, “I’m afraid you’ve got some real trouble” – the “cable” was bent – the whole instrument panel had to be removed etc. – he was not sure he could do it today, but probably tomorrow – he is to call –

Called the dentist and cancelled my appointment for tomorrow morning –

In the studio – contrary to my plans, (which was to re-create the 1918 blizzard picture) worked on editing the journals of the 1919-1920-1921 period –

When I came in at noon Bertha said a Mrs. L____ had called inviting us to a cocktail party and dinner, on the occasion of the visit of an art dealer from London. She said to Bertha “I don’t want to seem to be a “celebrity” collecting but I am sure _____ the dealer would be pleased to meet your husband.” Like many people she imagined admitting the fault lessened it. Bertha said she could think of no excuse to get out of it, and had said I would call back. When I did, Mrs. L____ had gone out and so I gave the message to the housekeeper that I, not knowing whether I could keep an engagement, did not make any promises and they had better not count on us.

In the afternoon, I transferred the tracing of the 1918 Blizzard to the mount.

Bedtime music – sides 3+4 of the Messiah – that is, from the Pastoral Scene, to the beginning of the Lenten portion.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, January 24, 1963