19 September 2016

I strolled all alone through a fallout zone and come out with my soul untouched

So. The flat is quiet again.

 Mycroft has begun his new journey - the next chapter in his life. His college is lovely - small, old, all the things you'd expect from a college founded in 1897 really - although they kicked off in 1281, they just had a rough time for a while and only got back in in 1897.

Well, I'm not sure I'd have expected the monks, but Mycroft prepared us.

He got himself settled in, and then we went and found coffee. Which is obviously the next most important thing. Then had a little walk around the area, before going back and meeting yet more of his new...college mates?

Very odd, to be dropping him off at a new place, after seeing him off to school so many times. It is really nice though.

His mum is going to have dinner with them all at the end of the week. We've been invited to go back for dinner sometime, too, which is nice.

Sherlock scowled a lot. Even though he was getting a day off school for free.

Sort of for my birthday the guys got me a camera. I do like taking photos, and I usually just use my phone. But they asked Jo for advice and got me a great DSLR. Except it's for all of us to use, obviously.

Anyway, Sherlock took it up the allotment when we went up a few weeks ago and very politely asked some other allotmenteers if he could search their patches for things to snap. Then he was very quiet and patient and got some brilliant shots, which he wanted to share with you.





A fluffy bee.

A differently fluffy bee (Sherlock will kill me when he sees these inaccurate captions) 

Some chard. Which just WON'T STOP GROWING.
We were very impressed by his dedication and patience in getting the photos of bees. They're not the easiest things to capture on film (pixels), being busy and all, as is their way.

195 comments:

John H. D. Watson said...

Do you think we could just send all the chard to Mycroft and he can feed it to everyone at his college?

Greg Lestrade said...

I feel like there should be some sort of rule that monks just smile and accept all allotment-based gifts gracefully.

I mean, when a plant can grow faster than even Sherlock can eat it, that's going some, right??

REReader said...

Mycroft, it sounds like you've chosen very well (not that I would expect otherwise!).


Sherlock only scowling at Mycroft's college shows he's made great gains in maturity and self-control--and those photos are amazing! The bees look like you could almost stroke them, and those translucent wings...

Anonymous said...

Those are amazing photos, Sherlock! (I imagine if you put "fluffy" and "differently fluffy" into Latin they sound much more official as descriptors.)

Your chard does look healthy. Is there such a thing as chard jam? And if there is, are any of you up for making it?

Again, Mycroft, I'm pretty sure you'll thrive. May you find compelling work, good friends and interesting diversions.

-fA

pandabob said...

Those are great pictures Sherlock :-).

I'm glad you were all able to support Mycroft with the move and I'm sure he'd have been disappointed if there hadn't been some Sherlock scowls in the day ;-)

Greg Lestrade said...

The thought, even a few years ago, of Sherlock staying still for long enough to capture a bee photo, would have been ridiculous. He's a credit to himself.

Kestrel337 said...

A credit to himself absolutely. But also a testament to the value of a supportive family!

Anonymous said...

What Kestrel said. If they made a movie about how your created family changed the lives of everyone in it for the better, some would say that it was unrealistically positive. But . . .

And Kestrel!! You're starting a crafter/artisan blog? That's wonderful.

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

I've had a day of criminals pissing me off and a certain DS being sassy all day. And yes, Sal, I did hear you doing that impression of me.

REReader said...

I hope your evening was more pleasant...

Greg Lestrade said...

Don't want to worry anyone about Mycroft's potential powers...but he goes to Uni and 2 days later his university tops the world league tables and MI6 decide to recruit 1000 extra staff....I mean, it's a little suspicious, right??

REReader said...

Well...one could be a coincidence, but two is stretching things, isn't it?

Joolz said...

Your new University sounds amazing, Mycroft, I'm sure you'll be very happy there and it will lead you on to bigger and better things - early recruitment if Greg is to be believed. ;)

Fabulous pictures, Sherlock, well done for waiting for the perfect shot. Maybe it would be the ideal time to consider hives near the allotment to pollinate everyone's plants & grow more chard - it could be aiming for world domination. ;)

Anonymous said...

Best not to put the pieces together too cleverly or Mycroft won't be able to tell you anything anymore.

The question is: was DS Donovan's impression any good? (My money is on better than passing . . .)

