25 October 2015

I find it hard to tell you, I find it hard to take.

So, I think I've discovered that I like Wasabi. Which is obviously odd, given that I don't like hot curries. But there's something about wasabi that is hot without being burny... I can't explain it. But I think I might have become addicted to wasabi coated peas, courtesy of one of my sergeants, Amy. It's probably a slippery slope. This time next year I'll be living under a railway arch mainlining scotch bonnets.

The rest of this, until just above the picture, is about my current work in child protection, so please don't read it if it will be upsetting.

My team is small (but, they inform me, perfectly formed). Honestly, it's frequently a very odd office - well, room - to work in. We're a bit squashed in, and frequently 3 or 4 people will be sitting at their desk, headphones on, notebooks out watching what would commonly be called pornography, but is in fact abuse. Until you've spent a whole day trying to note down every distinguishing feature on an offender and their surroundings whilst doing your best to ignore the actual content of the video you can't really understand how horrible parts of this job are.

On the one hand, it's a nice feeling to think you've 'saved' victims - albeit too late, obviously, for the ones you know about, and the ones you've saved before it happens, well, neither of you will ever know that. Because I'm under no allusion that without being caught these people would ever stop offending.

on the other hand, sending a body to a morgue for PM and having forensics hopefully give you a plateful of evidence will forever be easier and more pleasant all 'round than trying to interview a terrified 4 year old for evidence.

So, it's a job that is unbearable hard, but also incredibly worthwhile, and I'm still coming to terms with that, whereas most of the team are old hands and better at this than I am. Overseeing kids being removed from their parents/guardians, making decisions about informing completely unsuspecting parents about what's happened to their kid, explaining to wives (so far it's only been wives, although obviously won't always be) why we are arresting their husbands, and watching them realise their marriage has been full of lies, it's all...wearing. And wearying.

Which is why one of the things I'll be bringing back to my team is our 10am tea-break, where everyone who's in the office is welcome to gather around, with a brew and discuss whatever they want - from casework, to something that's made them cry, to how bad their suspect smelled when arrested - whatever, it's a time to share experiences and ideas, and it works really well. Brings everyone together, keeps everyone up on what other cases we have in.


On a far brighter note, both Mrs Holmes and John's parents and Nicky have all invited us for Christmas...or part of it, given work.

And here's a picture of the rugby we went to see. I believe if you look closely you can see SH, winning the trophy ;)

NZ, doing the Haka at Namibia.




Aaaaand....there was a great clamouring for another Upstanding Column (well, okay, one of you asked). So...have at it. As always, all information given is completely unfactual and entirely possibly wrong ;) the topic is anything, from recipes to romance, pet care to plumbing.

185 comments:

pandabob said...

I don't know how people do the job but I'm glad some people do Greg :-)

I love that you have lots of people to fit into your Christmas plans, I hope you get enough time off to enjoy them all :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Cheers - not even sure where I'll be working yet, but hopefully get at least a bit of time to inflict ourselves on others ;)

Becca said...

I used to love school as a kid, then it became a source of stress, and then a chore to get through. Am I completely insane for considering a masters degree? Before I drop the cash, I'm trying to figure out if I can hack it.

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm probably the worst person ever to ask about education :).

I guess it comes down to two thinigs. What would you gain from it? What would you have to sacrifice for it? Obviously money, as you mentioned, and time, i presume. And you'd get out...fulfilment? Better job prospects? I don,t know.

Personally, if someone told me i could spend 9 grand on a degree or spend it on riding my bike around the world, I know what I'd do, but that's just the stage of my life and career i'm at ;)

John H. D. Watson said...

Mrs Holmes and John's parents and Nicky have all invited us for Christmas

As long as it's not all of them together...

I'm sorry the job's so hard, love. On you and everyone else doing it. Just tell me if there's anything I can do to help.

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm sure I just replied to this...anyway, you help just by being around and understanding. And swearing at th washing machine, and all those normal things.

And why on earth don't you want to spend Christmas with your employer, in laws, and parents?? ;)

Desert Wanderer said...

That's so awful, Lestrade, but thank goodness there are decent people in the world willing to do the muck work to clean it up. Child protection is so easily overlooked, so complicated, so fraught with emotions. Let us know if we can help at all, yeah? I mean, I'm no Doc, but I'm good for a diversion or two if you need it.

Anonymous said...

A woman at work has told me she's fallen in love with me (I'm also a woman). I like her, but I'm relatively certain that the portion of me that feels great depth of emotion like love is broken, as I've never experienced any attraction to anyone else ever. The idea of trying something with her is intriguing, but I'm worried I can't be what she needs, that I, by nature, will not be as invested in the relationship as she would be, and that would be unfair to her. But I also don't want to be alone. I don't know what to do. :(

Greg Lestrade said...

Thanks, DW. You lot are very diverting :)

Anon - that's a tough one. Although I'm sure you're not broken, everyone's different.

