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10

with the mercury at 5° below zero. But it is a splendid morning. The air flashes, the mountains are a dream and one feels ten years younger and able to do anything. Wrote to Hiram Putnam. Last evening we went to John McEntees to a little party the occasion being the 10" anniversary of their wedding.

Wednesday Jan. 20. 1875. I had another charming walk this morning out to the Roatina and home by the Steep Rocks road. The air was brilliant and flashing with sunlight. Away down the river through the illuminated haze great columns of steam came straight up in the air from the engines at the ice houses and the train as it passed by left a long line of steam almost motionless behind it. I felt like I would like to remain out of doors all day. In the evening we called down at Ned Tomkin's and Mr. Abbeys. Began a little picture of the baby with a cap on his head just walking away from a chair from my original sketch of him. Col. J. Rudolph Tappen died this morning after years of suffering. He was a brave man and served with distinction through the war. 

Thursday 21. Went to the Strand and bought some hooks and lures and made a small net to catch bait preparatory to a days fishing in Aunt Katrines pond as soon as I can get the bait. It snowed nearly all day. 

Friday 22. Painted until 3 o'clock, mostly on the picture which I think I shall call "The first step" mainly putting in a picture and a bell pull and repainting for the 4" time the vase on the cabinet which I think was too large and prominent and which I made smaller and less conspicuous in color. About 3 o'clock I walked up to Jacobs Valley to see what prospect there was for me getting little fish for bait. I found the stream open notwithstanding all the cold weather we have had but I saw no fish. Still I think I can get them there. I saw some beautiful winter effects. It was a mild afternoon with summery clouds. It had rained in the forenoon a little. I went up through the cemetery. No one had been over the path since the snow. Most people will go a good way around before they will break a path. In the cemetery I saw a newly dug grave and a rough box standing beside it. It is probably Col. Tappens grave. It doesn't much matter whether one dies in summer or winter. The snow or the sod will as effectually hide us from mortal eyes. He was a younger 

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