26 June 2012

Flying without wings...

Migraine has gone. Headache has mostly gone. this is all very good, because tomorrow is bike-time.

John will clamber on my bike behind me, he will be taken somewhere for breakfast. He will then be chauffered to our destination, which, I hope will be nice and muddy.

There, we will meet the guides and other people, get given our safety gear, and meet our bikes for the day.



From then on, it's us, the bikes and the Great British Countryside.

In my mind, it'll go something like this:


It will, however, almost certainly go more like this:


To be honest, if I'm not covered head-to-toe in mud, and haven't fallen off at least three times, I won't feel like I've made the most of the day.

Although I will try to have a bit more sense than I used to, and will aim to end the day in one piece.

I'm really hoping it will a. Give John loads of experience of both riding in dodgy conditions and falling off bikes in the safest way possible. Plus, obviously, pretty much the most fun you can have with your clothes on.


Sherlock's still on a bit of a roller-coaster, mood-wise. I hope he can cope with us being away for most of tomorrow, and Mrs Hudson taking care of him. I know he thinks it's unfair that we're going off for fun while he's at school.

151 comments:

John H. D. Watson said...

Safest way possible = into lots of mud?

Greg Lestrade said...

yeah, sort of... light bike, mud, no traffic...

pandabob said...

jealous? me? never ;-)

I hope you have a great time you both deserve some fun :-)

Will Mrs Hudson bake with Sherlock? he'll enjoy that more than you'll enjoy your day out I'm sure :-)

John H. D. Watson said...

L - I'm excited!

Anonybob - I'm sure we will. :)

I hope so! Then we'll have biscuits when we get back...

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm excited too :)

Also, you'll be wearing way more protective gear than we normally do. They provide the lot. We just need to take a change of clothes.

I may act as if I'm 14 again.

John H. D. Watson said...

Goofy and irresponsible, you mean? I won't have to go back as far as 14...32 would probably do it.

Greg Lestrade said...

I was more worried about....completely fearless and with the dangerous idea that I was unbreakable...

John H. D. Watson said...

Just don't break your neck, please. Most of the rest of you can be repaired.

pandabob said...

a knock on the head might correct whatever is causing the far to regular headaches?

please both of you take lots of very safe risks ;-)

(biscuits would be the perfect end to the day John you're right)

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm fairly sure my old bones will be quick to remind me I no longer bounce like a kid.

Mrs H promises there will be baking, possibly with jam and chocolate.

pandabob said...

motorbikes AND baking with Jam and chocolate!! You too are in for a treat tomorrow :-)

I hope you've had a nice evening and that Sherlock went to bed ok :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Hmm.. he wasn't too happy. He's seen photos of kids on little bikes, so he's determined that he could therefore come with us.

But...well, he isn't, and he's going to have to cope.

When we think the weather is going to be good, and Mycroft's home from school, we'll go on the hot air balloon.

REReader said...

Hopefully a happy afternoon baking (with jam and chocolate!) with Mrs Hudson (who has nothing to do with school or teachers or trouble) will prove soothing for Sherlock.

Soothing is not what you two are going to get, precisely--but then, that's not what you're going for! :)

pandabob said...

Adult fun is a necessity (that kind too but you know what I mean)

I hope the summer brings good balloon weather that always sounded like a great family trip :-)

Anonymous said...

sorry I don't know how you work this when a new post is up or if people look back or what so I don't know where to put this sosorry if its in the wrong place but really pandabob that's not on if theysaid they didnt give you the job because you're a mum or a woman that cant be ok there must be something that can be done I can't believe that schools do that what a waste of your time. I hope you didnt really need the job which I know is daft because you probably wouldn't apply for a job you didnt' need anyway I'm shocked hope you're ok.

Greg Lestrade said...

Thing is, Anon - while I agree with what you're saying - it's very hard to prove. If AnonyBob challenged them on it, they would probably make up some other reason for her not getting the job.

Which isn't to say she shouldn't challenge it, just that you need to have the time and energy to devote pursuing such a case. They're probably banking on her not doing that, to be honest.

Anonymous said...

Maybe you could find something that Sherlock could do that you're too big to do. Pony riding, perhaps? Or plan a day someplace that has small bikes or go-karts his size.

In the meantime, though there will be jam. I hope he and Mrs. Hudson have lots of fun baking.

rsf

Greg Lestrade said...

It is possible - and Sherlock, if you're reading this tomorrow, then don't go mad for whoever you're with - that he might be big enough to ride a kid's quad bike. If he's very well behaved, and continues to show how grown up and sensible he is about school. Because we all know sensible and grown up is how you have to be on bikes... ;)

pandabob said...

Greg's right anon, I can't prove it and there were more of them than me so I'd be in for a fight and with everyone knowing everyone I'd never get a job anywhere if I made a fuss. It bugs me but sadly sometimes annoying things happen and it's best not to do anything and just be grateful you found out early enough not to be stuck somewhere horrible. :-)

Quad biking sound like the perfect reward for the new sensible and grown up Sherlock Greg. I'm sure he will prove himself mature enough very soon :-)

Anon Without A Name said...

Have an excellent day tomorrow, guys. I hope you get very muddy :-)

Anonymous said...

I soppose your right pandabob it just makes me cross! sorry Greg.

