to burn the whole lot off.  This I did and thoroughly enjoyed it – The ragged line of dancing flame eating at the bleached out grass in the white sunshine, from out of the east a damp wind blowing – The strong pungent odor –
                                                                             Mar. 31, 1933–
     The first warm spring rain – what a sublime thing it is – like the softening of the earth, one expands and swells, old troubles and cares vanish the spirit is released. – It is a strangely agonizing experience –
     During a lull I continue my work in the yard – Norman Kent in at11:00– to see about trading a print of his Mr. F. Lanke’s Japanpaper.  After luncheon we over to Frank’s and the deal is effected.
     The hepaticas are up – small downy buds –
                                                                             April 2, 1933[1]
     P.M. over the radio Beethoven’s 4^th and 3^rd Symphonies, played by Toscanini
     Never before has the grand power and tragedy of the 3^rd so overwhelmed me as today – especially the second movement with its sorrowful discords in the strings that tear the heart in two – At the end I felt crushed and sat motionless – I can’t remember ever being so moved.
                                                                             Apr. 3, 1933
     East of Bowen and Clinton sketching – Had in mind a painting of the big swamp tree, but found it had been blown down – in ruins –
     Rather disconsolate I wandered eastward undecided what to paint – Enter a small woods – Clouds begin to over-cast the hitherto bright morning- Soon the various elements of the woods, and the sky begin to arrange themselves and I am soon at painting – From various directions came the calls of bluebirds and crows.