Sherlock cannot wait to finish school. He is absolutely bursting for Christmas to arrive. And snow. But Christmas is a certainty, and snow very much isn't. Rain is though. Lots of it.
Mycroft is carefully planning food on Christmas Day, along with Mrs Hudson. Trying to balance everything, and resist Sherlock's more bizarre desires.
Last post I talked a bit about Mum's stuff, and Nicky. I'm going to get down to see them...probably Monday. Maybe Sunday into Monday.
John offered to come with me, but...I have no idea if it's a good idea or not. We're literally clearing stuff out, as in...if it's very special, it might be kept, but otherwise... I don't have any space here, the flat is packed with just us in it. Nicky doesn't really have any room, and the council want the flat back as fast as possible.
Also...well, what's the point of keeping things? Mum doesn't even want to look at anything, she says she's got everything she needs. (Nicky...has kept some things for her anyway. Things she thinks Mum would miss in the long run. We all know how stubborn Mum can be, and don't actually want her to suffer for it.)
As for me...I don't think there's anything of my family history that she has that I want. That's part of why it's so hard sorting it all out. There's all sorts of things that none of us particularly want reminding of. It's also why Nicks shouldn't do it all on her own, though.
Anyway, last night we went out and bought baubles.
Here's mine.
It's like a drop shape, and the 'holes' all sort of meet in the middle. It's a bit odd, but I like it. And it's another tradition ticked off the list.
Other notable news is that Danger can breathe easy - the law against 'Being an incorrigible rogue' was repealed this year. He is no longer at risk of me arresting him ;)
I also found out the other day that for some time, in the mid 1900s, all policemen had to be trained to catch swans. I have no idea why, but apparently the best could catch two swans at once!
Yesterday was 30 years since the Harrods bombing. Six people were killed, three of them police officers. I think it showed, during the more recent terrorist actions, who had lived through past campaigns. A sort of world weariness. Compared to people who had never been through anything like it.
Anyway, I'm out tonight, on the lash with the team, and whoever else we mop up from around the yard. I apologise in advance for anything I may say in comments...
135 comments:
I like the bauble :-) things that are a bit different are always nice :-)
I hope dealing with your mum's stuff isn't too hard for any of you and that you get it done quickly so you can all move forward into the new year without worrying about it :-)
I seem to recall that drunk blogging on your part can be quite entertaining for us readers ;-) I hope you have a good time :-)
The sorting out your mother's things--no, not a fun thing to have to do. If there's more than a few things you and Nicky think she might regret not having saved out (entirely likely), perhaps you could rent a small storage locker to keep them in? (Just a thought--they advertise heavily in the NYC area.)
I love that ornament, it looks like a cluster of abstract trumpets blowing! (And I'd love to see what the rest of you all chose... :))
I like the bauble, I think it's pretty. :)
When my father was in hospital my brother and I had to split our time between being with him and sorting his flat, as we knew he wasn't going to make it. It was really hard, going through the things that made up his life, and I'm so, so thankful I had my brother and, for a day or two, my sister to help. I'm glad Nicky has you to help her out, and none of you will be doing it alone.
If in the future your mum changes her mind about wanting things, I think she'll be thankful that you all helped.
RR - there definitely won't be more than a few boxes full. She doesn't have much stuff.
I'd like to hope that Danny will help, too. Sam and Rach already have a little. I've no idea if they want any pictures of their Dad with mum or anything.
Offer stands if you want help, of course, but I can see that having the boys there might make it more complicated than helpful.
Nice bauble.
the law against 'Being an incorrigible rogue' was repealed this year
Finally, I can admit my true nature without fear of prosecution...
I admit to being wildly curious about the training to catch swans. Was there a swan infestation of London, perhaps? And did you get to eat the birds you caught or were they still reserved for royalty?
I do like your bauble. It's quite elegant. Have fun "on the lash" tonight.
He is no longer at risk of me arresting him ;)
I must admit that he may be sighing relief, but I am sighing disappointment. Privately. Semi-privately.