Greg Lestrade said...

Don't be sorry, Anon - it makes me angry too! It's just that some things are harder to fight than others, and you need to be sure it's a fight you want to have.

AnonyBob - I hope you try for other jobs with sensible people who are worth working for, and who will appreciate you.

pandabob said...

Thanks greg :-)

Is your head all fixed now you're close to your doc again? I hope you've had a nice relaxed evening ready for fun and mud tomorrow ;-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, feels pretty much okay again.

Think I might have to get some of the decent pills again though, instead of popping leftover codeine ...

Anonymous said...

Glad you're feeling better, Greg. Is there a way you can get a prescription for migraine meds? It sounds like you get them often enough it might be worth looking into.

I hope you both have a great day tomorrow! I'm totally jealous, even if I have no clue how to ride, lol.

pandabob said...

as much as you hate it you really need to go see someone and get some good stuff, you work to hard (and put too much pressure on yourself) to be suffering as much as you seem to at the minute.

I know you don't like doctors, but for Danger of course ;-) but couldn't someone at his place sort you out?

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, I'll ask him what sort of tests they do - if any. Hopefully they'd give me something with no fuss, now I'm a good boy and don't smoke and barely drink.

In the meantime, you can get some over-the-counter stuff that's not too bad.

pandabob said...

There is no 'in the meantime' John is sat next to you or at least will be some point in the next hour so ask him now.

It will take no time at all to see someone, it's not like they'd make you wait is it? and the over the counter stuff might not be too bad but it isn't working well enough for you to be working like you do!

(did someone call me mummyish today? maybe I am ;-) )

REReader said...

Always worth inquiring, L. Hopefully you'll be able to get something effective without too much trouble. :)

It is possible...that he might be big enough to ride a kid's quad bike. If he's very well behaved, and continues to show how grown up and sensible he is about school.

This makes good sense--if Sherlock shows he can still act grown up and sensible when he's upset (and after all, changes and new people can be quite upsetting until you get used to them), that will show he'll be able act grown up and sensible and remember all the safety rules when he's excited on a quad bike, which I'm sure must be VERY exciting!

Have fun on your outing tomorrow, gentlemen! And have fun baking with Mrs Hudson, Sherlock--it sounds like she has something nice planned for you!


(And I know this is not where the blog post title is from, but my head keeps going here instead!)

Anonymous said...

You wander round here telling people what to do and playing mum to the world pandabob no doubt you went in there talking none stop about your kids and stuff and pretending you know best who would want to work with you every day? Its not mummyish its just a pain in the neck!!!!

They didn't give you the job cos people like you should be at home pretending to save the world not being responsible for other peoples children!!!!

ryo said...

Annoying Anon -- Ok, seriously, didn't Lestrade recently put up a post asking people to be civil? I understand that you sometimes might disagree with someone else's post in either tone or content, but going anonymous and insulting them is not actually helpful. And it's the act of a coward.

L and John -- have a great day riding! I've always kind of wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle -- my uncle had one -- but never quite got up the gumption.

pandanon -- sorry about the job interview, but I kind of agree that it's not worth fighting about. Frankly, it doesn't sound like it'd be a good fit for you anyway, and what would happen even if you won? It's not like you want to work there now. Good luck with your continuing job search.

Lestrade -- I'm sure you'll get around to it on the migraine thing sooner or later. I'm not sure, but I don't think there's much over the counter stuff available where I'm at that could touch a migraine. Glad you've got something readily available in the meantime.

ryo

Rider said...

I think my problem is I don't post enough. If I did I could get my own anonymous idiot.

Alas every time I've thought of a suitable double entendre DW's already done it.

Good luck on your dirty day guys. All that rolling around and jumping and hard riding and slipping and sliding and spraying should keep you very happy indeed.

You might want to try some trials type riding as well, after all there are times when the careful easing through tight places and exact positioning for a clean entry are the way to go!

Anonymous said...

Coming to this late as usual, but just to say I hope you have a great day tomorrow gentlemen, it sounds like a fantastic way to spend a day...and there will be Sherlock-baked goods awaiting your return. What could be better?

And pandanon...sorry about the job, like just about everyone else has said, if they were like that about you being a mum, it probably isn't a place you'd be happy working - but that's no consolation when you're turned down for a job...

Anonymous said...

Perhaps Sherlock can research quad bikes the way he researched degus. That way he'll know what the age/height/weight requirements are and he can start planning how to save up some of the costs as a way of demonstrating good faith and responsibility.

And would Mycroft like a chance to ride a dirt bike sometime? I know he likes to ride pillion, but street bikes may be beyond his age level right now. (I don't know the rules there. Here he's definitely be too young.)

rsf

pandabob said...

How gutting to have been asleep and missed you anon! Two big boys live here both fully capable of telling me to mind my own business when they want me to and both very polite when they do, you could learn something from them if you wanted to take the time to because they're very friendly boys.

Thanks re the job badgers you are all very kind. :-)

John - enjoy your bike and mud day :-) be careful but most of all be very mud covered and have lots of fun :-) you too Greg.

I hope there's a good day ahead for one and all :-)

A from NW said...

Pandanon - I'm sorry that happened to you; frankly, they're stupid to think that mothers don't make good teachers. Their loss, the [inappropriate noun(s) for a family blog].

