It's the US Open, though I've managed to miss a lot of it. I saw Federer play today, and I've no idea what was going on with some of those shots he was hitting - not just into the net, but completely wild. Really appalling. He pulled it together to win anyway.
Dolgopolov, whom I've mentioned once before, beat Karlovic, after a bit of a struggle. Pretty good match. As is the one I'm watching now - Tsonga vs Verdasco. Verdasco just hit it so hard it looked as if it knocked Tsonga right over when it his his racquet, though I imagine he was off balance already. Tsonga just won the second set though, and I expect he'll win the match. That's good, it'll make things more interesting later on.
Tomorrow...Andy Murray is playing Feliciano Lopez. Who will Judy Murray be pulling for I wonder?
Anyhow. Day out tomorrow, Sherlock back to school Monday, Mycroft off to Harrow Tuesday. It'll be...strange.
Dolgopolov, whom I've mentioned once before, beat Karlovic, after a bit of a struggle. Pretty good match. As is the one I'm watching now - Tsonga vs Verdasco. Verdasco just hit it so hard it looked as if it knocked Tsonga right over when it his his racquet, though I imagine he was off balance already. Tsonga just won the second set though, and I expect he'll win the match. That's good, it'll make things more interesting later on.
Tomorrow...Andy Murray is playing Feliciano Lopez. Who will Judy Murray be pulling for I wonder?
Anyhow. Day out tomorrow, Sherlock back to school Monday, Mycroft off to Harrow Tuesday. It'll be...strange.
66 comments:
I had a blast at the open yesterday. The new court 17 is a beauty. It's so well designed for playing and watching tennis that it brought a tear to my eye, especially when compared to the outer court I sat at later, which is essentially a practice court with some bleachers tacked onto one side.
The best match by far was Donald Young vs Stanislas Wawrinka, who is the 14th seed. I gave the match a 30% chance of turning into something interesting - Young has always had a lot of potential, but clearly hated tennis for a while - and it did not disappoint!
The match was fantastic, with 5 well-played and nail biting sets. The atmosphere though - 1500 crazy screaming and cheering people going nuts from just about the first game. That part I'm not going to forget.
Young had had a difficult time trying to serve things out in the first and fifth set, the adrenaline had him spraying balls a few feet past the baselines. But then, in the final tiebreak, he pulled himself together and held himself back, getting almost all his shots over a foot inside the baseline, which won him the match. I so love watching a developing player figure out how to play better, and it was amazing to see it in person.
I'd say that things should be quiet with Mycroft gone and Sherlock back to school, but with Sherlock, all bets are off. I hope school will distract him enough so Mycroft's departure doesn't bother him as much.
I suspect that Lestrade moving in (or moved in -- I'm not sure which it is) will soften the blow of Mycroft's departure.
Lawless - I'm still sorting out the whole 'moving' thing. I mean, really almost all my things are here already. But I haven't started sorting out finding tenants for the flat yet - have to change the mortgage and all sorts, which I'm doing at the moment.
Sherlock woke us up about an hour ago (late, for him, despite us trying to get him to bed at a reasonable hour. Which makes us wonder what he was up to after we tucked him in), by performing the sort of wrestling move you see when they launch themselves off the top of the ropes, elbows and knees first...or so it seemed.
I'm not sure we'll ever train that out of him...
Hopefully school and having both of us wrapped around his little finger will go some way to distracting him from Mycroft (and the dogs) not being around any more. And we will go and see Mycroft regularly, too.
This was my first time ever watching tennis and I was fascinated. I actually enjoyed Federer's match because the fact that he was not doing his best made it closer and more interesting...lol. Also Chilic seemed to have a real affinity for those drop shots, which was pretty great.
I also watched the end of Dolgopolov-Karlovic, a bit of Anderson-Fish, and almost all of Monaco-Haas. Oh, and I watched part of the woman's singles while I was watching Monaco-Haas, because I kind of like Serena Williams. So I watched her play Azarenka. That one was interesting- Williams absolutely trashed Azarenka in the first set, but Azarenka came back in the second and they wrestled over every point, so that the set went to 13 games.
