Anyway, finally finally we got back to the shops and bought Mycroft some biker gear. [Biker gear makes me sound like, well, a biker. Which I'm not. M]
We got him some black jeans, and ...what the...Mycroft! How do you do that? You are a biker, I mean, you will be. Enough to need biker gear, anyway. Now either come down here and contribute to the post with me or stop...doing that thing. [Okay. M]
Okay to which? Oh, he's here. Right. So, jeans, a nice plain black helmet, some decent boots and gloves, and The Jacket. Yes, Mycroft, it does need capitals.
He tried on a few different ones, some waterproof touring jackets, some all-weather ones, different styles - and quite a few of them suited him. But we all thought this one was the best:
Mycroft says I've never shown you my jacket, and I have to, now you've all seen his and John's. So here you go:
Please don't Google it. It was...horrifically expensive. Embarrassingly so. But it's really nice. Although mine is scuffed and patched and re-stitched from various crashes. But every mark is a memory. And I love it. Love the way it feels, the way it fits, the way it smells...yes, all right, Danger, shut up with your eyebrows there - it's not porn!
I also bought some intercom units for us to use - Me and Danger or Mycroft. They just fit into our helmets, and let you talk to each other. I think it's better, especially for Mycroft, rather than relying on squeezes and taps and other non-verbal signals to me. And if John and I go away on the bike we can chat on the ride, which will be nice.
Just to touch on the post of yesterday - and thank you, for the comments, by the way - the Met have sent some people out to help the investigation in Norway. And in some small way it makes me feel better to know we're helping, just a bit.
I think it just all...well, it's 25 years ago on Wednesday since a close friend of mine died, and I've been thinking about him a lot and...everything just sort of overtook me a bit yesterday. Especially because he was one of those people who...cared for everyone, and had a great future ahead of him, almost certainly working for charities, and...well, anyway, I think I'll go and visit his grave on Weds.
222 comments:
1 – 200 of 222 Newer› Newest»It's still not fair Mycroft gets all that and I don't!
So you said, really quite a number of times, Sherlock.
Lots of things in life don't seem fair. But when you're big enough, we'll get you gear too. Chin up, Champ.
But EVERYONE has a jacket now except me! I bet I'm bigger now than I was when I sat on the bike before, I could try again!
You probably are bigger - but you need to be really quite a LOT bigger. And you have a selection of perfectly good jackets for all the weather the UK can throw at you.
And you've eaten a vast quantity of ice cream with chocolate sprinkles and with cream on it, as some compensation towards not getting a jacket and stuff yet.
I think it's safe to say that while you're still small enough to sit on my shoulders, you're too small to sit on the back of the bike.
Sherlock: You can spend the time figuring out exactly what you want! Or what you think you want, as I've found when you walk into the shop your mind tends to change a bit. That way you'll be prepared. You're five, which means that soon you'll start growing like a weed, and before you know it the few years you need will have passed and you'll be big enough to ride.
Also, are you looking forward to the fish pond being put in at your school? Are you going to help dig the pond?
Greg: Good on the MET for sending some people. I'm sorry you're having to deal with your memories on top of everything else, but it sounds like he was precious to you. Will you take John with you?
Mycroft: You are totally a biker. Especially with a jacket like that! :D
P.S. Greg: They make jackets for infants and toddlers, I'm sure you could find a jacket for pint size there. Not that he can put it to use, other than looking cool with the lot of you, but Christmas is coming. Eventually.
Tink - I know they make small jackets, but I heartily dislike Sherlock getting things just because he demands them. I think it sets a terrible precedent. He gets plenty of stuff that Mycroft doesn't, because he manages to destroy clothing at an alarming rate as it is. He doesn't need another jacket.
Tink, yes, I am going to help.
Lestrade, so that means that if I'm big enough for the bike I can't ride on your shoulders anymore ever?
It means...when you're big enough for the bike, I'll probably struggle to carry you very far on my shoulders. Growing up isn't all fun, kiddo.
I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I didn't know. Let me know if you want me to come with you, all right?
I know - I mean, you couldn't have known. And thanks. I'm not sure I'll know until I go.
I guess I can wait then.
What was your friend's name?
His name was Steve. Do you remember John posting a very silly picture of me back in April sometime? He's the person who took that picture.
Mycroft's jacked is really, really cool! :D And so is yours, Lestrade. I like the little Italian flag on the sleeve.
I remember. You were smoking and you said he was your boyfriend.
Mycroft's jacked is really, really cool!
Isn't it? I wish we could post pictures of the boys - you'd never believe he was thirteen, when he's in it. He looks older. And really stylish.
Mine was produced for Valentino Rossi - well, to commemorate one of his season wins. Made by and Italian, for and Italian...God, it's lovely.
Yeah, that's the one, Sherlock. And he was...well, we were sort of boyfriends. Dating. but not like...not like John and I. Although maybe we could have been.
Anyway, then he got very ill. Not that long after that picture was taken. And he died.
Why couldn't the doctors fix him? Was he old like Grand-mère? It's not fair that good people die, only bad people should die.
No, he wasn't old. He was 23. He's been dead for longer than he was alive, now.
And they couldn't fix him because...because he had an illness that people didn't really understand, and there wasn't anything the doctors could do to help him. They weren't even really sure how people got ill, or became infected, or what it did to you when you were ill. And even now, there still isn't a cure. Just ways that doctors can help people live with the illness.
It's not fair, no. But everyone has to die eventually. Or there wouldn't be space for all the new people being born, with their new ideas. And that wouldn't be very good either, would it?
Then I don't want anyone else i know to die. Don't get sick.
Well, no one can live forever, Sherlock.