I think all you can do is be honest. Which is far easier said than done. I mean, obviously I don't know her, but for me, ever expressing that sort of emotion to anyone is pretty terrifying, so she's opened herself up a bit there. So, if you feel able, perhaps do the same? Explain what you've said here - you're open to explore a relationship, but very uncertain about where it might lead, as you've never done it before.

Unless, of course, you feel it would make things very complex at work, and you'd rather just explain to her that you're not interested in a romantic relationship.

I'm sorry there aren't any more certain answers, but there never are, in love, I don't think. Frankly it's amazing any two people ever find each other and fall in love, I think, given the odds against it.

Greg Lestrade said...

Did everyone else see that comment on J's blog trying to entice nannies to Melbourne? How dare they try to steal him (although Sherlock would go...)

REReader said...

And here I was thinking they were insulting him by implying another nannie was needed!

Greg Lestrade said...

I would say I'm glad to be home, but a migraine and a house entirely full of creatures - both human and..less so...isn't that great.

Still, boys are cooking pizza. I just hope they don't eat every olive before it's time to put some on the pizzas.

pandabob said...

migraines suck :-( it's nice that the boys are there to provide lovely food for you though :-)

I hope it clears quickly for you and you manage some decent evening in return for your hard days work :-)

REReader said...

Ouch. I hope your migraine clears up (i.e. that you got to the migraine meds in time). (I hope I did, too. Ugh, this weather!)

Happy pizza-ing, all!

Greg Lestrade said...

I got pizza and Ice cream (Speculoos flavour, quite nice.), and I have thursday off. :)

REReader said...

That's a better end to the day!

Greg Lestrade said...

Today is generally better. And it's even stopped raining.

I think my boys have all gone out for an adventure without me though, but ith the hounds. Who do need a good run, and if they have their way, a good swim. And shake.

Joolz said...

Glad to hear you were feeling better today even if you missed out on the adventure. I'm sure avoiding wet dogs isn't a bad thing though. ;)

At least you have tomorrow off to all do something together which will be nice. Have you got anything planned or just going to see where the day takes you? I should think the off-roading place would be nicely muddy... ;)

Have fun wherever you end up. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

It would...wouldn't it.... hmmmmm :)

REReader said...

Glorious mud... ;)

Kestrel337 said...

Raining here, too. I don't mind. I do object to the 'S' word having been uttered.

Greg Lestrade said...

We are about to get very muddy....

REReader said...

Have fun!

pandabob said...

How was the mud? If the weather is anything like it is here I'd guess muddy ;-)

Sherlock said...

I'm tall enough to ride a proper bike not a quad bike so I did and it was fun and we were allowed out onto the big course at the end even though it was dark and we all fell off loads except Mycroft

REReader said...

Awesome, Sherlock!

Becca said...

That sounds like a blast! Congrats on making the height, Sherlock!

Greg Lestrade said...

One day John'll be tall enough too ;)

Seriously though, Sherlock looked at John and I today and announced he would be waaaaay taller than us, because he's only a quarter as old as us and he's already nearly as tall as us (John).

We did fall off a lot, because soft mud encourages very silly attempts at fantastic stunts.

Joolz said...

Glad you all had such a great day and that you were tall enough for a proper bike, Sherlock, that must have been brilliant. I'm not even going to go near the other height comments, I think you are the only one in a safe position to mention that, Greg - or if it's not safe then I'm sure you're happy to suffer the consequences... ;) Were the stunts you did manage fantastic at least?

We just need four more entries for the rugby tomorrow please - Greg, John, Sherlock and KT. Thanks.
http://www.carryon.org.uk/worldcup2014/index.php/167435/lang-en

Greg Lestrade said...

Oh, it's not safe at all. But my knees can take a battering ;)

Some of them were fantastic...others...less so.

And why do I always get the difficult questions from our youngest. Tonight's bedtime query was 'what's a spunktrumpet?'....now, do you go polite, and risk them saying it loads. Or explicit. And risk them saying it loads....

REReader said...

I assume he plans the questions specially. :D

(Or just has an inquiring mind. Although there's not much "just" about that!)

Kestrel337 said...

Generally, I try to walk the line between polite and explicit, and explain that it's a word for very specific circumstances and audiences.

Small Hobbit said...

Which then encourages experimentation to see what happens when it's used at other times ;)

REReader said...

Hey, SH, since I won't be able to be online tomorrow, let me wish you a happy birthday today!

Small Hobbit said...

Thank you very much RR.

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm fairly sure John and Mycroft both send him my way with his questions.

I wish I could inflict him on some people who seem incapable of answering questions I have around here.

REReader said...

I'm sure it would make them more contemplative and thoughtful people.

Sherlock said...

John and I did our rugby scores Joolz and we're having curry.

Joolz said...

Thanks for that, Sherlock, I was just waiting for your two entries to post the predictions for tonight so here we go.

