31 May 2012

Diamond Geezer

Some of you might have read in comments that I got my Diamond Jubilee Medal today.

I don't know how much any of you know about it.

For starters, here's what it looks like:




Armed forces personnel, emergency services, prison officers and others who've made a significant contribution to the realm. Or something.

A few of you have said congratulations, which is nice, thank you. And some have said that it's nice we're recognised and awarded something.

I don't know where I stand on it, really. I mean, the box turned up this morning, and after the senior officers took theirs, each of us DIs got a stack and a list and we walked around making sure people took one and signed their name.

But only officers who've served more than 5 years. Which means a few on my team don't get anything.

Others...well, they make a big thing of not being bothered. A few of them have said they'll eBay them, some say it'll just go in a drawer to be forgotten about.

If I'm honest, mine will go in a drawer too. But not just to be forgotten about. I mean, I never get a chance to wear dress uniform anymore. It's not even issued nowadays, so if mine gets trashed I wouldn't ever get another.

I am pleased that we're not forgotten about. But I also feel medals are...well, you imagine people getting medals for heroic acts. For things so special that few achieve them. I don't feel like any of mine are like that. And what about my officers who have served 4 years 11 months? Are they less worthy?

So...yeah. Not sure how I feel about it. Not sure how I feel about people who do choose to sell them straight away.

But I am proud.

199 comments:

Small Hobbit said...

I think I understand what you're saying, because when I think of medals my first thought is for a valiant act. On the other hand talking about it did encourage me to ensure I wore my Guide/Scout jubilee badge to Brownies tonight, so it does mean something. And you certainly deserve recognition for what you do.

pandabob said...

the five year thing seems to be a bit strange I have to say but in a lot of ways taking care of the country every day is just as heroic as one act that get's a medal of it's own. :-)

I feel a bit sad that some people will just make money from them on ebay but I guess it's theirs to do as they want with.

I'm glad you feel proud but I hope you feel proud of the work you do everyday because we're all very grateful to you and all the officers like you who do all they can to make the world a better place :-)

enjoy your evening :-) do you have any baking planned ? ;-)

John H. D. Watson said...

Well, I'm proud of you and I'm glad you've got it. It'll look nice if you ever get to wear it too.

pandabob said...

really and truthfully John that just made me laugh out loud! I should not be allowed out with my mind ;-)

pandabob said...

It seems the blog agrees with me ;-)

REReader said...

(I only just saw this. Thank you! :) )


Mmmm...I think heroism is not only in big acts, but in the day-to-day acts of serving; not only in risking ones life but in the willingness to risk ones life. I'd say that you definitely have earned more than a medal or two, by the criterion of showing heroism.

As for a five-year cutoff...yeah, that's arbitrary, most cutoffs are. I guess they wanted to recognize a relatively substantial commitment to service, and that was a compromise among the decision-makers. You still deserve yours.

Greg Lestrade said...

Thanks, Dangerous one.

Greg Lestrade said...

RR - I know it was a compromise. I just think 5 years is too long.

In the rougher boroughs here, PCs will see more action and face more danger in a year than some sleepy nicks will see in a lifetime.

REReader said...

No question.

Still doesn't make it undeserved by those who did get one, though. You deserve yours and then some.

Greg Lestrade said...

I wasn't suggesting it did.

REReader said...

I didn't mean...can't I say ANYTHING the right way today? :(

Greg Lestrade said...

I don't know. Join the club if you can't.

pandabob said...

maybe there should have been some other qualification as well as the five years Greg? I know it would get more technical but some people do get thrown in the deep end in their first year don't they?

(John I apologise for laughing earlier I just had strange thoughts of medals maybe being the only attire ;-) )

Greg Lestrade said...

AnonyBob - I was about to say that if I didn't have anything on, I wouldn't be able to wear it... but actually, I reckon I could hang it off one of my nipples, no problems :)

John H. D. Watson said...

Anonybob - I didn't mind, was just a bit confused. Now that L has provided that mental image, I'm laughing too. ;)

pandabob said...

I was only really apologising for not giving enough details John ;-)

whatelse are nipples for Greg? ;-)

Sherlock said...

Could you really hang it off your nipple? Can you right Now?

John H. D. Watson said...

Ha!

Small Hobbit said...

Okay, so now you've got demands from all the badgers to see an actual photo ;)

The Queen was not ...

Greg Lestrade said...

I'd like to think the Nanny would quickly make up a rule at this point about flashing nipples at young boys, especially when adorned with the queen's head...please?

pandabob said...

the queen'll be withdrawing your medal and locking you in the tower Greg for things like that

(me too maybe for suggesting it ;-) )

John H. D. Watson said...

Right...and for first prize in the oddest sentence I've ever typed contest... I don't think seeing the queen's head dangling from your nipple ring will scar him irreparably. But feel free to refuse. I will continue to be amused either way.

Greg Lestrade said...

It may damage me irreparably. Been a while since I played with nipple weights...and never with a piercing!

Perhaps some experimenting in private is needed, before I have an audience...

REReader said...

On the one hand, hee!