And most things that make people sick can be treated and they get better. More things can be cured every year, as clever people work out how to stop the illnesses. Some things are just more complicated than others.
Don't worry about it. We'll all do our very best not to get sick.
Mycroft's jacket looks wonderful - very classy, very understated. Very Mycroft, in fact.
John - I'm assuming that Lestrade looks even more gorgeous than usual in that jacket?
Lestrade - my condolences. If Steve's been on your mind recently, then no wonder you were more sensitive to the news rolling in over the weekend. Losing someone you care about is always a tragedy, but to lose someone so young - and when you were so young yourself. It must have been quite terrifying for you. Thank god that at least the same diagnosis today isn't the same death sentence it was then. *thoughts* and *hugs*, fwiw.
I'm assuming that Lestrade looks even more gorgeous than usual in that jacket?
He does, if such a thing is possible.
L - I'm going to take Sherlock up to bed, he's basically asleep already. I assume you'd rather not tell him about murders tonight?
Nameless - Thanks. 25 years just seems an unimaginably long time ago, when you say it. But it doesn't feel like it at all. And yes, it was utterly terrifying. We just didn't understand - no one did. And the unknown is terrifying. As you say, today the same diagnosis not only has far better prospects, but people aren't too scared to...I don't know, touch you, eat with the same utensils, use the same toilet. All that. You're not so abandoned.
Danger - if he really wants me to, I will. If he'll settle without, I'd probably rather not.
It's all right, he's crashed already, just wanted extra hugs. Be down in a moment to hug the stuffing out of you, too, should you so desire.
Be down in a moment to hug the stuffing out of you, too, should you so desire.
Yeah, thanks. Pretty much always desire that, if I'm honest.
Sorry. Was trying to be happy.
I know, love. That was a hard conversation you had just now with him and it would've been even without everything else weighing on your mind.
It's important people ask questions though, isn't it? So we don't slide back into that world of ignorance. I don't mind telling him about it.
Anyway, MotoGP is on live from California, if you want to lose yourself in some mindless sport for a bit.
It is, and you did it really well. I think he'd still like us to promise not to die ever, but I'm pretty sure he understands no one can really do that.
All right. You'll have to instruct me on the subtler points.
The subtler points...um...staying on the bike is a good idea, and being first is an even better one.
28 laps to go at the moment.
I'd like Rossi to do well - but he won't win, because his bike isn't up to it.
Simoncelli, the one currently walking through the gravel trap, is the one they just described as 'a labrador pup on a polished lino floor'. Because he falls off a lot. And is ridiculously tall and gangly.
It's surprising he didn't take someone else off the track with him.
staying on the bike is a good idea, and being first is an even better one.
Heh. I knew you were going to say something like that. Oh, and I did google your jacket. No wonder you didn't want to replace it!
Are all these people Italian?
You didn't!...it's embarrassing. But...yeah, it was worth taking it off with my collarbone sticking out of my chest, for them not to cut it off me. I love it more than just for the price, though. It's just...the best thing I've ever worn.
No, they're not all Italian! - curently, in order on the track, they're Spanish, Spanish, Australian, Italian, American, Italian, American, Spanish...I could go on.
All I ever hear about from you is the Italian ones, somehow... ;) Oh, and that guy, Guy.
I have to agree it was worth it, and not just because it looks great on you. I'm glad it makes you so happy.
Only Rossi! His Dad's from where the family live. He's from just right nearby, too. Local boy, see? Got to support him.
Guy rides SuperBikes and SuperStocks, these are MotoGPs.
This isn't really a very good track. Too slow. Bit boring. Not a lot of overtaking. They'll only manage to get up to 260kph here.
Only...
This is how you feel when I talk about the difference between clay courts and grass, isn't it?
Umm..maybe?
Tell me if you want me to expand on anything I'm saying. Or at least explain it better.
So, the clay is the orangey stuff, grass is obvious...what's the blue courts they sometimes play on??
Hardcourts. What's the difference between those three kinds of bikes you were talking about up there?
So, the clay is the orangey stuff, grass is obvious...what's the blue courts they sometimes play on??
Smurfs in France, blue Jell-O in the States. Very tricky, that.
:D
Ha! Yeah, the smurfs just won't stay still, and of course the Jell-o, well...
Hardcourt. right. technical name.
MotoGPs (these) are built JUST for racing.
SuperBikes are 1000cc engines, but the bikes are developed for the road, then tuned for racing. SuperStocks are road bikes that they race on - no slick tyres, normally 1000ccs, only minor racing adjustments - no lights, etc. As close as you can get to a sportsbike you'd buy yourself. SuperSports are 600cc but like the SuperBikes, tuned for racing. Simple!! :)
They only play tennis on the Jell-o during the day. You should see what happens at night...
3 laps left, and then bedtime?
Sounds good.
We're not getting into the jello!
And it's all over. Rossi 6th. Not good enough!! He's dropped to 5th overall now.
Some surprisingly good racing moments though.
Wait until the next round - the top speed on that circuit is clocked at about 311kph.
Now, tell me about this jell-o stuff...
L - those are some really sweet jackets you guys have. I'm sure all three of you guys look smashing in them.
But I'm peeved at you.
I tried some Marmite. I couldn't stand not knowing what it tasted like.
IT TASTES LIKE DEATH.
I'm very mad at you right now. I feel like Sherlock, starting at the screen with a major sulk on. John, you're free to laugh and add the "I told you so's."
We're not getting into the jello!
Of course not; you've both go to be up in the morning!
;)
Mazarin - I'm actually putting off going to bed with Danger now, just to defend Marmite...
It's LOVELY! You must be doing it wrong. It tastes like...the songs of unicorns, dancing on rainbows. Or something. Delicious, anyway.
