Fridays : indoors and out

 Today saw a visit by G and R to play VBCW. R had never played and expressed a desire to try the period out. G kindly volunteered to umpire and I played-

The table and paraphernalia set out before the game.

I took the village people and R took the Swedes. There was less variety with the Swedes in terms of weaponry to keep track of,  ideal for a first game.

It was really a trial game but most enjoyable. Victory to R and thanks to G for umpiring. Great fun, another game soon I hope…

We even managed to have cake and coffee out in the sun at close of play. After my visitors had gone I opened a couple of parcels that arrived today-

The new supplement for The Silver Bayonet, a great read , full of gaming potential…

Some Wiglaf fifteens painted for me by http://glenbrookgames.co.uk.websitebuilder.prositehosting.co.uk/

They have turned out splendidly!

Finally last Friday l dug out a pond( to replace the aluminium formal raised one that ice and frost had destroyed the watertight seams of) and put in a plastic one-

I intend to make it wildlife friendly and it is very much a work in progress. I do so enjoy the sights and sound of water in the garden. I hope to plant round it , add stones to form a platform down to the water and perhaps get more aquatic plants.

In the Alpines once more

 The army of The Confederation has been on manoeuvres in the Alpines Region today-

The mountain artillery is deployed with their pack mules waiting patiently.

Bicyclists deploy amongst the rocky terrain amidst the flora.

Dismounted Confederation cavalry, with machine gun, dig in amongst the rocks.

Confederation infantry from the town of Thun march and counter march.

The pigeon handler , having fixed a message to one of the bird’s legs releases it into the mountain air.

General Rosti and his chaplain Fr Tilsiter survey the scene and converse with passing soldiers.

Illustration etc

 These popped up on Facebook recently-

I thought the Japanese helmet to be fascinating and at the Met there are other fascinating helmets such as this one- https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/27591

The illustration below l thought could be used as inspiration for a figure to be converted to a post combat one. Not particularly to my taste but might inspire some figure conversions.

Weekend etc

 Currently got the painter in and so will be glad when that finishes hopefully today. On Saturday I caught the bus to Edinburgh and went for a wander. Firstly the Botanics-

The Rock Garden continues to entrance me as it as since childhood.

Below the Glass House/ Palm House undergoing renovation.

Then onto Stockbridge and Inverleith for a wee look at the bookshops etc. 

The premises above used to be “The Toy Tub” a toy shop and model shop combined. This is where I got my first metal figures around fifty years ago. It was run by Mr Alexander. An easy walk from the centre of Edinburgh it became a place I frequented on and off for years. Open trays were brought out and you could handle the figures before you bought. Great shop, happy memories.

The boating pond and some information boards below-

Here is a link to an interesting article on history of model yachts generally-

https://mya-uk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Early_Years_Of_Model_Yachting_Part1_2011_1.pdf

Sunday saw me at a school service, coffee with a friend and then meeting my eldest and her partner for lunch. They were keen to pick up my hand powered mower for their garden and I also gave them some of Jan’s gardening books for inspiration. 

I have been the Rugby Challenge Cup on tv over the weekend and also the first of this week’s Chelsea coverage. The medieval football rules have been printed ( thanks again Andy) read and hopefully will be put to use soon. I have looked out “One Hour Wargames “ and have been inspired by videos like these-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=veG3LfIV6bM

Reading

 

                      Warm enough to read outdoors this afternoon which was most pleasant indeed. 

Manoeuvres in the Alpines Region

 This morning saw Empire troops manoeuvring in the disputed Alpines region . Mountain troops, infantry, machine guns and artillery took part under the watchful eye of General Sachertorte and his staff. The Alpines region lies between The Empire and The Confederation. Both countries claim ownership. The ongoing border dispute is centuries old. It is expected that The Confederation may conduct their own manoeuvres in the coming days ahead…

Yesterday

 My art history course for this week was cancelled. I got the email the day before and was fortunate to be able to arrange to meet a friend for coffee in Edinburgh. Afterwards l decided to have a walk down Leith Walk . Until recently it was full of roadworks, now these have gone.

A view along Leith Walk in its now roadworks free state.

My forebears worked in this shop for many, many years.

Signage outside Leith School of Art which used to be the Church for Norwegian seamen.

A mural on the gable end of a building with surrounding greenery.

Mural just on the side of a building but a quite striking one.

I liked this shop logo very much and thought one could tell a story round it.

The gable end mural in all its glory. My mother’s family lived in Leith and worked there too.

On my walk l saw a woman and her daughter in traditional Norwegian costume. I overheard them tell someone they were off to an event( walking down the Mound and then off to the Gardens) to celebrate Constitution Day. A belated happy Constitution Day to any Norwegians reading this! I know I have at least one.