22 November 2011

And I am two-and-twenty, And oh, ’tis true, ’tis true.

Blog title courtesy of my darling boyfriend.

Just a quick post, as poor Sherlock is a bundle of misery on the sofa. He's got a bit of a temperature, and apparently Mrs T said he seemed subdued this afternoon. Happily we know an excellent doctor...

John's also had a bit of a low day, so it's hugs all around tonight.

Thought I'd knock off some of the quicker questions -

Favourite thing to have Marmite on? Hot buttered crumpets. Amazing. Just enough to make your mouth sting a bit, oozing out on a sea of butter and soaked right into the crumpet.


Have I been to see Rocky Horror Show - no, sorry!

How nosy to I think you all are...In my job, being nosy is an attribute, and I think you're all very restrained.


And what would I like to cook that I've never had time for... well, I've cooked a lot of things. I dont generally follow recipes much, I tend to just make it up as I go along. But one day I'd like to try a 3 or 5 bird roast. If I can find enough people to eat it. And a big enough oven.

I bet Greg the Florist's new castle has a big oven...

87 comments:

Calliope said...

...Now I want crumpets to go with my tea. Yes, they are good with marmite. Yum.

Too bad crumpets seem so hard to find out here.

Have a nice evening, and I hope that Sherlock feels better soon!

Becca said...

What is a 3 or 5 bird roast? I'm assuming you're not talking about that bizarre contraption of a dish where various birds are stuffed into each other.

Poor Sherlock. I'm glad he wasn't sick when Mycroft was home, and hopefully he wasn't incubating something that he passed on. Fevers are no fun.

Greg Lestrade said...

Becca - err...actually I am talking about exactly that bizarre contraption of a dish. Is that a bad thing?

He's very quiet. It's quite disconcerting. But John gave him something earlier and he says he feels a little bit better.

John H. D. Watson said...

How big an oven does it need?

Small Hobbit said...

So which 3 or 5 birds would you choose?

Hope Sherlock feels better soon. That's the trouble with children, you long for them to be quiet and then when they are you can't wait for them to be bouncy again.

So hugs to you all.

Greg Lestrade said...

For three, probably a classic Turducken. (Turkey, Duck, Chicken).

Five...Turkey, Chicken, Duck, pheasant, partridge, pigeon. Maybe goose, guinea fowl or quail? It depends what looked good.

Danger, it needs a...well, an oven big enough to fit a very fat turkey in. And about 7-8 hours to cook. And then you need oven space for all the side dishes, too. So...a lot bigger than ours.

Bronwyn said...

Turduckens are awesome. They do need basting or they go dry, however. I've fit one in the standard oven in my flat before. Just dropped the rack all the way down and stuck a pan of vented water in with it. Good stuff. And the drippings made nice gravy.

Woo hoo Thanksgiving!
Bronwyn

Greg Lestrade said...

They'd be more awesome if they didn't involve the word 'turd'. And did you fit any of the trimmings in the oven too, Bronwyn?

Is it Thanksgiving now? Or...is it always on a Thursday? I seem to remember it is. Have a happy one, if you 'do' it.

John H. D. Watson said...

Maybe the oven at the fort? If we go back at some point.

Greg Lestrade said...

The oven at the fort could probably cope, yes. And we could fit enough people in the kitchen to eat it, too.

I bet being there in the winter would be great - especially if there was a big storm.

You want an early night?

REReader said...

It's always on a Thursday--from Abraham Lincoln's time on it was celebrated on the last Thursday of November, and then (in 1941) Congress set it as the 4th Thursday in November, so that if November has 5 Thursdays--as it sometimes does--the stores don't lose the extra week of Christmas shopping.

...

No, really, that's the reason.


Turducken sounds quite medieval (not meaning that as an insult, it just sounds like the sort of thing medieval banquets used to feature). Does it date back that far? It also sounds like you'd need about 30 or 40 guests to get it all eaten!

John H. D. Watson said...

Yes. I still have to post though.

Greg Lestrade said...

