Hello it's Sherlock because I've got pictures from visiting the butterflies and I wanted to post them so here they are. Lestrade sent me that title he said it was about butterflies but I think it's about cake. They were at the Natural History Museum and so if you're in London you should go and see them too before the winter comes. When you go in it's hot and there are butterflies everywhere and you have to be careful not to tread on one. You also can't touch them but they land on you and that's okay. There's a mirror at the end, and if you don't have any friends you have to look in it all over you in case you have a stowaway because if it went with you outside into London it might die because there wouldn't be any others like it and it might be cold or not find anything to eat. So you have to be careful.
It was great and you should definitely go. and now John says I have to put a cut in here but definitely LOOK AT THE PICTURES BY CLICKING because they're good.
I like this one because the pattern on its wings fades away near its body and it looks like a drawing not a real thing. Like something from Batman maybe or something like that.
I like the shape of this one with the extra bits of wings.
This one was REALLY BIG but so big it couldn't land on these flowers because they bent over and it would fall off so it was always flapping and hard to take a photo of and it had really really long legs.
This one is my favourite because it's got lots of patterns on it's wings and shiny blue and I liked it.
These are hundreds of chrysalis and they hang them up so they can hatch and some just had and were drying their wings and were still all crumpled up but once they started flying the people would let them out into the plants. I wish I had a whole room full of butterflies to hatch there were moths too and some really really big ones but I prefer butterflies because of the colours. There were all colours and shapes of chrysalis and so different butterflies would come out.
Here are some just drying out:
I like this one because you could see its mouth really well and its eyes.
This one had just hatched in the morning and they didn't even know what sort it was yet because it was just drying out on this fence and they said they would look it up later.
These ones are really big you can see how big compared to the banana and they liked rotting fruit and although their wings are all browny on the underside they had this nice soft blue sort of colour inside.
In a minute we're going to see Lestrade for cake if he's not busy and John says he has errands to do and Mycroft wants new shoes which is the most boring thing ever but he says he'll go and get them in the week if I don't want to go and I don't want to.
104 comments:
Those are lovely pictures, Sherlock. Do you know if the caterpillars cocooned themselves in lines like that, or did the staff somehow unstick them from where they were and transfer them to the wooden bars?
Ella
No I think the people did it because some of them were on hooks and Lestrade and John cut some of mine off the leaves that were nearly dead and then glued them onto a piece of wood too because otherwise they would have been on the bottom of my jar and maybe that wouldn't have been good because I think they should hang.
Those pictures are wonderful, Sherlock! Such colors and patterns--beautiful. And I had no idea that there were butterflies that big! Did you ask the staff there lots of questions, and did you learn lots?
I like the first one the best, I think. I know what you mean about it looking like a drawing.
REReader there were Attacus Atlas butterflies too and they were bigger than small birds but they were all up in the roof or far away and hard to take a picture of but they were really really big. The staff there didn't know lots but I don't mind taking pictures and then finding out about them I just liked seeing all the different ones.
That makes sense, about the staff moving them. Thanks, Sherlock.
Ella
The you like John is a common birdwing and they don't live here normally but in India and Malaysia and places like that. I with they lived here then I could have some.
Looking up things yourself is fun--and there's nothing like seeing things up close and in person, for sure. And they're so different from each other, it's amazing.
...Wait, bigger than small birds?!? Wow! Just, wow!
Those pictures are amazing Sherlock, I'm not surprised you were eager to share them but I am very grateful that you took the time to share them with us :-)
Have fun on your trip out :-)
I think one of your comments has gone in the spam, Sherlock.
I can see why it's called a birdwing. Looks like it has feathers drawn on.
NOOOOOOOOO WHY IS MY COMMENT IN SPAM??????????? LESTRADE get it OUT
Your butterfly exhibit has completely different butterflies than the one I went to; the rest of it is the same though, even the big mirror that you have to turn around in to be sure none get out. You described it very well; I remembered how much fun it was the time I went. It was hard to pick a favorite! (And rotten fruit; I once saw butterflies eating off something much nastier than that)
Did you look up what the extra sticky-out bit on the wings is called? Does it even have a name?
it's out, it's out. Calm down.