South Africa v Argentina
Joolz 28-20, Small Hobbit 15-19, Lancs Anon 37-29, Greg 31-14, Sherlock 45-20, John 21-18, Nameless 23-19, Pandabob 24-20, Piplover 22-30, KT 21-16, REReader 28-20

Good luck everyone. :) (Hope you enjoy your curry, Holmes/Watson/Lestrade household.)

Joolz said...

So South Africa were victorious against Argentina and claim 3rd place in the World Cup. This has spread our table right out with everyone on a different score, which might be a first, so let's see how it stands going in to the Final tomorrow.

Small Hobbit - 71
Lancs Anon - 67
Sherlock - 66
John - 65
Greg - 64
Pandabob - 63
Joolz - 59
Nameless - 56
Piplover - 47
REReader - 44
KT - 38

Now we come to the predictions for the Final and the last chance for someone to claim that elusive bonus point for an exactly correct prediction, though chances are low seeing as we've gone through the whole competition without one so far.

New Zealand v Australia
Joolz 33-25, Small Hobbit 26-18, Lancs Anon 31-29, Greg 23-20, Sherlock 20-25, John 38-21, Nameless 31-25, Pandabob 32-36, Piplover 49-40, KT 32-23, REReader 25-30

Going in to the Final we have 8 people rooting for New Zealand and 3 for Australia and 6 thinking the score gap will be more than 7 points and 5 think it will be less so it'll be interesting to see how the final table stands. Good luck tomorrow everyone. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

You share a birthday with Bohemian Rhapsody, SH!

(And I can believe Sherlock is beating me in the rugby...but I can't believe he's beating John!)

Greg Lestrade said...

Happy birthday SH. Hope it's a fabulous day.

Play Bo rhap full volume and dance like no one is watching ;) I am!

Actually, I'm up to my armpits in pumpkin. We are going with a bat theme. And then making... Cheesecake? Maybe? With the guts.

pandabob said...

Happy birthday SH, I hope you're having a wonderful day :-)

Enjoy the pumpkin carving guys and whatever treat you make with what's left :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Had to explain Live Aid to Sherlock. Felt very old. Danced to Queen's Greatest Hits. Felt young again ;)

Made a sort of cheesecake type thing with the pumpkin. With ginger biccies on the base.

Soon going to have to settle down for the rugby though ;)

Anon Without A Name said...

Happy birthday SH!

Did you guys see the Red Arrows go over London on the way to do the Twickenham fly-past?

Live Aid - ah, memories. I had a Saturday job at Woolies, so I only saw bits of it on the TV in the break room during the day, sat and watched it all evening.

Joolz said...

Here we are with the final table and I don't think there was ever any doubt about who was going to win our competition. She hasn't been off the top of the table since the very beginning and has led the way in her match choices and also her team choices, being the only person to guess all eight teams to go through to the second round. The only thing she didn't manage was to get an exact score and I think we'll let her off with that one as not a single person achieved it all tournament. :)

So our congratulations all go to the Supreme Champion of the Rugby World Cup 2015 for an excellently played competition and she even fixed it so she'd triumph on her birthday too. (Happy Birthday SH) :)

Our Champion is:

*\o/* SMALL HOBBIT *\o/*

http://i61.tinypic.com/30shy6c.jpg

The final table shows that in second place was Lancs Anon and in third place was John, who managed to claw his way back above Sherlock who finished just above Greg in this last game. Congratulations to everyone and this is how the last table stands :

Small Hobbit - 73
Lancs Anon - 68
John - 67
Sherlock - 66
Greg - 65
Pandabob - 63
Joolz - 61
Nameless - 57
Piplover - 49
REReader - 44
KT - 40

Can I just thank you all for playing, I loved doing it all and it made the competition so much more fun to be able to share it with you all. Congratulations to everyone. Maybe if anyone is still interested we could do the European Championships next year. :) Thanks. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

Well done SH! Hope you treat yourself to a drink and a birthday cake to celebrate ;)

Anon Without A Name said...

Yay, SH :-D

Joolz, thanks so much for doing this, it's made the whole competition a lot of fun :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Yes! Thank you, Joolz, it's been a lot of fun. You're a star for organising it all (and organising us all!)

pandabob said...

Well done SH, great job all the way :-)

Thanks for organising it joolz, its been fun :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Mycroft and Sherlock have decided to 'celebrate' hallowe'en by speaking only in French.

I'm making a terrifying dessert. No one has dared to trick or treat us yet. Sherlock did want to go out with the dogs painted in luminous paint. Oddly enough, both John and I protested about that, no matter how much it might remind us of our first meeting...

Small Hobbit said...

Thanks for all the good wishes for my birthday! I saw Charlie & the Chocolate Factory with some friends this afternoon, which was a great way to celebrate.

And yay! for the rugby, which my second team won. Thank you Joolz for organising it - I'm amazed to have won.

REReader said...

Thanks, Joolz, I'm sure that it was a lot of work for our fun. :)

I'm not sure I get the connection between Halloween and French. (Although I would be frightened if I had to try to communicate with my high school French, so maybe...)

