Charles Burchfield, Journals, April 17, 1963

April 17 – Wednesday –

A mild warm day, sunny until noon, then light showers and sun alternating –

A.M. – Working in the wild-flower garden putting special soil around the hepaticas, - the odor of the earth – a fine occupation – from all sides come the songs and calls of the many birds of our neighborhood – “our” redbird was around; not the usual brilliant red, but a muted brick red –

Also in the studio preparing a new mount for the new mounting of “Easter Morning in the Woods”

Noon – in the mail a complimentary copy of the catalogue of Andy Wyeth’s show at the University of Arizona – Very handsome also an “In Memoriam” card announcing the untimely death Tommy Rhodes (only 39) – who lived across the street from our home at Salem, - as a small boy he was a delight to mother, Frances, and Jim. We had been exchanging cards at Christmas time the last four years.

To the Lodge for lunch, then some shopping at the Plaza.

Late P.M. – a visit Ed Jaworski, who brought along some copies of the “Observer” in which there was an editorial concerning my exhibitions, headed by a “cartoon” of me, drawn by Ed.

While he was here, a call from The News (which Bertha took) – to the effect that the “Life” photographer wanted to take some pictures tomorrow – (he is to come at 1:00 P.M.)

Evening music – The Haffner Serenade, of Mozart.

Charles Burchfield, Journals, April 17, 1963