No problem. I'm not in a rush. You just look a bit worn out.

RR - just depends on the birds. Five or six hungry people, with plenty for cold leftovers for the next day or so. Whereas the biggest roasts - about 48 birds - will feed over a hundred people, easily. I think they mainly date back to Tudor times.

John H. D. Watson said...

I am. I may just give up soon.

I saw what's his name on River Cottage do it with ten birds.

John H. D. Watson said...

...And when I say 'do it' I mean 'make a roast'. Just to be clear.

Anonymous said...

Poor Sherlock! I hope he feels better soon. I think it's that time of year where everyone is getting sick. No fun at any age.

John, I hope you're feeling better, too. Fall can be a hard time of year, with the decreased light. I don't know if you take any vitamins, but I know that when I started taking vitamin D I started to feel a lot less grumpy.

Lestrade, the hot buttered crumpets sound lovely...though I'll pass on the marmite. ;-P

Greg Lestrade said...

I wasn't going to say anything...

Well...

Not much. Mainly just giggle.

Not a spitroast, was it??

Um, Right. Don't give up. Well, I man, give up if you want. Or just...post a photo with the word 'discuss'.

(Hugh Fearlessly-Eatsitall, I think you're referring to.)

Small Hobbit said...

They'd be more awesome if they didn't involve the word 'turd'.
A friend of mine accuses me of having a dirty mind just because I follow your blog, I can't imagine why.

REReader said...

Turducken (or the more birdly variants thereof) certainly sounds interesting, anyway. I can't really imagine how the flavors go together--and how you keep the birds further outside from drying out while still getting the inner ones cooked. Most people have trouble just getting a single turkey cooked through without drying out!

John, I am not giggling. Really. *lying*

Sherlock must really be feeling terrible if you can describe him as "very quiet". I hope whatever it is goes as as quickly as it came.

Greg Lestrade said...

SH - my blog isn't the cause of any dirt which may or may not be in your mind.

As RR put it on Danger's blog Well, you have all these XX types commenting. Obviously she meant xxx types....

RR - I think Sherlock feels like his body is betraying him by getting ill. Which I understand completely.

REReader said...

John, if you want a quick blog, try this: http://iwl.me/

(I'm planning on using it tomorrow. :))

REReader said...

L--Yeah. I always feel rather outraged that my body dares to succumb to germs and viruses. And so often at the least convenient times.

REReader said...

As RR put it on Danger's blog Well, you have all these XX types commenting. Obviously she meant xxx types....

As any good politician would say, I have been taken out of context!

John H. D. Watson said...

Or just...post a photo with the word 'discuss'.

Ha, next time. Done at last, sorry.

Amy said...

A Turducken sounds slightly disturbing to me! But I'm not sure why. Sounds like something the Romans would have done for banquets.

I bet Sherlock would love to help (or at least observe) the assembly process. Get well soon, young man!

Desert Wanderer said...

Sherlock, a video with different snakes for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNOaULWtOpo&feature=related

And a close up of a black widow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MVowDx0M74&feature=related

Becca said...

Well, I shan't judge on the turducken, I'm about to put bacon in a cheesecake. :)

It's certainly less strange than then apple pie/pumpkin pie/some kind of cake mashup dessert that I heard about last Thanksgiving.

Greg Lestrade said...

There is a small, hot, restless wiggling lump in our bed.

It is small and hot and wiggly.

Much as I love him, I'd really love sleep, too.

Calliope said...

Oh dear. I wish I could sing lullabies to him for you two.

REReader said...

I assume John has given him some paracetamol/acetaminophen, in which case he'll probably fall asleep again once it knocks the fever down a bit.

Not that that will help you drop off again, really--except he'll be less wiggly asleep. Probably. (I'm sorry.)

John H. D. Watson said...

not sure we've tried lullabies. couldn't hurt.

he will not be significantly less wiggly asleep.

REReader said...

Oh, dear. A bad night for all three of you.

