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.
As any of you who followed yesterday will have seen, Orio took Carla to get her ears pierced again yesterday - and got his own redone too.
Carla's over the moon with hers - Orio bought her some gold studs to have put in. He had a surgical steel little stud in his - obviously wanting to be as discreet as possible. It's just a little flat stud. (He used to have a square diamond thing he wore (not a real diamond). Not sure that would suit him now!)
Today we went to the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate Modern. Sherlock is quite the art critic! But Mycroft and Carla seemed to enjoy it a lot. And I did too. John's a lovely person to spend time with.
We were hoping to meet up with Orio for lunch, but he's been out all day on a case, so we'll have to wait until this evening to see him. I'd love to see more of him, but at least we had two full days this time. And I know he feels bad about working so much, so I don't want him to feel guilty!
Mycroft played us a little on his guitar earlier - a Johnny Cash song, which doesn't surprise me at all, given John and Orio both love him (Johnny Cash - not Mycroft. Well, Mycroft too, obviously!)
And here, in the hope he might forgive me by the time he's home, is another picture of him I found. No grey hairs!
Now I have to persuade my daughter that she doesn't 'need' degus. I did have one sitting in my lap earlier. Argon, I think. She was very calm - tired out, I suspect - and I must admit they are very cute. But that doesn't mean we need any!
Anyway, hope you all have a Happy New Year, and thank you all for being so supportive of Orio and John.
111 comments:
Thanks for the new photo, Nicky. He looks a bit melancholy there, yeah?
Happy New Year all. (Happy Hogmanay for those of the Scottish persuasion.)
He does always manage to look a bit sad in photos, doesn't he? It's quite a nice one though.
Sounds like you've been having a lovely visit! I spent a day at the National Portrait Gallery on my one trip to England and loved it--it's one of the few places I have very clear memories of.
Does "pierced again" mean she had them pierced in the past, or that she wanted more holes?
Also, thank you for all the photos of younger!Lestrade you've fed us over the past year! (And all the future ones you'll can send our way... :))
And a very happy New Year to you and everyone else as well! (Hopefully I'll be able to stop in here tomorrow evening with a more timely wish... *knocking wood*)
I thought I just looked...neutral. and don't think you'll get away with this, little sis. I will have my revenge!
You sound like you've all had a nice day, anyway.
Anyway, I'm smiling in my Santa hat picture! You don't need to find another one :)
"Need" is not everything. We want more pictures--lots more. :D
(If you don't mind, Nicky! :) )
Hello Nicky :-) I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your visit; it's clear from what Lestrade says that he really appreciates being able to spend time with you, and John obviously has a great time with you too. Given that they're both guys with slightly fraught family situations, it's lovely to see you all spending time as a happy extended family :-) Are you staying for New Year, or heading home tomorrow?
I like the photo, but I'd have to agree with Calliope that he looks a little melancholy. Maybe just thoughtful?
I'm impressed (but not surprised) that Mycroft is already able to play something recognisable. Equally unsurprised that it's Johnny Cash :-p
Maybe it's because nearly everyone smiles in pictures, so you look a bit melancholy by contrast.
Probably because I'm not encouraging anyone to take my photo!
Trying to finish early...ish.
And you have tomorrow off, right, L? Or is it just tomorrow night?
If it's any consolation, Lestrade, you are exceptionally photogenic. I'm envious :-)
Tomorrow night, RR, for celebrations.
On way home now, Danger.
Thanks, Nameless :) very kind.
Good. Missed you today. Or moused you, if you believe my autocorrect.
Tomorrow night, RR, for celebrations.
That IS the important part!
Or moused you, if you believe my autocorrect.
I believe that autocorrect is really a breed of teeny little trouble-making faeries that live in electronic gadgets.
Moused, degud... indeed.
Really definite rules need setting about rodents at the table. As in, they do not belong there.
And I've missed you, too. Sometimes it's just downright depressing being on a murder team.
Bad case?
And yes, agreed about the degus.
No - well, yes, but no worse than most, except for it being Christmas, you know? Devastated families, all that, right now, when everyone else is enjoying the festive season and spending time together.
Just lucky I've got all of you to come home to. A lot easier getting through the days knowing you're all here for me.
Sherlock, Lestrade told us you were researching degu diet--did you learn anything interesting?
(My captcha was "grazi"--do degus in the wild graze?)
L - not easy for you or your team either, having to deal with it. Hope you've managed to get home now.
I'm very glad you have family to go home to, L...
Yeah, they're amazing, really are.
RR, not sure how many websites tell you whether degu like pizza... we're not letting Sherlock try it, because we're fairly sure they'd eat it regardless. (Mercury likes marmite.)
This was the best I could come up with:
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Six strings a-strumming
Five sa-ad smiles
Four mugs of coffee
Three cups of decaff
Two body piercings
And a degu in a Christmas tree
And it cannot possibly be good for her...
