Life is

Jan for many years had these words ( on a battered old card) initally stuck up above the hob at eye level then propped up against her bedside lamp. They were important to her and for that reason were read at her funeral. I also want to share them with you all-

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.”
Mother Teresa

Upon the woes of Warttemburg

"Setting aside the rumours (only briefly I assure you) concerning chamber pots and hands of whilst the Duke's extravagences must be faced. One needs not mention the affair of the kidnapping (and virtual confining) of the Meissen Kiln Master for seven inglorious years nor the young alchemist feted at Court as you will already know these things too well already.However, something must be said regarding the Duke's singular and abiding passion-porcelain.Of the hours spent alone in his closet pouring over figurines,plates,cups and more. Of Thalers spent that were not his to spend,of debts too cruel to mention..."
extract from "The Diaries of Doctor Erasmus Rutze"

Due to the Duke of  Warttemburg having limited funds in his warchest ( understatement of the 18th Century) the dragoon regiments are mounted upon draft horses not chargers. Esprit de corps is rather in short supply but the men are grateful for any horses as the clouds of war appear over the Duchy...

On patrol...

 Through the countryside of the Electorate of Honaver the Horse Grenadiers ride on patrol. They are  oblivious to the worsening situation whereby  the neighbouring Duke of Warttemburg has demanded the return of stolen porcelain and makes extravagant threats of invasion...

Figures are recently acquired  pre-painted 40mm toy soldiers of unknown manufacturer- can anyone shed alight on this?

Thanks

Thanks to you all for your thoughts,prayers and comments left at my last post. They have helped greatly.
Alan and family