After dropping Sherlock off at school this morning John and I went for a jog. Was the sort of morning where your whole body hurts - fingers and feet are cold, skin is chilled by the wind, lungs ache because the air is so cold...
So naturally we had to find a large warming breakfast and hot coffee/tea!
I think I need to invest in some new thermal layers anyway. The bike trip yesterday was pretty freezing too. The wind chill is phenomenal. SO I should get something good for running as well as biking.
Sherlock is desperate to get decorations up for Christmas - which will most certainly wait until Mycroft is home. But we might encourage some home-made paper chains or something. And there's still bee-innards to be made. So even if it's freezing cold tomorrow, there's plenty to do.
November feels like it's lasted forever. But I can't believe it's only just over 3 weeks until Christmas. That just feels...stupid. Unbelievable. And having spent last year at Christmas with John and the boys...I can't believe we've got another one! We have traditions... it's great.
I am completely dreading the fact that next year it really really will be my turn to work Christmas Day.
116 comments:
next year can worry about itself for this year enjoy all your traditions and enjoy making some more :-)
Something to stop you freezing when biking/running will come in very useful given it seems like we're having a very long and very cold winter, we don't want you turning into Mr frosty or anything ;-)
I got as far as "holly pricks" and the visuals (not to mention the consequences) were too much.
Since clearly everyone is still contemplating "holly pricks" and the consequences I shall post some good news to give people something else to think about ;)
My son and his wife are moving into their new house today, having exchanged and completed on the same day. And my daughter passed her finally nursing exam, just the assignments and placements to get through now.
Congratulations to them all! Great news.
great news SH :-)
Congrats on managing the month Greg, I hope it wasn't too much hard work for you.
Have a lovely day whatever you're up to.
We're making my bee because it's cold out and there are loads of people and earlier I went on my bike and John and Lestrade ran.
Sounds like exciting times in the best way, SH! Hooray!
L, are the thermal layers for bike riding or running different than the things you bought for camping? I go in and look sometimes and it seems like they've got specialized gear for everything.
Is there a tree on the school grounds that Sherlock's class could decorate with things birds like to eat? (Outdoor's the best place for popcorn or berry strings anyway.) If Mrs. N is agreeable, that is. She might be overwhelmed by the class show prep. I think you're right that your own tree should wait for Mycroft to come home.
As for next year -- Christmas has twelve days, right? :D
Stay warm!
rsf
That sounds like fun Sherlock :-)
Did you make john and lestrade cycle really fast to keep up?
Enjoy bee making.
I always go really fast. They can never run fast enough.
I'm cutting a down a Christmas tree today. All of the family is gathering at a tree farm in the mountains. Actually it's only my parents' tree I'll cut this year. A little strange not to get one of my own, but my new place is way too small. Still it's our family's official start of the Christmas season. And it very slightly snowing so everything looks perfect.
But I'll tell you Sherlock, no one is going to put it up or decorate it for another couple weeks.
I want a tree and snow!
That's good Sherlock :-) you helping them get fit while getting fit yourself means more nice treats can be had at Christmas (maybe)
Yes! I got a chocolate that was orangey in my advent string this morning.
I love orange chocolate, Sherlock; it always reminds me of Christmas. What did Lestrade and John get in their strings?
I expect London will be bustling with even more people than usual every weekend now until Christmas, lots of people doing their Christmas shopping, and treating themselves to a weekend in London to see the Christmas sights.
How's the bee coming along?
John got one with a purple bit in top I think it was lavender. Lestrade got a coffee one. Think all his might be coffee.
Orange chocolate is good. Also choclate oranges. (I like smacking them to make the slices loose.)
KHolly, once you cut the tree, why do you wait before putting it up or decorating? I've always had boughten trees that someone else cut down.
rsf
I find chocolate oranges way too sweet.
Sorry, been quiet making bee innards and fighting another migraine.
I'm sorry you're not well again Greg, that's rubbish :-(
I'm keeping the worst at bay with pills. Might have to go and have my head reset at this rate.