I actually watched most of that one on mute, because Azarenka makes this weird noise EVERY time she hits the ball- it honest-to-god sounds like someone faking an orgasm. It annoyed the shit out of my whole family, and my mom didn't understand why it was allowed, because it has to be distracting for her opponents. I think it was starting to get on Williams' nerves- there were a couple occasions when she started yelling back. And there was one volley when she flat-out ROARED after she took the point, which I thought was funny.
I never thought I'd be this interested in tennis, but I'm excited to see Nadal play tomorrow.
I'm going to the Lopez-Murray match tonight! If Judy Murray makes any secret signals, I'll let you know.
Becca, I'm so pleased you had fun at the match!
Mycroft, I just want to hug you.
innie: I'm officially jealous (although I've been to wimbledon, I watched Murray play on the big screen rather than live on court (although I did see Djokovic and Nadal!) I won't even be able to listen to the commentary for that one because it's on at past midnight. I hope you'll tell us all about it!
Becca - that sounds amazing! I'd glad you had such a good time, and I'm quite jealous.
Lawless - I'm not quite sure what to expect from Sherlock this week, but I'm sure it will be interesting.
Lindsay - unfortunately, Azarenka's shrieking is not at all unusual in the current crop of WTA players. Wait till you hear Sharapova, or the infamous Larcher de Brito:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI22ZDn6K4Y
I think Nalbandian vs Nadal should be really good, hope you enjoy it!
Innie - I am terribly, terribly jealous. If Judy Murray has any sort of drool-catching device and/or fainting spell, please do let me know. I feel like it also might be a decently competitive match, which makes me feel a bit bad for Murray.
Andy Murray has made millions off of disappointing us.
Andy Murray has actually made millions by winning tournaments and getting to grand slam finals.
He:
1. is a very good tennis player.
2. is 4 in the world.
3. has been skewered by the British press since he was younger than Mycroft.
4. is human.
Especially #3. I feel like he could've done so much better without the constant massive pressure the press puts on him. And he still might - his career's hardly over.
Murray just spanked Lopez, who looked disorganized and half-hearted throughout the match. Lopez needed to make his approach shots to Murray's backhand, which he managed only once. Every other approach/drop-shot combo was to Murray's forehand, and Lopez looked surprised every time that Murray returned successfully.
Even through two Deliciano shirt-changes, Judy M stayed iron-faced and supportive of her son. No bucket needed, apparently.
Lisicki-Zvonereva now.
I don't know what was going on with Lopez at all, tonight. At no point did he look like he wanted to be playing that match.
Regarding Murray, there is no doubt in my mind that his tennis has suffered from the press. He also has the disadvantage of playing in an era of extraordinary players in the men's game. Just look at the women's side in comparison.
He will continue to have real chances, and I strongly suspect he will eventually win a slam, once Federer and Nadal retire. He needs to fix his head first, and that's no easy task. I can't imagine what it's like to stand in one of the huge stadiums for a final and hear only the thousands of voices saying you'll fail.
He is not the only tennis player to have had this problem. Look at Agassi, and how he turned himself around. It's why I cheered so hard for Donald Young (who had another excellent win today), who had similar problems after being the youngest (I think) world number 1 in juniors, debuted at the US Open at 15, and then went through a number of years where he clearly didn't like tennis very much.
When's the tennis over? Not that I mind sharing Danger with a bunch of fit young men in the middle of the night. Much.
One more week, Lestrade- next Sunday is the last day.
That first set with Murray and Lopez was particularly pathetic. Not even fun to watch, Lopez was getting trashed so bad.
Excited to see both Federer and Williams again tomorrow. Oh, and Djokovic. :D
I wouldn't worry too much Lestrade. For tennis you need a strong grip and a flexible wrist and to know just how to get your balls moving so as to exhaust the other player. I'm sure you can demonstrate those qualities quite well!