SH - nice. :)
Pizza or marmite?
Very good, SH
Probably not either one, but I was thinking of the marmite.
Ha! Now I need to find a way to prove otherwise.
Anyway, she and I had a tug of war this morning over it.
I'm sure Argon is more sensible.
Less mischief, anyway.
Very odd this morning, me holding my toast, Sherlock holding a degu who was also holding my toast. I didn't want to pull too hard! They're so little.
I should sleep, right? Right.
Awww, that mental image is so cute. My guinea pig is the same, if I'm eating a sandwich (or anything really) she'll try and eat it too :D she particularly likes peanut butter, ham (oddly enough o_O) bread and will drink tea as well, lol, I really shouldn't but I don't always pay attention, she can be quite stealthy.
Ha, I wish I'd seen it.
Yes, sleep. Big day (and night) tomorrow.
Indeed. This time tomorrow it'll be next year...
Give us a cuddle then. Stop my brain working, you gorgeous man.
Ah, my favourite job...
Stopping my brain? :)
Yes! So many options to choose from, and all of them good.
My hero.
at least a degu is small enough that you can win the tug of war.
I very much remember my horse putting her head over my shoulder and removing the sandwich from my hand! I am not sure beef was good for her but she seemed fine with it...
(At least motorcycles don't steal your lunch)
When I read about unexpected guests on the breakfast table, my first concern was a near drowning in someone's morning drink.
Though a tug of war over toast is quite an image...
~A from NW
Hey Rider - are you in Australia? Happy New Year :-)
Yeah, happy new year, Rider - and anyone else it already applies to!
I am, although in the bit I'm in there's 10 more minutes to go!
(The fireworks are happening, my phone's buzzing with messages, happy new year everyone!)
Happy New Year Rider, should have started now!
Happy 2012, everyone. May the world not be due to end, as Hollywood would have us believe.
Happy New Year!
Ro - Happy New Year! (sorry, I remembered you're in Oz after I posted the message to Rider)
You lot up to anything, Danger? Made any plans for tonight?
Miss you all.
Sherlock and Carla are trying to talk everyone into a dinner cruise thing to watch the fireworks from the river - which I think might be a bit much even if they weren't sold out. Sherlock's next choice is watching from the roof of NSY again...
I was thinking dinner at Angelo's and fireworks on television. Do you have an opinion?
Um... not really. Be nice for Nicky et al to see it live, but it would ne very busy. How tired is everyone?
I'll see if there's anywhere a bit closer than the yard I can get in.
Adults: flagging, but still game
Children: overexcited and endlessly bouncy as usual
Oh, Sherlock got a letter back from the museum. The Things in Jars tour is a go.
How are you doing? How's work?
You should try and get a nap. Easier said than done though, I know
Work's okay. Nothing new. Just getting on with it.
Brilliant about the tour. Well done him for writing such a nice letter. Any idea when?
Come home and nap with me.
There are a number of the short ones every day from today until the 3rd, and the next 'extended' one is on the 12th and there are a few after that. I suspect he'll want to go on both, possibly more than once.
Believe me, there's nothing is like more than to come home for a hug and a nap.
Well, if we choose dates then I'll make sure I'm free for at least one of them.
We watched the London fireworks from the Embankment a few years ago. We were standing right opposite the Eye. It was awesome, absolutely stunning. The four hours standing around in the cold so that we were close enough to the front of the crowd to actually see it? Not so much.
Nameless - yeah, if that's the plan we'd better start soon!
L - definitely. Any particular day good for you? Nicky and company are discussing plans for tonight.
RR, no, no day I know of.
On way home now.
I made a few calls, and we can have a spot on the river if you want. Called in a favour or two I'm owed.
meant to say 'er' , not RR
You're amazing, love. Thank you.
Thanks the duty Inspector over at Whitehall nick. He's letting us in, and we're borrowing an office on the top floor. Beautiful view of the wheel/river etc, no crowds. Bloke whose office it is owed me.
Sounds perfect. I admit I wasn't looking forward to the crowds.
Don't forget to take some photos for us, please.
No, I know. Wouldn't have liked the kids all getting squashed either. Better for all of us this way.
How bothered are degu by fireworks? I know the digs don't mind so much, being used to the guns and stuff.
Dogs...
No idea. Maybe we can leave their cage in one of the downstairs flats. Should be quieter.
Hopefully it won't be too bad here. They can borrow my earplugs I have for the bike...
Are your earplugs small enough for degus, Lestrade?
No, we'd need to cut them down
Nameless - no worries! It can be hard to keep track of where everyone is. I'd forgotten Rider was over here, myself!
Nice work on the calling in favours, Lestrade. That sounds awesome, being able to see the fireworks without the crowds! I could hear them last night, but not see them. I tend to stay in on New Years, as I get very antisocial very fast in big crowds, and not being a driver, it's not easy to get away, given the state of PT & taxis on NYE.