I hope you find a job that treasures your knowledge and experience, because the best teachers I had and made the biggest difference in my life? They were all parents, and took that extra step to make my classroom feel like a home. *hugs*

Greg, John - Have fun getting dirty! (but not too hurt...unless you subscribe to the notion of 'kissing it better'?) *runs away giggling*

~A from NW

Greg Lestrade said...

AnonyBob - badgers look after their own, even if one of their own has badger stripes that look a bit panda-y ;)

Anon - I don't know what to say. You obviously think you're either a mindreader and know what we're all thinking and feel the need to tell the world, or you have a great deal of self-importance and feel like we all need to hear your opinions on an individual. And then you don't even say who you are, so we can't bow down before your great knowledge.

AfNW - I definitely subscribe to that school of doctoring from John.


Right.... there's a doc who is going to be treated to breakfast out, if he ever stops yawning and gets ready....

Small Hobbit said...

Have a great day both of you. And Doc I'm sure you'll make sure that L's got rid of all the mud afterwards.

And anonybob I agree with what's been said above by the other badgers. Once when I was looking for work at an agency and was asked what I felt was one of my great achievements I said "running a Guide unit for five years". The interviewer looked completely blank. And I've brought up two children who are now playing their own part in society; my daughter was 21 yesterday so I'm sort of celebrating.

pandabob said...

Thanks Greg :-)

Happy birthday to your daughter for yesterday SH, a long number of years ago when I was first looking for work and had just got married I went to an agency and they told me they wouldn't be able to find me anything permanent because it would be assumed that getting married so young was so I could have babies not a career! The world never ceases to amaze me but it does annoy me sometimes ;-)

Hope you boys are having fun :-)

REReader said...

Ha! Well put, L!

And hopefully by now you and John are well on your way to being well-muddied. :)

Anony, as others have pointed out, parenting provides great experience in a range of teaching-related and organizational skills, and there are schools and organizations that recognize this. My mother was a stay-at-home mom until we all started school--and she's been a highly-valued first grade teacher for over 25 years now. You'll find somewhere that values your experience, too!

Greg Lestrade said...

I've fallen off twice - one a massive high sider, and all the pattern once visible on my kit is now a nice uniform mud-brown.

I may ride off and steal this bike - they'd never catch me, as camouflaged as I am!

Danger listened to the instructors very attentively, rode his test runs carefully, taking in all the advice... And then turned into some sort of total nutter, once let loose.

Maz said...

"...And then turned into some sort of total nutter, once let loose.

I feel like adding "...which is absolutely not a surprise to anyone." to the end of that sentence.

Glad you're having a fun day, and that the mud means you're getting the most of it.

Anonybob - as my grandma would say: "The hell with them. They don't know what they're missing." (Verbatim. I do not lie.)

Hope all you other Badgers have a lovely day, and if you're in the US, stay cool tomorrow.

REReader said...

So you two are having a lovely time, then, L... :D Well, good!

Maz, your grandmother is a wise woman with quite a way with words. :)

Maz said...

RR: Hah, she really is. My grandma is 94, still lives on her own, and only just stopped mowing her own lawn last summer.

I think she's able to do these things out of the sheer strength of her stubbornness. She got mad at grandpa once for trying to get her to swerve around a pothole in the street. She hit it head on instead, and swore from that day forward she'd never drive again. She didn't.

She was 19 when that happened.

She's my bestie. I've not seen her in months, though. I need to go do that.

REReader said...

Ha, Maz, she sounds AWESOME! Maybe you could talk her into writing a blog? I'd sign up to read what she has to say in a heartbeat!

John H. D. Watson said...

This is AMAZING.

REReader said...

So I'm guessing you aren't having too bad a time, John? :D

John H. D. Watson said...

L says stealing the bike and then covering central London in mud is against the law D:

Maz said...

Well, what a killjoy. I think doing a little mud-wrestling with L might compensate, though.

REReader said...

Maybe if you just BORROWED the bike and covered Central London in mud...?

pandabob said...

which bit is against the law John? borrowing the bike or covering London with mud?

It sounds like you're having a day full of the right sort of fun and lots of practice ready for Friday :-) I hope you are both well and truely covered in mud!


I like the sound of your grandma Maz :-)

Maz said...

She is pretty awesome, Pandabob. She told me that she once distracted a prowler outside their apartment building from one (second story) window so my grandpa could drop a flowerpot on his head from another. (He missed, but the guy went running.) This was 1943, so, you know, laws were a bit more lax about those sorts of things then.

You guys back from the mudder yet?

Anonymous said...

Mud, mud, glorious mud!

(I shall be singing all day, you know.)

rsf

Anonymous said...

All good things end. This place used to be so awesome, John and Lestrade were great and Sherlock is one the most adorable kid!Sherlock ever and Mycroft is always a treat. We had some great fics as results to some wonderful entries but now it's all about annoying people over sharing and these blogs are one big cilclejerk.

I'm genuine sorry about that, I'll miss this place and how used to be but I really hope you write more fics and less blog.

One of many anons

pandabob said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
REReader said...

LOL, rsf--that's one of my dad's favorite songs!! (And now I'll be singing it toooooo... :D)

Yes, Sherlock, what did you and Mrs Hudson bake? And did you have a fun afternoon?

