I know you all call him 'Lestrade', but I just can't get used to it - he's always been Greg or Orio to me.
Anyway, John told me I should write a blog entry for him. He's at work - again. I do feel bad for him. He looks shattered when he finishes - and I'm certain it's not good for anyone to drink coffee like he does. Having said that, though, it's lovely to see him and John together. I mean, you get an idea from their silly antics on here, but they really do suit each other so well. Orio lights up when John and the boys are there. It's been a while since I've seen him look so happy.
Speaking of the boys - well, I obviously knew they were both clever lads, but goodness. Clever doesn't cover it. I'm not sure I know how John copes with all their questions! And they're so polite - especially Mycroft. Puts my two to shame. I'm hoping he might be a good influence on them! I think Sherlock might be getting a little tired of Carla though - she's treating him like a 'normal' five year old, and I'm not sure he's ever had the attentions of a young teenager who loves kids on him before. A bit overwhelming, I imagine. But he did hold her hand the other day, when we were walking up to the pastry shop, which was lovely.
Anyway, I'm sure you're all waiting to see which new pictures I have to embarrass my big brother with. I think John might have stolen the best ones though! Still, here goes:
 |
| ignore the cigarette! |
I think he was probably saying 'Don't you dare take my picture', at the time.
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| Smile! |
But here's how I remember him. I think this was taken on a family holiday. I'm not sure - but it's nice to see him smiling. You can tell he didn't know the picture was being taken, or he'd have had time to look moody. He was probably watching our other siblings or something. Seeing this you can probably imagine Mum's thoughts when he started dressing in all his greasy leathers and not shaving for days on end. She wasn't impressed at all. Told him he'd never get a proper job!
And here's a later one. I think it's a nice picture of him - even though he isn't smiling. I think I took it when he came home around Christmas one year.
I can't help but wonder what he was thinking about though. Looks very thoughtful, doesn't he?
Anyway, he'll probably kill me when he notices all this! So I shall say goodbye for now, and hope you all have a very happy Easter.
Nicky
ps. not sure how to label this. I don't seem to have a tag. So I've gone for these two. He can probably change them if he doesn't like them?
79 comments:
Those are nice photos and you're a far nicer sister than I am. When my brothers brought home serious girlfriends the first thing I did is whip out the pictures of old Halloween costumes and naked toddler pictures - they both went through clothing optional phases. And Lestrade is a lucky man on many fronts. John too because if you're anything like me at all, you'd have threatened him with a very large wrench if you didn't approve.
Anyway, welcome and nice to meet you!
Toodle,
Bronwyn
Those are lovely photos! Especially that last one.
You have no idea how confused I was to get emails of comments on a post I didn't know existed.
Bronwyn - there are, thankfully, very few photos of me when I was really little. Our house had a big fire when I was about ten, so not much exists photo wise before then.
Nicky - these were actually not as bad as I expected, and for that I thank you.
My big brother started dating his wife when they were 18. 26 years later most of the stupid pictures of him that exist she shot. It takes all the fun out of it.
But none of these were embarrassing at all. Even the very young one. With all the moody pictures floating about it's nice to know he was actually happy when there weren't cameras about. At least some of the time.
Aw, such sweet photos! I'm glad you still call him Greg, I love the name!
How old was Wee!Greg on the second one? He was so skinny!
So the kids are all getting along? I'm glad, I thought Sherlock may be at least a bit bothered with other children around but him holding you daughter's hand must have been adorable!
Must be great see your big/little(?) brother so happy...DO you think the boys are very attached or look up to "Orio"? He's always on about he's not much of an influence but he's probably being modest or a bit scared of the truth ;)
L - The second one ought to be your next profile picture.
Nicky - I love them all, thanks for these. Especially the last one, where he's starting to look a little more like the man I know.
Mm. We'll have to get you a profile pic where we can see your face properly. You with Nicky? She said she might give you a break for today, cos Mycroft had lessons. But she might just have meant this morning. It's bloody hot in my office, so I hope you're enjoying the sun somewhere.
Kholly - despite evidence to the contrary i'm not a grumpy bastard 24/7.
Anon - BIG brother.
No, but I've got Paul and Carla. Nicky and Mark have gone off to have some time by themselves. We're all going to go and pick up Mycroft soon and then I don't know, the park again maybe (the dogs seem to entertain everyone endlessly), or the Science Museum, unless you want us to wait so you can come along for that? We could do it at the weekend.
