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...
For our Christmas Day illustration, it's fitting to present an image of Great Britain's Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and children around their family Christmas tree. It was Prince Albert, of course, who is credited with bringing the custom of the tree to England from Germany. What the history books conveniently neglect to tell us that the rest of German-speaking Central Europe borrowed the custom of the Christmas tree from the House of Stollen-Meckerfritz. No doubt, Irwin-Amadeus II and his Aunt Agatha are enjoying a little late night eggnog beneath their own Christmas tree right now before retiring for the night!
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May you find lots of shiny new toys under the tree in the morning!
-- Jeff