Years ago had a bloke crack my neck/back, that seemed to get rid of them for a bit.
it might be worth a try, lets be honest anything is worth a try when you're suffering like you are at the minute. I'm glad the pills are kind of working a bit though.
yeah, it's pretty tedious. Just don't really know who to see. Might ask around the yard for recommendations
I'm sure someone will be able to point you in the right direction.
Quiet questions here that you can pretend I never asked but have you seen a doctor at any point about migraines? or had your eyes checked recently?
I hope you're getting some relaxation tonight :-)
When I had my own house I put up my tree on the 6th for Mikulaš (when Slovaks celelebrate St. Nicholas). But my mother grew up with German grandparents who out the tree up on Christmas Eve. So she and my dad compromise and put it up their tree about a week before Christmas.
L, I found that after visiting a chiropractor, my migraines dropped significantly. I'm wondering if you thew something out of whack when you and John were in that accident.
I hope that you feel better soon.
AnonyBob - no, not seen a doctor - apart form the obvious one! And had my eyes checked a while ago, when I got my reading glasses.
Piplover - yeah, it was an osteopath I saw, I think. And I hadn't thought of that. Although I've always had migraines, just more at some times than others.
My doc managed to reduce mine quite a bit when he worked out the problem so if the back cracker doesn't solve it maybe give it a thought?
In regards to chocolate oranges, more for me! Although I only really like the dark chocolate kind.
As for the migraines, I wish you luck. I tried Imitrex once and it made me feel worse, so I just sort of cope with them and hope for a chance to lie down in the dark.
Are the bee innards almost complete?
rsf
Bee innards still have a way to go - but SHerlock will need something to do over the Christmas holidays if the weather isn't the best, so that's okay.
I'm sorry you're hurting, Greg. This is the first I've been out of bed today myself. I'm glad you've been able to at least stave off the worst with meds.
Cheers. Sorry you're not feeling good either.
Right now I'd like...oooh, three months off work. Think anyone would notice if I just didn't go in? Just spent my days with John instead? Maybe I need a sabbatical...
But instead I've got a horribly early start, on a Sunday, and I'm still awake now...
And have just realized that I called you Greg and you've said you prefer Lestrade...so, I'm sorry about that, too.
No, no, everyone else seems to prefer Lestrade - I really don't mind being called Greg. I'll answer to either thing. Certainly nothing to apologise for.
A sabbatical sounds lovely!
Short of that, I hope you drop off soon and that sleep gets rid of the headache by morning, L.
(Sorry you're hurting, Kestrel.)
That's...OK then. Thanks for the clarification. Another me would find something gracious and nice to say back, but she's hiding. I hope you get some good sleep and feel better by morning.
Thanks, RR. Am at the point where I feel like I'm painted on thin glass with water inks, but cannot sleep any more. Maybe hubster will want to watch Casablanca with me.
Good luck with work Greg, I'm sure it'll keep you busy.
Sherlock - I hope you and john have a fun day while lestrade's at work :-)
It is, AnonyBob. Although getting out of a warm-doctor-and-Sherlock-filled-bed to go out in the freezing dark wasn't much fun!
Still, now I have a serious assault/could turn into murder, and attempted murder and a possible serial rapist/sexual assaults....
Sherlock slept in? No bouncing?
That's ...an awful lot to deal with, for sure, L. (I really hope your headache's gone, completely.)
What was on your Advent string today, Sherlock?
That sounds like a busy day Greg! I hope busy means it moves swiftly :-)
Anon - once he was fed and watered he got in bed with John to tell John all about what they were going to do today. I'm not sure John was conscious enough to take in a lot of it...
RR - It hasn't. Still fending the worst off with painkillers. I feel that at some point I'll have to give in to it.
AnonyBob - ta. It is a bit manic here. People wanting warrants, investigation plans, all sorts going on.
he got in bed with John to tell John all about what they were going to do today.
A wish list which has apparently been expanded to include making exploding toothpaste... :D (I can't watch the videos on this, they take too long to load.)
I'm really sorry you're hurting, L.