John, is he on some sort of horrific cake-fuelled sugar high?
If it's possible for someone to be high on butterfly facts, that is what he is.
How's your day going?
No but those are called swallowtails I think only swallowtails have those bits on their wings but I'm still looking so maybe some others do too. Not all swallowtails have them, I think they called them that and then found out other butterflies were the same sort but without the bit on the wing but then they'd already called them it so it was too late.
They're the same family as the BIGGEST ones in the world and they can be 12.5 inches across which is MASSIVE I wish I had one.
Busy. Astounding number of people hurting each other in the world.
There usually are. I'm sorry, love.
Shouty posts about butterflies are cheering me up :) We should definitely go again next year. And get more caterpillars, if Sherlock is still interested.
I fear his tastes will...change. He told me this morning he wanted to make a degu with deer DNA so it would have antlers. I didn't know how to respond.
I think we have at least ten years before we need worry about him actually doing that...for which I'm sure the degus are grateful. ( And if he's not interested in caterpillars next year, I'm pretty sure I will be.)
I'm sure he'd need new degus for that...he loves his two too much.
And yes, I think I will be too. Nice to have something in the flat that does what you expect, stays where it's put, and ends up a beautiful creature you can set free ;)
Ha, excellent point.
Just realised what the time is...I'm eating a quarter of a water melon for lunch at my desk, and it's nearly hometime...
Well...on the bright side, you won't be too full for dinner?
Any special requests for dinner? Mycroft was talking about doing something with chicken - is he?
He is, something Thai with ginger. He wants to know if you'll make something to go with it?
Yeah, course.
He isn't adding a billion chillies to it, is he? Making it hotter than the sun?
leaving now.
You have my assurance that I am not. I thought perhaps coconut rice and some sort of vegetable?
knew you wouldn't really.
Coconut rice, yes, I'll get some veggies. Coconut rice better than lemon rice?
No, lemon rice would be good, too. Perhaps better.
There was a boy in the States, about 15 yrs ago now, who wanted to solve the worlds energy problems and attempted to build a nuclear reactor in his backyard. He was 17. I don't think they filed charges against him because he didn't blow anything up (this was pre-9/11), but he has also exceeded his lifetime allotment of radiation exposure.
So be careful, Sherlock, and think things through before you try them.
Ella
Hahaha Mycroft got put in the spam too!
He did, and now he's out. And we're cooking up a storm.
I refuse to sing and dance whilst cooking.
I thought you were cooking up some chicken?
The butterflies are beautiful, Sherlock. Thank you for sharing the pictures with us!
...a butterfly 12.5 inches across?!? That's...I can't even imagine it! Where do those live?
Papua New Guinea. And the very first one they ever caught they shot with a shotgun the internet says. but they would be better if they were really bright colours but I know that maybe then things would eat them more.
Lestrade is pretending a knife is a guitar and Mycroft is shaking his head.
I guess they could be really bright colors if they were poisonous, but if not, then better to blend into the background, yep. (A shotgun?! Seems overkill for a butterfly, even a giant butterfly!)
Sounds like a fun time is being had! Are you playing fake guitars or shaking you head or doing something else (aside from answering butterfly questions)?
he's now eating his dinner. Ravenously.
:)
That's putting first things first!
I wasn't doing fake guitars I had the degus but they had to go back to their cage for dinner
I think I'd like that best.
Mycroft - every cook needs to develop their own style; mine doesn't involve singing, dancing or air guitar, but does tend to involve muttering and swearing to myself. I imagine your cooking style has a little more decorum :-)
Sherlock - those are lovely photos, thank you for sharing them with us.
I went looking for pictures of the world's biggest butterfly and found a pretty amazing bit of chalk drawing too from two years ago. I wonder if the artist is still making art you could go and see.
Oh, John, I didn't know if you wanted me to take Tues off or not. I've pencilled it in.
Be nice if you could :) I wasn't sure you'd be able to so the plans are flexible.
Flexible, hmm?