I remember "helping" my mom clean out her grandmother's house after her death, when I was about Sherlock's age. I actually really enjoy that memory, though I found it rather depressing and dull at the time. We probably walked home with a few items we didn't need to keep, either? But listening to my mom and her sister talk, I got much different memories of the woman than what I'd been able to glean with my eight-year-old brain.
Sometimes the memories of people's younger selves are better, and objects can help bring that back. Other people improve as they age, and then it's best to leave a lid on the past. But John's probably mature enough to deal with either circumstance--he might be good for you and Nicky.
Anyway, enjoy the hell out of your evening, and I look forward to the commentary. :)
Had a beer before I even left the office... Pub is hot and packed but the beer is good!
Guy has just dropped three pints... Ouch.
Hope you have a great evening, Greg.
We shall expect all the gory details later, Sally. ;)
Have fun everyone.
Fooood!
I may actually be a little drunk.
Love you, Danger. Hope you have fed yourselves!
I love you too, hope you're having fun. We have indeed fed ourselves - or at least, Mycroft fed us.
Good!
We're talking about pigs. And hamsters. And bikes. And wine.
Heh. Sounds like you're having a lovely time.
Zabaglione!! Quince.
Your all v quiet
But enjoying your randomness tonight :)
I'm still trying to figure out the connection between hamsters and wine and quince... ;)
I just googled Zabaglione, and it looks like a kind of Italian wassail, or glog (which I should be spelling with the dots over the o), wine and eggs and stuff. Or it's a dessert. Anyway, sounds like fun! And it reminds me that I still have the second bottle of cider, a gift from a friend. :)
I'm really quite sober.
RR - I d
I don't know.
Surely some of your compatriots are sloshed. Perhaps you can send them off in search of swans to catch.
Shhhh. Where are my keys?
Got them! Now can't wake up the sleepy dragon Sherlock,.. Danger and Mycroft poss still awake...maybe...
Sounds like a good evening, Lestrade :-)
Drink your water, honey. Let's see how the sleepy dragon treats you in the morning. :)
I took a page from your book, though, and brought home a bottle of champagne. Cheers! The drinking has been handed off to the US time zones!
How's the head this morning, Greg, hope you're not feeling too bad. Have you got to work too or do you have the day off.
Is it your turn tonight, John, hope you have as much fun.
Have a great day everyone.
I'm at work and okay. No big headache, just probably need to finish sobering up ;)
Okay, I feel rough now. Must be sober.
I assume that everyone else is treading softly too, so you are not alone ;)
My head's okay. It's my stomach, telling me I mixed my drinks far too much...
What a relief that at least you're sober by the time you get back to work! I was about to call Sally and tell her to keep you in check. (Or is she in your condition as well?)
I went through the same thing this weekend... my body doesn't bounce back from a hangover in the way it did ten years ago. It means that the night out has to be enough fun to be worth the pain afterwards.
Danger, you're not working mad Friday are you?
I'm afraid that's the plan, yeah.
Take spare clothes. And shoes.
That's not ominous at all, L. Though sadly probably very practical.
Many people on their last day at work. Four clear days of recovery before being nice and polite at family gatherings. Potentially a day or two before needing to travel anywhere.
A recipe for people being the drunkest they have been in years.
Oh dear. Sounds like a fun time...
Time to break out the waders and oilskins--then you can just hose off. :D
..I am on the way home. Can't believe it was blue skies most of the day and now I have to go out it's thunder and lightening and torrential rain... what have I done to deserve it??
Danger - it'll be wall-to-wall drunks and drug takers. An FME's bread and butter ;)
On the bright side, loads of custody sarges will be doling out free Christmas choccies to the poor overworked plod and FMEs... so not all bad!
We're making mince pies John you can have one when you get home
Jeez, just seen a balcony's collapsed in town, in a theatre. I hope there aren't serious casualties.
Danger, don't eat any mince pies in the box with the red lid, if you come in late. They're for the dogs.
That's very thoughtful of you, Sherlock!