You've probably already decided what to do, sorry, busy here.
Would love to come to the science museum, if you're not there already, but I don't know what time i'll have. Half my DCs have been seconded to the bloody wedding team, and i'm up to my ears in work. We're not going out tonight, are we? I need to bring some things home to get them done.
The park won. It seemed a shame to waste the sunshine. I've just got done retrieving Sherlock from a tree he climbed up and couldn't get down, but apart from that it's very nice. I'm sorry you're stuck inside and lacking DCs, we all miss you. Paul wants to come visit your office but I've told him you're probably a bit busy for that right now.
Not going out tonight, no, though we'll still have all the kids till after dinner. Don't worry, you can always lock yourself in the bedroom, and I've got films to entertain them.
Definitely a shame to waste the sun. All going well, Sherlock and trees aside? Maybe he got up ther to avoid C's attention?
Tell Paul I'll see. But it's not exactly child friendly with the photos at the moment. Which is why I might have to hide in the bedroom to work, despite the high risk of falling asleep. Don't want the glimpsing any of the files.
Haven't been inside all day, don't worry. See you soon, hopefully.
Maybe he got up there to avoid C's attention?
I think that may have been at least part of it, yeah. He likes her up to a point, but...
Yeah, I had a feeling it might not be the best time for a tour. Still, I'm sure they'll be back.
There's not often s good time, if i'm honest. I'll see if I can get half an hour before I leave tomorrow or something, show them around the cars, a few other things?
I know C's a lovely girl, but it's not the sort of attention S enjoys, is it.
Maybe we could get over to Bristol sometime. I'm sure Nicky would be ok with it. And it's a lovely city. Don't know how it all works with Anthea et al though?
Going to Bristol can't be any worse logistically than going to Scotland was. And poor John won't get stuck in a kilt. And then you won't be stuck working for the whole visit.
I've no idea why, but it never occurred to me that any of you might want to ask me questions! I sort of thought I'd blog and that would be it. So, now I've read your comments finally I shall try to reply.
Bronwyn - as Greg said, we dont have many pictures of the two of us when we were small, because of the fire. There are some, though, which were taken by other bits of the family. We didn't celebrate hallowe'en, either. And believe me, there are men Greg has dated who I would still take a large wrench to if I met them in the street today!
Lindsay - I thought so too.
Kholly - he was, still is, I hope! It's always hard to tell with Greg though, he's a very good actor whehe wants to be, and it's hard to know when he's not okay. Skills learnt early, I'm afraid, when he got very good at not letting on to the rest of us just how desperate things got at home.
Anon - it is a nice name! I don't know why no one else calls him it. I think he was about 14 in that one.
The children do all seem to be getting along. Carla and Mycroft were discussing Latin yesterday! She speaks Italian quite well, so I suppose lots of it made sense to her, and she does love languages. Paul is a bit tougher - he's a bit young to get along as well with Mycroft - and speaks almost entirely in reference to computer games, which I don't think Mycroft is interested in. And a bit old for Sherlock, although they play well enough when the dogs are involved. I'm not sure Sherlock was holding Carla's hand as much as she grabbed his - but he didn't fight her off. Probably because John threatened not to buy him pastries!
And yes, I think they do look up to him. Sometimes it is difficult to tell which is the more mature out of Mycroft and Greg - Mycroft wins about 90% of the time, I think. But I think you havr it spot on - he's scared to think it! But it is lovely seeing him with someone as nice as John. He's one of those truly decent human beings, I think, and God knows he must have the patience of a saint to put up with Greg's job.
Oh no! That was me above - I'm still signed on on Greg's computer. I'm not pretending to be him! Can I delete it? I dont suppose it matters. I just thought my reply was getting a bit long!
John - he does look very grown up in the last one, doesn't he? But also a bit sad. I think he might have worked a lot of nights or something, and you know how that goes!
And Gregory, you're not...well, hardly ever... truly grumpy. Although you are hard to read. But now you have this blog I'm finding out more about your job than I ever have before, and I don't know how you stay sane. Or John does, for that matter. He must want to march down to Scotland Yard and drag you out of there by the scruff of your neck sometimes.
