Skip to main content

It's Chrstmas Eve in the Grand Duchy. . .

Yet another quiet, seasonal photograph of some snow-covered valleys somewhere. 

Another quiet morning here in Zum Stollenkeller -- Christmas Eve here at Totleigh-in-the-Wold -- with fresh coffee waiting to hear A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College in Cambridge on BBC Radio 4 in just over 10 minutes.  I've listened for many, many years, first via BBC World service on the shortwaves for close to 30 years, and more recently online.  It is, for me, a very pleasant and reflective way to begin the Christmas festival in earnest.  To those who celebrate, Merry Christmas!/ God Jul!/ Frohe Weihnachten!  To everyone, peace and goodwill.  Undoubtedly, we could have done with more of it in 2015.

-- Stokes


 Here's the situation at the start of Move Four.  My own army is in the foreground, with Ross's in the background.  Things are about to become interesting.  Meanwhile, General von Tschatschke observes from horseback outside The Elector's Arms in the center of the photograph.



The Young Master enjoys the fireside before bedtime yesterday evening.

Comments

Peter Douglas said…
Merry Christmas Stokes
Enjoy the day with the Ducal family. You sound very relaxed in your new abide.
Cheers, Peter
Phil said…
Compliments of the season to all in The Grand Duchy.
Phil
Unknown said…
Merry Christmas.
Simon
Merry Christmas to the 3 of you, may there be happy memories made to be cherished for years to come.
Prince Lupus said…
Merry Christmas to all in the Duchy Of Stollen.

Many thanks for sharing a splendid game.
Der Alte Fritz said…
Merry Christmas to the Duke, the Duchess, YMP and Hives.

Jim

Popular posts from this blog

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!

Taking Stock Part II: The (As Yet) Unpainted but Planned OOB. . .

  Two companies of Reichsarmee grenadiers painted back in 2017 or 2018.  Minden Austrians of course. A lovely early autumn day here in the grand duchy.  Bright sunshine and a light breeze with cool temperatures will make for some very pleasant late afternoon lawn mowing in a little while.  But first a bit more discussion of painting plans for the future. Last time, I looked back at the various and sundry units, support troops, and civilians that I've managed to paint in the last 17 years as the Grand Duchy of Stollen project has developed.  So today, let's look into the seemingly bottomless Drawer 'o' Lead to my left for a clue to the new direction.  Be forewarned, it's not going to be a quick job getting everything painted and based, but there we are. The following plans are based on the pile of unpainted figures already here.  Any future purchases will be limited to small things that might be needed to fill out the envisioned units (the odd few officers mounted o

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 a