A old Fred and Lillian Funcken illustration of various German auxiliary troops that fought in the American War of Independence. Pay special attention to the two standard bearers at the rear, proudly displaying the colors of the Hessa-Hanau Erbprinz Regiment ca. 1776. F ar t oo quiet here at Stollen Central here during recent weeks. The best way to put it is that "life" has simply stepped in between me and any attempts to get into the painting chair most evenings. Now, some might suggest, "Stokes, old bean, why in the world don't you paint as a way to wind down following a long day?" And that is a wonderful suggestion, yes, but one that does not always work in practice for yours truly. While painting helps many to forget the cares and stresses of the day, I need a fairly clear mind to do so productively, and this particular semester has been brutal with not only teaching, meetings, and some research, but life at home has been , s hall we say, busi