Vague Aspirations...

 ...Not Plans? Not for me. After all,if the last two years have taught me anything, it's that plans never survive first contact with the enemy, nor COVID-19, nor Boristhebarsteward. However, at the risk of just drifting along aimlessly, perhaps it's best to at least have an idea or three about where things might go. So, first up, to dispel any idea that I've given up ~

There is the small matter of the oft mentioned Lead Pimple to be considered of course. Once or twice since I retired in 2002 I've let it get out of hand and become so intimidated by it that I sold most of it on. Firstly, just after retirement I bought two decent sized armies from Foundry - at a good discount - for the Peninsular War, while only a couple of years ago now I bought a Prussian SYW army also from Foundry which also moved on. So now, much chastened morally and financially, I keep the Lead Pimple in check. At present it fills less than two 4L RUBs under my desk and comprises:-

3x20 figure Dixon Miniatures' ACW infantry regiments, two Confederate & one Union.

2x24 figure British Regular Infantry regiments for the Army of the Pendawar Presidency, one by Perry Miniatures & one by Foundry.

4 command figures to make an alternate base for a British infantry regiment in the war of 1812-15, again from Foundry.

1x12 figure Scots Greys regiment for the Wars of the French Revolution, by Trent Miniatures. (I lack motivation badly on these as no Command set ever materialised, though I badgered Duncan mercilessly every time I met him.)

2 mounted British colonels for Pendawar, again by Perry Miniatures.

Without distraction or diversion that's about three months painting at my usual target rate. In addition I've two further 4L RUBs of assembled MDF buildings for the Cold War Gone Hot 15mm project. Away with Phil for airbrushing are all the vehicles I've assembled for the British and Soviet forces, which I shall detail and finish off.  In the small Plastic Pimple therefore are my box of PSC Russian Infantry and two Battlefront Soviet and two British helicopters still awaiting assembly later in the year. I do have the British infantry too, metals from Battlefront, but I'm hoping PSC will get their version in 15mm out this year as I'm not taken with those metal monstrosities one bit. That's about another three to four months I'd estimate.

This suggests that indeed there may be a good deal of slack in 2022. Some of that I'd expect to be taken up by holidays in some form and other by writing for Wargames Illustrated when I'm called on - hint, buy the February issue! But more importantly it does suggest that the slack could allow me to expand existing projects, though what I'm far from sure yet. I'd like some baggage waggons for India, those from Empress Miniatures appeal, and some limbers and such for the SYW French and British armies, from Front Rank if they ever materialise again that is! I suppose I will succumb at some stage and order some more ACW figures, I just enjoy painting them even though I've far more than I need!

All of this though is dependent on many varying circumstances beyond my control ~ family, health, finance, Covid, Boristhebarsteward and so on. Hence I have replaced plans with vague aspirations; perhaps I should become a politician? Rest easy, I'd sooner put my todger in the blender than stoop that low! Only the passing of the ages will determine how much even these vague aspirations come to fruition. But, you know, it's a hobby I engage in for relaxation and enjoyment not a job or a matter of life and death, so it hardly matters either way. I shall do what I do and hope to enjoy the experience along the way, it's all we can do in my view. So that's 2022 then, nothing much to get excited about was it?