(You might try Bach's Goldberg Variations. As a lullabye. They were written as a cure for insomnia, after all. Should be able to download if you haven't them handy.)

Desert Wanderer said...

Poor kid's gotta be miserable. Which doesn't make your life any easier, either. Sorry things aren't going well for y'all. :(

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry you're all three having a bad night. If it makes you feel any better, I can pretty much promise you that it's things like letting him sleep in your bed and keep you up that he'll remember and cherish when he's older.

I still remember my mom sitting up with me when I was a little older than Sherlock with a busted eardrum. We were both exhausted and cranky, but it meant the world to me.

Good luck getting some more sleep, guys.

Greg Lestrade said...

It's very odd getting up and not waiting for him to join me for the morning.

He is at less asleep now.

I might hide under my desk and try for some myself.

Anonymous said...

Ah, being sick isn't fun at all. Sherlock might take the opportunity to experiment on different ways to kill germs, I suppose.

Animals stuffed inside other animals in as many combinations as were readily available and then roasted is a classic dish and dates back ages and ages - to Biblical times at least. The turkey variations obviously not so much as they weren't widespread outside of N. America. Some middle eastern ones start with camel and work their way down...

REReader said...

Did you get any more sleep at all, Lestrade?

I really hope Sherlock manages to shake this off quickly. It's miserable to be achy and feverish in the middle of the night--even now it has a distinctly nightmare quality about it, and I remember it as much worse when I was a child. Distinctly.

And I am positive it didn't--and doesn't--feel very good to you and John, either--on his behalf and on your own.

Greg Lestrade said...

Not loads, RR.

He's generally very robust, and in the best possible care, so I hope he's better soon. And hope both he and John get some more sleep during the day.

It is hard, not being able to click your fingers and make him better. He's so different when he's ill.

REReader said...

Maybe you'll be able to catch a catnap at some point? 5 or 10 minutes can make a big difference.

And yeah, from what I've seen kids seem to get sicker than adults, and so defenseless when they do, but they also seem to bounce back faster. One can hope. And you're so right about the best possible care!

Greg Lestrade said...

Not sure about cat napping. Generally sleeping on the job is frowned upon. Depends how the day goes though.

I'm not sure he's sicker, just so different from his normal self. His temp wasn't too high, but he obviously feels bad, poor kid.

Still, at least he came and found us - rather that than suffer on his own. And when I left he was sprawled over my half of the bed, cuddling Spider, and John was asleep too, so hopefully they both managed an hour or so of decent kip.

Small Hobbit said...

Hope you have a quiet day, which means you can get off home promptly.

Anon Without A Name said...

Poor little Sherlock. At least as an adult you can focus your misery on being outraged that something like a cold can make you feel so bad, as a child you really don't have any choice but to be miserable. OTOH, sounds like it's nothing serious, and he's in excellent hands.

Hope you have a day that quiet enough not to be exhausting, and busy enough not to drag. And, as SH says, that you manage to get off home n time.

John - I hope you get the chance to have a nap during the day, if Sherlock sleeps.

Greg Lestrade said...

I might just wander off into the fog and hope no one notices I'm gone...

Hopefully a day of care and rest and Shortstuff will be feeling a bit better.

Desert Wanderer said...

I'm sure they'd notice their fearless leader was gone. Whether they'd say anything is another matter. I agree that it's good he came to you guys last night. That's an important lesson to learn-that it's okay to seek out affection when you need it.

Hope things go as SH says and you're home at a reasonable hour.

How many cups of coffee so far? ;)

Greg Lestrade said...

It's a lesson Danger's doing a good job in teaching me, so no surprise that he's teaching Sherlock, too.

5 mugs so far. Might get espresso in a bit.

Desert Wanderer said...

Have you heard from Doc at all? Hope he doesn't catch whatever Sherlock's got.

Greg Lestrade said...

Haven't heardfrom him don't really want to.call in case they're sleeping.

I hope he doesn't get it too!

John H. D. Watson said...

I'd say I don't get these things, but I remember what happened last time I said that. I feel fine at the moment though.

