I can assure you I wouldn't have been breaking into a school without them...well, not really breaking, just jumping the fence. Trespass, not breaking and entering, so no worries about being arrested, which would have been embarrassing!
As some of you will have seen, frogspawn has become tadpoles, and Sherlock is most annoyed it happened when he was away. But there is a little spawn left:
And anyway, tadpoles and frogs are more exciting when they start changing, so he'll still see the interesting bits.
Here's something rather calmer, which Sherlock actually sat still on my lap watching for at least 5 minutes earlier, which was pretty amazing, as being still isn't one of his strengths. Mycroft found it and showed us.
And we've baked Hot Skull-and-crossbuns, because clearly Hot Cross Buns just aren't good enough in this house.
Someone asked what Colomba was. It's an Italian Easter cake, meant to be in the shape of a dove (pigeon), but you need a fairly active imagination to get that if you don't know it already. It has candied peel in it, almonds, that sort of thing. I haven't had one for years - you need enough people to eat it. Or one Sherlock. I should have made one, really, but I didn't think about it until I saw one in the window of a deli.
Sherlock is spending a lot of time with the Degus, and moaning that Mrs Hudson probably hasn't tried to do any of the training he left her to do with them - I'm sure he's right!
And I called Mum earlier. I was...amazed to see she'd sent John a card. And although Nicky might have influenced it, it was definitely her who wrote it. (Nicky can spell, for starters). I hope it means she's taken on board some of what Nicky's said.
Of course, life never being simple, she also told me she's got a new man in her life. So...well, saying I'm worried would be massively hypocritical, right? Because it's exactly what I've been moaning about her thinking about me. Head in the sand time for me, I think, because I don't know what else to do.
Sherlock is also breaking some sort of record for how many times per hour he can ask when we're going on the balloon flight I got for John.
200 comments:
Have you spoken to Nicky about your Mum's new man?
And I doubt very much that you will be able not to worry, even if you think it's hypocritical. You don't want her to be hurt.
Tadpoles with legs are the weirdest thing!! I'm so glad Sherlock has someone to take him to do things like trespassing (in a good cause) which is weird isn't it ;-)
I'm glad you spoke to your mum and that it doesn't seem to have had you wanting to reach down the phone and shake her :-) A new man is always going to worry you and it isn't hypocritical at all. Did you tell her she shouldn't be seeing him or the line she used about you and John that I'm not even prepared to write? that would have been hypocritical, worrying about her isn't
You are allowed to worry but in the grand scheme of things you can't let what she is doing now effect you (too much) she is the parent not you and you need to concentrate on 'parenting' your boys not your mum.
I'm glad Nicky pushed her to do something although I do think that for your and nicky's relationship you need to try and separate your relationships with your mum from your relationship with each other.
When is your balloon flight? ;-) (pretends not to have asked the question)
Anonybob
I don't think anyone can help worrying about their family.
SH - No. Letting it sink in for a while, so I'm not all irrational at her. She hasn't told me, either...so wondering if she knows.
AnonyBob - she was okay, actually. Even asked about John and the boys - Nicky had obviously told her we'd been on holiday. And I didn't say much about her new bloke. Too busy trying to process it to actually think of anything!
Danger - Probably not. Anyway, if she keeps this up I might even go and see her when we see Rach. Whenever we manage to fit that in.
YOU DIDN'T SAY ABOUT THE NEWTS! I saw a newt but no one else did and they don't even believe me but I did!
And I bet your mummy's new boyfriend is horrible because she didn't like John, and he's the best, so she must only like silly people.
I'm going to stick my nose right in where it doesn't belong now Greg so stop reading if you want or tell me to get lost.
You really can't go and see her because you are worried about her new bloke, you need to go because you want to move forward with a mum/son realtionship with her, and you truely believe she does too. Asking about John and the boys is one thing but has she changed her opinion of your situation? or is the change only because she has a new man?
Like I said butting my nose in and I will take the flak if you don't like it.
Anonybob
That would be good. Do you think she'll introduce you to him?
Sherlock, I have no doubt there are newts, we just didn't see them! You can do a whole post on newts when we get a picture of one, okay?
And yeah, I'm sure she won't be lucky enough to find someone as wonderful as John. But I hope she can still find someone nice.
AnonyBob - I'll only go if she manages to keep up the new trend of being a decent human and being nice about John and the boys. And I don't know if I'd take the boys, or send them off on an adventure with Nicky's two. I'm not sure I'd want to meet her new fella, not until it's lasted a while.
Well, your mom doesn't really have a track record of making good choices, L, so you have some reason to be concerned. Just because you'd had a situation of your own once and she might worry about it doesn't mean you shouldn't be worried about hers. I hope so, so much that this new guy is someone that can be good for her, someone you don't have to worry about. But! You did talk, there was no arguing, and she did send a card, so perhaps things really have turned a corner.
Your Colomba sounds pretty good - does it have frosting and such? I changed my mind completely on dessert and decided on butter cake with chocolate frosting, so a little less chocolate. Speaking of cooking, I have a pot of beer cheese soup to get on the stove, so time to stop babbling.
P.S. Sherlock - maybe if you drew a picture of your newt people would believe what you saw!
