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A Quiet Day Here in Zum Stollenkeller. . .

The Swedish Chef and a friend from The Muppet Show. . . My particular culinary idol.

Happy Friday everyone! Not a whole lot to report here at the moment. Picked up the Grand Duchess yesterday evening from the shuttle bus that shuttled her from Chicago-O'Hare, mowed the grass today, and puttered around the house a bit.

Here in the United States, we are gearing up for the long 4th of July weekend that marks our "succession" from British rule in 1776. However, I harbor no grudges. I mean, the nation that gave the world The Beatles, Micheal Caine, Sean Connery, Donald Featherstone, and Charles Grant can't be all bad, right?
;-) The weekend is also seen as the traditional half-way point of summer, which has always struck me as a bit odd since summer more or less begins on June 21st each year. Strange.

The poor Grand Duchess hurt her back weeding the vegetable garden earlier this afternoon, so she's having a rest at the moment before I fix us dinner. We'll probably have it on the foot of our bed as we watch a DVD of those great old Peter Gunn shows from the late 1950s. They just don't make TV programs like that anymore, but fortunately we have Net Flicks! Depending on how Sonja feels later, I might slip back down here for some late night painting, to begin finishing up those last 20 RSM Prussian Fusiliers that have waited so patiently on the painting desk for the last few weeks.


On a related note, The Plastic Soldier Review (the link is at right) will shortly review the newly released Zvezda set of mid-18th century Prussian grenadiers -- Keep an eye out for that one! While I have a self-imposed a moratorium on the purchase of any additional figures until my lead/plastic mountain shrinks a bit, I am very interested to see what the PSR people think about this particular figure set. In general, Zvezda figures are very nicely done, and this latest release could possibly provide a reasonably priced alternative to the various metal figures currently on the market, an important consideration for younger wargamers, those on a budget, or those who wish to "try on" the mid-18th century for size without laying out too much hard earned cash.


Oh yes. There was one more thing. About mid-November this year, the Grand Duchess and I are expecting the arrival of a tiny heir to the Grand Duchy of Stollen. . . In other words, Sonja is just over five months pregnant! I am simultaneously thrilled, nervous, scared, excited, and just about any other adjective you might be able think of. But, from everything I have read on the subject of expectant fathers so far, this is not unusual.

So, besides the usual state of affairs here in the Grand Duchy, we have a bedroom to paint and convert into a nursery, a hospital to tour, a few more routine check-ups, and all of the other usual things you do to prepare for the arrival of a baby. I imagine it will be a terrific period of adjustment, but I'm confident that we'll manage just fine.
And time passes so quickly anyway. By the way, Sonja is doing very well, and, her tender back muscles notwithstanding, looks and feels fantastic.

Now, it's off to the kitchen for me, men! Tonight, it's going to be simple -- pasta with some sort of sauce followed by fresh fruit for dessert. Hey, I can't walk in Julia Child's shoes all the time, you know.

Comments

Bluebear Jeff said…
Please allow me to be among the first to offer you and the Grand Duchess my congratulations!


-- Jeff
Conrad Kinch said…
Permission to shout "Bravo" at an annoyingly loud volume sir?
dave said…
Huzzah!
Fitz-Badger said…
Hey, great news! Congratulations!
andygamer said…
Congratulations. And my best wishes and prayers for mother and child.
Martin said…
The Lobster has spawned! All of Raubenstadt celebrates the news!

Now having been through this situation four times before, your mission is to encourage the Grand Duchess, hold her hand, and say, "Yes dear!" more times than you now think are humanly possible. Enjoy every moment; before you know it the kid will be graduating.

Martin
Capt Bill said…
All of Beerstein is rejoicing at your good news!
Fire at Will said…
Congratulations, your life has now changed and it's already having an effect on your painting output.

I wonder how many Olley points you get for painting a room?
abdul666 said…
Congratulations and lost sincere wishes!
Wargaming may suffer -*will* suffer- but you'll discover a far more rewarding kind of hobby!
tradgardmastare said…
Fantastic news about the forthcoming baby- warmest congratulations to you both!!
best wishes
Alan
johnpreece said…
My very warmest congratulations to you both.

Time to emulate 'Alte Fritz' and start apinting a teddy bear army?

John
marinergrim said…
Very heart congratulations to you and your good lady.
Captain Brummel said…
Swagger and dash,

congratulations from Münster.
Huzzah!
Prinz Geoffrey said…
Congratulations! Exciting times in your future.
ColCampbell50 said…
From a father of three, Let me offer congratulations to the Grand Duchess and you on the impending arrival of the heir!

Jim
Douglas said…
Congratulations Rebel
Anonymous said…
Many, many of the warmest congratulations to The Duke and Duchess!

Life will never be the same again - it will be better!
Nice one Stokes, nice one! :o)
I'll have to include myself a long way down the list, but hearty congratulations to you and the Grand Duchess on the new young heir. That is awesome news.

Give her our best wishes and good health to her and the child.
guy said…
Superb news. Warmest congratulations.

guy
Rob Young said…
Congratulations on that. Enjoy the late nights.

Rob
Thanks for all of the good wishes everyone!

Best Regards,

Stokes
A J said…
Three cheers and a tiger for the coming Heir to Stollen! Congratulations to you both!
John Clements said…
Congratulations to both of you, Stokes. I'd get on with that painting if I were you, as you might find you have less time for a few years.......but great fun all the same.

Thanks for sharing some of your 'normal' life.

John
old-tidders said…
congratulations

-- Allan

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