L - to tell the truth, I don't know how it works with Anthea either. We never saw them in Scotland, or Brighton, but I can't imagine they weren't there. I'll ask, but I suspect it won't be a problem.
I know C's a lovely girl, but it's not the sort of attention S enjoys, is it.
...Yes and no. I think he's fascinated that she's so close to Mycroft's age and nothing at all like Mycroft. And a bit baffled that she likes him. He doesn't meet a lot of older children.
Nicky - who I would still take a large wrench to if I met them in the street today
I approve, at least as long I remain in the non-wrench category.
Nicky - He must want to march down to Scotland Yard and drag you out of there by the scruff of your neck sometimes.
I do, often actually (and I'm starting to feel the same about Sally - none of them get enough time off). But he's just as patient with my job, and I can't believe how lucky I am there. He loves the boys, and I've never heard him complain about them once, even when Sherlock wakes him up at 5am to demand more murder stories.
As long as we don't wake up to find Anthea asleep in the wardrobe, it'll be fine. It will be a bit of a squeeze at Nicky's, but if the boys share a room you and I could kip on the floor of the sitting room.
I bloody hope you stay in the non wrench category. You deserve a medal (to go with your existing collection) for putting up with all four of them today. Sorry I couldn't be there to help. Hope Nicky is taking a shift too, to give you a break.
I'm almost home. I'll eat with you, then work, or I won't see any of you all day. Who's cooking, you me or Mrs H?
None of the above. Carla and Mycroft. I'm impressed and a little scared.
It's true, people! Very nice appetising smells greeted me as I entered the flat. Paul has his head stuck on his GameBoy - NintendoDS, actually, Sherlock informs me. Sherlock is sitting next to me and wants a story, and John is hovering nervously near the kitchen.
It was really good! Not that I doubted it at all, obviously.
It was. Very. Would you mind bringing me coffee?? Door is locked, because I don't trust Sherlock not to rush in here and ambush me, and I've got stuff spread all over the floor.
Thanks.
One coffee, coming right up. There's also cake, I don't know where it came from. Want some?
Strong, black, please.
No cake yet, I'm pretty full. But try to save me some from the rampaging hordes. Might need it later. What sort?
Multicolored sponge cake. Sorry, should've just told you when I was in there. There was a small disturbance after.
Small disturbance? Should have called the cops...
Everyone okay? I did hear a thud...but that's not really very unusual.
I think I'm getting to the stage where I'm not really getting anywhere, because my brain has given up. But I can't stop, becaue then I definitely won't get anywhere. Waiting for coffee to kick in.
Sherlock was going to show Paul how to make a baking soda and vinegar volcano, but it had to be red, and the food coloring's on the top shelf. He got the food coloring and most of the rest of the shelf down with it. No injuries to report.
They're making it in the sink, and Nicky texted to say they'll be here soon to pick up C and P.
I'm not sure there's anything in the world I can do for you to compensate for dealing with 4 kids alone, when two of them are my relations and by rights I should be hlping.
Give me a shout when Nicky's here?
Glad no one was hurt. And speaking of food colouring and mess, could you turn your considerable charms on Mrs Hudson and try to persuade her to wash me two shirts? I can iron them if she can wash them.
I don't mind at all, honestly. They're nice kids, and hardly any trouble in comparison. (Sherlock just read this over my shoulder and grinned at me and shouted "I'M THE MOST TROUBLE!" so loudly you probably heard him, heh.)
About Mrs Hudson, I'm sure she will. She seems to get some odd satisfaction out of battling the stains you bring home. I'll ask in the morning.
And Nicky's here!
On the way down. PLEASE keep Sherlock on a leash or something, because as soon as I unlock this door I know he'll try to get in. And I really don't have time to hide all this stuff just to get it back out again.
Don't worry, I've got him.
I can hear Sherlock...if he's really refusing to go to bed without a story I'll emerge from my self-imposed prison. If you think you can persuade him without me, I won't...
Don't worry about it, he's just overtired and suffering from too much cake. We're reading that Greek myths book now. He would like you to come and say good night though.
Will do. Want me to move to the kitchen table now? Don't want to lock you out of your own room.
Up to you. I could join you once they're both asleep...
I'm sort of hoping you mean join me in the bedroom, rather than join me reading forensic reports at the kitchen table...or I'll seriously worry that your day was a lot worse than you're making out, if forensics would be a way to wind down.
