22 May 2014

Spring was never waiting for us 'til it ran one step ahead

First, public service announcement - Please Vote! Or live with the consequences of other people choosing who represents you. And I remind you, other people are sometimes morons.


Anyway, that done, Sherlock's absolutely outraged that he's been stuck at home, not allowed to the polls with either of us. The ballot paper for the European elections was actually taller than him, I think. And full of horrible parties! Anyway, seeing the number of people who can't tell the difference between white and yellow who were out voting, I'm glad I went ;)

Here's the recipe I'm going to make in a bit for Mycroft - in time for it to mature into it's flavours and be perfect for eating.

Work's been busy, paperwork central, meetings, various levels of outrage at current politics, more meetings... I don't know, it's a funny old job sometimes, being caught between an office and a crimescene. Funny old weather at the moment, too. Big thunderstorms today, interspersed with beautiful sunshine.


Still, next week is half term, we'll get Mycroft back, Sherlock will have yet more time off...but hopefully time he can enjoy, and I'm having half the week off, at least, to spend with everyone, and hopefully give John a bit of a break.



Speaking of, here is John, courtesy of Murray, this time.



Personally I think he looks like he's staring at me, pointing to his lips and saying 'Oi, kiss here'. It's what I like to think, anyway. That's currently the wallpaper on my phone :)



And now I've sat here for five minutes staring at his lovely eyes and not writing anything...


Anyway, Mycroft wants to talk about bikes and things when he's down, and we want to go off-roading, so a packed week!

Although I fear Sherlock will be wishing away the years...

70 comments:

Anon Without A Name said...

I liked the idea I saw on Twitter, that you should be able to put a cross next to a party to indicate you really don't want them, and they lose a vote :-) I think on our paper there were only two parties I'd even consider voting for out of seven on the ballot.

Greg Lestrade said...

That would be great. A few votes for those you do want, and an anti-vote for someone really repellent! I'm all for it.

John H. D. Watson said...

Once again, I'm just grateful I don't have food hanging out of my mouth in this one.

Greg Lestrade said...

I think you look very handsome. You have lovely eyes.

John H. D. Watson said...

Thanks, love. It does look a bit like that jacket has a Robin Sparkles-esque design on the back though (it doesn't).

Greg Lestrade said...

Bet it does.

Being a lefty, doesn't it annoy you to wear your watch on your left arm? Or do you just...take it off when working at a desk or something?

John H. D. Watson said...

For a long time I wore it with the face facing in so I could see when class (or whatever) was meant to be over without being obvious about it, and I banged it into so many things that way that anything else just didn't bother me.

Greg Lestrade said...

I see.

Guess I got used to wearing all sorts of bracelets and knuckle-duster sized rings, back in the day too ;)

John H. D. Watson said...

Suffering for fashion ;)

Greg Lestrade said...

Exactly! You try pulling pints all night wearing huge rings - you get blisters!

Joolz said...

Well done everyone for voting. Been working in a poll station today and turnout wasn't high but slightly better than anticipated so that was good & we had 11 mostly horrible parties on our ballot papers! Hopefully you'll be able to go with John & Greg to the General Election next year, Sherlock, that'll be much better than this one.

Lovely pic, John. I agree that it's a 'give us a kiss' look, Greg, all that's needed is the matching 'kiss me quick' hat. :)

Kestrel337 said...

Isn't there a fairly old jazz song with the line 'come on baby, punch me a kiss'? Or something like that? I can't find it on google, so maybe I just imagined it or something. Anyway, that's what the picture reminded me of.

Does anybody actually wear watches anymore? Cell/Mobile phones are so ubiquitous now, and usually have time displays.

Piplover said...

I can't speak for anyone else, Kestrel, but I started wearing a watch when I became an EMT, to measure pulse and breaths, and continued to wear it in the Army. No cell phones in the field. Also, can't exactly check a cell phone in the office, but I can always check my watch. I feel naked without it. When my RA flared up and I had to wear it on my opposite wrist it felt so weird, but the thought of going without was even weirder.