Glad you don't hate me for saying it :-) I know I was pushing my luck!
I hope your visit to Rach isn't too soon on the agenda then so you can feel comfortable that things are alright when you make the decision to go see your mum. I really hope that this is the start of the good times with her, it pains many people when she's in anyway not nice to you.
There is something to be said for having your family around you when you see her but I can see Sherlock could find it hard so adventures might be more fun for him :-)
Anonybob
That wind map is mesmerizing....
I don't think anyone can help worrying about their family.
So true.
I saw a newt
And why shouldn't you see a newt, Sherlock? I like newts, having had personal acquaintance with a few in my own school days. :) Maybe next time it'll be bigger and you'll be able to take a picture.
AnonyBob - I would never hate you! And I don't know if she's changing her mind or just saying what I want to hear. Time will tell, I think.
I haven't organised seeing Rach yet, but doubt it'll be for a month or two. And I'll probably take John with me, provided Nicky feels like she can cope with the boys.
Hate might be the wrong word but, get stressed at, snap at, argue with, calm down a little with, speak calmly to, discuss properly with and agree to agree or disagree was a bit too long a thing to write in that context ;-)
If you are good enough to let her get to know your boys she will have to change her mind :-) BUT the problem is that the getting to know could be far too stressful to make it worth the effort :-(
Do you not think that your relationships with other people should be kept as separate from your relationship with your mum as possible? Surely you want to enjoy time with Rach and Nicky without the worry of how things will be with your mum and from Rach and Nicky's point of view surely they don't want to be caught in the middle?
so visit your mum on an occasion that is totally about visiting her?
(I think that might count as stcking my bib in again sorry ;-) )
Anonybob
It's fine, really. I don't have a good history of making the right decisions when it comes to her!
I suppose in an ideal world it might be better to try to separate them out, but in reality, it doesn't ever work like that. Nicky and I always end up talking about her. And because they all live near each other, it'll be easier organising a visit when we're down there anyway than trying to get away and see her at another time.
I'll have to see how it goes over the next few weeks/months.
I can understand it's hard to separate things I just worry that your relationship with Nicky might take a hit from it and that is the last thing you need.
Have you arranged to speak to her again or is it still up in the air? I hope she is going to grow into someone you want to spend time with because you want to rather than you feel you have to :-)
All in all though if you can remain confident in John Sherlock and Mycroft and their love for you then other people will lose all their power over you (including your mother) :-)
I think Nicky and I will be okay. We both understand how it is.
Haven't arranged anything, but I thought I'd try and call her once a week or so again, see how that goes.
I am definitely a lot more confident and secure now than I have been in a long time. Possibly ever.
I want to put millions of smiles in here at your last line but I'll stick with one :-)
Once a week sounds good :-) but is she going to ring you? don't go doing all the work.
I'm so glad you've had Nicky at your side and now that you have your boys :-)
Work in the morning? if so sleep don't you think? ;-) (that really is fussing isn't it ;-) )
Anonybob
I hope she'll call me too.
And yeah, I should be heading to bed.
Hope she does :-)
Sleep well and here's hoping for a quiet yet not boring day tomorrow ;-)
Hope you all have a good day, Boss, Doc, boys and fellow badgers.
First round of the MotoGP tomorrow - who are you cheering for, L?
Maz - sorry, missed your question. No, Colomba doesn't have icing/fronting, just sugar crystals and almonds on top.
SH - always Rossi, and then the rest of the Italian boys :)
One of my old DCs had a baby yesterday, which was nice news to come to work to.
I was the one who asked what Colomba is - thanks for answering. I'd never heard of it before - then saw one yesterday in Tesco.
You've already had some good discussion and comments from people about your mum, but to through my tuppence in - I don't think it's even slightly hypocritical to be a bit worried for your Mum. She's had a history of making unwise decisions about men, and it's understandable that you'd be worried she's still repeating the same patterns of behaviour.
Also, you say that you've been moaning about her worrying about you, but I really don't get the impression that she's been worrying about you like that - and if she has, she's got a really funny way of showing it.
OTOH, a birthday card, and a civilised phone call, without any unpleasantness, is a definite step forward. I got the impression that, even though you didn't want to cause yourself any more stress/pain by making contact, not being in contact with her was a bit uncomfortable for you. So I really hope this works out between you :-)
Apologies, but I've sort of lost track - is Rach the youngest in your family? I know that you and then Nicky are eldest, but I'm not sure who's next.
Congrats to your ex-DC :-)
Sherlock - tadpoles AND newts? How wonderful!
Nameless - I honestly don't know what to think about her. I hate talking to her when she's drunk, but I probably get closer to the truth of what she really thinks that way. I hope we can remain civilised, at worst, and actually talk about things to get a better understanding between us at best. I am glad we're talking again, definitely.
My confusing family - and I don't blame you for not keeping up - Rachel is the youngest. It goes Me, Nicky, Danny, Sam, Rachel. So far, Nicky and Danny have kids.
Sorry, quiet today, work is manic.
Manic days are quick days I guess Greg ;-)
Congrats to your ex DC :-) babies are brill!
I'm glad you're still seeming positive about things with your mum :-) got everything crossed for you :-)
Anonybob
It sounds like your life remains exiting, Greg. I'm keeping my fingers crossed about your mum for you.
