It's Chrstmas Eve in the Grand Duchy. . .

Yet another quiet, seasonal photograph of some snow-covered valleys somewhere. 

Another quiet morning here in Zum Stollenkeller -- Christmas Eve here at Totleigh-in-the-Wold -- with fresh coffee waiting to hear A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College in Cambridge on BBC Radio 4 in just over 10 minutes.  I've listened for many, many years, first via BBC World service on the shortwaves for close to 30 years, and more recently online.  It is, for me, a very pleasant and reflective way to begin the Christmas festival in earnest.  To those who celebrate, Merry Christmas!/ God Jul!/ Frohe Weihnachten!  To everyone, peace and goodwill.  Undoubtedly, we could have done with more of it in 2015.

-- Stokes

 Here's the situation at the start of Move Four.  My own army is in the foreground, with Ross's in the background.  Things are about to become interesting.  Meanwhile, General von Tschatschke observes from horseback outside The Elector's Arms in the center of the photograph.

The Young Master enjoys the fireside before bedtime yesterday evening.