Lestrade can we come and see you please because we are at the cheese shop and it's close and John said I shouldn't bother you because you're busy but I'm JUST ASKING and he always wants to see you anyway and I said please so it's polite.
If you bring me a double espresso... or whatever sort of coffee the doctor orders, as long as it's good... then yeah ;) . But get John to call me when you're close so I can come down. The office is full of the sort of pictures you and John don't want to/aren't allowed to see, I'm afraid.
You're very polite to ask, and I'd love to see both of you, too. And I can have a quick break before heading off to get some forensic results explained to me.
OKAY! I want to hear the forensic results too.
Well you can't come with me I'm afraid. But I can explain some of it to you later. It's all about lipstick types... not really my speciality!
Happy to provide coffee. Sorry, I did tell him not to bother you, that sounded like a lot you had to do today...but it will be nice to see you. Getting you a muffin too. It looks at least nominally healthy.
You two are never a bother! It is a lot, but it's mainly me co-ordinating other people and signing off on things. And trying to keep track of what everyone's doing...
Hope you two are wrapped up warm. I'm not sure it's got above freezing all day. The frost when I left this morning was thick, even in town.
Sherlock could probably heat at least a square mile of the city just with his excitement over Christmas and Mycroft coming home. He's fine. I am wearing a ridiculous hat. Be prepared.
...a ridiculous hat?
Walk slowly, I'm going down to CCTV control and looking on that. That way I may have finished laughing before you get here.
It was the only one I could find!
...find in our flat, or find to purchase today?
It's not Mrs H's, is it? The great big furry one, shaped like a sea anenome?
In our flat. I don't even know why we have it, and not it is not Mrs Hudson's! It's just a bit yellow.
'a bit yellow'.
Right.
I think I see you on satellite imagery, never mind CCTV...like a glowing beacon in the drab London evening...
Just doing my part to brighten your day.
Oh, believe me, you don't need to wear anything to brighten my day up. ;)
(Although the coffee and the baked goods have helped :) )
(I can't really put into words how bright his hat is, folks. But I hear a couple of bobbies tried to stop him on Oxford St thinking someone was stealing the Christmas lights...)
It sounds very cheerful. And a good safety measure for crossing streets in the dark. :D
L - but I do have to wear something to brighten your day in public, unless you want me arrested for indecent exposure instead of indecent headgear.
Also think of the frost-bite, could seriously put a crimp in your ... activities
RR - I think it would blind the drivers and cause accidents.
Danger - no, all right, you don't need to expose yourself to anyone but me.
Anon - True. And I prefer him when he's warm enough to thaw out my cold bits!
They might run into each other, but they wouldn't run into him!
(How yellow is it really, Sherlock?)
It is like a warning sign colour yellow. It has a bobble thing on top.
Hmm...I'd say more like a butternut squash colour - the yellow-er end of squashes.
But yes, the bobble is...quite large and fluffy.
That's pretty yellow, for sure--and it sounds like I was right about the traffic protection qualities. Especially with the bobble!
I'll buy you some reflective strips for it, Danger, then it'll almost be a hi-viz hat.
Sherlock sent Anthea a picture, and she called specifically to laugh at me. I am going to wear this thing all winter if you lot don't stop it.
The hat sounds absolutely lovely, John.
I am going to wear this thing all winter if you lot don't stop it.
I think you should! Especially on cloudy grey days. It would be a jolt of sunshine! (Lissen, I've got purple winter boots and a bright pink fall jacket and I wear them. :))
And you can be fairly certain that no-one else will want to wear it, so it will be safe.
Can I have one of these then?
http://www.cotswoldcountryhats.com/ekmps/shops/speedmaster/images/eureka-stockade-leather-trapper-hat-7297-p.jpg
My martial arts teacher wears a hat like that! (You can bet no one makes fun of it. ;))
L - only if I can put a picture of you wearing it on our Christmas cards.
no idea why they'd call it "Eureka Stockade" though. It is distinctly not Australian.
(Neither is the word trapper. People who lived by trapping animals here were usually rabbitohs. There's even a rugby team called that)
Eureka stockade is the company name. I've always thought trappers were Canadian - but this is called the 'Oslo Trapper', so maybe not so Canadian...