Did you buy a really BIG jar?
(The rest of you...what IS jell-o? Jelly? As in, the wobbly fruity desert stuff? Same thing?)
Yes, Jell-o is the same as jelly. It has more...recreational uses than just eating. Google "jell-o wrestling." I bear no responsibility if you decide to try a more...hands-on demonstration.
Yes. it's that stuff that Tim from The Office was always sticking Gareth's office supplies in. You have seen The Office, right? One of the characters is utterly gorgeous and dreamy - highly recommended viewing.
Also, GO TO BED! Do you really want to give Dr. Danger another reason to hate that vile stuff?
As long as 'jelly clean up' isn't on my bit of the chores list...
Mazarin - I'm not John, obviously, but:
IT TASTES LIKE DEATH
I told you so :-p Evil, evil stuff. *shudder*
I thought it a good race and watching them go through the corkscrew nearly made me feel sick. A great race from Stoner.
Marmite and MotoGP, what more could anyone want?
Good god. I'd seriously rather talk about Jell-o and the recreational aspects thereof.
And I don't know how I could have done it wrong, L, all I did was buy a tiny little jar, dip in the very tip of a spoon with an amount possibly the size of a grain of rice on it, put it on my tongue, then fall over on the floor, drag myself up, and drink half a gallon of sweet tea to drown out the taste.
Yes, Nameless. You all warned me.
Now, GO TO BED. I'll not have John mad at me for my poor timing on the Marmite discussion.
I'm in bed!
You didn't need to know that...
Just turning my phone onto silent. night all!
Will wake up to some tasty marmite on toast in the morning...
Sleep well Greg <3
Now that you've explained it, I am firmly in the 'He Who Rides On Shoulders Instead Of Bikes should not get a jacket until he is He Who Rides On Bikes Instead Of Shoulders' camp.
Though I think you should go to the shop and get a picture of the four of you in your gear (Sherlock in a jacket he gets to try on, not have) with big grins, and then you can replace the picture on your mum's mantel with that one while she's not looking :D
When you go visit Steve, I'll send positive thoughts and psychic hugs your way.
But for now I'm just hoping you sleep deep enough to make things better in the morning and you wont remember your dreams.
Mazarin - I did tell you it tastes like death! Those were my exact words! Ha.
Right, I'm not really awake yet so I'm going back to sleep.
Cheers Tink. Sleep didn't go all that well, but I got a bit, thanks.
In the "I tried Marmite" discussion, I decided to give it a whirl after Mazarin had her - incident. (I almost put an ellipsis there, but that would have had implications). I had it on chips (crisps? Crisps, I think) with guacamole. It wasn't bad. Didn't bring much to the party that I couldn't get from a tapenade. I declare myself indifferent. Also, those are some gorgeous coats guys. Just marvelous.
From all the talk and descriptions, I have formed very definite mental images of all of y'all. And I very you're just as adorable in reality. Keep on trucking.
I have to go figure out how to phrase my response to Mycroft.
Toodles!
Bronwyn
I...totally have to weigh in on the Marmite bit, because I went out and bought a jar after reading all this pro-marmite propaganda.
I did the same Mazarin, and put a teeny bit on the end of a spoon, and finally understood what people mean when they say "Beefy".
So I used it as a veggie(yeasty?)-based bouillion for my baked beans. I highly recomend it for cooking, buut maybe I'll pass on having it on my toast. I think jams and jellies are much to ingrained in me to change. :P
I'm glad you got even a little sleep.
In Bronwyn's comment over on Mycroft's entry she mentions being obnoxious and having Foot In Mouth Disease. I, uh, share these particular character traits with her and upon reflection would like to apologise (to both you and John) if they've been coming through too strongly as of late. You've got enough on your plate without it.
I hope today is better than yesterday.
Right, those of you who've only eaten pure Marmite, get a slice of bread, toast it, get some butter on it so it all melts, then nscrape a very thin bit of Marmite on. Doesn't even have to cover the bread, just a thin scraping so you get a bit in each bite. Lovely!
Don't go putting a great thick layer on like jam, or you really will regret it.
But if you really hate it then yeah, add it to sauces, soups etc. Don't just bin it!
Tink - I haven't noticed you chewing on your foot at all. Please don't worry about it. Thanks though.
Greg: You fret about relationship stuff, I fret about how I come across to people :D We all have our frets. (And not the ones on guitars. That's just you out of the two of us!) But it is a relief. Thank you. You are once again made of win. And awesome. (Though I'm still wary of marmite. I may try it though. Someday.)
You lot should have bought a jar of marmite between you and posted it to each other in turn. Maybe one of the people who's tried it could send you their jar, second hand.
And yeah, seriously don't worry about how you come accross on here. I don't think we've ever thought you anything other than enthusiastic and friendly. Which is good around here.
Right, those of you who've only eaten pure Marmite
For the love of god, don't listen to him! He's only trying to ensnare you all in the cult of Marmite-lovers. Or something :-p
(Glad you got some rest, Lestrade; you must be getting pretty knackered from the lack of a decent night's sleep at the moment?)
I'm not! I don't mind there being more Marmite for me. I just don't want to think of the rest of you missing out on the delights.
And yeah, it's getting pretty wearing, the whole sleepless nights thing. Why is it the sound of the alarm immediately makes you feel like you could sleep for a hundred years, wheyou've been staring at the walls all night?
Anyway, got to go to a briefing now. Coffee in hand.
... I would be down for the Marmite by post thing if it's shelf stable once opened!