Greg Lestrade said...

So misty this morning we kept losing the dogs.

REReader said...

Now, mist that heavy, THAT's Halloween-y!

Desert Wanderer said...

How were things in the HolmesLeWat household after the rugby results, Lestrade? I mean, it's not often that John finishes on top of you, I would imagine? Or is it?

Greg Lestrade said...

Indeed, not as often as we'd both like! But you know, circumstances...

RR - there was no connection other than Sherlock starting to speak purely in French and Mycroft taking up that challenge.

It's a right pea-souper again.

Lancs. Anon said...

Yeah, it's thick here today as well, I set off at 10.30 on a sunny day and came home at a snail's pace with my fog lights on!

Greg Lestrade said...

Deeply glad I'm not longer on the beat. Not that anyone is, really! Chasing people in this stuff is ridiculous.

REReader said...

It sounds very Victorian.

Anonymous said...

Belated happy birthday, SH, and congratulations on your rugby prediction triumph!

Becca, my own experience of graduate school is that it is vastly improved (both during and in the aftermath) if you have some sort of endgoal for the process - as in specific knowledge, or connections to professional communities or opportunities, you're interested in. It can be very vague, and it'll almost certainly change, but I feel like it's important to have it.

There are so many opportunities in a decent program, both within and outside of coursework, that if you're too random, you risk spending your time interestingly but with nothing else but interesting new stuff in your head to show for it.

Which is in itself a worthy goal, but there are cheaper ways to get there!

IMO, of course.

-fA

Small Hobbit said...

Thank you fA. I presume this entitles me to more cookies?

Anon Without A Name said...

Out here near the Cotswolds the fog hasn't lifted all day; but we do live in an area that has a vague micro-climate. Last night the local town (two miles away) was completely clear, but this place was fog bound.

Becca said...

Oh, thanks fA. There is a definite end goal: getting employed! In a field I enjoy, even. The masters degree I want is basically mandated for employment in the field, and the school i want to attend successfully got all 28 graduates this year employed in the field within 4 months of graduation.

REReader said...

Mashable collected a bunch of foggy London photos: http://mashable.com/2015/11/02/britain-fog-photos-november/?utm_cid=mash-com-fb-uk-link#.VufRCwGpaq7. Very atmospheric to look at, but I'm betting it felt pretty clammy to be in!

Greg Lestrade said...

It became a beautiful day today, but is fogging up again now.

Spent the day with Sherlock, discussing Jack the Ripper, as you do...

Becca - that sounds very promising. How long is the course?

REReader said...

Is it some sort of Ripper anniversary? There was a show on PBS here last night, about Scotland Yard ostensibly, but really mostly about Jack the Ripper. (They showed anatomical drawings and photographs and like that. Charming.)

Greg Lestrade said...

Nope. He was just talking about committing crimes in the fog.

In those pictures you linked to - there's some very odd oak trees ;)

REReader said...

And he's never even seen fog compounded by horrendous amounts of coal smoke... Well, neither have I, but I have seen some pictures!

The ones in Whitby Park? (I don't know trees, for all I know all the trees in all the pictures are oaks...)

Anonymous said...

SH - how do you feel about leftover Halloween candy? I ran out last year, and overbought a bit this year! No one in my office wants more than a piece or two, we're all watching our weight or blood sugar or just trying to be healthy.

We had over 300 kids (seriously) in 4-ish hours - I'm sure at least 1/2 of those do live in this part of town, but our neighborhood is also a 'destination'. People run tame 'haunted houses' in their yards, folks decorate, there's the occasional music or adults being theatrical. My street has a pick up garage band that plays two doors down off & on from 6-10. They get better every year! Folks put those metal fire pits in their front yards and sit out and drink and chat. It's the first holiday since the spring where it's actually cool enough to be pleasant outside.

Becca, that sounds like a good program! I thought my master's work was very worthwhile, and I enjoyed it. If you go for it, I hope you enjoy it!

The fog is dramatic indeed. Doesn't look like much fun to drive in.

-fA

Becca said...

Got my cast off today and promptly crashed for a long nap. Walking suddenly hurts again, so back on the crutches till the pain eases off.

The course is two years, well, 21 months, so two falls and springs and one summer. I think I would love the material and the career. I'm just worried I might not be able to hack it. But doing the prerequisite courses will hopefully give me a better idea of whether or not I can.

REReader said...

That is very sensible, Becca--nothing like actually getting your metaphorical feet wet. I loved grad school enormously, but as fA said, it was a really expensive way to enjoy learning things (even with full fellowships)!

REReader said...

I hope your pain eases off promptly, too.

Becca said...

Thanks RR. That's my other hesitation. It's a huge amount of money, and I have strong beliefs about not saddling myself with student loans.

Anonymous said...

Glad you got your cast off, Becca! I hope the healing progresses quickly.