I feel like my day might require a forensics analysis to completely make sense of it, but I would actually prefer the bedroom.
Mmm...
Kids: Saturated.
Fresh air/sunshine: present.
Sanity: Dwindling?
Boyfriend: Trace.
Will endeavour to swap first and last results around asap.
But not until I've finished the one I'm reading. At which point I think I'll have to give up or go blind. You may have to come and fetch me though. Apparently I'm too old to sit cross legged on the floor for a few hours and expect to move again afterward.
Nice work, Inspector. I'll be with you shortly.
Just out of curiosity, is there a reason you're on the floor rather than the bed?
Got a lot of photos/reports and a map of the greater London area spread out, plus laptop and notebook and a stack of files. It all got a bit too much for the bed.
I have a vague but quite amusing vision of you dressed in your white coat, addressing me as if I'm one of your patients when I read that question...I think I'm getting delirious.
Ha! I may've been in that mode a bit, so it's not entirely your fevered imagination. Definitely time for bed though, all the same.
Bollocks. Just realised you can't come and fetch me, cos I've locked the door.
Any noises you're about to hear are me finding out my feet/legs/arse have gone to sleep and that the skill of walking has escaped me. If there's a really loud thud and then nothing, kick the door in. And hope I'm not behind it.
Tell Sherlock and Mycroft I'll come and say goodnight any minute.
Sherlock says you should teach him to pick locks, that it would be a useful skill.
A dangerous skill, I think he means.
And I don't pick locks, I just put the door in with my size-tens. I don't think Sherlock has the body weight required.
Really will be there any second.
Are you really stuck in there? I could probably get the door open with a credit card.
Not stuck, tidying everything away in a manner which makes sense. Or makes sense in my head right now. Won't make any sense to me tomorrow, I don't suppose.
Anyway, Raffles, it's the wrong sort of lock for slipping with a card.
Unless you meant 'use credit card to pay for locksmith'.
Fancy using your healing hands to remove knots from my back?
Fine, fine, mock my ignorance. I've done it before! Only with my own doors, I hasten to add, Detective Inspector. And long in the past.
An excuse to get my hands on you and you expect me to say no?
Let's see - long day, many kids, absent boyfriend who then offers to make your day longer by putting you to work for his benefit. You probably should say no, and enquire as to what my last slave died of. Or something rather ruder.
As long as you're naked for this massage I have no complaints. Even though I strongly suspect you'll fall asleep halfway through.
Yes on both counts.
Don't let me snooze my alarm in the morning, I need to be at the Yard by 7. However persuasive I try to be.
Yeah, out like a light. I'm very tempted to turn that alarm off entirely as you look a bit deathly. Don't worry, I'll restrain myself.
Is this like a message service now?
It's...about 6, miraculously Sherlock has slept through me getting up, and Danger, you look particularly lovely, sprawled across the bed. But briefings wait for no man, so i'm off.
Will call you later when I get a minute.
Do I really look 'deathly'? Worrying, coming from a doctor!
Have a better day tha yesterday, Greg! And as you start your day, so I end mine.
Toodle,
Bronwyn
Cheers Bronwyn. Want to swap? I can offer you two team briefings and a meeting about terrorism this morning. I'd trust you to remember what was said and ask pertinent questions, which I'm fairly sure I'll struggle to do.
You really should teach Sherlock how to pick locks. He'll be much better than a normal locksmith. Maybe he'll try to blow your doors up otherwise. Wouldn't suprise me, if he had an idea how to make explosives.
I hope you have a nice day, Lestrade. I'm very busy too, but at least the sun is shining and it's quite warm here. Work sucks nevertheless.
I think the problem is that Sherlock would lack a certain....discretion? judgment? common sense?.... that sets your locksmith apart from your burglar. ;)
Paula - No way. John and I quite like clinging to the last shred of privacy we have. And John banned explosives in all their forms after an incident with paint. I think it was paint. Smething messy, anyway.
And thanks. Hope you have a nice day too. Mine is...well, I wont bore you. I'm hoping the highlight is yet to come, though.
Lindsay - Sherlock wouldn't burgle anywhere, but he would get into places just because he could. Or because he desperately needed to see what was on the other side of the door/gate etc. He wouldn't see anything wrong with that at all.
