30 December 2011

Little Sis Post

Hi everyone, it's Nicky. Orio - Greg - told me I could put up a post if I'd like to, so here I am. Oh, Sherlock says that some of you are new, and I should explain that I call Lestrade 'Orio' because when we were little, and in Italy, everyone called him Gregorio - which naturally was shortened to Orio.

Once again we're staying in London, and having a lovely time with Orio, John and the boys. Today Orio has to work, but we've all spent the past two days together, going to museums, galleries...and shops. Lots of shops.

26 December 2011

Catering, Critters and Chaos

There was a lot of the first, a few of the second, and really none of the last.

My few fears about Christmas just being a bit...overwhelming... were completely unfounded. There was lots to do, lots of help, and so many of us that it didn't matter if anyone needed to get away and have a bit of a break.

I called my mum, after about ten minutes of just sitting on the stairs wondering if I should or not. I've no idea if she was trying to be polite, and not mentioning what happened before, or if she genuinely didn't remember, or if she just wanted to pretend. Anyway, it wasn't mentioned. We wished each other a happy Christmas. I'm glad I called, although I don't know if I want to confront her about it some other time. Anyway, for now, doesn't matter.

All the food came out great - there was too much, but there always is, and it meant anyone who got hungry later (Sherlock) could graze on the leftovers.

Sherlock's favourite thing, without a doubt, was this:

It's not just food that you can have with ice cream - it's food you can set on fire and have with ice cream. We had to pull the curtains to get the full effect of the flaming brandy, and we had to do it all three times!

It was a really fun day (And who knew that Mrs Hudson could wolf whistle that loudly?) and I really wish I could be with them today, instead of being at work - still, only today and tomorrow, then another two days off to spend with Nicky and her crew, who are coming to stay (and hit the sales - rather them than me!)

24 December 2011

Merry Christmas

It's an hour before Christmas Day here - I know some of you are already up and enjoying the day, whilst others have yet to bed down, but I thought I'd put this up firstly to wish all of you a very Happy Christmas (whether you choose to celebrate it or not). And I hope you all have a lovely day. Obviously feel free to leave greetings to one another in the comments.

I daresay there will be a certain amount of commenting on here tomorrow about the chaos that surely awaits us here...it would be wrong not to let you in on it all.

But right now, this flat has finally descended into the most peaceful it ever gets.

Wonder if any of us have been good enough this year to get a visit from St Nick?

And here's a shot from when we were decorating the tree. There is, unbelievably, more things on it now than in this picture.

23 December 2011

Who says Health And Safety isn't fun?

What else would I be doing at 4am apart from issuing all the day shift with the following? (I didn't write all of it - someone sent it to me. I just made it a touch more relevant.)It was a reward to myself, for clearing an entire in-tray of paperwork.

All officers planning to dash through the snow in a one horse open sleigh, going over the fields and laughing all the way are advised that a Risk Assessment will be required addressing the safety of an open sleigh for members of the public. Please include assessments for use of audio-visual active warning systems and the effect this may have upon the horse(s). This assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly where there are multiple passengers. Please note that permission and/or warrants must also be obtained, either in writing from landowners before their fields may be entered or from a magistrate. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.

Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning or required to watch their flocks at night. While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated shepherd observation hut, all users of this facility are reminded that an emergency response plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks. Please remember to book out all PPE in advance and return it in good condition.

The angel of the Lord is additionally reminded that, prior to shining his/her glory all around, she/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory.

Following last year's well-publicised case, all officers are advised that Equal Opportunities legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the redness of any part of Mr R Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from reindeer games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence.

While it is acknowledged that gift bearing is a common practice in various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered. This applies regardless of the individual, even royal personages. It is particularly noted that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded, while caution is advised regarding other common gifts such as aromatic resins that may evoke allergic reactions.

Finally, in the recent instance of the infant found tucked up in a manger without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will be arriving shortly.

Merry Christmas.

22 December 2011

Completely untrue of this Christmas...

But perhaps true tonight. Nights at this time of year do seem to be either completely lonely or far too busy.

So, this is my absolutely favourite Christmas song. I know it's bleak, and sad and all those things, but there's just something about it that really gets me.



Today we need to get everything to decorate the Christmas cake, so we can do that tomorrow, then Christmas Eve will be all the food prep we can do for the big day to make life easier.

Presents...errr... did people want presents? Sherlock? Mycroft? Johnny? How about some Scotland Yard stationary (actually, Sherlock would probably want that...)
I think we might go and drop in on Molly before I start work, Sherlock's made her a card and it would be a good time.

21 December 2011

Love you John Danger Hotson

Bloody love you andf you're the best thng that's ever hapened to me



Hope I dicdn't wake you
shhh

Sing you Folsam prison tomorrow, promise, Johnny.

19 December 2011

Look at the baubles on that...

As you all know, we braved the shops at the weekend. And we wanted to start a bit of a tradition, of sorts - so we each decided we'd get a bauble for the tree. And then, every year, well get a new one each (obviously there will be other tree decorations too, but these four will be special, each year, and hopefully bring back lots of pleasant memories each year.)