I'll sort it out tomorrow. You working this week?
Yeah, Thursday and Friday, four to ten, covering for Dr Feelgood.
Four to ten...in the evening? Not morning, right?
In the evening, yes. Mrs Hudson said that between her and Mycroft and Anthea, they can probably manage Sherlock until you get home from work if I get a call.
Hi Sherlock, those butterflies look wonderful - I can see why you chose that one as your favourite, it has a marvellous pattern on its wings. I assume it would have provided an excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.
I couldn't comment yesterday as the pictures didn't show on my phone. I had gone to a whole day outside performance of Henry VI (over 6 hours in 3 parts). Having managed to be in London for the hottest day I was rained on for 2 hours and then blown about for the rest - typical.
Have as good a Monday as you can people :-)
You shouldnt have gone to work today you should be at home with us.
Sherlock, I'm sure Lestrade would rather be with you all, it's just that it's hard to be a DI without actually doing DI stuff most days. Was there a special reason, or just generally?
Those pictures are lovely, Sherlock. My son who's almost your age asked to go back to the butterfly house here - but it was too late, they'd released them all for the year and changed the exhibit. Even so, we don't have ones quite as large as the ones you describe!
But even though we didn't do butterflies this year we did go see the Lorikeets - like little colorful parrots - and you go inside the big enclosure and buy little cups of nectar to hold out and feed them. Sometimes they'll climb up your arm or sit on your head - and if you're not quick with the nectar they might nip your ear! It was fun and noisy and a wee bit unnerving, but lots of fun. Perhaps a zoo there has something similar?
Sigh. But that's all over now, at least during the week. School started today. New school and new routines and new people. It's a bit of life-rattler for all of us!
Danger, hope you and the boys haven't drowned in the rain.
And...I haven't been a very bright boy.
That doesn't sound good Greg, nothing serious I hope.
Yeah, fine now. Just feel silly.
Glad you're okay. Are you going to tell us about it, or do we wait for Sherlock to do so?
I err... Just failed to eat anything. For most of the day. And then went 'very weird' according to my DC. And then almost fainted (but didn't). Fine now. Except as mentioned, feeling a bit stupid.
Things just conspired against me getting food.
I bet you provided some entertainment for your DC though so not a total fail ;-)
I'm glad you feel better now but some thought should maybe be given to easy eat portable food for the future we can't have our favourite DI fainting all over the place can we? ;-)
I'm sorry, love. Sounds unpleasant. You have eaten since then, right?
Sounds most uncomfortable, really. (Perhaps Sherlock should put together an emergency rations pack for you, against future eventualities... :))
Yeah, had a BLT back at the yard. And some summer fruit pud and custard.
I hate feeling faint. I couldn't stop yawning. Then everything went all odd and I got all sweaty and cold.
Anonybob, RR, I'm sure Danger will restock my bag with food, and I'll do a packed lunch. Get out of the habit when Sherlock isn't at school.
I'll get you some more marmite nuts to keep in your bag.
I'm sure Danger will restock my bag with food
Ha. Posted my last comment just before I read this...I am predictable
Don't think there's anything wrong with predicting you'll take care of me. Part of the reason I'm marrying you, in fact. Because you care about everyone.
Mm. You more than most though.
Some days feel like I need it more than most!
On the way home now. Expect a soaking wet sheepish DI in a bit.
Can't wait :)
John has kindly helped me out of my wet clothes.
Although it wasn't entirely necessary for him to shove me onto our bed to do it. I could have undone my own boots and trousers.
Well, you said yourself that he's a caretaker... ;D
I suspect you would have taken longer about the removal Greg and getting colder on top of feeling less than brilliant is not a good thing ;-)
It sounds as if he was behaving in a completely altruistic way. Of course he was ;)
well. He did a good job. Anyone would think he were trained to rip peoples clothes off...
Sherlock haughtily announced he TOLD me not to go to work. And then quizzed me about exactly how I felt. 'weird' was not descriptive enough. I was told off.
