This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
220 Tuesday March 12. 1878. Have been absorbed in my picture and very much perplexed with it, one day thinking I had it very good and the next spoiling it. Went up to Alpine Sunday morning. A beautiful spring day, warm & pleasant. We took a walk and found some Hepaticas in bloom. Came back Monday morning. Had a call from Franklin Simmons the sculptor from Rome. While he was here Gertrude and Sara arrived from Rondout. I had just mailed a letter to Gertrude to tell her to come on Wednesday. Thought I had my picture safe yesterday but had worked all day on it today and it is not good. Wednesday 13. Took a new canvas today and began my picture de novo. I have it in a better state now and I hope I will get on with it. Sara went up to Marys yesterday and she and Mary came down today. Sara went home today. Gertrude and I dined at Giffords. Edith Gifford was there Thursday 14. Gertrude and I went to a dinner to Taylor at Mrs. Bullards. About 20 guests and a pleasant time. Friday 15. Simmons called. Spent the evening at Eastman Johnsons with him. Caught a severe cold at the dinner yesterday and am nearly sick Worked on my picture and spoiled it. Saturday 16. Felt very badly this morning. Had a bad night with a sore throat. Went out to the exhibition of the Society of American Artists. In spite of Cooks enthusiasm I think the work bad with few exceptions, notably Chase, some of Alden Weirs sketches and a picture by Sargent