Dec 24-Jan 2: Christmas and New Year
Thu Xmas Eve
How different to any other I have ever spent! I cannot realize, except at times, that my happy life is over, and that for evermore in this world I am alone - with God or I could not endure it.
We tried to walk to Los Q?, but, a heavy snow-storm coming on we returned - B - After dinner sat round the fire talking to Mrs Lloyd and Dr Cotton.
Xmas Day
Awoke in glorious sunshine to find the world all white & beautiful - in a few hours every trace of snow gone, and as dusty as ever.
We walked down the valley after lunch, had our tea outside and sketched some mountains. Train brought our letters - so welcome - one from Harold, Bertie, Arthur, dear old Em., Nellie and Mrs Ferguson. Had dinner with Dr & Mrs C - champagne, turkey and plum pudding - also tasted some very queer mince pies, wh. came in after fish. Came to bed very early and read.
Sat Dec 26
Went for a walk and afterwards took our things up to the beginning of the Horcones Valley & tried to sketch Aconcagua. It is a magnificent pile of snow covered precipices and boldly towering rocks. A light cloud was drifting like chiffon over it.
Sun Dec 27
Our 2nd here, cold and windy with frequent snow showers & rain. Wrote to Harold, Mrs F, family & others, Fannie yesterday.
Very quiet day except a walk and a little reading did nothing. A very full train - some letters.
Mon Dec 28
Walked and sketched.
Tue Dec 29
Walked and sketched, played B. for the 1st time.
Wed Dec 30
Had a lovely walk to the Lagoona up the Horcones valley - grand views of Aconcagua. Brilliant moonlit nights tempt one out; but the cold prevents that. Played Bridge again with Mr Norton, Mrs Cotton's brother, who is lame and needs amusement.
Thu New Year's Eve
The girls had a ride - I went a solitary walk up to about 1300 ft - glorious views everywhere. We sat up until 12. To me it was intensely sad - but I succeeded in hiding my grief, as a man told me I had evidently enjoyed myself - how little he knew.
Fri Jan 1 1904
Had a telegram to say Ted was coming after tea. We all, with Dr & Mrs Cotton walked up to the point on Serra Penites - a grand view of the opposite side of the valley. We mounted about 2000 ft so that we were 11,000 ft high.