Monday, July 23, 2012

strange dreams

I had one of those nights last night that are so full of dreams that you wake up feeling like you need to go back to sleep. None of them were quite nightmares, just very tense.

1. Interrogated by the KGB, with my son, on an international flight.
2. Dropping eggs into a vortex of water at a Greek Orthodox church and getting told off by the priest for not having my head covered.
3. Someone stroking my hair, which was quite soothing until I realised I was dead and they were stroking my decapitated head.

All that between about one when L and I got to bed and six when Sherlock woke us, his customary energy undimmed by his late night. Woke up with muscles aching, apparently from having clenched them all night.

L was mostly unhurt after the attempted mugging last night, but in pain from bruises and a shoulder strain. I sort of wish he weren't going back out tonight, but I know why he wants to - even assuming work was giving him a choice, which it isn't. I suggested he shave his head again to better fit in with the surroundings he's meant to be lurking in, but he just rolled his eyes at me...

We had pancakes this morning, a nice time in the park, in the sun, and ice cream. Sherlock lept out at us from behind trees, and from above, and from below. Mycroft told us about how school has been going, and apparently he's going on a camping trip with some other boys from the astronomy club (society? I can't remember what its official name is) to do some stargazing, so that'll be nice. By nice I might mean mildly worrying, since as far I can tell, this plan involves no parental supervision, but I haven't got all the details yet. And anyway, they're 14 and 15, and that's probably old enough, right? It's only for the weekend. 

106 comments:

Greg Lestrade said...

Well my face has remained unshaven for today. But at the moment I'm in an expensive 4x4, Windows down, music blaring, unshaven, sunglasses on, so probably look either like a midlife crisis in progress or a drug dealer.

I might have been stroking your hair last night... sorry. Your head was most definitely attached to your body, though.

Will Anth have to lurk in the bushes near them camping? Anth - you'll love it. You could take Sherlock! ;)

Greg Lestrade said...

(Sherlock, that was a joke, you cannot crash Mycroft's camping trip)

John H. D. Watson said...

I don't think you stroking my hair can be blamed for dreams of decapitation, don't worry. Just my odd subconscious.

Anthea looks appropriately horrified at the thought of taking Sherlock camping.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry the night was filled with bad dreams, John. I hate when you wake up and feel like you've been compressed into a little ball from being tense. Hopefully tonight will give you a much more peaceful sleep.

As for Mycroft's camping trip, it sounds like a wonderful time. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. How much trouble can 14 and 15 year olds get up to? (Don't answer that.)

Greg Lestrade said...

Danger, that bag Sherlock gave me 'for emergencies' - I've just looked in it...

Sherlock, you are brilliant.

John H. D. Watson said...

What's in it??

Sherlock said...

That was meant FOR EMERGENCIES and if you're not having one you shouldn't be in it!

REReader said...

Sherlock, that was lovely and thoughtful and foresighted of you, to prepare an emergency kit for Lestrade. (It's very hard for people to resist looking into things, you know--we get curious! So don't be too hard on Lestrade for looking.)


What's in it??

I think we'd ALL love to know!


I'm sorry you had such a disturbed night, John--it seems very unfair of your subconscious, that's all I can say. Hopefully the morning helped blow some of it away, and maybe writing about them helped exorcise the rest?

I'd say definitely Mycroft is mature and responsible enough, yes. But...do you know any of the friends?

Greg Lestrade said...

Sorry, had got caught in traffic and things.

Right - contents...

Pair of boxers (actually yours, not mine, but he wasn't to know.)
A stink bomb 'to get rid of bad people'.
Some Marmite nuts 'in case you get kidnapped and hungry'.
A torch with an 'S' on it 'to call me for help like Batman'.
Some curry powder in a bag 'to throw in their eyes and blind them'
Some coffee in a bag 'You have to ask the kidnap people for water and a mug'.
Some sticky plasters.
A dog whistle (one of the silent ones).
A bag of dog treats 'In case they have mean dogs like Hudson you can be friends with'.
A small bottle of baby oil 'To get out of handcuffs with'
A paperclip 'to pick locks and escape'.


... so I think I can safely say, I'll be fine tonight. :)

REReader said...

Gotta agree, L, he's got you covered. :) Also, Sherlock, you're brilliant!

