Napoleonic & ECW wargaming, with a load of old Hooptedoodle on this & that


Monday 13 February 2017

Hooptedoodle #251 - Warm Feet

I am extremely fortunate to have sustained such sound health - I try not to take it for granted, and I suppose I moan a bit, like everyone else, but I really am grateful. All those years of running and hill-walking and playing squash, and a natural tendency to eat sensibly have all helped, I guess, but I am lucky enough to have been assembled with a good engine. I do not know by what justice or serendipity these things happen, but thank you, anyway - whoever.

I take a minimal amount of medication - nothing alarming, but it includes a daily 5mg of Amlodipine (and if I've spelled that incorrectly then I am secretly pleased, since it is evidence that I do not worry about it enough to remember). This little pill is intended to keep my blood pressure down - whether I need it or not is the topic of a gentle debate each year with my GP. Anyway, I take it. The blood pressure is OK, and the only noticeable side-effect of the pills is that I am almost always cold. I wear thermal underwear from September to April and I have developed a very close relationship with a microwaveable bean-bag which has become one of my best friends. My wife has obtained a cunning duvet which has dissimilar weights on the two sides, so that she does not have to suffer the weight and the heat which I need these days.

In short, I am well looked after, and my problems with temperature are trivial, but I have started to take the winters personally.


Not too long ago, the Contesse presented me with a pair of heavyweight knitted bed-socks. Most kind, but I thanked her and rather hurriedly stored the things away in the pyjama drawer. Bed-socks? I had a strong feeling that I would have to get a matching night-cap, Ebenezer Scrooge model, like the wicked uncle in Kidnapped. I have no problem with bed-socks, of course, except that starting to wear them might feel like another step on a slippery slope.

When a respectable time had passed, and the winds of January were getting ever colder, I discreetly dug out the socks one night. Well, just once wouldn't do any harm, would it? I was a bit concerned that they would feel unfamiliar, and would disturb me, but I had no problems. I now recommend bed-socks wholeheartedly, have felt warmer and more relaxed in bed, and have even asked for some more. I am, of course, still playing it a bit quiet. I do not intend to appear in any advertising.

On the coldest days I tend to wear two sweaters at the moment. My faith in knitwear is restored. The Contesse passed me the following picture - as a joke, but it does make you think.


On the hobby front, I have now based and flagged a regiment of Spanish light infantry which the Mad Padre was kind enough to paint for me (thanks again, Mike) and am looking at what painting I should do next myself. I am intending to persevere with my plans for an ECW siege (loosely based on Newcastle 1644), and I'll write some preliminary stuff on that, starting later this week.


11 comments:

  1. Very handsome light infantry. If you are going to have a plume, have a large plume. Had intended to comment on your previous post but my advice to check and see if there was a Horrible History volume covering the 30 years war may not have been very helpful. I found the Terrible Tudors very helpful in understanding the history behind Wolf Hall. Thanks for the tip regarding Barratts book on the Siege of Chester. A very good read, sobering but vibrant.

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    1. Someone pointed out that a couple of Osprey essential history booklets (that's the smaller, maroon ones) cover this period.

      Problem with short books, of course, is that if you doze off you miss a heck of a lot very quickly.

      Barratt/Chester book - my pleasure - it's a belter.

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  2. I never suffered from the cold until I moved to NZ. It's all a bit colonial out here. Central heating is unheard of. Bed socks, and even the occasional hat, were needed almost instantly.

    Live long and prosper, Foy. Your armies are magnificent.

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    1. Thank you, young sir - I'm working at it - well, both, really.

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  3. I think I'd die in bed with them socks on!

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    1. That's what I was afraid of. Worth bearing in mind that no-one ever died of hot feet - except Joan of Arc, of course.

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  4. The amlodipin is innocent, on the contrary, it produces blush, warm hands and warm feet ... have you checked your thyroid?

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    1. Well yes, I have - mind you, it was the same doctor who identified the amlodopin as the culprit for the sensation of cold - do you think I should go private...?

      The same doctor also assures me that I am not diabetic, that my mineral levels and colesterol are good, and I probably don't have prostate cancer - I'm starting to get really worried.

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    2. No, If your analysis are O.K. is enough. Maybe there´s some caribbean genes in you, and you aren't able to tolerate the cold weather...

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  5. The doctor can't be wrong all the time, he must have at least one of those things right!

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  6. Knee-high sheepskin boots in the style of Uggs are the biz! Just don't forget to take them off when you go to the shops for a pint of milk!

    Regards, Chis

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