27 December 2013

Now I've found a real love, you'll never fool me again.

Today's been nice. If a bit busy. All kicked off by pancakes, which Sherlock somehow managed to have chocolate on. I'm fairly sure there's some sort of minimum-sleep-quantity that one should have before being allowed to care for children.

Still, won't kill him.

My Christmas shift had highs and lows...

Lows: finding out I'd have to work New Years too.
Having to talk to a family who'd been woken up Christmas morning to be told their son was dead.

Highs: One of my officers being proposed to, via an elaborate ruse involving a cell, a custody sergeant and her boyfriend (also an officer, but who should have been off-duty and far away with his family). She said yes. The radio was a-buzz for the rest of the day with congratulatory messages.

John coming to visit me at the Yard. He said he was tempted to take the long way back home, the roads were so quiet, and biking was so nice! I didn't ask if he did or not...I suspect he might have, if just to keep away from the card games which were becoming very high-stakes!

And this story.

Anyway, here's a (small part) of our Christmas tree, becuase...well, because you have to see it to believe any tree could support the sheer amount of tinsel.






And...I've clearly done something odd in cropping it, because now it's sitting in a white expanse. Anyway, sorry re cropping, Mycroft was standing by it, and Sherlock was sitting under it, with tinsel wrapped around his head so...you get heavy cropping. It's lost some of the tinsel now, or I'd take another. The dogs took a liking to some of it. Basically, you can't actually tell there's a tree there, apart from a tiny bit sticking out of the top, and the odd branch-end.

Sherlock and Mycroft, now Sherlock has finished baking another Yule Log and biscuits, are actually co-operating on working on one of Sherlock's presents. We got him this:



It's a make-it-yourself tele/microscope, and you have to build it into whatever format you want. Mycroft is being Sherlock's assistant, after a long debate about which configeration was best to show their Mum. This mainly involves Sherlock bossing Mycroft about, it seems. Mycroft takes it like a pro. The word 'idiot' has been banned. Mycroft just called Sherlock blancmange-brain though, so I don't think we can ban enough words to make it particularly civil. Still, Sherlock needs Mycroft's help and expertise, so hopefully it'll all go okay.

If anyone here doesn't like Piers Morgan (I'd be worried if anyone did), there's a nice video here of him facing an over from Brett Lee in the tea break of the cricket last night. I mean, got to respect that he actually did it. A lot of professional cricketers told him not to, because he might die. But still amusing. And having said no one should like him, I do respect his campaign for more gun control in the US, now he's living over there, at least he's trying to do something decent, even if it's unlikely he'll succeed.

Who here is certain that John will look amazingly gorgeous in my new Christmas jumper? I'm going to make him try it on in a bit... I'm certain Mrs H won't mind.

John and the boys (or possibly Saint Nick, I can't remember) bought me the DVD of 'Police Squad' as one of my presents. Makes me laugh like a lunatic. I wish my office was like that...maybe I should start diving around, setting myself on fire...

Anyway, I'm being summoned for something to do with icing...I must go.

Edited to add Sherlock's baking because he said I HAD TO.


A Yule log that's 'better than yours'

Enough cookies to feed the 5000.



65 comments:

pandabob said...

Kids have way too much energy at Christmas!! I have no idea where they get it from but it really is nice to watch :-)

I hope Mycroft and Sherlock have been successful with their construction :-)

REReader said...

Oh, that story about the Christmas presents burglary, that was a beautiful thing those officers did.

Basically, you can't actually tell there's a tree there, apart from a tiny bit sticking out of the top, and the odd branch-end.

There was the nice tree smell! And the shape. Other than that, tinsel is much sparklier than needles, after all... :)

Maybe we can get a picture of Sherlock's Yule log (and/or biscuits) later? I'm sure it came out beautifully.

And that is a totally awesome gift you got him, however much bickering it's currently engendering!

I'm sure John looks gorgeous in his jumpers, and you look gorgeous in yours--it's like a set. :)

John H. D. Watson said...

At least they're getting creative, if not civil.

I'm now wearing his Christmas jumper...not sure he'll let me give it back.

Greg Lestrade said...

being creative, being educational... it's good!

It look stunning on you, my little snowflake.

Sherlock said...