So...let the tacky decorations commence!


18 December 2011

The way to a man's heart...

Kholly asked for a recipe, Mycroft is helping me get organised, I defy even sprout-haters amongst you not to like sprouts cooked the way I'm going to cook them, and I still haven't found a decent panettone.

Yes, this post is almost all about food.

16 December 2011

Can't make it all alone, I've built my dreams around you

Sherlock finished school for the holidays today - and this evening had a show. I got there just in time, after being stuck at a crime scene all afternoon, watching the clock tick down... There was singing, dancing, and some truly amazing violin playing from him. Everyone really enjoyed it. He looked positively angelic in his sparkly wings.

He'd played us the pieces he was going to play while everyone was singing already, but he hadn't played us one piece - another boy sang, really beautifully (he's a choir boy), and Sherlock played. It was just astounding. Sherlock said it would be okay because he "knew he wouldn't get it wrong"...it's good to know he trusts other people sometimes! Although he can't understand why you'd want to be good at something that you can grow out of...

Today is also something of an anniversary. On this day last year, Sherlock had his first brush with the law, and turned up at Scotland Yard with a PC having been accused of shoplifting from Harrods. Outing me in the process...Happily that was all sorted out... and led to me becoming err...rather better acquainted with John('s sofa), than I had been previously.

I also arrived home to an envelope telling me I'm officially a free man. Dissolution done. Finally. I am a divorcee. Dissolutionee? Very happy man.

A weekend of celebrations and festivities await.

14 December 2011

You help me to forget to play my role

Had a pretty boring day today. Lots of waiting around in court as people got their act together.

The bloke we arrested the other day, for the 'Stinky House' case, pleaded guilty to manslaughter. But we want him for murder. So now that's settled, after far more waiting about than there should have been, we have to wait for a court date, when a jury will decide.

So, in the course of today, I've had far too much time to think about my mum, and her jealous drunken ranting (I'm fairly sure jealousy is where it lies. I have everything she's always wanted. And that can't seem very fair, really. I do feel bad for her, just because I understand how horrible it can be to be lonely.)

And I...faced a few home truths. The person you see in the mirror isn't the person everyone else sees, is it? Quite the opposite, in fact.

12 December 2011

Do you believe in Father Christmas?

I was going to start posting a few of my favourite Christmas songs. And after today, this one seemed apt. I'm afraid I go for the downbeat songs...not many of mine are happy jingly choices.






As some of you will have read, Sherlock decided to hold a seminar in the school playground today - Why Santa Can't Exist (You Idiots) - (okay, that last bit was implied). He told all the little kids that there was no way Father Christmas could get around the world fast enough and all sorts of things, all based in scientific fact.

Of course, they're all intelligent children, so their beliefs were ripped to shreds in front of their eyes. Poor things.

Mrs T told Sherlock off a bit, he tried to get me to arrest her...ah, happy days.

My arrest went well today. Caught the bloke, not only for murder, but also possession with intent. An added bonus. Downside was we had to batter through his door. Which was very hard work. Feel like I've wrenched my arms off.

But John is about to kiss that better. Whilst I return the favour and kiss his bum better where he took the boys ice skating and fell over a lot. It won't be a chore...

10 December 2011

Look to the future now, It's only just begun

I've spent too much of today on the phone to work and not nearly enough helping out with the boys.

They found some wrapping paper when we were out - it was a photo of bookshelves. So they carefully cut them out and made us some literary paper chains. Very highbrow.


They also got the basic start of a wreath. Mycroft is for tasteful decoration involving ribbon and possibly buying some small baubles. Sherlock is all about tinsel, glitter, spiders, ninjas, stars...the list goes on. And there's trouble brewing over what goes on top of the tree.

I'm not quite sure when we'll get the rest of the decorations and the tree. I don't mind waiting until next weekend, really.

The office is already filling with bad taste decorations. dangling about everywhere, baubles and tinsel in the cheese plants, gaudy santas on the doors. Completely incongruous sparkly banners around the case boards, surround photos of dead bodies.

'Tis the season to be jolly...

9 December 2011

Insert witty title here.

I was going to answer Anon's question from ages ago, but I think I've lost the use of my brain.

I feel like...I don't even know what I feel like.

The Murder investigation is on, and after a day of talking to nosey neighbours I think I've already got a list of suspects, and am pretty happy that my prime suspect is a decent shout. Just got to find the evidence.

I almost want to go in tomorrow and get started on it, but I've left the team work to do and I don't want to miss Mycroft's first day home, especially when John is feeling...under the weather.

There's also got to be some point at which my brain decides to shut down to such an extent that my body goes into stand-by. I mean, there just isn't enough coffee in the world. And I keep thinking I should cut down, while all the time I just up it instead.

Sherlock seems to be winding up to have some sort of epic meltdown about school, too, now Mycroft's finished. I'd almost be scared, if I had the energy.

And I completely forgot what I was doing earlier. Serving out dinner, doing John's killer soup of doom, which has about the same heat level as the surface of the sun, I licked the spoon.

I almost swore in front of Sherlock. Happily my tongue had been melted to a useless lump of flesh and I couldn't. I can't believe anyone would eat that stuff. It was pure torture. There's no flavour, apart from pain.