Kholly said...

First, do drug dealers have mid life crises? Maybe you could be one of those.

Second, Sherlock, you're a star. That's a really well thought out emergency kit. Hopefully any kidnappers will let him keep the baby oil and paper clip. And if not will at least heat him up some water and let him eat the nuts.

John H. D. Watson said...

That does sound like a truly excellent emergency kit. I can see you'll have no problems tonight!

Greg Lestrade said...

Hey, Anth, John can give you all the pro tips on how to stick twigs and leaves in your hat and stuff, for the camping trip.

John H. D. Watson said...

I suspect she never considered this situation as a possibility when she signed up for this job...

pandabob said...

Sherlock you are a star :-) amazing job of looking after your DI!

Sorry about your bad night john I hope you can get through Greg's shift without too much worry I'm sure the boys will distract you very well :-)

Mycroft - camping sounds like a great idea especially when its combined with star gazing :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

...or if it's meadow, Greg the Florist could make a nice wildflower arrangement in your hat instead...

Just watch out for cattle rustlers in the countryside...

RR - If Mycroft has chosen people as friends to go camping with, I'd trust his judgement probably. He's not going to want to go with people who'll mess about. He takes it all very seriously.

Besides, Mrs H will have a spy satellite trained on them, probably, as well as Anthea crawling about in the mud scaring the local wildlife.

John H. D. Watson said...

Anthea says if she were to kidnap you the first thing she's do is take away your coffee and nuts. She didn't specify which nuts.

Greg Lestrade said...

Ha! That's fighting talk, A!

I'd still manage to make my escape with baby oil and your boxers. I know the sight of them would make her go weak at the knees (she does have a soft spot for you) and then I could slip away, undetected...

John H. D. Watson said...

I think that's a tolerance, not a soft spot...

What boxers are they?

REReader said...

L, excellent points, all. :)

I wonder if Anthea will bring along the dogs? (On either the camping trip or the kidnapping. :D)

Greg Lestrade said...

it' definitely a soft spot. Quite in contrast to the sort of spot I have for you...

It's your sylvester and tweetie pie ones.

(I jest, they're grey and plain.)

John H. D. Watson said...

Plain and grey? How on earth did he mistake them for yours? ;)

Greg Lestrade said...

How very dare you. My underwear is positively sober.

Miss you.

RR - I imagine Mycroft will take the dogs camping.

Greg Lestrade said...

(Anth, I'll get you out of jail when you get done for cattle molestation. Or spying on teenage boys. It's not becoming for a woman of your position).

John H. D. Watson said...

My underwear is sober. Yours has been drinking mai tais all night.

Miss you too. Can't say the same for Anthea though.

REReader said...

The dogs will provide a fair amount of protection in and of themselves, so that's a good thing.

How's your evening going, L? And did you have a good afternoon, Sherlock, Mycroft, and John? :)

Anon Without A Name said...

Excellent emergency pack, Sherlock - and thoughtful too. I especially like the S torch so that Lestrade can signal for you if he needs you.

Lestrade - A man can never be sure when he'll need baby oil and a spare pair of boxers. Although given how much you're teasing Anthea, I think the lock-picking paperclips might come in handy sooner rather than later...

John - I've had a few nights like that. Irritating, aren't they?

My underwear is sober. Yours has been drinking mai tais all night.

John, you have the soul of a poet :-)

Mycroft - that trip sounds like fun. When are you planning on going? The weather should mean some clear nights for the next week or so...

Greg Lestrade said...

Oh, Anthea! I miss you, desperately. Like the desert misses the rain. I'm sure he does too, really.

My underwear is.... oh, god, I forgot to put any on!

REReader said...

Happily, you have some ready-to-hand... :D

Anonymous said...

I just have to wonder - how do you forget underwear? ;D

John H. D. Watson said...

1) Are you making that up?

2) If not, did you just check to see what underwear you had on and only then discover that you didn't?

Mycroft said...

Nameless, we're not sure when we're going to go yet. Probably not this weekend, but soon. We want to make sure the weather will be as clear as possible.

Greg Lestrade said...

1. Maybe
2. Maybe

Um hungry. Quay you face fit sinner?

John H. D. Watson said...

