Upbeat festivities

Thanks to all who commented on my previous sad post, and to those who took the trouble to write, and email, and send condolences in so many ways. Myself and my family are very grateful.

On to happier themes...
Ring out Solstice Bells!
As the year draws to a close, and the festivities begin in earnest, I'm embroiled in finishing up some wargaming bits n bobs before the clan arrives for Christmas.
So, my workbench is covered in units at various stages of finishing and basing.

Royal Ecossais, Prussian Grenadiers 5/20 (Jung Billerbeck), and Austrian Grenadiers are in view, as well as a French brigade commander.

Like many, I'm also eagerly awaiting some parcels - it's that time of year, isn't it?!
I decided to treat myself to something new for the season - just reading matter, but it will be easy to retreat behind the bastions of a hobby-related book while others are engaged in the offerings on the box.

This year, I can look back with some satisfaction at painting output, with a mix of 18th Century, Colonial, and Ancients all receiving attention.

Next year, more of the same - I'll finish the Macedonian army; add to the Colonial madness; and the 18C stuff may even get to the stage where it is ready to see the light of day at a show.
I'm also toying with the idea of a little adventure into something new, and very different. I'm at the exciting stage of sourcing figures, rules and other project paraphernalia (sniffing out lists, assessing ranges, and ogling stuff on the web and facebook groups for inspiration and ideas).

And finally, to all who have visited the blog this year, let me take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas.

Sad news

On Thursday 1 December 2016, after a ten year battle with cancer, Elizabeth passed away.
Many who visited to wargame at our home met her, which is why I decided to post about her passing here. And, of course she was chief assistant in putting together The Classic Wargamer's Journal back in 2010-11.
We separated and subsequently divorced in 2012, but remained great friends: after all we parented two wonderful children, both of whom are coping ok in the circumstances.
I'm in shock, as the extent of the latest batch of cancer treatment had been kept from me (at her request, lest I be upset). The children, Christopher and Victoria, had been with her constantly over the past few weeks, at her bedside, and in the end her passing was peaceful.
She was a remarkable, lady (after all, she put up with me for 25 years, supporting my hobby, encouraging me, and never once rolling her eyes at yet another hour spent at the paint desk).
She is irreplaceable, and I will miss her terribly.
Goodbye Elizabeth. My best friend. The world seems empty now.