Has Mrs N saved up some interesting things for this last week of school that you are almost done with? And what sort of bauble did you buy for the tree this year?
Yikes, L, that's frightening.
All casualties have been freed, at least. No more details on how severe the injuries are.
You near there Danger?
Just finished my second work Christmas do of the season, and I'm now off until the 6th January, which is lovely. Seems like the days of going out at midday and stumbling home, happily drunk, in the wee small hours are behind me though. I've never needed the ssistance of police or an FME, fortunately.
That collapse at the Apollo looks very nasty - conflicting reposts as to whether it was part of the ceiling (bad) or a balcony (probably much worse) that's gone though.
In vaguely related news, an interesting article on the Beeb about how pantomime is critical to the survival or regional theatre: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25398290
I wish I was off for that long. It's not fair that Mycroft is off for ages and ages.
I bet you never needed the police or an FME because you're nice and good.
Thank you Sherlock, that's very nice of you to say - although I think I've also been lucky on occasion.
I think time off is important, but it's also related to how long you work for; I've been busy working long hours recently so I need bit of time off to recharge. Mycroft is at school for longer each day than you, so it' only fair he gets a bit more time off at holidays.
We are at a karaoke bar help
I will come and rescue you!!
You will go to bed.
But I can rescue John! We can go and get him and tomorrow school doesn't even matter because it's the last day and we never do anything real anyway.
John has not put up the Sherlock-signal, shining onto the clouds. I checked.
Anyway, strictly speaking you;d be rescuing London from his singing ;)
Hope you're having a great time, Danger.
Sleep, Sherlock.
L - I'll let you know...apparently i'm singing something with Molly and i don't know what it is
Just started watching the second series of Ripper Street and the Inspector and Sergeant just went down to the cells with their truncheons to bash all and sundry who'd broken in - couldn't quite picture you and Sally in the same position, though I'm sure that maybe you might wish you still had that option with some of the troublemakers who get brought in! They've got their own FME on their team too - maybe you should request your own personal FME on a more permanent basis. ;)
He's finally in bed.
Mycroft wonders if you and Molls will sing 'Let it snow'.
How about "Baby, It's Cold Outside"?
No it was Somebody Got Murdered
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUNXA3srhYI
he was great! we all agreed no christmas songs in advance
Excellent restriction--and a great choice!
Can't go wrong with The Clash.
He is great. Glad you're having fun.
I am teaching Mycroft some card games. I fear a hustler is being born...
I was reading about that theatre roof/balcony collapse. Glad no one was killed, and I hope the people who were seriously injured recover safely.
I don't play card games with kids anymore. They're always much better at remembering which cards have been played than I am. Maybe it's because their brains aren't as full yet. Of course, in Mycroft's case it might just be natural talent.
Molly, is John a tenor or a baritone?
why did i ever say i would work tomorrow, i am going to die
Oh dear, the first thing I thought when I heard about that collapse while I was driving home from work was to think of the two of you, and to wonder if either of you were on duty during it. I hope everyone is okay or if they aren't, heals quickly. It sounds very scary.
AftSO, done with work for the hols and having her first Scotch in months, and thus very relaxed and chatty
Enjoy, AftSO!
John, we expect at least as much entertaining commentary on your hangover as L was able to provide on his. :)
-Olli
Hope you feel better when you actually wake up, John, and manage to get a bit of extra sleep whilst Sherlock is at school to help you cope tonight if it's going to be as mad as Greg said.
Last day, Sherlock - Hooray
Last day of peace, Mycroft, make the most of it!
What days are you going to be off, Greg, as you've got to work Christmas Day.
Enjoy your day everyone. :)
My very cuddly husband that got home last night turned into some form of deep sea creature overnight. No light! No noise! Just whale noises of disapproval when I got up or turned the light on...
I'm only in for a meeting today, should be out by lunchtime. Then free until Mon.
Whale noises? Here was I thinking all deep sea creatures were noted for their tentacles and habit of grabbing unsuspecting passers by and dragging them into their deep sea lairs.