Yes you can have a picture I can ask Lestrade to put it in his post I made ginger biscuits and i don't know if my yule log is better because we're waiting for Mummy to come to eat it or it's in a box so we can take it with us if we go out somewhere and later I'm going to wrap my cookies up for her and give some to Anthea too because I made LOTS.

REReader said...

Thank you, Sherlock, I'm looking forward to seeing your Yule log--clever, to have it in a box for instant portability. And how lovely to make a gift for your mum (and Anthea) yourself, that's always special. (And ginger biscuits, yummmm!)

Greg Lestrade said...

You did make LOTS. Because even small geniuses..genii? Whatever, apparently get confused sometimes, and think that a dozen is 6... we now have about 30 ginger cookies. Luckily, they are completely delicious. I should say we did have 30...probably about 26 by now.

John H. D. Watson said...

(24)

Greg Lestrade said...

They are good though. Especially with tea. We shall be making them again. But I shall be converting all the measurements from cups, because it's incredibly annoying!

Sherlock said...

They're on, but Lestrade has put my biscuits sideways.

REReader said...

Not to worry, Sherlock, I just turned my iPod on its side so the were right-way up--and they look delicious. (And it sounds like LOTS is just barely enough!) And your log looks wonderful--fork in a tree, I should say, which is a great idea!

Sherlock said...

it wouldn't fit in the tub if I didn't cut it so Lestrade said I should make it into a fork in the log and I know the icing is nice because I licked the beaters and Lestrade says he thinks the sponge is better and I hope it is.

Greg Lestrade said...

...so, I'm watching the Ashes highlights (there are actually some highlights this test!! Which is a first for the series). And Sherlock has now fallen asleep on me, with his pyjamas on and teeth brushed (because I said I'd tuck him in once he did those things...and then got engrossed in the cricket...) so, it's only right that I stay here, yeah?

pandabob said...

absolutely right Greg :-) There is nothing better than sitting cuddling a sleeping child.

Greg Lestrade said...

my only slight worry is that when I wake him to put him to bed he'll have slept enough to be 100% recharged again - which can't happen :) but maybe we'll manage to transport him asleep. With chloroform or something.

pandabob said...

That is always the slightly terrifying bit I'd agree!

Maybe it'd be best just to fall asleep with him and drag up a blanket. ;-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Maybe! I keep getting confused by the Aussie player called Watson. Keep thinking they're talking about Danger.

Greg Lestrade said...

John and I have got Sherlock into bed. If Mrs Holmes doesn't get us on the New Year's honours list for services to this country, I shall be disappointed.

John H. D. Watson said...

We honestly deserve a medal.

Greg Lestrade said...

You already have a medal. And a crown. I think Knighthoods at the least.

John H. D. Watson said...

Time for bed, Sir Gregory?

tresta said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Greg Lestrade said...

To bed, Sir Watson of Danger

Tresta - although your comment has vanished - I take pictures with my phone. I have no skills regarding photos, but I do love that now you can have your camera in your pocket at all times, to capture little moments you would otherwise have missed.

tresta said...

Who here is certain that John will look amazingly gorgeous in my new Christmas jumper? I'm going to make him try it on in a bit... I'm certain Mrs H won't mind.

I feel sure he's probably had it on already. For sizing, you know. But from comments it sounds like it might be his jumper now!

A very good solution, I think. John wouldn't be John without his cuddly jumpers. :-)


One of the dogs got itself trapped behind the tree earlier... Sometimes I wonder about them.

This made me laugh! Aren't they the size of Shetland ponies? Or Great Danes? Hope he didn't dismantle the tree trying to get out...

I am glad the boys get some time with their Mum tomorrow. Will you all do lunch, or will the boys go to be with her somewhere? Sherlock made reference earlier to boxing the Yule log, but it wasn't entirely clear through the excitement. And possibly some sugar.

Either way I am sure it will be pleasant for you; either family time or just-John time.

This is a new subject, but do you enjoy taking pictures? If so, what is your tool of choice: film camera, digital, cell phone, iPad? (if you have one). I hope it's OK to ask ; I do remember the profession of a certain somebody. But because you gave John the keepsake book for Christmas I figured you must have taken pictures. Or, I suppose, you might have just selected from pictures taken by a mix of people; you, John, Mycroft, and others.