What are we having for dinner? Mycroft's making a fish thing, with risotto.

Greg Lestrade said...

... that want quite right.

What did you have for dinner?

John H. D. Watson said...

See above comment. It's not quite done yet. There was a set back when Sherlock nearly chopped his finger off instead of the carrot.

Greg Lestrade said...

Enough for me? :)

John H. D. Watson said...

Of course enough for you!

REReader said...

Sherlock nearly chopped his finger off

Kitchens are very dangerous places! How's your finger now, Sherlock?

Greg Lestrade said...

He okak?

John H. D. Watson said...

Yeah, he's okay. Mad at me for still not giving him stitches even though this one's bigger than last time.

Sherlock said...

I got blood on the ceiling!! And I should have stitches because I could do them myself since John won't let me do it to other people first and now the fish is ready and we're going to eat it.

REReader said...

On the CEILING! That sounds very serious. (But I'm glad you didn't need stitches. Because, you know, it is very tricky, doing something like that one-handed, so you probably wouldn't have managed quite so well yourself, and what a lost opportunity that would have been!)

pandabob said...

I'm glad you're OK Sherlock even though you missed a stitching practice opportunity. Enjoy your dinner, Do you like to cook Mycroft or are you just a bit better at it than John? ;-)

How's work treated you tonight Greg? I hope it has had the proper respect for you today :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Sherlock, mate, you've got to be careful! You won't grow a finger back if you chop it off. And it'll be hard playing violin without all of them.

I hope you all enjoy your dinner.

Work's okay, AnonyBob. Little bit jumpy, but happily not near the same area right now, which helps.

Now not particularly looking forward to the next few nights...

pandabob said...

Jumpy is understandable, most people who had an experience like you did last night would still be at home recovering nevermind be almost at the end of their very next shift at work so be proud of yourself because you should be :-)

Is it nights tomorrow and Wednesday? you'll be OK I'm sure but I can understand your feelings.

I hope you make it home to your boys very soon for some yummy dinner :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, nights.

And thanks.

I'm very much looking forward to dinner...although, don't tell Sherlock... I may have eaten my kidnap-nuts...

pandabob said...

I won't tell him but I'm fairly sure he can read ;-)

REReader said...

You'll just have to replace them before tomorrow's shift! I would think a fully-stocked emergency bag would be an even better idea for night shift! (Sherlock really did a wonderfully complete job with it. :))

REReader said...

(Okay, there are a few extra exclamation points in there...)

Sherlock said...

You're not meant to eat them unless you're kidnapped!

John's missing you he's doing that thing when he keeps checking his phone like when you chew your thumbnail like you were earlier and it's because he wants to be with you to do ninja stuff to people who are mean because he can.

Anonymous said...

Policemen get attacked on duty and they are expected back at work the next day!! really??

When did we decide that budgets were so tight that those who are charged with keeping us safe didn't deserve some time to recover from a crime against their person?

If you wanted to work then no question you should L I don't mean that but why the hell was it not an option not to? this country worries me sometimes!!

Ttid said...

Yeah you work to hard Greg

REReader said...

Well observed, Sherlock. :)

ryo said...

that is an amazing kidnap kit! glad things seem quieter tonight, despite a certain amount of texting difficulty.

stay safe. well, safe as you can.

ryo

Greg Lestrade said...

Anon - with the army being called in right now for security duties, there's not a cop in the land who's getting much of a break.

But that said, I really do prefer to get back to it. There've only been a few times I've found it too hard to go back to duty when I've tried.

7 mins to go...then home :)

Small Hobbit said...

I suppose it's a bit like being told to get back on a horse when you've fallen off. The longer you take the more the doubts build up. Not that that makes it any easier, but at least it was a different area today and hopefully some of the memories will dull a bit before you have to repeat yesterday's movements. Anyway, hope this shift finishes okay and that the next couple of nights go well and pass quickly.

John H. D. Watson said...

Two minutes...

Anonymous said...

like I said I don't think you shouldn't if you want to but it should have been an option for you not to if only because your family might not want you to.

anyway well done you for getting back to it and enjoy your evening when you get home.

pandabob said...

I hope you're home Greg :-)

How was your evening John? I hope you have a bit of time for a relaxing evening once the boys are in bed :-)

Sherlock if you've stayed up late tonight to see Lestrade home then you must need a bit of a holiday lie in tomorrow don't you think? ;-)

Sherlock said...