Thank you again. You're too kind you know. Actually, scratch that. Just kind enough. You need to be mean enough to kick bad guy butt after all! I know you guys have a troll that occasionally stops by, but I don't see why anyone wouldn't want to be nice to you guys. You deserve every bit of it.
You guys have a rough time of it a lot of the time and I'd like to think that we do our best to support you through it. And then celebrate with you afterwards! :D
Good luck at the briefing! Try to be interested or act like it if you aren't! :D
It's very shelf stable. Last for years, given the chance.
I don't feel like we have a rough time, not really. I mean, shit happens to everyone. Maybe it just seems more that way. Because of the job? I don't know. Anyway, you are all very supportive, most of the time.
And I was running the briefing! It was interesting! Well...sort of. They just...are, really, just things you have to do. Interesting perhaps isn't the right word, whenn discussing someone's murder. Unless you're Sherlock, when it's exactly the right word.
I've been lurking for a while on this blog and John's, and I've finally been drawn out into the open to weigh in with Lestrade on the side of Marmite (and Vegemite). Absolutely food of the gods! I had to give up gluten about three years ago, and I think I was more crushed by giving up marmite/vegemite than I was by losing croissants! And then I discovered: Gluten Free Vege Spread! :D:D:D:D
I'd also like to second Lestrade's recommendation to eat it thinly spread on buttered toast - too many people get tricked into eating it by the spoonful, which you can only do if you've grown up on it! One of my friends got me hooked on toast, spread with butter then vegemite, then topped with avocado and a squeeze of lemon juice. YUM! Such a great combination. Right, I guess I know what I'm having for breakfast!
To - welcome. A voice of sanity, finally! I'm going to try your suggestion - marmite and avocado are both delicious. As is Bacon and avocado. Hmmm. Anyway, don't lurk, not when you clearly have such excellent taste!
Ro. Bloody phone! Sorry. Not much of a welcome, was it?
You never told me that that was why Steve died.
No. I thought you'd worry. And there wouldn't have been anything I could have said to stop you.
Of course I would have worried! Jesus. Sometimes, Gregory.
Anyway, sorry you're having a hard time. Steve was a lovely man. You can call anytime. You know?
Love to John and the boys. And especially you.
I was worried enough for both of us, I assure you. You knowing would have made it a million times worse. I would have told you if...well, you know.
Thanks. Love to you and your lot too.
It's very shelf stable. Last for years, given the chance.
So are cockroaches, and I'm not eating them again any time soon...
Lestrade, how big your heart must be to have dealt with so much for so long and still be so kind and generous of spirit. That's the "inspiration" I was talking about earlier...
Desert wanderer - I suppose if I worked in a shop, say, selling designer gear to millionaires, maybe I'd have ended up pretty bitter. As it is, this job reminds you how lucky you are, most days. Most people I meet are dealing with such terrible things, nothing that's ever happened to me seems so bad. Got to keep perspective, haven't you?
And look what life's brought me now. Wonderful boyfriend, two brilliant boys, caring sis, great friends...I can't complain. :)
Are we running tonight? If so, I can give you something to complain about. :)
Depends...I am kind of shattered. But would like to do something.
Just a walk maybe?
How was work?
I could probably manage a jog. Not those sprints we did the other day though.
Work was...okay. usual stuff. You know.
All right. Do you know when you'll be able to leave yet?
Um...soon. ish. Around 6 I hope. I just need to sort a few things out.
Boys okay? Celebrated their first school free day? Behaved?
Is everything okay?
Celebrated by playing dog bowling, a game which will in the future only be played outside. Still, the mess wasn't that, and it was fun.
...That bad I meant. Oops.
Hey! Cockroach peanut butter clusters are yummy!
I think I'll buy the world's smallest jar of Marmite. Once this has been achieved and I try it there are two options: 1) I like it and I treasure it until it is gone and then I buy more, 2) I don't like it, and I would be willing to post it to someone else that would like to try!
I'm so thrilled for you Greg. I really am. I'll be with you through this week (well, always, but this week especially) and send good thoughts your way lots and lots.
Fine. Sorry, just trying to sort out everything I need them to do tonight. Will be a bit longer.
Just a short jog, tonight, maybe? Anything we need for dinner?
You can get single servings of Marmite, Tink. In hotels and cafes. And thanks.
Oh, what is dog bowling? My mind went in totally the wrong direction I think. Glad it wasn't too destructive.
(Also, welcome Ro!)
John: I think we need a further description of Dog Bowling when you get back from your walk :D
You set up a pyramid of paper cups and then throw a ball in that general direction for two large dogs to chase. Chaos ensues. They saw it on youtube.
No we're set for dinner, thanks.
Yeah, sounds like an outdoor activity to me.
I immediately thought of their food and water bowls, and feared what the boys may have decided to do with them.
What are we eating? And who's cooking?
Mycroft wants you to help him with this fish thing if that's all right?
If you produce a cook book of recipes from this blog it has to be called 'Things and Stuff'. It's the only way you ever describe food! Fish thing...linguine stuff...
Leaving imminently.
And Sherlock's favorite dessert, that thing with eggs...
Uncle Orio, can Mycroft and Sherlock and you and John come and see us in the holidays? Mum says it's fine and we've got space and even Mycroft's dogs can come if they live in the conservatory, but we can sleep in there too so they won't be lonely.
Please say you can come?
Carla xoxox
Yeah, please?
Lestrade: I was worried enough for both of us, I assure you.
Yeah, when I said you must have been terrified, I didn't just mean at a community level (although, god, that must have been bad enough - I was just a bit too young at the time [not to mention straight] to really understand what was going on and how bad it was for people); it must have been personally terrifying for you. Especially because you were so young, and you give the impression of not having a huge amount of support you were able - or willing - to lean on.
