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 battle for Pickelhaubewicz over, Stollenian Colonel von Grundig leads the shattered remains of his army from the field around the village. . . and, indeed, from the Duchy of Schleiz, which now must be ceded back to the Electorate of Zichenau.
Colonel von Grundig, at the head of his troops, puts on a brave face, but he must surely be thinking of returning to the family estate in Courland and a rather more quiet life than he has enjoyed in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, from the heights just to the east of Pickelhaubewicz, Major von Hirschbiegel and his aide observe the departing Stollenians. Ever the gallant and fair victor, the good Major raises his sword in salute to his stalwart foes.
Here's a panorama of the whole scene as it unfolds. Imagine the shame von Grundig's men will feel as they march back into Stollen proper, toward the capital of Krankenstadt and their Grand Duke, Iriwn-Amadeus II. Well, at least the gun wasn't abandoned!
And as the sun sets in the west, what further (mis)adventures await the soldiers of Stollen? Which enemies will they meet on the field of Mars next? And what of Colonel von Grundig? Might he be coaxed from a premature retirement into obscurity? And if so, what tactical blunders might he commit? What opportunites for victory might he miss? And might the chance for a Stollenian victory against uneven odds be possible at this point given Stollen's 0-3 record in the last year? Tune in again right here to find out!
Comments
Steve
All have experience in commanding forces of a size like that of Stollen.
The candidates are listed alphabetically along with their last employer.
Bose, Heinrich, a small Hessian state.
Humbrol, Werner, a small Saxon state.
Liquitex, Etienne, France.
Newton, Pender, the United Provinces.
Polk, Jebadiah, a small German state.
Revell, Salvador, small Italian state.
Revo, Beano, a small Italian state.
Tivoli, Ceasaro, a small Balken state.
Winsor, James, England.
I am sure any of these outstanding Generals may be hired for a reasonable fee.
But let us continue to hope that General Grundig is not dismissed for doing his best.
Jim
-- Allan