And just to lighten the mood, I think I'll blame you for what I did yesterday. ;P
Happy Easter,
Bronwyn
P.S. Congratulations, Sherlock! The only newt I've ever seen is the one my cats once killed and ate.
What did you do, Bronwyn?
And will someone tell me what happened in the boat race? I heard it was stopped, and I know the light blues won...but what happened??
Apparently there was a swimmer in the way. There doesn't seem to be any confirmed reporting on whether it was a genuine protest, and if so, about what. Eventually it was restarted ( I think from about the half-way mark). Also, it sounds like one of the Oxford rowers lost the blade off his oar, but kept on rowing.
But that's pretty much all from reading Twitter, maybe someone watching it can give you more of the details.
Heh heh heh. Well, Greg, I did this.
http://bronwynferchdai.dreamwidth.org/38277.html
And I totally blame you. But I'm stupidly pleased with myself nonetheless.
*beams indiscriminately at people*
Bronwyn
I dont mind being blamed for that :)
Nah, it's a good thing to take the blame for. Disturbingly, my piercing artist looked to be Mycroft's age. Bit terrifying, really. But they're in and only hurt a little. So, I figure in three or four months, I'll celebrate by switching to something ridiculous and brightly colored. But I will admit that through then whole thing I kept thinking "it's bee nineteen years since I last pierced anything. Aren't I too old for this?". Then my prepubescent piercer said "Dude, I wish my sister was this cool.". I felt better at that point because at least she didn't say "mother".
Toodles,
Bronwyn
Ha! Everyone seems too young nowadays.
But you're definitely never too old to get pierced.
But you're definitely never too old to get pierced.
Indeed. Some people even manage it several times a week (or several times a day on weekends)...
That was me.
Hah, nice one Bronwyn, looks good :-D
DW!! You're here! And with innuendo :-D
Missed you DW ;-)
Anonybob
Hey DW!
I hope you're well. Sorry, I'm really madly busy - haven't even had time to see my boys today.
Thanks Nameless! I've got matching ones on both sides. Symmetry, you know? But I'm very excited about them. Makes me happy.
Why so busy, Greg?
Bronwyn
Just the usual, people killing each other, and also trying to get everyone set up for me being away for two weeks. Feels like an impossible task right now.
I'd offer to help with your paperwork, but that's probably frowned upon. Do you require distraction? I'm doing laundry and killing time. Also, I'm sending Sherlock links to interactive art that might get me in trouble. *grin*
Bronwyn
Are you in Monday Greg or is this your last day before you're away?
People are just so inconsiderate going around killing each other ;-)
Hope you get it sorted and home at a good hour :-)
Anonybob
Orio, I haven't met Mum's new partner yet. She's mentioned him, but in a very offhand way. Did she make it sound serious to you?
And I did mention it being John's birthday, but I didn't force her to buy a card or anything, just suggested she might want to do something. I'm so glad she did, and that you've talked.
Rachel is looking forward to seeing you all, you know? As are my two.
Nicky you are a very lovely sister to Greg you know :-) Having you around has got to do wonders for him. :-) I'm glad your mum was receptive to the suggestion of doing something for John's birthday it is hopefuly a good sign :-)
Anonybob
Thanks, guys. :) I won't be around much, but I'm mostly keeping up.
I hope things continue on this track with you and your mother Lestrade. And that work jumps a track and becomes less...intense.
Hi DW, glad you're still around. :)
Bronwyn - it looks good! Definitely continue blaming L.
Yes, nice to see you DW, if only briefly.
Hope things are okay your end.
Lestrade - thanks for reminding me about your siblings; if it's any consolation, I don't think your family is really any more complicated than most (certainly most of the ones I know) :-)
Cheers Nicky, and...sort of serious? i don't know. We'll come and see you all soon, promise.
Nameless - no problem. Only complicated thing is when people get who belongs to which father confused. People get a bit touchy sometimes.
Thanks for the great wind map link, Lestrade (and Mycroft). It's like America is one big, animated beard. Hypnotic.
As instructed...
So, is it Doctor Danger's considered medical opinion that a little dance is the ideal way to get ready for bed?
There are certainly worse ways.
Didn't work very well... he's wide awake!
It's the holidays and there's chocolate you can't really expect him to sleep can you ;-)
I have never heard of dancing as a bedtime routine, other than for very drunk people, and given it's lack of success I might not try it as a solution to insomnia ;-)
Anonybob
My stories are a good solution to insomnia. River based deaths today. The Thames Torso Murders.
Any chance of you telling me one later? ;-)
Sure!
I might be on a slight sugar high myself.
In my defence, I don't eat a lot of chocolate, ever, but i did have a few...most of a bag...nearly all a bag of mini eggs with coffee earlier.
If you can't have too much chocolate on Easter sunday when can you ;-) although chocolate caffeine mixed with coffee caffeine might actually be more of a problem than the sugar!!
After no chocolate since Ash Wednesday I think it's been a bit of a shock to my system today but that's what Easter is for :-)
I was wondering where those went... You did it very subtly.
I suck, i don't chew and crunch...
It must've taken ages just sucking on them.
The question is: How good are you at Chubby Bunny?
