Ah, another 29th birthday. . .

A rather idealized portrait of the Duke of Cumberland.

Today is again my "29th" birthday -- funny how quickly these seem to come around -- and, in celebration, I've ordered myself three new Richard Ansell sculpts, sold by Crann Tara Miniatures in the United Kingdom.  With any luck, the Duke of Cumberland, Lord Albemarle, and Henry Hawley, plus their steeds, should wing their way to my doorstep before too many days elapse.  Once here, they'll form another wonderful little staff vignette, which I'll paint up during the long Christmas Break.  I'm looking forward to it.  Can you tell?  The remaining six wagons and carts are just about done by the way, and afterwards, there is a rather large regiment of RSM95 infantry in the painting queue.  Sigh.  No rest for the wicked!

-- Stokes


Later. . . 

Thank you for your kind birthday wishes, everyone!  It has been a low-key, but nonetheless joyous birthday celebration.  In silent observance of the occasion, I even wore a recently acquired double-breasted, drape cut wool flannel suit in cream and charcoal Glen Plaid to campus today.  Admittedly, I felt a bit less like Cary Grant and more Jimmy Cagney, or perhaps a young Edward G. Robinson (but taller), albeit without the requisite fedora and nickle-plated heater inside my coat.  "You dirty, rat!  You killed my brother!  Yeah, you!  See?  Yeah!" 

Undoubtedly, I looked like a complete freak to my students (we don't see too much of this sort of thing in my neck of the woods, you know), but I felt good, and this must be one of the most comfortable suits I've ever worn.  It's almost like having nothing on at all, and yet it is surprisingly warm on a blustery, raw day like we had today.  Sorry, guys.  No photographic evidence since the darn battery was dead in the camera.  Next time, ok?

An early dinner out with the Young Master and Grand Duchess followed this evening, and then chocolate cake, cards, and a few gifts at home afterwards.  These included the recently released Maurice de Saxe vignette from Minden Miniatures, given to me by the Young Master, and some of the new limber horses and civilian riders (to finish the supply and pontoon train) as well as some of the agricultural laborers, from the Grand Duchess.  As I always say, a birthday with model soldiers, especially when they are as high quality as these are, is a good birthday.  Come on Christmas Break!

And the 28mm version of the Duke by Crann Tara, soon to be making its way to Zum Stollenkeller along with Lord Albemarle and Henry Hawley.