A Few Stollen Moments

Well, after I finish my post-dinner cup of coffee and then do the dishes, I think I'll sit down and get in some painting on the RSM95 grenadiers sitting over on the painting desk. Inspired by the arrival and vicarious excitement of Jonathan's own RSM95 Prussians over at Hesse-Engelburg, I feel the need to get moving and finish that first 1/3 and a bit of Stollen's Leib (Grand Duchess of Sonja's Own ) Grenadiers. The Grand Duchess actually has a couple of commitments over at the university this evening, so, I'll have some time to fill. . . Actually, I'm just avoiding a batch of student papers that need reading and grades assigned :-(

Next, thanks to Phil Olley for his kind remarks in his latest Broadside update over at Phil's War Cabinet. And he's also been kind enough to supply a link to the Grand Duchy of Stollen, Principality of Saxe-Bearstein, and a few other fictitious 18th century places. Looks like we're stars now Jeff! ;-) All kidding aside, Phil had some interesting observations about imaginary campaigns, mentioning some notes he committed to paper back in 2003, which he entitled "Forward to the Past". Phil, if you're reading this, how about posting those notes sometime over at OSW in the Files section? It would be neat to see your thoughts in more detail.

Last, have a look at Mike Cannon's blog at http://www.miniaturewars.com/, where you can feast your eyes up his latest batch of Spencer Smith infantry. This time, Mike's painted up a whole bunch of white-coated grenadiers, which are part of a larger eventual regiment. Can't wait to see the whole unit lined up! And Mike, you might consider sending some photos of your figures to share in the "Gallery' section of the Spencer Smith website next to some of Henry Hyde's (and a few others') figures.

Anyway, it's really neat to see all of these different guys around the world using various old figure lines around which they create imaginary armies, campaigns, belligerent states, the personalities, and narratives that go with them. Hats off to you gentlemen! It's great to be part of it.

Presenting the Anspach-Bayreuth Kuirassiere!!!

Here they are, with the rearmost nine figures still drying, three squadrons of the Anspach-Bayreuth Kuirassiere, now in the service of the Grand Duchy of Stollen. And now, it's onto that artillery!

Keepin' an Eye on the World Going By My Window . .

'The Nap at the Palace' by Jose Triado Mayol N ot much in the way of hobby-related activity happening here in the Grand Duchy lately. Sigh. And no surprise there really since there are only so many hours in the day, only so much mental and physical energy to spare, and you sometimes simply just have to give in and know when to say, um, "When!" A glass of wine and/or evening yoga by the hearth with the Grand Duchess (who has practiced for over 20 years), and then off into la-la land. Zzzzzzzzz. More immediately, I'm recovering, mentally speaking, from a grueling Friday in which I was involved with three (online) conference sessions, one right after the other, followed by a 90-minute meeting at the end of the day. Also virtual. My brain has been mush ever since, so an easy, completely unproductive Saturday watching intermittent snow fall outside (no accumulation however) and drinking coffee while the visiting handymen completed some repair work down h...

And It's the End of September!!!

Saxony's Ploetz Cuirassiers, an illustration lifted from the Kronoskaf website, which has thus far guided my spectacularly glacial painting of 30 28mm Eureka Saxon cuirassiers purchased all the way back in October 2016. A gray, cool Saturday here in Mid-Michigan with rain in the forecast. The Grand Duchess is away at a conference, so it's just "The Boys" here at home. The Young Master (almost 15) has retreated to his room for something or other following breakfast while I have stolen back down here to Zum Stollenkeller (masquerading as my office) with a second mug of coffee and both cats comfortably ensconced nearby. Enjoying the late morning and still in my pajamas! Not much planned for today beyond designing a couple of promotional flyers for workshops my department is presenting (small parties we will throw?) in October and November. With maybe a bit of on the next podcast script. More important, I am toying with the idea of returning for an hour or...

The Grand Duchy of Stollen

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