More Information from Stollenian Agents. . .

Agents currently in the service of Stollen's General von Drosselmaier fed him a disturbing piece of information this morning while he dined at the breakfast table al fresco on a low ridge to the east of Saegewerkdorf . It seems a previously overlooked unit of infantry has been discovered and confirmed as part of vile Stagonia's order of battle -- the notorious red-coated Grosfurtzen Grenzer!

Their presence with Major General Drednoz's army means that the Grand Duchy of Stollen is somewhat outnumbered in terms of, not only cavalry, but also where infantry numbers are concerned. When informed of this latest development early today, von Drosselmaier seemed unaffected by the news, first finishing his softboiled eggs, followed by a dose of snuff and a good sneeze. He next replied to the valet who conveyed the information from his spies, "Very good. That will be all for now. Clear the table and fetch my horse."

Just what went through von Drosselmaier's mind at that moment? It is of course hard to say since the general is known for his guarded public nature, especially where issues of military importance are concerned. However, the officers closest to him in the field suggest that von Drosselmaier is not terribly worried by the news, noting that the General, who has been up since 3am, is now napping in the shade of a nearby tree with a copy of yesterday's Die Krankenstadt Tageblat folded over his face!

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...

Having a "No Day". . .

F or the almost 20 years that she lived in Mexico, one of my late mother's Irish friends frequently mentioned having a "No Day." A day with no social obligations, chores, tasks, or other work that interfered with whatever personal interests took one's fancy on the day in question. Since today -- a gray and chilly Saturday -- is Mom's birthday, the Grand Duchess is out with friends, and the Young Master is ensconced on the sofa in the TV room with a cold, yours truly is taking his own such No Day. I think Mom would approve of my decision to make the world go away, as the old Eddie Arnold song intoned, even if only for a little while. So, I will spend Saturday afternoon focused on that first squadron and small regimental staff of Eureka Saxon cuirassiers. These have stood waiting untouched over on the painting table for almost three weeks while we skied and otherwise gadded about with snowy, winter outdoor activities. I hope to share a painting update Sunday...

The Grand Duchy of Stollen

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