But: And look what life's brought me now. Wonderful boyfriend, two brilliant boys, caring sis, great friends...I can't complain. :) This. This is wonderful :-D
(And to prove it, just look at the previous two comments; can't ask for more, can you?)
Hi Mycroft!
I read your post about starting new school after the summer. I looked up Harrow and it looks really nice! And you get your own room and everything.
I made new friends at secondary school. I like it. I really hope you like yours and that we can come and see you when you're there too, at a weekend or something.
Is Uncle Orio back and gone running or is he not back yet? And what fish are you making?
Carla xoxox
I think I have to share a room for the first year at least, but I don't mind as long as my roommate is all right. It does look like a good school academically.
He's running with John, but I think he'll say yes when he gets back. It's snapper with red cabbage. It looks kind of complicated. How are you?
Mum makes snapper! It's really nice. I bet your recipe is yummy.
I'm really good. We're going to Spain in two days and I can't wait. We're staying in a hotel with a pool and a beach. I've got two new dresses and my first proper bikini.
Mum says if you come and see us before you go camping you can borrow some things from us. And maybe we can come to London too, and stay in Uncle Orio's flat again.
xoxox
I think it'll be good if I do it right; that's why I want Lestrade to help. :)
That sounds great. Where in Spain are you going? I went once, but I don't really remember it very well. It was a long time ago.
You should definitely come and stay again. Maybe we can go to the science museum again. That was fun.
He's a really good cook, isn't he? Make him do the courgette in really really crisp batter he does. I could eat them forever, they're so nice.
We're going to the Costa Blanca. It looks nice in the pictures.
I'd like to see the science museum again, and maybe the planitarium too. It looks really good. Have you been?
xoxox
He's never made us those! I'll ask him about them.
We should go to the observatory! We went there once on one of the nights they let you look through their telescope, and it was amazing.
They're so yummy! Make him do them.
I've got to go now, dinner's ready. I hope your cooking goes well!
The observatory sounds brilliant. I've never looked through a big telescope.
xoxox
Carla, I'll call your Mum and sort out some dates for coming to see you all.
And I might even be persuaded to make you zucchino tempura.
See you soon. Enjoy your holiday!
xx
Nameless - yeah, I knew what you meant. And...yes. It was, essentially, waiting for nothing to happen. So impossible to know when it had happened. Things are so much better now. Not perfect, by a long shot, but better.
The year Steve died, this is what a Chief Constable of Manchester had to say about AIDs/HIV:
“I see increasing evidence of people swirling about in a human cesspit of their own making… We must ask why homosexuals freely engage in sodomy and other obnoxious practices, knowing the dangers involved.”
With people in positions of influence talking like that, what hope did we have? He wanted homosexuality to be illegal, too. Sadly whilst it's no longer okay to say such things, it doesn't stop certain people thinking them. But back then you kept your mouth shut, your head down and tried to find out anything you could, whilst making sure no one spotted your interest.
Thanks for your comment.
Same-sex marriage came into effect in my state yesterday. I've been looking at all the pictures of happy couples, from the young to a couple who'd been together for 51 years.
It's a happy moment, and a _very_ good thing, but I can't help but be sad that there's been such a long wait, and for those that didn't make it to this day.
Change is good. There were 70 volunteer judges standing by in my city yesterday, giving their time to grant exemptions to the 24 hour wait period. It makes me hopeful to see people like that in our legal system.
That's what it's called! Mycroft, ask for zucchino tempura!
I hope you enjoyed your dinner.
Mum says call her in the next day, or we'll have gone on holiday.
Sorry about your friend.
xoxox
Becca - yeah, it is sad that so many people never lived to see the day. Especially those that took the hardest steps on the road to equality.
That people will willingly volunteer to work like that is brilliant.
We're lucky to live in exciting, changing, times.
Carla - Mycroft's dinner was very nice. He did a great job. I'll call! She is capable of calling me too, you know.
And thank you. xx
You never answer when I call!
I want to give you a big hug. John, will you oblige for me?
Happy to. An especially big one.
An especially big one.
There you go, Nicky. John's going to give me an especially big one. Satisfied? (I'm sure I will be.)
;)
Lestrade!
What!
You know what!
And I walked right into it as usual. Ha.
You didn't walk into it.
You offered it up to me. Like a gift.
You're going to make your sister think I've got a filthy mind!
Best she be prepared, I say. Or she may be alarmed at the way you're leading me astray.
Lestrade: James Anderton? I remember that bastard. I remember those comments. I can't imagine what it must have been like, knowing he was spewing such hateful bile about you and the people you cared for.
Ugh. Getting maudlin here. Tell you what, have another big one from John on my behalf :-)
Becca: Among all the pain and anger on my Twitter feed at the weekend, I was so happy to see photos being posted from New York, of people getting married. Brilliant to see so much love and happiness :-)
John: Yeah, because you're the innocent one, right? :-p
Anon - apparently I'm leading him astray! I'm definitely not giving him big ones in public anymore.
John, perhaps it's better left to your alter ego in the florist shop? :D
ameless - yeah, him.
And not so long after, section 28. (For those not from the UK, this was government legislation against the 'promotion' of homosexuality in state run schools.)
Part of is reads that local authorities "shall not intentionally promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship".
It was only repealed in 2003. Amazing.
Not sure John has it in him to give me another big one so soon. I'll see if I can coax one out of him.
Nameless! Not Ameless. Sorry.
as a pretended family relationship
That's...especially horrible.
Becca - you're right, definitely. I should write more, taking their respective big ones (by which I mean cacti, obviously) into account.
"as a pretended family relationship"
That's...especially horrible.
