diff --git a/lib/hcl/day_entry.rb b/lib/hcl/day_entry.rb
index bfc6dbf..db72748 100644
--- a/lib/hcl/day_entry.rb
+++ b/lib/hcl/day_entry.rb
@@ -27,9 +27,14 @@ def self.from_xml xml
     def append_note new_notes
       # If I don't include hours it gets reset.
       # This doens't appear to be the case for task and project.
+      if notes.nil?
+        notes = new_notes
+      else
+        notes << " #{new_notes}"
+      end
       DayEntry.post("daily/update/#{id}", <<-EOD)
       <request>
-        <notes>#{notes << " #{new_notes}"}</notes>
+        <notes>#{notes}</notes>
         <hours>#{hours}</hours>
       </request>
       EOD