My grandfather was known for saying "put your money in your head, nobody can take that away from you," (the result, I suspect, of the circumstances motivating him to leave Poland for the U.S. as a young man), but calculating how long it might take you to pay back student debt is daunting. I took my hit in earning power lost through career change & time out of the full time workforce, my student debt was/is moderate and at a very low interest rate. If you are young-ish, a payment that you can afford for qualification in a field you love, with a high probability of being employed, sounds like a reasonable trade-off. But not everyone winds up with an affordable payment, and life does throw curve balls.

It sounds like you're progressing very sensibly. Good luck!

-fA

Kestrel337 said...

fA- what a fun neighborhood. We got 30 kids, which is better than double last year. Our neighborhood is changing, houses being sold to younger families, but we're still at the top of a cul-de-sac in an area with no sidewalks and no streetlights.

Spent the day at the urgent care, came home loaded down with medicines and on a liquid diet for two days. My first foray into 'yes, this isn't uncommon in people of a certain age', and 'it's a couple years too early but you should get a (extremely unpleasant test) done now you've had this'.

REReader said...

Yikes, Kestrel, feel better soon. (I got that speech a number of years ago--and then again when I developed cataracts. I say, better younger when your body bounces back better.)

Anonymous said...

Oh Kestrel, not fun! I hope you feel well quickly. Aging sucks, but RR makes a good point. My mom used to advise "if you think you're going to need it, why put it off - you're not going to heal any better in ten years."

Our neighborhood has turned over a lot of original owners (now elderly) and older & downsizing families in the 8 years we've been here. The change from our first Halloween here - maybe 60 kids, no neighborhood party - feels very sudden to me, because for several years I missed part of Halloween night & the trick or treaters for a football game (marching band, really) or some other kid's activity. So I missed a lot of the build up.

It's fun. I can see it starting to go a bit over the top - the neighborhood's been getting much better off in the last 4 years or so as housing here has shot up. This year someone was driving (slowly) around in a tricked out jeep - like, seriously auto enthusiast themed parade car tricked out - and I don't think taking the party to vehicles is a good thing with all the kids running in the street - It'll be interesting to watch and see how things go.

Feel better, Becca & Kestrel & anyone else kinda puny!

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

John, day from hell. Will be late, have paperwork from hell to do now.

Sherlock, I promise we'll make baked apples tomorrow instead.

John H. D. Watson said...

All right, love. Let me know if there's anything you need.

Greg Lestrade said...

A large scotch. And someone to do my paperwork for me.

But I'll settle for the former, when I get in. Hope your first day of peace and quiet after the holidays was a good one.

Sherlock said...

I can make you Scotch even though it's horrible and it won't make your day better and John and I are trying to make apples because really they're just apples and the tree already made them we're just making them better

REReader said...

I sure Lestrade will appreciate both the drink and the baked apples, Sherlock.

(You are quite right that the Scotch won't change the day, but it might help him feel more relaxed and that's something, no matter how awful you or I think it tastes!)

Greg Lestrade said...

You guys should eat. I have been offered a mug of pasta and a doughnut, which I'll be accepting.

But save me an apple, Sherlock!

Sherlock said...

We had beans and beans and sort of beans and fish fingers and we saved you an apple but you should come home.

REReader said...

How did your apples come out, Sherlock? (That's a lot of beans, that is.)

Greg Lestrade said...

That...is a lot of beans. Do I dare ask why your dinner was quite so...beany?

Sherlock said...

It was french beans and baked beans and peas and technically beans are fruits so really it was fruits and fish fingers and our apples were nice and we put sultanas and cinnamon and sugar and butter and peel in them. So we've eaten a LOT of fruit.

REReader said...

Good spin on the fruit front, Sherlock!

The apples sound lovely and perfect for autumn.

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm on the way home, kiddo, so I'm sure if you get your pyjams on and brush your teeth John'll let you stay up until I'm back.

Anonymous said...

Sherlock, sounds like you & John did well.

Greg, hope home is restorative.

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Normally I'd complain about my meeting today, but after my 'meeting' with a man and his largest kitchen knife on the floor of said kitchen for 5 hours yesterday, today,s was a breeze. There was even coffee and biscuits. We don't get biscuits in murder.

Anonymous said...

You kept that quiet!

Greg Lestrade said...

The lack of biscuits? I didn't want you thinking badly of Sal for not providing them ;)

REReader said...

...Wait, wait, what's all this about knives and kitchen floors?!?!

Greg Lestrade said...

It was a large portion of my day from hell yesterday. But today I'm going home on time! Meaning now!

Sherlock said...

he didn't tell me EITHER

REReader said...

And I notice he STILL has not told us much...

Greg Lestrade said...

I don't know what to say, really. We turned up to arrest the guy, he immediately told us, and his wife, that he was guilty. He told her to take the kids to school, we said we'd still be there when she got back - searching etc. He seemed completely calm, resigned to the fact we'd caught him. Then as soon as she's gone he heads for the kitchen, pulls out a knife and says he'll kill himself.... so we had a bit of a stand off.