Wonderfully sneaky, you are. It's a beautiful gift; I have wanted to tell you that. I did something similar for my nephews; the first one was a surprise for my eldest's first birthday, and I made his parents cry. I'd done it in secret, even gotten pictures from other family members, for events i wasn't present for, and they were quite moved. I did four years worth of albums for each of the boys.

It was an amazing and thoughtful gift.

And for a maybe-dumb question: I am curious how popular Macintosh computers are in the UK. Is there a mix like there is here in the US, depending on jobs and needs, or is PC or Apple more prevalent?

tresta said...

L, I got worried that talking about photography might have bad associations for you. So I resubmitted with some editing. Hope I didn't hurt you, either way.

Good night, you two. I hope you all sleep well. it's only 630mp here but I am REALLY tired. Cause I've not been sleeping well. I couldn't manage a schedule with Sherlock!.

I agree that you both deserve a medal for certain. More likely knighthood! And I love John's title: Sir Watson of Danger. Now you need one, L.

tresta said...

It was an amazing and thoughtful gift.

Yours I meant; not mine! Clearly I really AM tired!!

Kestrel337 said...

Okay, at first i thought the green stuff in the tree picture was actually TREE. Then I realized it was garland. Or Tinsel, as it seems it's called over there. To me tinsel is the long single strands of the shiny stuff, that you drape over the branches/tips. I much prefer garlands for ease of application and clean up. Though the tinsel flinging contest my sister and I had that one time WAS pretty funny. Sherlock's baking looks quite yummy, and I am envious of that amazing gift. Mycroft, you're a star. My sister is six years younger, and I remember.

tresta said...

Thanks Kestrel; I had the same mental image for tinsel. I like tinsel but have never used it since I've had my own tree, because I have always had cats and tinsel (US version) can be very dangerous for them. But garlands.... I love garlands (UK tinsel, apparently) and use them some to decorate as a cat-safe alternative. Also I use them as props some in pet photography, since you can get garlands that aren't Christmas related. For Christmas, I especially like the kind that are tree-like with pine cones and holly woven in. I decorate with several of these, even when I can't get my tree up and I love them!

Thanks for sharing the tree, L. And thanks for your observation, Kestrel, I learned something new. I always wondered about the dogs and tinsel since I was picturing the US version; it makes sense now that I know what tinsel is for L and John and the boys.

Sherlock, that is a spectacular tree! Will your Mum get to see it?

tresta said...

Ha! I also thought the green bits were the tree; REALLY good eye, kestrel! You are appropriately named!

Greg Lestrade said...

The strands of metallic stuff I'd call Lametta - but I don't know if that's what everyone here calls it.

Tresta - I think the boys Mum might take them out somewhere, it's a nice day here.

And yes, the dogs are massive, and occasionally slightly stupid, hence the getting stuck part. He got in behind fine, then just scrabbled about trying to escape and failing.

And don't worry - certain photographers I'm not keen on, but not photography as a whole. Mycroft likes it too, he takes much more care than I do when it comes to taking pictures. So does John, actually...

Um, Mycroft might be better to answer about computers. Or maybe we should have a poll. Mycroft has a Mac, all mine for work are PCs, but watching Mycroft work I can see the appeal of his ;) I've no idea how popular Macs are. Most businesses work on PCs.

tresta said...

Now I'm picturing tinsel (your version) with skulls or something like that,just for Sherlock! He'd probably love that. Here we probably have Halloween garlands/tinsel if you know where to look, but I remember conversations that indicate Halloween isn't as big a deal in the UK.



Since Guy Fawkes Night *is* a pretty big deal, maybe tinsel with firecrackers? Hee!

Did Sherlock and Mycroft complete their project? And did Sherlock choose a microscope or a telescope?

Greg Lestrade said...

The boys have gone off with their mum. Sherlock has discovered some fire stations are having open days today, and was last seen begging to visit one. Tonight we will undoubtedly be told all about it.

Until then..the day is ours ;)

tresta said...

Yay! That's happy all around! I'm so pleased for everyone. I can envision you all getting back a Sherlock vibrating with excitement about his day! I love how much he wants to share it with you.

You have so many options for a day alone with John. I am glad the day is pretty and the weather is nice.

Re photography: that is something I love. One of the things I said is that I always have a camera in the car and when I drive someplace new especially I like to be on watch for things that catch my eye: trees, or rock formations or old buildings in states of decay. I am reminded now of the fallen tree pictures John shared awhile back.

