Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, July 2-6, 1964

July 2-6

July 2, late PM – plane to Chicago – weather unsettled, some rain, the first part of our flight through rain clouds – a little rough at times.

                And then we began to have snatches of sunshine – I had been reading and leaned over to glance out of the window – what I beheld made me gush we were in the middle of enormous tall columns of Cumulous or thunderclouds, some lit up against a ravishing blue sky, others in shadow, with long vistas, or irregular aisles between the columns seeming to go out to infinity – never before have we seen sun a wonderful array – I have not even begun to see the marvels of our planet! I felt reborn.

                As we neared lake Michigan the clouds disappeared and by the time we were over the lake the sky was almost clear – the sun a blinding glare in a brilliant “wake” of light, surrounded by dancing “stars” in the pale blue-green water –

                A wonderfully full and happy visit with Vi and Art and the grandchildren.

                Stayed at the Chateau Louise (an enormous barn, remodeled, added to it for our room air-conditioned.

                Vi is a wonderful hostess, which is to say she seemed to be enjoying herself as much as we, which was literally the case. She would not allow Bertha to do any work, “When I am 77”, she said, “I expect to be waited on too” – It provided a good rest for Bertha –

                Art has made many improvements in the place, notably, a “durable” good fence all around their backyard, and the “family room” (the latter is where we ate our main meals).

                The children were adorable as usual lively and excited and anxious to show us their “treasures” and hobbies. Artie showed us his “Lost Canyon” (Art drove us all out one afternoon) a spot where bulldozers have piled up great mounds of earth (mountains) in a swampy tract – a pond Artie calls the “Lake” (the crater we did not see) – a board over a tiny stream was “The Bridge” – I felt privileged to be allowed to see a boys private domain – I was on the outside, looking in, but I understood.

                Perhaps too well – I said in an aside to him “That lake is really the Pacific Ocean isn’t it” he nodded – and this stream it’s really the Mississippi River isn’t it? He looked wide eyed, “How did you know?” he asked – Then I felt I had been too clever, as if I were a peeping Tom at his private world of imagination.

                Saturday evening to “Blue Island” to see the fireworks a solid stream of continuous display – thrilling and beautiful – at the end ground and air fireworks all going at once with innumerable bombs that fairly shook the ground.

                Little Jim was sitting on my lap, and he seemed unable to contain himself – he jumped madly up and down, and sensing his need, I helped him jump. His excitement made it all seem more fabulous to me.

                Art and I had a good visit alone on Sunday afternoon during which we discussed all manner of things from evolution to “outer space”, politics, literature and music. We did not always agree, but differed with mutual respect.

                We left Monday morning – Vi drove us to the airport (Art had to go to work) – The trip back (we started out in a heavy rain) was uneventful – Hank met us in Buffalo.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, July 2 – 6, 1964