Dunno about you, but I'm having a lot more fun doing the real thing than pretending.
And cacti? Ouch. I'll just sit here with my legs crossed.
Want some Marsala? We've nearly finished the bottle in that last lot of zabaglione.
Yeah, thanks.
Oh, so you don't want another big one now? I see how it is.
I don't mind one prick... I think I would dislike many prickles...
Didn't Mycroft do well tonight? He cooked that pretty much all on his own.
He did really well, yeah. I'm continually impressed by how much better he's getting, and it did seem like a complicated recipe, as he said. Not that I would know, but it looked bloody complicated to me!
One Big Prick...the cactus-only branch of Back to the Fuchsia?
It was pretty complex, yeah. But he really didn't need me. Well, apart from moral support, maybe.
Hah! Just don't let John-the...whatever-he-is set up a rival to Greg-The-Florist!
He won't stand for it, Petal. :)
He probably does, but http://www.shaman-australis.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=26275 not http://www.flickr.com/photos/16915752@N02/2580386119/
He said something about cooking it whole in salt next time!
I think someone suggested ex-tennis-player. Heh.
So, you're saying there'd be a...War of the Roses?
So, you're saying there'd be a...War of the Roses?
GROAN!
I'm saying John's fuschia wouldn't be so rosey.
Rider - the fact they're green, spikey and sort of...wrong looking is seriously putting me off!
That first one looks like something we saw in that shop in Soho.
Oh yeah? Want a bit of florist, as well as a bit of copper, do you, Danger?
That was not a request! Copper is one thing, bright green is another.
Within each of us, ofttimes, there dwells a mighty and raging...
10 points and jar of Marmite to whoever gets the quote.
Google, can I have my boyfriend back?
Danger, if you come over here, I'll whisper the answer in your ear.
Not a clue. Is it marmite related?
Oh well, all right then...
No! Not that you wanted to win a jar of Marmite...
For you, you can just trade in the 10 points. Not for Marmite. For...other services.
How many of these points do I need to accumulate?
Depends what you want to trade them in for...
...Well, that certainly is...big and green.
Not what I want to trade my points in for, however.
The Orio Lestrade Frequent Flyer Program.
(Have to wonder what picture is on the card)
The Incredible Hulk, I believe?
Also, I've been mostly a lurker up till now, but I've really enjoyed your and John's blogs. You guys are lovely and you're raising awesome kids. Way to go!
(He's referring to the quote, Dead Readers - nothing to do with me!)
I'm not sure ten points should get you that much. Maybe you should try to win some more...
partly because I feel like I might fall asleep at an important moment right now, after a fair measure of Marsala in both the dessert and a glass. Which was sort of the point.
Dear Readers! Christ, I'm not even on my phone.
Not that I discriminate against the dead ones.
Mez - welcome. You are absolutely correct - Incredible Hulk it was. I'll get Mycroft right on a method of sending a jar of Marmite through the internet to you. Don't be a stranger now you've stopped lurking!
You've inspired me to run a new poll.
Dead Readers
Ha.
I blame you for sprawling over my typing arm.
It's not my fault you're so comfortable.
Maybe you should try to win some more...
How would I go about that exactly?
Telling you would surely take the fun out of it.
All I can tell you is that the judge's decision is final. Hah.
And soon I won't be comfortable. I'll be a strip of chiseled rugby-playing muscle...and very shortly thereafter, a pummeled mess of broken flesh, held together with sticky tape and prayer.
It's not really going to be that bad, is it?
Well, I'm hoping this year it won't be sticky tape from an office suppliers. Actual surgical tape would be nice.
Let's see...120 years of rivalry condensed into 80 minutes of 'play'. And neither side will ever back down, no matter what happens...yeah, pretty much that bad.
(On the bright side, no one's died during it so far this century.)
...Right. Let's try to keep that record intact.
Mez: Welcome! We're generally friendly here, though Greg and John are exceedingly filthy minded occasionally. I blame the bike. :D Well. Blame has such negative connotations, and really, it's so much fun to watch so I'm sure that's not the right word... *laughs*
Greg: Yeah, that sounds like you're going to be in need of John's healing services after that. But really, I think with the training you and John are doing, you'll be in better shape than you've been in before. When do you start team practices?
John: Any word from Sally on the game decision?
No word yet. I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't just stick to patching people up. The way L talks about it, it's going to be like Armageddon!
John: Did you play rugby in school? Though... with your special training, can you teach them tactics and strategy? I mean, if it's going to be war out on the field, I don't think there's someone more qualified than you! Also I think it's because Greg was smoking and not getting buff like he is with you right now. So that should change things a bit I think. Go team MET!
Greg: Are there team colours?
Everyone: If there are team colours we should absolutely wear them on game day!
I played for Blackheath, but that was a long time ago. I still think it'd be fun though. He has to be exaggerating a little.
Anyway, he's asleep, so he'll have to get back to you in the morning about the team colours, and technically I am too. At least in bed, with the lights out, so closing my eyes would probably be a good next step. Goodnight.
Night guys! See you in the morning! *hugs to you both*
Lestrade & Tink - thanks for the welcome!
Lestrade, you win King of the Typos! I felt a bit like a dead reader this morning, not enough sleep or coffee.
Time difference has me at work, envying you as you drift off. Hope you sleep well!
(Heh. Word verification was 'comatic')
As Internet Marmite sounds a little more palatable than actual marmite, I'm happy with my winnings. I might have to try marmite one of these days just to see what I'm missing, though...
Mez, trust me, you're not missing much. I used to work in a British import shop and my boss and her sons convinced me to try marmite as they all loved it. It was like tasting death. Honestly, there is not other way to explain it. Imagine how death smells, and that's what it tasted like. I had to eat a handful of mint sweets just to get the taste out of my mouth and my body wouldn't stop shuddering. It's disgusting!