I agree with you in that it's great that the portability of a camera enabled phone allows you to take pictures wherever you are and is easily stashed in a pocket or a bag on the bike.



tresta said...

And a poll regarding computers would be interesting. I am fluent in both Mac and Windows and know how to use both, but I come from a Mac background and they are my preference. Mycroft and I could probably geek out over Apple together. Windows has some strong points too and I like it too. I struggled with DOS. I never really learned that: C:/ stuff.

Ah, computers, how I love them.

all mine for work are PCs, but watching Mycroft work I can see the appeal of his ;)

Apple's slogan used to be "Easy Is Hard". The intuitive aspect of Macs is one of the best parts. I assume this is what you mean.

Have a very lovely time, you two!

Tina said...

Yes! Immediately recognised the song! The radio station I listen to mostly, has it "banned", because of it being played almost continuously everywhere else since September. They just sometimes - with seemingly great reluctance and lots of apologies - play it directly before the news :-)
I still think it´s a great song - totally appropriate for the season and snow in general :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

We went for a bike ride out of town. Then a walk, saw floods, got cold, came home, warmed each other up again :)

tresta said...

I am glad you all got to enjoy yourselves today. I hope that the boys had fun, too. I look forward to hearing more about their day, if they feel like sharing later on. And yours! Did you already mention floods, or is that new? I kind of think it's not new but I am unsure?

Sorry if I'm not remembering something really important. The "Dangerous Christmas Lights" from a day or two ago ate my imagination! :-)

tresta said...

Did John wear his new snowflake jumper on your walk? :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

John and the boys saw some floods the other day, with Murray, but he and I headed out of town today, and saw some more - huge ones.

I also got really far, far too much joy out of him thinking he was hearing his phone vibrating in his pocket...that 'mmmmmmmm' sound, taking it out...there being no new notifications. Hearing it again..'mmmmmmmmm' taking it out, still nothing.... before I finally pointed out he was hearing cows in a nearby field mooing.

He got me back by trying to push me in a river because I was laughing so hard my lungs nearly gave up. -Don't smoke, kids, it reduces the amount you can laugh at your beloved before you just sound like you're having an asthma attack!

John H. D. Watson said...

You were doing all right up until you tried mooing at me...

Greg Lestrade said...

at least I can still text 'moooooooo' to you, even when I can't breathe.

John H. D. Watson said...

You're going to do that all day tomorrow, aren't you?

Greg Lestrade said...

...

moooooooooooooooo


I just have visions of cows looking up at each other, pausing while chewing the cud. "Was that my phone or yours?" "It wasn't a phone, it was Hilda over there, talking to Betty." "Damnit, I keep doing that! If only I had opposable thumbs, I'd turn on a ringtone and there would be no problem!"

John H. D. Watson said...

I think the only solution here is a sneak attack with cushions

Greg Lestrade said...

mphh...and your usual defence of 'Ssshhh, you'll wake Sherlock' won't even work for me!

My only option is....counterattack!!!!

John H. D. Watson said...

with a battlecry of MOOOOooooooooo... I may be laughing too hard to continue the struggle

Joolz said...

Oh that is just brilliant, probably the sort of thing I'd do, I don't blame you for laughing though. My husband was halfway up the loft ladder at the weekend, holding a box & his trousers fell down & I was laughing so much I could hardly breathe & I didn't even have the ex-smoker excuse.

Glad you've enjoyed your day together. Are the boys staying over or back late. Hope they've had fun too. was the Yule log as delicious as it looked.

tresta said...

L&J: ROTHLMAO

Joolz! That's funny too! I hope your hubby has a good sense of humor AND that he made it down safe. I figure you would have had to help him wit either the box or the trousers to get him down!

REReader said...

it wouldn't fit in the tub if I didn't cut it so Lestrade said I should make it into a fork in the log and I know the icing is nice because I licked the beaters and Lestrade says he thinks the sponge is better and I hope it is.

(When/If you see this in the morning--I'm sorry I didn't answer right away, Sherlock, but I had to go offline for Shabbat.) It looks very nice and artistic with the fork, so I'd say it was good luck it didn't fit! How did it come out tasting?


