Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

5. wires. Yesterday’s threat made good – But the threat was far more beautiful than the carrying out – For several years now, I have not been ready for the first snow – I view it with boredom + dread looking ahead to the long bitter season to follow.

     A puttering day – to Nenner’s for anti-freeze – writing letters – a day made uneasy by the new dog, who cannot bear to be alone, and consequently whines + howls half the time. But when at long last we cannot stand it any longer, and take him in our arms, he is so happy and grateful we cannot be angry.[i]

                   Nov. 11 (Tues.)

     Storm continues –

     Start a new drawing for “ The Black Walnut Bed” but hardly have I completed it when the original start looks better.  Remount it preparing to enlarge it.

     The new dog continues to grow more + more beloved. Arthur is not satisfied with the name “Pal” – called it Rex for a few hours but that did not seem appropriate. He is still without a name.

     Spotty refuses to have anything to do with the “interloper”[ii]

                   Nov. 13 –

     Finish re-mounting of “Black Walnut”

     Days of confusion; inability to start painting.

     Evening letter from F.R. in reply to my request for money.

     The “Winter Rain from the East” sold to a lady from Pittsburg (sic) for $750. He told me that Sheafir’s were in on the first day of the Mattsen Show and bought his “Toll of the Sea” – largely due, he insisted