On the other hand, having seen what overly large earrings can do to earlobes...Just how heavy is that medal?

:D

John H. D. Watson said...

How heavy is that thing? I'm sure 'Don't damage my DI' is on the rules list somewhere.

Greg Lestrade said...

John...not as heavy as you can get nipple clamps, that's for sure :) I dunno. 150 grams? Maybe not even that.

pandabob said...

nipple clamps! now there's something I'll never understand!!

Sherlock said...

They're clamps that go on your nipples I think Pandabob like bulldog clips, except bulldog clips aren't clips that go on bulldogs and you mustn't try and put them on bulldogs because they won't like it and can bite.

Greg Lestrade said...

ha! Sherlock...that's not quite what Anonybob meant...

And you should be in bed! Gogogo!

pandabob said...

thank you for the explanation Sherlock and I think you are right about bulldog clips, some things just don't have the right name do they?

John H. D. Watson said...

you mustn't try and put them on bulldogs because they won't like it and can bite.

Whereas nipples are unlikely to bite you. Probably. Important lessons...

REReader said...

(Very good advice, too, Sherlock, about not using them on bulldogs--definitely to be followed!)

Greg Lestrade said...

Whereas nipples are unlikely to bite you

What about bulldog's nipples?

John H. D. Watson said...

Or nipple-biting bulldogs?

pandabob said...

nipple-biting bulldogs? that is seriously terrifying!!

(I still really have no idea of the point of nipple clamps but I do remember a bodybuilder friend of mine who used them in a show, I don't think that's what they're really for though is it?)

Anonymous said...

Serious band name:

Here's Nipple-biting Bulldogs with their latest hit...

Lancs. Anon

Greg Lestrade said...

AnonyBob... I think, like most things, they're either for you or they're not. Not that I'm into anything extreme! But Danger is welcome to nibble my nipples anytime ;)

pandabob said...

what kind of music would they play Lancs anon?

I'm sure danger is very glad he's welcome Greg ;-) I never thought you'd be an extreme kind of guy far to much fun and excitement to need extreme ;-)

Anonymous said...

Seriously, AnonyBob? Nipple-biting Bulldogs are a punk band if ever I heard of one!

Lancs. Anon

wolf-were said...

Does everyone who serves five years get a medal? Or just people who've been there for five years and gone above and beyond or something like that?

(At my job, we just get pens. That don't even have the organization's name on them. Of course, there are quite a lot fewer major criminals where I work.)

Anonymous said...

Will you have to work over the holiday weekend, L, What with all the extra security?

Lancs. Anon

Greg Lestrade said...

Wolf-were - all officers, you don't need to have done anything special.

Lancs - I'm on duty or on call all weekend. Mainly I've list junior officers to other duties, so then I'm covering our team for them. But I'm also on call for incidents and firearms.

Anonymous said...

Well we'll all keep our fingers crossed for a quiet weekend for you.

Lancs. Anon

Greg Lestrade said...

Thanks. I don't mind my duties being busy, but the rest of it needs to stay calm and let me spend time with my boys :)

Small Hobbit said...

Right, so here's hoping all potential wrong doers are either out patriotically watching their queen or peacefully observing the bank holiday tradition of getting sloshed in their own homes and just falling asleep.

Anon Without A Name said...

What SH said. Which days are you working, Lestrade?

pandabob said...

How's the day treating you Greg? I hope its being nice to you :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Day is good, thanks. Got some good forensics back.

Danger, I will be back at the yard sometime, if you want to meet. Hope your morning was good.

Working tomorrow and Tues.

REReader said...

*blinks blearily at calendar*

Good heavens, how can it be June already?!

Glad your day is going well, L--how're you doing, John?

I hope everyone is having a non-frenetic Friday. :)

John H. D. Watson said...

L - yeah, that'd be nice. Just tell me when.

Greg Lestrade said...

On the way back now, won't take long, am only at Barts.

John H. D. Watson said...

Sandwiches?

Greg Lestrade said...

With coffee? And cake? I really feel like cake.

John H. D. Watson said...

Yeah, me too.

pandabob said...

I'm glad the day is treating you well Greg :-) I hope you had a nice morning as well John.

The rota seems to be just a little sensible this time Greg giving you a proper break (I know you'll be on call) in the middle of the weekend :-)

Is Mycroft home tonight or in the morning? I love school holidays, it's a great excuse to do things adults aren't normally able to do ;-)

Desert Wanderer said...

"I really feel like cake."

Wonderfully moist and fluffy with a bit of frosting? If you could be a cake, what kind would you be? Anyone.

REReader said...

Ha, DW!!! (And travel safe. :))

Sherlock said...

I want to be death by chocolate because it has cake AND murder.

Are there cakes in Japan?

Greg Lestrade said...

Fairy cake.

REReader said...

Cupcakes (with cream filling). :)

Desert Wanderer said...

Thanks, RR.

Ooh, excellent choice, Sherlock. I'm not in Japan yet. Layover in Toronto. Canadians really are as nice as advertised. :) I'll be sure to do a cake-based reconnaissance in Japan for you and bring back a full report.