REReader said...

(And here is the song--or at least the one my dad used to sing whenever we'd track in some!)

pandabob said...

seriously Maz your Grandma is wicked :-)

no pressure boys but we want to know all about your fun :-)

Sherlock are you baking? jam? chocolate involved?

Desert Wanderer said...

This is AMAZING.

Does that remind anyone else of a certain 6-year-old?

Greg Lestrade said...

I don't think either of us want to leave... But now, finally clean and back on my bike (nearly) we're going to have to.

I thi nk my bike will handle like a tank after those little things.

pandabob said...

yey :-) so glad it's been so much fun :-)

Maz said...

...and these blogs are one big community.

There. Fixed your obvious typo for you.

REReader said...

Very neighborly of you, Maz. *nods*

Well, L, tanks have their good points! (I'm glad you guys had such a great day!)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a brilliant day, gents...any chance to let out your inner six-year old is a good thing...hope the baking went well...we're experiencing baking of a whole different nature, I hope all the other US badgers are staying cool.

EBSanon said...

I love this community and I love the fact that everyone is welcome even though it means that sometimes we have to have not so nice people saying things about our friends(I've not been here long but I hope it's alright to call you friends)

Motorbikes, mud, the love of your life by your side and then home to Sherlock and baking. if carlsberg did days off ;)

Have a lovely evening everyone, and I do mean everyone who reads this.

EBSanon

Greg Lestrade said...

I just always assume people who don't like wgat we talk about would either change the subject or stop reading.

I don't see why they need to say things about others.

John hasn't stopped smiling yet. Happy 14th birthday, John Hamish. 41st! I meant 41st....

John H. D. Watson said...

Sure you did... If you'd taken me to do that when I was 14, I might've actually died from excitement.

pandabob said...

all your worry about if John would like his presents Greg and look what a day you've had :-)

Experience gifts were the right way to go you were right, you can't really beat a day having fun with the man you love :-)

Did Sherlock have a fun day? Baking? ;-)

Greg Lestrade said...

As it is you just nearly squeezed me to death on the way home :)

REReader said...

Clearly, L, you are a most superior gift-chooser! :) (And you still have the hot-air-balloon ride to go on!)

EBSanon said...

you mean no one has ever been sentenced to reading your blogs Greg? ;)

I don't understand being nasty to people, you wouldn't use a hoody to hide your face and go and hurl abuse at people gossiping in the street because you'd know that was not socially acceptable but what's the difference between that and hidding behind anon? I'm glad of the ability to contribute without having to say who I really am though(doube standard maybe I don't know)

I'm so glad you had a great day, I hope it taught you alot about staying on a bike John.

EBSanon

REReader said...

I hope it taught you alot about staying on a bike John.

Silly me, I thought it was about falling off a bike! :D

Greg Lestrade said...

I gave John some excellent lessons in falling off.

I think I have a bruised thigh/bum, and shoulder. But I'm too wrecked to see.

It was all entirely worth it though.

EBSanon said...

sorry RR I thought part of the point was to give John more confidence in handling a bike in less than road conditions so he would have skills to draw on when he was riding his own might be wrong though :)

Greg Lestrade said...

You are exactly right, EBSAnon.

pandabob said...

I thought that too EBSanon so good to know we were right :-)

If you don't come back from a day like that with bruises and pains in places you didn't know you had places it wouldn't have been a good day Greg ;-)

perfect preparation for bikeday John? ;-)

Anonymous said...

I thought it was an exercise in acquiring mud. ;D

Did Sherlock have biscuits waiting for you when you got home or did he eat them all himself?

rsf

REReader said...

(I was joking a bit, EBS--that's why the laughing smiley. Sorry.)

EBSanon said...

I didn't think you were completely serious RR but I still worry a bit more than maybe I should that I've got teh wrong end of the stick ;)

I know lots of people have asked Greg and (hopefully)Sherlock is in bed now but did he get to bake or did he have other fun with Mrs Hudson?

Greg Lestrade said...

Sorry, yeah, he did bake and made cookies, muffins and helped her make a cake for a friend.

pandabob said...

so it's the spanish in the final when italy beat Germany tomorrow ;-)

the baking sounds delicious :-)

Hope you all sleep well after your busy day :-)

REReader said...

Not to worry, EBS--I tend to worry that I've not been clear enough, both with and without jokes! :)

That sounds like a great lot of baking, L, and a fair amount of decorating as well! I hope he had fun. :)


If anyone is interested in a quiz-type game which gives you a chance to do good at the same time, I was reintroduced today to FreeRice. You pick a subject (last time I played they had subjects, now they've got 18), and for every correct answer you give, 10 grains of rice are donated to the World Food Programme. I was playing English Vocabulary--it starts off very easy, but as you get answers right it gets harder--by the time you hit the mid to upper 40s (out of 60 levels) the words are quite tricky. But they do give you the right answer when you get one wrong, and will ask it again a little later, and keep asking it until you get it right.

I think Sherlock and Mycroft might find it fun--it's certainly worth a try! (One category is Human Anatomy, and there are a few languages as well.) They could make up fake names to register under, the website won't care.

REReader said...

(...they had 2 subjects...) *sigh*

Anon Without A Name said...