At the moment, Rider, I'm not surprised he's going for the pros on telly. I've been knackered.
I've been knackered.
You mean you really did work your bollocks off?
Here's me thinking it was a figure of speech...
(I'm told they can do wonderful things with glue nowadays)
No, bollocks still there. And probably still functioning. Haven't checked for a while.
It's the rest of me that's not got the energy for anything.
It's the rest of me that's not got the energy for anything.
This gave me a sudden vision of Lestrade's Bollocks grumbling...
"jeez, been ages since we've seen anything other than M&S bloody boxers and the bloody porcelain throne."
"Tell me about it, the closest we've got to any action is a bit of a scratch after dinner. All he does is sleep or stand around. And not the right kind of upstanding either!"
I can honestly say I never thought this blog would lead to a stranger pretending to be my sentient testicles...
I'd like to think I did a little more than sleep, stand around and scratch though.
(clearly none of the rest of you do though. Hah.)
Danger, might be a tiny bit late. New case, need to fully brief people before I leave because we're off to Harrow tomorrow.
All right. Do you want to cook, or shall we get takeaway?
Either. Whatever the boys want.
Sherlock okay when you took him to school? And is Mycroft all packed now?
Okay is not the word I would use, no. Mycroft is packed though.
Mrs Hudson is going to cook. She said she wanted to. And I'm going to help. John, please keep Sherlock with you if he's going to keep being like this.
I will, don't worry. Go on and have a good time.
Right.
Mycroft, enjoy yourself. Between you and Mrs Hudson I'm sure we'll dine like kings tonight!
Sherlock, if you haven't lost all internet privileges, tell me what's up?
I HATE EVERYTHING
He's having a little trouble with his drawing.
I'm sure you don't hate everything. I'm sure there are lots of things you still love. Like frogs and ice cream and things in jars.
I'm also sure that you'll do a brilliant drawing, even if it takes a few tries to do it how you want it.
Did you do fun things at school today?
You all right, Danger? I'll try not to be too late.
I'm all right. He's stopped throwing pencils at least, after I took them away for a while.
Right.
Sherlock, I am deadly serious when I say don't throw anything at John. Or hurt him in any way, or risk hurting him in any way.
Be good.
Will you show me your drawing when I'm home? If It's going to be ready by then?
Sherlock - I know you're pretty upset (and probably not on the Internet), but throwing things isn't going to help. At all. Neither is sabotaging Mycroft's belongings or doing anything else to stop tomorrow from happening. What you can do is enjoy tonight with everyone you love around you. Mycroft's not going away forever; it's just school, and in a few years, you can follow him too. *hugs*
John, Greg - *hugs* I hope you'll be able to get some rest soon.
Mycroft - Best wishes for your grand adventure. *hugs*
- A from NW
Mycroft, we all hope you settle in quickly, make new friends and thoroughly enjoy your new school.
I'm sure you'll have a great time and learn lots and find yourself with some amazing opportunities.
Take care.
Lots of love from all of us.
I wasn't throwing them AT him! I was just throwing them at the wall, walls don't have nerves!
Nicky and A, thank you very much. I appreciate your good wishes.
Well can we just agree It's never ok to throw things in anger? It can state people, it's violent and it doesn't achieve anything.
State people? You should come home now, John's mean.
scare people.
I'm coming home as soon as I can.
John isn't mean. He's very nice. Far nicer than we all deserve, frequently.
You can see my drawing if you want but only if you come home soon and anyway it's almost time for dinner and then we can have brownies. I drew all of us.
Sherlock, honestly, I'll be home as soon as I can. I've just got to deal with the case that came in today, so that I can spend all day tomorrow with you and won't get called in to work. It's very important, early on in a case, that everything is done properly, and I need to know I've done everything I can.
I think it's really lovely that you've drawn all of us. Is it a present for Mycroft?
You're not going back to work after we take Mycroft to school? Can we do something fun?