Hope all who have yet to hit midnight have a good time!
Sherlock seems more interested trying to read the files on the desk than watching all the crowds right now.
Heh. Your friend wasn't expecting Sherlock, or he would've tidied up better...
He's not really a friend, or I'd have warned him :) least It's not all murders. And there's a coffee machine and a nice view... I might put in for a transfer.
Ha. It is a pretty nice office, especially tonight.
But would a tranfer lengthen or shorten your commute? And could you drag/bring along Sally and Co? =)
*giggling*
~A from NW
[IMG]http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq340/rereader3/NewYearsWish.jpg[/IMG]
Just sticking my head in to wish everyone a year filled with peace and joy and love and laughter!
Sounds like you're having a very special New Year's Eve!
(I don't think TOAST is a good think for small animals that eat hay, let alone marmite or pizza...but alls I know is what a quick look around the internet yielded. :D)
Also, WOO HOO for permission for the Stuff-in-Jars tour!
(Oh, rats. Try clicking this link, as an image code is apparently not acceptable...)
Sounds like you're all having fun :-) Maybe Sherlock could watch people in the crowd and see what he can work out about them, like Lestrade has shown him? (I'm crowd-watching in a busy pub - it's fun).
We are having fun, thanks. Can't think of better people to see the new year in with.
They do say you should see in the New Year with the people you want to spend the year with--sounds like you lot are definitely doing that... :)
(Has anyone fallen asleep yet?)
Not yet. Think I'm the closest! John can give me a nudge if I do.
Hang on, only about 5 minutes to go, right? :D
If you're a very good boy, Lestrade, I'm sure you'll get more than just a nudge. ;)
Happy new year, all of you.
Hope 2012 is good to you all, and brings you love and happiness.
Happy New Year! It's definitely a happy one so far.
Happy New Year everyone
and in honour of the occasion:
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Seven oohs and aahs-ing
Six strings a-strumming
Five sa-ad smiles
Four mugs of coffee
Three cups of decaff
Two body piercings
And a degu in a Christmas tree
It is a very happy one so far.
I love you.
And thanks, SH :) brilliant, as always!
Happy New Year all :-D
L - I love you too.
SH - there was indeed much oohing and aahing. The fireworks are impressive!
Watched the London Fireworks on the TV and they really were amazing! I don't suppose you would have heard the music but it was really impressive! Think they were using it as a dry run for the Olympics. Honestly the best thing I've ever seen.
Happy New Year to all of you! May it be filled with love, laughter, and few trips to the A&E for any reason.
I hope you have a wonderful night (and perhaps, some 'private' celebrations of your own ;)
Cheers!
~A from NW
Happy New Year!
*raises belated toast*
Happy New Year! (And all that stuff I said earlier. :))
Thank you all - and thank you, A, although all I'm good for right now is home to sleep, once the worst of the crowds have gone.
Trills - they were stunning.
Night all
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope its a fantastic, wonderful year full of fantastic, wonderful things. Thanks for sharing so much with us!
(Dear God, you would not believe how long it took me to type this and how many mistakes were in it. Woo!)
Having a fun New Year's Eve, Mazarin? ;)
It is quite excellent, and being spent at home. Safer that way!
Yes, much!
I'm just back from a bat mitzvah (my cousin's daughter)--we made sure to get home well before midnight. Lest we turn into pumpkins, of course (or get run into by a drunk driver).
Happy new year, RR and everyone else on the east coast.
Happy new year!
(I know, I know, go to sleep...)
*shrug*
You're a grown man, and it's almost dawn. Do as you please. :)
But whatever you do, I hope it makes you happy.
I hope you got some sleep in there somewhere is all, John. (I've certainly had enough white nights of my own to know what it makes the next day like.)
And thank you--and happy new year!
Or you could ring in the New Year with Lestrade.... All right, that might not be a wise idea with the early morning wake-up call named Sherlock.
*blushing furiously*
~A from NW
Great idea, A, but I'd already left for work.
Yikes--that's a short night. Hope you have a fairly quiet day, at least.
Did everyone else get a bit of a lie in, or was Sherlock up pre-dawn despite seeing in the new year?
It was, and I am. We're going to have lunch with Nicky and her lot, as they're off back home today. Then I think I'm going to head home and do paperwork there. The team can call me if they need me.
Sounds like an excellent plan. :)
If you're not going back to work we can go and see the Things in Jars!!
Not going back to work isn't the same as not working. I've still got lots to do, kiddo.
Aren't you tired, anyway?
Why don't you call them, if you're not tired -or rather, get John to call them - and check they've got space if you do want to go. It is the last day of holidays, I can work later.
Softie.
(In the best possible way!)
YAY OKAY I WILL RIGHT NOW!
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