Just a fairy cake, Lestrade? You're a one-eater kind of guy? Any particular flavor, or are they like US cupcakes that come in all sorts of flavors?

Greg Lestrade said...

I was just trying to be amusing, really.

Guess is be a coffee cake? I'm about 90% coffee at any given time.

John might be a rock cake...

Anonymous said...

Mississippi Mud Pie!

Lancs. Anon

pandabob said...

a butterfly bun

Greg Lestrade said...

AnonyBob - I think this time Mycroft is home tomorrow. Some sort of jubilee party at school tonight, I think.

John H. D. Watson said...

Victoria sponge. Or something lemony.

pandabob said...

He doesn't want to go missing parties :-)

I hope the logistics aren't too difficult for you all in the morning though!

Are you looking forward to lots of fun during your half term holidays Sherlock?

Sherlock said...

YES! I'm going to go to Scotland and maybe drive a car and I want to climb a mountain and also Mycroft and I are going to the Natural History Museum all by ourselves and also maybe I'll get my ear pierced like Lestrade.

Greg Lestrade said...

I can assure you you'll do nothing of the sort, Sherlock.

Danger - is have you down as a Jam Tart, actually...

REReader said...

It sounds like a VERY exciting holiday ahead of you there, Sherlock, even if you do only half of that!

pandabob said...

If carlsberg did half terms maybe Sherlock but I think some of those things might just not happen.

Scotland sounds like it will be lots of fun and you and Mycroft going out together will be really good fun as long as you both remember to be responsible won't it :-)

Desert Wanderer said...

How did the ear piercing come about, Sherlock? What would you get? Studs? Hoops? Discks?

How loud was John's "Sherlock!" when he read that? ;)

Desert Wanderer said...

Discs. I can spell, most days, I promise.

John H. D. Watson said...

...Fairly loud. He never even mentioned it before!

Sherlock said...

Lestrade has one and lots of girls at my school have TWO so it's not because I'm too young so why can't I?

DW I don't know but I would only get one like Lestrade because that's what boys get but I only said maybe and I think it must hurt.

Greg Lestrade said...

Lots of boys get two, Sherlock. And we'll talk about it.

You should be aware of how people will perceive you before you get it done.

Desert Wanderer said...

I don't think there are actual rules on what boys get, Sherlock. Maybe social standards or mores, but those are meant to be broken, sometimes. Like so:
http://news.superba.it/foto/PIERCING.jpg

Also, did you know... If you swim in a creek/and an eel bites your cheek/that's a morey?

John H. D. Watson said...

And fortunately, you'd need your mum's permission.

Sherlock said...

DW I didn't know you could get them all over your face like that, does he have things painted on his teeth too? It looks like he might. I think if I had all those I would get caught on things a lot like my sheets and grass and things but I would like painted teeth.

Greg Lestrade said...

You also need to take really good care of piercings, Sherlock, especially at first. You can't just get bored and decide not to clean them.

Although on the plus side you can remove them and barely get a scar.

REReader said...

Sherlock, some people find it hurts, and some don't. (When I got my ears pierced, I found it did hurt. My sister said not so much.)

I think it's something that your mum would have to have the final say on, but it's certainly something to think about and discuss with John and Lestrade as well--and we of the internet, if you like. :)

One thing about earrings, if you decide you don't want them in the future, the holes will close up, so they are not nearly as permanent as some other things. But often they will still show. And they can be a bit of an annoyance, since earrings sometimes catch on things (hats, scarves, hair...) and that can be painful.

It's not a really good idea to mess around with teeth. Tooth enamel doesn't grow back, and you are getting your permanent teeth now.

Desert Wanderer said...

I don't know him, Sherlock, so I can't tell you if his teeth are painted or not. I would be really wary of doing anything to my teeth, as it usually a) hurts and b) hurts. You can, however, squish raisins onto your teeth to make them look like they're missing, which is especially useful if you're doing fancy dress as a boxer or hockey player.

John H. D. Watson said...

And now he's run off to put raisins on his teeth...

Desert Wanderer said...

Better than trying to pierce his own ear with a needle and an ice cube, no? Do what I can, Doc. :P

John H. D. Watson said...

So much better. Call me old fashioned, but I really think six is too young for anyone to get anything pierced.

L - have you down as a Jam Tart

I hope you're suggesting anything improper about my relationship with jam. Also you haven't made that in a while...

mazarin said...

DW has a very good point there.

And I was six when mine were done. Though if my six year old wanted to have his done, I'd probably say no. What drives me to say no I'm not sure—perhaps because a boy having pierced ears seems like such a rebellious and teenager sort of thing to do, where for girls its basically so accepted some get it done as babies.

Desert Wanderer said...

Doc, if you had to choose between custard creams and jam tarts for the rest of your life, which would you choose? Also, have you ever heard of linzer tarts?

I think my flight's boarding, but all the announcements are in Japanese! I'm just gonna go stand on line and hope I'm in the right place. Everyone have a good day/evening!

Greg Lestrade said...

Just improper generally, not your relationship with jam.

I'll make you jam tart this weekend.