I don't see why he should get presents because he's leaving us but John said he would like it so maybe.
Well, I thought we'd all get organised in the morning, maybe have some lunch, drop Mycroft off (I think he has to be there before 5?) and then on the way home - depending on what your mum wants to do - we could go to the park, or get ice cream, or both, and have a nice relaxing evening, the three of us.
And it would be a nice thing to give Mycroft so he always has something there to remind him of us when he's feeling a bit lonely or homesick.
Leaving in a minute, all right?
Okay. Make Anthea come and eat with us. I said she should but she says she won't because it's not appropriate, but she's leaving tomorrow too and we won't see her for even longer because she won't visit us like Mycroft will.
We can't make her. But we'll all ask her nicely.
Mycroft, have a great time at Harrow. I hope you love your classes, teachers, and make some nice friends!
Yes, Mycroft, all the best for tomorrow and the coming weeks.
Mycroft, just remember that not only are Sherlock, John, and Lestrade just a phone call away, but you've got all of us invisible friends in your pocket as well. You'll be smashing!
Anthea...please, stay. Or at least, before you go, teach us your Sherlock-stopping glare. I know it doesn't always work, but it works more often than mine!
What are we on, Danger, round four or five of 'Get Sherlock to go to bed'?
Mycroft...well, I've said pretty much everything I can think of to stay. Just...don't ever forget we're here for you. No matter what. And we'll do anything we can to help you and support you.
We're all so, so proud of you, and proud you consider us friends. And I know Harrow will help you on your path from being a fine young man to a fine young adult.
It's got to be five. Possibly five thousand.
I feel like I'm running out of reasonable options.
Mycroft: I know you'll do brilliantly at Harrow. The first few days are often the hardest, but you're a strong kid. I know that in your time at Harrow you'll learn so much, and you'll make close friends - trust the word of someone who was convinced she wouldn't when she went to college and was proven wrong.
John and Lestrade - Good luck in the next few days.
Sherlock - It's hard to be without your sibling (believe me, I know), but at some point it's inevitable. You'll be able to keep in touch with Mycroft, though, and he won't be so far as you think.
All right. I think he'll stay this time. Maybe.
I may have to find a deity to pray to.
I think I hit the end of my tether almost an hour ago. You're some sort of saint to have put up with that since the end of school.
Greg - Deep breaths and a roll of mental duct tape (for reinforcing that tether) might help?
John - Good luck (to both of you) for the next few weeks.
-A from NW
I think he literally can't help it right now. He's making himself as miserable as he's making anyone else.
A - thanks. Think we'll need it.
A - yeah, thanks. Deep breaths definitely needed.
Danger, yeah, you're right. Poor kid. That's why I really really don't want to lose my temper with him.
Just had a bit of a trying day. Be fine tomorrow.
Sorry, I didn't even ask I was so wound up after today. How did it go at work? Have you got the new case sorted out?
They should at least all know what they're doing. Although I've told them they can call me if they need to.
It's just...not a very nice case. That's a stupid thing to say, I suppose, given they never are.
Come and have a cuddle? Don't blame you for being wound up. You are amazing though, you know? You're so good with him.
All the best with school, Mycroft! Keep us all posted on how things go, will you? We know you'll be brilliant, though.
Best of luck, gentlemen, with Sherlock. I know its trying, but just ignore him if you can. And you're right, L, he literally can't help himself right now, poor kid. This too shall pass, but man is it hell getting through it.
L - thanks. Poke me if I fall asleep on you. It's a strong possibility.
Well, give it another ten or so minutes of silence from Sherlock and we'll risk heading to bed?
If you fall asleep on me there's no guarantee I'll stay awake to poke you...so to speak.
Heh. All right.
So...shall we?
I hesitate to say 'what's the worst he could do?' Because I really don't want to tempt fate.
Can't believe Mycroft's really going tomorrow.
Yeah, all right.
Neither can I. It seems so soon. It hasn't even been a year.
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