Veterans Day 2024. . .

Western front Stock Photos, Royalty Free Western front Images | Depositphotos

This anniversary is more poignant than it has been previously, for some of us at least, here in the United States. What have previous and current generations fought and died for? Despite the fact that the ugly alternative has been staring us in the face for quite some time, despite the warnings from constitutional and legal scholars, despite the warnings of senior military leaders and government officials with firsthand knowledge, we have chosen yet again to turn our back on the weakest in society, on individual and human rights, on our history, and on our obligation to and productive collaboration with the rest of the world. For that, I am truly heartbroken and sorry.

-- Stokes

Comments

Neil said…

I think bewildered sadness will be a prevailing emotion for the next few years. But all things must pass and we have the best hobby in the world for when it gets too much.

1:56 PM

Sean said…

Great regrets! It is another version of Brexit, with even more impact internationally. From a little island off wonderful Europe.

5:03 AM

Ross Mac rmacfa@gmail.com said…

I just hope that things will not be get as bad as they might get. There are still some checks and balances and some good people in your government.

Not sure how keen I'll be to head south over the border to attend the wargame convention in Maine next year but that decision is months away.

7:48 AM

Fitz-Badger said…

I share the emotions and concerns for the next few years, at least.

Best wishes to us all!

5:15 PM

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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