Sounds like you all had a brilliant day; I'm envious of that, if not so much the falling off motorbikes into the mud :-p

Anonymous said...

I hope you two don't wake up too stiff, after all those falls into the mud. Or ...er... do, after helping each other wash off. Right. Blushing now...

rsf

REReader said...

(*severe giggle attack*)

Anonymous said...

Breaking the fourth wall with this comment.

The reason I started reading these blogs, many months ago, was because I enjoyed reading about John and Lestrade's lives. I loved reading about Sherlock's antics and what Mycroft was planning to do with his life. These have been something I've genuinely enjoyed for a long time.

That being said, recently these have become much less about John and Lestrade's lives. Lately it's become a place where strangers go into minute detail about *their* lives--their colonoscopies, their failed job interviews--and frankly that's not what I want to read about. If I wanted to read that, I would follow their blogs. These no longer feel like John and Lestrade's blogs; they feel like a generic forum. One where people are allowed to nag, and be rude, and exclude anybody who does not choose to sign their name or become part of the clique.

I'm genuinely sorry that I no longer enjoy reading the blogs, but as it's become much less fandom-focused and instead has begun catering to a small group of commenters, I'm going to have to fall back onto the fics and hope to see more of them. And I do hope there will be more fics; they're a pleasure to read.

My name is Bethany and I can be contacted at jerseyknitsheets.tumblr.com.

Anonymous said...

Wow. Drama, drama, drama. It always kind of amazes me that people can't simply walk away from something they don't like. They have to make a production of it and stomp their figurative feet. And then once they're sure everyone around has noticed their tantrum, they go away, satisfied they made a big enough scene.

Has no one informed these people of the wonderful invention called the back button? It's a marvelous thing. It lets a person leave the page they're on when they don't like what they're seeing or reading. A great invention. It should be a common feature...

Now that the tantrum has finished, I hope everyone else is doing well. John, Lestrade, I hope you're not too sore today. I can't wait to hear about your adventure!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for asking so many questions about the job thing pandabob and I'm really very sorry to you two John and Greg I seem to have done some real damage to something I love and I didn't mean to, sorry. I'm going to spend my day writing a letter to the producers of eastenders because I'm about to stop watching it.

Anon who is More sorry than you would believe everyone.

EBSanon said...

So is mud bike day followed by oh my god I can't move everything hurts day? I hope you both slept well after all the excitement.

Have a good day everyone.

Anon Without A Name said...

Anon with the questions - I really don't think you've done anything that needs apologising for.

John, Lestrade - hope you're not too bruised and sore today :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

I can just about move. And it was worth it :)

And Anons who are going to stop (have stopped?) reading...well, I don't know what to say.

I know John and I have had occasional...almost unbelievably dramatic lives. And I for one am glad we don't all the time.

I'm happy about blogging about any aspect of policing though. Just ask. I just sort of thought you'd all find it a bit dull, that's all.

And somehow, I doubt the drama will stay away for long. It never seems to... (it's all John's fault.)

pandabob said...

Don’t worry anon I didn’t mind you asking and other people could just scroll past it :-) The lives of the commenters around here only come into play when Greg and John are getting a brief break from the craziness that surrounds them so in a lot of ways it’s nice to have a period like that that is long enough to annoy people ;-)

Enjoy work gents, remember to move around between patients John or you may be in need of rescuing by the end of the day. I hope you have a day that keeps you moving just enough Greg :-)

(police work is quite interesting if you have things you can share with us.)

Small Hobbit said...

L - are you going in for wish fulfilment now with that last paragraph. And no, you can't blame the Doc entirely. I'd say it was a 50/50 split.

Glad to hear you both had a great day yesterday, I'm sure Sally will be very sympathetic ;) I know I would be (says the mother whose main concern about son's nosebleed was that it didn't stain his white school shirt).

Anon Without A Name said...

Lestrade - I'm always happy to read about the police work; I wouldn't know where to start with asking questions though.

pandabob said...

Can I ask you a police work question Greg? as ever no need to answer if you can't, or just don't want to ;-)

A few weeks ago you said you had a problem with some contaminated evidence or something like that and I was wondering how that affects a case. Not that specific case as such but any case where it happens. Do you use other evidence and hope it’s enough or does something like that put doubt around all the evidence?

I’ve always found evidence gathering quite interesting so thought I’d ask :-)

Hope work is keeping you busy.

Anonymous said...

The police work fascinates me too.

I read these blogs because the people here -- mostly John and Greg and the boys -- feel like they are real enough to reach out and touch some days, despite being electrons on a screen in my everyday life. I like playing with them. (Even Lancs. Anon, who is the most creative and amazing inventor of variations of the Game I've ever encountered.) And while I'm a greedy slob, and I always want to read more, I'm content with what John and Greg (and Sherlock and Mycroft) have time to say.

rsf

REReader said...

I can just about move. And it was worth it :)

:) Now, that's proof of having had an excellent adventure!


As for that other ...stuff..., L--as we've recently had occasion to tell John, what you want to write about is what I, for one, want to hear! All this blogging and responding takes the same time and energy whether it's sharing something big and dramatic or something of your daily lives, and you've both--really, all four of you--have been amazingly generous with not only with that time and energy but also with sharing so many aspects of your lives. And I find all of it equally interesting--so thank you!