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Just got a different sort of emergency call. From my husband. ' can you get Sherlock some pants? He forgot his and I'm stuck at work'

So I went on an emergency pants buying and delivering mission.

REReader said...

...On second thought, I'm not going to ask. Hurrah for the save!

pandabob said...

Forgot his pants?? That's a new one on me even with my three nutcases ;-) I'm glad you were able to solve that call easily though :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Anonybob - it was a swimming issue. He wore his trunks to school for swimming lessons, and no-one (John is currently getting the blame, despite Sherlock being entirely old enough to be responsible for his own pants) remembered to pack his pants for afterward. He didn't fancy going commando.

fA - the impression was quite good. She was shouting and pointing. "I am not your mate, kiddo." Which I had said to someone who was helping with our enquiries earlier...

REReader said...

In Sally's defense, that would be all but irresistible to imitate. ;)

Anonymous said...

Strong parenting, though on the "now, what? exactly?" scale for what one might have to bring to school, with 0 = "Oh,of course" and 10 = "Okay, explain it to me again, slowly, with the video cam on, so I have proof if I tell your gran," underpants on swim day is no more than a 4.

At least you & Sal are working together to keep up morale!

-fA

Small Hobbit said...

It made sense to me. Rather more than last night's Brownies, when having sent a note home last week saying we were going to the Barn Owl Centre and this would be an outdoor activity, the number of girls who turned up wearing only a t-shirt, with neither coat nor hoodie amazed us. It was a very interesting visit, but we had some cold Brownies by the end.

Anonymous said...

Oh SH, you know the odds that parents *remembered* the note, a week later, are nowhere near 100%. Especially if you have Brownies that leave the house in the morning and because of the child-minding arrangements or other logistics, don't get back to it again until after Brownies happened! The Barn Owl Centre sounds fascinating, I envy your Brownies the programs you put together.

-fA

Small Hobbit said...

Well, fA, the parents "remembered" the note sufficiently to bring the Brownies to the Centre, rather than to our regular meeting place. And since all of them turn up in uniform, having their hoodies with them wouldn't be that difficult.

Where we are there aren't many who go to non-family child-minding arrangements, so it's not particularly a problem.

Mycroft said...

Thank you all for your support and kind words.

I've been really enjoying myself so far. I have now met most of my tutors, and I'm sure I will enjoy my time here.

Kestrel337 said...

But with enough logical consequences (being cold on the outing and such like) they will learn to be better prepared. My old scout leader used to say 'there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad preparation'.

Greg Lestrade said...

Sorry, Mycroft, you might be at uni and taking over the world, but you still ended up in the spam.

Well done Arsenal! Keep it up!

REReader said...

Thank you for the update, Mycroft (and for rescuing it, L!). Good to hear that everything is looking good!

Greg Lestrade said...

National Police Memorial Day today. Raising a glass to all the fallen officers.

Greg Lestrade said...

I hate car chases

REReader said...

Was everyone okay at the end of this one? (I'm assuming there was a this one.)

Anonymous said...

What, you mean it's not as glamorous as it is on t.v.? It's actually dangerous?

Like RR, I hope the outcome was o.k.

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Everyone was OK, but we couldn't get the helicopter so we had to let them get away in the end. I wasn't chasing - don't have a marked car. Very frustrating, and incredibly dangerous.

Greg Lestrade said...

Well, goodbye to the most successful England footy manager we'll probably ever have... 100% winning record.

pandabob said...

You can't do better than a 100% record can you other than not turning out to be an idiot of course!

I hope your day has been useful :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

He has gone down in history as an idiot, and an annoying answer in pub quizzes ;)

Moderately useful, yes. Sally told me I was too grumpy though. Me. Grumpy. As if.

pandabob said...

Grumpy? You? I can't believe that ;-)

I'm glad it's been a reasonable day for you.

REReader said...

Clearly either you or Sally needs your grumpy-meter adjusted! :) I hope you're having a good evening, anyway.

Greg Lestrade said...

John, could you ask Sherlock if there is a reason that the final slide on my presentation on people trafficking is now a puffa fish??

Anonymous said...

I hope you found your fish friend in a run-through and not while giving the presentation . . . (I won't lie. I might have smiled-almost-laughed)

-fA

John H. D. Watson said...