Sherlock, no promises, but maybe we can go to a jubilee party and you can get your face painted or something.

Greg Lestrade said...

Maz - that's my point, he needs to understand the social perceptions of being a boy with an ear piercing.

Small Hobbit said...

DW - it sounds as if you should end up in Japan okay, but whether Tokyo or somewhere else is a different matter.

I was thinking I could maybe be an angel cake, but that's probably being a bit over-enthusiastic - perhaps a Battenburg.

Greg Lestrade said...

Danger, you want me to get anything on the way home?

And are you and Sarah etc. Striking on the 21st? I mean, I think you're striking every day....but you know :)

John H. D. Watson said...

Custard creams, if I absolutely had to choose.

L - lovely, thanks. :)

REReader said...

DW, I'm sure if it's the wrong flight they won't let you board--if that's a comfort... :D Have a wonderful time and travel safe.

Maz, I know an awful lot of girls who had their ears pierced as babies. (I'm not hugely in favor of that, since they have NO say in the matter.)

For what it's worth, I had my ears pierced at 18--because my mother disliked the idea and vetoed it until then. (And about five years ago, she had her ears pierced. Heh!)

John H. D. Watson said...

No, don't need anything, thanks.

Striking...need to talk to Sarah.

Hold on there's raisins everywhere

REReader said...

Sherlock, did you see the link I left you on John's blog? (If it doesn't work, Mycroft might be able to find a UK-enabled version for you when he gets home. It's pretty cool, seeing what they can learn from a 3000 year old skeleton.)

Greg Lestrade said...

Leaving now then.

Sherlock, if you get Orange peel you can cut teeth shapes and stuff then between your lips and real teeth and pull goofy faces.

mazarin said...

L - yeah, I'm with you on that being the primary concern. However, I do admit my kid would look at me strange, because he has no desire to endure any pain voluntarily (though with the way he throws himself around, one might question that assessment.)

Oh, I didn't answer the cake question! Lemon chiffon, no doubt. (mmmm. Cake.)

Anon Without A Name said...

Good luck DW! Hope you get where you're aiming for :-)

Sherlock, your half-term plans sound great, although I think the natural history museum outing sounds like it's going to be an excellent adventure. Not so sure about the ear-piercing; I've got lots of piercings in my ears, and I believe it's something you need to think about quite carefully before you do it.

Not sure about cake; I think I might be more of a cheese scone. I'm not very sweet, you see.

REReader said...

(Are we supposed to be picking the kind of cake we like to eat best, or the kind of cake we are most like?)

Desert Wanderer said...

Whatever frosts your doughnut, RR. I pick lava cake.

Anon Without A Name said...

ReRe - DW's questions was "If you could be a cake, what kind would you be?" :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Which doesn't necessarily mean I like to eat myself, given my choice ;)

Danger, I'm buying lots of olives, they're on special. And cheese.

REReader said...

Then I stick with cream-filled cupcakes. (For my favorite to eat, it would be Napoleons. Or chocolate eclairs. Mmmmmmmmmm.)

Anon Without A Name said...

Lestrade - although it would be a rare and impressive skill if you could... :-p

Greg Lestrade said...

A way to pass the lonely nights, Nameless, yeah.

piplover said...

Death by chocolate. Or lava cake. I'm torn. Both are amazing, and full of chocolate.

I had my ears pierced when I was 5 or 6, and I remember it hurt a lot. Also, you can't take the stud out for a few weeks, to make sure the hole doesn't close.

Because it hurt so much, I haven't got anything else pierced, but my sister has about 8 piercings in each ear, and she says they didn't hurt.

Anonymous said...

I think you'd be a fruitcake, RR.

REReader said...

As long as we're choosing cake--did you know that today is National Donut Day in the US? :)

Anonymous said...

or a nut loaf?

mazarin said...

I sort of went both ways for my answer - lemon chiffon is my favorite to eat, plus it's layered and sweet with a hint of tart to keep things from being insipid. :D

pandabob said...

I answered the question before the kids came home with pudding for tea from grannys.

I have just eaten myself for pudding! ;-)

REReader said...

I like that, Maz! :)

Ha, Anony! What good timing! :D

Greg Lestrade said...

Mmm. Home.

Told Danger I wouldn't mind being a cream pie for him... his ears are still blushing.

pandabob said...

home sweet home :-)

I hope you have a nice evening ahead of you Greg with many sweet things to enjoy ;-)

Greg Lestrade said...

There is one sweet thing I shall definitely enjoy... john danger Watson.

mazarin said...

his ears are still blushing.

I really can't imagine why that would be. I mean, it's just dessert, right?

Greg Lestrade said...

Exactly, Maz!

You know, sometimes I fear he has a dirty mind... but then I look at his cherubic little face, and think it can't be true...

mazarin said...

I admit the thought has crossed my mind a few times, but nah, he's so sweet, couldn't possibly be the case. I mean, he protests his innocence on here fairly regularly.

So I say dive in, John, if he's offering. :)

Sherlock said...