I've eaten a chocolate brownie dipped in coffee. Now off home to see how the hungover one is doing.
Still, at least Mycroft is the sort of person you need in a hangover. Quiet, calm, capable.
Oh don't anybody spoiler Ripper Street! I'm going to have to wait until it comes out on DVD unfortunately. I'm counting on the fact that none of my other friends have heard of it, so they won't be watching and posting on Facebook.
Most British shows have about a 2 week delay before they're broadcast here, it seems. Unless I find it on a torrent site. There's one in January that I'm rather concerned about. Spoiler-ing is a grave danger.
Hope you're feeling okay, John. And good luck tonight.
Ella
I'm definitely going to die. I hope you all mourn me appropriately. My only comfort is that Molly sent me a text this morning with only one actual word and a lot of jumbled up up consonants, so she may be worse off than I am.
*whispering* I'm sure the two of you sounded perfectly wonderful! :) (Feel better soon...)
You have my sympathies, John, I'm definitely not as, um, resilient, as I used to be. Never been quite drunk enough to do karaoke, mind you :-p Ibuprofen and tea, plus a good fry-up can't do you any harm. If you do pop off, I'll raise a mug of tea in your memory.
I hope you have a quiet night (although it's the last Friday before Christmas, so...) Good luck :-)
I did offer to pick up the certain-to-be-manic Sherlock on my own. But John dragged himself from his deathbed.
He does look... Tired.
It was the karaoke. Much worse for you than alcohol.
There are many karaoke-related industrial accidents each year, I'm told.
Ella
The karaoke is a secondary infection, inflaming the original injury of alcohol. I hope the whale noises have subsided to a manageable level by the time you head out this evening to help the other victims of the holiday celebration... At least you'll have a fresh sense of compassion.
As for me, I'm headed off to a three-martini lunch and I'm going to try to learn from the cautionary example provided by both of you. (Perhaps I need a note to myself which says, "What would Mycroft do?") Anyway, it's just me and a dozen other underemployed housewives. What could possibly go wrong?
-Olli
(Every now and then--not often, but occasionally--I'm grateful to be allergic to alcohol.)
I'm afraid it's worth it,RR, or we wouldn't keep doing it ;)
He's... A slightly more healthy colour, since the walk. And yes, should have lots of compassion. Still wont be enough though... You could never have enough.
So I'd guessed, L--which is why it's only occasionally!
I'm on medication which I'm not supposed to drink with. But my doc told me I could be a little bad this holiday. Which is good, as someone from work gave me a little bottle of wine!
He's saying 'right' a lot, and looking purposeful, checking his kit over. He may have almost convinced himself that he could survive this...
The way you described what he's in for tonight, not being entirely there might be a big advantage... ;)
I do feel marginally better. Thanks for offering to get Sherlock.
no worries, he did exit the school doors like a bullet from a gun, he was so excited.
Can you collect vomit and then see what people drank and see who was the sickest?
Probably not, Sherlock. Sorry.
There is no way you are storing drunkard's vomit samples in this house, young man!
Ask Molly about stomach contents or something instead - things she can keep in her lab!
Anyway, it's not the vomit you have to worry about with the really drunk ones ;)
...and the clock is ticking. Want to lay bets on Danger's first call-out time?
I mean, lots of people will have been drinking for a good 6 hours straight now...
I feel you're enjoying this too much... And I have to go. Have fun without me.
I've worked this night too many times!
I'm keeping you spare clothes and shoes by the door. And installing a hose and sheep dip outside the door...
Don't get punched. Or felt up. Or anything else undesirable.
Good luck, John!
I told Sherlock that I once attended a scene where someone had...quite literally put some Christmas tree lights where the sun don't shine.
He wants to know if wherever you are has that.
Or any glasses/bottles in orifices.
Or anyone been arrested for anything 'interesting'.
Nothing has been inserted into any orifices. Someone is dead, but not in an interesting way. Just sad.
