Ancient & Modern

Suitably attired I went forth to paint.We did two coats successfully but it will need a third.Concrete edging was also dug out in the garden,another useful task. The postman arrived with another book,this time by one of my favourite authors Christopher Duffy.

I haven't had more than a glance but it looks a good read.It tells the story of the Hessian troops in the '45 rebellion.It has all the marks of being scholarly,well written and enjoyable-just what one would expect from the author going on his past output of books. I can't wait to read it it.Just the kind of background for a wee campaign on the tabletop...
We all,at home,enjoyed following Laura Robson's progress yesterday and watched some of the Glastonbury Festival on tv.I enjoyed two Door Cinema Club and Example but went to bed after  five mins of the Stones, never been a fan anyway.Jan stayed up and enjoyed them.

Paintings

Here is the extended kitchen awaiting painting.It will be a joint effort with my wife as she is a far better painter than I am. Two or three coats of paint ( a primer having been applied earlier) and the flooring laid on Wednesday coming and we will be able to use it.

I have always loved the work of the artist Pauline Baynes. Her Narnian illustrations accompanied my childhood,her paperback cover for LOTR was on the book I bought in a station kiosk in London en route for France with the school in my teens and the above poster had pride of place in my bedroom for many,many years. Looking last night at her illustrations for "Farmer Giles of Ham" I feel there is a gaming scenario forming in my mind but first there is the matter of buying a dragon.
Finally a Narnian illustration to end with and one of my favourites-

Have a good Saturday whatever you are doing!

Any giants out there?

I am trying to get hold of this Minifigs Mythical Earth giant .Can anyone help?

Midsummer mayhem in Tradgardland - a small battle fought.

It is Midsummer in the Duchy of Tradgardland. A time of celebration across the land.With a smattering of snow still upon the forest clad hills, the Master of  the Golden Herring Knights looks on as preparations are made for the annual Tournament. Swords and other cutting weapons are blunted,arrows fitted with wooden bodkins in preparation. It is  an affair of honour but no blood will be shed- hopefully!

One group gathers consisting of Knights and crossbowmen ready for the fray.

Their opposition gathers- bowmen and men at arms.Let the tourney commence!

 Under the Master's watchful eye the crossbowmen exchange blows with the men at arms.

Rubbing their bruise covered arms,legs and bodies the prostrate crossbowmen and knights vow never to charge a bowman filled fence again.They have learned their lesson!

 Seeing the fate of their friends the crossbowmen make a hasty exit...

An English bowman ,in the employ of the Duchy, cannot resist a defiant gesture as his opponents leave the field.

Things go from bad to worse.Two fleeing crossbowmen are chased through the Duke's hunting reserve and just get away with their lives!
The Grand Master is pleased with all he has seen.And so, as the Midsummer sun shines on everyone , battered and bruised Tradgardlanders make their way to the "Cornered Kobold" tavern  to quaff ale,eat herring and sing the evening away until the sunne finally sets.
An enjoyable game using"Suggestions for a Medieval Wargame " rules by Charles Grant from an old Military Modelling Annual. It was good to get a solo game in today.

Midsummer

Have a great Midsummer from all at the Duchy of Tradgardland-enjoy!

Another book..

I succumbed to yet another book which arrived today and was awaiting my return from school.It tells the story of Martin Travers a talented ecclesiastical designer,stained glass designer and graphic artist. I feel he is sadly forgotten by many but this book tells his glorious story and shows examples of his talent. A talent used to glorify God and beautify his House.

A room with a view etc

A view from behind our kitchen sink (beside our old backdoor) into the the extension.This was the scene a few days ago. Now the old  window and door have been removed  the whole extended kitchen is here in all its glory  with room for table,chairs etc in the new part.Work has slowed on the kitchen (as it will now be referred to) but will start next week again with plastering ,painting then flooring.We are delighted with it.It has been used already as a very pleasant place to read ,chat or eat.
I have reached the point in term when I sleep even worse,wake constantly in the night to think of 101 things to be completed before the end of the term and can think of little else.Odd lucid moments are spent with the family or in brief hobby speculations which I note down before they disappear forever.Attempts to paint or solo gaming have dried up completely.Solace is found in the sun or pottering in the garden Hols begin a week on Friday and I can't wait but I must press on until then...