Lestrade is making John dance in the kitchen to the radio by holding his hands and the radio is playing a song about talking about sex and John is pulling his face he has when he's trying to be stern but isn't really and is going to laugh and I'm eating olives with lemon.

REReader said...

That sounds rather fun, Sherlock. :) Nice start to the holidays!

pandabob said...

There's nothing like dancing to to make people smile however much they might try not to ;-)

Give in to your less innocent side John you know you want to :-)

Sherlock said...

Eating olives isn't as fun as eating cake or ice cream but I was starving and Lestrade said I could while he cooked dinner

pandabob said...

I hope he doesn't spend too long dancing then Sherlock or you might just waste away before it's cooked ;-)

REReader said...

Ah, well, Sherlock, this way you can have olives now, and something sweet after dinner, so you get the best of both worlds. :)

What's he making for dinner?

Sherlock said...

Just pasta and vegetables and cheese sauce.

REReader said...

That's nice, isn't it? And fast, too, which is important if you're starving.

mazarin said...

Sounds good, Sherlock. (The pasta part. Not the olives part. Yeech.)

You're lucky you have a DI that cooks nice meals for you. I completely shucked my responsibilities today and am getting chinese for my parents and hubs and myself for dinner, as kiddo has an after school party thing he's eating dinner at. I have zero interest in cooking tonight!

Sherlock said...

It was nice but only because me and John made there be cheese.

pandabob said...

cheese is the root of all deliciousness Sherlock :-)

Do you think you and Mycroft could be on dinner duty one day this week? It might be nice for L to get home to a lovely meal cooked by his favourite boys don't you think?

Greg Lestrade said...

...and the nanny and the boy said 'let there be cheese', and verily, there was cheese....

REReader said...

That demonstrates very good food judgment on the part of you and John, Sherlock. (Mmmmm, cheese sauce.)

Ha, L!!

Anon Without A Name said...

Mmmmm, cheese.

Greg Lestrade said...

Nameless, you sound like John...

I was going to do a nice tomato sauce, until the two Dairy Queens fluttered their eyelashes at me.

pandabob said...

dairy queens!! that's a brave description of the dangerous doc ;-)

John H. D. Watson said...

Mmmmm, cheese. ;)

Anonymous said...

You'd love our school canteen, everything has cheese (and I mean everything). I sign the cheques for the catering expenses and we spend more on cheese in a year than some departments have as a budget!

If only it wasn't the blandest cheese available it might be a good thing :)

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm a very brave boy, AnonyBob.

:)

John H. D. Watson said...

He is. And he's got the medal to prove it.

I'm surprised no one wanted to be cheesecake now that I think of it.

Anon - no stilton with cranberries? That is too bad. Still, any cheese in a storm...

Greg Lestrade said...

Medal doesn't show any form of bravery.

I'm off to bed. Some of us haven't started the weekend yet...

Kholly said...

Most meals are made better with cheese.

Can I be a Boston cream donut? I don't tend toward cakes in either dessert preference or personality. But unassuming on the outside and surprisingly sweet inside sounds about right.

John H. D. Watson said...

Not this one, the Queen's Police one.

Bed sounds good.

Kate L said...

DW - Just wanted to tell you that your moray joke further up the page made me laugh aloud :) That's brilliant! And now I have that song stuck in my head. Have a safe trip, & enjoy Japan (if that is in fact where you've ended up after boarding your mystery flight...)

REReader said...

Have a lovely beginning-of-holiday, gentlemen--Shabbat shalom, all!

Greg Lestrade said...

You could be chilli chocolate cake, John. Hot and sweet.

Hope you fetched Mycroft okay and are now all having fun.

Danger, sort of medical question - could a loud noise trigger vomiting?

pandabob said...

Sound like you're having an interesting day at work Greg! Does the question relate to you?

I hope you're having a nice day together John, Mycroft, Sherlock :-)

Anonybob

John H. D. Watson said...

Well...short answer, yeah, it's possible. Why?

And yes, we've got Mycroft and fun is being achieved.

Greg Lestrade said...

No, not me. Something a witness said. Or they might be a suspect. Fine line, most of the time.

Glad you're having fun :)

John H. D. Watson said...

Glad it wasn't you. Or hopefully near you if they actually did it. What did they say?

Greg Lestrade said...

Can't tell you I'm afraid, active case and all that.

What are you up to? When are the boys planning their museum trip for? During the week?

John H. D. Watson said...

Damn, now I'm really curious.

The boys are arguing about where to have lunch. Do you want to join us?

Oh and speaking of vomiting, Anthea's asleep on our sofa. Mycroft says she's been ill for days but won't admit it. I'm hoping she'll at least let me take her temperature when we get back, though I'm not counting on it. The look she gave me when I suggested it earlier was not encouraging.

Greg Lestrade said...

Tell her what you told me about where you'd stick the thermometer if I refused to cooperate last time I was sick.

I could do lunch, yeah, are you lot close by?

John H. D. Watson said...

No thanks, I'm too young to die.