Danger - No. You can have a photo of me in my crash helmet.
I've got teenagers at the library who wear hats like that, Lestrade. Sometimes they even take them off.
I'd probably like John's hat better. Bobbles are the best!
What kind of hats do Sherlock and Mycroft wear in the cold?
rsf
The earflap hat looks absolutely lovely too, Lestrade.
To be honest, I've got one of these, and it's all I need - well, sometimes I wear a scarf too!
http://www.motorhelmets.com/media/products/schampa/2011-01/ss_size2/apparel-schampa-cruiser-facemask-adult-stormgear-gordito-black.jpg
I think you should have something a bit more exciting than plain black, maybe the Doc could find you a suitable alternative, possibly glittery?
one of these?
http://www.chopperresource.co.uk/my_uploads/products/schskface.jpg
I want that!
Maybe if you're a good boy Santa will find one for you...
Santa's not realllllll.
isn't he? Oh no! Who's going to bring you presents then??
What? Sherlock are you serious?
You and John and Mummy and Mycroft and Mrs Hudson give me presents. Santa is MADE UP and John said I shouldn't say that at school again this year but everyone should know by now.
I shouldn't say that at school again this year
you didn't actually say it last year did you Sherlock? I'm surprised anyone bought you anything if you did!
do you know that the reason big boys still get presents at Christmas is because they join in the magic Sherlock?
if Santa didn't exist no one would get presents, he exists because children believe in him and because adults believe in the magic of it all.
He said it very loudly, in the playground, Anon...
Sherlock - Santa's elves tell us if you've been a good boy, and then we buy you things if we agree... Anyway, it's important for other kids to believe if they want to.
There's no such thing as magic.
parents have names for kids like you Sherlock and you wouldn't like them!
you make me sad.
People shouldn't lie. Just because it's Christmas doesn't make it right and then they could decide it's right any time they want and it's not. It's never right.
Anon - the story's in the comments here: http://boringlifeofjohnwatson.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/christmas-dinner.html.
I think Sherlock may have underestimated the effect he would have had, but I think it's deeply unfair to be hard on Sherlock; he quite rightly doesn't understand why it's acceptable for adults to lie to children. There's nothing sad about a passion for the truth.
Sherlock, I am dissappointed that a clever boy like you can't tell the difference between something that is fun and enjoyable for children and makes everyone smile and someone telling lies.
You are too clever to be confused like that and to be honest you come across as a little upset you now know the truth and it isn't all quite so magical anymore and you don't want other children to have that if you don't.
And Anonybob's magic isn't just the "magic" from someone waving a wand, it's a feeling that comes from doing something special, a bit like someone describing all the lights sparkling on a Christmas tree as magical.
He's been told he needs to step away from this conversation because it won't end well for anyone.
And while I don't want him ruining Christmas for the other children at school, I think anyone arguing with him here might want to consider both how often adults have lied to him in his very short life and what his Christmases were like before he came to stay with us. He has reasons for feeling the way he does.
They're all the same kids as last year, anyway ;)
But I think there are plenty of 7 year olds (especially those with older siblings) who don't believe in Santa anymore.
Of course, believing in him and him being real are two different things entirely. ;)
I agree with Nameless on this. I really can't see why Sherlock should prefer an imaginary gift-giver to knowing that the people around him love him and want him to be happy so they get him things to mark the holiday--and that he loves them and wants to reciprocate. That's plenty "magical" enough.
And as I reacall, it was explained to him last year that he's not to tell his classmates differently in case they do prefer to believe in imaginary gift-givers. (I know that doesn't sit quite right with you, Sherlock, but sometimes it's better to let people be wrong and happy. This is one of those times.)
sorry John.
sorry Sherlock.
Sherlock I am really sorry for being not nice to you. I can’t stop the mummy thing sometimes and someone telling my little one that Santa didn’t exist this year would just cap a really horrible year for her and the idea upset me.
It was wrong of me to say not nice things to you because I am worried about other things.
I’m sorry I hope you will forgive me.
