The Arrival of Mademoiselle de Ambuscade. . .

Presenting. . . Mademoiselle Amalie de Ambuscade

Things are all abuzz at Krankenstadt Palace today. By mid-morning, the Mademoiselle de Ambuscade and her entourage arrived after an arduous winter journey across Central Europe from Strasbourg in France. It seems, the Grand Duke's aunts, in their quest to see Irwin-Amadeus II tie the knot and produce and heir, have taken over his social schedule in the New Year and have invited another suitable lady of marriageable age for an extended stay. Complicating the matter is the fact that the Lady de Badinage [Thanks, Jeff!] and her retinue are already ensconced within the east wing of the palace along with the visiting General Leger de Main in the west wing. Predictably, the Grand Duke has retired to his favorite red fainting couch in his private apartments with a dram of Absinthe and his favorite clay pipe packed with the finest Virginia tobacco. Washing his hands of the matter for a few hours, at least, Hives has crept away following the Grand Duke's breakfast, bath, and shave for an early lunch at his own club for gentlemen's personal gentlemen.

Here's an RSM Painting Update

Here's a picture illustrating my (S-L-O-W) progress with the second company of Stollen's Leib (Grand Duchess Sonja's Own) Grenadiers. You can see I'm doing things a bit differently this time, altering the painting process to keep it interesting basically. This evening, I'll do the white gaiters and, if that goes reasonably quickly, and time allows, the red breeches. Still lots to do, but I like the way these fine fellows are shaping up along side the completed 1st company that's standing in formation just off camera, to the left here. Until tonight then!

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!

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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