Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, February 24, 1961

Feb. 24, Fri.

As I had to go to Dr. Aberman for shot and checkup, I suggested to Bertha we go on to Niagara Falls. A long wait at Dr’s, but then we were on our way. A mild sunny windless day, and we had a beautiful trip – On the Canadian side, both ways – muted colors, tans, gray-ochers, green (scant) black, gray, greenish bunches of cottonwood bark, then the brilliant orange and orange-yellow of willow branches. A maple or two and some oaks still leaving last years leaves.

To the Sheraton-Brock where we got “our” table over-looking the falls – By now a cloud film had dimmed the sun, and the Falls were lit up by a pale silver-gold light, ethereal and mysterious.

A good lunch, (soup – pea + carrots with  spinach) then we drove north along the gorge – for some time – the violent interwoven of foaming white rapids surrounding a huge ‘V’ of dark olive-green water fascinating – some blocks of ice came down, and then we watched them to see if they would go on down the river; but they did not, apparently destined to slowly revolve until they melted.

As far as the new power project, then return – along the way we noted that the grass in the Horticultural School area was a rich orange and orange-tan, with rich green at the base of the mounds, a beautiful sight.

Then homeward.
Tired, but a feeling of a day well-spent.

*This morning, early I heard the song of a cardinal, at first I could hardly believe my ears as I had neither seen nor heard any all winter – But he sang again and again – I must get some sunflower seeds.

Snow-drops in bud.
Daffodils by the house 3” high.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, February 24, 1961