Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, August 18, 1952

Odd jobs – mowing lawn – studying pictures in the studio – Partly cloudy – rain threatening –
Letter from Art — he had had a blow-out - & damaged his car [18] to the tune of $22 – Hard “luck” seems to pursue him — however he seemed in pretty good spirits.

P.M. — Mounting paper. About 3:00 – I made up my mind that I should make a water-color sketch of the Datura blooms (two of which were out). At this precise moment, Bertha signaled me by the bell, that H. Olmsted was on the phone, wanted to come over from Lancaster, seeking advice on the framing of a picture. I knew I never would get the sketch done, so told her to ask him to come over in the evening. –

Worked with great gusto on the sketch, finishing before 5:00. Bertha liked it so well, that I said it would be her birthday present later on, all framed – to which she responded with enthusiasm –

Roast rabbit & corn-on-the-cob for dinner – delicious.

Evening – to Abbott to see “Just Across the Street” (Ann Sheridan & John Lund) and “California Conquest” (Cornel Wilde and Theresa Wright) – [H.O. had said he could not come over in the evening). Both good – the first a delightfully done farce, & the second a picturesque tale of the pre-gold rush days in California when Russia, France & England were striving to take the California county over. Mart & a neighbor also at the movie.
Home – coffee & whole wheat bread & butter.
--Charles E. Burchfield, August 18, 1952