That was the week that was

 This week has seen a busy time here in the Duchy. A regular annual boiler service ended with it being condemned as dangerous. At least it wasn’t winter l thought as I was without it over last weekend. It was replaced on Tuesday. Thursday saw the end of a protracted , stressful three month selling of my late mother’s flat. She moved in 1986 months after my father’s death. It had given him comfort to see the plans of where my mother would live ( our family bungalow wasn’t suitable for her alone) before he died and get her name down for the flat. Although l never lived in the flat as my home it had seen me stay at times and also was a place  where my children visited their grandma. Although full of memories it was time for it to go…

The view from the flat. It had brought her consolation when she was mostly housebound. She enjoyed seeing the world go by. She was most patient.

In Edinburgh l past my late father’s office. Many memories of my youth.

The moment had come, the keys were handed in and an era passed.

The beautiful art deco interior where l had to go to sign some paper work.

The Palmyrans were finished finally and found their new home in some box files. As a wee project l started to rebase , repair and possibly repaint some Picts with telegraph poles-

Finally a parcel arrived from Man of Tin, filled with… well more of that later.

Job lot

 I got this job lot recently-

Minifigs EIR auxiliaries in left bottom corner. Quite a few Garrison Dark Ages at the top.

Some Lamming too l think.

I was particularly intrigued by the Amazon with axe, Valley of the four winds chap and a cleric with mace and shield.

All in all some useful figures to add to my projects.

Mid day not at the oasis or thanks Brian C

 Set up a very simple game using some of the figures Brian C had kindly given to me.

                                    Cavalry about to charge the enemy hiding in the rocky terrain.

                                                    A view through the palm trees of both sides.

                            Infantry advancing on the left, engaging the enemy with sustained fire.

                           Using whatever cover was available they fire upon the advancing troops.

                                   Using Featherstone “ Close Wars” rules mainly for this game.

Fluff.

 Some pictures of my Palmyranesque city state army-

The commanders of the army- the Queen on her camel remains an enigma. She is seen by few yet leads her army into battle from a palanquin mounted on the back of a camel . She is guarded by cataphracts. The second in command is accompanied by the Pierced Sun Orb sacred standard. This standard is the folk memory behind an everyday item such as a button.

The army’s heavy cavalry cataphracts, recognisable by their sky blue lances form the backbone of the cavalry arm.

The reason for the wealth of the city - caravans loaded with silks and spices .

The professional caravan guards are also part of the army of the city. In times of war they leave their caravan escort duties and fight as a unit.

Even the local gladiator school turns out to defend the city in difficult times…

Professional archers defend the city either as massed archers or as scouts.

Fast light cavalry, with bow and spear are always ready to face the city’s enemies.

Light camelry scouts watch out for the appearance of enemy troops in the vicinity of the city.

Coming along

 My Palmyranesque project is coming along nicely. Here is a snapshot of progress yesterday lunchtime-

Things have moved on since and I am pleased with the results.

A couple of interesting links-

https://archeologie.culture.gouv.fr/palmyre/en/mural-painting

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUW1OM8XwLM

Enjoying having the above back on tv and the wireless. 

Who are you?

 Got this figure as part of a lot recently-

Can anyone recognise him and the manufacturer?

Finally can anyone guess the first name of the girl mentioned in the previous post?

Music

 I recall a very brief  ( student days) but complicated relationship with the girlfriend of a friend . I also recall her Christmas present to me , an LP. I remember unwrapping it , it was by Nick Drake, someone I didn’t know at all. I played it , was transported and delighted by it. The album was “ Bryter Layter” and it led me to an appreciation and enjoyment of Nick Drake’s music , one that has continued to this day.

Last night after a long and stressful day l tried to relax with the bbc sounds app , found this completely by chance and listened to -

A prom  ( to mark the 50th anniversary of his death) devoted to Nick Drake and his music ! I’m not really a prom listener but this was beautiful to listen to. Orchestral arrangements of his songs, the Unthanks and chat at halftime with his sister, it was super. Do listen.