Ah...I could. I have now. But think you may find his answer unsatisfactory. He says because they're amazing. Which, to be fair, is a bit true. But I've told him they're not amazing in that particular context.

Greg Lestrade said...

It was a live presentation - I've given this presentation a few times, so wasn't expecting a surprise puffer fish to pop up at the end.

I'm just glad it was the end. Everyone saw the funny side, which is probably not such a bad thing after a pretty heavy afternoon.

Someone is getting a lecture tonight on not introducing additional slides to work presentations though, Sherlock Holmes, no matter how interesting they are.

John H. D. Watson said...

No one expects the puffer fish inquisition.

REReader said...

John, the puffer fish made me smile--your inquisition made me LOL!

Anonymous said...

Now I'm envisioning puffer fish in no-doubt-historically-inaccurate religious garb. Yes, I chuckled too, RR. Thanks John.

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Mmm cheeky weekday off work. Lots of cuddling my husband and then distracting him from his daily routines.

REReader said...

And excellent plan!

Joolz said...

Now that sounds like the ideal way to spend a day. :) Everything always seems more exciting when you feel as if you're getting away with something. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

Also gives me yet more insights into how lovely and thoughtful he is. For instance, this morning, about 10.30, it suddenly poured down. Torrential rain, cats and dogs, stair rods, the lot. I look at it and think 'glad I'm not out there.' John looks at it and says 'Those poor teachers.' And I'm thinking 'Why? What's happening?' (obviously I'm easy to read, too, because John follows up with: 'All those kids, trapped indoors right at break time, with a morning's worth of energy to burn off.'

See, he's amazing, he's thoughtful, he's caring.

(I went back to sending an elaborate email to Mycroft regarding the chances of Anthea training the hounds to drag her around Oxford on an adapted dog sled.)

Anonymous said...

Oh, if Mycroft only took your flights of fancy more seriously . . .

Glad you got a day at home with the husband, and that some distracting was accomplished!

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Cleaned the windows today. Then got told off by John for letting Sherlock help. Apparently from now on we're getting a window cleaner.

Joolz said...

Oh dear. If Sherlock was hanging out at heart-stopping angles I'm sure it was almost as scary as my friend's 3 year old son who watched his dad climb on the roof to fix the chimney and then decided to do the same thing himself by climbing out of the bathroom window, on to the garage roof and up from there!
Perhaps a window cleaner is a good idea in this instance. :)

REReader said...

Oh, yes, I'm sure Sherlock will enjoy helping a professional window cleaner even more!

:D

Greg Lestrade said...

In hindsight, it wasn't the most sensible thing to teach a young daredevil

RR, professional window cleaners stay at ground level, so a bit less dangerous.

REReader said...

No lowering themselves off the roof in scaffolding the way the do apartment houses here? How boring--that's no way to see inside strangers' homes!

Greg Lestrade said...

Not on a building our size. Big tower blocks they use ropes or cradles, but just four or five floors and they do it off the ground.

REReader said...

Do they use ladders, or just really long-handled squeegees? (Which I'd think would be quite difficult to manage, actually.)

Greg Lestrade said...

long handle squeegees/brushes, with the hose running up to the end. I've no idea how hard it is - they make it look easy, obviously!

REReader said...

I've never tried using a long-handled squeegee (obviously), but I've tried vacuuming the picture rails in our apartment from the ground (I am short and the ceilings here are quite high) using extender pipe-things and found it very hard indeed. I did manage not to break anything, but only because I gave up very quickly and got a ladder instead!

Anonymous said...

Hey, have a peaceful and inspiring New Year observance RR. (I must be a bit disconnected from the rest of the world this year. I usually know Rosh Hashanah is coming up, I mean, how can one miss it as a not-insignificant number of people I know observe it, but somehow not this year.)

Anonymous said...

[posted too soon] I'm going to blame my obliviousness on the U.S. elections. They take up too much brainspace and are way too traumatic this year.

-fA

REReader said...

Thanks, fA! I'm just back from my sister's, where I spent the holiday--not surprising you lost track, the holidays are very late this year!

And a Happy New Year to all! :) The Days of Awe run through next Wednesday, where they end with Yom Kippur, so it is still an appropriate wish--may you all be sealed in the Book of Life for a good year!

Greg Lestrade said...

Happy new year RR

REReader said...