Sherlock's feeling a little better. He's helping me make a poll.

Greg Lestrade said...

Good. And glad he's a little better, too. Did you two get much of a lie in?

John H. D. Watson said...

A bit. More than you did anyway, sorry about that.

Greg Lestrade said...

Not anyone's fault. These things happen.

Glad he feels happy coming and finding us.

John H. D. Watson said...

So am I. No one should feel like they have to be miserable on their own.

Greg Lestrade said...

Not when they don't want to.

Has he persuaded you on the healing power of ice cream?

Greg Lestrade said...

Oh, and shall we see how he is tomorrow, then make a call on babysitting? Dont want to send Sal's nephews back to her sister with a present of infectious disease.

And I can go to Harrow on my own on Friday if needs be.

John H. D. Watson said...

We'll see, but I really think he'll be fine by Friday. I think he'll be mostly recovered by tomorrow, actually, if I can just get him to rest a little more.

...He might've had ice cream for lunch. To soothe his throat.

Greg Lestrade said...

You're a soft touch, Doc. "s only one reason why I love you.

Can I have an ice-cream ice pack for my probably-entirely-self-inflicted head/neck ache?

John H. D. Watson said...

Yes, and a head/neck rub when you get home. And do remember to consume something other than coffee.

Greg Lestrade said...

Ive bought some form of bread/filling combination. A wrap, I think.

Obviously I havent eaten it yet, or I'd know. Bought it as an afterthought to buying espresso. I have drunk that. But I have every intention of eating it.

And I've now heard all of season one of Cabin Pressure. Although probably missed some bits. Feel as if I understand some bits of what you all talk about now.

John H. D. Watson said...

Oh excellent! It gets better, too. Two is much better than one, and three is the best so far. I hope they're making more.

Anonymous said...

I just saw it confirmed there will be a Christmas special and a 4th season. I freely admit I squealed.

REReader said...

I'm glad to hear Sherlock is feeling a bit better today (no doubt thanks to the ice cream :) )--hopefully you'll all have a better night's sleep tonight!

Greg Lestrade said...

I shall find time to listen to them, promise.

Bit busy, sorry. Shall try to leave soon though.

How are you feeling today? Any better?

John H. D. Watson said...

Yeah, a little better thanks.

New cases at work?

Greg Lestrade said...

Good. Let me know if there's anything you or the boy wonder needs.

Yeah new stuff. Cross referencing witness statements and case files. It's riveting. (why is riveting used like that? The act of riveting is very very boring.)

REReader said...

Something that is riveting attaches your attention to it firmly? (Just guessing.)

Although it seems "very very boring" matches what you are doing better anyway... :)

John H. D. Watson said...

Because it holds your attention the way riveting holds metal together, I think. Or, in this case, doesn't.

Are you cooking tonight? Should I get anything?

Greg Lestrade said...

Yes, I'll cook. And don't know. Only if you want to go out, otherwise I'll get stuff.

Greg Lestrade said...

And thanks, both of you.

Wonder why we don't use any other fixing methods for the same?

Desert Wanderer said...

Like "glued to the screen"?

REReader said...

Heh--seems like I've been borrowing you brain, John--thanks for the loan!

It's soldering? It's nailing? It's velcroing? Hmmmmm.

REReader said...

Ooh, good one, DW!

John H. D. Watson said...

I really really don't want to go out. Sorry, I feel like I've been completely useless lately. I'll do better tomorrow.

Greg Lestrade said...

im just going to go away until I have anything intelligent to say. Could be a while.

Desert Wanderer said...

Sounds like another day for snuggling on the couch. My phone says that should be smuggling, but I'll leave that up to you. :)

That would appear to be mind-numbing work, Lestrade. Clearly something better left to minions. ;)

REReader said...

Do we have to go back to telling you two what we see revealed about you in your blogs again?

John, in what conceivable way is Sherlock seeing you as useless at the moment? I'm sorry you're feeling blue, and I'd fix it if I could, but useless you are most definitely not.

