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Sky of blue and sea of. . . green?

Well, some inclement weather blowing through Central Illinois yesterday afternoon and evening prevented bicycling AGAIN. High winds, hail, and dangerous cloud to ground lightning. The storms presented a perfect opportunity to take shelter in Zum Stollenkeller with the shortwave radios on and paintbrushes in hand.

So, for about three hours, I applied Humbrol “British Rifle Green” to the breeches, vests, shoulder straps, and cuffs of thise 33 RSM French musketeers on the painting/radio desk. They still look very strange, but they’re getting there. Tonight, I’ll finish with the turnbacks on the coats. Then, it’s on to hair/officers’ wigs, followed by gaiters and shoulder belts. Painting is great fun once you make yourself sit down and do it. The best part is watching the tiny uniforms take shape during the course of several painting sessions.

Now, I moan about the poor bicycling weather above because the Grand Duchess and I have signed up for a big organized area ride in mid-June and have opted for the 100 mile distance. Ouch! Needless to say, we’ve got some serious training to do before then, but the weather has simply no cooperated this spring. Only a very few warm, dry days. Spring here in Central Illinois this year has resembled spring in Minnesota closely. Wet, gray, and cold. Brrrrrrrr. . .

Finally, my plans to form a no-frills oldies rock & roll/rockabilly band (1950s-early 60s) seem to be moving ahead slowly, and I’m meeting with an interested guitarist this afternoon once film class finishes. I’ve got a drummer ready to go, so all we’ll need then is a second guitarist before we can start rehearsals and learning material as a group. Haven’t done this since the early 1990s, and it is exciting to say the least. By the way, the Grand Duchess is the one who encouraged me to do this. What a wonderful Grand Duchess she is!

Comments

tradgardmastare said…
Stokes
What about painting up a miniature 18th century band for the Duchy of Stollen army? My friend Phil bought a Von Kleist Band pack ( greatly reduced ) from Foundry at Carronade last Saturday. The figures are excellent and will look a joy when painted.
One of my favourite tapes is of baroque marches/music by Lally and other French composers of the period - stirring stuff to paint by...
P.S what songs are to be in your repotoire?
Bluebear Jeff said…
What, no photos of the "in progress" green boys?

I've spent the past couple of evenings working on completing the painting of some 19th century British Sepoys.

Sixty of these brave lads are about ready for basing. Next up, the Egyptian and Sudanese.

I'm trying to finish all of the above because they were 3/4s done some years ago . . . but they've been buried in storage.

Keep your paint brushes flying, Stokes, and welcome your Grand Duchess back with a new unit.


-- Jeff
Der Alte Fritz said…
Is the Duchess secretly in league with Zichenau? Her encouragement of your riding and musical activities seems to be distracting the recruitment of Stollen's armed forces.

I miss the "work in progress" photos that have become your trademark.

And I am the Walrus, coo coo cachoo.
Fitz-Badger said…
I keep looking at that von Kleist band. Maybe after my current lot of minis (I want to get some highlanders done).

Good luck with the band!

Oddball: "It's the band"
Crapgame: "The band. What do we need a band for?"
Oddball: "Have a little faith, Crapgame, they're beautiful people"
abdul666 said…
"rock & roll/rockabilly band (1950s-early 60s)"

My youth! Nostalgia! Bill Haley (r' r'd the clock, my very fist vinyl disk!), Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly - and Elvis as long as signed to Sun Records...
And some less well-known, of course: the Pirates ('Shakin' all over'), Tommy Steele, and that one (James Scott? I lost the vinyl long ago) who recorded 'With your love' and 'She is my true love'... Fond memories.
Not that the attempt of revival by the Stray Cats was worthless, mind you.

Please keep us informed of your 'work in progress' *also* in this domain!

Best regards,
Jean-Louis
Der Alte Fritz said…
Jean-Louis: perhaps Stokes can hire you for the vocalist in his new group. It sounds like you have the appropriate background. :)
abdul666 said…
But not the voice, mein lieber Fritz, not the voice!
Jean-Louis

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