REReader said...

(And for what it's worth, I like being part of your community--and it is both fair and nice for us to try to share back!)

Lurker said...

Delurking here to say I really enjoying reading these blogs and that I thought the whole point of a blog was a communal one. You post and people comment! Without the comments it just becomes a series of essays.

There are always going to be people who, instead of simply stopping reading something that doesn't interest them, will want to tell you exactly where you're going wrong! Because, obviously, they know best, right?

I hope you ignore the anon and keep doing what you're doing!

Love, Lurker

Anonymous said...

Well, I agree with Bethany, and I'm saying so only because I still do want to read these blogs but I also sort of wish people would post less of their own personal stuff in the comments. I mean no offense, I wish you all well, but I have to do a lot of scrolling to find stuff about John and Lestrade and the boys these days. Commenting on the posts is one thing, but there really is a lot of oversharing lately and it makes me feel less comfortable with commenting myself.

Sorry.

- a new york anon

Greg Lestrade said...

I can honestly say I'm flattered so many of you have strong feelings about these blogs.

Sorry, AnonyBob, been interviewing in another nick.

Basically, yes, contaminating evidence can be incredibly important - people who we think are guilty can walk free because of it. Or, sometimes, it can, once all is said and done, not matter. I'll do a proper post about it. :)

REReader said...

I can't imagine there would be any argument about the simple fact that these blogs belong to John and Lestrade (and Mycroft and Sherlock!) and are for their benefit first and foremost, so the way they want them is the way they should be. I know I'd be happy with any rules or guidelines they want to impose--or with none at all if that's what they prefer.

I hope you two are having a good day, and bruises and aches notwithstanding, John and L!

EBSanon said...

Given the distinct lack of Greg or John since this recent anon problem started I suspect you will sadly have achieved your aim of removing the community feel of these blogs but not by getting rid those who choose to be friends with Greg and John and enjoy fun and laughs as well as drama and disaster.

They have both told us before that when the fun went out of it they would stop and I think that having people tell them what they can and cannot say or allow to be said on their blogs by people who only wish to read it rather than join the community must take rather a lot of the fun away for them.

I hope you’ve had good days at work John and Greg and that you had a good day at school Sherlock

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I do often wonder if they really think it's fun having to respond thoughtfully to everyone's personal crises here though, or if they're just being polite (and staying IC). They seem to me to be in a difficult position on this subject and I'm sorry if I'm adding to it, but if this is meant to be a community space then I'd like to politely suggest that maybe some of the Badger-clubby stuff could move to another blog so that people who aren't interested in that type of interaction could feel more comfortable here too?

- new york anon again

pandabob said...

Thanks Greg I would be really interested to learn more but I know you're a very busy man so I'm grateful for the any answer at all :-)

I hope the interview was productive and you are still riding the joy to cover any pain from bruises and aches :-)

pandabob said...

sorry Greg I meant to ask are you and John watching the match tonight? It's all on Italy now :-)

Anonymous said...

Actually, never mind, I retract my earlier posts. I'm really just a lurker anyway...if the creators are fine with the status quo then so be it. I apologize. I can scroll.

- NY anon

Greg Lestrade said...

Honestly, i am more than happy for anyone to share their thoughts on what I write about - obviously I have no control over what any of you write about.

Apart from the odd cathartic post I do for me, when the boys started this blog for me I did just intend to write about police stuff, really. And bike stuff, maybe now :) i didn't really imagine I'd get quite as personal as I have done, actually. i thought it would be a bit weird.

But sometimes, I come in from work and feel like writing a post, and I am a bit lost as to what to write about. So, y'know, anyone, anon or not, feel free to say things.

But I do admit to finding it odd that people would say what they want to see happen, but in the same breath say they won't read any more. I mean... I don't mind changing things I do, but there's no point if the person wanting change then leaves before it happens!

So, NY Anon, I thank you for your polite comments. I hope if you stick around then you won't feel like scrolling past too much.

And for anyone who wants to ask about...well, London, or policing, or my opnions on anything, or all that stuff, then go ahead. Don't be shy. I'm big enough and ugly enough to let you know if there's something I don't want to answer, don't you worry!

Today is scorchingly hot, I imagine Sherlock is causing havoc in a park somewhere, and I can't wait for my shift to be over and to get out of here.

Anonymous said...

How much havoc can a small boy cause in a park, anyway?

Anonymous said...

With the Olympics coming, will you be losing part of your team to security operations?

rsf

Anonymous said...

Oh a fair bit Anonymous, and that's just an 'ordinary' boy, not Sherlock!

Hope you all have a good evening,

Lancs. Anon

Anon Without A Name said...

Hope you've made it home in time to watch the footy, Lestrade :-)

Small Hobbit said...

Italian goal - L have you descended from the ceiling yet?

Anon Without A Name said...

Two now, SH - they might just do this.

(I think I can hear Lestrade yelling from here ;-p)

pandabob said...

the italians are on fire!! (hope it stays that way :-) )

Anonymous said...

That was never handball

Lancs. Anon

Small Hobbit said...

Hooray! ITALIA!!!

pandabob said...

Every english person must be jumping for joy at seeing the Germans beaten but for it to be the italians makes it twice as nice :-)

Hope you enjoyed the match Greg.

