Happy New Year from the Grand Duchy of Stollen!

It’s hard to believe that 2007 is almost history! Where did the year go? My grandmother always told me that the older one becomes, the faster time seems to pass by. I think she was right.

With that in mind, what has that rapidly dissolving time been used for during the last twelve months here at Stollen central? Well, let's pause and reflect a bit. It's ben a pretty good year here in Stollen I think.

First, there has been painting, and a lot of it apparently, including Revell dragoons (30), RSM95 grenadiers (63), a monster-sized Revell infantry regiment (80), plus some Revell artillery and MiniFig cannon (13+2), RSM95 generals (2), and Spencer Smith/Holger Eriksson cavalry most recently (12). Total of painted figures for 2007? 200+! That’s a record for me.

Next, let’s not forget that there was lots of real estate constructed early in 2007 too. Many townhouses, a bridge, town gate, and etc. were featured right here a year or so ago. Several of these were again seen only a few days ago. There is still a church awaiting its coat of paint. And yesterday, I finished painting the two Magister Millitum round pavilion tents in (more or less) the national colors of Stollen and Zichenau plus another hill -- this time three layers. Photos to follow on January 1st!

Finally, there was lots of fun "contextual narrative" (Geeze, can you tell I endured graduate school?), focusing on a bizarre cast of characters like Oberfeldwebel Klatschen, Heinrich- Schatzi von Pelznikkel, poor, old Irwin-Amadeus II and the their fellows. Who could forget when the Grand Duke refused to remove his gamey lobster costume at the height of the Stollenian summer? And let's not forget the duel between Klatschen and the arrogant and foppish colonel of the 4th (Trakehnen) Dragoons late last winter. Why, Stollen even had its first battle against the Electorate of Zichenau late last week in the Action at Zollamtstadt. Unfortunately, the latter won the field that day.

Despite these setbacks,however, the Grand Duke somehow manages to keep his good humor. He wishes each and every one of you a Happy New Year and good gaming/painting/collecting in 2008!!!

P.S.
It began snowing steadily at about 3PM this afternoon and is laying all over the ground. We already have about an inch and the forecast calls for 5-6"" total!!! And the expected high temperature for tomorrow? Only 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Could be the Grand Duchess and I ring in the new year by skiing tomorrow morning.