6 August 2011

We're gonna have a good time...

well, yes. Much to Sherlock's disbelief, I did sort of forget it was my birthday. I mean, if you'd asked me my date of birth, I still know it, but it hadn't really hit me we were even in August, I've been so busy.

So my birthday surprise(s) came as more of a surprise than ever...

Last night, I got home, expecting some takeaway...and John had cooked. Cooked a bloody amazing dinner. (details here) It was really, really nice. And really touching that John even thought about it.



Then, today, Sherlock leapt on us at...I don't even know. Early. Clutching a big bundle of wrapping paper and sellotape. It barely fitted with him on top of us.

He'd already told me he'd made me a spider...I wasn't quite expecting such a large spider.


I should have put something in the picture to scale it. It's...huge. If it sits on my chest, it's legs are wider than I am. And it being handmade by Sherlock (with help), it's anatomically correct. It's to give me a cuddle when I have a bad dream, he tells me. Which is very, very sweet. (Danger has named it Alice.)

It's now in the hotel with John and I. Sherlock insisted. Yes, we had to check in with a rucksack and a tank bag with spider legs sticking out of it...

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Sherlock informed me we were going to have FUN. And you can't have FUN without pancakes for breakfast. So he'd got out all the ingredients for making them that he could reach, and I had to go and do that. (That'll teach us for telling him he has to eat his breakfast for energy when he's going to school...).

After that the consensus was that we needed a rugby ball and some practice. So we went out, bought one, and headed to the park. Mycroft and I were on one team, Sherlock and John on the other, with the dogs. Except it was actually Humans vs. Dogs, really.

Sherlock took exception to me picking him up when he had the ball, and carrying him under my arm to the try line...

Anyway, the dogs won. But we all had a good time.

And then...Mycroft informed me we weren't having lunch, and I couldn't wear my shorts or flip flops where we were going...



Afternoon Tea! Proper - I mean, it was amazing, little sandwiches and cakes, and scones and cream, chocolate mousse thingies, fruity things...champagne...everything. In a posh Knightsbridge hotel. Mycroft looked completely at home...the rest of us, maybe not to much. But we all had a great time. I believe it was Mycroft's idea, and it was brilliant. One of those things you never do, without good reason. I recommend it!

Once we were back from THAT...Danger told me to get my bike gear on and wait...whilst he went off to pack, as it turned out. but he wouldn't tell me where we were going. He did that as we went - I mean, literally, told me which turnings to take, as we got to them. And we ended up in prison! Well, a posh hotel, in an old prison. Our room is two cells knocked together, and then another cell is our bathroom. It's lovely. And...well, I'm just really touched that any of them did anything, let alone put so much thought and planning and everything into it.

And even if they hadn't, even if they'd all forgotten about it completely, it would still have been the best birthday I'd had, ever, just because I've got the three of them.

I spent my 44th working until late, then bought myself a decent bottle of single malt on the way home and drank a good few glasses alone, on the sofa, watching shit on the telly.

I never, ever could have imagined how I'd see in 45. And...I can't thank any of them enough. Especially John.


I love you, John. Thank you.

51 comments:

Kholly said...

Everything about that birthday sounds perfect. And I can't think of anyone more deserving. Enjoy your wine, chips, etc.

John H. D. Watson said...

Ha, we did have FUN, didn't we? Even though Phobos sort of ate the ball. I think we might need a new one.

I'm nearly as shocked as you are, considering where I was last year. Where we all were, really. I don't know how I got so lucky, but thank you. You're one of the kindest, most genuinely good people I've ever met. And I love you too.

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah...almost enough to believe there's a greater force at work, right?


(I don't mean God. I'm talking a far greater, all encompassing force...Mrs Holmes.)

John H. D. Watson said...

...You know, I actually find that frighteningly easy to believe.

Greg Lestrade said...

Well, we know she found you...and I always assumed I got sent down there just because it was sort of my neck of the woods. Maybe not. Maybe she's part secret ruler of worlds, part matchmaker.

John H. D. Watson said...

I wouldn't rule anything out, frankly. Maybe she knew I'd need help with the boys.

Greg Lestrade said...

Hmmm. I just can't imagine I'd be very high on her list of people she might choose...

but I won't go further with that comment, because I'm meant to be convincing myself I'm tall, dark and handsome or something, and not insulting myself, right? I'll leave that to the lags I nick. :)

Whatever the reason we all ended up on a moor with a murderer, I'm bloody glad we did. So to speak.

John H. D. Watson said...

That's right!

Although honestly, I still have no idea why she picked me either, except for being too bloody stubborn to give up. But she moves in mysterious ways.

Me too. :)

Cranky Bookwyrm said...

May whatever Power brought you together keep you together. (I'm a strong believer in Eros and Agape myself.)

Many happy returns!

Sherlock said...