Anonymous said...

It was all Italy, all the way!

Lancs. Anon

Greg Lestrade said...

Sorry, didn't want to jinx everything....

I am surprised, but very very pleased :)

Celebrations are muted by the fact John and I are both wrecks :)

REReader said...

Ah, well, some things (like lots of mud and speed) are well worth a bit of wreckage... :D

I daresay you will both be reenergized by the delivery of a red shiny tomorrow... :)

Anonymous said...

It was a little like a fairy tale! I'd seen more action in the first thirty seconds of this match than in the entirety of the Spain/Portugal game!

At least the two of you are wrecked in the name of fun!

Lancs. Anon

Anonymous said...

My co-worker couldn't believe Italy won. I think he lost money on the game, but I was terribly pleased, and I don't even watch sports! You've corrupted me.

;D

rsf

Greg Lestrade said...

Not corrupted! You've just picked the better team :)

REReader said...

Well, a very happy new bike day to you tomorrow, John! (Which will be a happy for L, too... :))

(And here's hoping this Friday goes a whole lot more happily for Sherlock, as well.)

pandabob said...

Happy bikeday John :-) I hope you get some time to enjoy your new shiny thing.

have a good day at school Sherlock do you have some information ready about the pond for your new teacher?

Have a good day at work Greg :-)

Anonymous said...

I'm hoping that you are very very busy getting all your work out of the way so that you can go bike riding later Greg and that is why you haven't found your way here today. Theres no better reason for quiet blogs than new bikes and long rides!

HM

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, sorry - it really is just a bad time! I promise all of you who care that the spate of Anons (and non-anons) with various opinions isn't making me stay away!

Whoever asked if I'd be losing officers to the olympics... Err...i think they're losing me, not me losing them. Which is partly why i'm a bit manically busy. So, yeah, I'll try and post tonight!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, L! I for one was getting a bit worried because I'm an idiot!

Lancs. Anon

Desert Wanderer said...

Out of curiosity, how did you and Doc vote in your poll? Did you vote, Sherlock and Mycroft?

pandabob said...

Olympic policing sounds very interesting but very intense I guess.

I think we would all admit to being worried about all four of you and your desire to share your lives with us after all that has happened in the last few days so thank you for taking time out of your mad day to say hi :-)

Anonymous said...

I know I wasn't worried because they are big boys and if they decide to leave, it would be because they wanted to and not because some "mean anons" are being a bit too honest.

Pandabob and others, do you ever wonder that maybe the "trolls" have a point, they aren't trying to chase John and Lestrade away but they are tired of using the scroll button so much and they are wondering if there is a way to change that a bit or if leaving is the only option. I agree with that, I know a few who left already and I'm pretty sure I know what the clique would like us to do.

Jupiter anon.

pandabob said...

we've gained a few in the last few weeks as well though jupiter, and they've brought things in and all been made very welcome I believe. I can't think of someone who has posted a comment and not been welcomed by people, even if it's been done anon, but I could have missed one I know.

The whole point is that anyone is free to comment, put ideas in and change the subject so please don't think that any of the people here are not receptive to others. RSF brought a game in that has entertained people, the boys included which is only one example of how input is embraced.

It's been said before but no one here forgets that these blogs belong to Greg and John and at any point that they raise an issue or have a problem everyone is right behind them but luckily for them their lives have been a little less dramatic recently.

I think a number of the regular people around here are feeling less than comfortable right now for having upset people so I should think that things have changed a bit and hopefully those who had gone off the place before will like it again :-)

Anonybob

Anonymous said...

Personally, I do not want a welcoming committee if I comment on something John or Lestrade has to say. I wish they would write more, not less, but I hate having to scroll through a whole tea party every time I come here to catch up on what they're doing. Have it somewhere else.

ro said...

Dear anons with entitlement issues,

I can't believe you'd be so rude as to go on to someone else's blog and try to play blog police - especially when the owner of the blog has already had their say about how they feel.

Read/don't read - it's up to you. If you don't like the comments, read the entries only. No one is holding a gun to your head. You can even start your own blog, if you like, to complain about the people on here. Just don't do it here.

It's an unpleasant lesson we all have to learn, but we just don't always get to have things our way.

If you'd like to respond to this, I encourage you to direct your comments here, rather than making everyone have to scroll past *your* comments on this blog.

Anonymous said...

I have been guilty over the last few weeks of asking questions of people here that have probably encouraged some of the over sharing that people are unhappy about. I am very sorry that I have upset people by trying to get involved but I am more upset that I seem to have managed to focus peoples displeasure on someone who I have probably questioned more than other because she was polite enough to reply.

I have never posted a nasty comment I have just done a bad job of getting involved. I have learnt my lesson though and I hope people will forgive me for my mistake.

HM

Anonymous said...

HM, I don't think you've done anything wrong. You asked questions of someone who was willing to answer. John and Lestrade have already said they don't mind when we post things.

If someone has an issue with "over-sharing" then it's their issue, not yours.

Please don't feel intimidated by a few people who think it's all right to bully others under the anonymity of the Internet.

Anonymous said...