Thank you! :)

Greg Lestrade said...

I can't say I ever enjoy murder cases. But I dislike some far more than others.

REReader said...

Oh, dear. I hope you catch the perpetrator quickly.

Greg Lestrade said...

We have him. In court this week

REReader said...

Ah. Well, here's hoping for a quick conviction and a loooong sentence.

Greg Lestrade said...

He went ' not guilty ' so I think it will be fairly slow. Got my hopes up for a decent sentence though.

REReader said...

I hope so too, L.

Hey, pandabob--according to LJ it's your birthday, so Happy Birthday!

(I have given up. This year in American politics is not real, it's a fever dream.)

Joolz said...

Happy birthday Pandabob, hope your girls have spoiled you rotten. :)

Here's a bit of fun if anyone fancies a go. I got 0.1% 30325.
http://www.arealme.com/vocabulary-size-test/en/

Greg Lestrade said...

Happy Birthday Pandabob. I hope it was a good one!

I've just realised, looking back at some comments on here, that Sherlock didn't get an online birthday mention! We were so busy I guess none of us remembered to post. Anyway, as you can imagine, it went down with vast amounts of cake and promises to let him choose a holiday destination when we've all got a moment to escape.

REReader said...

Oh, no--it was weeks ago, surely? A rather belated happy birthday, Sherlock (even more belated by time you see this)! Have you narrowed your holiday choices at all?

Greg Lestrade said...

It was indeed weeks ago, Anonybob's birthday just suddenly reminded me.

REReader said...

It's been a busy time, with school and university starting on two different schedules and all. (I'm only surprised that Sherlock didn't tell us himself! :) )

pandabob said...

Thank you for the birthday wishes guys, I've been completely spoilt by my kids (with help from friends and family) and we've had a great day and it even involved child made cake in the shape of a turtle :-)

Sorry we missed your birthday Sherlock, I hope you're settled into the new year at school and that you have great fun choosing a destination :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, Sherlock is a bit more self contained now he's older. Very happy with his own company as long as he doesn't get bored.

REReader said...

That's a good trait to have, to enjoy the inside of ones own head. (Of course, it's even nicer to be able to choose when to do that and when to look outside. :) )

REReader said...

It's a bit early yet here, but better early than not at all!:
May you all have a good fate sealed for you in the Book of Life.

(Yom Kippur starts this evening.)

Anonymous said...

Missed your good wishes, yesterday, RR. Belatedly, the same to you.

Kestrel337 said...

Best to you, RR.

REReader said...

Thank you! :)

Greg Lestrade said...

Even more belatedly, L'Shana Tovah, RR - I think that's what the guy on the radio said (albeit a few days ago...and yes, I did have to look up the spelling.)

Been dead busy here. And Sal said today I'm lucky that the boys love school, because I'm like a scary teacher. Don't see it myself. scary, maybe. teacher..naah.

REReader said...

Thank you, L! (The guy on the radio was right, it translates to "To a good year," as in what you are wishing. :) )

Scary teacher--I'm sure there's lots your team learns from you!

Anonymous said...

Who'd know better than Sally? She's worked for you for a pretty long time.

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

I'd hope he was right, RR, I think he was the Chief Rabbi.

Today I need saving from 'blokey' chat. Stakeout with someone talkative is like torture.

REReader said...

Ha!

(Don't say about torture too loud or you'll have rescuers... ;) )

Joolz said...

Oh dear, are you going to be there all night? What you need is a nice friendly police doctor to be doing his rounds on his bike & stop off for a visit. ;) Have you got a bag packed with little treats from that very person.
Hope you at least catch your suspect to make the endless chatter worth something.

Greg Lestrade said...

I'd welcome rescuers. The line between friendly 'banter' and innapropriate comments/behaviour was crossed. But the crossing of it is not something you can really point out when you're stuck with the same person for the next hours. So you just get to stew on it. Or moan to your blog readers.

REReader said...

Not Good. :( If moaning helps, go right ahead.

Greg Lestrade said...

He's quietened down a bit. I can only assume Sal is right when she says I go glacial when I don't like someone.

Anonymous said...

I hope the stakeout was successful, or productive, or whatever is in the realm of possibility for that endeavor, since you had to suffer so in its accomplishment! Were you out all night?