John - will you lot be free later this afternoon? I've talked the sarge into letting us in the garage, there's a tactical support unit van down there at the moment that the kids can have a go in. And try on some riot gear. I'll probably be free about fourish, can show you around on a late lunch break. Tell Mycroft I promise I'll sort out getting him into the forensics lab, but it just takes a bit more time.
Lestrade--not to horn in on your message to John, but giving the boys (THESE boys, specifically) a tour of a tactical support van? A chance to try on riot gear? A possible field trip to a real, live forensics van?
Best surrogate older brother/uncle figure EVER. I work with kids and their parents and I have to say, you are doing an amazing job.
KayKay - very kind of you,but it's John who does the amazing job. I feel like I barely see them, and when I do I get all the easy bits. John does the hard work, all day, every day.
L - sounds great! Everyone is incredibly excited (I think that includes Mark, heh).
Just message me before setting off, check i'm here etc.
Should I ask what else you've done today, or would i be consumed with jealousy?
No explosives, but riot gear and forensics lab? Okay, I see the difference. ;)
And I understand your need of privacy. It's hard enough for you two to spend some time on your own.
My day isn't really nice so far. Everybody is already gone for Easter holidays and I'm still sticking here. Seems to me, I'm extra stupid, extra busy or both. I'll leave asap and get a large ice cream!! With cream and chocolate sprinkles!!
You wouldn't be jealous of me - I'm staying home with a very sleepy cranky Sherlock - but you might be of everyone else. They've all (including Mycroft) gone on one of those tour boats on the Thames, though they're probably off by now. We're meeting up here before we come visit you. Should be soon!
Yeah, no jealousy here. He did stay up insanely late last night though. I think I might be sleepy and cranky too though. Perhaps Sherlock and I would be good company for each other.
Great that Mycroft's gone with them! He's probably a far better tour guide, too. In fact, given Sherlock's recent watery adventures, probably best he stayed home. I've been in the Thames way more times than anyone should, and it's never nice.
Paula - riot van made to withstand angry mobs. I'm looking forward to seeing how it stands up to 4 kids! And sound like you deserve the ice cream.
Sherlock's had a nap, everyone's here and ready to put your van to the test. Are you ready for us? And should I bring food or did you get something?
Sorry, yes, ready. No I haven't got food, but don't want to be stuffing my face while I see you, don't worry about it.
On our way! Nicky's overruled you on the food issue so I'm bringing sandwiches, but you can always eat after we've gone.
By 'Nicky' I assume you mean your good self. Get front desk to call me when you arrive, or call my mobile.
I might've done it anyway, but she got to it first. And cut up the apple slices somehow so they look like small rabbits. Apparently C loved them when she was younger, but feels she's too grown up now, so you and Sally get them.
I'd like to point out to anyone still bothering to read that I did in fact manage to feed myself sufficiently for some years before Danger showed up in my life. And I used to be the one who fed Nicky.
Sounds like your day is at least marginally better thus far. And I'd switch for the day if I was one the same continent. It would be brilliant research for my classes! Though possibly the repercussions both to me and to your valiant team might be a bit scary. Also for you now I think about it. How are you with 20 to 30 17 year old boys in a confined space?
Have fun rioting!
Toodle,
Bronwyn
The last picture is really wonderful.
I keep wondering, and I'm sure someone asked at some point but I've no idea where and can't remember what the explanation was -- where does 'Orio' come from?
The visit was a definite pick me up, Bronwyn. The riot van survived, and so did all involved. I was so tempted to bunk off and leave with them, though. Instead headed off for a briefing about personal safety and home security.
Polaris - Orio is a nickname from when I was a kid. Because my name's Gregory, half my family is Italian, so called me Gregorio, which is far too long, so shortened it to Orio. Simple!
Not that simple, lol.
I've always liked my name because it doesn't have any readily obvious nicknames, so I was always just Lindsay growing up. That meant when I wanted a nickname (when I got onto the internet and wanted some separation between my real and net lives) I got to pick my own. :)
As you may have noticed, I don't get to make any choices on the blog. It's pretty much Mycroft and Sherlock who decide what goes on here regarding my names and pictures etc.
Given the nickname, you're lucky they didn't decide to go with a picture of a snack cookie.
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