I suck, i don't chew and crunch...
Are we back on Lestallion's Column Of Love?
It never does to chew and crunch around lestallion's column of love ;-)
Yeah, definitely no crunching!
Is chubby bunny something to do with fitting lots in my mouth?
John can confirm I can fit quite a bit in my mouth...
Sherlock is finally asleep! After enough tales of horrible deaths.
Danger - it takes a while, but I don't mind sucking for a long time when the result is so lovely.
Yes. In Chubby Bunny, you take a giant marshmallow, or Peep, or object of your choice and put it in your mouth and say "Chubby Bunny." Then, without swallowing or chewing the first, you have to put another in your mouth and say "Chubby Bunny." Continue until your mouth is full and your words no longer intelligible. Then, when you can't take anymore, swallow what you can, making as little mess as possible. Then the other person goes. Whoever can get the most in their mouth is the winner/most talented/probably has had the most practice/has a better toothbrush technique.
Much like some other games, now that I think about it.
Working the tongue slowly over the hardness, rolling your mouth around them and licking them carefully before they burst there flavour into your mouth.
No better way to eat mini eggs ;-)
John can confirm I can fit quite a bit in my mouth...
Yeah, but I've never heard you say Chubby Bunny while you're doing it.
I'd've thought saying that sort of thing could seem unintentionally insulting!
Although I'm not sure I would want to try and fit two large items in my mouth. Smaller and egg-shaped, fair enough...
Are you saying you prefer two creme' eggs to two...toblerones, say?
Feel slightly ill now Greg! I really hope you were talking about toblerones ;-)
Something like that, DW.
The Doc is giving me that 'if you don't go to bed soon you'll be hell to live with tomorrow' type scowl...
Well, that or 'what exactly does DW think she's comparing to a Toblerone' scowl. Hard to tell. :)
It just fits in the Easter theme and is the right shape. Would he prefer courgette? Aubergine? Carrot? Jacket-sized potato?
(Trouser aubergine vs. trouser armadillo. Discuss.)
You got work tomorrow? hope you get some good sleep either way :-)
I'll for go the bedtime story if John is sending you to bed, don't want you getting in trouble ;-)
Anonybob
DW - I think your knowledge of anatomy is slightly lacking if you think you can have a trouser Toblerone.
I'm not sure I would want to try and fit two large items in my mouth.
Not the adventurous sort, then?
Trouser aubergine vs. trouser armadillo. Discuss.
Hmm. Aubergines are more likely to be edible (or is that just because I'm vegetarian?); armadillos are famously crunchy on the outside, and I think we already established that crunching might not be the best approach. OTOH, aubergines tend to be bulbous in a way that could be considered alarming, in context. Hmm.
I think I'm fairly adventurous, but I'm not the sort of boy to go out and be greedy about toblerones. If John can't provide, then I don't want it.
And anyway, a finger of fudge is just enough to give anyone a treat, as the adverts told us...
Anyway, yes, work tomorrow. Night all.
I'm pretty sure non-metaphorical armadillos are not something I'd want anywhere near my mouth. Aubergines and toblerones are both much to be preferred.
If John can't provide, then I don't want it.
Awwww :-) Sleep well.
SH, more that my knowledge of Toberlones is lacking. I've never actually seen one. I just know they're vaugely triangular?
Very triangular. Each bit that breaks off is. Definitely painful-looking.
How long are they?
I also have to confess that SH might have been a bit right originally as well. My...armadillo encounter count is not large. By any stretch.
Will you be needing distraction services tonight?
The biggest ones are huge, over a foot long. But the little ones are just an inch or so... They come ina variety box. If you Google it you'll see the spikey-factor, though.
Distracted myself by getting up at half three and doing the papaerwork I hadn't done that needed sorting before I came in this morning.
They never seem to show that bit of police work on TV.
Did you sleep at all Greg? I hope you got some :-) I'm not sure its preferable that you miss out on sleep to get your paperwork done than do it during the day but like the song says 'I'd like to play all day and work at night' ;-)
Is everything getting sorted out? Are you heading towards feeling sorted for your time away? I'm guessing even having to do what you have to for the next fortnight won't stop people ringing you about work though.
I don't think making up my own murder bedtime stories was as affective as yours would have been but I did get some sleep last night so thanks for the idea :-)
I hope work is swift and you're home to your boys soon :-)
Anonybob
Slept a bit, thanks. And I just forgot about the paperwork! Was having too much fun.
People will doubtless call me, but I prefer that to things not being done. Don't feel ready at all though.
Different kinds of ready I think Greg :-(
Glad you got some sleep and strangely smiley at you having so much fun you that you could actually forget about work for a bit :-)
Anonybob
I'm just about ready for the course. Had some good chats with John about it all.
Not ready to leave all my cases.
I'm so glad it's that way round :-) you've had us, or me at least, worried about ya. It is of course the case that talking things over between the two of you will always help :-)
People will ring about cases if they need you, you can be sure of that ;-)
Anonybob
Not ready to leave all my cases. That's not really surprising.
Does your paperwork have chocolatey thumb prints on it?
I won't be alone with this, but hoping all goes well with your course and that it will allay some of your fears.