Yeah, quite close. You pick where. The last five minutes solid have been like this:

Sherlock: Pizza.
Mycroft: Thai.
Sherlock: Pizza.
Mycroft: Thai.
Sherlock: Pizza.
Mycroft: Thai.
Sherlock: PIZZA!
Mycroft: Thai.

Rinse and repeat ad nauseam.

Greg Lestrade said...

Tell them that one needs to choose lunch and the other dinner and to make it fast or I'm going to the canteen for Yellow day and they can each have a sandwich with you.

Anon Without A Name said...

I suspect, John, that Lestrade is quite amenable to his gorgeous boyfriend being somewhat... authoritative, from time to time :-p

Perhaps you could persuade Anthea that she needs to set a good example to the boys and let the Doctor decide when someone needs to have their temperature taken?

I hope you feel better soon, Anthea (and let the Doc do his stuff, yeah?)

John H. D. Watson said...

They're hopeless. We're going to that Indian place down the street from you.

Nameless - maybe she'll be less cranky after a nap. She called Harrow a plague pit earlier.

Greg Lestrade said...

I'll meet you there. Order me something mild and a cheese naan? I haven't got that long before I need to be back.

John H. D. Watson said...

Will do.

Anonymous said...

Hi. I've been reading both blogs from the beginning for over a week now (it takes time to check out all the links and google all the things I don't know or can figure out what to look for if the link has died). I only broke down and commented on old entries twice, which is really good for me. It did leave me wanting to comment endlessly on things like gjetost (it's Norwegian goat cheese, John, which might make it easier to find if you look again, and yes, it's yummy). (Er, can you tell I like parentheses?)

In any case, I hope Anthea is feeling better soon. I was imagining that she would sort of trail along inconspicuously while the boys were on their museum expedition, but I have a suspicious mind. (Which is why, when Lestrade kept getting ill after a long day at work I kind of wanted Sherlock to take one of his hairs and check it out with his chemistry tutor to make sure there was no arsenic traces.)

Actually, I do have one important question. How can I subscribe to the blogs, now that I feel like you are all really friendly? Because I tried to use the email subscription, and it didn't work.

Anonymous said...

*headdesk* sure there _were_ no arsenic traces...

I am literate, honestly. I just get excited.

pandabob said...

hi rabidsamfan The rest of us blame predictive text for our illiteracy ;-)

Nice to meet you :-)

I hope Lunch was nice gentlemen and that you're not at work so late you miss all the fun Greg!

Anonymous said...

Well, I'm not using a phone, so blaming my fumblefingers on one would be cheating. I am, however, not wearing my glasses, so I'll blame any mistakes on that.

I should add that reading these blogs frequently makes me hungry. I've just started watching Titli's videos too, which means a further delay in my general house cleaning project for a rainy day. Why is it that a clean kitchen just invites you to mess it up again?

Piplover said...

Hi, Rabidsamfan! *Waves* Glad to see another familiar face!

Are you following on LJ? If so, there should be subscription you can do from there. Otherwise I have no clue. :)

John, Lestrade, I hope you had a good lunch with the boys, and I hope Anthea is feeling better soon.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Pip. I'll try that. Give me incentive for checking my LJ.

rsf

John H. D. Watson said...

RSF - I was rather hoping Anthea would be trailing along behind them too. I mean, someone will, but I would prefer it was her. Anyway, we'll see how it goes.

I will look into the subscribe by email thing when we get home, or try to. Or ask Mycroft to. Also you should be able to subscribe with RSS if you use google reader or something like that.

Anonymous said...

What, you don't think the museum would let in two very large dogs? :)

It must be tricky giving Sherlock and Mycroft (especially Mycroft!) the freedom to explore the world and still make sure they're protected in the way that they need given their situation. (Serial killers? Kidnapping? I await the next installment of "as the moor turns" with bated breath!) Still, I hope Anthea's feeling better soon for her own sake as well as the boys'.

Also, thank you, John, for offering to take a moment to look into the email subscription, although don't worry if you can't solve my problem. I think I've found a way to spot the new posts, at least, if not the new comments, thanks to Piplover. (I'm a little hit and miss with understanding RSS, which I shouldn't be, since I'm a librarian, and I have to explain the internet to other people all the time. I keep figuring RSS feeds out, and then forgetting by the next time I want one.)

Greg Lestrade said...

Hi Rabidsamfan. My stock answer to anything technical is that I'll ask Mycroft.

There used to be a way of subscribing to each post so it would then send you comments by email... or is that what you're saying doesn't work? It's all a mystery to me, honestly.

Lunch was nice, thanks.

Greg Lestrade said...

And was I getting ill? And did it sound like arsnic? I lead a mmore exciting life than I think... mrs H probably foiled the plot and I'm none the wiser!

Anonymous said...

Ah. The email thing is for individual posts, not the entire blog then? That might explain why it didn't work, because I did it on an older entry. I'll conduct the experiment now. (I've been refreshing this page, to see the new comments, whenever I walk by with another load of laundry, etc.)

Greg Lestrade said...

Right, well I'll help with your experiment by commenting.

And if I've solved it before Mycroft got here then I will be smug as anything all night and unbearable and keep going on about my technological prowess.