I have to disagree with you there, Sherlock--"weird" is descriptive, but imprecise. What you want is specifics. *nods*
(He DID tell you not to go to work, L!)
experienced if not quite trained I'd guess ;-)
If Sherlock ever gains the power to send illness to punish you for going to work when he wants you at home we should all be very worried!!
is was me describing weird as not descriptive enough. He did undoubtedly mean he wanted more specific details. I don't generally transcribe our conversations word for word on here. Do that at work.
AnonyBob - he'll probably put some plague in one of my snacks, and tell me to eat it when he thinks I'm doing something I shouldn't be.
That would be a canny trick if he could do it and would really deal with his issues about you having fun without him ;-)
If I end up with botulism you're getting at least a quarter of the blame now.
only a quarter? you're very kind to let me off ;-)
Is he not in bed by now? I'm sure blog comments that are posted after bedtime are behind some weird block that mean he can't read them in the morning ;-)
Er...isn't this the second day in a row you've forgotten to eat? Stop that. :)
Ella
I had breakfast yesterday, but then...yeah, lunch got a bit late.
This morning I was late, going to grab breakfast at the Yard, got dragged straight into handover from the nightshift, then to court, then back to another meeting, then out on a job...no pause inbetween!
It is one area I've never been that good at sorting out.
(John and Mycroft say offering someone the chance to watch the ice speedway in Polish in bed with you isn't romantic. ... all I can say is it would get me into bed!)
(I should say, the speedway is in Polish...me offering was definitely English.)
Well...I didn't say it wouldn't get me into bed. But I think it would at least take flowers to make it romantic. ;)
One thing having kids in your life is good for is making sure you eat :-) I often forget breakfast on days the kids go to breakfast club and I can get far too far into the day before eating if I'm on my own but I always remember to eat when I'm making food for the kids.
Maybe prepacking your breakfast would help? or some of those breakfast bars in your desk or something? or I'll shut up and remember you're a big boy ;-)
You mean being shouted at by a Polish commentator isn't romantic enough? Jeeez... going to have to change my plans for the wedding night...
AnonyBob - I do usually have all those things! Weird little bars with fruity middles and all sorts. But today was a perfect storm of running out of everything except quite a lot of black coffee. And then having to cling to the steering wheel of the car before I fell out.
I always manage to get distracted by emails or phone calls or something, and quite often forget to get lunch until all that's left in the shops is crisps and chocolate :-/ Honestly, to look at me, you'd think I forget to breathe more often than I forget to eat...
John - I dunno, the offer to snuggle up in bed with your honey sounds pretty romantic to me, even if it is just so he can watch speedway :-p
That sounds slightly terrifying Greg! I'm glad you're ok now.
I was fine as soon as someone with more braincells functioning than me realised what was going on!
Now trying to persuade John to tell me any plans he might have for tomorrow. I was amazed Sherlock went to bed without repeatedly telling me he knew something I didn't...
tomorrow is supposed to be a day full of surprises for a special person from the special people in his life that does not mean you get to know tonight ;-)
Have a great one :-D
Happy birthday Lestrade! I hope you have a great day :-)
Thank you.
Our bed is full of glitter. I fear where it might spread!
You couldn't possibly have expected anything other than lots of glitter today could you? ;-)
Have a great day with your boys and enjoy being treated :-)
Glitter! I take it Sherlock has initiated the ceremonies?
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Lestrade! Enjoy a day full of glitter, cake and ice cream (you already have the first and somehow I doubt you could manage a birthday without either of the other two ingredients)
Happy birthday - and glitter is great :-)
Thanks all :)
The card had glittery flowers, glittery butterflies and said 'happy birthday' it exploded out of the envelope in a glitter tsunami.
I also got breakfast in bed and John sung happy birthday, accompanied by Sherlock on violin and Mycroft on guitar.
How lovely! Happy birthday, Lestrade!
That all sounds beautifully celebratory! Happy birthday!
What a great way to start what I'm sure will be a wonderful day! Happy Birthday!
What a wonderful day to start the day! Happy birthday!
John is the best ever and were having funn and the dogs are swimming and this is the best and happy birthday Lestrade and later there's cake.
That all sounds super fantastic! :)
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