Well I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit apprehensive still, bit I'd rather be that way than all gung ho about it. And that's what the course is for, anyway. And even after the course, I still wont know how I'll feel if I ever have to draw a weapon for real.
One step at a time Greg,:-) going on the course without hating the idea is a step in the right direction you can worry about the rest after you know what you've been taught and whether its helped with any of your worries, if that sentence even makes sense ;-)
I'm sure it will help. That's what it's for - so I can be safe and react - hopefully - appropriately.
I'm glad you're feeling a bit happier (that's probably not the right word, is it?) about the course. At the very least I'm sure you'll find it educational and instructive, and, in the very best sense, hopefully completely unnecessary.
I feel like a bit of an idiot for being so against it all in the first place :)
I'm sure you'll be completely unsurprised to hear that I think it was perfectly reasonable for you to be against it in the first place, and I wouldn't blame you now if you refused to go. But you are going, so, might as well look for the positives :-)
Unfortunately, you can't argue with feelings. :) It's good you aren't upset about it any more, and maybe you'll even enjoy it--at the very least it should let you feel like you have a bit more control.
There's nothing wrong with anything you feel or have felt about it. It's completely understandable.
hah, going through the five stages of being sent on a firearms course, or something?
Maybe I can do the course to get on every division of the police.
They could send me on a two week course to join the mounted division. I wouldn't mind that.
Once again I shall echo what Nameless said. No way are you an idiot.
Aren't there motorcycle units, too, L? :D
You should never feel like an idiot for what you feel only ever how you react to those feelings(if you do it badly). You felt bad about it, you talked it through with John, you were talked at by us lot, you did some talking back to us and you sorted yourself out to go and do it.
Not a description of an idiots reaction to the situation at all, it's one you should be proud of!!
I'm not sure the mounted division is quite like you might have in mind ;-)
RR - there are. But that's traffic. I've got standards. ;)
AnonyBob, RR, if I had control I'd still be stubbornly refusing to go on it. Suppose sometimes you need to let up on the control and let other people decide what's best for you. Only sometimes though.
I will still talk to her about it if you really don't want to go.
Control is mearly an illusion Greg, no one has control over nearly as much as they think they do they just haven't tested themselves well enough yet.
Pushing your own boundaries only takes place if you want it to, you would not go if you really didn't want to. On some level you are curious, interested or whatever the right word is, but you still have the right amount of control of yourself, that is the level that allows you to experience things not the level that holds you still.
Anonybob
No, I'm alright, Danger. At least now I'll know what it is I don't like, if I don't like it. And it's sensible, anyway. No good being around weapons if I don't know one end from the other.
I still think the Met will find a way to get their pound of flesh though.
What have you and your wards been up to today? It's been pretty grey and miserable, huh? Rest of the week doesn't look too clever either. Think I'm going to get soaked on the road.
I just don't want you to feel like you don't have a choice.
We went and bought weird fruit - on tonight's menu will be Weird Fruit Salad - and then Mycroft's roommate has written a sort of museum roulette app for his phone that throws up one at random, so we went here:
http://www.medicalmuseums.org/Alexander-Fleming-Laboratory-Museum/
that's traffic. I've got standards
Ha! My apologies. :) (You did say "every division", though!)
Re: control--Sorry, I wasn't clear. I meant that having more training in guns and what to do in situations where guns are involved could help you feel, if not precisely in control (which obviously would be a wrong), at least less powerless in a situation that involves guns.
(The same is true for me, anyway, in most areas really--the more training I have, the less out-of-control I feel, even if the training teaches how LITTLE control one has. It's the having better ideas of what to do, for me, and the not having to scramble for ideas and improvise out of ignorance, which I loathe.)
Weird Fruit Salad sounds like a lot of fun, John--as does museum roulette! I bet the Alexander Fleming Museum was a big hit. :)
Isn't being in the police or the army about not having a choice? I don't know. I'm okay.
Weird fruit sounds great. As does the museum.
RR - I've never really felt helpless. I've felt like I call the people who have the firepower and training to deal with it.
It's just me, then. Carry on!
You make it sound like you've signed your life away Greg, I hope thats not what you really think.
Sounds like you've had a great day with the boys John does the app only work for London?
Anonybob
Yeah, it's just London, but I think he plans to make it work everywhere and sell it eventually. Some of the boys at that school are terrifyingly bright.
L - I suppose so. The Army at least.
Bright boys are wonderful ;-) it's a shame it only works for London it's sounds like it could be a wonderful way to decided what to do tomorrow.
Are you playing museum roulette tomorrow or do you have other plans?
it's just London, but I think he plans to make it work everywhere and sell it eventually
Oh, he should! It's a brilliant way to put an end to family arguments about "where to go today". (Not to mention a wonderful way to get people to visit less well-known museums--he might look into making it a fee app with payments from the museums, instead of the app buyers.) :)
Suppose sometimes you need to let up on the control and let other people decide what's best for you.
Heh. The rational part of me that remembers i'm a middle-aged woman and actually tries to learn from experience agrees with this wholeheartedly. The other 95% of me wants to throw a full-on temper-tantrum (of the sort I was never allowed to throw as a child) whenever someone else tries to tell me they know better than I do what I need :-p
I suppose you need to be comfortable that you can be safe around firearms, given that you live with a security detail downstairs, Mycroft has his own personal security in the form of Anthea at school, and John presumably is either armed at times or has access to a firearm. But, y'know... guns. Um.