It's quite hard to explain what's the live for when you've probably just lost your family, job and freedom, you know?

Anyway, eventually he gave up the knife and we took him in to custody.

REReader said...

Yikes. (Which is entirely inadequate, but all I've got, really.)

pandabob said...

Well that sounds like an awesome day Greg! I'm glad today was better and that you're home on time :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Today was better until the footy...

pandabob said...

Yup, that's not great!

Greg Lestrade said...

Sherlock, it really wasn't that interesting. It was long hours of getting cramp, needing a wee and trying not to run out of things to say.

Anonymous said...

Let us all appreciate those who do difficult & dangerous jobs. And recognize that they deserve a decent wage and retirement and the occasional bit of public thanks.

- fA

Joolz said...

A traumatic day indeed, Greg, sorry you all had to go through that but we'll done for eventually talking him out of it.

He only saves you the best stories, Sherlock. I remember when you used to have a crime story before bed.

Hope today is better for everyone. We certainly have a lifting of the fog so that's a good start.

Kestrel337 said...

I think I was around Sherlock's age when I realized that my Dad was only telling a certain set of stories from his time in the Vietnam war. Some things are very intense in the moment, but don't seem to come to much in the re-telling.

(Which isn't to say silence is the best way to process. Or only way, I guess I mean.)

Greg Lestrade said...

Some things I don't expect I'll ever tell people because 'a problem shared is a problem halved' is all very nice in theory, but frequently it's actually then a problem two people have, instead of one. (I'm talking about stuff that nothing can change, stuff from the past that is what it is.)

Sherlock said...

we went and saw a bonfire and fireworks and had soup and toffee apples and it was good.

REReader said...

Oh, yes, Guy Fawkes Day! (I forgot because we don't have that here.) I'm glad you had fun, Sherlock.

Desert Wanderer said...

Sherlock, how did your degus handle the fireworks? (And shouldn't the plural of 'degu' be 'degi'?")

Greg Lestrade said...

Everyone knows the plural of goo is goos, DW ;)

They seem completely unconcerned by it. maf isn't so keen.

Kestrel337 said...

L, I know what you mean about the things that can't be changed and not being halved. Some things just have to be borne.

Soup and fireworks sound like a great time! (In theory. In reality, I'm getting a bit tired of soup.)

Greg Lestrade said...

We're having more fireworks tonight, but just by standing and freeloading..

Anonymous said...

Anybody who paid for the fireworks is probably thrilled to have an audience to ooohhh and aaaahh. No freeloading involved.

You're almost up to the BRAT diet, aren't you Kestrel? Maybe I'm miscounting. Hope things go well interiorly.

As is my periodic wont, I announce that I'm trying to be on a health kick with lots of exercise and not much sugar or alcohol till Christmas week. Yeah, right. Hope springs eternal. And by announcing it I make you all free to spring minor interrogations on me about my compliance.

-fA

Anonymous said...

In a separate comment: L., I think it varies from person to person how much sharing is therapeutic and how much is just spreading the pain. My experience (more with vets than cops) is that the person affected is simultaneously the expert on their own needs AND the one most likely to over estimate the utility of stoic silence. You & John have done pretty well by each other for this long. May you continue to do so.

-fA

Anonymous said...

Hey Becca! How's the foot/ankle? Pain any better? Hope so.

-fA

Becca said...

Awww, thanks fA! It's doing much better. I think it was the shock of not being in the cast after six weeks of having that support. I'm still not walking, but I'm getting closer to that point.

Kestrel337 said...

Thanks, fA, for the good wishes. So far so good, doing a bit of a modified BRAT since I don't particularly like applesauce and positively LOATHE bananas.

Your plan is a sound one. I keep telling my kids; progress, not perfection.

Becca, glad you are feeling better.

Hope the second fireworks were enjoyable for all!

Greg Lestrade said...

It's grey. It's windy. It might rain. So we've done the British thing and gone to the beach.

Lancs. Anon said...

For my taste that's perfect beach weather, if you don't have to clean the salt off your glasses after a walk on the beach then it wasn't wild enough as far as I'm concerned!

Hope you all enjoy having the cob-webs blown away!

Greg Lestrade said...

It was great. the dogs would have loved it - but also got very wet, so on balance, an easier walk without them. We just wanted to get out on the bikes, go and do something to escape the city.

Sherlock said...

It was fun and we got coffee and cake except I had hot chocolate with cream and sprinkles and it's fun going a long way on the bikes because we haven't for ages and people look at me especially other kids because I'm on a bike.

REReader said...

Sounds like the perfect day! (Now I want hot chocolate with cream and sprinkles. Excuse me while I see what I've got in the kitchen that might do... ;) )

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great day!

Our weather is finally cool (not cold by any means) and had the first clear sunny day in over a week. I'm so used to sun that I think moving to Britain would leave me depressed. I'd need a light therapy box.

Best wishes for the week ahead, all.

-fA

Joolz said...