Tina said...

I second the watch thing - far quicker to look at than getting out my phone, flipping it open and try to remember wether it ran 2 minutes early or 2 minutes late...

Small Hobbit said...

I haven't worn a watch for years: phone, computer at work, clock in the car, clocks at home. And I get carpal tunnel so prefer not to have anything constrictive on my wrists.

Greg Lestrade said...

I wear a watch. Take it off when I'm in the office usually though, sit it next to me on the desk or it scratches up the top and annoys me.

I've actually got quite a few watches... Quite like them.

REReader said...

I used to always, always wear a watch. But then I started freelancing from home, and there are clocks all over the place, so I stopped wearing them except when I went out...and then I kept forgetting to put one on, and discovered it didn't matter, what with the time on every device I carry. (And now all my battery driven watches are dead anyway.)

Sherlock said...

I'm teaching Maftet to walk on her back legs

You should come home now.

Greg Lestrade said...

Take it I'm forgiven then?

Unknown said...

that's a very nice pic of John. Will the rate of kissing go up now that you're being reminded all the time? :)
I don't wear a watch because they don't last very long on me. I don't know if I'm one of those people who stops watches, or what, but they last forever as long as they are either in my pocket (I carried one that way through college) or strapped to my tote bag handle. Still, I tend to buy the cheapest one I can find that has a proper round face with hands.
S

Anonymous said...

That's not a bad photo at all, at all, considering the photo-ops Murray's had over the years. I'm partial to one of the ones shared not too long ago with the nice smile, though.

My watch wearing died out through lack of necessity, but sometimes I do miss it.

The upcoming week sounds wonderful - boys, chicken pox recovery, time off, bikes! Do you collect Mycroft today or tomorrow? I hope he's able to take a real break without much studying.

fA

Anonymous said...

Also: Please post video if Maftet chooses to walk two-legged, Sherlock. I'm not sure cats' hips are built to make that comfortable.

(There's a research project - is it construction of the hip joint, the capabilities of surrounding soft tissue, or overall weight distribution that determines whether some quadrupeds can, if motivated, walk on two legs? I doubt it's humane to use live creatures, or really safe for the researcher, I'd say it's a veterinarian anatomy text + kinesiology project.)

fA

Greg Lestrade said...

S- I always hope for more kissing ;)

We get Mycroft on Saturday. Sherlock is definitely full of energy again, and Mycroft says he's fine to take some days off studying. He'll take some revision material if we get away.

Sherlock said...

John said I had to forgive you because chicken pox isn't your fault and elections aren't your fault and so I have.

Anonymous said...

Sherlock, well done. Forgiveness is one of the things we struggle with all of our lives, and some people don't seem to try very hard.

fA

pandabob said...

You're a good lad Sherlock :-) I'm glad you're feeling better in time for your holidays :-)

Well done for surviving the chicken pox John, I'm impressed by your calmness about it all :-)

REReader said...

Very sensible, Sherlock--no point in blaming someone for things they can't control. And I have to ask--how did Maftet take to walking on her hind legs?

I hope you all have a wonderful week, with no more chicken pox and lots of fun. And cake. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

John's a very wise man.

Anonymous said...

I just clicked on the link to that cake recipe. My god, that photographer is brilliant. Possibly the sexiest photo of a slice of cake I've ever seen.

Seems like the muscovado sugar might be necessary to get the full impact of the icing - do you think one could substitute brown sugar + a tablespoon or two of molasses? It doesn't seem like it'd compromise the texture too much.

fA

Anonymous said...

P.s. Thank-you for the link. Fun even if I don't make it. :-)

fA

Greg Lestrade said...

I don't know, I'm sure it would be fine. I always sub things in and out of recipes.

Sherlock said...