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, out all night, and then had a nice cozy 'chat' over breakfast back in my office. And booked a nice friendly training course for him. And a nice meeting with the DCI.

Needless to say, when a conversation has gone roughly the lines of:

"Cor, look at her, I'd do her, no questions, what about you?"
"I'm married." (which is far less than I'd like to have said...but like I mentioned, trapped in a small room for many hours...trying to keep things civil.)
"Married, mate, not blind!" (And further references to a young lady's 'attributes'.)
"Married and perfectly happy with my husband."
(Awkward pause.)
"What about him, then, in the pink shirt? Probably your type?"

(very much edited for language)

Then the defence when challenged shouldn't rest on equal-opportunities leering...as if somehow making inappropriate comments is fine, as long as it's toward everyone.

I struggle to understand how some people have survived this far in the job.

REReader said...

Well, apparently a person can be far, FAR more inappropriate (what a ridiculous understatement, "inappropriate", I can't even) and still be a US presidential nominee, so. *taking deep breaths in an attempt to lower my blood pressure*

THANK YOU for taking steps.

Kestrel337 said...

How frustrating to be stuck in that situation. I'm glad there was some recourse after, though, and that there are people who are willing to challenge that sort of behavior.

Anonymous said...

You're my hero of the day, L.! As long as it's not obviously disrupting the job, every place I've ever worked completely ignored such behavior. Acted as if it wasn't happening, unless someone made a complaint - and then there's the inevitable feeling that the complaining party was, at least partially, creating the problem by forcing management to address it.

(RR: 2016, right? It's been a weirdly awful year.)

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

It's just so startling inappropriate. In any line of work, but especially in this one. And saying he wouldn't say such things in front of victims of crime (which was one of his lines of defence) is missing the point entirely.

I genuinely don't understand the mindset.

Mycroft said...

Anthea has threatened to send each of you a large photograph of me at metriculation to hang on the wall if I don't make 'more effort' to keep in touch with you all.

So, I am here. I am enjoying myself a great deal. 'The Monks', as Lestrade insists on calling them, as if they were a single entity, are all very pleasant and interesting. I find I quite enjoy sitting and listening to some of their singing and chanting at Daily Office, especially when sung in Latin.

My fellow students are a mixed group, but we seem to get on well so far.

I think my favourite place so far is the library, which will probably not come as a surprise.

Thank you very much for the 'study snacks' you sent, John. They were much appreciated.

I hope you are all well.

Kestrel337 said...

It must be so peaceful to listen to the singing and chanting, Latin or otherwise. Google isn't much help on matriculation...all I'm getting is that it's a formal ceremony at the beginning of University? All I ever got was orientation and directions to the financial aid disbursement window.

Joolz said...

It's great to hear that everything is going so well, Mycroft. I'm glad you're enjoying all these new experiences whether in English or Latin, and making the most of the snacks for every occasion - they're always so much nicer when you don't have to buy them yourself. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

Latin and the library, eh? Don't go too wild with that student lifestyle ;)

Glad you're enjoying yourself. Anth did send us a quick snap of you being metriculated (if that's what you call it?) You looked very smart.

Sherlock wanted to send you some hallowe'en decorations, but we weren't sure if the monks wanted you consorting with the spirit world.

Anonymous said...

I think Sherlock should at least get to send a seasonal card! (Mycroft, you have been warned.)

Pleased to hear you've landed in a good place for you Mycroft! (I am very fond, myself, of Gregorian chant, though I don't know if that's the right period/style for your services.) No doubt you'll sort out the fellow students you're most compatible with over time.

Commendations to Anthea for looking out for the feelings of those you've left behind!

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

I don't think I've ever seen a hallowe'en card... are they a thing people send? (I have no doubt Sherlock could whip one up).

Small Hobbit said...

I imagine in Sherlock's case any hallowe'en card will contain vast amounts of glitter.

We were in Oxford on Saturday morning and saw all the students on their way to and from matriculation. I don't think I've ever seen so many white bow ties at once. And the gowns of course.

REReader said...

I have never been sent a Halloween card, but I've definitely seen them for sale so someone does! I feel sure Sherlock could produce an appropriately scary card. :)

Anonymous said...

Halloween cards aren't traditional but I've seen them. One of my kids enjoyed making cards for any and all occasions - including those the rest of the world was unaware of - so that's why my mind goes there.