Yu know what they say, if you need help, ask a policeman....

A from NW (who has been sick all week) said...

Greg - I do hope you get a chance to wear your Diamond Jubilee and other metals on a happy/proud occasion (and the same for you, John!) I hope your weekend is a great one, even with being all-call and all.

John - So even though we don't know the context of Greg's witness' claim, why could loud sounds trigger vomitting (from a medical standpoint)? And I hope the boys have settled down from their earlier disagreement.

Also, speaking as someone who has been ill herself, perhaps the best way to deal with Anthea is to force her to drink water and tea, give her a Nanny Glare or two, and then leave her to sleep it off (not on the sofa)?

~ A from NW

...wtf, captcha? That's a photograph! of a drawing!

Anonymous said...

L - you had stomach problems that had you throwing up two or three times, and you were still getting things like insults on your picture at work and trollish things here at the time. It didn't help that John felt unwell when he started working at the clinic. Or that you all had that discussion around blue asparagus pee; I was all alert for inappropriate additions to coffee! Also, I've recently re-read "Strong Poison" so I was probably adding two and two and getting pi. (I didn't worry as much with the migraines -- well maybe a little with the one you got the first day back after they investigated that accident -- because I get them too, and you said you'd had them before.)

Yes, and well, I thought it would be a neat chemistry experiment for Sherlock. A practical application of forensic methodology!

For some reason, btw, I managed to email subscribe to John's blog this time -- I got an email from feedburner anyway, but I can't find the email link on yours. Can I sing the "I hate computers" song for a while?

Greg Lestrade said...

Right... There should be a little line of blue text just under the comment box, still on the white bit, that says 'subscribe by email'. I hope?

And I'd forgotten about that. The being ill thing. Happily I don't think anyone at work would try to kill me. Or not put much effort into it, anyway :)

Afrom NW - hope you feel better! But you have just set up a clash of the Titans there - nanny glare vs. Anthea glare... I'm keeping well out of that one!

Desert Wanderer said...

Hi, RSF! Welcome to the sett!

Hope you feel better soon, AfNW. <3

Nanny!Glare vs. Anthea sounds like irresistible force vs. unmovable object. I wouldn't want to be in the house around that one.

Anonymous said...

I don't see the link, alas. Maybe if I switch to Internet Explorer instead of firefox. Although I may have to update IE or use the work computer on Monday, since this beast is about ten years old...

I'm glad it's been long enough since you were getting ill that you've forgotten about it! Being with John and the boys must be good for you.

Anonymous said...

I'll stop being a nuisance in a moment (even you folks are so much less boring than dusting!) but I thought I'd contribute a couple of links for the boys.

[a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Pad-Thai-Pizza"]Pad Thai Pizza[/a]

and

[a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=lk5_OSsawz4"]a neat Star Wars vid[/a]

And now I'll cross my fingers and hope the links work.

John H. D. Watson said...

A - I've left Anthea to Mrs Hudson. Seemed safer.

pandabob said...

What have you three been up to today John while Greg's been working hard? ;-)

I hope it's been good fun and is followed by a lovely evening for the four of you :-)



(Just in case anyone's interested I've been getting all steamy and doing a bit of stripping. By which I mean decorating of course ;-) )

A from NW (who needs to find her cough drops) said...

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone. I'm spending this weekend in bed, staying well rested and well hydrated. =)

John - Wise decision, and safer all around. If Mrs. Hudson can't mother her into taking care of herself...I'm sure you have Mrs. H's phone number somewhere, yes? (And I am well aware that Anthea will probably likely kill me for suggesting that you call her employer.... *meeps*)

Greg - Oops, I'll blame being sick as my excuse for suggesting that your doctor put himself into a clash of the Titans. I hope you're having a wonderful evening.

rabidsamfan - Welcome to the blogs! I'd give you a welcome hug, but, well, you know, I'm not big on sharing germs and viruses. Still, welcome :D

DW - You're safely arrived in Japan, I hope? I'm doing better, at least I'm not feverish and mute this time around.

pandabob - Yes, of course, you mean decorating when you say you've been "getting steamy and doing a bit of stripping." What else could you possibly mean? ;)

~A from NW

Greg Lestrade said...

Thanks RSF!

I got home to find my gorgeous boyfriend, with his two glamorous assistants, had bought me a big bunch of flowers :)

Thank you, love.


And, just be aware that Mrs H lives below us and the explosion could take us all out.

Tomorrow we're meeting Rach...

John H. D. Watson said...

Oh and about the vomiting from loud noises, most likely cause is stress from the noises causing the vomiting rather than the nose itself, but there are sensory disorders that can cause it too.

John H. D. Watson said...

You're welcome. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

You're amazing :)

And Sherlock is asking us which events we're going to do for his sports day. He's going tactical on us... going to up our training, I reckon.

Anon Without A Name said...

Hello RSF :-) *waves*

Lestrade - flowers? Wonderful :-)

John - "I've left Anthea to Mrs Hudson. Seemed safer." Discretion being the better part of valour, right?

AfNW - hope you feel better soon.

Desert Wanderer said...