All of which is a very long-winded way of saying what John said, really.
John - that museum sounds fascinating; I had no idea it even existed.
I'm knackered. Again. And happily listening to Sherlock and Mycroft tell me about their day.
Good way to start your evening Greg :-) I hope they have great stories to tell you and that there is something delicious for your dinner and a relaxing time with John ahead :-)
Anonybob
Pasta for dinner. Quick and easy.
And yes, hopefully a nice relaxing evening with John.
Pasta for dinner.
Don't forget the Weird Fruit Salad!
(An aside: Does anyone here like jazz? I'm currently being made very happy listening to Gilad Hekselman's latest album, Hearts Wide Open. :) )
I think the fruit salad might've been better if it were slightly less weird.
Heh. But possibly less fun! What weird fruit does it include?
What were the weird things in it John?
Hope the pasta was good enough to make up for it ;-)
The pasta was, of course, delicious!
Star fruit, dragon fruit, monster fruit, ugli fruit, and a couple we couldn't find the names of, and also kiwis, which aren't really that weird, but they're good.
I've had star fruit and I think ugli fruit (and of course kiwis, which are indeed good, and also such a great color inside :)), but I'm pretty sure not monster or dragon fruit. Are they good separately, if not so much together?
that is pretty weird although the only one I would refuse to eat is the kiwi ;-)
Glad the pasta was delicious.
The clotted cream ice cream with it helped. Dragon fruit don't seem to taste of much.
John is giving my lower back a massage with his toes... or just trying to squirm them under me more for warmth.
What, it can't be both?
Mmm, it can. Don't blame me when I fall asleep on you and trap your feet til they go numb though. :)
I'll just poke you until you wake up, like this.
Mean. Evil. Meavil. Be nice to your poor suffering fella.
Shall I take you to bed instead?
Yeah.
Was that punishment for last night? Leaving you for my paperwork in the dead of night?
No, I understand the standard punishment for that is decaf, and I could never be that cruel.
I never knew you could even think of such horrible punishment.
Just for putting the thought into my head I'll allow you to take me to bed and give me a shoulder rub.
decaf would breech the geneva convention wouldn't it? ;-)
Hope you sleep well both of you (if that's why you're going to bed ;-) ) :-)
Anonybob
Clearly I deserve no less.
I'm sure you must've taken some sort of doctory or nanny-y oath of caring and being lovely and not risking your boyfriend falling into some sort of decaf-coma.
Might even reciprocate on the shoulder rub, if I stay awake that long.
Sweet dreams, guys.
Eventually. ;)
Really quite soon... I'm almost dead to the world already. John's going to have to drag me to the bathroom and hold me upright.
that is seriously too much information Greg or it's sending this blog into even weirded places than ever before ;-)
Sleep well.
So much for shoulder rubs! Good night. :)
Have a good sleep, guys, when you get around to it :-)
Thanks....
Was that a note in passing, or are you wanting some company?
Hey Greg are you awake? I hope you haven't been up all nite or if you have that you've found some relaxation of some kind.
Good luck with today and be kind to yourself.
Anonybob
Just in case you're awake, pondering this paragraph from my reading might help:
"As a group, sailors report being somewhat less confident than sailors in their ability to
find a job in the civilian economy. This may be a reflection of the poor state of the U.S.
airline industry at present."
Yes, it really does say "sailors" twice, and no, I don't know why sailors would be concerned with the state of the airline industry. If you figure it out, please let me know.
That is what happens when someone thinks a spell checker can replace a competent line editor. Or someone can't find a competent line editor. (I would guess the first sailor was supposed to be a pilot if it didn't sound so like a bad joke opener. :D)
Those are some unlucky sailors.
Awake on and off.
What time do you have to leave for the long commute?
About 7, maybe earlier today, to make sure I'm on time.
Awake on and off means some sleep right? (always look on the bright side of life and all that ;-) )
I hope the day goes smoothly and that you get out early enough to be home to your boys earlier than normal. :-)
Anonybob
Hope today goes well L.
Have a good week all UK badgers struggling back to work today after the long weekend (well, that's Nameless and me at least).
Cheers. Nearly didn't go at all well - for the first time in a long while o actually got off the bike and pulled my warrant card on a driver who bloody nearly had me off the bike. Idiot. He'll be getting a warning through the post. And is lucky I didn't have a ticket to write him up on.
What a delightful start to the day Greg :-( hope its getting better :-)
Hope works ok SH the long easter weekend is always a hard one to get back from!
What you up to with the boys today John? We're playing with sequins and eating chocolate which I think Sherlock might approve of :-)
Anonybob
Eep, L! (VERY glad it was no worse than "nearly," that's quite enough!)
The joys of rush hour traffic. He pulled across to get a parking space on the other side of the road, clearly without looking back. Clipped my front wheel, but it's okay, I'd almost stopped by then as Id hauled the brakes on the second he twitched.