I agree that Sherlock could produce a very fine - and probably glittery - card!

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Excellent score from Arsenal tonight. There's fourteen men who can put a smile on my face with a bit of good ball-handling and some dribbling.

Greg Lestrade said...

We're going to visit Mycroft during half term. He can be assured no corner of Oxford will be left un-glittered.

REReader said...

What fun!

Greg Lestrade said...

I think i need a hug. Is there a doctor in the house?

John H. D. Watson said...

Of course, love. What happened?

Greg Lestrade said...

Ah, nothing really. Just say through a lot of very depressing evidence in court this morning and have nothing better to look forward to this afternoon! So looking for distraction in form of my lovely husband. And coffee?

John H. D. Watson said...

Coffee sounds great and hugs are better in person anyway. Shall I leave now?

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, I'm free until a case review in a couple of hours.

I might even treat you to a slice of cake.

John H. D. Watson said...

Can't refuse an offer like that ;) See you soon!

Greg Lestrade said...

Never mind milkshakes, it's my cake that brings all the boys to the Yard ;)

Joolz said...

I'm surprised John is even coming for your cake after you admitting you are interested in the ball-handling skills of fourteen other guys. ;) It does sound like a lovely way to spend your afternoon though so enjoy. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

That is the power of cake...

REReader said...

Beware the drawing power of cake...you never know whom else you might attract! ;)

Sherlock said...

They trained a bumblebee to pull a string to get food and then it taught all of it's hive and that shows bees are really clever.

REReader said...

That is amazing, Sherlock! It's one thing to learn new things--that takes one kind of intelligence--but to teach others, that's much harder, and a different kind of intelligence altogether.

Anonymous said...

I have to google this bee-teaching-bee science. It sounds fascinating!

I am now thinking about cake. I blame you, Greg Lestrade.

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

I happily take that blame.

Remembering the families of Aberfan today. The last day of term here, happily waiting for our kid to come home from school. Unimaginable to think almost an entire school full of children never came home.

REReader said...

:(

(I'm sorry to say that I had to look up Aberfan. Beyond sad.)


If it's the last day of term--Have you got plans for Sherlock's delayed birthday trip for the holiday?

Anonymous said...

I had to look up Aberfan as well, RR. Tragic.

While googling, I "accidentally" found a chocolate cake recipe that looks amazing. But one of the current inhabitants of my home can't eat chocolate (sad face!) so it seems cruel to make an entire delicious cake. It might have to be vanilla-pear pound cake again. I should resist. Nothing with a pound of butter in it is healthy, and it's not like we wouldn't eat all of it within a week.

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

So far, with Sherlock only being home for the holidays for mere hours, cake has been eaten, my office has been visited, John has been run ragged and our microwave has been taken apart (and not put back together again....)

The next week should be easy, right?? (I'm quickly signing up for every shift going.)

REReader said...

I suppose microwave shopping is on the holiday schedule...

Kestrel337 said...

Which puts me in mind of a conversation we had with one of my children. Turns out you can make AAA batteries into AA batteries. With tin foil. Which she knows for a fact works, because she tested it. In the television remote.

Greg Lestrade said...

we put the microwave back together. John wouldn't let us turn it on though. So...yeah, we might get a new one.

Kestrel - it shows....initiative? :)

REReader said...

I quite see John's point of view--but on the plus side, I'm sure it was quite an engrossing activity, and educational too!

Sarah said...

Where have i been all month that i missed those beautiful photos of bees? Nice captures. Congrats to mycroft on entering this new stage, i'm sure he doesn't need to be reminded to take advantage of every opportunity he can squeeze in. The library alone is a wonder. :) This year seems to be slipping away faster and faster.
S

Greg Lestrade said...

Thoughts with the injured officers up in Glasgow.

I am suffering in my own small way... Forgot my glasses. Sal had to show me how to make stuff bigger on my computer. And everyone keeps giving me unusually tiny handwriting on things. As if the universe is laughing at me.

Anonymous said...

Not the universe, but maybe your team?

I'm sure it's all with the utmost respect and affection. Pay no attention to the snickering noises drifting in from the hallway. ;-)

Do you have those holiday "camps" that are popular here where the kids spend a half-to-whole day doing themed activities? Some of them are primarily educational, others recreational, & in a city as large as London I'd think there'd be some geared to gifted kids - if there were one at Sherlock's interest level it seems like that might save John's sanity.

