The Night of December 22nd. . .

While the Grand Duchess baked cornbread for the stuffing/dressing to go with the Christmas goose yesterday evening AND her annual authentic Dresdner stollen, yours truly took up space by the hearth in the library after finishing gift-wrapping in my basement office, known around these parts as Zum Stollenkeller. We enjoyed soft Christmas music, mulled wine, and a bit of eggnog much later in the evening, sitting up until almost 1am.

Staying up late like that is something we never do anymore, but I hope for more of during Christmas Week. I used to be a night owl for most of my life until the Young Master came along in 2009, which understandably changed the narrative. Since he is now 15 and largely more self-sufficient here at home, well, hopefully my internal schedule might be able to right itself and return to pre-child habits.

But what's on tap for the 23rd as we near Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Well, while I've got a few last minute errands to run this morning after dressing, I hope for a little bit of time at the painting table to continue work on some toy soldiers, which are getting very close to completion. Just a few small details and touch-ups left to do before the usual protect coats of clear acrylic gloss varnish.

Kind Advent Regards,

Heinz-Ulrich

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