Dear ro,

Is it that hard for you to hear people with different opinions who actually like this blog but wouldn't mind some changes? If it is, I recommend the scroll button we've been using for ages until we reach this point where other people besides you "veterans" are actually saying something but of course we are just "mean trolls" but I do love the idea of your blog, it could be THE new place for you all good friends to meet and talk and I guarantee no one will bother you there or you could just put up with us and scroll.

Jupiter anon

Anonymous said...

I don't think it's actually possible for John and Lestrade to say what they really think here, but that's beside the point and I don't think they should have to weigh in at all.

There's a fine line between participation and oversharing in an atmosphere like this. I don't want to bully or silence anyone. But it does seem as though more than a couple of readers wish that some of the very frequent commenters here would just be slightly more self-aware and keep in mind that this is a public blog and there may be a lot of lurkers around who didn't sign on to read their life story. (And who read the comments because a lot of John/Lestrade interaction takes place here, so only reading entries is not the solution.)

Shutting up now and going back to lurking.

(And this isn't addressed to HM at all, fwiw.)

Anonymous said...

Jupiter, I'm really sorry that you're having trouble with the blog. I am. I know it's frustrating when you expect one thing and get another.

However, the very fact that you are being aggressive to Ro is why you have been labeled as trolls. We do not ask that you be all sunshine and rainbows. We do not even ask that you talk to us.

What we do ask is that you show the same respect to others you would like to be shown to you. This is NOT your blog. This is Lestrade's blog, and John's. And they have said, pointedly, they do not mind that people share things here.

You say the "veterans" have a hard time hearing a differing opinion and are a clique. The only differing opinion, however, has been phrased as anonymous attacks on others, and whining that things aren't done as YOU wish them to be.

If you wish people to not share things, then let us know when you think people have crossed a line. But do it politely, and not as an anonymous wank.

ro said...

Well put, Pip.

I love a good difference of opinion, makes life interesting. I can't stand rudeness, though, and that's what's been going on here. Rudeness towards Lestrade, and the other commentors.

I don't comment very often on here because my time zone is 10 hours ahead of London. Most of the talk goes on while I'm asleep. But if I want to say something to Lestrade or John, the option is always there, in that comment box at the bottom. If people feel they're being excluded, it's in their heads, not in fact. There is no 'clique' excluding people, there's just people who comment regularly, and those who tend to lurk more.

Anonymous said...

Haha you're hilarious. Anyone who disagrees are rude trolls but you all can say anything because you have a name like piplove or rsc or pandabob. Please write your name and address so you're not "anons" anymore. You keep saying this is not our blogs but you're sure act like it's yours. Do you honest think you're superior and less of a troll acting like people who wish that you post less about YOUR lives are awful mean "cowards" anons. This is Lestrade and John's blogs and if there are people who act like it's their blogs it's not us. Really.

Anonymous said...

By the way, does anyone know of any other word games we can play? The one that rsf did is great, but it hurts my brain sometimes, lol.

Anonymous, I find it amusing that you still post under Anonymous, while calling for us to name ourselves. Also, since you can't even type our names correctly, or spell, I honestly don't put much value in your opinion.

I hope the rest of your day is as pleasant as you have been.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps, like "The Game" post, there could be a post called "Fourth Wall" so we don't interrupt Lestrade's life again?

Who does Italy play next?

A from NW (who had a long week at work) said...

Can we all please just stop?

This 'discussion' is stressing me out just to read, and frankly, I don't think Greg or anyone else needs this kind of stress in their busy lives. Especially Greg and John.

Can we please, at the very least, be civil with each other as we talk about this? Please remember that the "anon"/"screenname" that you're talking to/about is also a person with quirks, virtues, and flaws. We all have busy lives: some of us have access to a computer more often than others, and thus can participate more if they chose.

The first rule I learned in a public community was 'Think before you post' and situations like these remind me how important the very basic rules are.

~A from NW

Anonymous said...

I've lurked for some time here and I like the communal atmosphere. Since the authors decided this would be a public post, it would feel bizarre if only the characters commented from now on, y/n?

I liked many of the ways the readers interacted with John and Greg - Bronwyn's inputs about forensics or cooking recipes, the Game, the advice to little Sherlock. As long as the comments remain blog-oriented, and don't drift into spacious "now let me tell you MY tale of woe" autobiographies, I'm fine with them.

Tl; dr - perhaps it's all a question of measure, folks?

Summer Anon

Anonymous said...

Ah piplover! You're such a charmer, spelling? Really? How can you expect us to remember your names if all we do is scroll?

My day has been wonderful! Thank you :-)

Ropip.

Anonymous said...

I think that we are all now aware of lots of different peoples opinion on how they want these blogs to run, I hope everyone involved has read all the opinions given and I hope that they will all be taken into account as we move on from this situation.

named people who comment, anon people who comment or people who choose just to read, one thing we all have in common is a love of the two gentlemen who own this space and the two boys they care so much for so hopefully we all understand each other a little better and can have fun together in whichever way we choose to enjoy this space :)

today marks the last day of June, how about we all move forward into July with thought and care for each other and a renewed endeavour to share and enjoy this space. :)

HM

Maz said...

Jesus, HM, this. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I like Sally and Mrs H and the other Mrs H too! And Anthea! And degus! And newts! And tennis! And motorbikes! And oooh, Greg the Florist is on the other blog! Yay!

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