Sounds like a wonderful day. You can't beat a British beach in brisk weather, it's just lovely. :) We were walking along Blackpool beach one evening and the wing was blowing the sand so that it looked just like waves.

Hot chocolate & cake & envious looks sound good too. ;)

Hope everyone has a great day. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

It's very autumnal now, chill in the air, getting dark so early - fA, it doesn't sound like you'd cope that well, no! It has been a bit dismal here for a while now.

All the better to snuggle up in bed, though - I hate it when it's too hot to have a proper cuddle!

pandabob said...

We have glorious sunshine today :-) sadly we also have winds high enough to blow mini's pram off the curb on the way to the shop!!

I hope the day is going well for you all :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Send some sun down here. But not the wind. Hope Mini was okay about being blown away by the British Weather ;)

REReader said...

Here we had rain and thunder and rain and wind and I still hear rain. A good day to stay in!

Unknown said...

I'm enjoying catching up on everyone's news, having been awol for a few weeks... worked on a show at the local university costume shop, and managed to stay caught up in my own studio at the same time, whew! On the whole, I enjoy it, but commuting is a bear (how do people do it every day, and still get anything else done?!), and now I'm waiting for the lump sum to arrive. The worst was missing the last of the warm, sunny days, when my neighbors were all gathering the leaves off their yards... and I wasn't.
Something about reading this blog always makes me want to go bake! I generally don't get more complicated than muffins, but I did make a pie this past weekend. Gearing up for thanksgiving, I guess.
S

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm currently so busy I'm getting nothing done. Which i hate.

REReader said...

:(

I hope your day improves, L.

Greg Lestrade said...

What a contrast. This morning's two minute silence, then tonight it does actually sound like world war 3 has broken out - but only because it's Diwali, and the number of fireworks going up is breathtaking! Sherlock is happy. Maf is not.

REReader said...

If I am remembering correctly, Diwali is the Hindu festival of light, yes? That's good symbolism for today.

Anonymous said...

Lucky Sherlock & poor Maf! Of the many holidays of which I know almost nothing because they've not been part of my life, heretofore, Diwali is of my favorites. A friend who has worked and traveled throughout the East over the last four years posts photos of local holiday celebrations (mostly Hindu & Muslim) as they play out in the places she's living or working and it's fascinating and joyous.

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

One of my officers says she used to love Diwali a lot more when it was just her and her family and candles and lanterns - now it's all fireworks, which scare the little kids and she says it's not as good now, for her.

Been so busy I don't know if I'm coming or going. emails arrive faster than I can deal with them.

Still, home now. Sherlock wants to learn electrics. We might start with wiring plugs...

Anonymous said...

Sherlock with some practical electrical knowledge?

I wonder if it will affect his Christmas list. There are some alarmingly fascinating DIY projects in this world . . .

-fA

Joolz said...

Hope your day is less busy today, Greg, and you have time to catch up with yourself.

They do have some excellent kits for those sort of things, fA. I was looking at some in Maplins that give you a circuit board & accessories & a book with all the things you can make - it looks like brilliant fun, though I'm sure Sherlock would be able to make up many more of his own wonderful inventions.

Very wet & windy here today, hope the weather doesn't spoil anyone's day. Have a good one. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

Afraid no less busy, but I'm doing Sunday night, which will hopefully give me time to catch up. Doing it at the Yard, too, not my current place. Not much call for nights here, just early mornings.

Greg Lestrade said...

Utterly horrific to see what's happening in Paris. My heart goes out to everyone who is suffering.

Anonymous said...

It's so sad what humans can do to each other.

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Such a difference, the terrible events of last night, then this morning in central London is the pomp and ceremony of the Lord Mayor's Show. The contrasts life throws at us are so stark.

Can't imagine what the families of those killed or injured are going through this morning, when there is nothing to be done but mourn and remember. I've always lived through these events as someone who has a clear task to get on with in the aftermath - a focus, not just a chasm of loss.

I hope you all have good days, filled with love and joy, because it's what we live and fight for, and what those who attacked yesterday seek to oppress.

Greg Lestrade said...

In a complete change of tone...as a married man is it wrong to admit I have a little crush on a certain welsh rugby referee? ;)

pandabob said...

nothing wrong with a crush Greg, it shows you're human and that's got to be a good thing ;-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Well, you know, Anonybob, part human, part stallion ;)

pandabob said...

John is one lucky guy ;-)

Greg Lestrade said...

I know, I keep telling him! Not sure he believes me, mind ;)

Anonymous said...

"Married, not dead." Isn't that the line? ;-)

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Indeed.

Definitely not dead today. Pancakes have been had, roast dinner is in, Maf has already taken my spot on the bed for tonight, and Sal has been set the task of cleaning my office ready for my (brief) return...

Joolz said...

Sounds delicious. Hope you enjoy the roast later. Nearly as good as my first Christmas dinner of the season today - yum! :)

Do you have the pleasure of Sal's company this evening as well or will it just be the aftermath of her cleaning efforts? Hope you enjoy the catch-up if she is there.