I made it safely, yes AfNW. But I woke up to news that <a href="http://www.wvec.com/my-city/chesapeake/Severe-weather-warnings-on-first-day-of-hurricane-season-156434345.html>a tornado hit my street</a> on Friday night. My parents are going to go check out my house, but how lucky I wasn't there!

pandabob said...

so are you going to tie yourselves together for the three legged race or work on your balance for the egg and spoon?

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm all for tying us together...

pandabob said...

for some reason I'm not at all surprised ;-)

A from NW (Hot chocolate isn't dehydrating, is it?) said...

DW - o.0 I think we're all relieved that you weren't there.

Anon - Thanks =)

John - Ohh...that makes sense.

As for Sherlock's plans, as long as he doesn't get his hands on duct tape and/or bring out the heavy tac gear.... What are his plans for Mycroft?

Speaking of which, are the boys going with you to meet Rachel and her partner?

~A from NW

Anonymous said...

Damn, DW that looks horrendous, it's at times like this I'm glad of the British weather! Hope you haven't had too much damage

Lancs. Anon

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, the boys are coming. Sherlock is probably going to do everything short of demand she give birth there and then.

John H. D. Watson said...

He may try that too if we don't keep an eye on him.

DW - I can.t get that to load right now but I very much hope your house is all right.

pandabob said...

Every child should witness the birth of a baby Greg so I'm all for Sherlock demanding it ;-)

Never has a teacher been more shocked than when my four year old gave a full and rather grapfic description of the birth of her sister, massive pool of blood and all!!

I hope you have a great time with them :-)

Anon Without A Name said...

Blimey, DW! Glad you're safe, and I hope your house is too!

Anonybob - the miracle of birth is one experience I'm quite happy to have never witnessed :-p (Although, three of my brothers saw the other one born, and they don't seem to have been too traumatised by it)

Anonymous said...

Wrote a long comment over in IE, and the internet ate it, so back to firefox to say Hi back to everyone who said hi and tell DW I hope the tornado skipped her house. Also, I seem to be able to subscribe to comments in IE (and did, they'll show up on igoogle for me now) for this blog, but that link didn't show on John's. I think I'll just muddle along.

Sherlock, Rach may not want company (except doctors and nurses and maybe her husband) when the baby is being born so that she can feel like she can make funny noises and swear a lot. Everybody feels different about what they want to show off and what they want to keep private.

pandabob said...

She insisted Nameless and as I was having the baby at home I couldn't really say no! It all happened rather quickly in the end though and I ended up with quite an audience 4 midwives, one husband and two parents the extra small child was almost forgotten :-) watching her hold her five minute old sister was kind of priceless though :-)

Sherlock said...

Hello Rabidsamfan someone in London just died of rabies and I hope you aren't really rabid and John says it's very unlikely I'll ever get to see someone with actual rabies because it doesn't really exist here and now I have to go to bed even though it's the holidays but we're going to be busy tomorrow. Lestrade made funny noises and swore when I accidentally hit him between the legs and will she be like that because I've already heard Lestrade so I wouldn't mind.

pandabob said...

Kind of like that Sherlock but it can go on for 24 hours! there are a lot of bad words that can be said in 24 hours ;-)

I hope you're asleep now ready for tomorrows adventures :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Sherlock. "Rabid" can sometimes mean "overenthusiastic" which is the sense I meant it when I picked my nickname. Also because it sounds like "rabbit" and that was the nickname I'd been using before. Sam Fan is because I like a character named Sam from the Lord of the Rings books. I only ever meant to be rabidsamfan for talking about those books, but somehow I just started using the name for anywhere I was on the internet. "rabbit" was too easy to mix up with someone else. I don't use capitals for either nickname because I like some poems by a man called Don Marquis. He pretended that the poems were written by a cockroach named Archy who didn't use the shift key or punctuation marks because he had to jump on each key with his head to make it work on the typewriter. (http://www.donmarquis.org/archy.htm has a picture.) Archy wasn't supposed to be a talking animal, he was meant to be a poet who had been reincarnated as a cockroach. But all talking animal stories are really about people anyway.

When you hit Lestrade between the legs he made funny noises and swore, but it didn't last very long. Babies can take a long time as the mother's body has to go through labor, which is making changes so that the baby can come out, and you might think that part is boring after a while. For a first baby it can take all day.

Do you want to know something funny? My mom had five babies of her own, and then she had a chance a long time later to see one of her grandchildren be born. She says once was plenty, and she never wants to watch a baby being born again. Not even on tv or in a movie!

rsf

mazarin said...

It depends on the mother, Sherlock, whether she swears or screams or whatever. I didn't swear though I screamed plenty at the end (or so I'm told, I don't really remember). Watching a baby being born can be a really, really intense experience and sometimes it can be a little scary. I know you're pretty immune to blood and whatnot, but still, that's not all there is to it. And as RSF said, it can take a long, long time. I was in labor over 24 hours by the time I went to the hospital, and the actual active birthing part took over 3 hours. So, you know, there are sort of boring parts, too, at least for the people watching!

Have fun on your trip!

Post a Comment