In Yorkshire

 Currently visiting friends in Skipton. I am enjoying catching up with them as well as getting out and about.

Some blogs worth reading at the present time.

 Here are some blog comments on the current situation. They are put so well l feel that I can add little to their words but rather bring them to your attention in case you haven’t seen them-

https://russetcoatcpt.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-darkest-day.html#comment-form

https://elenderilsblog.blogspot.com/2022/02/interlude.html

http://grandduchyofstollen.blogspot.com/2022/02/there-are-no-words.html

Gandalf & Rupert ?

 The picture and caption on my Rupert calendar has intrigued me throughout February-

Gandalf ? Rupert? This is from a 1937 story about Rupert. Can you shed any light on this…

Wintery dérive today

 Enjoyed a winter wander this morning to Townhill Loch. Boots not up to the task as they were soaked early on in the walk. Lovely way to start the day walking in the snow.

Reading material and little painting

 This splendid book arrived yesterday. It is hardback, feels like quality to handle , has excellent type face for reading and is beautifully illustrated-

I got it as I have got caught up in the excitement regarding the forthcoming Amazon series. I have enjoyed the discussions around the teaser posters, Vanity Fair article and trailer. I am cautiously optimistic regarding it. Time will tell…

Been busy out and about etc recently and have done little hobby stuff apart from making plans when on buses and even a few notes on my phone of ideas. Anyway here are some  things I am attempting to move forward-

Three Lone Star Bren Carriers for interwar gaming in 54mm, probably using The Portable Wargame on a grid. Some 54mm elves and orcs for fantasy gaming , skirmishes and maybe bigger battles and some 1780s Swedish figures for an imagination project I have been thinking about for some time now. 

Shredded Wheat Building in Welwyn Garden City.

 My eldest took loads of photos of this fascinating old building and I took some myself. Here’s a wee bit of info- https://c20society.org.uk/100-buildings/1926-shredded-wheat-factory-welwyn#dismiss-cookie-notice

And my photos-

Winter Olympics etc

 I have been really enjoying the Winter Olympics , especially the biathlon and the ice hockey. The other events are fascinating - the race thingy where four skiers race over bumps at the same time and the half pipe events. It reminded me of an idea I had to try and do a game based on the Norwegian Army ski troop competitions and training in the late 18th century/ early 19th century. These were all comer events ( with prizes competed for) involving skiing, running in skis and firing. I have the details in my books here. Anyway as the weather discouraged me from setting foot over the door I got some ideas on paper and had a go at converting a very cheap knight into a ski trooper.

Follow up to last Durer post of yesterday

 Looked out this book today as I thought you might enjoy these drawings. I am particularly intrigued by the woman’s clothes, which are similar to the ones in the exhibition.

Durer

 A highlight of my London trip was visiting the Durer exhibition at the National Gallery. It was about his travels and featured the iconic and also the less well known. Small items caught my eye such as pages from his journal not to mention the paintings. It was a fascinating exhibition, not too crowded and thanks to the gallery staff who let us in despite having turned up late as I had got the ticket  time wrong in my head.

Wonderful water colours of fantastic costumes.

The above is great inspiration for some tabletop scenery , buildings that would work for a variety of periods. I loved the lynx drawing, he is full of character.

A splendid large painting that was one of the exhibition highlights for many.

The Duke himself beside an advertising banner. All in all great visit .

There was even time to pop by ( after a well earned light lunch in the cafe ) and see this old friend and favourite-

Out and about in Edinburgh two

 It was a great exhibition, folk of all ages, fathers showing their family round at half term, parents and children, folk my age , a great mixed crowd. The items were so redolent for many. Loads of photos taken by most people. The chap in the shop said he had heard nothing but praise for the exhibition from his customers. Here are some photos I took -

Out and about in Edinburgh today

 Was out and about in Edinburgh today and saw these scary fellows-

Fear not gentle reader, they were just the welcome committee for this-

 Further photos tomorrow…

Not a grommet in sight

 We arrived much later at the Wallace Collection than intended and after lots of walking about. First things first and a visit to the cafe was a must to recharge the batteries. I can recommend the cinnamon buns , excellent in taste and generous in size.

I took the chance to have a look at the armour collection, an old favourite of mine. Rather than flitting about I tried to have a really detailed look at a few pieces, inevitably the fifteenth century stuff ( whilst in the cafe we saw Tobias Capwell showing someone round, his Instagram etc are well worth a look btw) which is my favourite. Again I marvelled  at the armourer’s skill, it was worth taking time…

Although it was nearly time for the Collection to close l was not rushed out by the attendants and could look ,admire and wonder in peace.