Ro: You're welcome! Everyone was new once! Also, there is a move afoot (okay, so it's totally just me trying to get everyone to join in and Greg hasn't told me to stop soooo...) to call Greg 'Greg' instead of by his last name. All people that he lives and works with are exempt of course. But yeah, he's Greg to me! (And Nicky! That's his sister. She's awesome.)
Hrm. What else. Watch out for detached ellipses. They mean naughty naughty things. So does etc. >D Etc. ... is, shall we say, epic!
Tink - I think Nicky only called me Gregory earlier because I was in trouble. She's called me Orio for about 40 yrs. Can't imagine her stopping now.
As for team colours, well, the police being so imaginative, our strip is black and white quartered shirts, black shorts, black socks with white bands. Their strip is red and white wide vertical stripes, white shorts, red socks.
Danger - I think Sal is trying to work something out for you.
To everyone - Marmite does not taste like death!
Greg: Which is totally Italian for Greg! :D (Sort of!) Anyway, I am down with the wearing of white and black. Most of my rugby stuff is for the All Blacks, so I'll just find some of my generic stuff without the fern on it to wear during your game! (Also, good morning! How'd you sleep?)
Everyone: Black and white it is! Remember to wear the colours for game day, and absolutely no red!
I'm going to risk alienating everyone and go with my first thought EVERY SINGLE TIME I read "tastes like death". Why does everyone assume death tastes BAD? I eat dead things all the time. In fact, with very rare exceptions, everything I eat is dead at the time of consumption, and those that aren't are certainly dead shortly thereafter. Well, excepting yogurt, perhaps. I'd have to check on that. I'm pretty sure most of the culture lives on in the gut. But yeah, my point is - most dead things? Pretty tasty.
Toddles (and happy eating!)
Bronwyn
BTW, the captcha for that entry was grosztuf. Which I can only assume is poorly spelled criticism.
Toodles,
Bronwyn
Bronwyn: *snickers* I think I may have fallen a little in love with you. Just so you know. It also may give me the courage to taste Marmite sooner rather than later actually! So are you with me for wearing black and white on game day?
Tink: Aww, I love you too, Tink. If that's not too peculiar. Marmite isn't that bad. Just don't lick it off the spoon. That's like licking, well, marmite off a spoon. But more easily relatable, like biting into a saccharin tablet. It's TOO MUCH. Bleargh.
Sure, I'll wear black and white on game day. I'm sure I have something black in my wardrobe. *looks up at dayglo orange and yellow striped hat* Somewhere. Or I can make something. I mean, I have my knitting machine set up right now anyway. When's the game? Did I miss that? I can at least whip out a hat and scarf in under three hours. I can do a shrug or something if I've got an evening.
Yours,
Bronwyn
Bromwyn, I guess I should have specified that I think it tastes like dead things smell like. And since I don't want to go down that road, I'm not gonna say anymore. :)
Dangit! I hate how we can't edit the comments! I meant to add that I ate the marmite off a cracker, so I wasn't just eating off a spoon. It still tasted horrible!
Bronwyn: Nope! Not peculiar at all <3 We've got more than an evening between now and game day so I think you're set. Can you do white and black quarters on your knitting machine? Or stripes? As those are the proper patterns as their uniforms. Most of my clothing is brightly coloured too, I just have a deep and abiding love for the Kiwi rugby team whose colours are white and black as well.
Were you aware there is a movement in MS to change their flag? It'll be the only flag in the world to have black as it's main colour! Black with a white fern across it. I'm kind of hoping it happens someday...
I'm going to try the thin spread of marmite on buttered toast thing as my first experience with the stuff... spoon licking I will leave up to crazy people.
MS = NZ, thank you auto-correct.
*laughs* Hey Pip! I figured that's what you meant, but it just kept popping into my head. Well that and "you know burgers are just dead cows, right?"
We have all these nifty distancing techniques. We eat cow; we call it beef. We eat pig; we call it pork. We eat chicken, duck, goose: we sometimes call it poultry. Though that one isn't as common because I think people aren't as attached to birds. They aren't as cute and cuddly. But given that my grandparents were cattle ranchers and my parents have warped senses of humor, I've always been very aware that my hamburger was, in fact, a dead cow. Probably one I'd fed in that past six months. And I was okay with that. There's a certain pragmatism to farm life.
But I do accept that decamp smells bad and I wouldn't want to eat it. Thought I still think marmite's not that bad. *grin*
Toodles,
Bronwyn
Ooh! Piplover! Say you'll wear black and white on game day too!
I'm reserving judgement on marmite until I taste it for myself... hrm. Maybe you should try again with the barely there layer of marmite on buttered toast suggestion? See if it makes a difference?
(I am so sorry for spamming your inbox Greg!)
Don't worry, it's not spamming. And is a welcome distraction from work.
I'll let you know the match day as soon as I do.
Tink: I can do almost anything with my knitting machine. Stripes, checks, cables, Fair Isle. I'm a crazy knitter. I actually made the hat I'm wearing whilst watching a movie today.
I did not know that MS was changing their flag. I'm not sure where you mean. MS as in Mississippi? Or is there a country I'm missing? *raises an eyebrow* Are you in Mississippi?
Toodles,
Bronwyn
Ahh! Question answered. MS = NZ. That makes the kiwi reference so much less confusing. My cousin just moved back to the states from NZ. He and his wife world-hopped for a while.
He loved NZ, but his wife called it Ovinopolis. She wasn't fond of sheep.