Tresta, I started not with PCs but with a KayPro--a CP/M machine, no less!--then moved to PCs and then to Macs. Actually, I switched to Macs for work, as I moved into design, and they are the design industry standard, just as PCs are the business world standard.

Joolz said...

Tresta - Unfortunately, I was laughing too hard and too much to be any help whatsoever and he had to try and balance the box in one hand and reach down and try and grab his trousers with the other before he could move either up or down the ladder on his own. I've always been nice and kind like that, but luckily he does have a good sense of humour! ;)

tresta said...

ReRe: I did remember that. And Macs being the standard for artists, designers, etc in the US it made me curious about the UK. There are always users who just LIKE the Mac OS, appreciate the interface, etc, and there are users who NEED the particular strengths of the Mac OS. I know librarians and lawyers, as well as graphic designers who swear by them. :-)

I just felt curious about what might be the status across the pond. L or John, are there Apple Stores over there? I figure there must be at least one in London; likely several, if the UK has them at all. I am just curious if the computers would be considered an import item, and you have to go online or if you can walk into a shop and buy one.

Do I make sense? I just got curious.

Greg Lestrade said...

The boys stayed over with their mum, yeah. I'm glad they got to see her for a bit.

Tresta - there are lots of Apple shops here. And you can buy their computers in loads of computer shops. I assume they are quite popular, getting more so now everyone owns iPods, iPads iPhones etc. but very expensive, which I'm sure puts some people off.

Anon Without A Name said...

Sounds like you and John made the most of your free time :-) Did you even manage a lie-in today?

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm working, so no. But John might have. Or might have taken advantage of the peace and quiet to get things done!

Anon Without A Name said...

Damn :-( I managed to lose track of your working days (or possibly, I've just lost track of what day it is completely).

Small Hobbit said...

Nameless, I believe it's Sunday, although I have a feeling Saturday was two days ago and tomorrow may be Wednesday.

Greg Lestrade said...

Supposed to work today and tomorrow then off again. Currently now scheduled for nights on New Years.

Kestrel337 said...

Joolz, his pants fell down AFTER the holidays? I should have such problems...

Nights for New Years sounds moderately stressful.

John, I've had similar experiences with songs playing on the radio that make a sound like my text alert. Or, when driving my aged van, a sound like the 'something expensive is breaking' alarm.

Sherlock said...

We stayed at Mummy's and I lit a real fire and Mycroft barely helped at all and it was good.

REReader said...

I'm so glad you had a such a good visit, Sherlock. :) Did your mum love your Yule log?

Sherlock said...

Yes she liked it lots she said I was clever.

REReader said...

It IS quite a grown up thing to have made, I'm sure I couldn't have done as well! And so is the kit you assembled (with Mycroft's help) to show her--what did you make in the end?

Sherlock said...

We made a microscope in case she didn't want to go outside and be cold with a telescope.

Lestrade is nearly home and we're having pizza and I've already cut up everything to go on top because I'm hungry.

REReader said...

That was considerate. Also, good thinking, as there are lots of things to look at with a microscope even if it gets cloudy.

Oooh, pizza! Now I'm hungry, too. :)

tresta said...

Sherlock, glad you had such a good time with your Mum. I hope you enjoy(ed) the pizza!
I have never tasted a Yule Log, but they sound very good. I did once have a Swiss roll cake, that was white filling rolled inside a chocolate cake and that was tasty. I am sure your Log was wonderful. Making it into two branches was very clever and I am sure not very easy! I think it's neat that you are developing your skills as a baker.

L- Apples are expensive, it is true. Not everyone can afford them; and some people probably can't see the advantage of them if they can get something else cheaper. I think mine has been worth the cost of it, but my backup computer is a PC, in part because I couldn't afford two Macs. Plus as I think I said upthread, it gives me access to some programs that don't come in Mac versions. And it makes me computer bilingual. :-)

Hope my question wasn't silly; I am not always sure how many things we do and have where I live translate overseas. Foods are a big one; I remember all the different sorts of foods I was exposed to in London when I got to visit there. I assumed Apple would be international, but you just never know! Availability and popularity might not be the same, etc.

Thanks for answering my question. :-) I am a curious thing. Kitty must be rubbing off on me!
=^^=

I understand that degus are pretty curious, too. How are Argon and Mercury faring after the holidays?

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