7 December 2011

Friends may come and go, but enemies accumulate...

Another day in the Stinky House of Stuff. Although today was less stinky because now all the animals have been removed the heating has been turned off, and it's pretty cold out, so the smell level has decreased. And we found some really expensive items. I'm really unsure whether we're looking at murder or death by misadventure here.

There was another Big Wing Op today. Domestic violence and hate crimes. Wonder if the Commissioner's been reading this blog...seemed oddly fitting.

Anyway, over 150 arrests. It all goes with a massive campaign against domestic violence we're having. 1 in every 5 murders in London is domestic violence.

So...yes, today I went back to the court, paid my money, made my choice. Now I just have to wait for them to find a moment to sign it all off and get the Final Order posted out to me (and to Bry, obviously).


4 December 2011

When my fist clenches, crack it open, before I use it and lose my cool



One of the best songs...ever, really. Brilliant. Bit of a theme tune for my youth. Except it would've been 'behind brown eyes' then.

We've had a great day today. I took the bike out and John brought Sherlock up so they could both have a go on it. John's getting a lot more confident in his riding - and smoother. Which is nice for my nerves. And we gave Sherlock a few rides, too, which got him very excited. He keeps claiming he's 'almost' big enough to ride on his own. Hah.

Now it's rapidly getting dark, so we're all tucked up warm at home again. Sherlock wants to decorate the house, but for now we've pacified him by letting him make decorations, but not put them up until Mycroft's back next weekend.

I'm unsure exactly how glittery spiders are directly related to Christmas, but who cares? He's happy and content, and we're getting a rest. Except he also wants a Sunday Roast for tonight, so I really should start cooking...

After I've taught Danger how to sing the song....

3 December 2011

Understand that sexuality is as wide as the sea.

 Understand that sexuality is as wide as the sea. Understand that your morality is not law. Understand that we are you. Understand that if we decide to have sex whether safe, safer, or unsafe, it is our decision and you have no rights in our lovemaking.
Derek Jarman



So, after all of yesterday's drama today was pretty calm.

We made pancakes for breakfast, then Sherlock went down to Mrs Hudson and John and I headed to Harrow via the pet shop. We met up with Mycroft, Anthea and the dogs in the park. Presented the dogs with their new chews - those big weird marrowbone things, and a chewy/throwing toy for them each. They seemed satisfied.

2 December 2011

Never regret yesterday. Life is in you today, and you make your tomorrow.

Today has been...pretty hellish, really.

I mean, it started fine. And then I saw John's post.

It just...it's not what you expect, hearing that Mycroft's been in a fight. I mean, I don't know, I thought there had to be some mistake. And then I wondered what could possibly have made Mycroft feel the need to resort to using his fists.

Like REReader said, it was a bit like a punch in the gut, finding out it was because some of the boys had been saying things to him about me and John. I suppose we should have thought about it. It just seems so...nice...there, and times are changing. But not fast enough, it seems. So, along with their cuts and bruises both the boys are being punished. I'm...torn. I don't want Mycroft to be put in detention for what he did, because he was just standing up for himself, and us. But I can see why the school have to do it. I hope they also do something about educating the boys to be more tolerant and stop that sort of bullying.

I'm not exactly doing well on the 'not feeling guilty' front. If I hadn't popped that stupid wheelie then I wouldn't have been asked to go in. If I hadn't thought it would be funny to drag John along with me then I doubt anyone would ever have thought anything about us. Not that that in any way makes it our fault that some homophobic little shit started on Mycroft, but we could have been more subtle. I don't suppose they even know what anyone else's parents/guardians look like.

And whilst I'm deeply proud - and touched - that he would stand up to anyone on our behalf, as well as on his own, I don't condone fighting. As I said, I don't think either John or I can blame him, because we both got in our fair share of fights when we were younger. And maybe now I've gone too far the other way.

The thing that changed me was that incident I wrote about a while ago - when I got into trouble and could have been thrown out of the force. While I was suspended I went to see Nicky, and Mum was there. I told her what had happened and she just said "I always knew you'd turn out just like your father". And I was so determined not to be that I changed myself. I don't know. Don't feel like I know anything tonight.

And finally, because Sherlock is being completely wonderful at trying to cheer us up, he showed me this just now and I thought it might make a few of you smile.


I've no idea if it's real, but Sherlock is desperate to see whatever it was that was there.


1 December 2011

The first day of the rest of my life...

Well, that was the month that was...

I didn't think I'd manage to do the post per day - I didn't think you'd all still be reading by the end! I definitely didn't think I'd manage to find a title for each post.

But wow, it's gone so fast!

Yesterday...well, thanks, to all of you. And for those of you who said that what I'd written had helped a bit, that really helps me, so thank you for letting me know. And...well, yeah, I think it was probably good for me. Probably.

However, there are still some questions remaining from the month of living dangerously...

Anon, I will get to answering your question. I'm just not in the right frame of mind, given the discussions today. So instead I'll answer Small Hobbit's question.

You're obviously very good with children - have you ever wished you had a child of your own?