He's not home yet but he must be nearly because he texted saying he'd got his bike from Scotland yard and was on his way and that I should be in my pyjamas and I am.

pandabob said...

you are such a good boy Sherlock :-) I hope you sleep well when you get to bed.

Sherlock said...

I can see him parking his bike next to John's! One day I'm going to put mine there too.

pandabob said...

It won't be long Sherlock if you get lots of sleep you'll grow really quickly.

REReader said...

Oh, good! Thank you for the updates, Sherlock. (And of course--where else would you put yours when you have it!)

Greg Lestrade said...

I ma indeed home, and have been hit by a wave of dogs, boys and boyfriend... three requests for different foodstuffs for tomorrow, one for a bike ride, a dog's got one of my gloves and a plate of food has been thrust in my direction.

It's good to be home :)

pandabob said...

That sounds like the heros welcome you deserve :-)

I'm glad you're home and I hope you have a nice decompress time with John now and that you both sleep well tonight. (try and look after John he needs a good night before you're out tomorrow :-) )

Greg Lestrade said...

I will look after him. promise. :)

Desert Wanderer said...

Enjoy the nuts, Lestrade.

Anon Without A Name said...

Sounds like there's a lot of looking after each other going on :-)

Anon Without A Name said...

DW!!! Hello :-) How was/is Japan?

Greg Lestrade said...

Nameless - there is.

DW - Welcome back :)

John H. D. Watson said...

DW - good to see you back, you were missed.

Small Hobbit said...

DW - Hi! And what a way to return ;)

Desert Wanderer said...

Thanks, guys. You're too good to me.

Japan was fantastic, Nameless. I have some pictures of turtles for Sherlock if he wants them. And I saw some jumping fish, but didn't get a picture.

Anon from earlier, the poll wasn't me, but wouldn't it have been clever if it was?

Anonymous said...

it would DW and I hoped it was :) we've all missed you!

pandabob said...

Hi DW :-) good to see you, I hope you're well :-)

You've been missed!

REReader said...

Hi, DW, welcome back!!

Greg Lestrade said...

DW - that's very kind, I'm sure he will want them.

Anonymous said...

Oh, gosh, you've had an even busier day than I have!

Let's see. Welcome back, DW! We'll look forward to your pictures.

Sherlock, your emergency kit is brilliant. I have a "go bag" for emergencies, but I think I'm going to be adding a few things to it, based on the things you chose for Lestrade. Clean underwear definitely should be at the top of every emergency kit list.

Mycroft, camping should be fun. Are you thinking of going near August 12th, when the Perseids are at their peak? If you can't go then, you'll still see meteors. Here's a website which names the summer showers visible from the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.essortment.com/next-summer-meteor-shower-61658.html Don't forget to take a red cover for your flashlight to save your night vision! And you may want to practice some campfire cooking techniques before you go too, unless one of your friends has a lot of experience at that.

Lestrade, I'm glad your work day was less exciting, and happy that you're home safe and inundated with boys and all.

John, I hope your dreams are better tonight. Last night's sounded very unpleasant, and Sherlock's managing to get blood on the ceiling doesn't sound like the best of images to take to bed with you. I'm glad he hasn't had a chance to practice stitches yet. (Maybe he needs to practice on more bananas, first?)

Sleep well, everyone.

rsf

Desert Wanderer said...

Damn, that's not the second picture I meant for you, Mycroft. I meant <a href="http://s806.photobucket.com/albums/yy344/Leoturtle17/Japan%20Jun%2012/?action=view&current=338.jpg>this one</a>. Sorry.

Desert Wanderer said...

*sigh* I give up.

Anonymous said...

DW -- my links never work here, so I've given up trying.

The pictures are really neat though. You must have had a wonderful time!

rsf

A from NW (who isn't angry, just bitter) said...

DW - You're back! *hugs* I'm so happy to hear you had a wonderful time in Japan.

John - I hope you're sleeping sound tonight, or at least, having happy dreams involving florists and bikers and maybe a bit of jam. *coughs*

Greg - Good to hear that things were quiet tonight, and here's to hoping they'll be quiet while you're on nights.