Lestrade, I thought it was an interesting question--and didn't think of "glued" either. Does that mean I have nothing intelligent to say? (Fair warning: I plan to keep talking regardless. *smirk* only not right now, I've an appointment I'm already late for. :) )

*dusts off hands*

Greg Lestrade said...

Danger, you haven't been at all useless and definitely don't need to worry about doing anything 'better'. If I was at home I wouldn't want to go out either. It's just sensible for me to fetch things en route.

Greg Lestrade said...

RR I was more implying that my tasks today had not exactly left my brain in top condition than the fact I'm lacking in anything intelligent to say ever.

Bronwyn said...

Thanksgiving is indeed on thursday, always. But I love it and love cooking for it, so I'm excited. I actually don't put my trimmings in the oven. Maybe it's a Texas thing or maybe it's my family, but all our sides are side top. We make stuffing in a lidded cast iron dutch oven, mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, hot spinach salad, cranberry chutney, and homemade cottage cheese with fruit. The only things which require.an oven are the muffins and pies and we do those day before anyway. Which means today is muffin day! Banana chocolate here we come!

So yeah, oven space around the birds isn't an issue.

So, because I can, this is my family's traditional blessing:

"Home means when you go there, you are always taken in, so we gather here, grateful this day with friends and kith and kin. Some of us are wealthy, some of us are poor. Some of us are whole of heart, some weary and heart sore. But regardless of our circumstance, we gather ourselves here, to remember we love and are loved, today and all the year. Happy Thanksgiving." We use it at Christmas too.

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate.
Bronwyn

Desert Wanderer said...

Ooh, Bronwyn. That's lovely. :)

General just dismissed us all early! When I'm a general, I'll do the same. \o/ Now to go home and bake pies.

Greg Lestrade said...

Ah, I see Bronwyn. Our sides involve a lot of roasting. Potatoes, parsnips, roasted stuffing, all sorts. As well as boiled and steamed veg.

DW - brilliant! I'm dismissing myself right now. Not as early as I'd like.

Becca said...

There is pumpkin bread that just came out of the oven. I'll be starting on the cheesecake shortly. Then pie!

REReader said...

I was more implying that my tasks today had not exactly left my brain in top condition than the fact I'm lacking in anything intelligent to say ever.

So I should hope. Seeing as at least two geniuses find you eminently conversation-worthy. As does everyone here, most of whom seem to me almost frighteningly intelligent. :)

REReader said...

John, I've been worrying about you all afternoon, and I have some thoughts. I know this is terribly rude as you haven't asked for my opinion at all, so feel free to ignore this or bawl me out or whatever...

I think maybe the problem is not so much that you feel that what you do is useless, as you know very well (I hope) that it is important, but more that everything you do (and we know very well that it is a LOT) is if not precisely easy at least well within your abilities, so you don't feel challenged or pushed.

So possibly it might be a good idea to look for something to do that will push you--something outside your comfort zone. It might be something that would challenge you physically--taking up martial arts, or perhaps competitive shooting? (I know there are a number of Olympic shooting events, so there must be lower levels of competition.) Or maybe something to challenge you mentally--study for certification in another medical specialty, perhaps? (I don't know how your system works, so that might be a stupid idea, but I imagine you do know if that's a reasonable possibility.) Or take up something else entirely, something totally new. Just, well, something that offers the risk of failure, something that tests some of your limits.

Okay, now you can yell at me. *bites nails nervously*

John H. D. Watson said...

I will think about it, thank you.

And I'm not angry, or going to yell at you, please don't worry about that.

REReader said...

I'm more worried that I'd offend you and you wouldn't tell me, really.

Rider said...

Speaking of turducken... meet the cherpumple.
http://www.charlesphoenix.com/2010/10/cherpumple-monster-pie-cake-new-test-kitchen-video/

a 3 layer cake with pie in each layer.

There's pics of one at
http://www.charlesphoenix.com/2011/09/sunday-brunch-cherpumple/

REReader said...

Er.

Do Not Want.

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