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We had to rub our ears to keep them from freezing. It cleared up a little afternoon and I painted again on the picture until dinner time at 3 oclock. After dinner I packed my picture as carefully as I could to bring to N.Y.  The ferry boat made her last trip last night as the ice is strong enough to cross on. Tom drove us over on the ice. Mary, Sara, and Calvert came along and they all returned. Came down in a cold car. Mr. Smith and I and one other man had it all to ourselves. The train was delayed half an hour and I did not reach my room until 10 oclock. Found a letter from Alice in which she tells me that her father has suddenly lost his sight. The oculist tells him that they are internally inflamed and that one of them will probably never be better. This is very sad news. Coming home to my room alone, hearing this, and thinking of my dear mothers helpless condition and the struggles of our daily life makes me feel very sad and lonely. At such times no words can tell how I miss my dear Gertrudes sympathy and love. Still I have had and still have much to be grateful for. My visit home with my sisters was most satisfactory notwithstanding my mothers helpless condition and indeed when I look about me I see no one who has more cause for gratitude to the Great Giver of all good than I. Wrote to Alice. 

Wednesday 24 Jan. 1883. This is my dear Mothers 74" birth day. I have been trying to think out a picture for the Academy but do not succeed. Painted a little on my figure. Went to a small party at the Morses. I had my breakfast in my room this morning. Wrote to Sara enclosing Alices letter. 

Thursday 25. Have been trying to think out a picture for the Academy and began a twilight effect but do not know how it will succeed. Marion came over and lunched with me. We boiled some herrings over the coals and popped some corn. She is going to the charity ball tonight with her father. It snowed a little this evening. I came to my room and wrote to John Andrews and a note to Charlie Gifford. 

Friday 26. Have felt distressed, worried and most unhappy today about my affairs. What a slave we are to our temporal needs. If I were only absorbed in an interesting picture Have tried to design a picture and have an idea for one I sketched in, but I do not feel sure of it. Church called. He looked ill to me. He has every thing except health the greatest of all possessions. Lockwood De Forest called. Am   

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-03-27 11:03:53