Of course, Sherlock could come home on a new and unexpected investigational tangent, but that happens anyway, right?
-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

After my comment Sal began giving me messages written in felt-tip on entire a4 sheets of paper. Pisstaker.

pandabob said...

Did you remember your glasses today Greg? If not your going to be running short of paper by now ;-)

I hope you're enjoying half term John ;-). You too Sherlock.

Greg Lestrade said...

I did! The world was clear again. Well...clear as it ever is...

REReader said...

It's amazing the difference glasses can make...

Kestrel337 said...

Even more amazing is the difference CLEAN glasses can make :)

REReader said...

I hear you, Kestrel--it's very very true. :D

Greg Lestrade said...

Good part of the day - one of my suspects had been caught by another force.

Bad part - I'm still in Manchester picking him up.

REReader said...

That's a long day. Have a good weekend to make up for it!

Greg Lestrade said...

finally heading home, leaving my guy tucked up in a cell.

Sherlock said...

we made truffles.

Anon Without A Name said...

Sounds like (delicious) fun, Sherlock. Are there any left?

Greg Lestrade said...

There are still some left!

And I promise I'm thinking of everyone who has to work an extra hour tonight....but I'm looking forward to my extra hour in bed :D remember to change your clocks, whoever it applies to!

Anonymous said...

Our clocks change next week. I am SO looking forward to that hour!

-fA

REReader said...

I'm with you, fA!

Sherlock, truffles?!? Yummmmmmmmmmmmm. ;)

REReader said...

Sherlock! Did you see the SciShow about why glitter sticks to everything? https://youtu.be/8W2zPD2Mc9M

(TLDL: Because science.)

Greg Lestrade said...

...we have been to a halloween school disco.

I have been traumatised by many ghosts and ghouls.

REReader said...

Sounds like fun!

Greg Lestrade said...

I went as frankenstein's monster. John made a very Yummy Mummy. Sherlock went as a zombie pirate. Mycroft was probably very glad he was well out of it.

pandabob said...

I'm sure Mycroft was there in spirit, did you check under all the tablecloths? ;-)

It sounds like a fun start to the new term :-)

REReader said...

When I was Mycroft's age, I probably wouldn't have wanted to dress up--but at this point in my life, all I can say is your costumes sound AWESOME!!!

Anonymous said...

I am perhaps not being fair to everyone else's creativity, but I do wish there were a photo of John in his costume . . . one you were willing to share with the Internet, that is . . .

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Got my first plastic fiver today. Bit weird, aren't they??

REReader said...

...plastic money? Won't that be confusing what with "plastic" being synonymous with "credit cards"?

Greg Lestrade said...

I can't think of an instance where it would be confusing? But perhaps I'm just not thinking very hard.

REReader said...

I haven't seen any of the plastic money, so I'm just musing on language. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

To be honest, the reason I only have my first one now is because I do everything on plastic. Contactless is king these days!

REReader said...

I pay pretty much everything with credit cards too; since there is a $50 limit on liability here (and the companies almost never charge that) it's the safest way to pay.

Joolz said...

I have to say I don't really like them myself. They're certainly weird, as you say, almost like kids play money. Contactless is definitely the way to go though. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

I can't remember how we survived when you got your wages in an envelope - contactless is just so easy. Although it does mean I've almost forgotten my PIN... getting old, see ;)

Anon Without A Name said...

I'm not a fan of contactless - I like to know I've authorised a payment on one of my cards, so I'm a chip-and-pin luddite :-)

Did you know you can play vinyl records using the new fivers? http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/37630555/how-the-new-five-pound-note-plays-vinyl-records

Greg Lestrade said...

I just like the speed, Nameless.there never seems to be a time I'm not in a hurry!

I did see someone demonstrating the bank note playing a record on TV.

Greg Lestrade said...

Well, there was cold noses, and fingers and toeses, but then mulled cider with warming herbs and spices, and fingers up jumpers and fireworks exploding, toffee apples and marshmallows for toasting. I shall miss this, as the boys grow older, and John and I sit inside on the sofa, although perhaps we'll never grow up, or at least we'll be bolder and instead of worrying about hugging in the dark, on the fringes, we'll stand hand-in-hand, by the fire that tries to singe us...maybe one day we'll even be there with the next generation, with sparklers and wide eyes of adoration, fireworks high in the skies above, bathing us in colour as we still burst with love.