It's all right, don't worry about it. I think he's too sure he's right to be seriously bothered by what anyone says. And he won't be telling anyone at school, he's promised - although, as L said, it nearly all the same kids from last year anyway.
And he's also certain Jesus didn't exist. He is, however, not letting that stop him go wild with excitement at auditioning to be....err...a break dancing angel, I think? tomorrow at school...
And it is still John and my responsibility to ensure he gets a stocking, even one not provided by jolly old men in red suits with flying reindeer.
Hey, since I get an advent string, does that mean I get a stocking too?
If you're a very good boy, and don't mind an old man coming down your chimney and leaving a little offering in your undergarments...
As long as the old man is you... ;)
I suppose it might be, if you don't believe in the other candidate.
now, you see, I'd agree with the Jesus thing ;-)
being a break dancing angel will be perfect for him. star of the show I'm sure :-)
I don't have Sherlock's principles, so I'm happy either way, but I know who I'd prefer to have messing about with my undergarments, and it's not Santa!
Given how many adults I know who can't reconcile what they believe with the ability to respect other peoples' beliefs, I'm not surprised that Sherlock - at all of seven years old - struggles with it.
John - I thought it was Lestrade who was the stocking-wearer in the family?
I wouldn't presume to take away his title. Do I have to wear them in order to get them filled with...whatever? I might consider it.
Ha, I don't really have any desire to see you in stockings. But far be it from me to stop you if you feel the urge.
It always amazes me how parents justify their kids behaviour when it hurts others, Sherlock has had a hard life fair enough but so have lots of kids. What about the one mentioned above who's had a bad year? do they not deserve to believe in something fun without someone ruining it? If Lestrade hit you would that be justified because of the life he's lived or is it just kids who can be hurt by others and it be justified away? I don't understand why saying he made me sad was wrong he should know what people will think of him for doing it and what it does to other kids who really need the magic for reasons of their own.
We're not justifying his behaviour. It was explained to him last year why other people didn't appreciate him being honest in that way, and that although he's worked out it isn't true, which is fine, he shouldn't tell other kids that anr uin their enjoyment of Santa.
We can't turn back time. He did what he did, and maybe we should have thought of it earlier, but we didn't - John and I are still pretty new to this.
It also matters that his intention was not to hurt anyone or ruin anything--to his way of thinking, he was righting a wrong, and that us not something that needs justifying. When you're six (or even seven), the world is a lot more black and white than it is shades of grey.
Now that he's promised that he won't be discussing Santa with other children, that's a non-issue. But I think he has every right to talk about Santa, or the question of when it is or isn't okay to lie (a tricky question indeed!), or the difference between lying and oretending on here without coming under attack.
I don't think anyone 'attacked' Sherlock RR if he feels like I did then I've said sorry and I hope he accepts I made a mistake, he might not accept my apology but that is up to him.
I would have said what I said to my nieces if the subject was being discussed with them and I try to level my conversation with Sherlock in that way, I would hate to think I'd upset him and he wouldn't say so I do try my best.
My bad, Anony--I see I wasn't clear and I apologize for that. (In my defense, I've not had any caffeine yet!)
In the first paragraph I was responding to Anon's comment about "justifying". And in the second I meant not what's already been said but going forward. (I did have a sentence in there saying that, but then I deleted it to move it and then didn't realize that phrase fell out of the rewrite.)
AnonyBob - i think t he difference is that you gave reasons why you would be upset if anyone like Sherlock were to tell your kids that Santa isn't real - which is the sort of thing he needs to hear, really. Whereas Anon just said something criptic about adults wanting to call him names and that he made them sad - with no explanations. Sherlock can understand why, even if Santa isn't real, other kids like the idea of getting presents from him, and still believe. He has slightly more trouble with why adults made up the whole story.... But we're working on that :)
Last year was a bit different. It was his first time around loads of other kids and he honestly couldn't believe they were all buying this plainly false idea of an old man delivering presents - it's just not how he was brought up. I hope The teachers and parents thought up some quick reasons why Sherlock didn't believe....
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