Course is okay so far. Lots and lots of safety videos and talking about safe everything. But have now held an unloaded Glock 17. Nothing bad happened :)
SH - Hope today isn't too painful for you; I've been sneaky and taken today off as well. Not looking forward to tomorrow though...
Lestrade - glad your ability to read the road and other drivers is so good. And very glad that the course is going OK :-)
I'm not suppose to find it slightly funny that the most dangerous thing to happen to you today had nothing to do with the couse am I? ;-) (seriously though I am very very glad you know how to ride your bike so well!!)
Held a gun, nothing bad happened - that has to be the best way :-) glad they started with safety first.
I hope by the end of the afternoon your comments are still ending with :)
Anonybob
This is why I don't like driving--other drivers. *shudder* Thank heaven you're a defensive driver, L!
Safety videos and an unloaded weapon--sounds to me as though they are well-used to ambivalent trainees, which strikes me as a Good Thing. (Nothing bad happening is a good start!)
I've got homework! Don't they know it's the Easter hols?
Joooooooohn, will you help me with my homework tonight??
RR, I'm fairly sure it's even more important for the eager trrainees than the ambivalent ones. They're the ones who'd probably be more dangerous. Someone's already been told of for aiming the pistol as if they were in the movies.
I'm sure Sherlock and Mycroft will find you having homework very funny ;-) Can't imagine what they can give as homework but I guess there are always things to do.
Sounds like you have a few people there who don't really understand the point of the course!! Would i be right in guessing they have fewer years under their belt than you?
Anonybob
Ha! What have they given you for homework?
And can I write a sharp note to go with the warning that idiot who almost hit you will be getting? Sherlock wants to write it for me actually, which might be more effective. (Don't worry, I've told him it doesn't really work like that.)
It's only gun anatomy. Or whatever you call learning what to call all the different bits. Which you'll probably find easy, but we amatuers find it hard!
I'm afraid even I don't get to write the letter, it's a standard one. But Sherlock can write an open letter that I'll post on my blog tonight, if he wants? Warning all the drivers of the UK...
He did get the full force of pissed off police officer though, I don't think he'll be in a hurry to do it again. Although Sal says some people would enjoy being shouted at by me in my leathers, so maybe now he'll hunt me down...
L, I'm POSITIVE it's more important for the eager beavers.
John, if such warnings came with notes from family members--especially six-year-old family members (and triply so if the six-year-old is Sherlock :))--they'd probably be enormously more effective. It should be instituted as a pilot program immediately.
He should be more careful because motorcycles are smaller than cars and you're supposed to be nice to people smaller than you! And Mrs Hudson says if he was trying to get a parking spot in such a hurry because he was late and hit you he'd be REALLY late and he wouldn't feel very clever then would he.
Two excellent points, Sherlock! I think you should write that open letter for Lestrade to put on his blog, it would likely do SOMEONE some good, even if this exact driver diesn't see it (and you never know, he might).
I always am extra careful when driving near motorcycles, because I figure it's the responsibilty of the driver encased in a ton or two of metal to be careful of the driver with no shell at all.
Or whatever you call learning what to call all the different bits.
Heh. There aren't that many different bits, I'm sure you'll pick it up. I'll tell you what I always tell Sherlock - I'll be happy to sit with you and explain the instructions if you don't understand them, but homework is to help you learn, not me. ;)
(My mother and Mrs Hudson would like each other, I think--my mom always says of drivers who keep changing lanes without looking that if they're in such a rush, they need to factor in that trip to the emergency room they're about to make. :))
Thatnis a great answer John, and I'm sure Greg will very much appreciate the fact that you are treating him as fairly as you do the boys ;-)
I like the idea of the letter Sherlock, if you put it here we will all read it and pass the warning on to everyone we know :-)
Anonybob
I told John to say that about homework because it isn't fair if he helps Lestrade and not me!
you're right Sherlock it wouldn't be at all fair and how would Lestrade learn anything if he didn't do the work himself, but John is a bit of an expert in areas like this so maybe a bit of help if Lestrade got stuck would be ok?
If it's drilling Lestrade needs--to help him memorize the names of the different bits--maybe you could help him, Sherlock. (That could be quite fun, I think. :))
Hey, I was only asking him to test me or something! It's not like he can do it for me - I can't turn in tomorrow and say 'no, Tony, I didn't learn all the parts, but I brought along a friend who did'!
Thought he might have some tips on how to remember each bit and the job it did though, things like that.
Ha! Just what I thought. So you can help drill him until he learns it, Sherlock--and maybe you can all help him come up with some silly...er, I mean useful mnemonics. :)
I'm the only one here getting twitchy about a six-year-old learning gun anatomy, aren't I? Yeah, OK, I'll just shut up on that subject.
Learning stuff by rote is the worst thing for me - I always end up remembering the mnemonic rather than the thing I'm supposed to be learning. It's only when I actually understand it that it all clicks into place for me.
Sherlock, John, Mycroft - you having a fun day today? Aside from writing strongly-worded letters of complaint, that is?
Not the only one at all, Nameless.
Although I realise Google would probably provide regardless, I still don't like it.
not the only one nameless I just trust John and Greg enough to know they will only let him if they think it a good idea :-)
Sorry, Nameless. Thing is, any number of American boys own BB guns younger than that--and all things considered, I don't think six is too young to learn gun safety. But that's my opinion, shaped by where I grew up, and I don't get a vote. If John and/or Lestrade vote no, Sherlock should be mad at me for not asking first.