Happy Guy Fawkes, everyone.

REReader said...

I love this look into they hypothetical future...may it all come true! :)

Joolz said...

That sounds amazing. Glad you all got to enjoy that.

We were going to stroll along & watch some along the banks of the river but got turned around by lines of police by Parliament because of the March we knew nothing about at the time. Glad you didn't get roped in for that, Greg. The policeman we spoke to said they'd been called in from other places so it was obviously a very big presence.

Enjoy your day everyone. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, the Million Mask March is now an annual event. A lot quieter this year, thankfully. And avoided by me ;)

Greg Lestrade said...

Sherlock, John and I are applying reflective skulls to our bags, helmets etc. Because I wanted something extra reflective on my rather non-reflective gear, and Sherlock and John chose skulls....

John H. D. Watson said...

I think everyone will agree that skulls were the way to go.

Greg Lestrade said...

Sherlock certainly seems more enthusiastic than he otherwise might about road safety.

REReader said...

Gotta agree, skulls are just the obvious choice!

Greg Lestrade said...

Well, everyone, but especially you Americans, good luck, whichever way it goes!

REReader said...

Thanks... (I don't find that as comforting as it should be. VERY NERVOUS HERE!)

Greg Lestrade said...

Well. That's....

pandabob said...

Yup!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my god. I am American. One of your frequent lurkers. And I feel horrid.
How?Why? I can't fathom voting for that person. Just...how?

REReader said...

Today is also the anniversary of Kristallnacht. I can all too easily see that happening in Trump's America.

REReader said...

(Only with a bigger group of hated.)

Greg Lestrade said...

Also the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.lets hope that is more inspiring....Although the wall Trump likes talking about would suggest not.

REReader said...

Yeah.

It's not a good day.

Greg Lestrade said...

Not at all. Not my end, either - although could be far, far worse.

Danger, I'll be late, still on scene at the moment.

Thoughts very much with the friends and family of those who've died here in the tram crash today.

REReader said...

Really not a good day. So sad and scary. (Both countries.)

Anonymous said...

Leonard Cohen, 2016? I know he was 82 and had said he was ready to go, but really?

As far as the election, well, we're going to take care of each other, we're going to double down on the work, we're not going to let those who'll use this as permission to exercise their bigotry and hate get the upper hand.

-fA

Anonymous said...

And as much as I love "Hallelujah," "Anthem" speaks to me.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDTph7mer3I

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah. Very sad. What a talent. I'll be sticking a few of his records on to remember him.

Mycroft said...

Sad news indeed.

My musical taste has been widened enormously since moving to London and Leonard Cohen is someone I find very enjoyable to listen to.

Greg Lestrade said...

And now Robert Vaughn too. I always wanted to be Napoleon Solo with a little pen walkie-talkie.

Anonymous said...

You came closer than most! - law enforcement - and have a bit of scary-by-association with the competent and mysterious Forces of Ms. Holmes.

Yeah, I keep wondering if 2016 is really such a reaper, or have I just gotten old enough that everyone I remember since childhood is now really old?

-fA

REReader said...

With Leonard Cohen, the world lost a poet.

As my brother put it on Facebook, "So, how does everyone feel about reloading from a save point? Maybe 1990?" (He'sflexible on the date. Pick a good year, any good year.)

Anonymous said...

Good to hear, Mycroft! The poet in you will find its way. Some people make the mistake of thinking that only the emotionally extroverted (you might say undisciplined) have rich inner lives.

-fA

Anonymous said...

I couldn't choose, RR! There are so many pluses and minuses in every year, many of which I wouldn't even be aware of to factor into my decision. (That's why I've never seen the appeal of time travel, either.)

-fA

Greg Lestrade said...

I certainly wouldn't be going back. My life is growing as the boys are. Every year seems a bit brighter, to be honest.

REReader said...

Nice place to be. :)

Small Hobbit said...

I'm with Nameless, chip and pin every time! I got talked into going contactless last night, but then insisted on a receipt, so it wasn't much progress.

Anonymous said...

Good thing to hear, Greg.

-fA

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