Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, December 28, 1938

A.M. To Buffalo on various errands, The day was clear and sunshiny.  In particular – to Albright Gallery to sign two early watercolors for the January show or opening of the new Knox room of contemporary art – while there I took the opportunity to see my “Watering Time”, (belonging to Spencer Kellog) which I have not seen for years. It still looks good; I determined to see about a glass to protect it.

A young lady there to get some pictures of hers, who introduces herself as Miss Gay.  I had not remembered her – I can never bring myself to pretend to remember people, nor would I know how to “carry it off” if I did decide to be polite.  One always gets into deep water.  I regret it tho, for it makes me seem rude & self-centered – the latter I am, but not, I hope, the other.

On the way down-town, stopped off at the Justice place, to see about my hand-brake, which was slipping.  The attendant, Herb, asked me to go up along to the repair floor – while waiting here, I was attracted to an enormous vise on a bench – Its cold iron, matter-of-fact reality seemed like an antidote for all the tinsel & sentimentalism of Christmas.  We all like frosting, but good bread & butter is more satisfying.

Called Bertha from downtown, and she told me that the Berlins were calling in the evening, so I went to get a bottle of wine.  At the liquor store, I soon realized my complete ignorance of wines, so I conferred it to the dealer, who gave me good advice as to what to get.  Then, I went & bought some simple wine-glasses, something we had never had.  To a European, my ignorance of such things would be most appalling.

The evening with the Berlins was most enjoyable.  Mrs. Berlin as before, had us laughing all the time with her vivid descriptions of people.  We talked books & movies and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

[Afternoon mounted from watercolors that Courvoisier was interested in].

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, December 28, 1938