Sherlock - You're such a sweetheart, and don't ever stop being so thoughtful.

Mycroft - Have fun on your camping trip! What do you hope to see?

~A from NW

Greg Lestrade said...

Brilliant, DW!

We did get a bit of a lie in, thanks to Mycroft cooking Sherlock and himself poached eggs on toast.

Thanks, Mycroft, you are a star!

Anonymous said...

Poached eggs are an excellent way to start a morning. Did Mycroft make any for you and John?

rsf

pandabob said...

Glad you got a bit of a lie in :-) mycroft you are a very special big brother Sherlock is so lucky to have you :-)

What adventures are planned for today?

Greg Lestrade said...

RSF - no, but he did offer when we got up, but I did it instead

Rider said...

DW your pic of a Monkey Bike for Lestrade... well I know of one of those that has, shall we say, had a bit of work done.

Meet Bluey: http://www.overclockers.com.au/~boky/2003PR/Bluey2.jpg

As the owner (known as Crazy Cam) says "I doubled the horsepower and tripled the top speed, do that with your GSXR!"

I can certainly confirm that Bluey goes like a cut cat, and is a ridiculous amount of fun to ride.

Small and deceptively powerful and fun to ride, suits Lestrade down to the ground I bet.

Desert Wanderer said...

Small and deceptively powerful and fun to ride, suits Lestrade down to the ground I bet.

Ha, Rider! :) The real question, then, is what about the pretty pink bow on the back?

Captcha says "tyadik," no joke. :D

pandabob said...

How's the day treating you all? It feels a bit warm here for sleeping during the day Greg I hope its cooler with you :-)

Anonymous said...

It must be nice having Mycroft there, and willing to cook for you all. Or willing to ride herd on Sherlock while you cook.

Mycroft, I was looking for easy camping recipes for you and came across a website that made my eyebrows climb, but then I thought, "this is Mycroft", so I'll pass it along. Most of the recipes take a bit of planning/prep at home before you go, though, so you may decide it's easier just eating beanie-weenies.

http://www.sunset.com/food-wine/kitchen-assistant/camping-cooking-recipes-00400000043368/page41.html

rsf

REReader said...

... "Easy"?

Anonymous said...

RR, well, the oatmeal looks easy, anyway.

REReader said...

Heh--okay, but what about the 37 others? :D (The four or five I clicked on did not strike me as easy! But I freely admit to being a very pedestrian cook. :))

Anonymous said...

I hope I can sort of put my 2 cents in here. I love this blog, and John Watsons. I am from the United States, an avid reader, BBC America viewer along with PBS. Am looking forward to watching the Olympics and pictures of London in celebration.

Be safe Lestrade, a policemans lot is not an easy one. Glad you have the home life and support you do.

Hug the boys for me John, even if they don't want to be hugged.

And all of you keep on writing these lovely comments...

Anonymous said...

Hi Anon :)

I can't believe the olympics are finally here but I'm really looking forward to them as well, I'm just hoping the weather holds!

HM

EBS anon said...

Interrogated by the KGB, with my son, on an international flight.

Son?


are you enjoying being home Mycroft?

I hope you manage to sleep well tonight John

Greg Lestrade said...

Hi Anonymous, nice to have you.

I'll try not to be too unbearably grumpy about the Olympics over on my blog.

John H. D. Watson said...

EBS Anon - not my actual son, since I don't have one. I did in the dream. He was about twenty, with a goatee.

REReader said...

Any word from Lestrade, John? (You okay?)

John H. D. Watson said...

We're both fine, I'm just not asleep. Talked to him on the phone a bit just now.

REReader said...

That's good then. :)

Got something interesting to read?

John H. D. Watson said...

Yeah, but I'll probably try sleeping again instead. Pretty sure that's the sensible course of action.

REReader said...

Yeah, it is--so here's hoping you drop right off. :)

Anonymous said...

Mycroft, is there a UK equivalent of NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day? I'm just reminded because I was dreaming of lightning after yesterday's which was actually a video of lightning, taken at 7,207 frames per second.

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap120723.html

It's one of the more amazing things they've done, but even the ordinary pictures are neat if you like astronomy or weather.

rsf (who is glad L seems to have gotten through his night shift allright.)

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