We're getting Mycroft tomorrow and John says he thinks I'm not going to make Mycroft ill.

REReader said...

Excellent timing!

Joolz said...

I'm completely lost without my watch & keep looking at my wrist the whole time if I ever forget it.

That's great that you're released from quarantine just in time for Mycroft to come home & for you all to get away for a little break & to go biking too. What a brilliant half term to look forward to. Have fun guys. :)

Rider said...

I hadn't worn a watch since I got my first motorcycle jacket and it interfered with the sleeve...

Then a great many years later I bought a Pebble and now can't be without it!

Partly the "so that's who is calling me or texting me, I won't get off the bike for them" but I also find that knowing the time right now rather than hauling the phone out is great.

To the point I live with it interfering with the jacket sleeve....

(Plus as a gadget freak the Pebble is a lot of fun)

Greg Lestrade said...

I'd never heard of them, Rider. Looks neat. Don't think it's for me, but I can see some ex-watch wearers returning to the fold for something like that.

Anonymous said...

I wear a watch, and on the hand that I write with, so I guess I'm the same sort of weird as John. I forget why I started wearing it on that wrist, but now I'm just used to it. I'm not supposed to have my phone on me at work (I really should leave it in my locker but hardly ever do because I'm an addict), and clocks are not always super visible, so having a watch is very useful.

I hope half term is fun and useful for all. :)

Ella

Greg Lestrade said...

We're all going to need to go on a spin cycle and spend the day drying out after this...it is pissing down. But we will ford any river to get our Mycroft back :)

Anonymous said...

I admit I first read "spin cycle" as spinning around on your cycles in the rain (I am still on my first cup of coffee...) which may not be so far from the truth.

Welcome home, Mycroft!

Ella

Anonymous said...

Hooray for having Mycroft home! Hope the holidays start with a satisfying, if damp, day!

We have a three-day-weekend (I guess what y'all would call a bank holiday weekend?) here so I feel quite in the spirit.

fA

pandabob said...

I hope you all survive the Mycroft reclaiming mission with dry underwear at least ;-)
Enjoy your time at home Mycroft :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

fA - same here, three day weekend, not that it makes much difference to the boys, with it being a half term, John only working days he agrees to and me working any old days! But still, we've got a lot to plan, and now we're home and mainly dry, we'll get on with it :)

Sherlock said...

John says after half term Maftet has to go and have her operation because she's running about and I think it's fun but he says it's because she needs her operation but she can't have it until I'm back at school so she can rest afterwards and we're going away on holiday anyway.

Greg Lestrade said...

She is turning into a little whirlwind, dashing about through the flat, and literally climbing the walls (via the curtains). The internet does seem to suggest her time is nearly up.

Of course, you're much the same, kiddo, but it's illegal to do anything about you ;)

Anonymous said...

Sherlock's higher powers of reasoning and his larger size potential means that his curtain-climbing days are also numbered, though for slightly different reasons. ;) In the meantime, alter the more easily alterable!

Ella

Anonymous said...

Perfectly ripe avocado! Mmmm.

Time for loud music, cleaning and filing. By bedtime (10-12 hours) I plan on feeling a glow of virtue and accomplishment. Let's hope Murphy's Law holds off.

L.- I think Sherlock's vim, vigor and vitality would survive unimpaired, anyway. ;-)

fA

Anonymous said...

L.- I think Sherlock's vim, vigor and vitality would survive unimpaired, anyway. ;-)

As would his lovely singing voice...

Ella

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, I now feel uncomfortable having made that comment. Especially sorry to Sherlock.

Ella

Greg Lestrade said...

Ella - I should feel uncomfortable about laughing then ;)

Mycroft said...

As should I.

Anyway, Ella, it is a false statement. Sherlock does not have a lovely singing voice which could survive. He screeches in a manner which would suggest he is pain.

Greg Lestrade said...

Who was talking about strawberries? We just had some - delicious! Italian style ;)

Anonymous said...

