Cambridge.
Ther (Thermometer) Tuesday, Dec. 19, 1916 [December 19, 1916] Wea [Weather]
20 [degrees], 30 [degrees] Dull

Cloudy skies and cold more penetrating 
than the actual temperature seemed to warrant 
alike confirmed the newspaper predictions 
of an impending snow storm which, however,
has not as yet materialized. The snow 
that came last Friday remains everywhere 
unmelted and the sleighing is excellent.

  Garden Birds. Only a Chickadee heard 
and a few House Sparrows seen.

  Wrote letters in forenoon, Concord 
bird notes in afternoon. We 
passed the evening, as usual, in the 
front hall about a cheery open fire, 
listening to reading alout [aloud] by E.R.S. [Elizabeth R. Simmons]
and afterwards to music from the 
Victrola.
  The aquaria are all teeming with interesting aquatic life representing the
customary assortment of fishes, newts, 
tadpoles, etc. The bulbs promise well 
but only "paper whites" have bloomed as yet.
My old azalea already has a few blossoms.

Cambridge.
Ther [Thermometer] Wednesday, Dec. 20, 1916 [December 20, 1916] Wea [Weather] Fine
20 [degrees], 32 [degrees] "We Dine" at Batchelder's.

Brilliantly clear with little or no wind and 
crisp, dry air, seasonably cold in early 
morning, rather chilly at evening. Altogether 
an enjoyable winter day of "weather-breeder"
type, however.

  Garden Birds. 2 Purple Finches in gray pl. [plumage], 
eating seeds of Parkman's apple within a 
yard of Gray Squirrel similarly engaged; 
a Jay screaming; about 8 House Sparrows 
flitting to and fro.
  Spent entire day in museum, arranging 
for Christmas things, writing letters
& completing Concord bird notes.
Gilbert [Robert Alexander Gilbert] motored to Bedford meeting 
Burbank there and bringing back four 
pines which I had selected & left for
him to cut for Christmas trees. 
"We Dine" meet at Batchelder's this 
evening. Everyone present except Jackson 
& Bent - who has just resigned.
  Usual delightful times. I sat at table 
between Jeffries and Goodale. Afterwards 
talked with all. Home by 11.30.