Bronwyn
But sheep make wool! Wool makes string! String makes knitted sheep! It's the circle of life!
You should make a MET team sweater. That would be made of awesome. But for now, I need to sleep some. I pass to you the quest to entertain Greg with attempts to get everyone to wear black and white! (Feel free to tag someone else whenever you like! I'll be back later!)
Greg: Glad I could help distract you a bit <3 Lots of love to you, John, and the boys!
How big are the checks? And does the sweater say anything? Oh, Greg, do me a favor and just post a pictures of your rugby togs? I'll see what I can do.
Thanks,
Bronwyn
Hey Bronwyn, gimme a crazy knitter high five! (I just use normal needles though, not a machine.)
And hey Tink, I'm from NZ! Not a fan of rugby though. As for the sheep stereotype, it's at least somewhat justified! We recently had a Sheep Incident on one of our main streets here in the capital: http://www.stuff.co.nz/oddstuff/5294966/Sheep-runs-wild-in-Wellington-streets
I've haven't given Marmite (or the Antipodean equivalent, Vegemite) a proper go since I was little, but all this talk of hot buttered toast with a thin smearing sounds potentially tempting... I might see if there's a little wee pot at the supermarket...
Bronwyn - I didn't mean so much that it tastes like dead things, or even things that have been dead far too long. More...if you could taste the process of life slipping away, that would be what marmite tastes like.
I didn't know knitting machines existed, except I suppose huge industrial ones. Do you have a picture of it online anywhere?
I like the new poll. That's going to be interesting to see the results of.
Nameless: will you tell us which one you picked? Because I feel like Nameless is you name now, at least as much as Holly is mine.
I'm aliiiive! Morning comes much too soon.
Greg: I return to my regularly scheduled filling of your inbox with notifications! I've also decided today is the day. Once again you've inspired me. I'm going to go get some Marmite and try it today! Details to follow :D
Bronwyn: It's just four big squares/rectangles to cover the chest I think... So two of each colour.
Amy: I've spent a bit of time down there and absolutely know the sheep thing is true! Though I have to say my favourite animal in NZ is Tue glow worm. In mass quantities. (Now that's something I think Sherlock would be fascinated by, if you could keep him in the boat...) :D So are you pro or anti change of flag? My stance as a non-Kiwi doesn't really count, even though I've made it known :D
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WWcnsqUSa-U/S03ag2ADy-I/AAAAAAAABdU/teISDddgclQ/s1600-h/knitting+machine+004.JPG
This is the best image I could find of my machine. I've made mods to mine, so it doesn't look exactly the same. I suppose the phrase "knitting machine" is a bit of a misnomer. It's more of a mechanical knitter. I love it for large projects. And I've set it up to work on jumpers for my nieces for their birthdays. So one more jumper isn't a big deal. And for squares I wouldn't even need to worry about the intarsia plate. I love this thing. It's amazing for augmenting my hand work.
Toodles,
Bronwyn
Also, I really want a sheep knitted from Merino/Possum wool right about now. He can be small, but I do! He would be so awesome! I can name him John The Small And Fuzzy!
I'm so jealous of people who actually know how to use a machine, either a sewing machine or a knitting machine. I have one, but I honestly don't even know how to thread the needle.
However, I do crochet! Well, I can crochet somewhat. Hats and afghans and scarves.
*Feels so uncreative*
Bronwyn - that looks quite impressive. It must go a lot faster than two needles!
Pip - if you don't have the manual, you can probably find someone selling it online. My mum ordered one for hers. It's about 20 years old and she lost the manual long ago. Then at least you'd know how to thread it, though they still seem like temperamental things at best.
KHolly - I picked "No!", because I thought "I'm not anonymous, I'm Nameless..." and then my brain kind of stuttered and fell over a bit :-p But I thought, OK, pseudonymous is pretty much the same as not anonymous here, right? I suppose I don't feel anonymous, if that makes sense?
Tink - for the love of god, woman, step away from the Marmite!
John - More...if you could taste the process of life slipping away, that would be what marmite tastes like. Yes, this. *shudder*
Pip, tell me what kind of machine you have and I can probably walk you through some basic telephone tutorials. Or Tango/Skype if you have them. I love Tango. Anyway, a good machine does wonders for your creativity. I mean, if you have working tools, it's so much more fun!
Isn't it lovely, John? I can do about 900 stitiches a minute when I'm on a roll. Not complex stuff, that's much more slow, but still! Quick work! Cuddly jumpers for everyone!
Toodles,
Bronwyn
Tink - the flag thing comes up regularly every few years, but I haven't heard it mentioned lately. I'd be all for a change, especially to something unique like the silver fern design.
Nameless: But I have to try! I mean, some people like cilantro for goodness sake! *shudder* Maybe I'll like it!
Bronwyn: I haven't used Tango, but I <3 Skype too. What are the differences?
Pip: You are absolutely creative! Don't sell yourself short just because your creative isn't the same as someone else's. I sew, so that's my craft of choice. Sewing machines require someone to teach you how to use it, lest you sew through your fingernail. Yes I've seen it, no, it isn't very pretty.
Amy: It'll probably come up again with the Olympics coming up. I wonder if it'll ever take.
Tink - cilantro is coriander, right? And delicious :-)
Nameless: There's a gene in a chunk of the population that makes it taste like icky soap. *flail* Guess who's got that gene? It's so gross. Also, you are in for wearing black and white for Greg's match day right? :D
Tango is mostly for use on cell phones. Especially if you have a front facing camera. I like it because I find it more intuitive to use. It's also free over any wifi connection.
Bronwyn
I am going to look Tango up after I settle down with a glass of wine and relax. My little darlings at work were... busy.
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