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...
Move Four saw the artillery and musketry duel along the road between the villages of Instettin and Effibriest continue with the leading two companies of Colonel von Adalnowski's Flickenhoffer Fusiliers (in white) getting the brunt of it. "You aren't using loaded dice there, are you von Topfsange?" asked the Colonel half jokingly.
Meanwhile, at the western end of Teodorstal Valley, the cavalry on both sides had managed to shake themselves out and reform. "Never mind, my boy," said von Adalnowski brightly, "my horse grenadiers will soon be on your right flank and roll it up in no time!" 
Refusing to take the bait, Major von Topfsange nevertheless took the opportunity to issue new orders during Move Four, sending an ADC to the commanding officer of the 11th Engineer Battalion with special instructions to change position during Move Five. "It won't help, old boy," chided von Adalnowski. "You might as well raise the white flag now."
"And I see you've also sent another courier in the direction of Crampas Farm," observed the Colonel with more than a hint of irony in his voice. "What have you got up your sleeve there, eh?" Across the table, the young Major von Topsange simply smiled and puffed patiently on his clay pipe.
"Well, two can play at that game, old sport!" exclaimed von Adalnowski, clapping his hands together enthusiastically. "Very well, I'm dispatching a couple of my own aide de camps to my units at the western end the valley. We'll just see what you're on about during Move Five!"
Comments
best wishes
Alan
-- Allan
Paul.