Mrs Hudson says I have to go to bed, and she doesn't even have a murder story to tell me! She tried to tell me a story about a frog and a princess and it was STUPID. And she said she knew I liked frogs, but then it wasn't a frog, it was a Prince except that's stupid, because they're not even the same size or anything.

Can I stay up until you're back? And the picture of the spider is good, but it should be bigger. I made it big so you and John could both cuddle it if you both had nightmares, four legs each.

Do they lock you in the prison hotel at night?

Greg Lestrade said...

You do have to go to bed. Be good for Mrs Hudson. She probably just doesn't know any murder stories. So please don't badger her.

No, you can't stay up until we're back. You need to have a rest so when we are back, you're nice and awake.

I have tried to express the large size of Spider. It is indeed very big. And will cuddle both John and I. We're very grateful to have it with us.

No. We've got keys to our own rooms. We can come and go as we please.

John H. D. Watson said...

It's an enormous spider, truly, and we both love it.

And no, you cannot stay up till we get back. I would bet you literally can't, in fact. Lie down with the lights out and close your eyes and if you can lie there and be quiet and still all night without falling asleep, well...then you can stay up all night. It sounds pretty boring to me though.

You can call us to say goodnight if you want to.

Amy said...

Happy Birthday! Sounds like an amazing day. I love proper afternoon tea with all the little cakes and scones. And the giant Spider is fantastic! Sherlock, you are so talented.

Greg Lestrade said...

Thanks. It was!

I'm not even sure who helped Sherlock with Spider. I suspect Mrs Hudson may have been on call...she seems to help with most things!

John, were you involved in Spider production? We've got to be really careful the dogs never get it.

John H. D. Watson said...

I showed him how to sew the eyes on, but the rest was mainly Mrs Hudson and Mrs Turner's mum. I think she used to make wedding dresses and things, so the spider was probably no problem at all.

Oh god. They would think it was the best toy ever. All those legs!

Greg Lestrade said...

Exactly. I'm quite attached to it already. Don't want it ending up as the dogs' newest kill.

Maybe we should give it a web up in the corner of your room, well above dog-reach.

Ha, trust Sherlock to find a creature with more eyes than necessary then. You never get an easy life!

John H. D. Watson said...

Sherlock could weave one, with dental floss.

Greg Lestrade said...

BUT...Sherlock, not until we're home to supervise.

I do not want to get home to discover you've already webbed the room. Just...don't.

However, Danger, if I can tempt you into my err...web? Then I will um...wrap you up and....suck the life out of you?

That started out as such a good metaphor, and just got better, really! Haha :D

Small Hobbit said...

Haven't you two got better things to do than write on a blog?

John H. D. Watson said...

Small Hobbit - Yes, yes we do. :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! I already said that but now it's more of a statement than a well wishing statement. I'm glad you had such a good time. You're a wonderful person and you have such an important and meaningfull job. You deserve all the happiness you gets! That spider looks awesome. God job, Sherlock!

(I'm sorry if there are typos, or if this is overly gushy. I'm drunk with my Mum.)

Lupe said...

Happy birthday, again! :D I'm glad you had such a great time. That spider's the most amazing thing ever. Sherlock's a true genius. *-*

X said...

Sherlock's comment about making the spider extra big so you could both cuddle it made me "awwwwww!" aloud. Sherlock, you're a sweetheart, and that spider is incredible. Well done!

Mycroft, the place you chose for tea looks amazing as well; I'm glad you managed to convince L to forgo his typical casual attire!

Hope you boys are ...having a good time, etc. ;)

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Lestrade! It sounds like you had a wonderful day, and I hope things just continue to get better.

I'm so amazed at Sherlock's talent! What a wonderful spider, to cuddle you when you have a bad night. I wish I had one to keep me safe!

Anonymous said...

Greg, I'm happy to hear that your birthday has been amazing.

Mycroft and Sherlock, what lovely gifts to give to "your" D.I. to make his birthday so memorable.

John, well, I'm assuming that you're "a tad" busy making memories with Greg. =)

-A from NW

Lawless said...

Love the spider and the tea.

Somehow it seems eerily appropriate on more than one level that you wound up at a hotel that used to be a prison.

innie said...

I'm putting in my order now for a cuddle spider of my very own. John, how do you feel about Sherlock running a cottage industry out of your flat?

Ro said...

What an amazing birthday! You guys sure know how to celebrate! And that is a fantastic spider. Sherlock, spiders don't have names because no one bothers to give them names. Break with tradition!

Greg Lestrade said...

Thank you, all of you. I'm just...blown away by how kind you all are, how amazing John is and...everything, really.

Sally said...

Sir! You scheming old...why didn't you tell us it was your birthday? Drinks are on you when you get back!

Nice to see you had such a good one, anyway. You deserve it.

Greg Lestrade said...

Didn't tell you because I never tell anyone.

Anyway, what have you been doing to the city? I leave for 12 hours and there's a bloody riot??