L--not just google. There are, in fact, apps for that. (I don't know why I found that surprising.)
It's probably the American in me showing, and I'm not in any way a gun advocate, but in some ways Sherlock knowing is a little bit like Lestrade knowing. In both cases I hope fervently that he won't need to hold a gun, or worse use a gun. But if there's a chance that he might be around guns it's better to understand how they work. Lowers the risk of tragic accidents I would think.
But like RR says, it's up to John and Lestrade and they could have plenty of valid reasons for wanting to keep Sherlock away from all things gun related.
Oops. Sorry, all, was being a bit thoughtless there; I wasn't trying to court controversy. Of course, everyone's right, it's entirely up to Mrs Holmes/John/Lestrade what information they deem appropriate for Sherlock and Mycroft.
*shuts up and goes back to organising/culling the shoe collection*
Ha, spot the UK badgers - Nameless, I'm with you, Pandabob and L in not wanting six year olds to learn gun anatomy. In my day pointing two fingers and shouting "bang" was all that was needed in the playground.
It makes me a bit uncomfortable too, but I'm not sure that's a logical reaction. It's only information, after all. But I think it's a moot point anyway, since he's far more interested in helping Mycroft cook dinner.
I don't mind John and Anthea giving the boys lessons on safety. But it's not fun or a game, it's a serious lesson.
There is nothing I hate more than guns as toys. Dealt with a case many years ago where a kid shot his sister with his brother's gun, thinking it was a toy. Makes me sick.
Danger, on the way home in a minute.
My American is probably showing, but I think a gun is like any other tool. It can be used for work, or it can be abused and used for harm. Knowing how it works and the dangers of it, especially if there are any in the house, just seems smart to me.
But then, my dad was a safety instructor. I live in an area where there are a lot of people who hunt for food. Many times it's even kids as young as Sherlock sent out to hunt for rabbits or squirrels. Many of those families can't afford the store, or need to supplement what they can buy.
Anyway, as many said above, it's up to John/Lestrade/Mrs. Holmes. I just wanted to put in that I've seen young kids who have been raised with it have a lot more respect for it.
I'm glad your course went well today, Lestrade, and I'm so thankful that driver didn't hit you.
All opinions valid and all that but only yesterday Greg wasn't sure he wanted to be learning all this, for his own very good reasons, so the idea that somehow he might suddenly think it's good for Sherlock is a mystery to me.
Hope you're home safe and sound soon Greg :-)
Anonybob
I have a poetry recommendation for you Lestrade:
http://www.solearabiantree.net/namingofparts/namingofparts.html
Just about right for your homework
Lancs. Anon
There's thunder and lightening! And I know guns are bad unless you use them properly and Anthea said that when we lived in the big house and horrible Mr Hudson always had a really big shotgun to kill animals and sometimes we'd eat them but he was a nasty man.
That's a clear, succinct assessment, Sherlock.
Is the storm really close? I like thunderstorms except when the storm center is so close that the thunder and lightning are practically simultaneous. :)
It went right over but didn't last very long and John says if Lestrade was in it he'll be a rat.
Drowned rat he says, not just a rat. But that's still a rat, just a wet dead one which I don't think makes it a better thing to say.
You know, I never thought about it, I just accepted it as an expression, but you are perfectly correct, Sherlock--it really doesn't sound any better when you put it that way!
Was the storm really really loud as it passed over you?
I am home. Damp rat rather than fully drowned.
Wouldn't say no to a bit of mouth-to-mouth though, Danger ;)
I'm envious, Sherlock - I love thunder and lightning, but we haven't had any at all today, just rain and some hail.
Similes can sound very odd, yes; John wasn't really calling Lestrade a rat, wet, dead, or otherwise :-)
Did you have a fun day, despite the weather?
Hot shower wouldn't be a bad idea either--you have to be pretty uncomfortable.
Glad your home safe and only in need of a little mouth to mouth Greg ;-)
Enjoy your homework!!
Not rat-like at all, just a bit damp and spiky.
Holy cow am I American. I've been shooting since I was four. Guns hold little mystery (but a healthy dose of respect) for me.
My grandparents were cattle ranchers, so the guns were there for the coyotes and the snakes and the other things one doesn't want eating one's livestock. When I was old enough to kick up a fuss about it, my grandfather set me up on a bench at the picnic table with my grandmother's lady Winchester. He got me situated, let me pull the trigger and knock myself clean off the bench backwards. And while I'm laying there with my head ringing and trying not to cry he looked down at me and said "That's what happens when you mess with guns." Then he cleaned me up and taught me how to handle guns properly.
Tell you what, though, it made an impression. One does not screw around with firearms.
Toodles!
Bronwyn
Water rat? Otter? Soggy badger?
Badger I think, definitely.
Bronwyn - yes, I imagine that would instill respect!
Brownyn, sounds like the approach my dad took! He took us to the local dump, set up a watermelon, and shot it. Let me tell you, that leaves an impression on a kid! The whole, "that could be your head," was very vivid after that.
But I think you're right, our American is showing!
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