On the bright side, no one has yet vomited on or even near me.
Somehow even sadder, this time of year. I hope everyone else is okay.
Given you're undoubtedly working with police officers, I am half surprised no one has yet vomited near you... distinctly grey faces around the Yard today :)
Sherlock is making you something.
A surprise?
Depends if you get home before he explodes with the need to tell you!
Ha, all right.
It's better than mince pies and you liked them. Unless you're really hungry, then mince pies are better because you can't eat what I'm making now. Why do people say edible not eatable because that's a better word really.
Lestrade is being really bad at telling the degus apart and Mercury has had four more pea flakes than Argon.
How did the person die?
He died of a drug overdose. I don't know why we say edible instead of eatable, it's a good question. If the surprise isn't edible, how is it related to a mince pie?
It isn't related to a mince pie.
My finger just got glued to the c key. I had to delete a lot of cs.
Lestrade said that it's extra sad when you find a dead body and there's Christmas lights and tinsel and decorations around because it seems wrong even if the body is just the same as it would be any time in the year
...I'm going to assume you're now unglued.
He is, and was issued with a wet wipe to remove glue from my laptop.
The only mince pie connection was that he helped make the ones last night, for you.
All right, just checking. You never know when there will be a mince pie connection.
And I'm off to another one now.
Take it easy, Doc.
Remember that all I want for Christmas is you.
(Am now in trouble for eating the Goo's pea flakes. Quite tasty!)
RR Said:
(Every now and then--not often, but occasionally--I'm grateful to be allergic to alcohol.)
Greg Lestrade said...
I'm afraid it's worth it,RR, or we wouldn't keep doing it ;)
I'm wishing I could have a beer right now; a cold one sounds so good! But I'm on some meds that make it inadvisable. Probably on them for life too (sigh). Thinking longingly of this great beer in Santa Fe NM called Roswell Alien Amber Ale. *sigh* It's little things sometimes and every now and then a beer just sounds REALLY good. I have to agree with L.
Any of the brits; do you drink beer and and lager mostly warm or is that urban legend? DOes it perhaps depend on what sort of beer etc it is?
I think they drink it at room temperature. Which is the same as everywhere else's cold beer.
Although in Oz most of the awful lager rubbish is drunk ice cold so you don't taste it. It's even worse warm.
Mind you.... after a hot hard say, a cold cheap lager is great to take the edge off the heat so you can enjoy a proper beer later.
Beer is generally served at cellar temperature - 12-14C. Guinness is served at 6-7C, lagers are served at whatever temperature hides how vile they are.
A nice cool cider is good - but still not so cold you can't taste it!
Lestrade-
Regarding your mum: you are in my thoughts. I empathize with you a lot and I get that there's more going on there than literally cleaning stuff out of your Mum's house. I think it is wise of Nicky, and kind, to keep things that she thinks your Mum might ask about or miss later. But it isn't easy and your Mum isn't easy to deal with, I know.
Just know I believe you. And you and Nicky are in my thoughts.
You and Nicky are in my thoughts.
Tresta - lager is served very cold. Beer (bitter) is served somewhere between cool and room temperature depending on circumstance ("real ale" is often barely chilled, unless the weather's particularly hot). These days you can get Guinness Extra Cold, which is a shame (and you don't see it sold in Ireland, which is telling).
I've never seen or drunk beer of any description that's actually warm, with the sole exception of mulled cider.
The colder the beer, the less you can taste it. Presumably why lager is served icy :-p
Thank you, Anonymous.
It is a situation where lots of people smile indulgently and say 'But she's your Mum!' as if that excuses everything. I think Nicky is amazing, keeping a level head through everything. She always acted as a buffer between me and Mum.
John can I stay up until you're back please there's no more school or anything pleeeeaaaaaase and then I can give you what I've made and I accidentally got paint on a dog and Mycroft is cross
No, Sherlock. I don't know when I'll be home. It could be a long time yet. I'll try to call at bedtime though.
Did you help him clean it off the dog?