Everyone okay? Must be chaos at the Yard. If you need anything, call, won't you?

Sally said...

It seems to all have calmed down now. But you know how it is, might flare up when it gets dark again. It was pretty bad, but nothing like the old days. Half of Tottenham's cordoned off, apparently, and they've sent relief in from Kent.

And of course I won't call you. We're big girls and boys, Sir, we'll be fine. And Dimmock's in, anyway. You enjoy yourself and stop worrying! See you tomorrow.

(But you do owe us all a drink.)

Greg Lestrade said...

Right. John just said he likes you. Again.

See you tomorrow. Drinks later in the week? You know, if we're allowed to drink, given our training schedule...

Sherlock said...

Are you coming home soon?

Anon Without A Name said...

Sherlock - making the spider so that Lestrade can cuddle it if he has a bad dream was a lovely gift. Making it huge enough that John and Lestrade can both cuddle it if they both have bad dreams is so thoughtful of you.

Mycroft - having Afternoon Tea at a posh hotel is a wonderful idea. Lestrade is exactly the sort of person who wouldn't think to treat himself to something like that (this reminds me of your Mum putting in the bike stand for him; so thoughtful, your family).

John - you absolute star :-D

Lestrade - I hope you realise just how much you deserve all of this love and attention :-)

*waves hello to Sally*

John H. D. Watson said...

Sherlock - Soonish. We're leaving soon, but it'll take a little while to get home. What have you done today? Anything fun?

Sherlock said...

Anthea took us for a walk with the dogs, but she wouldn't play rugby. And Mrs Hudson made us lunch which was roast chicken and potatoes and gravy and everything and ice cream for pudding.

Do you have to ask a judge if you can leave the prison? Can we play rugby when you're back?

John H. D. Watson said...

That sounds like a nice day, and a very nice lunch. Depends how late it is, we'll have to see. And on the weather. It's been raining a fair amount here.

No, we don't have to ask a judge. We get to leave whenever we like. It's really just a hotel now, and hotels don't generally keep people against their will.

Greg Lestrade said...

(it wouldn't be against my will)

John H. D. Watson said...

Ha! I think they might want you back at work eventually...

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah. you're right.

Twenty six officers hurt in the riots, apparently. Plus one shot in the incident that sparked it all. We'll have to start going around in pairs again.

We're leaving now, Sherlock. Be with you in a while.

Anonymous said...

"hotels don't generally keep people against their will"

And now I have "Hotel California" stuck in my head.

Have a good ride!

Desert Wanderer said...

Sounds like you had a great time! Well done, everyone, on such thoughtful ideas and presents.


I happened to be in London yesterday, but apparently left 15 min before things kicked off. Talk about timing, eh?

On a more positive note, I waved to the cop standing outside NSY and he gave me a very friendly nod back. :D

Sherlock said...

Anthea wouldn't take us to see where the riot was even though I asked really nicely and said we could take the dogs to keep us safe.

Greg Lestrade said...

Good! You can look at the pictures and videos on the BBC website. That's quite close enough.

Carla said...

Uncle Orio! Happy Birthday! Mum says did you get our card? She sent it to John's flat, because you're NEVER at yours any more. It looks like you had a wicked day. What other presents did you get apart from the big spider and a night in a hotel and tea?

Mycroft, I'd really like to go to afternoon tea, and Mum said maybe we could, if we came and stayed?

How did your school visits go? Do you still like Harrow the best? You should write and tell everyone about them (only if you want though).

Carla
xoxox

Mycroft said...

That would be really nice, yes. I liked the place we went to, but I'll look for other ones as well.

I'm still thinking about the school visits. I might write about them in a little while. I do still like Harrow the best though. Or, at least, I know that's where I want to go.

Greg Lestrade said...

Carla, grazie.

Yes, got the card - John hid it until yesterday, thank you to all of you.

John got me...a book, which I shan't go into details about. Suffice to say he clearly wants me to read him bedtime stories from it, as clearly it's not something I want to read about. And I got some other presents too. I might put up another blog entry about them.

Are you back, then? Did you have a nice holiday?

Trills said...

Late to the party but I've been away for the weekend celebrating my own birthday! (Which was Sunday so a day after yours)

So Happy Birthday Lestrade from a fellow Augustian! Hope it was a good one

sierra-scarlet said...

So, I've been reading your blog for a while now (had to start at the beginning to make sense) and the lovely picture of afternoon tea has caused me to de-lurk. I just did a homemade tea for my birthday too - what a fabulous idea Mycroft :)

Anyways, I'll hopefully post again when I catch up, which could take months at the rate I'm going. I'm loving the blogs so far though. It's fun to hear about your lives and triumphs as you build a family.

Greg Lestrade said...

Hello!

You commenting made me read this post again and it's put a huge smile on my face.

Welcome. Good luck catching up. I always worry people who read these from the start knnow more about me than I do! :)

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