Greg Lestrade said...

No, no Sal. i'm covering because everyone else is busy. Raids, court, holidays, you know.

Anonymous said...

Hope tonight goes well. Lots of ongoing actions caught up and no new human unpleasantness.

-fA

REReader said...

I hope your dinner was fun and your night is quiet and productive...

Greg Lestrade said...

Cheers, all reasonably quiet so far. And Sal left me some chocolate!

Greg Lestrade said...

Actually got to go outside with a coffee and enjoy the peace of a London night.

Greg Lestrade said...

And almost home time..

Anonymous said...

Enjoy the day at home!
(Those of us just getting underway for the week: go! go! go!)

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Thanks! I've made cinnamon rolls. I don't know what I'm missing, but John came into the kitchen, said 'Looks like a cinnamon roll' and cracked up...

Now we're waiting for Sherlock. I've no idea why, but I keep thinking it's Wednesday.

REReader said...

Maybe you had to be there? (Because I'm missing it as well...)

Kestrel337 said...

It's a meme, you can probably google it. (and it was me who said that, so I *think* it's pretty safe)

Greg Lestrade said...

Thanks, Kestrel, Mycroft texted to tell me 'it's an internet thing' too.

Anonymous said...

I'm impressed John is so au courant. Do we credit the boys, or is this just another surprise hidden by his low key competence?

Greg Lestrade said...

My better half is down with the kids, it's true.

Anonymous said...

I hope you meant for us to laugh, because i did.
Mentally, I heard you adding "He's a real hep cat."
;-)
-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

I think about 80% of my time on earth is meaning for people to laugh, to be honest. Sadly actual figures are probably much lower...

REReader said...

This is (in all seriousness) a very good goal for life. ;D

Anonymous said...

Yup. A very good goal. And we thank you.

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Well, today has been as grey as night for most of the day, and is now both grey and dark and so windy I'm almost scared to ride home in it!

Becca said...

Hope you got home safe!

Greg Lestrade said...

I did. Then went out again on an emergency raid. Am now going back home again!

Anonymous said...

The public certainly gets more than their money's worth out of you!

-fA

Joolz said...

Hope your raid was successful & you can have a bit of a lie-in to make up for it.

I think we managed to survive the tail end of the hurricane intact, hope everyone else did too.

Have a great day everyone. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

it was successful. Which is a good feeling. Makes it all worth it, in some ways.

REReader said...

*thumbs up* :)

Anonymous said...

Excellent.

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

You know what? 5 years ago my life changed. Well, I didn't know it then, exactly. Or at least, not the extent of the changes.

I met two brilliant, wonderful young boys, the most kindly, quick witted landlady I could ever hope for, and a cuddly Anteater. Anthea, I mean! I've no idea where the nickname Anteater came from...none. Don't look at me. Oh, and two big dogs.

And there was another bloke, too...short, tough, could kill you with any part of his body, including a look...don't remember his name. I heard on the grapevine he'd changed it, anyway... was 3G, I think? Like the phones? Something like that. Think he goes by Doctor Hotson-Lestrade now. Wonder where he is these days? Probably making all of some lucky bloke's dreams come true.

Love you, John Watson.

And thanks, Mrs Holmes - although you could've had us meet and fall in love over an escaped hamster, rather than laying on a full ridiculous filmesque drama involving helicopters and swamps...just saying ;)

John H. D. Watson said...

I think she was fairly restrained about the use of helicopters.

And I love you too. I'd say I'm the luckiest man alive, but I know you'd argue with me over it. ;)

Greg Lestrade said...

I would argue, and we can't have that, not on the anniversary of our crime-fighting-duo-first-meeting.

We could really get the party started by snuggling on the sofa and deciding which hideous novelty Christmas socks to give Mycroft in his stocking, though?

REReader said...

Happy meeting-versary, gentlemen!

(Surely you mean "novelty Christmas jumper" in that sentence there...)

Greg Lestrade said...

Nah - he's soon to be a student. Nothing says student life like wearing Christmas socks in June because you haven't done any laundry.

He'd go naked before wearing a novelty jumper...

John H. D. Watson said...

L - sounds like an excellent plan.

Small Hobbit said...

L - or going out to buy new socks because you haven't washed any ;)

Congratulations and enjoy your celebratory snuggle!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the meeting-versary!

Hideous novelty socks on gift giving occasions (or excuses?) are a family tradition started by my mother. I have to say I was quite touched when I learned that my son & daughter have both carried the tradition on as young adults.

Enjoy the rest of the evening, all.

-fA

Unknown said...

congratulations! Your meeting made not only your own lives better, but many others' as well.
My house is full of the aroma of baking pies, without me having to have done any work! my housemate and some of her friends baked a bunch of pies for a band fundraiser, and I think my bonus might be a bit of apple crisp from some of the leftover cut-up apples. yum!
S

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