But then if you're not here you won't even know can I stay up a bit later then in case you're home? Where are you now is it another dead person?
I tried but he told me I made it worse.
..yes, and while Mycroft was cleaning a dog, a degu chewed the page of his book.
So now I have unruly animals and bickering boys! The blog title is true....
Sherlock - I think I'm almost done here and I've just received a text from L saying he doesn't mind if you stay up late...so I should see you soon.
Have now been vomited on though, so watch out.
YESSSSSS
Do you smell? Was the person drunk?
and thank you
Yes and yes. Just locking the bike up.
Ha, for once, Sherlock did not throw himself at John. Just looked at him carefully, to try and identify anyone's stomach contents...
And someone apparently told Sherlock I deserve a medal for working tonight...because now I have one, made out of cardboard and tinfoil and glitter. And a crown to match! Thank you, Sherlock, they're lovely.
I also have vomit-free clothes, which are almost as nice.
I would have been entirely happy with you just wearing the medal.
Might be a bit chilly.
I would have insisted on clothing when you get called back out.
Dangerous to ride a motorbike without ;)
And finally, Sherlock is asleep, the house is quiet...well, apart from the terrible weather. Which I hope will keep a few of John's prospective customers inside and not causing trouble!
"It is a situation where lots of people smile indulgently and say 'But she's your Mum!'"
NOT people who have ever had any real responsibility for the care of aging parents.
Have been thinking how admirably you and Nicky seem to navigate your mom's increased needs. Often the child closest to home who does the most either is resentful for lack of help from others or is irritated and frustrated that when those less often on-the-spot help they think they know better what to do. The two of you seem to be hashing things through amicably. Pat yourselves and each other on the back. It's an accomplishment.
re-lurking,
formerlyAnon
Thanks again, Anon. I'll make sure Nicky reads your comments too.
Night all.
Greg Lestrade said: "It is a situation where lots of people smile indulgently and say 'But she's your Mum!'
formerly Anon said:
NOT people who have ever had any real responsibility for the care of aging parents.
Or peole who can relate to a complicated and very difficult past and family relationships. That was me, Lestrade who made the first Anon comment. If you remember from awhile back: Kents and Luthors. I do understand where you come from.
Goodnight. Thanks for passing our comments on to Nicky too. I am glad you two support each other and that you have a buffer when you need it. You are a very good man. And I am glad John gets it too, and he is a little closer to hand for you.
Sleep tight and don't let the Sherlocks bite!
I worried my sentence about John wasn't clear; I meant that I am glad he understands what you go through and empathizes and is another person you can count on,
First Anon
Sorry to change topic mid-thread... We need a consultation on whether cannoli is supposed to have pistachio. Thoughts, L? Anyone?
It definitely can have. I don't think anything should be supposed to have any ingredient that's non essential unless you like it :)
Thanks, L! We were in a pizza joint in Ohio, not sure why my family was so worried about authenticity, but I was pleased to have an expert on hand.
We have just visited a house with 53,325 Christmas lights adorning it. Sherlock would have loved it!
There is a ritzy are in Dallas, TX called Highland Park. Every Christmas it's a "thing" to drive through there and look at the lights on all the big houses. It's really beautiful. Even where I live, there is an addition up the street that always puts lights in the bushes and marks the entryway. Every year for 13 years; kind of helps me identify "hey, It's Christmas!"
-Tresta
Also, L I ate an Italian chocolate today and thought of you ;-)
-Tresta
Ha! I didn't mean that to come out dirty; sorry, John! :-) I just didn't want to try spelling the chocolate that I had; sure I'd get it wrong. Ghirardelli chocolates are what I had. Is that a kind that you like, L? I am sure there are other brands but Ghirardelli is one of the best that is easily available where I live. I remember that conversation awhile back about a certain triangular chocolate and the quality thereof, and that's why I thought of you when i ate something yummy!
I've never heard of that brand, to be honest. I don't think we have it in the UK. Wiki tells me it's owned by Lindt though, and I do quite like their chocolate.
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