Mycroft--ha!

Strawberries! Strawberries are delicious.

I am making jamabalaya (a concoction that is not quite soup that is rice, andouille sausage, chicken, tomatoes, and whatever the hell else you feel like throwing in, a new orleans dish) and listening to the neville brothers (also from new orleans). Y'all should come over. :)

Ella

Greg Lestrade said...

Sorry, but all I can imagine is these two - also Neville Brothers. Rather different from yours though, I imagine...

http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article841704.ece/alternates/s615/Gary%20and%20Phill%20Neville

Greg Lestrade said...

Maf should be banned from watching the footy. Goal went in, everyone went wild on the TV, she attacked a dog's tail.

Happily the dogs are very placid, even when she's trying to provoke them!

Anonymous said...

Yeaahhhh not so much. :) Try this:
http://youtu.be/fQX2dTwrOGs

They are all actually brothers, except for the drummer in the back, and the white guy.

Jambalaya fail. Edible, but not jambalaya. I used the wrong sort of rice, among other things. D'oh.

Ella

Becca said...

I was talking about strawberries! What's Italian style?

Greg Lestrade said...

Fragole al limone - get your strawberries, cut up any big ones, scatter sugar over them and the juice of half a lemon, leave them in the fridge for a few hours, turning them in the juice. Can sub lemon with red wine or balsamic vinegar if wanted.

Eat.

(and I must go to bed!)

Becca said...

Mmmm....I do that minus the lemon (lemon tastes like soap to me). Awesome on top of ice cream.

Kestrel337 said...

I did that once with raspberries and a nice-ish white wine. Yummy yum. We had a variation on Eton mess for dessert here; I used wafer cookies instead of meringues so it was egg-free. And added blueberries.

Greg Lestrade said...

I think it's the acid in the wine/vinegar/lemon that starts to break down the strawberries and make them even tastier.

You don't add ice cream or anything.

I'm very partial to strawberries and black pepper though.

Greg Lestrade said...

One of the dogs is chewing on a hide chew and it's deafening, crunching away on it.

pandabob said...

I think I might have to try that idea for strawberries, it sound delicious :-)

I am rather surprised you can pick the noise of the dog out from everything else that must be going on with so many of you in your flat but I hope it's stopped making a noise now :-)

Anonymous said...

We've made strawberries, balsamic vinegar and some shredded fresh basil, if the berries are good. With honey and very little vinegar if they're not.

John happy Federer won his first match at the French Open? The big tournaments are the only time I regret that we don't get cable television with ten thousand channels. Unless I go elsewhere to watch I'm unlikely to be able to see an entire match until the finals. Maybe the semis.

Hope everyone's doing well.

fa





Anonymous said...

Well, they replayed Federer's match in its entirety. Now lets see if we get all of Serena's match or just highlights. (I have run out of laundry to fold. Going to have to invent something else to do in front of the television.)

fA

Greg Lestrade said...

A year ago (ish) you lot had just helped me choose a new bike, and I was taking my family to meet my 'home' in Italy :)

This year...I think Sherlock and Mycroft are planning for us to go and live in a forest or something...

Anonymous said...

"Sherlock and Mycroft are planning . . ."

Hmm.

Well, you won't be bored. ;-)

fA

Desert Wanderer said...

I wouldn't have thought you minded that, Lestrade, being a fan of big woods and all...

Greg Lestrade said...

DW - good point, well made.

Not quite so keen on big woods with moss growing on them and bugs.

Anonymous said...

Ahh, DW. You've been missed.

fA

Unknown said...

wow, that was a whole year ago already! well, you could go again then... :)
My garland team danced at a sheep & wool festival today, and after we got done dancing of course I had to look at all the vendors, and I succumbed to.... more sock yarn than I had planned, that's as much as I'll confess to. I guess I'll be eating beans & rice for a month or two to make up for it in the budget. But, I has a happy. :)
S

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