Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, January 31, 1962

Very cold (7°) a strong S.W. wind; much drifting of powdery snow; sun at times. 

Car to Paul Batt’s – altho the plant foreman said he could have someone drive me home (in my car) he fussed around, moving cars unnecessarily, answering the phone etc., that after a half-hour of such maneuvering I was in a sweat of irritation, and could hardly hold in an outburst. But I managed to, suffering an upset stomach all day.

Home about 10:00 To Studio, worked on a 1932 drawing of the “Old House by Creek” a slightly different view from the Whitney Oil.
Betha had a delicious noon-day meal, especially suited to such a cold stormy day – roast pork, with potatoes, onions and carrots cooked in with it; broccoli with a cream sauce on it; and a tossed salad with garlic dressing – cherries for dessert.

P.M. worked on a 1923 drawing of an old Blacksmith shop in Cherry Creek. I wet the paper and drew the shop in sanguiné conté; tree and the “house sign” in from in sepia conté – and some water-color wash. I thought it was too weak, but Bertha thought otherwise when I brought it in at 4:00; and after looking at it awhile, I agreed with her.

About 5:00 one of the mechanics at Paul Batt’s brought the car over; and then I drove him back & paid the bill – The return was a beautiful drive – the air full of drifting snow, which dimmed the lights of autos to soft glows. Trees and woods soft lavender grey feathery wind-blown fantastic ships. It seemed good to be alive, and well enough to enjoy winter weather.

Letter from Louise, in which she said that in a trip to Cleveland with Irma, it occurred to her that an accident might end the both of them, in which case she thought I ought to know about her financial affairs and accordingly told me what she had in the way of bonds, where her bank book was, as well as an insurance policy – She said I was her beneficiary, which is somewhat embarrassing to me, as it seems as if Irma and then Tim ought to be named instead of me.

After supper a call from Tony Sisti – he wants to come out some night next week.

Bedtime music  - Haydn’s Symphony #57 and 44 – Vital music by a man who had a healthy outlook on life.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, January 31,  1962